Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

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.

City COVID-19 alert level shifts to ‘moderate’ after case count slows

Sitka’s coronavirus alert level shifted to moderate on Monday (1-25-21), after a reduction in cases over the last week.

Court hears more arguments from Tribe, state on herring fishery

A Juneau Superior Court judge will decide whether the state has met its constitutional obligation for subsistence, in the management of the Sitka Sound Sac Roe Herring Fishery. The court heard oral arguments on January 14 from attorneys representing the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, the state, and commercial fishing interests. The outcome could give Sitka’s Indigenous communities a larger role in determining how herring are shared among user groups in the future.

With new vaccine shipment, Sitkans 65+ and frontline workers first in line

If you’ve registered for the COVID vaccine through SEARHC, are 65 or older or a frontline essential worker, keep a close eye on your inbox.

City fast tracks plan to sell hospital building

The city is moving forward with plans to sell the former Sitka Community Hospital building. And the public may get a chance to weigh in during the municipal election next October. But in order for that to happen, the city has to move quickly.