Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Electrical Upgrades to Holleywood Way and Monastery Street
4/19/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Electric Department line crews are gearing up to enhance the infrastructure along Hollywood Way and Monastery Streets, spanning from Sawmill Creek Road to DeGroff Street. Intermittent electrical power outages on Hollywood Way and Monastery Street are anticipated to occur from Monday, April 29 to Friday, May 10 as part of this improvement initiative. 

To ensure the safety and efficiency of this upgrade, Hollywood Way and Monastery Streets will experience temporary vehicle traffic closures, accessible solely to local traffic. 

The City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department thanks our customers for their patience and understanding during this time. For more information, please contact the Electric Department at 907.747.4000. 


Assembly Meetings - Agenda, Viewing, and Public Comment
4/19/2024

Regular Assembly Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall. The agenda and supporting documentation are available at https://sitka.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx, the Sitka Public Library, or by contacting the Municipal Clerk's Office at City Hall. Public comment on agenda items and “Persons to be heard” is encouraged and welcomed. Citizens may provide comments by email, in person, or by phone. Regular and special Assembly meetings are live-streamed through the City's website and YouTube channel. In addition, regular meetings are aired live on KCAW FM 104.7. To receive Assembly agenda notifications, sign up with GovDelivery on the City’s website.

For more information, visit https://www.cityofsitka.com/CityAssembly or contact the Municipal Clerk's Office at 747-1826 or 747-1811.


Assembly Regular  Meeting April 23
4/19/2024

The Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall. The April 23 packet and supporting documentation is available at the following link: 
https://sitka.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1192082&GUID=FA78B419-CA0E-4BD3-9F5D-D75BCCB63898&Options=info%7C&Search=&Refresh=1
Assembly meetings are livestreamed through the City's website at www.cityofsitka.com, and YouTube channel.


Vacancies on Municipal Boards, Commissions, Committees
4/19/2024

Volunteer positions are available on the following Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Animal Hearing Board (category-specific seats), Historic Preservation Commission, Investment Committee, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Police and Fire Commission, and Sustainability Commission. Interested individuals may submit a board application and letter of interest to the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 100 Lincoln Street or clerk@cityofsitka.org. Applications are available online at www.cityofsitka.com or the Municipal Clerk’s Office. For further information, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907-747-1826 or clerk@cityofsitka.org.


Police and Fire Commission Meeting
4/18/2024

The Police & Fire Commission will meet Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall. Agenda items include: Parking Citation Hearing Board and Sitka Counseling Presentation – Sitka Youth Substance Use Survey Results. This meeting is open to the public.


Proper Disposal of Signal Flares
4/16/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka would like to remind residents of proper disposal for signal flares. Please dispose signal flares in the flares only can outside the Harbormaster Office located at 617 Katlian Avenue. Signal Flares cannot be accepted at the Transfer Station or the Scrap Yard.

If you have questions, please contact the Harbor Department at 907.747.3439.


Lake, Hirst, Monastery, and Kinkead Streets Improvements Public Meeting
4/16/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka will hold a public meeting on April 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Harrigan Centennial Hall, Meeting Room 6 for the improvements to utilities, drainage, and streets on Lake Street, Hirst Street, Monastery Street, and Kinkead Street between DeGroff Street and Arrowhead Street. Current design, discussion of potential project impacts, and gathering of public input will take place. Comments, questions, or any other input may be sent by email to lhmk_utility_improvements@cityofsitka.org

Project information and the opportunity to provide public comment is also available through the project website at https://www.cityofsitka.com/departments/PublicWorks/LakeHirstMonasteryKinkeadProject.   

For further information, contact Michael Harmon, Municipal Engineer at 907.747.1807 or michael.harmon@cityofsitka.org


Fisheries Enhancement Fund Request for Proposals
4/12/2024

Request for Proposals for the disbursement of the available $47,996 in the Fisheries Enhancement Fund, established by Ordinance 2006-38 and approved by voters in the regular election held October 3, 2006, will be received at the Administrator’s Office, City Hall, City and Borough of Sitka, 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, Alaska, or email to holley.bayne@cityofsitka.org by Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 2:00 pm. Proposals received after the time fixed for receipt will not be considered.

