Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Sitka Assembly holds emergency meeting to discuss COVID-19 orders

The Sitka Assembly is holding an emergency meeting, Thursday (4/23/20), to discuss the city’s current pandemic-related orders and how they align with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s plan to open up parts of the state economy for business, beginning this Friday.

Human remains discovered on Kruzof Island

Sitka Police Chief Robert Baty said they received a call on Sunday, April 12, around 3:30 in the afternoon. A group of hikers in the Babcock Fort area had discovered human remains. The police department responded, along with Alaska State troopers and the Forest Service.

Sitka’s ‘hunker down’ order extended to mid-May

Sitkans are being told to hunker down for at least another month. When the assembly met Tuesday, it extended the emergency resolution to “hunker down” until May 12.

A Covid-free Sitka to quarantine incoming seasonal workers

The Sitka Assembly has passed a controversial ordinance that would place tight restrictions on seasonal workers coming to Sitka -- tighter, in fact, than already required under a mandate from the governor. And while most on the assembly believe tough rules are necessary right now, there is concern over whether the city might be overstepping its bounds, and facing a legal challenge from state government.

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.