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 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 Public Information Release
The boring of 5 test holes was completed before noon today by Denali Drilling, to collect samples of materials in and around the slump area down to 40’. The material samples will be taken back to the lab for testing that will help provide information for the cause of the slope movement.
Survey points were completed today to daily track the amount, and direction of movement in and around the active area. Baseline numbers were collected and recorded for daily movement monitoring.
Local State DOT is making plans to cut out the hump and the bottom of the slide area as early as Monday. Until then, please use caution going over the hump near the intersection to Front Street, as it is getting pretty severe.
Next scheduled update will be Monday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
To view all updates: http://www.hainesborough.us/slopemovement.html
By Editor, on January 27th, 2012 Public Information Release:
Denali Drilling from Anchorage has completed three (3) of the five (5) test holes scheduled by 2:30 pm, and plan to complete the forth test hole on Mathias today as well. The last test hole is scheduled for tomorrow morning, Friday, in Lutak Road which will require a lane closure. One lane will be left open, and expect traffic control and flaggers through this area tomorrow morning.
Core samples of the materials are being collected by PND geo tech engineers that will be taken back to their labs for analysis.
A surveyor for PND continued to set up reflector targets, and survey points that will allow more accurate collection of data to study the daily movement. The surveyor is training employees how to set up the equipment and collect the data on a daily, or as time allows basis.
Because of all the activities happening today with the large snow fall, water line breaks in Highland Estates, drilling test holes and setting up survey equipment, we were not able to measure or report the amount of movement since yesterday.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
To view all updates: http://www.hainesborough.us/slopemovement.html
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 Editor, on January 21st, 2012 Public Information Release:
HAINES–DOT/PF crews filled cracks and dip in the pavement, making travel through the problem area safe and smooth. Our thanks to the crew for their concerns and efforts to keep this portion of the road safe for our use.
Even though we continue to record slow movement in this area, PLEASE check with the Command Center in Brian Lemcke’s office, or at least check the latest update on the Borough website or the PSA’s on KHNS before running with the wild rumors that are circulating. These updates will be posted daily, or when necessary to report.
Lutak road is not closed, nor are there any plans at this time to do so. Any such information will be posted to the website as soon as possible, so we can all know the truth at the same time.
Haines Borough Command Center – 766‐2258
Link to Haines Borough updates on this issue.
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 Editor, on December 30th, 2011 By: Travel World News Editor
SITKA–Alaskan Dream Cruises, one of the newest small-ship cruise lines sailing in Southeast Alaska, is announcing three new itineraries, additional ports of call and ship renovations. Alaskan Dream Cruises is owned and operated by an Alaska Native family in Sitka, Alaska. The company will operate its second season from May through September 2012.
The 42-passenger Alaskan Dream will sail on three new itineraries in 2012: an eight-day trip that focuses on many less-explored destinations, including Hobart Bay and Kasaan, and two more comprehensive 11- and 13-day trips through the Inside Passage. The three itineraries also include new ports of call for the cruise line: Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, Thorne Bay, Kasaan, Wrangell and Gustavus.
Read the full story in the Travel World News.
Visit Alaska Dream Cruises website.
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 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 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 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 Gary Lidholm, on October 6th, 2011 By Gary Lidholm
DENVER, CO–Some days certain “themes” keep showing up in your daily life: On Wednesday as I was returning to my urban Denver home, I passed the United Airlines training facility in the Stapleton area of East Denver. The large buildings of the United complex house simulators and training rooms used by all pilots of United Airlines as well as other carriers. Recently, it was announced that United had purchased 11,000 iPads to give to their pilots. There will now be an iPad in the cockpit to reduce the paper clutter and the amount of aeronautical charts needed on board. 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 September 29th, 2011  Haines Mayor Jan Hill Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill was unable to attend the Chamber of Commerce candidates forum on Friday, September 23, at the library. Hill had prearranged meetings with Yukon officials in Whitehorse. She asked Chamber of Commerce officials if she could have a statement read at the candidates forum while she was away on borough business, but her request was denied–a departure from the way the Chamber handled similar situations in past years.
