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Most read stories

Data Center Control New Issue for Sitka

By ANNA LAFFREY
Sentinel Staff Writer

4 days ago

Seasonal Halt Oct. 31 on Lake Street Project

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

3 days ago

Police Chief Hall Warns of Fentanyl Danger

By ANNA LAFFREY
Sentinel Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 14

Fond Memories

3 days ago

JKT Brings Campaign, With Music, to Town

By MAYA GRAHAM
Special to the Sentinel
Friday, October 16

Taxi, Tour Drivers Share Views on Ordinance

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

2 days ago

Today's top stories

It's More Than a Job, Say Sitka Election Workers

Wilma Stokes-Leslie, who works in the early voting site at Centennial Hall for the Nov. 3 general election, shows the 200-foot-long string that's provided by the Alaska Division of Elections for poll workers. State law prohibits any campaign material or active campaigning within 200 feet of a polling station – that includes hats, buttons and T-shirts. 
Early, in-person voting for Alaska’s general election opened in Sitka on Tuesday morning, and as of this afternoon more than 530 people had cast ballots at the Centennial Hall voting site. The Alaska Division of Elections reported Thursday that...

By ANNA LAFFREY
Sentinel Staff Writer

8 hours ago
Sticky notes cover a board listing ideas for improving Lower Moller Field, Thursday at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The board was part of a community meeting hosted by Sitka Parks and Recreation Division and Sitka Recreation Foundation Thursday to gather input from Sitkans that would help build a long range Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Sitkans Share Ideas for 20-Year Recreation Plan

More than a hundred Sitkans weighed in Thursday with their suggestions and priorities for a 20-year Parks and Recreation master plan. Sitka Recreation Foundation and the city Parks and Recreation division hosted the three-hour open house. The...

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

8 hours ago
Work continues on the new QTS data center in Eagle Mountain on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Planners Vote Down Data Centers for Now

As data center developers show interest in Alaska, city leaders are taking steps to keep data centers out of Sitka until proper local protections are in place. At their regular meeting Wednesday night Planning Commission members recommended in a...

By ANNA LAFFREY
Sentinel Staff Writer

2 days ago
Cab and tour operators ask questions as Assembly members Thor Christianson, foreground, and Scott Saline, out of frame, host a meeting on rule and rate changes Tuesday night at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Taxi, Tour Drivers Share Views on Ordinance

A town hall discussion on the proposed ordinance to regulate the taxicab and commercial passenger business in Sitka drew a good turnout at Centennial Hall Tuesday night, and produced a number of suggestions for changes in proposed and current...

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

2 days ago
Proposed future closure and traffic flow for Monastery St. as a continuation of the Lake Street project.

Access to Be Restricted On Monastery Street

Starting next week "cut-through" traffic will be closed off on Monastery Street between DeGroff and Arrowhead streets, the city Public Works Department has announced. The traffic pattern change is timed with the Oct. 31 reopening of Lake Street,...

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

2 days ago
Katie Sherffius holds up a cardboard humpy as she rides with Tyrus Levack on the NSRAA float during the Alaska Day parade Sunday. Judges awarded the float a prize for the most representative of the theme, "Our City, Our Story." The U.S. Army won the "best marching group" award.; the Seattle Firefighters  Pipes and Drums corps won "best musical group" award; GCI took the "best business group" award.; the Baranof Ballers won the "best youth group" award; Sitka Emblem Club was judged "best nonprofit"; Sitka High School Band was deemed "most outstanding school group"; and Keystone Kops, Gray Bar Hotel won the "judges choice" award.

Alaska Day Parade Winners Listed

Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association had the float that was most representative of the parade's theme, "Our City, Our Story." U.S. Army members comprised the "Best Marching Group." Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums won "Best...
By Sentinel Staff
2 days ago
Sports

Hames Center 'Soft-Opens' New Hardwood

The Hames Center gym floor has never looked brighter – at least not in the past four decades. On Saturday, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp will mark the completion of a project to sand the floor, replace sections and make other improvements. The “soft...

