The organizer of the ballot initiative to return the planning commission (PC) to an appointed body suggested in last week’s CVN that the current PC doesn’t follow code, do their homework or know how to read plans. As a current PC member (representing myself), I would like to point out to the initiative organizer that […]
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Candidates set for October ballot
The full slate of candidates for the October municipal elections is now set, with a total of 20 residents running for seats on the assembly, planning commission, school board, and for mayor. Three citizen’s petitions are also headed to the ballot, and the assembly will vote on final approval for an additional two ballot measures […]
Chilkat Valley Newsletter Friday August 21
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]

