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An engineering company declared the Haines freight dock “on borrowed time” about a decade ago. Now, the dock is in such bad shape that the borough is restricting access to it. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details about the infrastructure that Haines is struggling to replace. 

The U.S. portion of a historic, 33 mile hiking trail between Skagway and British Columbia has been off limits to backcountry explorers since 2020. But that's about to change – with one key caveat. The Alaska Desk's Avery Ellfeldt reports.

This spring, a group of Skagway high schoolers made the trek to Washington D.C. to get an up close look at how government works. It's the first time in over 20 years that Skagway high school students have joined the national program known as “Close Up,” and it comes at a particularly tense time in […]

Senator Lisa Murkowski was among hundreds of visitors in Haines last weekend (5/25) for the Great Alaska Craft Beer and Home Brew Festival. In a wide ranging interview, she touched on issues ranging from looming Medicaid cuts and canceled FEMA grants, to school funding and the Lutak Dock.   

The Haines Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire Monday evening. The fire chief says no one was injured but the home was destroyed. And, the Haines School Board is joining the borough in opposing a proposed cell tower near the school. As KHNS' Melinda Munson reports, the school district, like the borough, says the […]

The cruise line industry is suing Skagway over a new policy that makes a controversial change to how the borough taxes excursions sold by cruise companies. The Alaska Desk's Avery Ellfeldt has the story.  And sometimes, getting a hold of basic over-the-counter medications in Skagway can be difficult. A new vending machine at the local […]

Haines' tourism season is revving up yet again. But this time, there's a new operator in town.  A local tribe has launched a new tourism effort that's been in the making for a decade. The Chilkoot Indian Association is banking on the venture for an economic boost – particularly amid federal funding cuts by the […]

The Skagway Assembly is considering an ordinance meant to clean up code around using lighted signs in Skagway's historic district. But frustrated business owners say the rules are impractical and an overreach. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details.

Skagway voters will decide in the fall if they want to increase sales tax by 2% during the tourist season. In exchange, they'll receive free municipal utilities and money for capital projects. Advocates say the funds the tax would raise is necessary to pay for infrastructure, in a time when federal dollars are uncertain. But […]

Skagway's mayor resigned the day after a tense borough assembly meeting. For months, the assembly and mayor have been at odds over his refusal to sign assembly correspondence, a task he says is not the responsibility of what he calls the “executive branch.” KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has this update. And, Senator Lisa Murkowski has […]

AT&T Mobility is proposing to install a cell tower in downtown Haines. The local borough assembly voted to send a letter opposing the height and location of the structure, and one assembly member is drafting an ordinance that would make the tower illegal. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details.

Last week, a group of Skagway tour guides crossed into Canada to spend some time with their international counterparts. The trip emphasized cooperation in tough political times. KHNS contributor Molly McCluskey joined the tour and has this report.

The deadline for submitting proposals to amend commercial ski tour area maps for the Haines Borough is this May 15. The process happens every five years and is usually marked with some controversy as the borough balances winter tourism with wildlife concerns. And, journalists from across the state attended last month's annual Alaska Press Club […]

Reporters around the state went into their communities to ask Alaskans how they feel about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. KHNS' Avery Ellfeldt did the same in Haines, which voted for Trump in 2024 – and is known for being sharply politically divided. A number of people declined interviews, saying they don't […]

The federal government each year provides tens of thousands of dollars in grants to tribal libraries across Alaska. The money pays staff, buys books and fuels programming related to traditional knowledge. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the Trump administration has started cancelling those grants in communities across the state. For some, the […]

After two years of being shut down to tent camping, Portage Cove State Recreation Site will again welcome overnight visitors, providing accommodations close to downtown Haines. The borough has agreed to take over management of the state-owned property to provide the summer amenity. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has the details.

Skagway's latest borough assembly meeting discussed a proposed sales tax increase with a surprising twist. They also considered a change in how public notices are published and a possible trip to the Capital. And they resolved the borough's correspondence issue, for now. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has the details.

