By Editor, on February 20th, 2012 From KINY News:
Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will tour a host of Southeast Alaska communities over the President’s Day recess.
According to a press release from Murkowski’s office, the Senator will kick off her Southeast swing Tuesday in Skagway for a roundtable discussion there.
From Skagway, Murkowski will travel to Haines on Wednesday for another roundtable discussion at the Bald Eagle Museum before heading to Yakutat where she will meet with state and local officials at the ANB Hall there.
Senator Murkowski will visit Juneau on Thursday for her annual address to the Alaska State Legislature before leaving for Ketchikan for a press conference on Friday.
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 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 Editor, on February 9th, 2012 Warren Meyer | FORBES
Likely you have heard the sound bite that “97% of climate scientists” accept the global warming “consensus”. Which is what gives global warming advocates the confidence to call climate skeptics “deniers,” hoping to evoke a parallel with “Holocaust Deniers,” a case where most of us would agree that a small group are denying a well-accepted reality. So why do these “deniers” stand athwart of the 97%? Is it just politics? Oil money? Perversity? Ignorance?
We are going to cover a lot of ground, but let me start with a hint…
Read the full article at www.forbes.com.
More–VIDEO: Catastrophe Denied–The Science of the Skeptics Position.
By Editor, on February 9th, 2012 WASHINGTON, FEB. 8, 2012—The average American relying on federal government assistance receives more in benefits than the average American’s disposable personal income, according to The Heritage Foundation’s newly released 2012 Index of Dependence on Government.
The Index reports Americans who rely on government receive an average $32,748 worth of benefits, surpassing the average American’s disposable personal income of $32,446.
Overall, the Index—which scores the nation’s dependency across numerous federal assistance programs that were once done through communities, churches, neighborhood groups and the private sector—rose 8.1 percent in 2010 from the most recent data available.
Read more at the Heritage Foundation.
By Editor, on February 9th, 2012 by Cliff Groh
ANCHORAGE–U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan ordered today the release on March 15 of the special counsel report into misconduct by federal prosecutors in the trial of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R.-Alaska).
Read more in Cliff Groh’s Alaska Political Corruption blog.
By Editor, on February 6th, 2012 By Becky Bohrer  | AP
JUNEAU — The Alaska Redistricting Board must redraw three Fairbanks-area House districts and another in the Aleutian chain, a state court judge ruled Friday.
Read full article in the Juneau Empire.
By Editor, on February 5th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Emergency repair work to the sewer main running through the center of the slump area was completed around 3:45 pm Friday afternoon. Residence of the Highland Estates & Skyline Drive area can resume normal usage. Thank you for your patience. Read more->
By Editor, on February 5th, 2012 by Dermot Cole | FAIRBANKS DAILY NEWS-MINER
FAIRBANKS — In a wide-ranging decision that touches on such far-ranging subjects as the Peloponnesian War and Balto’s role in the serum run to Nome, Superior Court Judge Michael McConahy has set the stage for what could be a major reshuffling of proposed election districts in Alaska.
Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
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 Editor, on February 4th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–A Resolution to declare a disaster and requesting state assistance was adopted in a special meeting of the Haines Borough Assembly today at 1:15 pm. The situation was elevated to this point when the main sewer line from 125 homes on the hillside of Highland Estates and Skyline Drive was broken by the slide activity.
Crews from Southeast Road Builders Inc. and the Borough Water & Sewer Department started emergency repairs to this line before light this morning. Work is ongoing as of this report (3:00pm Friday afternoon) PSA’s asking residence above this area to restrict their use of water going into the sewer until crews finish emergency repairs today. [Borough officials] will place an announcement on KHNS when the work is completed and normal usage can resume. Crews will continue working until repairs are finished today. Thank you for your patience.
No update is scheduled for the week‐end unless there are major changes to report.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE
HAINES BOROUGH ASSEMBLY SPECIAL MEETING NOTIFICATION
Location: Borough Assembly Chambers, February 3, 2012 at 1:15 pm
PURPOSE: Consider Resolution 12-02-330 Declaring a disaster and requesting state assistance.
According to the agenda, “The slump in the Oceanview Drive/Lutak Road area continues to move and has breached the sewer line. It is anticipated that the area will continue to move and destroy public facilities. The manager has deemed it necessary to declare a disaster and request state assistance at this time.”
The Haines Alaska News will post more information as it becomes available; readers can also check the Haines Borough Website for updates.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–6 PM Revision–Melting snow revealed an old manhole, not showing on any as builts, or known by local maintenance officials, during dye testing of the sewer line running through the middle of the slide area late this afternoon. This manhole is being compromised by the ground shifting close to a crack near the top of the slide area. Plans are being put together this evening to remove that manhole and to re‐connect the sewer line. This damage appears to be from earlier shifting in this location but has been buried under the snow, keeping it from detection.
Activity in the active area of the slope movement appeared to calmed down today with very little new visual movement detected.
The command center has been receiving very detailed information from several State and Federal offices in an effort to help in our planning efforts. Some of it is so detailed that we have to filter through the information to determine what is relevant to our event. If you have questions about any information you may be hearing rumors about, please contact the command center at 766‐2258.
Warmer weather will still be with us for a few more days, which is helping melt the snow, but also brings added concern to the area that is already over saturated.
Next scheduled update will be 3 PM Friday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012  Former CIA Tribal Administrator Jim Carnahan Press Release:
HAINES–Jim Carnahan, former Tribal Administrator for the Chilkoot Indian Association, announced today that he has settled his lawsuit against CIA. CIA terminated Carnahan in October 2010 and violated his employment contract in doing so, according to documents filed in December 2010.
Carnahan said he is pleased this has finally come to an end and he has been absolved of all wrong doing. CIA made the following statement in the settlement agreement, “CIA is pleased that we could work out a settlement of our employment dispute. We withdraw our allegations of wrongdoing on your part. As we are sure you will agree, CIA regrets that this matter was not handled and resolved in a different manner.”
Carnahan finished by saying, “CIA has tremendous potential to help its members and the people of Haines. I wish them the very best as they try to move forward.”
Carnahan is represented by Michael Lessmeier from Juneau. “Mike is an incredible attorney and worked hard to resolve this claim,” said Carnahan. “He went above and beyond the call of duty.”
Contact Jim Carnahan at 35th@msn.com for more information.
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012 By Dan Joling | AP
ANCHORAGE—Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s announcement that the Pentagon will seek new rounds of military base closures drew a swift response from Alaskans who watched a similar process nearly gut Eielson Air Force Base in 2005.
Alaska’s congressional delegation and Gov. Sean Parnell issued a joint statement saying they will stand together to resist attempts to close or shrink Alaska bases.
Read more in the Peninsula Clarion.
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 Editor, on January 27th, 2012 Alex DeMarban | ALASKA DISPATCH
Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens said Thursday that the Senate will soon hold a hearing on its own oil-tax reform bill, essentially declaring dead House Bill 110, legislation passed last year by the state House and fervently backed by Gov. Sean Parnell.
Read full story in the Alaska Dispatch.
By Editor, on January 26th, 2012 The Heritage Foundation
President Obama’s State of the Union address laid out his long-term economic recovery plans, which he claims will “work for everyone, not just a wealthy few.” That is, unless it is the pipeline construction business. President Obama’s politically intoned decision to reject TransCanada’s permit application to construct a 1,700-mile pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to Texas refineries last week sent a clear message that special-interest demands are more important than more energy and much-needed job creation.
Read full opinion piece at the heritage.org.
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 By Becky Bohrer | AP
JUNEAU–Some Alaska lawmakers, hoping to make a point about federal encroachment on state rights, are urging the federal government take over New York City’s Central Park and designate it as a wilderness area.
Read more in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Editor, on January 19th, 2012 By Michelle Theriault Boots | ADN
In a state that expects to see more than 400 cruise-ship sailings with nearly a million passengers this summer, it’s difficult to look at the images of the Costa Concordia and not wonder: Could it happen in Alaska?
“It kind of gives us a little wake-up call,” said Rick Janelle, a civilian U.S. Coast Guard employee based in Juneau who acts as an adviser on cruise ship safety.
Read full story in the ADN.
By Editor, on January 19th, 2012 By Amanda Coyne | ALASKA DISPATCH
In a wide-ranging State of the State address Wednesday night, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell told Alaskans that much of the future of this state will be determined by the actions of legislators in the upcoming session.
Read full story in the Alaska Dispatch.
By Editor, on January 7th, 2012 By Becky Bohrer | AP
JUNEAU — An explicit ban on texting while driving and a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap state spending and force saving were among the 30 measures filed Friday in advance of this month’s legislative session.
The ban on texting or typing while driving is from Reps. Les Gara and Bill Thomas. It comes as the state’s intended ban, passed in 2008, faces a legal challenge, with a magistrate in Kenai recently saying the Legislature should have been explicit if it truly meant to prohibit the activity.
Read the full article in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Editor, on January 6th, 2012 AK DOL Press Release
JUNEAU—The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s annual job forecast is 1.2 percent job growth in 2012, a modest gain in Alaska for a third straight year. The state’s employment levels dropped briefly in 2009 due to the national recession. Read more->
By Editor, on January 3rd, 2012 By Richard E. Mooney | NY TIMES
Washington, Jan. 3, 1959 — Alaska became a state today. By the clock on the mantel in the Cabinet Room at the White House, it was two minutes past noon. In Juneau, capital of the forty-ninth state, it was 9:02 A.M., Pacific Standard Time.
Read full article from 1959 in the New York Times.
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| Chip Bok
bokbluster.com
Feb 21, 2012
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Haines, Alaska 99827
Editor:
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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.
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