Has the state met its legal requirement to consult with local advisory boards while making changes to the Haines State Forest Management plan? That’s a question the Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee raised last week and again Monday before sending a letter to the state’s Division of Forestry demanding that staff do more to meet […]
Posted inObituaries
Longtime Haines Resident Dies at 84
Dr. Budd Hebert, 84, passed away peacefully December 25, 2025, in Sparta, Tennessee. Born Aug. 19, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Budd lived a life marked by curiosity, service, faith and a deep love for family. A lifelong educator, Budd found his greatest professional joy in the classroom. From 1993 to 2014, he served as professor […]
Posted inBlotter
Police Blotter: Dec. 7 – Jan. 10
Sunday, Dec. 7 A caller reported a power outage on Beach Road. Alaska Power & Telephone was notified. Monday, Dec. 8 A caller left contact info in case their lost keys were turned in. An officer stopped to assist a motorist on Bjornstad Drive. A driver was given a citation for a stop sign violation […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Dedicated plow drivers are a blessing for Haines
A shout out to all the hearty souls who have been keeping our plucky little town plowed, and sanded, and plowed again and again this past few weeks. The list is long, and I know this is incomplete, but to Kenny, Dwight, Sean, Ira, Nishan, Little Jack and the whole DOT and Borough crew, as […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Tourism is our best available option for our economic survival
Although tourism seems to be an imposition on some people here, it is by far the cleanest and healthiest industry available to us. It is in fact our number one industry here. Even if it is seasonal, it makes all the difference in our economic survival. Although there are other ways to enhance our summer […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
State’s road crew is clearly working hard for the Chilkat Valley
Time (once again) to thank the Department of Transportation crew for working from early in the morning to late at night, in the dark and cold, to keep our roads open and safe. It is very much appreciated. Gershon Cohen
Posted inLocal News, Environment & Natural Resources, Public Safety
Watch: Woman rescued from vehicle in floodwater along Sawmill Road
A woman was rescued from her flooded car in a ditch along Sawmill Road early Wednesday morning. Emergency responders headed to the road’s intersection with the Haines Highway just after 8 a.m. where they found the Subaru stuck in water up to its bumper. Alaska State Trooper Josh Whitby backed his truck down into the […]
Posted inNews, Health
New bill would allow Alaska to use vaccine advice of medical experts outside of federal government
As the Trump administration chips away at longstanding childhood vaccine standards, a newly introduced bill in the Alaska Legislature would give state health officials the option of following vaccine advice of medical experts outside of the federal government. The measure, House Bill 238, would authorize the state Department of Health to follow vaccine recommendations made by […]
Posted inLocal News
Listen: Haines Assembly to consider cell towers, FEMA funds and the Lutak Dock
Haines’ upcoming borough assembly meeting will address cell phone towers, reinstated FEMA funds and an advisor contract for the Lutak Dock. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson spoke with the Chilkat Valley News’ Will Steinfeld from in preparation for the Jan. 13 meeting. Munson: “At Tuesday’s assembly meeting, they’re going to be discussing cell phone towers again. […]
Posted inNews, 2026 Governor's Race
Alaska’s candidates for governor weigh in on oil taxes, and how to cook fish
It’s campaign season in Alaska. Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola made national news when she said she’s entering what’s expected to be a hard-fought and expensive race for the Alaska U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Dan Sullivan. Meanwhile two-term GOP Gov. Republican Mike Dunleavy is barred by state law for seeking re-election — and more […]