After six months, the state fire marshall’s office has released a heavily redacted report of its investigation into the October fire that burned down commercial businesses and apartments in the Quick Shop complex. The fire started on Oct. 5 and emergency dispatchers were called just before 9:30 p.m. Haines fire chief Brian Clay said the […]
Posted inLocal News
Freeride World Tour announces return to ‘The Dream Stop’ of Haines in 2026
Organizers of an international ski and snowboard competition announced Monday that they’d be returning to Haines in March of 2026, after a nine year hiatus. Haines is well-known for its big mountain skiing and proponents have pushed for the event as something that could boost wintertime tourism in the Chilkat Valley. The Freeride World Tour […]
Posted inLocal News
Borough settles with SERB, but some question the process
A settlement between Southeast Roadbuilders (SERB) and the borough last week granted a conditional use permit for gravel extraction on Lutak Road, ending a long-running string of appeals that moved between the planning commission, borough assembly, and State Superior Court. But now, the process for the final resolution, conducted in settlement negotiations and executive sessions, […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Our river and wildlife are our greatest assets
As a wildlife photographer, tour guide, and resident of the Chilkat Valley, I advocate to keep the Chilkat River pristine. The Chilkat River supports abundant salmon runs, which are vital to the region’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities. The Chilkat River and its resources are central to the culture, economy, and way of life […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Tlingit and Haida’s 90th tribal assembly will feature constitutional convention amidst ‘crazy times’
A constitution convention along with candid discussions of difficult federal and state issues that have surfaced in recent months are scheduled during the three-day 90th annual Tribal Assembly by the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska starting Wednesday. More than 120 delegates from 21 communities in Alaska, Washington and California […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly member’s attack on nonprofits was wrong, but he makes a good point about donating more
Responding to assembly member Mark Smith’s letter about non-profits, I presume Dr. Smith considers himself one of the “higher density of extraordinary human beings” in Haines. As a retired medical doctor, presumably he has a higher density of discretionary funds to support the non-profits he aligns with. Since those who can afford it should give […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: Chance encounters, culinary updates, puzzles, bike rides, and a retirement
Chilkat Valley News alumni Francisco Martínezcuello and Lex Treinen had a chance encounter in Weaverville, California, on March 29. Treinen was on a road trip through northern California. He stopped at the Lava Beds National Monument, Lassen National Park (which was closed due to snow) and looked for morel mushrooms, unsuccessfully, near Red Bluffs California. […]
Posted inLocal News, Business & Commerce
The Bottom Line
Deer Heart sees success during first weekend over Travis Kukull’s new restaurant Deer Heart opened over the weekend. And, while they called it a soft opening, it was probably a bit harder for the new staff who had to accommodate the 50 people who showed up all at once on Friday evening. Kukull said they […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Wildlife
Rockfish regulations change for 2025
Anglers targeting pelagic rockfish in Southeast Alaska saltwater will be able to keep fewer fish than in years past as the result of a regulation change passed by the state Board of Fisheries this winter. The daily bag limit — the number of fish an angler can keep each day — for pelagic rockfish was […]
Posted inLocal News
Assembly Briefs: New Chilkoot tours, a settlement with SERB, the Mosquito Lake community center, heli-skiing support
More Chilkoot Tour Permits The assembly approved two more tour permits for operations in the Chilkoot Lake area The applications, from Cyclops Cycles and Sue Rakes Photography, come during renewed scrutiny on overcrowding and tourist behavior in the bear-heavy area. Rakes, and Cyclops owners Andrew and Natassja Letchworth, both submitted applications cognizant of this controversy, […]