Mollie Eppers tried for years to give students experiencing homelessness prepaid grocery cards that would allow their families to shop for food. But the student services specialist in Juneau, Alaska, couldn’t devise a system that would satisfy the spending rules for both her local school district and the federal program that helps homeless students. So […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly’s executive session was valid and necessary
An executive session is not an exception to the Open Meetings Act but rather a portion of a public meeting conducted in private with only members of the governing body and those invited in by the governing body. Alaska Statute 44.62.310(b) authorizes a public body to meet in an executive session under strictly limited circumstances. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Executive session was in the best interest of the Assembly and the public
As a result of the assembly’s decision last May to grant a conditional use permit for a heliport to George Campbell, the Haines Borough was named in two lawsuits – one filed by Chilkat Valley Rural Citizens, who claimed that the issuance of Campbell’s permit violated borough law, and a second filed by Campbell, challenging […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Transparency and integrity in local government
Last week’s editorial column seemed well-intentioned, but needed more information and context. I applaud the paper’s new owner in seeking integrity and openness in our local government. Unfortunately, there’s some confusion about what’s transparent, and what’s hidden. Firstly, the executive Session at last week’s assembly meeting clearly met the requirements of the Open Meetings Act. […]
Posted inLocal News, Housing
After contentious year, new Haines assessor meets community
It was a meeting that could have soured quickly. And there were signs that some people expected it to. Borough administration asked police Sgt. Josh Dryden to attend. He sat watching as a crowd gathered in the assembly chambers to meet the Chilkat Valley’s new assessor. Last year some 200 people appealed their property tax assessments, […]
Posted inLocal News, Photos of the Week
Photos of the Week: A flash mob, heliskiing, and the Blessing of the Fleet
Luke Marquardt and a friend dive for and then examine Dungeness crabs near the cruise ship dock on Friday, March 29, 2024 in Haines. Dungeness must be male and at least 6.5 inches across to keep for personal use. (Lex Treinen/Chilkat Valley News) Top: Juniper Brownell hits a jump at Powdah Mountain at 35 Mile […]
Posted inEducation, Alaska Legislature, State of Alaska
Dunleavy signs bill increasing internet speeds at many Alaska public schools
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Wednesday signed a bill that promises to raise the internet speed at dozens of public schools, most in rural Alaska. House Bill 193 increases the state funding match for a federal grant program that pays for internet access. Before the change, the state would match only the amount needed to pay […]
Posted inEnergy, Alaska Legislature, State of Alaska
Alaska-owned corporation asks Legislature to borrow $300 million for mining projects
Alaska’s state-owned development bank is asking state lawmakers for permission to borrow up to $300 million that could be spent to support mining projects statewide. To date, officials at the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority have not provided legislators or the public with a precise spending plan. Randy Ruaro, the authority’s executive director, said […]
Posted inNews, Health
Alaskapox no more: Newly discovered disease and virus is to be called ‘borealpox’
The viral, rash-causing and headline-grabbing disease that was first diagnosed in Fairbanks in 2015 is getting a new name: borealpox. Known up to now as Alaskapox, the disease is caused by a virus in the orthopox family that includes smallpox and other pox viruses. There are only seven known cases to date, six in Fairbanks that […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: Bike relay fills rapidly again, despite losses basketball team enjoyed Gold Medal, looming senior exemption and PFD deadlines
The Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay is full, though there are still a few slots left for solo riders. Registration opened March 15 and by Saturday, March 23 it was full. KCIBR board member and longtime racer Chip Lende said it’s normal for the race to fill up in about a week. Final rosters are […]