Posted inLocal News

Assembly Briefs: The Lutak Dock, cell tower regulations, historical preservation, sales taxes and boat storage

Lutak Dock Good news on the Lutak Dock has been hard to come by in recent years, but there seemed to be some of it last month when interim manager Alekka Fullerton announced the borough and dock contractor Turnagain Marine had agreed on a new design concept that would fit within the borough’s budget. That […]

Posted inDuly Noted

Duly Noted: Watermelon eating contest, a visiting trivia hero, competitive croquet, hazardous waste and an high-profile internship

The Victory Garden at Mosquito Lake work party and BBQ featured a dessert auction, a watermelon-eating contest and a community meeting with Mayor Tom Morphet. Morphet also participated in the watermelon-eating contest, as “Chompin’ Tom Morphet,” but he was no match for Austin “the belly-ache” Finnan. Finnan walked away with a free day at the […]

Posted inObituaries

Tom Healy remembered as approachable, open and kind.

A memorial party for former Haines, Skagway and Palmer municipal administrator and manager Tom Healy (74) was held at Woadie’s in Skagway on June 21.  Healy died peacefully in Palmer on May 14 of complications from blood cancer. Healy’s public memorial service noted his pragmatism, diplomacy, patience, tact and goodwill.  Tyler Healy praised his father’s […]

Posted inLocal News

As Mosquito Lake asserts itself, some residents see borough as undercutting their success

Upper-valley community members gathered Sunday at the Four Winds Resource Center for a barbecue, and also a show of community strength as the borough government debates selling off the local community center. The resource center is housed in the former Mosquito Lake school, which was decommissioned in 2014. Since then, the borough-owned property has been […]

Posted inAlaska Legislature, Local News

Chilkat Valley state reps answer questions during local meetings

The Chilkat Valley’s state legislative delegation held three local, question-and-answer sessions recently.  The visit came during an eventful time in the state capital, just after Gov. Mike Dunleavy last week called a surprise legislative session, asking legislative allies to help him avoid overrides of his controversial veto choices this spring.  In remarks Monday, Democrats Jesse […]

Posted inEconomy, Southeast News

Layoffs begin for Ketchikan shipyard workers

Vigor Alaska laid off about 40 union-represented Ketchikan Shipyard workers on Monday and Tuesday, according to representatives of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 23.  About 18 people remain employed as Vigor winds down its operation of the state-owned shipyard. Thirteen or 14 of  the remaining workers are represented by the union. The Daily News was […]

Posted inHaines Herring

Ayatollah Khamenei steps down as Iranian Supreme Leader to run for Haines Borough Assembly

As the Ayatollah’s grip on power has further waned after Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iranian military and other government sites like a state-run media broadcaster, rival factions are vying for power. And as unrest has stirred from a population that has become increasingly emboldened to publicly resist his oppressive regime, Khamenei told the Haines […]

Posted inLocal News

Assembly Briefs: Cemetery easement, housing, public safety, and fees

Cemetery easement denied The assembly voted Tuesday on an easement request that has brought a storm of controversy since it surfaced last month.  The easement would have allowed Takshanuk Watershed Council use of an existing driveway running to its new composting facility at Jones Point – a driveway largely on Jones Point Cemetery land, which […]