Severance tax fails A flurry of final votes on major legislation, all coinciding at Tuesday’s meeting, came at somewhat of an inconvenient time. As has become familiar in recent weeks, the assembly requires four votes — a majority of the full body — to pass legislation. That remains the case even with assembly members missing, […]
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Chilkat Valley Newsletter Friday April 9
As federal regulators move to roll back limits on “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, some Alaska lawmakers are pushing in the opposite direction with new bills that would require near-zero PFAS levels in drinking water. For communities like Haines, where contamination has already been documented near the Tanani Point Tank Farm, the stakes are as local […]
Posted inBlotter
Police Blotter: March 29 – April 4
Sunday, March 29A caller in the 2000 block of Lutak Road requested a citizen assist. An officer provided an escort into town.A caller at 100 Main Street reported a burglary alarm going off. An officer responded. Monday, March 30A caller reported an incident of stalking behavior. An officer responded. A caller in Haines reported receiving […]
Posted inLocal News
Legislators hope to mandate tighter PFAS regulations
As the Trump administration moves to rescind regulations on so-called forever chemicals, Alaska lawmakers hope to create a separate, stricter set of state standards. PFAS chemicals are durable, water-soluble compounds that have long been used in both consumer and industrial products for their non-stick and water-resistant properties. Usage in firefighting foams in particular has led […]
Posted inEating Well in the Chilkat Valley, Commentary
Eating well in the Chilkat Valley: Edible plants in the Chilkat Valley
When it comes to foraging, the question I am asked often is, “Really? Stinging nettles are edible?” Since spring is on its way, let’s turn to stinging nettles, one of the first edibles to make a seasonal showing in the Chilkat Valley. Our stinging nettle ranges throughout much of Alaska south of the Arctic Circle, […]
Posted inLocal News, Government & Elections
Assembly briefs: ADUs return, trouble in the garden, severance tax arguments voiced
ADUs return The assembly heard a first salvo of public pushback to a proposal that would allow additional small housing units in residential neighborhoods. Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, have been described as a starting point for adding housing stock to the borough. Proponents over the past year have pitched it as a marginal change. […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: Eight-ball Tournament, gardening and more
The 11th annual Aaron Nash Memorial Eight-ball Tournament was held at the Fogcutter Bar on St. Patrick’s Day along with the Chamber of Commerce Pot o’ Gold 50/50 raffle. There was corned beef and cabbage and plenty of winning. Amanda Brandon at the Chamber of Commerce announced the big winner of the raffle was Stuart […]