Include the following information in the proposal: History of the organization, a current balance sheet, pro forma financial statements, and dollars requested from funds. In addition, state what will be achieved with the funding and explain how this will enhance fisheries within the City and Borough of Sitka. 

Please contact the Administrator’s Office for additional information at 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, Alaska, 907.747.1812, or holley.bayne@cityofsitka.org.


Sky's the Limit: Intro to Aviation Registration Open April 14
4/11/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation will open registration for Skies the Limit – Intro to Aviation summer class on April 14 at www.recreation.cityofsitka.com. Youth grades 7 and up will learn about aerodynamics, airspace, navigation, and communication from ground school instructor and private pilot Jack Davis. Activities include hands-on practice with flight simulators and field trips. The class will be held at Blatchley Middle School from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. July 8-11. The program is $65, scholarships are available.

For more information visit the Parks and Recreation page at www.recreation.cityofsitka.com or contact Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.


Street Sweeping Equipment Mechanical Failure
4/8/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Public Works Department regrets to inform you that we have experienced a mechanical failure of our street sweeping equipment. As a result, the equipment will be out of service for approximately three weeks. 

The safety of our community is our top priority, and we are dedicated to restoring the proper maintenance of our roadways. Please be cautious while driving on loose gravel or sand on the roadways. We understand the importance of road safety and are working to address this issue as quickly as possible. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.


Herring Cove Trail Closure Until Further Notice
4/8/2024

The Herring Cove Trail will be closed until further notice. The first bridge had a structural failure, resulting in a bridge collapse and is inaccessible for crossing. The trail will be closed until a new bridge is in place. Until then, Beaver Lake Trail Loop can be accessed via Blue Lake Road. 

Please avoid the area and follow all signage. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.


CBS Recycle Center Changes and Simplifications
4/5/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department announces changes and simplifications for recycling, effective immediately. The CBS Recycle Center, located at 802 Sawmill Creek Road, will now accept #5 plastic in addition to #1 and #2 plastics. All plastics can be comingled in the same container, no separation of these plastics is necessary. Corrugated cardboard and newspapers can now be comingled, no separation is necessary. Glass, aluminum and metal cans, scrap aluminum and other metals are still accepted and must be separated into their labeled containers. 

Please remove items from garbage bags and take non-recyclable items to the Transfer Station, located at 205 Jarvis Street. 

CBS sells recycled items which reduces the cost of solid waste processing. We hope these improvements make it easier for the citizens to recycle and the benefits it provides. 

For further information, please visit the solid waste page under the Public Works Department at www.cityofsitka.com or call 907.747.1804.


City Clean-Up 2024 and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
3/29/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department announces the annual City Clean-Up event to be held 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily from Saturday, April 13 to Sunday, April 21. All residential property owners are encouraged to clean up their property and haul all acceptable refuse to the City Solid Waste Disposal Sites free of charge during this timeframe. 

Household hazardous waste will be collected from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 and 8:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday, April 21. All households are eligible for the free event. Items can be delivered to the Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 100 Alice Loop.

For more information about acceptable refuse or designated disposal areas, visit www.cityofsitka.com or contact Public Works at 907.747.1804 or publicworks@cityofsitka.org.  


Seeking Reading Buddies, Applications Due May 18
3/29/2024

Sitka Public Library is looking for Adult Reading Buddies for this summer. Those who enjoy reading with a child are invited to sign up to participate in a program that promotes literature among children. Buddies meet up to one hour each week with an assigned first or second grader. The program runs from June 4 to August 6 with time off for vacation.

If you are interested, please fill out an application at Sitka Public Library or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org for more information. Applications are due May 17.


New Parks and Recreation Website
3/12/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation launched a new website for activities and facilities reservations. Go to http://recreation.cityofsitka.com and click on the Create New Account link to open an account and gain easier access to program registration. Add all members of your household into the account and enter your cell phone to receive text messages for schedule changes. This new website will provide you with registration history, financial history, and much more. 

For questions or more information, please contact Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.


1,000 Hours Outside Program at Sitka Public Library: Spring
3/7/2024

Sitka Public Library invites families to join the 1,000 Hours Outside Program. All participants will receive the spring outside adventure prompts and recommended picture book lists. Registered children will also receive a seasonal kit. Kits are limited and they will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis every season.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.


