KCAW Staff, Author at KCAW

Sitka officials encourage residents to use airport testing when traveling in state

Following rising case counts across Alaska, Sitka’s Unified Command is encouraging residents to take advantage of free airport testing when traveling in-state. Almost every region in Alaska is operating on a high alert level, but case counts in Sitka remain low.

Tongass ‘Roadless Rule’ exemption leaves subsistence users feeling left behind

Wednesday’s announcement that the Trump administration will lift protections against development in the Tongass National Forest has sparked strong reactions for and against the changes. For many Southeast Alaskans who rely on the Tongass for food, the news is personal.

Parenting classes bring Native American values to Sitka fathers, grandfathers and mentors

Becoming a father is life-changing. And, it's not always easy. The "Fatherhood is Sacred" program offers support to Native and non-Native fathers, grandfathers, uncles and mentors in Sitka.

Sitka reports three new cases of the coronavirus, as numbers spike statewide

The City and Borough of Sitka reported three new coronavirus cases on Monday (10/26/20) following reports of surging case counts across the state.

Neighbors shaken, but uninjured, after four-year old fires assault rifle in Sitka trailer court

Sitka police are investigating a near-tragedy that occurred over the weekend, when a small child playing with an assault rifle fired shots into his trailer court. No one was injured in the incident, but police say it was a very close call.

Coast Guard assists fishing boat taking on water near Icy Bay

Watchstanders in Juneau received a request for assistance at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday (10-21-20) from the 55-foot fishing vessel Elise Marie. They sent a plane, helicopter and Coast Guard cutter to help.

Tenth case of the coronavirus reported in Yakutat

The individual took a test on Monday (10-19-20) and received a positive test result Thursday (10-22-20). The person does not appear to be connected to another individual who tested positive last week.

In a quest for cheaper energy, Kake turns to biomass heating

Alaskans spend nearly sixty percent more on energy than the national average, and in some rural communities, that number is much higher. The Kupreanof Island village of Kake is trying to bring down the high cost of energy by transitioning to renewables. They’ve looked at solar, wind, hydro and now biomass heating, an old technology with a new design.

Sitka Whalefest goes virtual this year

The pandemic has forced many event organizers to get creative this year, and Sitka's Whalefest is no exception. The science symposium will hold all of its events online from Nov. 5-7.

A mix of incumbents and newcomers lead in Yakutat’s election

The unofficial results from the City and Borough of Yakutat’s local election are in. The mayor's seat, three seats on the borough assembly and two seats on the Yakutat School District school board were all up for re-election this year.