Skagway will be indefinitely without state ferry service after cracks were discovered in its ferry terminal last week. Engineers first discovered cracks in concrete supports under the vehicle and passenger transfer bridges last Thursday. The dock was closed two days later, after the M/V Hubbard completed its Saturday docking at the facility, the state’s Department […]
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Posted in2026 Haines Borough Election, Local News, Elections
Help shape the Chilkat Valley News’ local election reporting in 2026
Our next borough election is set to take place on Oct. 6. That means it’s crunch time here at the Chilkat Valley News as we work to get you the information you need to know to cast an informed vote. That also means candidates for borough assembly, planning commission, and school board are making plans on […]
Posted inSoutheast News
Juneau Assembly to sell City Hall to Sealaska Heritage Institute, which plans to demolish building for new $40M complex
Selling City Hall to Sealaska Heritage Institute for $1.5 million rather than auctioning the site for a minimum bid of $2.5 million was approved by the Juneau Assembly by a 6-3 vote on Monday night. The Alaska Native nonprofit organization plans to demolish the 75-year-old building in favor of a new $40 million three-story structure featuring […]
Posted inLocal News, Elections, 2026 Haines Borough Election
Three petitions set for local ballet
Updated Aug. 19 The borough clerk’s office has approved three ballot initiatives for October’s election. All three seek to reverse previous initiatives voted into law in recent elections. One of the approved initiatives is mayor Tom Morphet’s effort to cut the senior property tax exemption from $300,000 of exempt property value to $200,000 of exempt […]
Posted in2026 Governor's Race, Elections
After Alaska’s ‘final four’ primary, a silent primary may decide who’s on the ballot in November
Alaska’s two leading Democratic candidates for governor have quietly been discussing whether one of them should quit the race if both are among the top four vote-getters in Tuesday’s primary election. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich each said by phone on Thursday that they’ve been discussing different scenarios about what could happen when the final […]
Chilkat Valley Newsletter Friday August 14
It’s election season. There’s a statewide primary on Tuesday, and here in the Chilkat Valley the October ballot is starting to take shape. As current Mayor Tom Morphet steps down a race is taking shape between at least two former mayors, Doug Olerud and Jan Hill. If no one else files, it would be a […]
Posted inLocal News
October ballot begins to take shape
Former mayors back in the race Former mayors Doug Olerud and Jan Hill are seeking a return to office. Olerud and Hill are the only candidates so far to officially enter the race for mayor. That could yet change, and individuals have until Aug. 20 to file their candidacy. If things hold, it would be […]
Posted inLocal News
Bears, Port Chilkoot dock management, and repealing the ban on plastic bags
In addition to banning outhouses in the townsite, the Haines Borough assembly also approved a 30-day window for letters of interest in managing the Port Chilkoot Dock. The body also discussed potential conditional use permit fees for heliports during its two-hour meeting on Tuesday. Bears Haines Mayor Tom Morphet donned a button-up shirt with colorful […]
Posted inLocal News
Listen: Assembly to discuss cruise dock deal, new initiatives headed to the ballot
Assembly members will discuss a request for proposals for Port Chilkoot Dock for the second time at the Aug. 11 Haines Borough Assembly meeting. And, the borough clerk’s report confirms that two citizen initiatives are making their way through town. The Chilkat Valley News’ Will Steinfeld joins KHNS reporter Melinda Munson. Melinda Munson: Will, thanks […]