State Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, said this week a patchwork replacement of sidewalk and curbs downtown can’t be fixed this year, due to funding constraints. “It’s looking semi-tacky now, but it’s a start. If we finish the job next year, it’ll be okay,” Thomas said about a state Department of Transportation paving project that’s replacing only […]

The family of a 14-year-old boy who drowned near the Port Chilkoot Dock has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Haines Borough, saying the municipality demonstrated gross negligence, including by not posting hazard signs at the popular swimming beach. The suit filed May 23 in state Superior Court seeks in excess of $1 million. Andrew […]

The Haines Borough recently launched a Haines Port Development Steering Committee. Three residents have since formed the Haines Port Development Council – described as a private-sector cooperative research group – with a similar aim to encourage Yukon Territory mines to ship through Haines. Mayor Stephanie Scott attended a May 7 meeting of the Haines Port Development Council at the […]

More downtown construction is scheduled to begin next week, as part of a project that includes improvements to Third and Fourth avenues, Lynnview Drive and View Street. The Haines Borough Assembly on May 8 approved a contract up to $1,358,226 for Southeast Roadbuilders to complete the work. Funding for the final grading, drainage and paving improvements comes […]

Despite a record snowfall and fears they’d be mowed down by the area’s moose, 99 of 127 apple trees planted around town about a year ago survived the winter, said resident Joe Poor, who spearheaded the tree-planting beautification effort in 2011. “I’m tickled pink,” Poor said. Poor attributed casualties to a November ice storm, voles […]

Sen. Lisa Murkowski is scheduled to visit Haines on Friday, June 1, and attend three events open to the public. Murkowski first will speak at the Haines Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon, noon-1 p.m. at the American Bald Eagle Foundation. Next, the Haines Borough Public Library will host a 2-3:30 p.m. “roundtable” discussion, followed by a 4-5:30 p.m. meet-and-greet […]

Intermittent rain didn’t seem to hinder the 20th Great Alaska Craft Beer and Home Brew Festival. The fair, which organizes the event, increased the number of tickets sold this year more than 25 percent, to 1,300. “I’d say it went very well,” said Jessica Edwards, assistant fair director. Pre-selling tickets and advertising the event would […]