Robert Woolsey, KCAW, Author at KCAW

Assembly weighs creation of Sitka Tourism Commission, and a new tourism director position in City Hall

One likely outcome of the rapid growth of tourism in Sitka will be the hiring of a tourism director in city hall, and an overhaul of the contract with the Sitka Chamber of Commerce's "Visit Sitka."

Advocates hope a school name change prompts a stronger sense of culture and language in Sitka

The Sitka School Board unanimously approved renaming Baranof Elementary School as Xóots Elementary School Wednesday (3-6-24) and heard ideas for enriching the cultural experience for everyone living in Sitka.

Sitka’s Raptor Center seeks new director with the ‘Alaska Factor’

Since the Alaska Raptor Center's director of the last seven years, Jennifer Cross, doesn't have a twin, the organization's board is search for a successor with her same skills, plus an affinity for living in Alaska.

Jury finds presumptive death for two Sitkans lost at sea in January

A Sitka jury has ruled that Darren Borbridge and Sayer Tuzon died in the capsizing of their boat off Chichagof Island in January. Although three others were rescued, the boat -- and the two young men -- were never found.

‘SOUL’ hopes to have Sitkans vote on cruise passenger limits by this summer

Larry Edwards tried twice to put a ballot proposition before Sitka voters limiting cruise passengers last fall. Now he's back, and this time a group of Sitkans has organized to back him.

National experts gather in Sitka this spring to share best practices for Indigenous tourism

The Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference returns to Sitka March 21-29. Industry leaders from around the country gather to share ideas about best practices for indigenous tourism.

Four decades after the passage of ANILCA, infrastructure funding arrives for Angoon’s Thayer Creek hydro plant

Over 40 years after the passage of ANILCA, Angoon has finally received federal infrastructure funding to construct a hydroelectric project on Thayer Creek.

Sitka Schools hope state government will ease projected $3 million deficit

The Sitka School District is in its annual budget-writing bind, wondering how much the state will contribute to funding next year, and help alleviate a projected $3 million deficit.

Sitka teachers agree to ‘catch up’ raises in new, three-year contract

Sitka teachers will see raises of 6-percent next year, and 4-percent each of the following two years, under a negotiated agreement approved by the Sitka School Board on February 7.

‘Xóots Elementary’ tops list of choices for Baranof school name change

The survey results are in: The runaway favorite for renaming Baranof Elementary is "Xóots Elementary School." The school board will make a final choice on March 7.