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

9 hours ago
Mt. Edgecumbe teammembers cheer for Lady Braves senior Ilana Kalke as she is taken down by Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Harlee Brown in their 145-pound match during a dual meet at the George Houston Gymnasium, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. Kalke won the match by pin. JDHS defeated MEHS in the team scoring.

MEHS Lady Braves Scramble and Shoot at JDHS Dual Meet

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé wrestling team brought back the old-school dual meet in the George Houston Gymnasium on Thursday, with the Crimson Bears boys grappling Anchorage’s Dimond High School Lynx and the Crimson Bears girls...
By KLAS STOLPE
Juneau Independent
9 hours ago

Little League Annual Meeting Set for Tuesday

Sitka Little League is holding its annual meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Blatchley Middle School gymnasium. Parents, coaches, volunteers and fans of baseball and softball are encouraged to attend the meeting, Sitka Little...
9 hours ago
Sitka High School's Taryn Fleming smiles after finishing   the 200 yard free style relay preliminary Friday at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School Aquatic Center.

Sitka High Swimmers Post Personal Best Times

Sitka High boys and girls racked up a number of personal and season’s best times at their only home meet last weekend at the Mt. Edgecumbe Aquatic Center. Sitka times and places are below; a story on the meet was in Tuesday’s Sentinel. SB stands...
By Sentinel Staff
2 days ago

City League Basketball Update: 10/22/26

Harry Race held off Allen Marine for a 51-46 win Wednesday night in City League masters basketball at the Blatchley Middle School gymnasium. Andrew Friske led all scorers with 25 points. Tonight, Vangreens will face Hard Tacos at 7:45 p.m. at...
2 days ago
Community News
Police blotter

Police Blotter
October 23, 2026

Police Blotter Sitka Police. Department logged the following calls Thursday. A caller reported possible bank fraud. No theft had occurred. The caller was advised on how to secure information. A sexual assault was reported and is under...

8 hours ago
Obituaries
Screenshot
Wayne C. Bowers Dies; Business Owner was 69
Wayne Cameron Bowers, a construction company owner, fisherman, and a 24-year Sitka resident, died August 11 of a heart condition in Burien, Washington. He was 69. No services are scheduled at this time. Wayne was born June 22, 1957, in Chapel...
8 hours ago
Dr. Thomas Edwin Jacobsen, DDS
Dr. Tom Jacobsen Dies; Service to Be on Nov. 8
Dr. Thomas Edwin Jacobsen, DDS, age 79, of Sitka, died September 7, 2026. Tom was born December 27, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Donald and Marian Jacobsen. He earned an undergraduate degree in general science from the University of Iowa...
Friday, October 16
Former Sitkan Mackenzie Clarke Dies in Seattle
The family of Mackenzie Augustus Clarke, 37, with profound sadness writes that he died unexpectedly on September 16 in Seattle. The former Sitkan, a Sitka High graduate, was the beloved son of David and Raine Clarke, brother of Kelsie and Zachary...
Friday, October 9
Wrangell Teacher, Coach Phil Wayne Dies in Sitka
Phillip I. Wayne passed away peacefully at his home in Sitka on Monday, September 27, at the age of 89. Phil’s arrival on February 7, 1937, in Corbin, Kentucky, was prominently featured in the Corbin Times as the first Caesarean birth in Laurel...
Friday, October 9
Alaska News
President Donald Trump listens as Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks at a campaign rally at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Wasilla, Alaska. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump administration sues to block possible Democratic win in Alaska Senate race

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit to block certification of the U.S. Senate race in Alaska if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. Another candidate with the same name is on the ballot. …
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI
5 hours ago
President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign rally at Sioux Gateway Airport, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, in Sioux City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Latest: Trump administration sues to block possible Democratic win in Alaska Senate race

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit to block certification of the Alaska Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. Concerns have risen about a potential lengthy battle over election …
By The Associated Press
8 hours ago
This combination photo shows Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, left, in Palmer, Alaska, Aug. 17, 2026, and a candidate in Alaska's Senate race, Dan Sullivan, right, in Petersburg, Alaska, July 3, 2026. (AP Photos/Mark Thiessen/Becky Bohrer)

What's going on with Dan Sullivan and Dan Sullivan? The Alaska Senate litigation, explained

President Donald Trump's administration has taken steps to block the results of a midterm election in Alaska. The issue centers on two candidates named Dan Sullivan on the Senate ballot. One is a …
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI
9 hours ago
Find us on Facebook

Sitka Yesterday
October 23, 2026

20 YEARS AGO

October 2006 

Winners in the Alaska Day Ball included Celeste Tydingco who won the Frankie Haag Memorial Award of $100 for a ballgown made by the wearer. ... For the parade, Blatchley Middle School Band, Sitka Ninth Infantry, Juneau Shrine Club and Sitka Community Hospital won first place in their categories.

