They crossed the finish line nearly an hour ahead of the rest of the field, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. In this week’s newsletter, we’re sharing a conversation with Kat to Koot winner Erik Stevens, who says the crust on this year’s snow was “one of the worst” he’s ever skied. He and […]
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Posted inLocal News
Peratrovich Day in Haines highlights decades of civil rights work
Tuesday’s Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebration brought a new first, at least in recent memory: the Haines and Klukwan schools joining together to celebrate the Alaska Native civil rights pioneer. But by and large, much of the celebration has become familiar, and a yearly tradition for the current generation of students. It wasn’t always that way, […]
Chilkat Valley Newsletter Friday Feb. 13
Haines’ newest special education teacher is leaving mid-year after her work permit was denied and the district says it won’t pursue visa hires going forward. Stacey Spencer moved from Trinidad and Tobago to rural Alaska looking for a new chapter in a long career living and working in the U.S. Now that future in the […]
Posted inLocal News
A few questions for Doug Olerud, who also has questions
Former mayor and local business owner Doug Olerud has launched a new podcast called “Doug Has Questions.” The first episode came out Nov. 30, 2025, and he has released a dozen more audio and video interviews since, primarily of Chilkat Valley locals. Olerud sat down with the Chilkat Valley News’ Rashah McChesney to talk about […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Some cell tower impacts area not debatable
Cell tower companies are pushing to install giant towers throughout our valley, on the Chilkat Islands, and along the west side of Lynn Canal, without any regard for how it will affect our community. The health impacts of 5G may still be unsettled within the scientific community, but the impact of towers approaching 200 feet […]
Posted inLocal News
Listen: Haines Assembly to consider child care, hiring a state lobbyist
Haines’ upcoming borough assembly meeting will address childcare, the potential of hiring a state lobbyist and cell towers. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson spoke with the Chilkat Valley News’ Will Steinfeld from in preparation for the Feb. 10 meeting. The full agenda can be found here. Melinda Munson: Will let’s start with the issue of child […]
Posted inLocal News
Assembly Briefs: Towers, taxes, tourism and docks
Cell Tower final hearing A fifth and final public hearing on new cell-tower regulations became the fifth and not final public hearing after the assembly decided to send the ordinance to a special meeting for further review. The proposal includes stricter setbacks and permitting for new cell towers — something assembly members have seemed broadly […]
Posted inLocal News
As Juneau evacuates, local officials reflect on readiness
Earlier this month, the city of Juneau issued official warnings advising hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes due to avalanche risk following heavy snowfall. Over 50 residents evacuated to one downtown emergency shelter, Juneau’s KTOO reported, and Juneau emergency manager Ryan O’Shaughnessy said the city only made the evacuation call after intense deliberation. “We’re […]
Posted inEconomy, Government & Elections, News
Dunleavy unveils fiscal plan with sales tax, 50-50 PFD, 1% cap on state spending hikes, higher oil tax
Juneau residents could be paying a 9% sales tax during next year’s tourism season as part of a multi-year fiscal plan by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that could in theory result in a Permanent Fund Dividend of more than $3,000 that fall. Dunleavy’s plan is contained in a set of bills introduced in the Alaska State […]
Posted inLocal News
Residents hit with high heating costs
A recent stretch of cold weather, plus high heating oil prices, has been a recipe for budget crunch, residents say. Borough decision makers, however, disagree on what should be done. The issue started in early December with a persistent cold snap. In the weeks since, residents have started to see fuel bills from that period, […]