The Haines Borough assembly is considering a proposal that would allow voters to choose whether to sell the green-space downtown at the corner of Third and Main, or keep it as a public park. As Will Steinfeld reports for KHNS, there’s debate about which option would lead to the most benefit for Main Street.

Municipalities across Alaska have long taxed natural resources that are extracted locally, but sold elsewhere. The aim is to ensure communities see some sort of financial boost from those exports, particularly amid waning support from the state. Haines could be next. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, voters soon will decide whether they […]

Haines voters will decide in October whether to add a two percent sales tax to alcoholic beverages. While the increase isn’t large, it brings up the issue of sin taxes, responsible spending and how to best fund a borough. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has more.

The Skagway ferry terminal is on track to reopen on Thursday [9/10], nearly a month after state ferry service to the popular tourist destination stopped abruptly in mid-August. The closure happened when staff noticed structural damage on the state ferry docking facility. The decision threw a wrench in regional travel plans, including for seasonal workers […]

Repair work on the Skagway Ferry Terminal continues and it’s unclear when service might resume. The Municipality of Skagway announced a contingency plan to get travelers to Haines through the end of the month. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has more. And, Dolly Parton’s music and philanthropy touched communities across the country, including Juneau. After her recent […]

Skagway’s housing shortage has impacted year-round residents, seasonal employees, business owners and people who might want to move here. But in the next installment of The Skagway Shuffle, KHNS contributor Molly McCluskey looks at how it’s also negatively impacting the heart of the town’s economy – its visitors.

Haines Borough Police and an Alaska State Trooper killed a bear on Monday, near the site where a woman was mauled over the weekend. The Chilkat Valley News’ Lizzy Hahn has more. And, Inside the Skagway Cultural Garden sits an artist, three days a week. She’s demonstrating a nearly lost art – Ravenstail weaving. After […]

A Haines woman is recovering in the hospital in Juneau after a brown bear mauled her on Saturday morning.  And,  there’s a new provider at Skagway’s local medical clinic. But most residents will recognize her. Shauna Thomas first came to town 25 years ago to sell fur coats to tourists. She eventually became a medical […]

The borough likely doesn’t have enough money to build the Lutak Dock anymore, and staff don’t know how much they’re short by. As Will Steinfeld reports for KHNS, it’s not just money the borough may be running short on — it’s time too.

Haines families for years have struggled to access childcare given limited services – and high costs. But the situation just got worse. A local preschool announced this week that it is shutting down amid an unsustainable financial situation. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the move underscores existing concerns about younger families’ ability […]