Author: Robert Woolsey

Sitka residents collaborating on a land use plan for the Benchlands subdivision are emphasizing a diversity of home types, and an innovative affordability scheme. About thirty Sitkans attended last week’s (3-5-08) land-use planning meeting – the second of three such meetings scheduled for the Benchlands before the development enters the political hearing process at the Planning and Zoning Commission and the assembly.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released the final guideline harvest level for the 2008 Sitka Sound Sac Roe Fishery. It is the largest in history.

Sitka's Native community has expressed support for continued cultural education programs within the Sitka school district. The message was delivered at the annual meeting of the Sitka school board at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp No.1 and Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp No.4 Tuesday night (2-4-08)

Governor Palin has appointed Sitka police chief Sheldon Schmidt to the Alaksa Police Standards Council.

Recent controversy over the protection of a Russian colonial-era building in Sitka has called attention to how property owners and communities protect their historic resources. Interview excerpt from the program "Give & Take" with National Park Service historian Kristen Griffin.

A helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka endured tough weather conditions on a medevac mission to the Petersburg area on Thursday (2-6-08). See co-pilot Dave Hall tell the story in his own words at the following link:http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=237728

When former Sheldon Jackson College employees checked their mailboxes today (Wednesday) they found a welcome surprise – severance checks signed by College President David Dobler.

The remodel of a downtown store has raised concerns over the safety of a neighboring historic structure. The Wilmac Corporation, owners of Russell’s Clothing, is planning to add on to its downtown building, narrowing the alleyway between it and the adjacent Log Cache from about 10 feet to a little under 4 feet. For the first time in its fifteen-year history, the Sitka Historic Preservation Commission has become involved, but remains uncertain about what its final role will be in this and future property disputes.

The assembly Tuesday night (2-26-08) postponed until March further action on a resolution opposing Sealaska’s picks – on the understanding that the regional Native corporation will make substantial revisions to its selections in the Sitka area, and that those changes will find their way into the language of a bill pending in the US House of Representatives.