LATEST NEWS
As concerns mount over user conflict, board bumps fees for cruise passengers at Sitka’s industrial park dock
The Gary Paxton Industrial Park board met on April 22 and agreed that the $1 per head tariff charged last year for use of the GPIP floating dock was too low, and out of line with fees at Sitka’s other public facilities. Executive director Garry White said the city was examining rates charged in other Southeast cities, with the goal of establishing a consistent rate in Sitka.
Sitka High School mock trial team wins state
Sitka High Mock Trial teams finished 1st, 3rd, and 6th ahead of Diamond High [two teams], West Anchorage [2 teams], South Anchorage/Steller High, and West Valley High School at the state tournament earlier this month. Zoe Trafton joined KCAW’s Meredith Redick for the Morning Interview to discuss the competition.
Former assembly candidate denied police commission seat
Sitkan Austin Cranford works as a technology specialist for the University of Alaska Southeast. In his application to serve on the city’s police and fire commission, Cranford told the assembly that he was applying due to the, “constant issues that plague the city and its administration.”. Cranford tried...
Following statewide protest, Sitka teachers ask board for specifics on staff and program cuts
Note: The Sitka School Board will hold a public budget hearing 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, April 27, in the district office board room. Final adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget is scheduled for the board’s regular meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, in Harrigan Centennial Hall. May 15 is the deadline to notify staff of non-retention.
Assembly approves one-year property tax exemption for YAS
Youth Advocates of Sitka (YAS) will likely get a property tax exemption for a duplex the nonprofit owns on Halibut Point Road, but only for one year, to give the organization time to establish a new program for teens. YAS purchased the house last year after the nonprofit scored a...
‘Super Piano Brothers’ aim to dazzle with broad repertoire
A piano duo known for their arrangements of video game and film soundtracks will be performing in Sitka this weekend. Oskar Yao and Wesley Chu, known as the “Super Piano Brothers,” have played classical and popular music around the world. Yao, Chu, and Sitka Fine Arts Camp’s Kenley Jackson sat down with KCAW’s Brooke Schafer to talk about the upcoming show. Listen to the full interview here:
HOPE Coalition, police raise awareness about fentanyl
This week, Sitka Counseling’s HOPE Coalition and the Sitka Police Department are joining forces to share information about the dangers of fentanyl overdose. In collaboration with the Alaska Fentanyl Response Project, they will hold a community town hall this Thursday. Loyd Platson and Sandy Snodgrass joined KCAW’s Brooke Schafer to talk about fentanyl awareness and what Sitkans can do. Listen to the full interview here:
Porch Fest returns for 2024
Sitka’s annual Porch Fest returns for summer 2024 and will feature music, crafts, and local food vendors. Organizer Rain Van Den Berg joined KCAW’s Brooke Schafer to discuss the line-up for this summer’s event. Porch Fest 2024 will take place May 18, 2024 from 11 a.m. to...
Climate Change Driving Village to a New Site
The Yup’ik village of Newtok, perched precariously on thawing permafrost at the edge of the rapidly eroding Ninglick River, is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation made necessary by climate change. Still, the progress of moving to a new village site that is significantly outpacing relocation...
Herring Protectors celebrate unexpected land gift
An Indigenous-led group in Sitka has received an unexpected contribution – two parcels of land on an island just outside of Sitka. The Herring Protectors gathered earlier this month (4-6-24) to visit the land and celebrate the unusual gift. On a drizzly Saturday afternoon, about 40 elders, culture-bearers, and...
Possible bowhead whale sighting in Sitka Sound raises questions
In late March, a local whale biologist spotted something out of place in Sitka Sound. She’s still having a hard time believing it, but pictures suggest an incredibly rare sighting– a juvenile bowhead whale. In late March, marine biologist Ellen Chenoweth was out doing something she’s done dozens...
Sitka’s housing crunch hits tribal citizens hardest, study says
Tribal citizens in Sitka are being squeezed out of Sitka’s housing market, and some are leaving town, according to a new study commissioned by Baranof Island Housing Authority, with support from Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Now, they are hoping the data – and community input – will guide them towards solutions.
SAIL offers summer work program for youth
Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) is offering a summer work program for youth between the ages of 14-21. Cara Crain, Meggan Turner, Jessica Perkins, and Zen Perkins joined KCAW’s Brooke Schafer to discuss how high school students with disabilities can find a supportive, paid work experience this summer through the program. Zen shares her experience working at a local coffee shop through SAIL’s supportive employment programming. Listen to the full interview here:
Brave Heart hosts ‘Alaska Getaways’ auction
Brave Heart Volunteers is hosting its second annual “Alaskan Getaways” online auction from April 17-21. Ellie Jansen and Mamie Ziegler joined KCAW’s Brooke Schafer to discuss the details of the auction and the overall mission of Brave Heart Volunteers. The auction opens Wednesday, April 17. You can...
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.