A controversial mining exploration project near Haines has been in limbo since its biggest investor backed out late last year. Now, the project’s parent company wants to step back, too. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, there won't be a drilling program at the site this summer. The project's long-term future is less clear.

The Office of Special Prosecutions completed its investigation into a February officer-involved shooting in Haines. They concluded there is no reason to file charges against a police officer who fired two shots at a man who is accused of throwing knives at the officer. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details from the 20-page report.

A Haines judge decided there was sufficient cause to move forward in a case against an assembly member charged with refusing to obey a fire official’s order. The misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment for one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson attended the hearing telephonically.

For weeks, much of the chatter in Haines – on Facebook, in coffee shops, on Main Street – has revolved around one question: Are the Hooligan here? By high tide early this week, the small, oily fish had arrived in full force. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, a slew of other […]

Skagway held its international folk festival in mid-April. But the lack of Canadian participants made the event much less – international. And the Haines Visitor Center reports its foot traffic is down. KHNS' Melinda Munson takes a look at the recent local tourism trends amid tensions with the U.S. and Canada.

Skagway went from having just one financial institution to three this month. Two credit unions opened in town after the municipality put out a request last year for more banking options. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details.

Skagway School is asking parents to make a 15 minute appointment to screen young children for developmental concerns. The yearly Child Find event occurs next month, and helps identify if a future student is meeting their milestones.

A $38 million federal grant meant to help Alaskans lower their energy bills and planet-warming emissions has been in limbo for months. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the grant money is now in place, and set to fund a highly anticipated heat pump program across coastal and Southeast Alaska this summer. […]

The Skagway Police Department has secured funding from the assembly to start a K9 program. The police chief says that a narcotics detector dog could slow the flow of illegal drugs. And two of Skagway's officers have a background in policing with canines. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details.

The Haines interim borough manager introduced what she called “a really hard budget” for FY2026. She says it was difficult to craft because of less financial support from the state and federal government, and a higher ask from the school district. Residents have until early June to take part in a series of budget meetings […]

Skagway's new community garden might not be ready for planting this season. That's because contamination was found at one of its test sites. As Melinda Munson reports for KHNS, the municipality will need to do further testing and get direction from the state Department of Environmental Conservation before moving forward. 

Four fatal landslides in Southeast Alaska over the last decade have sparked a region-wide effort to better understand and prepare for mounting risk. That was supposed to include during a major conference last month. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the gathering was canceled after it became clear that some federal agencies wouldn't […]

The Haines Borough Assembly voted last week to invite the most recent police chief candidate finalist to Haines for a meet and greet, pending background checks. It's the second such invitation this year. The first finalist backed out after his visit to Haines in January. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has highlights from the recent police chief […]

Skagway's mayor exercised his veto power for the second time in his term. He vetoed legislation last week that would have required him to sign correspondence approved by the assembly. The assembly views his signature as the normal course of duty. He sees it as a threat to separation of powers. And, Skagway was slated […]

The Deishu Merchants and Chilkat Thunder teams competed at the annual Gold Medal Basketball Tournament in Juneau. KHNS's Trygve Bakke went to Juneau to watch the games and see how the teams fared.

Hundreds of residents in Haines and Skagway joined in a nationwide rally over the weekend against President Donald Trump's sweeping efforts to downsize the U.S. government. The Alaska Desk's Avery Ellfeldt tagged along – and has this report. 

Two issues dominated the last Skagway Borough Assembly meeting: multiple proposed land allotments for Native veterans and the mayor's decision not to sign correspondence. And inevitably, the two agenda items converged. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has more.

The person in charge of ordering and stocking produce at Skagway's only year-round grocery store is moving on after eight years. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson spoke with the former grocery store employee about the position that the entire town depends on.

