Carlee Mae Heinmiller, Haines High School 2010 alum, and William Young were married just outside Fort Collins, Colorado, on June 27. Although they originally planned a destination wedding in Haines at Viking Cove, the pandemic prompted them to elope to a beautiful spot in the Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado for a private exchange of vows. Afterward, the […]

“Of Bears and Ballots,” a new book by local author Heather Lende, made the Pacific Northwest Independent Bestsellers List. The list is compiled from the top titles sold in independent bookstores around the region, and Lende’s book was listed as No. 14 in the hardcover non-fiction division for July 5. Amanda Painter and Kaitlyn Tolin traveled from Juneau to Haines […]

Madison Grey Olsen was born to Ryan and Renae Olsen at 10:49 p.m. on July 12 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna. She measured 19.5 inches and weighed 8 lbs 2.9 oz. “We are doing great, absolutely perfect,” Renae said. “Couldn’t have asked for more.” Past residents John Boswell and Diana Boro-Boswell have been comet hunting in Corvallis, Oregon, where they now reside with […]

Friends and family celebrated Mary Price’s 89th birthday Tuesday with a parade on Deishu Drive. The event was held outdoors with masks and hand sanitizer available for visitors. In addition, friends were encouraged to drive by to wish Price happy birthday. “We had people going by consistently for the whole night,” said daughter Nadine Price, who came from Anchorage […]

Jess Giddings married Austin Strutz on July 18 in Harrisburg, Oregon. The bride’s father, Al Giddings, officiated the ceremony. A total of 40 people attended, including friends, mentors, the bride’s mother Lori Giddings, the groom’s parents Bob and Pam Strutz, and the groom’s two brothers and their families. The wedding was a hybrid Japanese and Western wedding, combing the couple’s two traditions. The bride incorporated traditions […]

The Haines High School cross-country team has finished its second week of practice with new coach Jordan Baumgartner. “We’ve had a really good turnout this year,” activities director Lynzee Swinton said. “Our first practice we had 20 kids.” Swinton said new physical-distancing protocols are in place, which include a pre-practice screening and temperature check. She said students have done […]

Polly Bryant and Dylan Palmieri were married on Saturday, August 15 at the Valley of the Eagles Golf Course. Eddie Bryant walked his daughter down the aisle, and parents LaVerne Bryant and Greg and Anne Marie Palmieri attended the ceremony. Al Giddings married the couple. “He’s like family to me,” said bride Polly Bryant. Matrons of honor were Rebekah Green Reams and Jess Giddings Strutz, and bridesmaids included Mia Hines, Zoe Hamilton, […]

Sean and Savannah Maidy, along with their children Piper and Rory, are quarantining with Sean Maidy’s parents, Kevin and Ann Maidy in Cary, Illinois where they’ve moved. The family took eight days to road trip south. They saw bears, bison, prairie dogs, and juvenile reindeer, said Savannah Maidy. “Caliber our dog loved it, but he wasn’t a fan of the bison.” Sean Maidy […]

The fourth wedding Katie Dickerson planned this year was a charm. Her previous wedding plans had been foiled due to the pandemic. She and Ben Bard were married August 22 along the banks of the Chilkat River in a simple, sunny enough ceremony. Sidney Campbell officiated; Josh Sanko and Ali Gustavson witnessed. Parents and siblings of the bride and groom joined the wedding ceremony from across the […]

Elizabeth and David Krout and 5-year-old daughter Amelia of Seattle, Washington welcomed baby Adeline Irene Krout to their family on June 5. Grandmother Barbara Pardee (Nana B) spent most of June with the family. Adding to the excitement was the birth of Darcy Virginia Grace Hibbard to Josh and Nichol Hibbard of Ellensburg, Washington on Sept. 2. Once again, Barbara was called back to Washington for more quality time with […]