Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Sitka Police Department looks to fill nearly a dozen vacant positions

Staff are in short-supply at the Sitka Police Department, and few have applied for a number of vacant positions. Right now, there are close to a dozen vacancies.

On split vote, bus permit fee hike advances at assembly table

When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (12-27-22), it approved several updates to rules concerning commercial vendor and vehicle permitting at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Some, like additional incentives for electric vehicles, passed smoothly, while others, like increasing the permit rate for large buses, will need more votes in order to pass on second reading.

December 27, 2022: What’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight?

The Sitka Assembly will revisit new rules it recently passed concerning summer vendors and outfitters, when it meets in regular session tonight.

JJ Carlson looks ahead to 10 months on Sitka Assembly

Last week, the Sitka Assembly added a new member to its roster. JJ Carlson was appointed to fill former assembly member Rebecca Himschoot’s seat for the next year. KCAW’s Katherine Rose spoke with the Sitkan, who moved back around two years ago. Carlson has experience working in architecture and construction, and believes her design-approach to problem solving and willingness to collaborate will be an asset at the assembly table.

Study finds wind power is Sitka’s ‘strongest resource’ for future energy needs

Wind power may be the best option to add extra “umph” to Sitka’s electric grid– based on research collected as part of an investigation into Sitka’s long-term energy needs.

Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s herring appeal heard before state’s Supreme Court

The Alaska Supreme Court on Wednesday (12-14-22) heard oral arguments in an appeal brought by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska over the management of herring. The Tribe asked the high court to reverse a 2021 Superior Court decision that ruled in favor of the state on a constitutional claim. A final ruling on the matter could take months.

Assembly approves new fee system, bidding process for Harrigan Centennial Hall vendors

Vendors hoping to cash in on the record numbers of cruise ship visitors next year in Sitka are going to have to pay for the privilege. The Sitka Assembly on Tuesday adopted a new fee system for outfitters and tour operators, requiring them to bid on the limited commercial space at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Planning Commission approves updates to next year’s tourism plan

The Sitka Planning Commission is recommending safety improvements as part of its plan for next year’s cruise season. They also want the city to once again consider the restroom situation. The Commission approved a draft of the plan at a meeting on Wednesday (12-7) and is sending it to the Assembly for review.