The Haines Borough Assembly discussed and made amendments to the $13.3 million 2019 fiscal year budget Tuesday—which included voting to allow children under 18 years old free admission to the pool, approving a $40,000 online government engagement platform, and deciding whether to hire an additional employee in the planning department. The assembly unanimously approved member Heather Lende’s […]

The Haines Borough School District is taking strides to foster an inclusive relationship with roughly 50 homeschool students in the valley. As school enrollment has tottered in the last several years, the Haines Borough Assembly and school board discussed Haines’ homeschool population at a joint meeting May 3. “The homeschool issue is not an issue that is unique to Haines,” said […]

The Haines Borough Assembly voted 4-2 to develop a resolution placing a moratorium on issuing new tour permits on Chilkoot Lake and river corridor. Overcrowding on the road has led to potentially dangerous encounters with bears over the past several years. An Alaska Department of Fish and Game technician quit his job last year after a crowd of bear […]

The Haines Borough Assembly voted 5-1 to adopt a naming policy that allows the body to name public places and facilities for individuals five years after they’ve died, or in a group’s case been disbanded for at least five years. The action comes after revelations surfaced earlier this month that former Haines School teacher, principal and superintendent […]

The Haines Borough Assembly rejected Mayor Jan Hill’s recommendation to appoint Zach Ferrin to the planning commission—a decision that highlighted the political nature of the appointment process. The Mayor appoints board and commission members subject to assembly approval, according to borough code. When filling vacancies, local advisory bodies rank applicants based on a score sheet and recommend applicants to the Mayor, although […]

The Haines Borough Assembly met Monday and discussed their effectiveness as a body and as individual representatives. The special meeting, which is slated to occur the third week of each month, is the latest effort from the assembly to increase its efficiency and engage in productive discussions. The meeting opened with assembly member Heather Lende proposing they […]

Plastic bags have a bad rap and Haines is taking strides to reduce their use. Haines Friends of Recycling’s zero-waste themed Earth Week has renewed talks about how to cut back on single-use plastics. Lynn Canal Conservation board member Heidi Robichaud said the nonprofit has been working to encourage the use of reusable bags in local […]

The Haines Borough Assembly is exploring the possibility of hiring a new attorney. Haines Borough Manager Debra Schnabel asked the assembly Tuesday if they wanted current attorney Brooks Chandler to reapply for the position. “I have notified our existing attorney that you are interested in seeing who else is interested in serving as your legal counsel,” Schnabel said. Assembly member […]