Posted inLocal News
State again seeks comments on Washington company’s proposed log transfer facility in Lutak Inlet
The comment deadline is looming on a land-use permit application submitted by a Chehalis, Washington company proposing to build a log transfer facility in Lutak Inlet. NSEA Timber, Inc., plans to build the facility to transfer logs from a timber sale in the Haines-area, and seeks to use about 12 acres of surface and 17 […]
Posted inEducation, News
Alaska education officials walk back proposal to restrict local governments’ funding for schools
Officials with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development have walked back a proposal to limit local governments’ funding for public schools, instead asking the State Board of Education to take no action on the item this week. The State Board of Education was set to vote this week on a controversial measure that many school […]
Posted inLocal News, Haines Borough
Assembly to consider cutting ties with Lutak dock contractor
The borough assembly on Tuesday is set to decide whether to cut ties with Lutak Dock contractor Turnagain Marine. Turnagain was hired in 2022 to design and rebuild the dock, but construction has not gone forward as planned – the cause of which is the subject of a dispute between the borough and the contractor. […]
Posted inNews, Environment
Hybrid solar-diesel power is less expensive than diesel alone in parts of rural Alaska, study shows
A new study published by the Belfer Center of the Harvard Kennedy School has concluded that solar power plants are now cost-competitive with diesel for many rural Alaska communities, even if solar is only usable during part of the year. “The conclusion was that they were pretty darn competitive,” said Henry Lee, the study’s co-author and director […]
Posted inLocal News
State information session recalls decades of Juneau Road debate
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration this year revitalized a long-running proposal for a road up the Lynn Canal, pitched as a way to better connect the state capital in Juneau to the surrounding region. The proposal has, over the span of multiple decades, proved extremely resilient. It has returned again and again in the wake […]
Posted inLocal News
Disputed Jones Point Cemetery parcel now being developed
Volunteers on behalf of the borough this month cleared new land at Jones Point Cemetery, across Sawmill Road from the main burial grounds. The stretch of land was the subject of a controversy earlier this year when neighboring non-profit Takshanuk Watershed Council applied for a borough easement for use of a driveway running through the […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: Reunions, renovations, lit times at the fire department, and more
When Christie Willis and family loaded onto the LeConte ferry in Haines last week, her son Eli had Robbie, his emotional support stuffed bunny, in hand. Eli, a 13-year-old with autism, uses Robbie to communicate when he is over-stimulated.. But after they landed in Skagway, Robbie was nowhere to be found. Christie Willis said she […]
Posted inLocal News
Chilkat Chef returns for 6th competition
An annual cooking competition that pits five teams of culinary competitors who grill, fry, sauté and sear their way to the title of top Chilkat Chef kicks off this Saturday, Oct. 11 at Harriett Hall. The event marks the sixth Chilkat Chef cooking competition and banquet meal, an event that aims to highlight the Chilkat […]
Posted inLocal News, Education
School district considers new cell phone policy
The Haines Borough School District’s school board is considering a policy that would require students to stow their cellphones and other devices in designated areas in each classroom. The school district doesn’t currently have a formal board policy on cell-phone use. The district’s student handbook says high schoolers can use their phones “at the teacher’s […]