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Turnout was noticeably lower at this month's Haines Borough Planning and Zoning meeting compared to June. But the session put a spotlight on simmering divisions over housing policies, mounting frustration with meeting procedures and revealed a serious fraud scheme affecting local residents. KHNS' Brandon Wilks reports.

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, or DEED, is proposing changes that would limit how local governments can contribute to their schools. Skagway's school superintendent says that while these changes wouldn't harm his district in the short term, they are an overreach that will undermine public education. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has the […]

A fire Monday morning in Skagway displaced multiple seasonal workers but no one was injured. A representative for the building's owner says the building will remain vacant until it is repaired. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has the details of the early morning blaze.

It's been three weeks since the Alaska Department of Fish and Game seized dozens of animals from a wildlife facility outside Haines. But a number were left behind. And as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the owner is now calling on the state to return to his property and retrieve them.

As the upcoming school year approaches, the Haines Borough School District is preparing for the looming threat of more budget cuts. KHNS reporter Trygve Bakke was able to speak with Superintendent Lilly Boron and Principal Alex Van Wyhe to hear about the district’s next steps.

An ongoing controversy involving a proposal to use cemetery land for a community composting facility came to a head last week when the Haines Borough Assembly denied the request. The move left the nonprofit behind the facility disappointed, fatigued, and searching for a way forward. KHNS' Brandon Wilks has this story.

The Native village of Klukwan, just north of Haines, is grappling with landslide risk that’s intensifying with climate change. It's also posing a major obstacle to the community's growth. The village is in the thick of a research project to better understand the threat. And as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, residents hope the […]

Most of the time in Skagway, getting a mammogram means spending hundreds of dollars to travel to another city like Juneau. But once a year, the breast cancer screening comes to town … in a truck. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson chose that second option this spring and brought along her microphone to learn more.

The Haines Borough Assembly voted to update its code to allow for a paid fire chief. The vote narrowly passed at a July 8 meeting, with the mayor breaking the tie. It's a big change for a town that has relied on a volunteer fire chief to run its fire department that's over a century […]

Reindeer from a Haines wildlife center that was shut down by the state in June are causing a kerfuffle for Skagway's Planning and Zoning Commission. On Thursday, the commission asked for more information to determine if a reindeer tour would be allowed. But now it is unclear if the animals are even legal, without the […]

Skagway's borough assembly appointed a temporary member after Assembly member Kate Kolodi stepped into the mayor position. But the new assembly member isn't so new, as he's served on the assembly before, as well as in other borough positions.  And, Skagway leaders held a town hall Wednesday night to discuss a proposition to raise revenue. […]

The Haines Borough is considering a new way to expel a mayor or assembly member. A new proposal was discussed at a June 24 assembly meeting and the backer says the change would keep elected officials accountable. But as KHNS' Melinda Munson reports, many in attendance testified against the proposed rules, calling them an overreach.

State Senator Jesse Kiehl and State Representative Andi Story met with a handful of Skagwegians at a town hall on July 6 to discuss Southeast's most pressing issues. They included a balanced budget, education funding and ferries. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson attended the gathering and has this report.

Next to Skagway's City Hall is a surprising new tour – a flying trapeze. The attraction is the first of its kind in Skagway, and the rest of Alaska. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson ran away to the circus for the day to learn more. 

A wildlife facility outside Haines that's popular with tourists has come under scrutiny over concerns related to animal care and public safety. The dispute erupted late last week when two state agencies descended on the property to search for evidence of animal abuse – and remove animals from the premises. 

Recently, a 24 year old from New England made his way to Haines to work for the Chilkat Valley News. KHNS radio reporter Tryg Bakke sat down with newspaper reporter Will Steinfeld, to get the scoop.

Skagway Emergency Services responded to a fire over the weekend. Officials reported the death of one resident and one pet, but the deaths were not connected to the blaze. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has details from this developing story. And, Skagway writer Kent Fielding just released his third book. The collection of poems was written over […]

The Haines Borough Assembly agreed for once about plans for the Lutak Dock. In a rare unanimous vote, the assembly directed the interim borough manager to come back to their next meeting with a new contract that includes a smaller, less expensive dock. If approved, the agreement would also end litigation between the borough and […]

Skagway was the very first incorporated city in Alaska, and it will celebrate that accomplishment on June 28 with a town picture. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson spoke with a local historian about how the town beat out Juneau, and Ketchikan, for the honor. Also in the news, a Haines guide died on Sunday during a non-work-related […]

A Haines nonprofit has been working for years to build a large facility capable of churning out compost for farmers and gardeners. The facility itself is complete. But the plan is stalled amid a heated debate over a neighboring driveway that proponents say is important for the project – but belongs to the local cemetery.

A federal bill that would likely include cuts to Medicaid passed the United States House and is being considered by the Senate. A Klukwan mother and son, who could be negatively affected if the bill passes, travelled 3,500 miles to Washington D.C and joined other families of children with intense medical needs to protest the […]

In late May, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities sent out a press release, announcing its intent to move forward with the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal. It would be located 30 miles north of Juneau's current ferry terminal. Skagway officials bristled at the news, and unanimously agreed to send a response protesting the […]

After over a month with no mayor, the Skagway Assembly has appointed someone to fill the position until the October election. Assembly member Kate Kolodi is now officially the borough's mayor. But it wasn't an easy vote. KHNS' Melinda Munson has the details. And, more than 900 cyclists are set to participate this weekend in […]

Haines' new police chief did not start this week as hoped. That's because of licensing issues between his home state and Alaska. And, Skagway is a small town but it celebrates Pride month in a big way. June is full of events ranging from the Rainbow Roll, a roller skating party at the recreation center, […]

Haines residents joined millions of people across the nation on Saturday and participated in a No Kings Rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s policies. The event included skits with costumes, original music and a puppet show. Further north, Skagwegians didn't organize a protest and instead opted for a more individual approach. KHNS' Melinda Munson has this […]

Smoke poured over the Canadian border into eastern Alaska this weekend, impacting communities from Southeast to the Interior. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, that's meant hazy skies – and poor air quality – for Haines, Klukwan and Skagway.

The state of Alaska for more than two decades has monitored public beaches for fecal contamination. Now, the program is returning to Haines after a long hiatus. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the samples have come back clear so far.  And, residents are advised against harvesting clams, mussels and other shellfish near beaches […]

After two months of discussions, the Haines Borough Assembly adopted its Fiscal Year 26 Budget. As Melinda Munson with KHNS reports, it relies more on borough savings because there is less support than usual from the state and federal government.

Skagway has seen an increase in the use of recreational drones, and it has caused consternation for some residents. The town's police chief wants locals to understand drone etiquette. And one commercial drone pilot hopes Skagwegians will view the technology as an important tool, that's helping to advance local science.

Researchers say it's clear that wolves in parts of southeast Alaska are increasingly turning to the sea, instead of the land, for food. But now there's evidence that the behavior can have toxic results. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the finding has implications for the apex predator – and other species – […]

Skagway police are investigating a death at a home on Sunday. Officers responded to a call about an unresponsive man and local medics later pronounced him deceased. Police are not identifying the person for now. And, the Haines Assembly will address a proposed rule change at its next meeting that would stop the mayor from […]

Commercial fishermen are increasingly struggling to find and pay for insurance that protects their boats – and their crews.  The state legislature passed a bill this session that aims to address the issue by providing another coverage option. But whether Governor Mike Dunleavy signs the legislation remains to be seen, as does its potential to […]

A Skagway School student is hoping to get more young people voting by allowing them extra time to register. The soon-to-be high school senior is working to support state representatives on House Bill 21. The bill would allow youth as young as 16 to pre-register to vote, ensuring that when they turn 18, they're ready […]

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.