Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

A month of construction remains for Sitka’s Sawmill Creek Road

Crews are planning to wrap up the construction on Sawmill Creek Road in Sitka soon; possibly by the middle of next month.

City seeks volunteers to join new ‘Sustainability Commission’

Sitka’s “Climate Action Task Force” has disbanded. The temporary task force was established in the winter of 2021, with the goal of tackling Sitka’s carbon footprint. Their work will continue in a way, though– the task force is being replaced with a permanent commission focused on sustainability in Sitka.

Restrictions on new short-term rental permits now in effect

Sitka is cracking down on short-term rentals run by non-resident owners. When the Sitka Assembly met on Tuesday (9-13-22), it adopted new rules for vacation rentals that require owners to reside on the same property for at least six months of the year. And all permits for short-term rentals will sunset when a property changes hands.

UAS to receive $2.3M in federal funds to expand mariculture program

On September 2, the White House announced $49 million dollars in funding for further development of Alaska’s mariculture industry– that’s mostly shellfish and seaweed. The “Alaska Mariculture Cluster,” led by Southeast Conference, was one of 21 winners in the nationwide “Build Back Better Regional Challenge” program. $2.3M is going to the University of Alaska Southeast.

Sitka’s Lake/Lincoln Street intersection may get makeover next year

Sitka’s made it over the hump of what was originally predicted to be the busiest cruise season in the town’s history. And while there’s still over a month to go, city officials are already exploring changes for next year. At the top of the list: Sitka’s busiest intersection may be getting a makeover.

Rules governing short-term rentals could change under new assembly ordinance

The rules governing short-term rentals in Sitka may be changing soon. When the assembly met on Tuesday (8-23-22), it green lit changes that would affect new permits for short-term rentals in residential zones.

Assembly considers increased fees, permitting for vendors at Centennial Hall

Fees could rise for vendors at Harrigan Centennial Hall next year.

August 23, 2022: What’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight?

When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight, it will consider making changes to the city code governing short-term rentals.

Sitka Tribe of Alaska shares data from childcare study

Parents and childcare providers in Sitka may be reaching a breaking point, as data suggests that families are leaving – or choosing not to come – because of the lack of adequate childcare. Sitka’s population of children under 13 has dropped, by a staggering number in the last decade

After an eye-opening supply run, a former Sitkan fundraises for friends in Ukraine

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, we’ve heard many stories of refugees escaping the conflict and coming out of the country. Stories of people going in, however, are a bit more rare. A former music teacher in Sitka is one of those stories. What began with a suitcase full of bandages and other medical supplies has evolved into a one-man humanitarian relief effort.