Rachel Waldholz, Author at KCAW

Radio on wheels!

Sometimes radio can seem like magic: you turn the dial (or press a button) and the sound streams in. But all that sound comes to us from somewhere, whether it's "Fresh Air" broadcasting from Philadelphia, or "This American Life," transmitting from Chicago, or "All Things Considered" from Washington, D.C. And it gets here via the Public Radio Satellite System -- which includes this satellite dish, now nestled under the O'Connell Bridge. Help us keep our nuts and bolts in good repair! Donate to our Spring Drive.

Herring Update: Third opening lasts one hour, ten minutes

The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery had its third opening today (Wed 3-26-14), concentrated in the waters just south of downtown. The opening lasted one hour and ten minutes, starting at 2:30 p.m. and closing at 3:40 p.m.

Herring Update: Fishing at 2:30PM in Eastern Channel

There will be herring fishing today near the south end of Sitka's road system, ADF&G has announced. Fish & Game biologist Dave Gordon said the fishery will aim to harvest about 3,000 tons.

Herring fishing possible today; no opening called yet

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game said in their 11 a.m. update that a significant volume of herring has moved into the closure area, a stretch of water near town that is out of bounds to the commercial fishery, to protect subsistence use. Fish & Game biologist Dave Gordon said he wasn't discounting the possibility of a fishery south of town, where large schools of fish were found yesterday, but he wanted to give it more time "to find a body of fish that might provide a better fishery for everybody."

At assembly, haircuts and huzzahs

The Sitka Assembly took time out from their usual business on Tuesday night to recognize local volunteers --and fit in a couple quick haircuts. Mayor Mim McConnell declared Friday, March 28th, St. Baldrick’s Foundation Day, in honor of the charity, which raises money for research into childhood cancers. She also declared April 1st to be Americorps Day.

Second herring opening today in Starrigavan, Katlian bays

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game has announced that there will be a second opening in the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery, around 1:30 p.m. today (Sun 3-23-14). Sunday's fishery will take place within the same boundaries as Thursday's season opener, in Starrigavan and Katlian bays.

No herring fishing today; second opening possible Sunday

The Department of Fish and Game announced at 11 a.m. (Sat 3-22-14) that there will be no fishing today in the Sitka Sound herring fishery, as processors continue to work through Thursday's catch. Boats will head out tomorrow morning to do test fishing between Crow Island and Inner Point. If a fishery does occur on Sunday it will likely be smaller in size than Thursday's 5,500 ton catch, said Fish & Game biologist Dave Gordon.

Herring child

Eric and Erin Matthes brought their son, Ever, to join the dozens of Sitkans who lined Halibut Point Road to watch the opening of the sac roe herring season on Thursday. Ever is a true "herring baby," said his parents. Born during herring season, he'll turn three on Friday.

Seiners land 4K tons in herring season opener

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game declared the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery open at 1:45 p.m Thursday. The fishing area covered much of Starrigavan and Katlian bays, north of Sitka. The opening lasted two hours and thirty-five minutes, closing at 4:20 p.m. If sold at last year’s price, today’s catch would be worth about $2.4-million to fishermen at the docks.