RENAMING – Tlingit elder Harvey Kitka, Yanshkoo.wu, speaks to students at Xóots Elementary School this afternoon during a short renaming ceremony. The School Board adopted the new name, which means brown bear in Tlingit, in March 2024 to replace the old name, Baranof Elementary School. At today’s ceremony, children from the after-school culture class sang in Tlingit, new signs were on display and Charlie Skultka Jr. was recognized for the formline bear design he provided for the school logo. In his remarks, Kitka told those assembled in the school gymnasium about his experience as a youngster in the school when it was brand new. He said speaking Tlingit was not encouraged then. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Former Sitkan Helen Austin Dies in Anchorage at Age 72
Helen Louise Austin
Helen Louise Austin was born June 2, 1949, in Burbank, California. She passed away on July 5, 2021, in Anchorage at the age of 72.
Helen was the oldest daughter of the six children of James Leeroy “Lee” Coleman and Mary Jane Bixby. Her siblings included Dave Coleman, Mike Coleman (deceased June 30, 2002), Larry Coleman, Mary Ellen Strehlo and Carol Wilburn.
In 1960, Helen’s parents moved to Anchorage, where she went to Clark Junior High and East High School. In 1966 the Coleman family moved to Sitka, where Helen graduated from Sitka High School. Helen married Gregory Keith “Bo” Austin December 12, 1968, and they had two children, Keith Sean Austin and Mistie Lee Austin. Bo and Helen raised their family primarily in Sitka where Helen worked at Alaska Lumber and Pulp.
The Austins moved to Anchorage in 1984, but also spent time in Juneau and Kotzebue. Helen worked as a baker in Sitka, Juneau and Anchorage, including Lakeside Grocery, The Fiddlehead, UAA, The Hilton, The Sheraton and the Governor’s Mansion Christmas Party.
Helen had such a generous soul, always bringing joy through her gift of baking. She made the most beautiful and delectable desserts and would often donate trays of desserts for every event and gathering her children or grandchildren attended. Even if a friend needed baked goods for an event, suddenly 200 cookies and mini tarts would appear at the doorstep. A favorite recipe of Helen’s were her famous decadence and peanut butter pie.
She spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren – Ryan Austin, Alexander Austin, Nicholas Austin and Annabelle Austin – teaching them her recipes and techniques. Helen’s love was shared from the kitchen where she spent a great deal of time with the whole family. She had a stool that she always sat on in the kitchen, and this is where her children and grandchildren would gather.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Jane, and her brother Mike. She is survived by her husband, Bo Austin; her children, Keith Austin and Misitie Austin; and grandchildren Ryan Austin, Alexander Austin, Nicholas Austin and Annabelle Austin.
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20 YEARS AGO
February 2005
Photo caption: S&S General Contractors crew bury conduit along Sawmill Creek Road as part of a sewer line project. They’ve been working only at night, using portable lights to direct traffic. Sitkans living between Shotgun Alley and Indian River Road are asked not to use drains or toilets Thursday as pump stations will be turned off.
50 YEARS AGO
February 1975
Photo caption: Five players selected for the first All Tournament team in the American Legion Southeast Alaska Basketball Tournament hold their trophies. From left are Jeff Klanott, Klukwan ANB; Rick Ludigsen, Ketchikan Webber Air; Al Kookesh, Angoon ANB; Terry Friske, Klukwan ANB; and Mike Erickson, Ketchikan Webber Air.
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