The Haines borough is headed to Superior Court over a decision to exempt a local Episcopal church property from borough tax.
The dispute surrounds a parcel at 1 Mile Haines Highway purchased in 2000 by St. Michael & All Angels' Episcopal Church. After the purchase, the church converted a small structure on the property into a chapel. Church representatives say it's a place for members to walk, pray and meditate.
The borough has granted a property tax exemption on the land since it was purchased, but this year the assessor reversed course and valued the property and building at more than $240,000.
Reporter Will Steinfeld reports on the case and what's next as it heads to Superior Court.

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(left)Russ Lyman and Joe Ordonez analyze the river channels to avoid a log jam during a training run with local rafting guides on June 5, 2026, on the Klehini River near Haines, Alaska. Read more about their trip here. (Lizzy Hahn/ Chilkat Valley News)

June 19, 2026 / This week from the CVN

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