Gary Stigen, middle, watches a retirement video made by his wife Michelle during his retirement party on July 4, 2026 in Haines, Alaska. (Lizzy Hahn/ Chilkat Valley News)

Long-time maintenance employee Gary Stigen retired from the Haines Borough School District after 17 years. Stigen helped get the new school built and helped demolish the old high school. Prior to working at the school, Stigen served six years on the school board.

Colleague and former teacher…

Lizzy Hahn is a reporter and photographer from Nome. She has worked in newsrooms across Alaska including the Anchorage Daily News, Nome Nugget and UAF Sun Star.