On Jan. 20, the planning commission once again voted to approve an “after-the-fact” variance. During this meeting, the commission provided no legal justification for exempting this applicant from provisions of code. The commission appeared confused, with some citing a “conflicting code.” There is, however, no conflict. Code clearly identifies standards for “commercial” zones; a “zero […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Bring Picture Point to a vote
I find it interesting that a certain handful of folks are expressing opposition to the purchase of Picture Point by the borough. If assembly members want to know what the community thinks about the purchase of Picture Point, they should put the question on the ballot. In the meantime, for further consideration, here are […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Avalanche course thanks
Last week, 13 Haines School students completed a three-day, Level 1 avalanche course. Students learned to evaluate snow avalanche hazard by recognizing terrain, weather, and snow conditions contributing to avalanches and to perform specific tests to assess snow stability. They practiced avalanche rescue using beacons, probes, and shovels. These students are to be commended for their […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Miles accepted people
There is no doubt Dennis Miles was a redneck. He also accepted people for who they are, treated everyone fairly and used humor and salesmanship to win your friendship and your business. He took me snowmachining at the pass in the early 1990s after it was designated a park by the British Columbia government. There […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Picture Point is marketed to the world
Testimony regarding the purchase of Picture Point at a recent assembly meeting made me realize that more public information is needed. The major concern was that borough funds should not be used. If all goes as planned, Federal Scenic Highway funds will be used to purchase one or both of the pullouts. The borough manager […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Proposed heli-ski rules are expansionist
As there are expansionist ideas in the proposed heli-ski ordinance, I propose the following contractionist ideas. Instead of expansion to three heli-ski companies, there should be one company consolidated from the present two. Instead of more skier days per company and unlimited skier days in so-called low-impact areas, there should be 1,000 skier days total. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Don’t make Juneau’s mistake at Point
I am the owner and developer of the Lynnvista Subdivision, which is directly across the road from Picture Point. I am writing to encourage the Haines Borough to acquire Picture Point and the waterfront between the boat harbor and Picture Point. I have lived in Juneau for almost 40 years and the change in the way the […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Young hunters should keep up the spirit
It is rare that I feel the need to respond in writing to the current debate in the letters to the editor, but I take umbrage with Dixie Hayes’ statement that hunting and harvesting should not be encouraged in our youth. What should we encourage them to do? Go to the recreation center? The arcade? […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Miles thankful for community support
Thank you, Haines, for all the support; calls, cards, flowers and many hugs. Thanks to the Klehini Valley and Haines fire departments and the ambulance crew. Your professionalism made it easier for me. Dennis and I lived, worked, played and vacationed together for 22 1/2 years. I am so thankful we had this time together. Jerry and Gina Erny and Stacie Turner […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted
The 27th Alaska Legislature convened Jan. 18 with a new Haines face on the House floor. Haines High graduate Marley Horner is working as a legislative page this session. State Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Haines) and staffer Jessie Badger helped promote Marley for the job. Pages set up representatives’ desks with paperwork each morning, and attend […]