Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Reminder: Check Your Utility Account

9/16/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka’s utility payment systems are now fully restored. We encourage all customers to log in to the online portal and review their accounts as soon as possible to ensure payments are current and to avoid service interruption.

As a reminder, customers who were enrolled in autopay prior to August 1 must re-enroll through the new portal. After re-enrolling, please confirm your autopay settings so future payments process correctly

For questions or assistance, please contact the Utility Office at 907.747.1818 or utilities@cityofsitka.org. 

GPIP Haul-Out Ribbon Cutting

9/15/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka invites the public to attend a ribbon cutting for the new Marine Haul-Out at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park on Thursday, September 18 at 11:00 a.m. The event will feature brief remarks and a photo opportunity.  

This milestone project supports Sitka’s working waterfront and provides critical infrastructure for the community and region. The public is encouraged to join in celebrating the completion of this important facility. 

Seasonal Sales Tax Rate Change October 1

9/15/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka Tax Office would like to remind all citizens that the seasonal sales tax rate will decrease to 5% effective October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Bed Tax for rentals less than 30 days remains at 6% year-round. If you have any questions, please contact the Tax Office at 907.747.1840 or tax@cityofsitka.org.

System Restored, No Data Compromised

9/15/2025

In the early morning hours of September 2, the City and Borough of Sitka’s cybersecurity team detected and stopped an attempted attack on one of our servers. The attempt was blocked immediately, and the server was secured.

As a precaution, several administrative passwords were reset. This safeguard temporarily affected access to our internal computer system, including payment processing. CBS IT staff and our vendor worked together throughout the week to resolve the issue, and full service was restored September 8.

During this period, CBS’s new online payment portal was unavailable to customers. Scheduled automatic payments continued to process securely. 

Our investigation has determined that no data was compromised or exposed. While we recognize this situation was frustrating, the protections worked as intended to keep information safe and prevent future incidents. 

The City and Borough of Sitka remains committed to protecting the integrity of our systems and the privacy of our customers. We will keep strengthening our cybersecurity defenses to continue to prevent future incidents.

Health Needs and Human Services Meeting - September 17

9/12/2025

The Health Needs and Human Services Commission will meet at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive. Agenda items include: Discussion/Decision on amendments to Sitka General Code Chapter 2.30 “Health Needs and Human Services Commission,” Discussion/Decision on due dates for presentations and final reports, and Updates from working groups. The meeting is open to the public.

Tree and Landscape Committee Meeting - September 16

9/12/2025

The Tree and Landscape Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at noon, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Agenda items include: Discussion of the winter schedule. This meeting is open to the public.

Sitka Seaplane Base Pilot Stakeholder Meeting

9/12/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka will host a Pilot Stakeholder Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall in Meeting Room 5. The meeting will provide a brief project status update on the FAA preferred design, schedule, and environmental assessment progress, and leave time for questions.

Those unable to attend in person may join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/join. Meeting ID: 820 2365 1525, passcode 895289.

For more information, contact the City and Borough of Sitka Airport Terminal Manager at 907.747.1803 or by emailing joseph.bea@cityofsitka.org. 

Sitka Cross Trail - Granite Creek Bridge Closure Until Further Notice

9/12/2025

The Granite Creek Bridge on the new section of the Cross Trail near Harbor Mountain Road has sustained significant storm damage and is closed until further notice. The bridge experienced structural damage and pedestrian traffic could cause further damage. 

For your safety, please avoid the area and follow all posted 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.

Adult Game Night at Sitka Public Library

9/11/2025

Sitka Public Library will host free adult game nights from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 14th and 28th. Games from the Sitka Public Library collection will be available, and games from home are welcome! Individuals and groups of all skill levels are invited to join. For more information, please call Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

Debris Flow and Flooding Reported in Sitka Area

9/11/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka was alerted at 11:35 p.m. of debris flow activity in Sitka, specifically impacting residents at 1914 and 1916 Cascade Creek Road. In addition, flooding has been reported in the Monastery and Hirst Street and in the Edgecumbe Drive and Charteris Street area.

The Sitka Fire Department, Streets Department, Police Department, and Wastewater Division  have been on scene assisting. Residents in the affected locations were notified face-to-face by first responders to ensure they were aware of the situation.

Forecast models and tools did not show risk. The City and Borough of Sitka encourages citizens in the affected areas, and throughout Sitka, to take precautions and remain alert to changing conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting minimal rain through the morning. For updated weather information, visit www.weather.gov.

City and Borough of Sitka emergency management staff are actively monitoring the situation. Updates will be shared through official CBS channels, including public service announcements and the City website if any significant changes or new developments occur.

Directors' Forum at Sitka Public Library

9/9/2025

The American Documentary Film and Animation Festival (AmDocs) and Sitka Public Library will host a diectors’ forum moderated by Ellen Frankenstein at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11th in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. Join us to meet some of the featured directors from the AmDocs Festival and learn more about the art and industry of filmmaking. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Margot at 907.747.4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.

City League Basketball Registration Open

9/3/2025

Registration for the 2025 City League Basketball season is now open! Games begin on Monday, October 6 in the Blatchley Middle School Gym. There will be four divisions: Women’s, Recreational, Competitive, and Master’s (45+).

