Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

February 23, 2021: What’s happening at tonight’s assembly meeting?

Earlier this month, Canada announced an extension of its cruise ship ban, a major hit to Southeast Alaska’s economy. When the Sitka Assembly meets on Tuesday (2-23-21), it will consider a resolution urging the Feds to issue a temporary waiver to the Passenger Vessel Services Act. The waiver could circumvent Canada and boost Alaska’s economy this summer.

Sitka stays at low COVID risk level, reports climbing vaccination numbers

When the Sitka Unified Command met on Wednesday (2-19-21), there was still uncertainty around the recent expiration of the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.

City reports big CO2 reductions over last two decades

Just over a decade ago, Sitka created a task force to take on the emerging problem of climate change. Although the task force was short-lived, its recommendations had a surprising impact on reducing carbon emissions. Now the Sitka Assembly would like to double-down on that success, and secure federal assistance to develop a renewable energy strategy for the long-term.

Retired judge outlines findings from Sitka Police Department investigation

Six months after former Sitka Police detective Mary Ferguson settled her half-million-dollar sexual harassment suit with the city, she’s delivered on her promise to conduct an outside investigation into the department. But even though the investigation was ordered in her settlement and was led by a retired judge, Ferguson is worried that it won’t bring about needed change in Sitka’s police culture.

Canada’s cruise ship ban fuels more budget angst for city

Canada’s extension of its ban on large cruise ships until 2022 will have a big impact on communities in Southeast Alaska -- and could directly affect schools. When the Sitka Assembly and the school board met last week to discuss next year’s school district budget, the news from Canada cast considerable uncertainty over how much funding would be available.

After a few days in the green, Sitka’s COVID alert level back to ‘moderate’

Sitka experienced a brief reprieve when the city’s COVID risk level dipped to “low” mid-way through last week. But by the time the weekend was over, several more cases were reported and the city’s alert level had shifted back to “moderate.”

Around 2500 Sitkans have received their first COVID vaccine dose

The mood was lighter than usual when public officials gathered for the Sitka Unified Command meeting on Wednesday. (1-27-21).

City seeking a new batch of marine haulout proposals

After delaying the decision for over a month, when the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (1-26-21), it took another step toward its goal to develop a marine haulout at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park.

Sitka’s surprise budget surplus may just cover next year’s shortfall

There’s an unusual word being used in early budget discussions in Sitka -- “surplus.” But that doesn’t mean that the city has money to burn. Belt-tightening over the past few months has offset revenue declines during the pandemic -- and given Sitka some unexpected options in its finances next year.

January 26, 2021: What’s on the agenda at tonight’s assembly meeting?

When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight (1-26-21) it will again consider approving a “request for proposals,” (RFP) seeking bids to build a marine haulout at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park.