Erin McKinstry - KCAW
New federal program to help 5 remote Alaska communities transition to renewable energy
In Sitka, two awardees are advancing the possibility of a fishing fleet powered by rain water.
Portable, Sitka-built ‘mini homes’ could help with Southeast Alaska’s housing crunch
A new “mini-home” project is working to tackle a housing shortage in Yakutat by building the houses in Sitka where costs are lower and then shipping them. The construction company behind the project hopes its idea spreads.
Community land trust helps Sitka mom build a home of her own
Sitka’s average total rent is higher than any other area in the state, which can make saving to buy a house feel like an impossible dream for many young Sitkans. The Sitka Community Land Trust wants to change that.
Skier survives avalanche in the crater of Mt. Edgecumbe near Sitka
The man was buried between 5-8 minutes before two other skiers in his group located him with avalanche transceivers.
Sitka team conducts first humpback whale necropsy in 5 years
The Coast Guard reported the dead 47-foot female humpback to NOAA on Sunday evening. It had washed ashore on the south end of Kruzof Island.
After weeks of water woes, Angoon gets Coast Guard assist
In Angoon, recent cold temperatures exacerbated ongoing issues with the town’s water supply. The Coast Guard stepped in to help by delivering bottled water to the community of around 450 people
Southeast Alaska landslides may leave carbon footprint, researchers say
A researcher found a single storm that triggers multiple slides can move as much carbon stored in vegetation and soils as the annual emissions from 45,000 vehicles. But it doesn’t necessarily go into the atmosphere.
Researchers confirm location of 200-year-old Kiks.ádi fort
A study released this week in the journal Antiquity dispelled doubts about the location of a site where Kiks.ádi held off Russian aggressors for four days.
Around Southeast Alaska, communities assess damage from record-breaking storm
Sitka broke rainfall records on Tuesday, and damage from serious rain, winds and power outages afflicted communities across Southeast.
Alaska Airlines jet kills brown bear at Yakutat’s airport
Passengers weren't harmed, but a brown bear cub was orphaned.
‘We can’t turn this down’: New Xbox game brings Tlingit voices to the forefront
A new Xbox game is loosely based on the real town of Hoonah, a small, predominantly Tlingit community on Chichagof Island.
Neighbors shaken but unhurt after 4-year-old fires AK-47 in Sitka
Sitka police are investigating a near-tragedy that occurred over the weekend when a small child playing with a high-powered rifle fired shots into his trailer court. No one was injured in the incident, but police say it was a very close call.
Tenakee Springs reports first COVID-19 case
The casse was reported in a resident of the Chichagof Island community of 150
In a down market, Alaska fishermen avert disaster by feeding families in need
A seafood donation program started by a Sitka organization is helping bring some stability to fishermen and consumers during an uncertain time.
One-of-a-kind photo collection documents 75 years of life in Angoon
Cyril George, a Tlingit from the Beaver Clan of Angoon, died six years ago, but his 4,000 photos of life in the village will finally be available to the public.
Anxious for relief, rural municipalities navigate spending rules for CARES Act funds
Alaska communities have the freedom to decide how they want to spend coronavirus relief money, but following the federal guidelines hasn't been easy.
Angoon reports its first case of COVID-19
The Admiralty Island village of around 450 people has asked residents to “hunker down and avoid contact with anyone outside of their household until further notice.”
Angoon mayor issues mask order following first coronavirus case in Kake
Following Monday’s news of the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Kake, the neighboring Southeast community of Angoon is now requiring face coverings in most public places.
In the middle of a pandemic, brewery opening brings craft beer to Sitka
Another brewery in Sitka closed down last fall after a decade in business.
CARES Act money helps Tribes address affordable housing and homelessness
Congress appropriated $100 million earlier this year to help Tribes cope with housing and sanitation issues during the coronavirus pandemic.