Alaska's population as a whole has been inching upward over the last few years, after a period of decline. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the same can't be said if you zoom in on certain parts of the state, including Haines and Skagway.

*Enjoy this April Fool’s episode, the only time of the year we produce fake news. A nude cruise is headed to Skagway and Haines this season. The small ship will berth in both towns as part of an experiment to gauge interest in cold climate naked cruising. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has the skinny.

It's that time of year for Skagway women to make an appointment for their breast health. The mobile mammography truck is coming to town in April. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson spoke to the staff to get the details.

The Haines Borough has a new permanent clerk after the last one was terminated by the assembly in October. The new clerk is focusing on disseminating information quickly and has a passion for the public process. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson caught up with Mike Denker on a busy Friday and has this report.

Skagway borough assembly rehashed whether or not the mayor was required to sign correspondence approved by the assembly. At a meeting March 20, multiple residents criticized the mayor for not signing recent correspondence. The mayor maintains it's his legal right, and a better way of doing business. As Melinda Munson reports, a legal assessment from […]

Skagway's Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of one housing project and against another at its meeting last week. As KHNS reporter Melinda Munson tells us, they rejected potential seasonal housing on a barge. But, they did give final approval for a 20-unit congregate building on land. 

President Donald Trump's trade war and comments about absorbing Canada into the U.S. have sparked concern in Alaska about the state's relationship with its closest neighbor. But how do Canadians feel? The Alaska Desk's Avery Ellfeldt spent the weekend at a long-standing Nordic ski race in British Columbia to find out.

Upper Lynn Canal high school basketball had an exciting conclusion to the season as the Skagway Panther Boys and Haines Glacier Bear Girls attended the state tournament in Anchorage. Trygve Bakke spoke to some of the coaches and players, to hear more about how it went.

The Alaska House Resources Committee met on Friday to hear testimony on a resolution recognizing the longstanding partnership between Canada and the United States. It also acknowledges Canada's sovereignty. Two of Skagway's elected officials participated and outlined how a trade war with Canada, could, and perhaps already is, harming the Upper Lynn Canal. KHNS reporter, […]

Janine Allen hosts Melissa Aronson and Reilly Kozinski from Haines Friends of Recycling to talk about Senate Bill 61 and product stewardship: corporations taking responsibility for the post-consumer fate of the materials in the products they manufacture and sell, specifically plastics and electronics.

The Haines Borough Assembly sent a letter three weeks ago to their international neighbor, Haines Junction, Yukon. It expressed friendship amid growing political tension. The Canadian mayor responded with a request that Haines, Alaska, publicly support Canada's sovereignty. The Haines Assembly voted to approve a resolution that recognizes that sovereignty at its last meeting. KHNS […]

A new petition is circulating in Haines regarding helicopter noise. It seeks to limit helicopter activity at a heliport 18 miles outside of town. Some residents say the flights are disturbing wildlife, and one man even moved because of the noise. But the owner of the heliport says he's a good neighbor who's contributing to […]

A decades-old proposal to build a controversial road between Juneau and the communities of Haines and Skagway was put to rest in 2016. But that just changed. The state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is resurrecting the idea that's long sparked debate in Southeast Alaska. The Alaska Desk's Avery Ellfeldt reports.

The Haines Lady Bears and the Skagway Panther Boys both qualified for this year's state basketball tournament in Anchorage. State games begin Wednesday and run through the 15th. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson spoke with both teams, who are optimistic about their chances for success at state.

Sophia Armstrong is a first grade teacher in Haines. She says teaching is her calling; she's been doing it here for 14 years already, and plans to work in education the rest of her career. But years of poor retirement benefits and low pay are forcing her to rethink whether it’s wise to do so in […]

Skagway's borough assembly meeting last Thursday was overshadowed by a topic not on the agenda. Mayor Sam Bass announced he had not – and would not – sign correspondence that was approved at the previous assembly meeting. The correspondence included letters concerning recent federal firings and tariffs with Canada. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson attended the […]