First, it was Debra Schnabel, who was not only fired by Mayor Hill and assembly people Josephson, Rogers and Thomas. But—as if that were not enough—the EOC attempted to publicly shame her by rushing out a press release that was so wrong it had to be rescinded the following day. It was a mean attempt to sow doubt […]
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Posted inNews
Borough has no plans to consider face mask mandate
A growing number of Alaska communities in recent weeks have considered mandates that people wear face masks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections but, at present, the Haines Borough has no plans to consider such a measure. This month, city councils in Valdez and Seward approved mask mandates, while Juneau and the city of Ketchikan […]
Posted inNews, Obituaries
Lende’s latest book reflects on small-town political stress
Oh, the toxic political vitriol, the alternative facts, the intimidating personalities, the character assassinations. Nope, we aren’t talking about wheeler-dealers in Washington, D.C. Not even in Juneau. Our locus is the small community of Haines, with a borough population of about 2,500. This former logging town now survives on tourism, fishing and the outdoors, and […]
Posted inNews
Assembly may hold town hall on role of borough manager
The public may have an opportunity to weigh in on the Haines Borough’s next manager. After a meeting July 1, the assembly’s personnel committee is recommending the full assembly solicit community input before moving forward with the hiring process. The borough has been without a permanent manager since the assembly fired Debra Schnabel on May 19. Borough […]
Posted inNews
Skagway residents line up for first $1,000 CARES Act checks
Alaska cities and boroughs are still figuring out how to spend the $569 million in federal CARES Act funding coming their way from the state — with municipalities all doing it a little differently. Or a lot differently. Whereas the most a Haines business or nonprofit can receive from the borough’s CARES Act grants program […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Draw your own conclusions
I’ve noticed a lot of letters from people I never heard of (and I’ve lived here for more than 50 years), protesting the firing of the most recent borough manager. Prior to this firing, the previous assembly saw fit to fire a retired, flag ranked U.S. Coast Guard officer. While serving, he had been the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts Outlook
First Friday features pottery, mixology As tourism season wraps up and summer turns to fall, Haines businesses will keep their doors open for October’s First Friday with pottery and watercolor displays, a bed and breakfast open house and a mixology workshop. Main Street’s Skipping Stone Studio will feature pottery and ceramic work from Haines local […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
I know who I’m not voting for
It is shameful that Debra Schnabel would be terminated. She stands head and shoulders above the three Assembly members and the Mayor. She has worked tirelessly for the borough, and I don’t think the petty arguments are in order to terminate her. I am definitely not going to vote for the three members of the Assembly that fired […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Public officials should put their egos aside
I was very disappointed when Mr. Rogers, Assembly members Thomas, Josephson and Mayor Hill fired the borough manager without cause. The decision, based on the reasons Mr. Rogers described, seemed to hinge on two very particular events. One, the incident with providing library services when he wasn’t informed of information that made his actions seem less than […]
Posted inNews
Volunteers rally for food security, Mosquito Lake Community Center
About 60 volunteers helped cultivate a new community garden Saturday at the Mosquito Lake Community Center. Organizer Erika Merklin has been trying to reinvigorate the building since earlier this year. She envisions the former Mosquito Lake School to be a multipurpose community center that offers child care services, gardening and fitness classes and, most importantly, […]