The state dismissed all drug charges against Dean Lari last week because of what a magistrate judge described as a “technicality” and Lari’s public defender characterized as “recklessness” on the part of Haines Police. Haines Borough staff and officials celebrated the felony drug bust publicly last October when Lari was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana […]
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Early data on goats presented
Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Kevin White presented Thursday preliminary findings of a seven-year study on regional mountain goat habitat, results which he said could help policy makers better identify and map heliski terrain. One heliski company operator this week said he disagreed with the state’s assessment of the location of goats. Local heliski mapping within the Haines Borough has faced […]
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Assembly debates police issues
After reviewing a large budget increase for the police department, the Haines Borough Assembly discussed a host of police issues during a budget hearing Tuesday evening. Assembly member Heather Lende asked staff to come up with a number for how much a new officer would cost, and interim borough manager Brad Ryan quoted a price tag of […]
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For differing reasons, revolving loan funds stalled
Between an apparent lack of awareness and the inability to continue financing due to default, two local revolving business loan-funding options have stalled. If the Haines Borough Assembly approves a $95,000 budget request, the fledgling Haines Economic Development Corporation might try to manage a fund of its own, but it comes with a fair amount of risk. […]
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Editorial
The Haines Borough Planning Commission and Haines Borough Assembly line up similarly on the $30 million plan for expanding the boat harbor. A majority of members in each body support the project as is, while a steadfast minority in each group is still expressing doubts. (Recall that assembly approval of this plan in March 2014 came only on a […]
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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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First application filed for growing marijuana
Longtime resident Carol Waldo has applied for Haines’ first marijuana establishment license. Using the business name Glacier Bay Farms, Waldo applied for a standard marijuana cultivation facility license, meaning she would be able to grow marijuana and sell her product to retail stores. Haines residents have 30 days from April 13 to comment on the […]
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Assembly chooses Lutak Dock option
The Haines Borough Assembly agreed to pursue a $37.4 million project to refurbish Lutak Dock as the borough’s preferred option, but only if grant funding is available. The Planning Commission and Port and Harbor Advisory Committee both recommended to the assembly early this year Alternative 1A posed by firm R&M consultants. The option includes encapsulation of existing cells – […]
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Clerk, attorney give go-ahead on recall
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 […]