The upper Lynn Canal’s leading mountain goat researcher, who has spent the last 12 years collecting data and providing analysis to Haines officials during heliski discussions, left the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about three weeks ago. Biologist Kevin White has been working on a long-term study that involves collaring, monitoring and mapping goat populations in […]
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Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly approves Lutak cell tower lease
The Haines Borough Assembly voted unanimously to approve a land lease agreement for a telecommunications tower near Lutak Dock. The agreement enables Vertical Bridge Development to build a tower that the company plans to sublease to Verizon Wireless, which would provide cell service to the Lutak area. Initial reports said the tower would have 5G capacity, but Vertical Bridge representatives said […]
Posted inNews
2021 sees rebuilding, recovery from disaster, pandemic
Recovery and rebuilding were the watchwords of 2021 as residents navigated life in Haines among the wreckage left by the December storms and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Also in this year’s news, the borough secured a $20 million grant to repair the Lutak Dock, a new borough manager was hired, incidents of bear and human interactions, including […]
Posted inNews
Hot-mic remark causes concern
Assuming he was muted on Zoom at a Nov. 29 heliski Committee of the Whole meeting, Eric Holle said, “I’d like to kill Liz Cornejo.” Cornejo had just given a public comment in which she critiqued Holle’s use of the word “critical” to describe mountain goat habitat that the state hasn’t designated as “critical.” Earlier in the […]
Posted inNews, Climate, Public Safety
Regional avalanche mapping could help identify risks to Chilkat Valley
State researchers are nearly finished with an innovative avalanche mapping project that will help assess risks to Chilkat Valley infrastructure and residents. Scientists at the Alaska Department of Natural Resource’s Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Program (CCHP) are using recent climatological data and evolving a technique developed by Swiss researchers to create a baseline model of […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Don’t make emotion-based decisions
I realize the heliski conversation is an emotional topic but I’m encouraged to see folks moving past their opinions and starting to realize some basic facts. Allowing Stellar to operate its own business will not increase the number of helicopters or skiers. They have been here all along and represent a valuable contribution to our local economy […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Free enterprise has consequences
After the Mayor at the last Borough Assembly Meeting on Oct. 26 introduced Ordinance 21-10-598 to remove the limit on the number of heliski permits, we were given a lecture on the merits of Free Enterprise by member Stickler. She espoused the virtue of letting business and commerce grow unimpeded; the government’s role is to stay out of the […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Candidates discuss the economy at Chamber of Commerce forum
The Haines Chamber of Commerce organized a forum Sept. 21 at the Aspen Hotel where candidates had one minute to answer 10 questions such as whether they’d support adding a fourth heliski permit, what’s hindering business growth and whether they’re supported by special interests or “by people who expect you to push their agenda.” Brenda Josephson said […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Four Candidates Running for ASSEMBLY
The following is a condensed version of CVN interviews with borough assembly candidates Richard Clement, 66, Tyler Huling, 29, Debra Schnabel, 69, and Brenda Josephson, 56. As opposed to the debate last week, they did not have access to the questions before the interviews. Clement retired to Haines about four years ago. He worked in Alaska […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Bulleted small town advice
• Direct your assembly vote towards individuals that make choices based on what is best for our entire community, not special interest groups. Vote for Tyler Huling. Most of the other candidates are special interest trolls. They can have an agenda that does not always represent the best interests of the community at large. •Chief Scott is doing okay with […]