Invasive northern pike have wreaked havoc in Southcentral Alaska rivers and lakes. Introduced illegally in the 1950s, they have been devouring juvenile salmon and other native species. Now a University of Alaska Fairbanks study warns that matters could get even worse. As temperatures rise in waterways, invasive pike eat more, said the study, published in the journal […]
Posted inHealth, Southeast News
SEARHC opens new $300 million Mt. Edgecumbe hospital
SEARHC cut the ceremonial ribbon on its new $300 million Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center in Sitka on April 23. The event for the five-story, 234,528-square-foot facility featured a traditional blessing, a welcome and addresses by leaders of SEARHC and the Sitka community. Charles Clement, SEARHC president and CEO of 14 years, said in his remarks, […]
Posted inNews, Energy
Alaska’s energy cliff isn’t coming. It’s already here
Alaska utilities have warned of sharp price hikes when they start importing liquefied natural gas in the coming years to replace dwindling supplies of locally produced gas that’s traditionally been used for home heating and generating electricity. The first LNG tankers aren’t expected to arrive for a few years. But increases in the prices paid […]
Posted inLocal News, Haines Borough
Listen: Assembly to take up Lutak Dock, severance tax proposals during this week’s meeting
Will Steinfeld with the Chilkat Valley News is back in the studio with KHNS’ Melinda Munson to get Haines ready for Tuesday’s borough Assembly meeting. The Assembly will be presented with Lutak Dock options, severance tax, plastic bag legislation, and more. Melinda Munson: Will, the assembly is being presented with the current options for the […]
Posted inNews
Internet crimes on the rise in Alaska, FBI report shows
The Federal Bureau of Investigation released a report Thursday that showed Alaskans lost nearly $40 million in cyber crime in 2025. Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office said it is the highest financial loss ever reported in Alaska for such crimes. “Behind these numbers are real people – Alaskan […]
Posted inNews, Elections
How Trump’s order on mail ballots threatens Postal Service independence
President Donald Trump’s executive order on mail voting would shatter decades of U.S. Postal Service independence intended to shield it from partisan politics, postal experts and attorneys say. Postal experts said Trump ordering the postmaster general to take any action — let alone on a matter as sensitive as elections — violates guardrails in federal […]
Posted inSalmon, News
Biologists forecast a reduced Alaska commercial salmon harvest
Alaska’s statewide commercial salmon harvest this year is expected to total 125.5 million fish, less than two thirds of the total landed by commercial harvesters in 2025, according to the annual forecast released last week by state biologists. The anticipated 2026 total, detailed in Alaska Department of Fish and Game 2026 forecast and 2025 review, is lower […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Thank you for lending your talents and time
A big thank you to all who supported this past weekend’s Haines Music, Art, and Dance Camp at the Chilkat Center. Nineteen volunteer teachers offered classes ranging from watercolor art, to guitar, piano, dance, and even Etch A Sketch. The camp rounded off a winter series of arts workshops supported by the Haines Arts Council. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Candy-hater disrespects excellent community event
I wait each week to read the Letters to the Editor in the Chilkat Valley News and most of the time I can find someone or something I disagree with. I think about writing a rebuttal, but I don’t because I don’t know how to debate like a pro — and I work six days […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: The Boston Marathon, a visit to an old friend, a muddy hike and the Rainbow Toot Toots
Chip Lende retired from the family business at Lutak Lumber in March. And, by April 20, he had finished his 17th Boston Marathon. Lende and his daughter JJ Hinderberger finished the race in 3:59. This was Hinderberger’s 12th marathon and her third Boston Marathon. She qualified with a time of 2:58. But she didn’t want […]