I was moved by the fine obituary for Norm Smith Sr. in a recent issue of the Chilkat Valley News. I met him three or four times over the years, but it wasn’t until three years ago that we formed a friendship through our mutual interest in local history. Norm’s research on local military and Native history […]
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Posted inThank You Letters
Assemblyman offers apology, thanks
I would like to formally apologize to my constituents, the members of the Haines Borough Assembly, the clerk, the Mayor and the manager for my inappropriate conduct and comments during the last assembly meeting of Jan. 10, 2012. I also would like to thank everyone who sent emails, cards, and letters of sympathy and condolences regarding the recent […]
Posted inNews
Borough manager’s contract extended
The Haines Borough Assembly approved an 18-month contract extension and 2 percent pay raise for borough manager Mark Earnest following an evaluation last week. “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to continue serving the community and the borough, and I look forward to pushing the projects that we’ve got moving in the next year and a half,” Earnest said. […]
Posted inNews
GPS data a trade secret? Heli-ski companies want coordinates to be confidential
The Haines Borough Assembly in a 4-2 vote Tuesday introduced an ordinance that would make global positioning system data for helicopter skiing confidential. “The only thing about this ordinance is you have to be satisfied that the GPS data is indeed a trade secret, and the people who bear the burden of that proof are the operators […]
Posted inNews
Assembly wants more Connelly Lake studies
The Haines Borough Assembly Tuesday voted 4-2 to request the federal government require developers of a potential hydro-electric project above Chilkoot Lake to conduct additional studies, including examination of insuring against potential losses to fisheries and other values there. About 35 residents turned out for the special meeting and all but eight of the 25 who testified were cricital […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Smith is no-Smith is no
As a 31-year resident, tour operator and ski shop owner, I heartily endorse Norm Smith for a continued term on the borough assembly. Here’s why: His no nonsense attention to detail and responsibility over how our taxes are spent and what services we are provided; his long term understanding of how the fragile economy of Haines has kept […]
Posted inNews
Mayor lays down rules for meetings
Haines Borough meetings will get a new look – including increased opportunity for public comment and more assembly research in advance of meetings – under plans laid out by new Mayor Stephanie Scott at a work session with assembly members Nov. 3. A list of “housekeeping” issues addressed during the session ranged from reviewing the purpose and status of […]
Posted inNews
New mayor, assembly to meet
The Haines Borough Assembly is scheduled to meet as a committee 6:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Nov. 3) in the assembly chambers. Terms for newly elected Mayor Stephanie Scott and assembly members Debra Schnabel, Norm Smith and incumbent Jerry Lapp started this week. The public notice for the meeting says the assembly will discuss assembly procedures, committee and liaison assignments, and “standards of practice used to […]
Posted inNews
Foreign visitors buoy tour season
Visitation by Canadian and overseas visitors helped stanch losses in tourism during the summer season, including a 12 percent drop in cruise ship passengers. Hotelier Jeff Butcher said his business dropped maybe a percentage point or two, but he also shortened his season this year. “All in all, it was not a bad year. June […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Scott wins mayor’s race by 47 votes; First meeting with new leaders Nov. 15
Haines Borough voters selected Stephanie Scott as their new Mayor, by a 47-vote margin, a canvass of outstanding ballots determined Tuesday. She received 24 of 31 remaining absentee, questioned and personal representative ballots, capturing 52 percent of total votes cast. “I’m just happy that there is some conclusion, so I can get to work,” Scott said. “That’s been weighing […]