The Haines Economic Development Corp. (HEDC) this week interviewed two candidates for interim executive director — local David Simmons and an out-of-town candidate board president Heather Shade declined to name. On July 10, before the candidate interviews, Shade said the board is looking for someone who can manage day-to-day operations, with emphasis on supporting the […]
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Posted inNews, School Board
Borough delays review of permit for RV park at school board request
The RV park located behind Thor’s Gym may soon be resurrected. Between 2001 and 2011, the Elks Lodge operated an RV park at the location for visiting members. On June 5, Chris Thorgeson, the property’s current owner, applied for a conditional-use permit to operate a 10-space RV park at the site. Consideration of the permit […]
Posted inNews, Elections
State and borough emphasize absentee voting in 2020 election
In Alaska, state and local governments are emphasizing absentee voting in this year’s elections to protect public health, starting with the Aug. 18 statewide primary. Sunday, July 19, is the deadline to register to vote in the primary election. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the primary is Aug. 8. Those who submit […]
Posted inNews
Library begins closures due to budget cuts
The Haines Borough Public Library will be closed Fridays beginning July 17 through the end of June 2021, due to budget cuts. This is not the first time the library has seen its budget reduced, but it is the first time cuts will translate to a significant loss of service. “Over the years, we’ve been asked to […]
Posted inNews
Assembly drops biomass project
The Haines Borough’s biomass project has been officially disbanded after the assembly voted Tuesday to return a $900,000 Alaska Energy Authority grant. The grant, which the borough secured five or six years ago, was set to expire this fall. It would have partially funded a wood chip-burning biomass boiler system to heat municipal buildings, replacing […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Look at CARES Act money to help museum
I’m confused on how we, the Haines Borough, are interpreting allowable uses for CARES Act funds. I see some creativity in their use for lunches for seniors, a new ambulance, relief for small businesses (I applied for a small grant from that program), etc. Since there seems to be quite a bit more money still to […]
Posted inNews
Last big cruise line cancels
Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to give up on bringing its ships to Alaska even in late September and early October, putting an end to any chance of a large cruise ship season in the state. The other major cruises serving Alaska — Holland America, Carnival, Princess, Disney and Royal Caribbean — had already canceled […]
Posted inNews
Assembly may hold town hall on role of borough manager
The public may have an opportunity to weigh in on the Haines Borough’s next manager. After a meeting July 1, the assembly’s personnel committee is recommending the full assembly solicit community input before moving forward with the hiring process. The borough has been without a permanent manager since the assembly fired Debra Schnabel on May 19. Borough […]
Posted inNews
School proposes in-person classes, shortened days for upcoming year
The Haines Borough School District has developed a tentative COVID-19 mitigation plan for the upcoming school year including in-person classes, small groups of students, mask wearing and a shortened school day. To help create the plan, the district solicited input from focus groups of teachers, staff and middle school and high school students, as well as experts […]
Posted inAlaska Marine Highway System, News
Matanuska back in service after 6 months
Alaska state ferry service is getting closer to normal, even though passenger loads are far from normal. Even the Matanuska, the oldest operating vessel in the fleet, has come back to service. Engine problems forced the ferry out of service in January, stranding travelers throughout Southeast and, due to the unavailability of any other working […]