Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

August 27, 2019: What’s happening at tonight’s assembly meeting?

The Sitka Assembly will meet behind closed doors this evening (8/27/19) to discuss a whistleblower lawsuit brought by former Sitka Police detective Ryan Silva. The assembly will also consider approving the receipt of an $800,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to complete an environmental assessment for a new seaplane base on Japonski Island.

Assembly halves candidate list for city’s top job

The Sitka Assembly has whittled its list of top job candidates by half. That leaves eight applicants vying to be Sitka’s next city administrator.

With House Bill 2001 signed, where does Sitka stand?

When the governor told Alaskans he was signing the budget Monday, he spoke about restoring funding for multiple programs. But perhaps another “r” word is more accurate. He actually reversed his previous decision to veto the University of Alaska system’s funding by 40 percent. In the end, the university system will have its budget slashed by $25 million.

Committee recommends hiring replacement for outgoing tax specialist

An assembly subcommittee tasked with saving money by reviewing vacant city jobs has recommended hiring a replacement for Sitka’s outgoing tax specialist.

CorvidEYE: Smokey celebrates 75 years

Smokey Bear celebrated his 75th birthday over the weekend, with birthday cake, photos, and fire prevention activities.

Russian explorer visits Sitka amid 3400 mile journey

Russian arctic explorer Dr. Mikhail Malakhov was in Sitka this week. The arctic explorer, from Russia, is completing a 3400 mile sailing journey, ending in British Columbia.

Platson leaves race for assembly seat

Thursday morning, assembly candidate Loyd Platson told KCAW he had withdrawn from the race, citing health and other reasons.

Assembly takes no action on police investigation

Despite three pending harassment lawsuits, the Sitka Assembly continues to hold off on hiring an outside consultant to investigate the Sitka Police Department. Some assembly members believe an interim police chief may be improving the work environment enough to make an investigation unnecessary.

Familiar faces among applicants for city admin job

The Sitka Assembly continues moving forward with the city administrator hiring process. After advertising for the position at the end of July, the assembly has received a total of 14 applications -- some of them familiar faces to long-time Sitkans.

Chalky algae shells turn Sitka seas turquoise

The seas are changing around Sitka this week. Ocean waters have turned a pale green-ish blue color. Researchers at Sitka Tribe of Alaska think a specific type of algae is the cause. It’s non-toxic, but it’s shedding a material you’ve probably been familiar with since elementary school.