Daily Sitka Sentinel

02/01/2025

Calendar of Events:
FRIDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
5:30 p.m. NA Meeting, St. Peter’s Church basement
6:30 p.m. ‘‘Broadway Night,’’ by GSAC Sitka Community Theater, Odess Theater
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, hotline 907-747-8866
SATURDAY
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Open Practice, Sitka Sportsman’s Association indoor pistol range 10 a.m. Winter’s Bone indoor flea market/auction, ANB Founders Hall
10 a.m. T’ai Chi Chih Practice, See House behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
10:30 a.m. Outdoor Trap and S***t, Sitka Sportsman’s Association
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon-4 p.m. Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon-3 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
2-4 p.m. Art/bookbinding workshop, Blatchley, info: [email protected], 907-747-4031
6:30 p.m. Point House revitalization project fundraiser, Centennial Hall, go to pointhouse.org
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s Church basement, call 907-747-8866, potluck upstairs at 6 p.m. on last Saturday of the month
SUNDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
3-4:30 p.m. Parent-Tot Time, Blatchley
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln St., hotline 907-747-8866
MONDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
2 p.m. Senior Recreation Program Planning, Swan Lake Senior Center
5:30-6:30 p.m. AA, Sitka Pioneers Home Recreation Kitchen, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
6 p.m. Buoy painting workshop for Brave Heart Volunteers, Sitka Sound Science Center
6 p.m. Sustainability Commission work session, Harrigan Centennial Hall
6 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
7 p.m. Sustainability Commission meeting, Harrigan Centennial Hall

Tlingit Clan Point Houses X'aaká Hít Revitalization - Project Mission/Vision/Scope of Work/National Trust Preservation 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

02/01/2025

CLEARING AWAY –Sitka Public Works and Harbor Department crew members operate snow removal equipment at the Crescent Harbor parking lot this morning under sunny skies. About four inches of snow fell in Sitka since Thursday. While snow is no longer in the forecast, below freezing temperatures and sun are, into the middle of the coming week. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/31/2025

THURSDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10:30 a.m. Baby Raven Reads cultural story time, Sitka Public Library
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
Noon Alanon Zoom, [email protected], for login info
Noon White Elephant Shop open
3 p.m. AARP Resource Presentation, Sitka Pioneers Home Manager’s House
6 p.m. Sitka School District budget presentation, Sitka High School library
6 p.m. ‘‘Indigenous Archaeology’’ by Maggie Spivey-Faulkner, Sitka Public Library
6:30 p.m. Free Dinner by Sitka Homeless Coalition, United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. Women’s AA, Unitarian Fellowship Hall, AA Hotline 907 747-8866
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, AA hotline 907-747-8866
FRIDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
5:30 p.m. NA Meeting, St. Peter’s Church basement
6:30 p.m. ‘‘Broadway Night,’’ by GSAC Sitka Community Theater, Odess Theater
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, hotline 907-747-8866
SATURDAY
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Open Practice, Sitka Sportsman’s Association indoor pistol range 10 a.m. Winter’s Bone indoor flea market/auction, ANB Founders Hall
10 a.m. T’ai Chi Chih Practice, See House behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
10:30 a.m. Outdoor Trap and S***t, Sitka Sportsman’s Association
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon-4 p.m. Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon-3 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
2-4 p.m. Art/bookbinding workshop, Blatchley, info: [email protected], 907-747-4031
6:30 p.m. Point House revitalization project fundraiser, Centennial Hall, go to pointhouse.org
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s Church basement, call 907-747-8866, potluck upstairs at 6 p.m. on last Saturday of the month

Tlingit Clan Point Houses X'aaká Hít Revitalization - Project Mission/Vision/Scope of Work/National Trust Preservation 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

01/31/2025

DOWN TIME – Sitka High School’s only senior on the drama, debate forensics team, Aiden LaFriniere, right, plays chess against Alexander Allison Saturday between events at the Region V DDF meet. The Sitka team took home championship trophies in all three team categories, drama, debate and forensics, at the southeast regional competition. Mt. Edgecumbe had students reaching finals in six events. See story page 1. (Sentinel photo by James Poulson)

