Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Sitka teens some of the first in the nation to receive coronavirus vaccine

In a state that’s doing well with vaccinations, the community of Sitka is doing very well: More than half of the eligible population has been vaccinated against COVID-19, and that now includes teenagers 16 and over -- making Sitka one of the first places in the nation where this has been possible.

Assembly calls for Congress to find cruise ban workaround

The Sitka Assembly has called on the federal government to waive a law that could prevent big cruise ships from docking in Alaska this summer.

Assembly reviews enterprise fund budgets, considers rate increases

When the Sitka Assembly met last week (Thursday), they heard a presentation from city staff on the state of each enterprise fund: electric, water, wastewater, solid waste and harbors.

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.”