It’s been suggested that the PC dock controversy is a tempest in a teapot. Well, maybe – but there’s another picture. Haines is being offered $5 million in grants, which won’t come again. We can still choose how to use it “probably, as long as it’s for harbor work.” Or so Bill Thomas has said. Tourism wants […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Time to hunker down, cut expenses
My first response is that the borough quickly, efficiently, and immediately learn how to cut cost of operations without reduction of any services. It can be done. Businesses in Haines are all taking those measures. Over the last few years we have increasingly offered higher salaries to those working for the borough and created new positions […]
Posted inLocal News, Wildlife
Orphaned bear cub captured
A brown bear cub that was fed dog food for about a week was captured by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. State wildlife biologists Neal Bearten and Ryan Scott darted and hauled off the 60-pound bear from near a Mud Bay Road home July 13. “The bear appeared to come to the sound […]
Posted inThis Week in History
Forest Service: Cut Katzehin cabin
The U.S. Forest Service is planning to decommission the Katzehin cabin as part of cost-saving measures within the Tongass National Forest. Located on the river flats across from Haines, the cabin has been a popular site among pilots, hunters and recreational users in the Upper Lynn Canal. It’s a nice emergency shelter and well-maintained,” said […]
Posted inLocal News
Haines assembly opposes Patriot Act
Haines Borough Assembly members reaffirmed their opposition to the U.S. A. Patriot Act last week, unanimously passing a resolution restricting borough employees’ participation or compliance with the federal law. The controversial anti-terrorism bill allows government officials access to personal records without a search warrant, detention without a charge, and delayed notification of searches. Joining Juneau, […]
Posted inLocal News
Fair lands Bishop, Love tries for Steve Earle
The Southeast Alaska State Fair will be held two weeks earlier than usual this year and includes a slate of top-name entertainers. Legendary bluesman Elvin Bishop and 1997 fair favorite Laura Love already have signed contracts to perform at the 37th annual fair set for July 27-31. Fair executive director Herb VanCleve said Monday he’s […]
Posted inLocal News
DNR to treat lightly on forest, preserve plans
Revisions to management plans for the Haines State Forest and Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve should take less than a year, and probably won’t lead to any major changes in land or resource use in either. Department of Natural Resources planning Chief Bruce Phelps told the Haines Chamber of Commerce last week that DNR will […]
Posted inThis Week in History
Tour permit ordinance raises larger issues
The Haines City Council on Wednesday introduced an ordinance establishing a system of city tour permits, but more work is expected before it’s adopted. Hearings will be March 21 and April 4. Residents, councilors, and members of the city tourism planning committee that drafted it expressed concerns about the ordinance on the same day it […]
Posted inThis Week in History
Nonprofit group seeks to aid stray animals
Animal shelter backers have received a donation of land and are looking to move the old Catholic Church rectory to a lot at 1 Mile Haines Highway to set up a shelter and eventually house a veterinary clinic. Haines Animal Rescue Kennel executive director Milinda May said the newly-formed organization is dedicated to providing shelter […]
Posted inLocal News, Environment, Tourism
State seeks input on airboat tours
Should commercial airboat tours be permitted within the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve? The question is going to the preserve’s advisory committee Friday, following action by the state this summer to put brakes on the proposal. Chilkoot Lake Tours owner Shane Horton is proposing to run 18 trips per night on a two-mile Chilkat River loop […]