Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

October 24, 2023: What’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight?

$1 million dollars in excess sales tax revenue may go toward reducing Sitkans’ electric bills. That’s if the assembly, tonight, (10-24-23) passes an ordinance that would distribute utility account credits to residents.

Police call for Sitkans to lock cars after uptick in vehicle thefts

Sitka Police are calling for Sitkans to lock their cars after a recent uptick in car thefts.

City moves to repurchase property at GPIP for $1.3 Million

The city is purchasing back a property it sold to a seafood processing company last year for more than double its original sale price. While some balked at the buyback plan, assembly members say repurchasing the property is the right decision, and a necessary investment for the city’s future marine haulout.

Outgoing assembly member Duncan recognized, and new members take oath of office

Sitka’s municipal election results were certified and new assembly members were sworn in when the assembly met on Tuesday night (10-10-23). But first, outgoing assembly member Crystal Duncan was recognized for her service.

Sitka police officer files lawsuit against city

A new lawsuit was filed against the Sitka Police Department last week (10-5-23). It’s the fourth...

City denies petition to put cruise passenger limits out to voters

The City of Sitka has denied a citizen’s petition to put cruise limitations out to voters in a special election this winter.

Historic sales tax returns mean more money for infrastructure

Sitka has another budget surplus this year, due in large part to a steep uptick in sales tax revenue. When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (9-26-23) municipal administrator John Leach asked the assembly to tuck some of that money away to cover repairs and replacement of aging infrastructure down the line.

Early votes to be counted on election night in this year’s municipal election

Sitka’s municipal election is days away, but polls are already open, and this year early voting looks a bit different.

Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary named National Blue Ribbon school

Three Alaska schools won a prestigious national education award this year, and one of them is in Sitka.

Sitkans push for vote on cruise visitor limits

As a record-breaking cruise season in Sitka comes to a close, and the promise of another equally busy summer on the horizon in 2024, some are wondering how, if at all, Sitka can sustain its tourist boom. Now a group of Sitkans is calling for a cap on the number of cruise passengers next year. They want to put that question out to the voters in a special election this winter.