Interested players can complete registration and pay the $80 player fee online at recreation.cityofsitka.com. Sponsor forms can also be found online; the cost is $500 per team. All payments and registration must be turned in prior to play.

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

New Airport Terminal Addition Opened September 4

9/3/2025

Please be advised that the new airport terminal addition is open for operation as of Thursday, September 4. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening checkpoint has been relocated to allow passengers access into the new passenger holding area. The existing passenger holding area will no longer be in use. Travelers will head south from the ticketing/check-in area to the TSA checkpoint and into the new addition to board their flight. 

Deplaning travelers will exit through the addition into the existing building and access the baggage claim through the concourse. There are no changes to the baggage claim operations or location at this time.

Registration Open for Couch to 5K

8/29/2025

Register now for the City and Borough of Sitka Parks & Recreation division’s Couch to 5K!

Join KK Prussian for this free 8-week running program starting September 15. This group will meet Mondays and Wednesday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. at the Lower Moller Track.

Participants will be prepared with the skills and training to run in the WhaleFest 5k on November 8 (separate registration required). No experience needed, all are welcome.

Though this program is free, registration is required at recreation.cityofsitka.com. For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org. 

Registration For Afterschool Explorers: Habitats

8/29/2025

The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation division announces registration for Afterschool Explorers: Habitats. First graders are invited to discover different biomes and the animals that live in them including coral reef, desert, rainforest, and the arctic. Each week will include plants and animal yoga poses, an art project, and a STEM project. This program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. starting September 30. All classes are held in the Xóots Breakfast Room.

Register now at recreation.cityofsitka.com. The fee for this program is $50. Scholarships are available, apply online prior to registration.

For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org.

Special WWII History Walking Tour

8/28/2025

A free World War II walking tour for those 55 and older is offered, sponsored by Sitka Recreation Foundation in coordination with Sitka Parks & Recreation and the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society. Tour will be held on Friday, September 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. starting at the Japonski Boathouse, 1490 Seward Avenue.

This tour will feature the historic Japonski Island Boathouse and other WWII buildings. Participants will learn about what military infrastructure was here, why it matters, and how it relates to Sitka's long history and this place as Tlingit Land. The tour will be led by Rebecca Poulson, a researcher and writer about Sitka's history.

While the event is free, pre-registration is required. Registration can be found online at recreation.cityofsitka.com or by calling the Sitka Parks & Recreation Office at 907.747.4031. Space is limited to 20 participants.

For more information, contact Sitka Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.

Commercial Recreational Land Use Plan

8/25/2025

Help shape the future of commercial recreation. The 2026 Commercial Recreational Land Use Plan is being developed and the City of Sitka needs your input. Public comments will directly inform the guidelines for issuing permits, so join us at our public meetings and make your voice heard. Open Comment Period September 1 – 21, in person public engagements and meetings; September 25 6PM at Harrigan Centennial Hall, October 2 6PM at Sitka High School Library, October 14 regular Assembly meeting. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at recreation@cityofsitka.org or 907.747.4031.

Sitka Babies and Books September Program

8/23/2025

Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library invite babies, toddlers and preschoolers to Bear is Sleeping, a program happening at the library on Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 am. A reading and activities around the theme of hibernation will be part of the event. Pre-register children will receive a free new book.

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

Fall Teen Poetry Café at the Library

8/23/2025

The Sitka Public Library Teen Advisory Board invites tweens and teens to a Fall poetry café at the library on Saturday, September 20 from 4 to 5 pm. Hosts are exchanging a poem for a beverage and a pastry. Poems and materials to work on blackout poetry will be available and read aloud will be welcome. All are welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 

Leader Library Teen to meet

8/20/2025

Sitka Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, September 11 at 5:00 pm in the library’s multipurpose room. Conversation about books, planning for upcoming teen library programs, and hang-out time are part of the agenda. Teens 13 and older are invited to join the board. This is a stress-free, fun event and free pizza and snacks are included.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 

Junior Reporter Club Registration Opens

8/14/2025

The City of Sitka Parks and Recreation division, in partnership with the Daily Sitka Sentinel, offers a Junior Reporter Club to students grades 6-8, starting September 15. Participants will explore journalism with Daily Sitka Sentinel reporters Anna Laffrey and Cathy Li. Students will practice the fundamentals of news reporting, writing, and editing. Learn how journalists contribute to their communities and build media literacy. The club will feature field trips and special guests with lessons in photojournalism, broadcasting, social media and more. Each participant will write a project for publication in the Daily Sitka Sentinel.

Register now at recreation.cityofsitka.com. Class fee is $40, scholarships are available through the Sitka Recreation Foundation. For questions, contact Parks and Recreation at 907.747.4031 or recreation@cityofsitka.org. 

Free STEM Kits at Sitka Public Library

8/13/2025

Children 7-10 are invited to pick up a STEM kit-to-go at Sitka Public Library. This program will run every Friday from September 5 to September 26, and every Friday from November 7 to December 12. Kits are free and they will be available until they are gone.

For more information call 907.747.4020 or email Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.