A mayor’s report found differing explanations for why a charge was reduced by plea bargain in a case involving an alleged assault on the Haines harbormaster. According to a report presented by Haines Borough Mayor Stephanie Scott at Tuesday’s assembly meeting, Assistant District Attorney Amy Williams said she would have preferred to take the case to trial, but could […]

In a joint meeting last week, the Haines Borough’s Ports and Harbors Advisory Committee and Tourism Advisory Board recommended tabling until March discussion of increasing docking and moorage rates for the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry, a private shuttle that primarily brings passengers to town from cruise ships in Skagway. At the same meeting, the groups recommended […]

Howsers Supermarket won Business of the Year and Alaska Mountain Guides received the Community Service Award at Saturday’s Haines Chamber of Commerce banquet. Supermarket owner Mike Ward was cited for beautification of downtown, promotion of local shopping and “green” merchandising. Creating programs for local youths were among accomplishments credited to AMG. The Hair Shop won […]

Casting a tie-breaking vote, Haines Borough Mayor Stephanie Scott stopped an assembly motion Tuesday aimed at extending manager Mark Earnest’s contract through June 2014. With Scott’s vote, the assembly agreed, 4-3, to postpone the matter to Nov. 6, when Earnest has been asked to make a formal proposal. “My concern is that it’s a big decision,” Scott said. “I’m […]

Brian Lemcke, who resigned as the Haines Borough’s public facilities director last week, said the job is an important one. Lemcke, a local bar owner who once worked as a contractor here, started in July 2011, replacing Brad Maynard. The position, which oversees projects and supervises the public works and water and sewer departments, was […]

The Haines Borough Assembly voted Tuesday 4-2 to introduce an ordinance that would charge heli-ski companies a $5 per skier-day fee and allow fines up to $1,000 per day for permit violations. Establishment of the fee would not be effective until the 2014 season. Under current borough law, fines are limited to $300. Members Jerry Lapp and Norm Smith voted in […]

In the wake of concerns about government secrecy, the Haines Borough will ask its Haines Port Steering Development Committee to review a proposed memorandum of understanding and confidentiality agreement with Wellgreen mine developer Prophecy Platinum Corp. at its meeting Oct. 25. Prophecy is considering Haines as a transshipment port for nickel ore from Burwash Landing, Y.T. ore […]

Haines Borough officials last week addressed the topic of safety in relation to management of heli-skiing, following concerns raised by the family of a heli-skier killed in an avalanche during a tour in March. Borough officials said the municipality isn’t responsible for ensuring safety during heli-tours, but they consider a company’s safety record in evaluating […]