Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Assembly adopts tourism plan with Lincoln Street closure

With just two months until the first cruise ships arrive, the Sitka Assembly finally has a plan to see the city through its biggest tourist boom in years. And that plan includes closing one of Sitka’s main thoroughfares on days with high cruise traffic.

February 8, 2022: What’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight

When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight (2-8-22), it will consider adopting the city’s plan to absorb this summer's anticipated tourism boom.

Sitka breaks single-day record for new COVID cases

Sitka saw a spike in coronavirus cases late this week, with 93 new cases reported on Wednesday and Thursday, according to data from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Sitka Assembly approves tourism budget, but questions remain about Lincoln Street

still missing one key component: Whether to close the main downtown thoroughfare to traffic on the busiest days.

As omicron surge continues, hospitalizations in Sitka remain low

While this winter’s omicron surge is tapering in some parts of the US, and even in some remote Southeast communities, cases in Sitka have declined only slightly this week.

Sitka Fire Department seeks federal funds to help address staff shortage

The Sitka Fire Department wants to use federal funding to help address a staff shortage, but it could mean some additional expenses for the city. When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (1-25-22) it approved the department’s application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a SAFER grant, or “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response.” If awarded, the grant would cover most of a new fire engineer and EMT job for three years.

EPA concludes oil spill investigation, no source identified

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has concluded its investigation into an oil spill that occurred last fall near the Sitka Sound Science Center, without determining a source of the oil.

Sitka reports 93 new coronavirus cases over holiday weekend

Sitka reported 93 new coronavirus cases from Friday to Tuesday, according to data from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services issued Wednesday (1-19-22).

Assembly reviews city’s short-term plan for predicted cruise boom

Porta Potties, barricades, trash cans… an ATV ambulance? Sitka could see more than double the cruise ship passengers it sees in a typical year this summer and the city is scrambling to accommodate them. And while there’s potential for Sitka’s business economy to benefit, the influx comes with costs too.