Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

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.

State epidemiologist responds to local doctor’s comments on school mask mandates

Comments made by the chair of the state’s medical board at a recent Sitka School Board meeting have been called into question.

SEARHC takes extra precautions as omicron moves through Alaska

Sitka is in the middle of the second biggest coronavirus wave it has seen to date, and local medical providers are taking extra precautions.

Sitka reported 66 new coronavirus cases on Friday

Sitka reported 66 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday and Thursday according to data from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services released on Friday (1-14-22)

Updated: 4.6 magnitude earthquake wakes parts of Southeast early Friday

An earthquake centered northwest of Sitka shook the ground this morning, waking many in Southeast Alaska.

New radio repeaters at Mud Bay to improve emergency response in Sitka

When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (1-11-22), it approved the receipt of a $75,000 grant to purchase three radio repeaters to bolster local emergency response.