The borough assembly is considering three candidates to serve as federal lobbyists for the borough in Washington D.C. A federal lobbyist would primarily be charged with speaking to federal agencies and lawmakers, particularly Alaska’s congressional delegation, in the hopes of securing more funding for borough projects. The current priorities, according to assembly members and borough […]
Posted inLocal News, Elections
Chilkat Valley voters, businesses consider seasonal sales tax again
Voters will decide whether to adopt a seasonal sales tax and cash in on the tourists who visit Haines each summer. Currently, the borough’s sales tax rate stands at 5.5 percent in town. It would jump up to 7% from April 1 through Sept. 30. In the rest of the borough, the 4% sales tax […]
Posted inLocal News
For the first time in 3 years, bald eagle preserve advisory council to meet
There are still two vacant seats, but the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council is scheduled to convene in mid-October. At minimum, the 12-member council is supposed to meet quarterly, but it hasn’t had a meeting since 2022 according to a state meetings database. The governor appoints people to the council, which is made […]
Posted inLocal News
What role does steel play in Lutak Dock future?
A Lutak Dock deal once suspected by the borough manager to be a bad faith offer is now being described as the product of steel price inflation that could impact other potential dock designs — even though that steel price shock hasn’t been felt elsewhere in Southeast. Despite general agreement on the need to make […]
Posted inLocal News, Wildlife
Juvenile eagle rescued in Haines, recovering in Sitka
A juvenile bald eagle rescued near the Haines airport is recovering in Sitka and is expected to make a full recovery, though it’s not clear exactly how it got injured. The eagle landed on everyone’s radars on Sunday, when Baylee Pearson arrived at her grandparent’s house at 2.5 Mile Haines Highway to find that the […]
Posted inSports, Local News
Most of cross-country team ends season during regionals
The Haines High School cross-country teams competed at the regional championship meet in Sitka last weekend, taking sixth on the boys’ side and seventh on the girls’ side. The teams are now done for the season, except for freshman Sophia Hedden who took 12th place, earning a trip to the state championship meet this weekend. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Domestic violence history should disqualify you from holding public office
As survivors of sexual violence, we cannot stay silent as our community faces a choice that speaks to the very core of who we are. When we elect leaders with a history of violence against women, we send the message that this behavior is tolerable, that it can be overlooked, and that women’s safety does […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: Sargent would be a strong addition to the assembly
I would vote for Eben Sargent to serve on the Haines Borough Assembly a thousand times—to be a contributing vote in the decisions that steer our community where we want to be. After two years of witnessing him at planning commission meetings, I am continually impressed and inspired by his thoroughness. He is quick and […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Saitzyk, Schultz both good choices for the planning commission
Please vote for Rachel Saitzyk and Dan Schultz for the planning commission. Both have served for two years and have done an outstanding job of researching the issues, listening to the public, and making informed and rational decisions. Both bring youthful energy to the commission. Rachel has a successful business and Dan works for an […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Norton, Sargent will prioritize issues important to young people
Although making a living in Haines has never been easy, today’s economic realities make starting a life in Haines increasingly problematic for young people. It is imperative we elect borough assembly members dedicated to addressing the issues that are most important to young Haines residents. The “40 and Under Survey” conducted in February 2025 states […]