Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Rules governing short-term rentals could change under new assembly ordinance

The rules governing short-term rentals in Sitka may be changing soon. When the assembly met on Tuesday (8-23-22), it green lit changes that would affect new permits for short-term rentals in residential zones.

Assembly considers increased fees, permitting for vendors at Centennial Hall

Fees could rise for vendors at Harrigan Centennial Hall next year.

August 23, 2022: What’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight?

When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight, it will consider making changes to the city code governing short-term rentals.

Sitka Tribe of Alaska shares data from childcare study

Parents and childcare providers in Sitka may be reaching a breaking point, as data suggests that families are leaving – or choosing not to come – because of the lack of adequate childcare. Sitka’s population of children under 13 has dropped, by a staggering number in the last decade

After an eye-opening supply run, a former Sitkan fundraises for friends in Ukraine

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, we’ve heard many stories of refugees escaping the conflict and coming out of the country. Stories of people going in, however, are a bit more rare. A former music teacher in Sitka is one of those stories. What began with a suitcase full of bandages and other medical supplies has evolved into a one-man humanitarian relief effort.

‘Jack of all trades’ Ryan Herbert vying for assembly seat

Ryan Herbert is a newcomer to local politics in Sitka, lately becoming a regular at assembly meetings during “persons to be heard.” Now, he’s among the five candidates running to sit on the other side of the assembly table.

With cigarette cleanup comes some ‘unfiltered’ data on tourist boom

Sales tax returns won’t be available for a while, but we do have some unfiltered data on Sitka’s record breaking tourist season that’s not exactly secondhand. Amanda Roberts is a health educator with the SEARHC health promotion program. She leads monthly cigarette butt cleanups in Sitka. She says this summer they’ve seen significantly more butts than they have in the last four years.

Former mayor, assembly member Valorie Nelson seeking mayor’s seat

Former mayor and assembly member Valorie Nelson is vying for a seat on the Sitka Assembly again. Nelson last served as an assembly member from 2019 to 2021, and did not seek re-election last year.

Fisherman, GPIP board member Chris Ystad seeking assembly seat

Commercial fisherman and Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board member Chris Ystad was the fourth of five Sitkans who filed to run for a seat on the Sitka Assembly last week. KCAW’s Katherine Rose spoke with him about his decision to run for public office.

Kris Chinalski fourth Sitkan to file for assembly seat

Local business owner Kris Chinalski is one of four candidates, so far, vying for two open seats on the Sitka Assembly this fall. She spoke with KCAW about what motivated her to seek public office. Listen here: