By Roger Maynard, on May 14th, 2012 HAINES–The Haines Planning Commission will host two town meetings to invite public comment on the draft Comprehensive Plan this week. The comprehensive plan is the “roadmap” for future borough decisions and is valid through 2025, and your public comment on this document is important in the implementation process.
The first meeting, in Haines, will be Wednesday May 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the Haines High School Commons.
The second meeting will be at the Mosquito Lake School, May 17, from 6-8 p.m.
The draft Comprehensive plan can be downloaded by going here. (Warning: 292 pages)
By Roger Maynard, on March 27th, 2012 HAINES–Mark Earnest announced his resignation from the position of borough manager effective June 1, 2012. In an email addressed to Mayor Scott and members of the Assembly yesterday, Earnest wrote, “I need to spend more time with my family, particularly with Matthew in this formative and transitional year ahead.”
Earnest sees a lot of “very positive opportunities on the horizon for Haines,” and offered his best wishes. In his resignation letter he thanked the Mayor and Assembly for the opportunity to serve, and offered to do all he could to assist with the transition.
The Haines Borough Assembly meets at 6:30 this evening (March 27, 2012) in the assembly chambers.
By Roger Maynard, on March 20th, 2012 HAINES: On 3/19/2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued a preliminary permit to Goat Lake Hydro (AP&T) to complete a feasibility study of their proposed Connelly Lake Hydro project. Additionally, the permit gives Goat Lake Hydro a priority over other companies to develop this particular resource.
The permit is not a license to construct a hydro project, but a preliminary step in the process that allows in-depth studies and planning to proceed, and a significant step toward adequate hydropower for northern Lynn Canal.
To view the document for this Issuance, click here
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20120319-3027
By Roger Maynard, on February 15th, 2012 By SEN. CATHY GIESSEL
The Alaska Legislature is currently considering a bill that would join Alaska in an interstate compact changing the way the United States president is elected. I have serious concerns about its true, negative, effects. The bill’s supporters promote the change as a way to ensure that “the person with the most votes wins.” I have participated in two hearings on Senate Bill 39 in the Senate State Affairs committee, and have researched the issue extensively. Again, I have serious concerns about the negative effects of this legislation on Alaska.
Read the full opinion piece in the Juneau Empire.
By Roger Maynard, on February 14th, 2012 Public Information Release
Daily monitoring with survey equipment shows very little movement in the slump area since a week ago Saturday, February 4th. Heavy runoff water continues to be noted in the drainage ditch along Lutak Road.
The history of this area has been a problem with the drainage of surface water, and soft and sloughing bank materials for the last 50 years according to former DOT employees who have maintained the ditches and slope of the hillside in this area. Humps and dips located in the same area they are now, have caused pavement to be removed and repaired in past years.
We anxiously wait the results of the ongoing testing and measurements, for the engineers to determine possible solutions. In the mean time, we hope the movement stays at a minimum.
Next update is scheduled for Tuesday February 14th.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Roger Maynard, on February 10th, 2012 Press Release
WASHINGTON D.C.–Following a meeting with U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz today, the Alaska Congressional Delegation released a set of unified statements.
The meeting was requested by the Alaska Congressional Delegation to question as well as hear the reasoning behind the Air Force’s recently announced plan to relocate the 18th Aggressor F-16 Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 4th, 2012 By Brad Heath | USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The federal government has spent nearly $1.8 million defending prosecutors from allegations they broke the law in the botched corruption case against former Alaska senator Ted Stevens, Justice Department records show.
Read full article in USA Today.
By Roger Maynard, on February 4th, 2012 By Andrew Halcro
One of the bedrock arguments proffered by critics who oppose reforming oil taxes is that compared to other oil producing regions, Alaska is right in the middle. This is false.
Read full opinion at andyhalcro.com.
By Roger Maynard, on January 28th, 2012 By Becky Bohrer | ADN
JUNEAU — Alaska’s revenue commissioner doesn’t anticipate a repeat of 2010, when Gov. Sean Parnell vetoed a measure that would have changed the state’s system of taxing oil and gas production together.
Bryan Butcher told the Senate Finance Committee he’s thinks Revenue can work with lawmakers to develop a plan that’s agreeable to both sides.
Read the full story in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Roger Maynard, on January 25th, 2012  Overall winners, left to right: Randy Martin #3, Craig Hill #2, Jarrid Davy #1. Photo courtesy of Karen Hess. Saturday’s Alcan 200 snowmachine road rally on the Haines Highway from the Canadian border to Dezadeash and return was won by Jarrid Davy of Whitehorse for the second year in a row.
According to race organizer Karen Hess, the race was fast but no new records were set, “This year there was $1,500 for the fastest local to finish and that was Chris Brooks. The money came from $1,000 Mary Miles in memory of Dennis, $200 Fogcutter Bar & $300 Howser’s IGA. The odd thing is that he won because he wasn’t the fastest but the only local to finish. There were two locals and Jack Smith Jr. didn’t finish, so the money went to Chris. Chris also got the RED LANTERN AWARD, for the last racer to finish the race in 2:46:10, with an average speed of 56.”
Overall winners:
Jarrid Davy 1st overall / Whitehorse / Time 1:18:11 / avg. speed 119.
Craig Hill 2nd overall / Fairbanks / Time 1:21:08 / avg speed 114.6
Randy Martin 3rd overall / Fairbanks / Time 1:31:10 / avg speed 102.
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on January 20th, 2012  The center line and fog lines, originally straight, have moved sideways several inches. Photo by Roc Ahrens HAINES–The land that has suddenly started sinking in the vicinity of Lutak Road and Oceanview Road has the attention of Haines Borough residents, especially since Lutak is the main road from Haines to the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal and the freight dock. The area continues to move, with cracks in the road growing about 1 inch since yesterday, and other areas showing a 9-inch vertical shift overnight. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on January 19th, 2012  Mayor Stephanie Scott examines the fault along Ocean View Road, along with Water/Sewer Operator & Fire Chief, Scott Bradford. Haines has the attention of state officials and geologists today, as they try to determine the cause of subsiding land in the vicinity of Lutak Road and Ocean View. The sinking ground threatens a major highway, some residences in the area, and sewer and water lines that transit the area. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on November 24th, 2011  Connelly Lake outlet, photo by Danny Gonce Paid commentary:
As you all probably know, AP&T has filed an application for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Connelly Lake Hydroelectric Project (Project). We have read all of the comment letters that have been submitted to FERC as of November 21, 2011, and it seems like there are a few misconceptions about our plans. We’d like to take this opportunity to clarify a few matters regarding our interest in the Connelly Lake site. We have structured this as a series of questions and answers. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on November 22nd, 2011 OPINION by Cliff Groh | ALASKA POLITICAL CORRUPTION BLOG
The trial judge in the Ted Stevens case has issued an order summarizing a report by special counsel investigating whether prosecutors involved in that case should be prosecuted for criminal contempt of court. U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan states that special counsel “concluded that the investigation and prosecution of Senator Stevens ‘were permeated by the systematic concealment of significant exculpatory evidence which would have independently corroborated his defense and his testimony, and seriously damaged the testimony and credibility of the government’s key witness…’”
Read full opinion in Cliff Groh’s Alaska Political Corruption Blog.
Read ADN article: “Stevens’ prosecution team won’t face criminal charges”
By Roger Maynard, on November 19th, 2011  Alaska Power and Telephone Manager for Power Operations in Haines, Danny Gonce, reports that the sudden onset of cold weather has made it necessary to begin providing supplemental power with diesel generators. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on November 13th, 2011 by Jill Burke | ALASKA DISPATCH
ALASKA–The jet stream feeding the wintery sea-spun tempest that sideswiped Alaska’s western coast wasn’t the only worldwide conveyer belt in motion this week. As howling winds whipped up and crashing waves pounded beaches, the people who live in the remote, isolated villages along the storm’s path stayed connected via a web of global radio frequencies.
When other communications failed, ham radio operators came to the rescue. Throughout the storm, they were the eyes for scientists in Fairbanks and Anchorage who otherwise would have been blind to weather conditions they could predict but not see.
Read full article at alaskadispatch.com.
By Roger Maynard, on October 27th, 2011  AP&T Manager of Power Operations for Haines, Danny Gonce HAINES–The Connelly Lake hydro issue always draws a crowd in Haines, and last Friday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Chilkat Bakery & Restaurant was no exception.
AP&T’s Manager of Power Operations for Haines, Danny Gonce, said that AP&T has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for additional permits to continue studying the Connelly Lake hydro site, and the comment period for that permit is now closed. Several comments were received, both for and against. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on October 12th, 2011
By Roger Maynard, on October 11th, 2011 The election numbers have changed, but the basic outcome stays the same, following canvassing of the October 4th municipal election by the Haines Borough Assembly. The official final numbers are as follows:
Haines Borough Regular Election
October 4, 2011
Post-canvassing results including absentee ballots — OFFICIAL RESULTS
| Mayor |
Assembly Seat C |
Jan Hill (554)
Stephanie Scott (601)
Write-in (6) |
Jerry Erny (503)
Debra Schnabel (645)
Write-in (4) |
| Assembly Seat E |
Assembly Seat F |
Karen Hess (490)
Norman Smith (670)
Write-in (2) |
John Brower (534)
Jerry L. Lapp (621)
Write-in (1) |
| School Board Seat C |
School Board Seat F |
Brian T. Clay (905)
Write-in (24) |
Write-in (128) |
| School Board Seat G |
|
Anne Marie Palmieri (925)
Write-in (13) |
|
| Proposition 1 |
Proposition 2 |
Recall Joanne Waterman?
Yes (379); No (760) |
Recall Daymond Hoffman?
Yes (367); No (771) |
The election will be certified by the assembly on October 25, 2011, and the new begin Monday, October 31, 2011.
The first meeting of the new assembly will be November 15, 2011.
By Roger Maynard, on October 11th, 2011  Miles Furniture Showroom, 5th and Main in Haines For years, Haines folks have had the luxury of a locally owned source for furniture, carpets, floor coverings, appliances, home electronics and more. Today, Scott and Candi Bradford are the proud new owners of Miles Furniture Showroom.
The new owners are enthusiastic about their new purchase. ”We’re not making too many changes right away,” said Scott Bradford, “The only immediate change will be some hobby items, Yankee candles, and some pet supplies in that corner in the front of the store. Otherwise, the store and the business will remain the same.” Then he smiled and added, “I’m one of only a half-dozen Lionel Model Train dealers in Alaska.” Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on October 5th, 2011  The voters have spoken, and all of the borough assembly races have been decided. This race was marked by a certain symmetry–a conservative and a liberal candidate running for each seat. For voters on either side of the fence, the choice was clear.
Our hats are off to the political strategists on the left. With the mayor and all assembly seats but one on the ballot for either election or recall, they nearly achieved a clean sweep. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on October 4th, 2011 HAINES—869 people voted today, 771 in Haines at the American Bald Eagle Foundation and 98 at the Mosquito Lake School. 272 absentee ballots were counted by machine, and up to 40 absentee ballots remain to be counted at canvassing time.
All of the races have clear winners, with the exception of the mayoral race with only 30 votes separating Jan Hill and Stephanie Scott. In order to win, Jan Hill would have to receive 36 of the possible 40 outstanding votes.
As of tonight’s count, here is how the numbers stack up — Borough Clerk Julie Cozzi reminds us that these are preliminary, unofficial numbers only:
Haines Borough Regular Election
October 4, 2011
Preliminary Results
| Mayor |
Assembly Seat C |
Jan Hill (547)
Stephanie Scott (577) |
Jerry Erny (499)
Debra Schnabel (619) |
| Assembly Seat E |
Assembly Seat F |
Karen Hess (486)
Norman Smith (643) |
John Brower (513)
Jerry L. Lapp (611) |
| School Board Seat C |
School Board Seat F |
Brian T. Clay (882)
|
(none)
|
| School Board Seat G |
|
Anne Marie Palmieri (903)
|
|
| Proposition 1 |
Proposition 2 |
Recall Joanne Waterman?
Yes (376); No (734) |
Recall Daymond Hoffman?
Yes (364); No (745) |
Canvassing for this election will occur October 11.
View Haines Borough election results page.
By Roger Maynard, on October 3rd, 2011 The whole community is a mess and there is no single member or entity to blame. The far left has made the debate plenty personal in recent years and the far right, now engaged, is calling them out by name. Ugly, yes. Necessary, I don’t know, but it sure makes the vast majority of those in the middle mighty uncomfortable and embarrassed. And to those outside of Haines, we are seen as either entertaining or just plain NUTS. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 30th, 2011 By Jeff Richardson | FAIRBANKS DAILY NEWS MINER
FAIRBANKS – After nearly a decade of planning, regulatory hurdles and funding headaches, more than 100 dignitaries and spectators arrived to formally celebrate the arrival of the $190 million bridge along a secluded stretch of the river in Salcha. Once it’s completed — along with a still-unfunded 80-mile rail line to Delta — the bridge will give various military forces year-round access to some of the most remote training areas available in the country.
Sen. John Coghill said he’s heard people pondering an Alaska rail extension to the east since he was a boy growing up in Nenana. He views the bridge project as the first phase of that long-awaited transportation link. “We’ve got a long way to go before we hit Canada,” Coghill said. “We’re going to get there, as far as I’m concerned.”
Read the full story in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Roger Maynard, on September 30th, 2011 By Casey Grove | ADN
Seventeen years to the day after Anchorage teenager Bonnie Craig was found dead in McHugh Creek, and a little more than three months since a jury convicted her killer, Craig’s family and the managers of an Alaska reward fund made a public plea: Help us solve other cold murder cases.
Among the murder victims Craig’s family hopes to draw attention to are Eileen Wafer, a 14-year-old Haines resident killed in 1982.
Read the full story in the Anchorage Daily News.
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| Nate Beeler
The Columbus Dispatch
May 16, 2012
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Lynn Canal Map & Marine Traffic (refresh for current ship positions)
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P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
Editor:
Roger L. Maynard
P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
editor@hainesnews.net
The Haines Alaska News is a public information service of the Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc., a grassroots movement organized to advocate for small business and a free market economy in Alaska.
The AAFC is organized under section 501(C)(4) of the U.S. Tax Code; contributions are not tax deductible. |
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