Juneau has developed a habit of confusing opposition with wisdom. For years, major transportation investments have been met with skepticism, delay, and, ultimately, a reflexive “no.” The justification is almost always the same: the project is flawed, the benefits uncertain, the costs too high. Each objection may be defensible in isolation. Taken together, they reveal […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Local News, Transportation
Much of Cascade Point opposition may be due to misinformation and fear of unknown, lawmakers told
Yes, 92% of more than 600 people surveyed oppose the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, but a lot of that is due to fear of the unknown and misinformation about the project, a state transportation director for the region told legislators at a hearing Tuesday. The Dunleavy administration is taking a “how” rather than “if” mindset […]
Posted inLocal News
Assembly Briefs: borough officials discuss childcare, Porcupine Road, equipment sharing, and more
Borough pushes for childcare reimbursements Experts say that across the country providing childcare and early childhood education is increasingly a losing proposition financially. At the borough level, there’s been ongoing discussion of how to support childcare providers in the face of that nationwide trend. Amid much longer-range planning, there’s one issue that seems like it […]
Posted inLocal News, Environment & Natural Resources
No fast track for Gov.’s timber bill
A bill pitched by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration as a “paradigm shift” for state forest timber harvest will not be fast-tracked through the legislature as the governor has requested. The overall aim of the bill is to lease out state land to private entities for “active management” of forests — in other words, various amounts […]
Posted inLocal News
Finance Committee holds first meeting since early summer
After months of cancelled meetings, the borough assembly’s Finance Committee met this week — their first meeting since June. The Finance Committee is one of four assembly committees, each made up of three assembly members. The committees discuss and develop policy proposals before they reach the full assembly. Each committee is scheduled for a standing […]
Posted inLocal News
A few questions for Doug Olerud, who also has questions
Former mayor and local business owner Doug Olerud has launched a new podcast called “Doug Has Questions.” The first episode came out Nov. 30, 2025, and he has released a dozen more audio and video interviews since, primarily of Chilkat Valley locals. Olerud sat down with the Chilkat Valley News’ Rashah McChesney to talk about […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: Painting, birthdays, snowshoeing and more
Donna Catotti is leading a life drawing and painting group. She has been organizing this for 15 years in Haines. Catotti says that returning artists have included Crystal Miller, Rachel Saitzyk, Karen Bryant, Helen Alten and Elena Saunders. Saunders has been attending the life drawing group since the group met at the school, years ago. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Some cell tower impacts area not debatable
Cell tower companies are pushing to install giant towers throughout our valley, on the Chilkat Islands, and along the west side of Lynn Canal, without any regard for how it will affect our community. The health impacts of 5G may still be unsettled within the scientific community, but the impact of towers approaching 200 feet […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Thank you for your consistent support for Becky’s Place
A big thank you to AP&T for your continuing support during the past few years to Becky’s Place. Your giving has helped us help others in our community by providing shelter, food, clothing and medical assistance. Your giving has touched many lives. Thank you again, Jackie and Stan Mazeikas
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Thank you for winter storm help
I would like to thank the people of Haines. Everyone here is nice and kind, and helps anyone in need. When we had the big snow, rain and strong winds, the roof fell off my trailer. Someone said, “Call the borough.” So I did. They had a list of 30 people who needed help. But […]