Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

As school reopens, two Mt. Edgecumbe students test positive for COVID-19

Two students on the Mt. Edgecumbe High School campus have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In an interview with KCAW on Sunday, MEHS Superintendent Janelle Vanasse said they were tested when they arrived in Sitka. The school received the results Friday [Aug 21].

Diana Dapcevich running for assembly seat this fall

Thirty-year-old Diana Dapcevich was born and raised in Sitka, though she spent much of her twenties in Washington state, attending Western Washington University. She moved back four years ago, and that’s when she started paying attention to local government.

Sitka health officials announce one new COVID-19 case

Local health officials announced one new coronavirus case today (8-21-20).The Sitka woman is in her sixties, and was experiencing symptoms when she was tested on August 17. She is now isolating at home, according to a city press release.

Former Kasaan councilor, Frederick Olsen Jr., runs for Sitka Assembly

Eight candidates are vying for two open seats on the Sitka Assembly this fall. One of them is Frederick Olsen Jr. KCAW’s Katherine Rose spoke with Olsen to find out why he’s throwing his hat in the proverbial ring:

Former officer wins harassment settlement, promises investigation of Sitka police

A sexual harassment lawsuit brought by a former police officer against the City of Sitka, has settled out of court for over $500,000. Mary Ferguson says she’ll continue pushing for change at the Sitka Police Department. Her settlement includes a provision allowing her to conduct an independent investigation into police management practices.

Sitka’s police chief defends department, calls abuse allegations ‘wounds from the past’

The Sitka Police Department is nearing the end of a two-year period marred by several lawsuits brought by former employees. At a recent assembly meeting municipal attorney Brian Hanson reported that the last of the three suits, a sexual harassment claim against the city by former detective Mary Ferguson, is pending settlement.But as that tumultuous period for the Sitka Police Department draws to a close, new accusations of racism and use of force within the organization have emerged, fueled by the growing national conversation about policing.