Daily Sitka Sentinel

September 11, 2023, Community Happenings

Correction

A story on Page 1 of Friday’s Sentinel about the Planning Commission meeting had the wrong name for one of the applicants to the commission. The correct name is Robin Sherman.

The Sentinel regrets the error.

Public Comment Sought

By USFS on Fee Increase

The public has until Sept. 30 to comment on proposed new and increased recreation fees at 17 developed forest recreation sites in Southeast Alaska, which includes three in Sitka.

The USDA Forest Service locations with proposed changes include developed day-use areas, group picnic sites, campgrounds, cabins, and wildlife viewing sites.

The three Sitka Ranger District sites are at the Sawmill Creek Campground, located off the Blue Lake Road. The campground was completely redesigned and rebuilt, reopening in 2019, following the Blue Lake Dam expansion. 

The addition of fees for campsites, the group campsite and the picnic shelter are proposed. The picnic shelter, group site, and a portion of the campsites would be placed on the www.recreation.gov system, allowing users to reserve them. 

The Forest Service must use funds generated from fee sites for the operation, maintenance and improvement of fee sites, a press release said. Amenities at the Sawmill Creek Campground include vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, parking and trash receptacle. 

A complete list of locations and proposed fees is available on the interactive Alaska Region Recreation Fee Proposals site.

Comments can be submitted four ways from now until Sept. 30:

–Online, electronic comments are accepted at bit.ly/3ItLeOe; 

–Email sm.fs.tnfrecfee@usda.gov; 

–Mail, commenters should mail comments by the closing date to Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan SO, Attention: John Suomala, Recreation & Wilderness Program Manager, 648 Mission Street, Suite No. 110, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591;

–In-person or by phone, comments may be provided in-person at any Forest Service office in southeast Alaska Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by calling 907-228-6215.

Comment information, including name and address, will be considered part of the public record and viewable by the public.

The public will be informed six months before charging a new or increased fee, the press release said. If approved, fee changes would take effect in 2024. For information contact John Suomala, recreation and wilderness program manager, at 907-228-6215.

Usher Training

Set for PAC

A volunteer usher training will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Sitka Performing Arts Center. 

The first opportunity to usher is Sept. 19 for comedian Brooks Wheelan. For more information call 907-747-3085 or email kenley@fineartscamp.org.

Outdoor Gear

Swap on Oct. 7

The Sitka Sportsman’s Association will hold its Fall Gun and Outdoor Gear Swap 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 7, at 5211 Halibut Point Road.

Admission is free for browsers and buyers so come on down for some great bargains.

Sellers tables for rent are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Both individuals and businesses are welcome to sell at this event. To reserve a table contact Chad on 907 623-0908.

Wearable Art

Designers Called 

A call has been given for wearable art designers for Wearable Art 2024, set 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Centennial Hall.

This year’s theme is ‘‘Sky is the Limit.’’ A mandatory dress rehearsal is on Feb. 9.

‘‘If you enjoyed Wearable Art 2023, consider creating a design for Wearable Art 2024,’’ organizers said.

The preliminary designer application is available at www.sitkaartscouncil.org. This will put designers and potential designers on the contact list for information that leads up to filling out the full designer application form. 

For information email  Tiffany Pearson at tmpearson@gmail.com or Bobbi Jordan  thinkartthinksitka@gmail.com.

Indigenous Film

To Show Sept. 20

Alaska Humanities Forum and Alaskan Films will present ‘‘Indigenous Resistance Now and Then’’ 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

Story Time Set

Sitka Public Library will have a story time about little monsters 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. 

‘‘There’s a Monster in Your Book,’’  written by Tom Fletcher, will be one of the books featured in a program.

It includes rhymes, songs and a craft project celebrating the summer season. Everybody is welcome. For more information call 907-747-4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org.

Artesian Well

Renovations Set

The Sitka Ranger District plans to make improvements to the Starrigavan Artesian Well in October, to address the diminished and unreliable flow at the popular drinking water source.

Great American Outdoors Act funding is being used to acquire and install a pump system to provide consistent flow and reduce water waste, a press release said.

To allow for installation and necessary modifications, Sitka Ranger District said water will be unavailable at the well and throughout the campground for at least a month.

As a public drinking water source, certification by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation will be required prior to re-opening the well, the ranger district said.

The project was scheduled for October to minimize impacts to the public while ensuring the work is completed prior to the winter season. Specific closure and re-opening dates will be released when available.

For information, contact Rebecca Peterman, Sitka Ranger District recreation staff officer, at (907) 747-4209.

Homeless Coalition

Sets Ground-breaking

Ground-breaking at the site for the new Sitka Homeless Coalition houses at the top of Jarvis Street is planned 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24.