01/30/2025

LOOKING FOR AN OPERATOR – Work continues today on the haulout at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park. On Tuesday the Assembly voted to issue an invitation to bid to Highmark Maritime Services of Kodiak for operation of the marine haulout and boatyard at the park. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/29/2025

Calendar of Events
WEDNESDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon White Elephant Shop open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
2-3 p.m. Walk to Connect, ANB Founders Hall
4:30 p.m. Sitka Parkinson’s Support Group, 1212 Seward Ave. (the old BOQ) 907 747-3461
6:30 p.m. STA Kayaani Commission, 204 siginaka Way and Zoom
7 p.m. Sitka Sportsman’s Association Indoor Range open
7 p.m. AA, St. Gregory’s Church, 606 Etolin Street, info: 907-747-8866
THURSDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10:30 a.m. Baby Raven Reads cultural story time, Sitka Public Library
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
Noon Alanon Zoom, [email protected], for login info
Noon White Elephant Shop open
3 p.m. AARP Resource Presentation, Sitka Pioneers Home Manager’s House
6 p.m. Sitka School District budget presentation, Sitka High School library
6 p.m. ‘‘Indigenous Archaeology’’ by Maggie Spivey-Faulkner, Sitka Public Library
6:30 p.m. Free Dinner by Sitka Homeless Coalition, United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. Women’s AA, Unitarian Fellowship Hall, AA Hotline 907 747-8866
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, AA hotline 907-747-8866
FRIDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
5:30 p.m. NA Meeting, St. Peter’s Church basement
6:30 p.m. ‘‘Broadway Night,’’ by GSAC Sitka Community Theater, Odess Theater
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, hotline 907-747-8866

01/29/2025

Calendar of Events:
TUESDAY
4-5 p.m. Free Dinner, by Sitka Homeless Coalition, at AC Lakeside deli
5:30 p.m. Pollination Journey STEM program for ages 7 to 12, Sitka Public Library
6-8 p.m. School Board meets with Sitka High School parents on budget, SHS library
6 p.m. Assembly, Centennial Hall
WEDNESDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon White Elephant Shop open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
2-3 p.m. Walk to Connect, ANB Founders Hall
4:30 p.m. Sitka Parkinson’s Support Group, 1212 Seward Ave. (the old BOQ) 907 747-3461
6:30 p.m. STA Kayaani Commission, 204 siginaka Way and Zoom
7 p.m. Sitka Sportsman’s Association Indoor Range open
7 p.m. AA, St. Gregory’s Church, 606 Etolin Street, info: 907-747-8866
THURSDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10:30 a.m. Baby Raven Reads cultural story time, Sitka Public Library
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
Noon Alanon Zoom, [email protected], for login info
Noon White Elephant Shop open
3 p.m. AARP Resource Presentation, Sitka Pioneers Home Manager’s House
6 p.m. Sitka School District budget presentation, Sitka High School library
6 p.m. ‘‘Indigenous Archaeology’’ by Maggie Spivey-Faulkner, Sitka Public Library
6:30 p.m. Free Dinner by Sitka Homeless Coalition, United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. Women’s AA, Unitarian Fellowship Hall, AA Hotline 907 747-8866
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, AA hotline 907-747-8866

01/29/2025

GROUNDWORK - K&E Alaska’s Makai Saline, left, and Tim Eddy, on excavator, work on grading the parking area in front of the new SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center Friday. Russell Walls, superintendent at Davis Constructors & Engineers, the main contractor on the 248,000-square-foot building, said Friday the project is “tracking” with interior work well underway. At a December presentation SEARHC Hospital Administrator Bill Spivey said the building, budgeted at $410 million, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/28/2025

100 – Brownie Thomsen, a Sitka resident since 1949, right, talks with well-wisher Linda Litten during Thomsen’s 100th birthday celebration at Harrigan Centennial Hall Saturday. Scores turned out for the event, including some out-of-town friends and former neighbors. Since first moving to Sitka to work with tuberculosis patients as a nurse, Thomsen has been active in health care and outdoor recreation. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/27/2025

MONDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10 a.m.-Noon, Free Senior Coffee Social, Swan Lake Senior Center
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
3:30 p.m. Bike Club, Salty Spokes Bike Co-Op
5:30-6:30 p.m. AA, Sitka Pioneers Home Recreation Kitchen, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
6 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
7 p.m. New Archangel Dancers recruitment, NAD studio
TUESDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10:30 a.m. Sitka Sprouts, ages 3-5 years and caregivers, Sitka Sound Science Center
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon Rotary Club, Misfit Island Cafe
3-7 p.m. Co-Op produce delivery day, 236 Lincoln St. #114
4-5 p.m. Free Dinner, by Sitka Homeless Coalition, at AC Lakeside deli
5:30 p.m. Pollination Journey STEM program for ages 7 to 12, Sitka Public Library
6-8 p.m. School Board meets with Sitka High School parents on budget, SHS library
6 p.m. Assembly, Centennial Hall
WEDNESDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon White Elephant Shop open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon STA Tribal Council, via Teleconference
2-3 p.m. Walk to Connect, ANB Founders Hall
4:30 p.m. Sitka Parkinson’s Support Group, 1212 Seward Ave. (the old BOQ) 907 747-3461
6:30 p.m. STA Kayaani Commission, 204 siginaka Way and Zoom
7 p.m. Sitka Sportsman’s Association Indoor Range open
7 p.m. AA, St. Gregory’s Church, 606 Etolin Street, info: 907-747-8866

01/25/2025

ANTI PETITION – Jeremy Plank, right, and Ian Dempster, members of Safeguard Sitka’s Future, safeguardsitka.com, address the Sitka Rotary Club Tuesday at the Misfit Island Cafe about possible impacts of a citizens initiative on the tourism industry. At its meeting Tuesday, February 18, Rotary will hear from sponsors of the initiative petition calling for a vote to limit cruise ship visitation. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/24/2025

Calendar of Events
FRIDAY
5:30 p.m. NA Meeting, St. Peter’s Church basement
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, hotline 907-747-8866
SATURDAY
10 a.m. Sitka Community Land Trust annual meeting, Harrigan Centennial Hall
10:30 a.m. BeTween Art Club, Sitka Public Library
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon-4 p.m. Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon-3 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
2 p.m. Open Skate, Blatchley
3 p.m. Open Gym, Blatchley
2-4 p.m. 100th birthday event for Brownie Thomsen, Harrigan Centennial Hall
7 p.m. Community Barn Dance, Odess Theater on SJ Campus
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s Church basement, call 907-747-8866, potluck upstairs at 6 p.m. on last Saturday of the month
SUNDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
3 p.m. Sacred Harp Singing, Pioneers Home Chapel
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln St., hotline 907-747-8866
MONDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10 a.m.-Noon, Free Senior Coffee Social, Swan Lake Senior Center
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
3:30 p.m. Bike Club, Salty Spokes Bike Co-Op
5:30-6:30 p.m. AA, Sitka Pioneers Home Recreation Kitchen, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
6 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
7 p.m. New Archangel Dancers recruitment, NAD studio
TUESDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
10:30 a.m. Sitka Sprouts, ages 3-5 years and caregivers, Sitka Sound Science Center
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon Rotary Club, Room 230, UAS
3-7 p.m. Co-Op produce delivery day, 236 Lincoln St. #114
4-5 p.m. Free Dinner, by Sitka Homeless Coalition, at AC Lakeside deli
5:30 p.m. Pollination Journey STEM program for ages 7 to 12, Sitka Public Library
6-8 p.m. School Board meets with Sitka High School parents on budget, SHS library
6 p.m. Assembly, Centennial Hall

01/24/2025

Calendar of Events:
THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Sitka Emblem Club initiation, Elks Lodge
6:30 p.m. Free dinner, by Sitka Homeless Coalition, United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. Women’s AA, Unitarian Fellowship Hall, AA Hotline 907 747-8866
7 p.m. ‘‘Murder History and Dessert’’ fundraiser by Betsy Longenbaugh, Harrigan Centennial Hall
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, AA hotline 907-747-8866
FRIDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
5:30 p.m. NA Meeting, St. Peter’s Church basement
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, hotline 907-747-8866
SATURDAY
10 a.m. Sitka Community Land Trust annual meeting, Harrigan Centennial Hall
10:30 a.m. BeTween Art Club, Sitka Public Library
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon-4 p.m. Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon-3 p.m. White Elephant Shop open
2 p.m. Open Skate, Blatchley
3 p.m. Open Gym, Blatchley
2-4 p.m. 100th birthday event for Brownie Thomsen, Harrigan Centennial Hall
7 p.m. Community Barn Dance, Odess Theater on SJ Campus
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s Church basement, call 907-747-8866, potluck upstairs at 6 p.m. on last Saturday of the month

