Greg Podsiki is leading the charge to rally community support for a college in Haines. Podsiki, a 37-year resident, believes a small college or vocational school would benefit the town’s year-round economy. Students who stay for the nine-month school year would boost the housing or rental markets, restaurants and the book store, he said. Although […]
Search results
Posted inNews
Assembly says little after lengthy secret session
The Haines Borough Assembly emerged from a 90-minute closed door session with its attorney Tuesday, only to give a one-sentence update on the ongoing dispute with two residents. The assembly consulted with its attorney, manager Bill Seward and police chief Heath Scott in executive session until 10:30 p.m. regarding a recent letter sent from an attorney representing […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Schnabel: Harbor views are my own
In your article describing opposition to the harbor project (8/4/16), I was identified as the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. In that position, I am responsible to the chamber board of directors and the membership, and I am careful to identify when I represent the chamber. My quoted statement was obviously personal. I […]
Posted inNews, Elections
One week remaining to file for local office
The deadline to file for Haines Borough office is drawing near, with three residents submitting the required paperwork as of press time Wednesday. Two, three-year assembly seats are up for grabs this October, as are two, three-year school board seats. Assembly member Diana Lapham, who is rounding out her first term, has filed to retain her seat. Planning commissioner […]
Posted inNews
New planner worked on comprehensive plan
The Haines Borough‘s new planner is a fourth-generation Southeast Alaska resident and already has experience working with the municipality’s Comprehensive Plan. Holly Smith, 34, starts on the job Aug. 22. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with an emphasis in land use planning from Southern Oregon University, and started a master’s degree in community […]
Posted inNews
Assembly comment time mulled
Audience members who ask questions and voice concerns during the public comment period at the beginning of Haines Borough Assembly meetings could soon be hearing responses from elected leaders. Traditionally, members of the public are invited to comment, but assembly members do not immediately reply. During a July 27 meeting, for example, Don Highsmith asked questions about […]
Posted inNews
Legal fees mount in heliport lawsuit
The Haines Borough has spent more than $13,000 to date defending itself in a lawsuit filed by a sister company of Southeast Alaska Backcountry Adventures over the municipality’s denial of a heliport at 26 Mile. Big Salmon Ventures, sister company of SEABA, filed the suit Dec. 29, appealing the assembly’s decision not to re-hear arguments for siting a heliport near 26 Mile […]
Posted inNews
Extra half day nets uptick at waste event
A half day added to this year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection proved to be a success as employees of Carson Dorn, Inc. of Juneau and the Haines Public Works Department accepted more than 20, 55-gallon drums and four, 1,000-pound cartons of used oil, antifreeze, aerosol paints, acid batteries and other toxic waste. There was an […]
Posted inNews
‘Harvest camp’ offered for youths
Haines’ first Harvest Camp will make its debut Aug. 13-16 for Southeast Alaska youth, inspired by a popular and successful Chilkoot Culture Camp operated decades ago. The Harvest Camp will take place on property near the end of Chilkoot River Road at the previous Chilkoot Culture Camp site. It’s free to youths age 11-18 and […]
Posted inNews
New police chief adjusting to town’s ‘uniqueness’
Haines is a long way from Washington, D.C., and Haines Borough Police Chief Heath Scott has spent the last three weeks “getting used to the uniqueness of the situation” in a rural Alaska town of 2,500. “Where I come from, hospitals are open 24 hours a day and the jail is not associated with the police department,” […]