Mayor Hill apologized for her absence, but said the benefit to Haines was worth the trip. The following is her report from those meetings:
Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 29th, 2011  Cruise Ship Statendam at the PC Dock We’ve said it before: “We need more business-oriented people on the assembly.”
Where non-business folks tend to look at the budget or the economy as a fixed pool of money that needs to be divided up fairly, an experienced private sector business manager realizes that the economy is something that can expand or contract, depending on sound management decisions. Decisions by a governmental body affect not only the government’s budget, but the health of the underlying private economy that the government depends on for income.
This was best illustrated at the Chamber of Commerce candidates forum last Friday, when one question separated the wheat from the chaff. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 28th, 2011 After years of indecisiveness, the Haines Assembly was unanimous in its decision to raze the old school gym still standing at the corner of 3rd and Main Streets. The decision is based on recent information showing that restoration of the old building is too expensive, and the building is not ideal for either offices or a recreation center. There is currently no heat or electricity in the building, and it has been standing that way for at least 5 years.
A small group led by Joe Poor and Jack Wenner argued to keep the building, and said they were working on a business plan to keep the building open as a recreation center for the community, but their efforts were too little, too late. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 28th, 2011  HAINES–Early voting is available weekdays from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the Haines Borough Clerk’s office. It’s easy, and it takes the pressure off those who may have difficulty getting to the polls on Tuesday.
Commercial fishermen, for example, can vote early and not miss any of the commercial fishing days early next week. The elderly, or others who have difficulty getting to the polls can vote at their convenience by taking advantage of early voting. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on September 26th, 2011  HAINES–The desperate opposition of activists Deborah Vogt and Gershon Cohen to the recall of two assembly members only serves to confirm the public’s perception that they have been working behind the scenes to control the Haines Borough Assembly; the public is fed up, and now that this small group might lose control they are starting to panic. Read more->
By Editor, on September 23rd, 2011 AMHS Press Release:
FVF Fairweather will not be serving Upper Lynn Canal weekly on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday as originally published in the printed schedule. MV Malaspina will continue daily service to the region through Friday, September 30th, 2011.
For a revised schedule, see the FVF Fairweather sailing calendar or the MV Malaspina sailing calendar for September 2011. For more information, please contact your local terminal or AMHS central reservations office at 1-907-465-3941 or toll-free at 1-800-642-0066.
By Editor, on September 23rd, 2011 From KINY Radio news:
Wednesday’s wind storm in Southeast Alaska allowed the State Ferry Malaspina to play host to scores of unexpected guests.
Brenda Hewitt of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities says the Malaspina was docked in Haines since it couldn’t make it to Skagway because of the strong winds. She says 60 tourists were also stranded there since they also couldn’t make it back to their cruise ship in Skagway, so the Marine Highway accommodated them onboard the Malaspina.
The visitors returned to Juneau Thursday morning aboard the Malaspina; Princess Cruises footed the bill.
Read more stories at kinyradio.com
By Editor, on September 22nd, 2011 This just in from the Haines Chamber:
The Haines Chamber of Commerce General Meeting/Luncheon tomorrow, Sept. 23, 2011, noon, at the Haines Borough Public Library will feature as guest speakers Haines Borough Candidates Jan Hill, Stephanie Scott, Jerry Erny, Debra Schnabel, Karen Hess, Norm Smith, John Brower and Jerry Lapp.
Hors d’oeuvres & Coffee will be available.
By Roger Maynard, on September 22nd, 2011 The smaller the community, the more the politics take on the intensity of a family feud.
Haines, a small town on the road system in the Alaskan wilderness, has more than the usual degree of political buzz going on, with the mayor, and all but one assembly seat up for either election or recall. In a town sharply divided between radical left ideologies and a few radical right wingers as well, control of the borough assembly is up for grabs. Read more->
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| Scott Stantis
Chicago Tribune
Feb 4, 2012
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Publisher Information:
Publisher Information:
Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc. (AAFC)
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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