Forest Service probes low flow problems at Starrigavan well
Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | May 26, 2021
District Ranger Perry Edwards says that changes in the flow rate at the artesian well over the years have generated theories that the City of Sitka was either 1) intentionally limiting the water flow, or 2) treating it with fluoride and chlorine. Neither is true. Edwards says the well is untreated, and is tested monthly for coliforms, and annually for heavy metals. If there were ever a safety concern, he says, “We would shut down the well immediately.” (USFS photo)
The Sitka Ranger District hopes to have the Starrigavan artesian well flowing freely again in the near future.
Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | May 7, 2021
The Sitka School Board unanimously adopted the recommendations on this list. (SSD image)
The Sitka School Board approved almost $900,000 in CARES Act relief spending when it met last Wednesday (5-5-21), on everything from additional staff to copy machines.
The board’s only hesitation came from knowing that the money was not yet in the bank.
The first pulse of CARES Act relief came into the Sitka District around this time last year, and was spent on supplies and equipment needed to keep the schools functioning as they transitioned to remote learning. The second round about $500,000 rolled in last December, and most of that money has also been committed or spent on supporting district operations during the pandemic.
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - A Ketchikan commercial fisherman has been cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers at the Sitka post for fishing in closed waters.
A Trooper dispatch reports that the Fishing Vessel Little Lady was observed setting a commercial herring seine in waters not opened by emergency order to commercial fishing.
The operation and permit holder, 58-year-old Daniel F. Castle was cited. The dispatch says no fish were retained in the set.
Arraignment is set in Sitka District Court
Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Jan 15, 2021
According to interim Superintendent John Holst, around a dozen of Sitka’s senior teachers are eligible for early retirement, sevreral of whom work a the high school. (KCAW file photo)
The Sitka School District is considering an early retirement incentive for teachers, as a way of helping make ends meet next year.
At its last meeting earlier this month (1-6-21), the Sitka School Board authorized the interim superintendent to open negotiations with the local teachers union.
Early retirement is a tool that has been used before by the Sitka School District, as well as by other communities in the state. Alaska’s educators belong to a pension program called “TRS” or the Teachers’ Retirement System which mirrors the state’s program for municipal and government employees called “PERS” the Public Employees Retirement System.