Numerous challenges are stopping the resumption of Alaska Marine Highway service to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, the ferry system’s director said at a conference of Southeast officials last week. During a Southeast Conference transportation symposium in Juneau on Feb. 8, Ketchikan Vice Mayor Glen Thompson asked for an update about service to the Canadian port, […]
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Posted inNews, Local News, Alaska Legislature, State of Alaska
State tax assessment bill follows Haines residents’ push
An advocacy push by Haines residents frustrated over the property tax assessment process has led a state senator to announce a pending bill to codify some of their requests in state law. Sen. Jesse Kiehl made an announcement in his Feb. 3 newsletter “Real Deal with Jesse Kiehl.” He said his bill would include provisions […]
Posted inLocal News, News
Relationship with community, tribe emerges as top priority at assembly session
A four-hour assembly session with a discussion facilitator on Saturday whittled down some of the sprawling goals members had put forward, but left more work to be done before putting forward concrete proposals. At the top of the priorities was the yet-nebulous topic of improving relations between the borough assembly, administration, local tribes and the […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly meetings aren’t for personal beefs
I’m disappointed that the mayor’s refusal to allow a citizen the floor at the Jan. 22 assembly meeting has generated debate about citizen’s First Amendment Right to free speech (Mike Denker, letter of 2/1). The assembly meetings are business meetings. They are not forums for citizens to bring forward their personal issues with individual assembly […]
Posted inLocal News, News
After high-profile stumbles, manager scores low in assembly evaluations
Haines Borough manager Annette Kreitzer was given low marks on her communication to assembly members in evaluation that were distributed in early January. Kreitzer received an average of 1.1 out of 5 for keeping “the assembly informed about important and/or changing situations,” 1.3 out of 5 in seeking “assembly approval/guidance on controversial issues,” and 1.33 […]
Posted inNews, Local News, Haines Borough
Assembly Briefs: No new state lobbyist, an appeal to FEMA on Porcupine Road
Mayor Tom Morphet controversially cut off a public commenter, assembly members considered an appeal to FEMA over canceled funding, and a new police chief was recommended.
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Here’s why I cut public comment short
As a former newspaper publisher and a Haines Borough Assembly member whopushed to get a second public comment period on assembly meeting agendas, I amsensitive to complaints that I limited free speech or censored public comment atTuesday’s Haines Borough Assembly meeting. As meeting chair, it’s my job to maintain order and decorum during meetings.During public […]
Posted inLocal News, Energy
‘We’re way behind’: EV charging station in Haines could bring tourists, help locals
Shelby Flemming has an electric car, but it’s not doing her much good this winter. She lives on Mosquito Lake Road, and owns a 2015 Nissan Leaf that has a 70 mile range — but only when it’s warm. Using the heater in colder weather, it doesn’t have the range to get to her work […]
Posted inWildlife, News, Local News
Governor axes Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve council as legislators question constitutionality
In one of his first executive actions of the new year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy dissolved the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council in the name of the “best interests of efficient administration.” The Legislature has 60 days to undo the action, based on state statute. The advisory council was established in 1982 along with the […]
Posted inNews, Local News, Klukwan
Borough clashes with FEMA, Klukwan over canceled funding
The Haines borough manager said she thinks the Federal Emergency Management Agency erred when it found that the borough had broken federal rules in rebuilding Porcupine Trail Road last summer. In a Dec. 22 memo, FEMA wrote that the borough, through its contractor Southeast Road Builders, had violated the conditions of its $1.4 million grant. […]