The U.S. Forest Service is calling on Alaskans to create handmade ornaments to decorate the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree and the smaller companion trees that will represent Alaska in Washington, D.C. The trees will come from the Tongass National Forest; it’s only the second time ever that an Alaska tree has been chosen to serve […]
Posted inNews, Education, State of Alaska
Standardized tests still required for Alaska’s college scholarship program, state tells confused families
The agency in charge of Alaska’s merit scholarship program for high school students is advising them that they still need to take the SAT, ACT or a similar test in order to be eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Sana Efird, executive director of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, said she’s received at least a dozen calls from parents […]
Posted inNews, Education
Few Alaska high school seniors have applied for federal student aid this year
With three months until the deadline, only 16% of Alaska high school seniors have applied for federal student aid. The funding mechanism, called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, is an indicator of college-bound students. Alaska has the lowest rate of applicants in the nation, which has been true for at least the last […]
Posted inNews, Environment & Natural Resources
Troubled state-backed seafood company says it will lease out two plants, and could sell its assets
A troubled, state-backed seafood processing company, Peter Pan Seafoods, has announced that it’s pursuing a deal to sell its plants to another business. But the news still leaves a key asset, the massive plant in the Alaska Peninsula village of King Cove, in limbo for the summer salmon season. Peter Pan also announced late Thursday […]
Posted inLocal News, Haines Borough, News
Borough clerk resigns, blames assembly and planning commission
In a blow to the already short-staffed borough Haines Borough clerk Alekka Fullerton is quitting her job due to what she called “a lack of respect for staff or staff’s work.” Mayor Tom Morphet read Fullerton’s letter of resignation during the April 9 assembly meeting. Fullerton and several other borough officials had tears in their […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Salmon
2024 Golden King Crab fishery ‘did extremely well’
The 2024 golden king crab fishery for the East Central management area -which includes the waters around Haines – closed after only four days when area fishermen caught more crab than the season’s total guideline harvest level set for all of Southeast. Last year, fishermen reportedly observed a golden king crab population boom in parts […]
Posted inLocal News, Wildlife
American Bald Eagle Foundation reorients with research and conservation focus
In late March, Maia Edwards strapped on cross-country skis for the second time in her life near Chilkat Lake Road. The 24-year-old researcher, who is originally from New Orleans, set off with a backpack full of three gray weatherproof audio recorders and glided over a footbridge across the Little Salmon River. After more than an […]
Posted inLocal News, Salmon, News
After 35 years, Chilkat fish wheels won’t be spinning
Motorists driving by 9 Mile of the Haines Highway will no longer see wooden fish wheels that have spun in the Chilkat River from June to October since the 1970s. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game made the decision this year to not use the fish wheels as part of its research efforts, a […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: A new dance break, Hot Shots travel Las Vegas, Ampersand changes hands
About a dozen people showed up to shake their bodies in what organizers hope will become a regular weekly afternoon “Dance Break” on Friday afternoon. Organizer Stephanie Smith originally hoped for 80 people to show up on the corner of Main Street and Second Ave, but was happy with the turnout in the end, which […]
Posted inNews, Southeast News, Local News, Environment, Klukwan, Business & Commerce
Skagit Horticulture closure could squeeze local growers
When Gomi’s Garden owner Sabine Churchill heard Skagit Gardens was closing she had a lot of questions. “I had to read it twice,” she said. “Then I thought, ‘wait a second, wait, wait, wait,’” she said. Skagit Gardens, of Washington State, gave notice in February that it was going out of business and would be […]