Parks and Recreation Spring Teen Night
2/23/2024

The City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with Sitka Counseling, will hold Teen Open Gym on Saturdays, February 24, March 9 and 23, and April 27 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at Blatchley Middle School (BMS), 601 Halibut Point Road. These events are free of charge and funded by the HOPE Coalition. Activities will include open gym, open skate, ping pong, and karaoke. For more information, please contact Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.


Smokey Bear Reading Challenge at Sitka Public Library
1/5/2024

From January through November 2024, the United States Forest Service and libraries across the country are celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday by participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. Participants can register at Sitka Public Library and get a registration packet.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org


Leads/Requested/Suspended Operations for Missing Person
12/24/2023

Sitka, Alaska – Jedidah Kowchee, 28 years old, 5’ 4”, 155 pounds was last seen leaving AC shopping center on December 13, 2023, at approximately 4:07 p.m. He was wearing a black hat and black jacket, light colored hoodie under his jacket. Tan khaki pants, black running shoes with black and white soles and clear framed glasses. 

Sitka Police Department (SPD), Sitka Fire Department (SFD) Search and Rescue and Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) volunteer teams were dispatched and searched during daylight hours on Saturday, December 23 and again on Sunday, December 24 until early afternoon. 

Despite their concerted efforts, Jedidah’s whereabouts remain unknown. A joint effort to locate Jedidah Kowchee, the SPD, SFD Search and Rescue, and STA volunteer teams emphasize the critical need for additional leads from the community.

Anyone having contact or information regarding Jedidah, is asked to contact the Sitka Police Department 907.747.3245 or the anonymous tip line 907.747.8980, or Sitka Fire Department Search and Rescue 907.966.5770, or STA by phone 907.738.7622 or text the keyword AKTIPS followed by your crime tip to 847411. 

Anyone interested in volunteering, please report to Sitka Tribe of Alaska headquarters at 204 Siginaka Way or contact Mary Ferguson at  907.738.9229.

The City and Borough of Sitka’s mission is to provide public services for Sitka that support a livable community for all. Stay connected to the City and Borough of Sitka! Visit us online at www.cityofsitka.com; like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cityandboroughofsitka/; follow us on Instagram @cbsitka; and Twitter @cbsitka; or call Administration, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 907.747.1812.

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Protect Sitka's Sewer Systems
12/15/2023

The Wastewater Division would like to remind the citizens not to flush wipes down the toilet. This includes cleaning wipes, baby wipes, blue shop towels, paper towels, etc. This also applies to wipes that are marketed as flushable. None of these products break down in water and can cause costly back-ups and damage to sewer infrastructure. Please no wipes in the pipes.

Please contact the City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department with any questions at 907.747.1804


Swan Lake Senior Center Available for Reservation Requests
8/24/2023

City and Borough of Sitka Parks and Recreation, in coordination with the Swan Lake Senior Center (SLSC), is accepting reservation requests for weekend use of the Senior Center, 402 Lake St. The SLSC is available 4:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 p.m. Sunday. The dining room and kitchen are available to reserve. Applications/agreements are available on the Parks and Recreation page at www.cityofsitka.com and at the Parks and Recreation location at Blatchley Middle School, 601 Halibut Point Road.

For more information visit the Parks and Recreation page at www.cityofsitka.com or contact Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907.747.4031.


Katlian Street Closed to Pedestrian Traffic in the 400 Block
09/29/2022 

The City and Borough of Sitka opened Katlian Street to two-way vehicle traffic in the 400 block. Pedestrian traffic remains closed. Please use caution and follow all signage.  We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this timeframe. Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.


Recycle Center Accepted Materials
08/17/2022

The City and Borough of Sitka Public Works Department urge citizens to follow instructions and signage at the Recycle Center at 802 Sawmill Creek Road. Recycled items are source separated and baled for shipping off the island; contaminates to our recycled goods prevent the CBS from obtaining a return on the recycled materials. The contaminated materials must be sent to the landfill and are costly. 

The Recycle Center accepts aluminum, corrugated cardboard, glass, metal, newspaper, and plastic #1 and #2. For further information, please visit the solid waste page under the Public Works Department at www.cityofsitka.com or call 907.747.1804.