01/24/2025

City Administrator John Leach stands in front of city hall this afternoon. On Wednesday Leach spoke at the Sitka Chamber of Commerce noon luncheon about Sitka’s social and economic conditions. Leach said 2024 was a year of success and growth for the city. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/23/2025

Calendar of Events:
WEDNESDAY
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon White Elephant Shop open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon STA Tribal Council, via Teleconference
2 p.m. Walk to Connect, ANB Founders Hall
4:30 p.m. Sitka Parkinson’s Support Group, 1212 Seward Ave. (the old BOQ) 907 747-3461
7 p.m. Sitka Sportsman’s Association Indoor Range open
7 p.m. AA, St. Gregory’s Church, 606 Etolin Street, info: 907-747-8866
THURSDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
Noon Alanon Zoom, [email protected], for login info
Noon White Elephant Shop open
6:30 p.m. Sitka Emblem Club initiation, Elks Lodge
6:30 p.m. Free dinner, by Sitka Homeless Coalition, United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. Women’s AA, Unitarian Fellowship Hall, AA Hotline 907 747-8866
7 p.m. ‘‘Murder History and Dessert’’ fundraiser by Betsy Longenbaugh, Harrigan Centennial Hall
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, AA hotline 907-747-8866
FRIDAY
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
5:30 p.m. NA Meeting, St. Peter’s Church basement
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, hotline 907-747-8866

01/23/2025

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS - Jackie DiGennaro sings and dances with a teddy bear Saturday at the Sitka Public Library during the Sitka Babies and Books Stuffed Animal Sleepover Program. Children dropped off their second favorite stuffed animal on Friday for an overnight stay at the library. At the Saturday program DiGennaro showed slides of the stuffed animals participating in various activities. Babies and toddlers received free books at the event. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/22/2025

ROUNDABOUT VIGIL – Cindy Litman, foreground, and other war protestors hold signs at the roundabout Saturday as they have nearly every week since the beginning of the Israeli-Hamas conflict more than a year ago. With the beginning of a ceasefire agreement the group is hopeful that Saturday is their last gathering. On Sunday three Israeli women hostages were released from Gaza and 90 Palestinians were freed from Israeli jails in return. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

01/21/2025

Calendar of Events:
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. Sitka Sprouts, ages 3-5 years and caregivers, Sitka Sound Science Center
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon Rotary Club, Room 230, UAS
3-7 p.m. Organic produce delivery day, Sitka Food Coop
4-5 p.m. Free dinner, Sitka Homeless Coalition, at AC Lakeside deli
WEDNESDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
8 a.m. Xóots Elementary Parents, School Board meeting, at the school
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon White Elephant Shop open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, call AA hotline 747-8866 for information
Noon STA Tribal Council, via Teleconference
2 p .m. Walk to Connect, ANB Founders Hall
4:30 p.m. Sitka Parkinson’s Support Group, 1212 Seward Ave. (the old BOQ) 907 747-3461
7 p.m. Sitka Sportsman’s Association Indoor Range open
7 p.m. AA, St. Gregory’s Church, 606 Etolin Street, info: 907-747-8866
THURSDAY
6-8 a.m. MEHS Aquatic Center Pool Open
11-2 Salvation Army Little Store open
Noon AA, St. Peter’s basement, AA hotline 907-747-8866 for information
Noon Alanon Zoom, [email protected], for login info
Noon White Elephant Shop open
6:30 p.m. Free dinner, by Sitka Homeless Coalition, United Methodist Church
6:30 p.m. Women’s AA, Unitarian Fellowship Hall, AA Hotline 907 747-8866
7 p.m. ‘‘Murder History and Dessert’’ fundraiser by Betsy Longenbaugh, Harrigan Centennial Hall
7 p.m. AA, St. Peter’s basement, 611 Lincoln Street, AA hotline 907-747-8866