Press Releases and Public Service Announcements
Utility Crews Responding to Series of Minor Outages 
2/17/2026

The City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department is aware of a series of minor power outages that have occurred since 10:03 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17. Since the initial outage, department staff have been diligently searching to locate the fault. Citizens are urged to report any unusual noises or sounds near power infrastructure. 

To report unusual noises, sounds, or arcing please call the Blue Lake Powerplant at (907)-747-5733

The Utility is dedicated to resolving this issue and will continue its diligent search until the cause has been identified and mitigated.


Board/Committee/Commission Meeting dates for the week of February 16, 2026 
2/17/2026
  • The Tree and Landscape Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 17 at 12:00 PM. Agenda items include: Future projects.
  • The Health Needs and Human Services Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 PM. Agenda items include: Updates from working groups and nominating a commission member to participate as a member of Sitka’s Walkability Action Institute team.
  • The Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM. Agenda items include: Public hearing and consideration of a conditional use permit for a mobile home (travel trailer) on an interim basis at 565 Kramer Avenue, and Discussion of zoning code changes for cruise related docks.
  • The Tourism Commission will meet on Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 PM. Agenda items include: Status update of Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) program, Discussion and recommendations on Lincoln Street closure and other city operations for the 2026 visitor season, and Review of code changes for cruise ship docks.
  • The Gary Paxton Industrial Park Board will meet on Thursday, February 19 at 3:00 PM. Agenda items include: GPIP Zoning Discussion, Silver Bay Seafoods Lot 9c Lease Request, NSRAA Lease Request, and GPIP Officers.

Meetings are held at Harrigan Centennial Hall and are open to the public.


Holiday Closure for GPIP Scrap Yard
2/11/2026

The City and Borough of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP) Scrap Yard located at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Tuesday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, February 18. GPIP Scrap Yard is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the exception of observed holidays. 

Please contact the CBS Public Works Department with any questions. 907.747.1804.


Listening Through the Heart Sound Bath at Sitka Public Library
1/28/2026

Sitka Public Library will offer a free sound bath program led by Sound Healing Practitioner Laura Humphreys on Tuesday, February 17th at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats, blankets, pillows, and eye coverings for comfort. To reserve your spot, call Sitka Public Library at 747-4020. For more information, email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Blind Date with A Book at the Library
1/24/2026

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by going on a Blind Date with a Book! Gift-wrapped books for all ages will be on display at Sitka Public Library throughout the month of February. Read the clues, choose a book, check it out, unwrap, and enjoy!

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


Fiber Arts Talk with Kathy Rousso at the Library
1/24/2026

The public is invited to hear Ketchikan-based fiber artist Kathy Rousso speak about her journey from Mexico to Colombia, what she learned along the way, and influences on her contemporary work on Thursday, February 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the Sitka Public Library Multipurpose Room. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Fiber Arts Workshop with Kathy Rousso at the Library
1/24/2026

Ketchikan-based fiber artist Kathy Rousso will lead a workshop at Sitka Public Library on February 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Participants will learn how to make a Guatemalan-style net bag using the knotless-netting technique, and thigh-spun agave fiber from Guatemala will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. To reserve your spot, visit the library and pay the $60 registration fee, cash or check only. For more information please call Margot at 747-4020 or email margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.


Stay and Play Program at the Library

12/24/2025

Babies, toddlers, and siblings up to five-years-old are invited to the Stay and Play Program at Sitka Public Library. Programs during the fall will run the following Tuesdays from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Sitka Public Library's multipurpose room: January 13, January 27, February 3, February 24, March 3, March 10, and March 17. This is a self-guided program. Families will have access to a variety of tinkering toys and activities. Materials will be available to use until 4:25 p.m. to allow for clean-up time.

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


Winter Preschool Storytime Schedule at Sitka Public Library

12/24/2025

During the winter months, Sitka Public Library’s Preschool Storytime will be offered the following Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the library’s multipurpose room: January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, and March 19. The program includes readings, rhymes, songs, and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.

For more information call 907.747.4020. 


Reminder Business Personal Property Declarations Due February 18

12/22/2025

The City and Borough of Sitka Assessing Department will be sending out Business Personal Property Declarations on December 22. All business personal property subject to taxation is to be itemized and declared per SGC 4.12.050. A declaration form can be requested by emailing assessing@cityofsitka.org. Declarations can be returned to the Assessor’s Office, 100 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835 or emailed to assessing@cityofsitka.org. Declarations must be post marked or received by 4:00 p.m. February 18, 2026, to avoid a $100 late fee per SGC 4.12.055 and to receive the filing on time $25,000 assessed value exemption per Alaska State Statute 29.45.050. 

Contact the Assessing Department by email or calling 907.747.1822 for further information. 



Work Float Closure for Repairs

11/26/2025

Beginning Tuesday, December 2, the Fisherman’s Work Float at 1494 Seward Avenue on Japonski Island will be closed to the public while crews complete major repairs to extend the service life of the structure and improve safety. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of February 2026. For questions, please contact the Harbormaster’s Office at 907.747.4017.


Vacancies on Municipal Boards, Commissions, Committees

10/14/2025

Volunteer positions are available on the following Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Animal Hearing Board, Building Department Appeals Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Investment Committee, Library Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Planning Commission, Police and Fire Commission, Sustainability Commission, and Tree and Landscape Committee. 

Interested individuals may submit a board application and letter of interest or resume to the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 100 Lincoln Street or clerk@cityofsitka.org. Applications are available online HERE or at the Clerk’s Office. Please contact the Clerk's Office with any questions at 907.747.1826.


How to Participate in Assembly Meetings
5/23/2025

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 907.747.1826 or 907.747.1811.