The Tongass is the largest national forest in the country, and that’s no small thing to trifle with. But trifle the Trump administration is doing, treating the Tongass, the U.S. Forest Service employees who work in the Tongass and the communities that live here as not worthy of being told about their future. The U.S. […]
Posted inCommentary
The reasons are the same as they were in 1969
I started my journalism career 57 years ago this month, when as a freshman wrote a news story for the college paper. There is a bigger point to this than reminiscing about my college days, so stick with it. In 1969, Purdue University had a dress code to get into the dinner line at my […]
Posted inHaines Herring
Royal Caribbean Janitors Frantically Cleaning Glaciers Before the Start of Cruise Season
Ricardo Mop has been part of the custodial crew at Royal Caribbean for six years, but this spring was his first time working anywhere on the Alaska route. “I guess you could say I was pretty surprised,” said Mop, pulling down a scarf. “I was used to wiping sunscreen spills off deck chairs and picking […]
Posted inLocal News
Museum opens redesigned main gallery
The main gallery of the Sheldon Museum has gotten its first overhaul in nearly a decade, and the new look debuts Friday. Residents accustomed to the previous gallery exhibit will find a re-arranged space with a higher density of information and objects. Some large centerpieces remain, including a display case of Chilkat blankets and Eldred […]
Posted inObituaries
Carol Clifton leaves legacy of creativity, quick wit
Barbara Pardee last saw her friend Carol Clifton around August 2025. Clifton hadn’t left her Dusty Trails apartment in months. She needed oxygen at that point and was self-conscious about the size of her tank. But once inside Pardee’s car, she didn’t want to go home. As they drove, Clifton pointed out old homes, old […]
Posted inLocal News
Assembly Briefs: ADUs, severance tax, and an extra meeting
ADUs After a year of consideration and reconsideration, accessory dwelling units have officially been voted down by the assembly. The arguments on each side are well worn at this point, and Tuesday was no different. There was some talk of amendments to make the proposal more amenable to skeptical assembly members and residents. One was […]
Posted inLocal News
Borough to pursue encapsulation for Lutak Dock
The assembly has thrown its support behind encapsulation for the Lutak Dock, the design concept most similar to that of previous dock contractor Turnagain Marine. The concept calls for building a steel retaining wall to stabilize some of the existing dock face, with the rest of the existing dock demolished. Winning out over two other […]
Posted inLocal News
Chilkat Valley students honored for their work during annual Region V Art Festival
Several Haines student artists were honored for their work after a weekend of experimenting with new techniques and mediums over the course of four days. Students from all over Southeast Alaska traveled to the Chilkat Valley for the annual Region V Art Festival. Each chose two options for classes and spent an average of 30 […]
Posted inLocal News, Arts & Culture
Emmer brings ‘crushingly analog’ folk and country music show to Haines
Folksinger and songwriter Jackson Emmer is headed to the Chilkat Valley this weekend as part of a tour of Alaska communities that starts in Seward on Thursday. He sat down with the Chilkat Valley News’ Rashah McChesney to talk about his music, outlook on life and what people can expect from his show. This interview […]
Posted inBlotter
Blotter: April 12 – April 25
Sunday, April 12 A caller reported smoke alarms going off in the 400 block of Fourth Avenue. The volunteer fire department responded. A caller reported someone banging on their door in the 100 block of Dalton Street early in the morning. An officer was advised. Haines Borough police assisted another agency in Haines. Tuesday, April […]