For a small fire department like Sitka’s, volunteers are incredibly important. There are currently 14 paid staff and about 80 to 90 volunteers on on the roster. Interim Fire Chief Brian McLaughlin joined KCAW on the Morning Interview to discuss the Sitka Fire Department’s staffing situation, how to become a volunteer, how to practice fire safety and be prepared for outdoor activities, when to call 911, and recent emergency responses in Sitka. Listen to their conversation here:

Sitka Public Library and Outer Coast are hosting the second annual Big Ideas Book Club, which will explore American history, including the Early Republic, the 19th century, the Great Depression, and the 1960s, through weekly readings, viewings, and discussions. Meetings will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the library, from Aug. 18 to Sept. 24. Margot O’Connell, adult services librarian, and Garrett Faulkner from Outer Coast, joined KCAW on the Morning Interview to discuss the return of the book club. Listen to their conversation here:

The Sitka Police Department invites the community to Sitka Night Out on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the covered area and playground at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School. Sitka Police Chief Mike Hall joined KCAW for the Morning Interview to discuss the free, family-friendly event, which will feature games, food, refreshments and an opportunity to meet Sitka police.

The Sitka Fine Arts Camp’s musical theater camp is bring the works of Cole Porter to Sitka with Anything Goes. Zeke Blackwell, Jhonen Burbank, and Eve Thompson joined KCAW for the morning interview to discuss the show, a spectacle featuring 31 cast members, a pit orchestra of 18, and close to 100 costumes. Listen here:

Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Sitka Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the door and online.

Learn more about Goncalves and the project here.

Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) is a local nonprofit that works with seniors and people with disabilities. Every summer, the organization hosts a number of programs and events that culminate in a celebratory community picnic. Joel Hanson, program director at SAIL, Jordan Tanguay, recreation and employment director, and siblings Brayden and Shawtay Holder, who are part of the organization’s summer work program, joined KCAW on the Morning Interview to discuss plans for the upcoming annual picnic and other summer programming. The picnic will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at the Crescent Harbor Net Shed. SAIL will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, and asks community members to bring a side dish. Listen to the conversation here:

The Three Sopranos — Rhiannon Guevin, Karen Neal and Mina Brooks-Schmidt — joined KCAW for the Morning Interview to discuss their upcoming concert. Set for July 25, 7 p.m. at Odess Theater, the concert will feature classical, bluegrass, and musical theater music, and will include guest artist performances. Listen to the conversation here:

Admission to the concert is by suggested donation. All proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Sitka Fine Arts Camp’s North Pacific Hall.