The Haines Borough Assembly may consider levying sales taxes from nonprofits and other municipal sales when next year’s budget process begins. “As our economy continues to be challenging we have to really look at how we’re handling things and this is directly in response to a staggering economy,” said assembly member Brenda Josephson. The assembly’s finance committee […]
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Assembly cuts heliski terrain map
After adding two heli-ski map terrain locations last month, the Haines Borough Assembly reversed part of that decision Tuesday and removed one of the areas. Assembly member Stephanie Scott moved to reconsider a vote made last month that added an area north of Rainbow Glacier and another near Flower Mountain. Every three years the assembly considers changes to heli-ski […]
Posted inNews, Obituaries
2017 sees shifting leadership, new beginnings
A shakeup in leadership across government and business, a group of unsatisfied citizens who challenged the assembly and how to approach policing outside the townsite dominated the news this year. The first ripples of discontent occurred after the assembly rejected Diana Lapham’s application to sit on the Ports and Harbor Advisory committee. Don Turner and […]
Posted inNews
Coliforms present in ‘spring’
The Mud Bay “spring” tested positive again this month for total coliforms, a type of bacteria found in human and animal waste. On Tuesday the assembly directed borough manager Debra Schnabel to post a sign at the spring indicating the water had tested positive for total coliform and that the source is surface water. KHNS reporter Abbey […]
Posted inNews, Timber
Assembly: University timber sale University timber sale
The Haines Borough Assembly voted to evaluate the borough’s legal options if the University of Alaska awards a timber sale contract in the Chilkat Peninsula because “the proposed University timber sale violates all existing provisions for commercial use in the Mud Bay rural residential zone as well as the purpose and intent of that code.” Assembly member Stephanie […]
Posted inNews, Timber
Assembly: University timber sale violates Mud Bay code
The Haines Borough Assembly voted to evaluate the borough’s legal options if the University of Alaska awards a timber sale contract in the Chilkat Peninsula because “the proposed University timber sale violates all existing provisions for commercial use in the Mud Bay rural residential zone as well as the purpose and intent of that code.” Assembly member Stephanie […]
Posted inNews
Assembly made winter closure an easy choice, owner says
After 14 years of ownership and year-round business, Harbor Bar and Lighthouse Restaurant owner Mike Ward is closing it for the winter and putting the establishment up for sale. Ward said the closure and sale of his restaurant and bar is in part a smart business decision, but also a political one. Last month the Haines […]
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Assembly shoots down manager’s drone policy
The Haines Borough Assembly rejected Borough Manager Debra Schnabel’s proposed drone policy that would have, in part, allowed the borough to use a drone to photograph residents’ property without permission. The policy also addressed the use of a drone in search and rescue, mapping and other applications where aerial images would be useful. Although the assembly didn’t […]
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Assembly and State Troopers spar over police responsibility
The Haines Borough Assembly and Alaska State Troopers Director Hans Brinke reached an impasse Wednesday afternoon on which government agency is responsible for policing the Haines Borough outside the townsite. The Alaska State Troopers, which moved its trooper position to western Alaska last spring, maintain the borough is responsible for policing outside the townsite. Borough staff created an ordinance […]
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Safety commission seeks two additional members
The Haines Borough public safety commission met last week to seat a new chairperson, discuss long-term goals and devise strategies for grappling with illegal drug use in Haines. Last month the borough assembly denied the commission’s proposed name change to the “public health and safety commission.” Assembly members cited concerns about taking on the additional responsibilities of […]