The effort to recall three Haines Borough Assembly members is moving forward. Borough clerk Julie Cozzi, consulting with borough attorney Brooks Chandler, this week determined that grounds were sufficient to allow applicants to gather signatures that would force a vote. Don Turner Jr. turned in three recall petition applications April 5. Among grounds he cited was an […]
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Assembly settles with Seward
The Haines Borough Assembly voted 5-1 Tuesday for a $55,000 settlement with former manager Bill Seward. Seward threatened a wrongful termination lawsuit against the borough and accused assembly members of character defamation, racial discrimination and violating his constitutional rights. “Regardless of the validity of these claims, there are always significant costs and risks associated with resolving employment […]
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Morphet releases police complaints
Assembly member Tom Morphet made public four complaints against Haines Police officers Tuesday, leading some members to question his methods despite an assembly vote of 5-1 to investigate the claims. “The Haines Borough Assembly, we this body, are being asked to approve a 29 percent increase in police funding,” Morphet said. “Before voting to increase the department’s funding […]
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Recall aimed at 3 on assembly
Ten Haines residents have launched a recall petition against Haines Borough Assembly members Heather Lende, Tresham Gregg and Tom Morphet. Borough clerk Julie Cozzi received the petitions, co-sponsored by Don Turner Jr. and Ryan Cook, Wednesday afternoon. Cook and Turner cite unverified quotations from emails between borough employees and between assembly members as evidence that assembly members […]
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Budget: Use savings for economic group, 5th police officer
Haines Borough Interim Manager Brad Ryan on Tuesday proposed a budget for the coming year that relies on a hopeful projection of state support and about $500,000 in savings to cover additional police and economic development, using only a smidgen of a tax increase. Ryan penciled in $95,000 for the new Haines Economic Development Corporation […]
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Bat hunters scan skies for science on little-studied species
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is on the hunt for citizen scientists to track bats in the Chilkat Valley. “Bats in Alaska are a total mystery,” said Tory Rhoads, wildlife biologist with ADF&G’s Threatened, Endangered & Diversity Program. From mid-April to October, Haines residents are invited to participate in an acoustic bat monitoring […]
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A look at economic development councils in region
As the Haines Borough Assembly wades through its budget for the coming year, it will consider a request for $95,000 in funding for a new Haines Economic Development Corporation. Economic development organizations exist across Southeast Alaskan communities, but they’re structured, funded and utilized in differing ways. The Haines Borough has intermittently employed economic development directors since the 1 percent […]
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No funding in sight for Excursion bridge
A bridge at Excursion Inlet that connects the Ocean Beauty Seafoods cannery to its water source has been closed, with no funding for repairs in sight. The Haines Borough Assembly discussed funding options at its meeting March 28. The U.S. Forest Service closed the bridge, which provided vehicle access to Neva Lake. Ocean Beauty draws its water […]
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Borough meetings on police service outside of townsite
A bridge at Excursion Inlet that connects the Ocean Beauty Seafoods cannery to its water source has been closed, with no funding for repairs in sight. The Haines Borough Assembly discussed funding options at its meeting March 28. The U.S. Forest Service closed the bridge, which provided vehicle access to Neva Lake. Ocean Beauty draws its water […]
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District to hire for 2 slots
The Haines Borough School District will save money by rehiring to replace only two of four certified teachers leaving this year, superintendent Tony Habra said this week. Music teacher Jason Muccino, veteran elementary teacher Patty Brown, kindergarten teacher Sarah Vosz and K-8 reading specialist Janice Byerlee won’t be returning next year. Habra said this week he would […]