50 YEARS AGO

October 1976

Crowds were large and rainfall light for Sitka’s 109th anniversary of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to America. An opening event was raising and dedication of the Bicentennial Totem Pole, carved by Duane Pasco of Seattle, in the National Historical Park. .... For the Arrowhead Lions Club-sponsored fireworks every parking space around the Crescent Harbor area was full.

Costume prizes at the Lord Baranof Ball went to Willa Long and Warren Christianson, best-dressed couple; Jose Ashby, best dressed man; Jo Patterson, Native lady; Dorothy Streit, ballroom costume. Beard winners were Wayne Olson, longest; Jim Daubney Best of Show; and John Henson, Scrawniest.

8 hours ago
From the Associated Press
National news
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski celebrates after the second inning of Game 1 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Brewers withstand Rays' comeback attempt to win 3-2 in Game 1 of World Series

Trevor Megill struck out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third to wiggle out of a ninth-inning jam as the Milwaukee Brewers escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the …
By STEVE MEGARGEE
4 hours ago
FILE - Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally, Oct. 24, 2024, in Clarkston, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Obama is set to campaign with Democrats in Ohio and Michigan as he ramps up midterm efforts

Barack Obama is set to campaign with Democrats running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio and Michigan. These states are crucial for determining control of the Senate. The former president is joining …
By JACQUELINE GANUN
4 hours ago
FILE - A photograph of author A. A. Milne with his son Christopher Robin is displayed beside Milne's son Christopher Robin's beloved teddy bear, the inspiration for "Winne-the-Pooh," at the New York Public Library, Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens,File)

British Embassy quashes Winnie-the-Pooh return rumors, keeping the famed bear in New York

It turns out Winnie-the-Pooh and his fluffy friends aren’t being bear-napped from their longtime home at the New York Public Library. The British Embassy Washington dispelled rumors Thursday about …
By HALLIE GOLDEN
4 hours ago
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitch speed is seen during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball's World Series, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski sets World Series velocity record on his first pitch

Jacob Misiorowski broke the record for fastest World Series pitch with the very first offering of this year’s Fall Classic, a 103.5 mph fastball from the Milwaukee Brewers’ fireballer to the …
By RONALD BLUM
4 hours ago
International
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, who is running for reelection, and opposition presidential candidate Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro attend a televised presidential debate days before the presidential runoff election in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Lula, Bolsonaro reach out to undecided voters in last debate of Brazil's presidential race

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro faced off Friday in their second and final debate ahead of Sunday’s runoff election, but this time with cooler heads …
By MAURICIO SAVARESE
4 hours ago
A woman struggles with winds generated by Typhoon Champi in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)

Typhoon Champi kills 1 and injures 350 in Taiwan overnight as storm weakens

Typhoon Champi has killed one person and injured hundreds in Taiwan. The storm's strong winds and rains continued Friday night into Saturday morning, downing trees and knocking out power for hundreds …
4 hours ago
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Epic Partners in Nottingham, England, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Joe Giddens/Pool Photo via AP)

Prince Harry's wife Meghan 'deeply distressed' by allegations her father had indecent images

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, says she is “deeply distressed” by allegations that a collection of child sexual abuse images have been found at her father’s former home. She also said a letter …
By DANICA KIRKA
5 hours ago

Suspect arrested after 1 killed and several wounded in a shooting in Paris suburb

French authorities report that a shooting in a Parisian suburb on Friday left one person dead and four others wounded. Police arrested a suspect near Trappes, but the motive remains unclear. French …
5 hours ago