Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

April 14, 2020: What’s happening at tonight’s assembly meeting?

Numerous emergency ordinances are up for discussion when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight (4/14/20), all related to the coronavirus pandemic. As of Monday, there were still no confirmed coronavirus cases in Sitka, and the assembly may put tougher measures in place in an attempt to keep it that way.

Assembly looks to ease financial stress caused by coronavirus

At the same time that the Sitka Assembly is trying to budget for next year, it’s also trying to ease the financial pain of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Volunteer mask makers mobilize in Southeast Alaska

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a national shortage of protective equipment, notably N95 masks, which are the most effective barrier for healthcare workers. And contrary to its earlier recommendation, the Centers for Disease Control is now advising all Americans to wear cloth masks as a protective barrier, which will only increase demand.

Sitka Tribe wins first round in suit against state

The Sitka Tribe of Alaska has won a round in its longstanding suit against the state over the management of the Sitka Sound Sac Roe Herring Fishery.

Have an Old Fashioned with a modern twist, thanks to Sitka’s virtual bartender

One of the most social aspects of downtown -- the bar scene -- has disappeared, or has it? While you can’t buy a drink online, one local bartender is making sure his customers can enjoy the rest of the experience , via Facebook.

Assembly passes resolution calling for Sitkans to stay home

The Sitka Assembly is further reinforcing a recent city recommendation to “shelter in...

March 24, 2020: What’s happening at tonight’s assembly meeting?

The Sitka Assembly will take up a relatively short agenda when it meets tonight (3-24-20). It will consider approving 14 days of administrative leave for city employees who can’t work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

City recommends Sitkans ‘shelter in place’

After the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state nearly doubled over the weekend, the city of Sitka is strongly recommending Sitkans stay home and shelter-in-place. City Hall is asking businesses to determine if their services are essential, and whether or not they can operate safely under a shelter-in-place order. If they should close to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A former Coast Guard commander, Sitka’s new administrator knows emergencies

The first time most Sitkans heard their new city administrator’s voice may have been the afternoon of Sunday, March 15. Anyone who was signed up for the city’s code-red emergency messaging service on that day received a pre-recorded phone call from John Leach.

Traveling in the shadow of pandemic: How a slow national response leaves a Sitka woman and her community at risk

A Sitka woman in her twenties believes she may have contracted the coronavirus visiting New York earlier this month -- shortly before government officials began to recommend self-isolation for travelers returning to the state. Although she’s still awaiting test results, the woman’s story could really be anyone’s story: It perfectly illustrates why the measures we’re taking now to protect ourselves from COVID-19 are considered so important.