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 […]
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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 inNews, Economy, Government & Elections
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, […]
Posted inLocal News
“You are making rules up as you go,” Cell tower company calls permit process illegal
A company is calling the borough’s handling of its new cell tower plans illegal after the company’s permit was brought to the planning commission this week. The permit in question is for a new tower on Sawmill Road on a private parcel zoned for industrial use. According to borough code, cell towers are part of […]
Posted in2026 Governor's Race, News
Alaska’s candidates for governor weigh in on oil taxes, and how to cook fish
It’s campaign season in Alaska. Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola made national news when she said she’s entering what’s expected to be a hard-fought and expensive race for the Alaska U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Dan Sullivan. Meanwhile two-term GOP Gov. Republican Mike Dunleavy is barred by state law for seeking re-election — and more […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Transportation
Pelican has gone without plane or ferry service since Nov. 28, due mostly to record-setting weather
Ajax Eggleston says he’s canceled a couple of medical trips scheduled in Juneau because of chest pains, as well as a family Christmas celebration with his parents in Sitka. Instead, the holiday feast at his home in Pelican was deer from a hunt earlier this year and his Christmas wish is hoping the town’s month-long […]
Posted inLocal News
Looking back on our most read stories of 2025
As the Chilkat Valley closes in on the end of 2025, here’s a look at some of the most widely read of the 904 stories the Chilkat Valley News published in print and online this year. January Readers spent the most time on a story titled “Border Patrol launches Juneau operations, with eye on drugs […]
Posted inLocal News
Assembly Briefs: Recognitions, sales tax, Chilkoot, nonprofits
Recognition for Stuart, playground dedicated Borough Finance Director Jila Stuart has been named Alaska’s Municipal Employee of the Year by the Alaska Municipal League. In a memo, mayor Tom Morphet praised Stuart’s depth of expertise and commitment to transparency, writing that Stuart “is a public servant in every sense.” The borough also officially voted to […]