The state Department of Transportation just recently completed working on the highway coming from the ferry and the adjacent road leading onto it called Front Street. In the process of replacing the surface, they cut the corner very sharp and reduced the amount of blacktop material on Front Street. See the picture the Chilkat Valley News put out regarding the motorcycle accident that […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
Ships profit while Alaska goes wanting
Jason Gaffney applauded Gov. Parnell recently for instigating a reduction in statewide cruise taxes. State Rep. Bill Thomas and I opposed the bill, which eliminated nearly all Haines’ future public revenue from the industry. Alaska’s head tax was average for ports worldwide. Prior to any demonstration of reduced passenger demand, several Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships were […]
Posted inNews
‘Bear jams’ and crowd control at issue
Volunteers and some residents who live near Chilkoot River are calling on law enforcement officials to start ticketing bear-viewers and motorists who disregard the area’s rules. State lawmen responsible for the area, however, are resisting that approach. Bob Deck, a state campground host at Chilkoot, said traffic jams caused by bear-viewers, or “bear jams,” have […]
Posted inNews, Elections, Haines Borough
Primary election, local filing deadline on Tuesday
Haines voters going the polls Tuesday will help choose their parties’ candidates in the November general election, and decide initiatives proposing to restrict political campaigning and require minors to obtain parental consent for abortions. Local polling places at the American Bald Eagle Foundation and at Klehini Valley Fire Hall will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. […]
Posted inNews
Meet candidates at fair
Haines voters will get to meet candidates running for office at this year’s fair, with local Republican and Democrat chapters hosting tables. Deborah Vogt, chair of the local Democratic Party, said literature, signs and buttons will be available at the group’s booth. Cordova fisherman Robert Beedle, who is running for the House District 5 seat, […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Thomas, Beedle will face off for House District 5 seat
Incumbent state Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, will seek a fourth term as state representative from House District 5. In the November statewide election, he’ll be facing Democrat Robert Beedle of Cordova, a 52-year-old fisherman and refrigerator mechanic who serves on the city council there. Thomas, a 63-year-old fisherman, has been in the House of Representatives for […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Borough lands get 3,000-acre addition
The Haines Borough has gained more than 3,000 acres in a land grant from the state. Signed into law in late June by Gov. Sean Parnell, the bill grants 3,167 acres to the borough. “It’s wonderful news. This is something that has been in the works for many years,” said borough manager Mark Earnest. Earnest said work […]
Posted inNews
Murkowski makes campaign stop
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski visited three Haines locations during a four-hour stop Friday. Murkowski, a Republican, is campaigning for re-election to the six-year seat. In the Aug. 24 primary, she faces Fairbanks attorney Joe Miller, who has the endorsement of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. After visits to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, Elks Lodge and […]
Posted inNews
Tour staff lobbied against hall money Said head tax funds inappropriate use
Records provided by Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell’s office this week show Haines Borough tourism director Lori Stepansky and assistant Angie Robinson sent e-mails in opposition to cruise ship head tax funds being used for improvements to the fairgrounds’ Harriett Hall. Robinson also objected to the state providing $2 million for the Chilkat Indian Village to buy the […]
Posted inNews
Veto ax kills fair funds, dock sale Residents opposed funding source for requests
Some residents opposed $2 million in state funding for Klukwan’s purchase of the Chilkat Cruises dock and vessel and $277,000 for renovation of the fair’s Harriett Hall as a convention center, staff to Gov. Sean Parnell’s budget director said this week. State Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, submitted the two requests to be funded from cruise ship […]