Takshanuk Watershed Council recently purchased two large lots in Haines.  They are now requesting tax-exempt status based on their plan to use the property as an outdoor education facility for their “Eco Studies” classes, and as an ongoing study site for Haines School Students.  The total tax levied on the two parcels in 2009 was $883.

TWC does not meet the criteria for this exemption, and it is against the community’s interest for a number of reasons:  Read more »

As wind power proponents consider wind power for Haines, we need to weigh all of the evidence. 

Here is some food for thought from Michael J. Trebilcock, Professor of Law and Economics, University of Toronto. These comments were excerpted from a submission to the Ontario government’s legislative committee On Bill 150. Read more at the Alaska Standard.

How do we thank a community for the strength that it gave when we were going through a life altering test. 

How do we make you understand that we drew on your prayers and positive thoughts,your phone calls, and the just knowing you all were here in Haines “holding the fort” down.  We have been humbled by the out pouring of love and prayers from all of you.

We have come through a test that I truly would never wish on my worst enemy if I had one.  Pete does have cancer, we will be getting chemo in Juneau every two weeks, we still have our sense of humor, and most important we have our faith in God and we have love and gratitude for our family and friends.

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by Gary Lidholm

Can heat from the ground several hundred feet below the surface help heat your home or public buildings in Haines? It is a possibility and is being done large scale in Juneau for several public buildings and on a small scale even locally in Haines.

Several interested members of the public dropped in on a subcommittee meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Commission Tuesday afternoon in the Borough Administration building to learn about geo-thermal.  Read more »

by Carol Kelly

Should the school district spend over $250,000 on a new heating system for Mosquito Lake School? That was one issue that faced the Haines Borough School Board at last night’s meeting. The figure derives from an estimate of the cost to implement an engineer’s plan. The board expressed concern over the high cost and directed the superintendent to work with two board members and the Borough Director of Facilities to develop a Request for Proposal so that other options can be explored.

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On February 25, District 5 Republicans convened their biennial convention on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Party members were present in Cordova, and via teleconference from Haines and from Skagway. District Vice-chair, David Roemhildt facilitated the meeting.

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By Gary Lidholm

There is much talk in the Haines community about the adverse impacts on the world-class fishery and wildlife resources of the Chilkoot River if Connelly Lake Hydro were to be built.  Certainly these resources deserve first-rate protection.  But how much would a hydro at Connelly really adversely affect the environment?   Or perhaps, as some have suggested, could the hydro even enhance the resources? 

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The Haines Borough Assembly met on 2/23/2010 in the Assembly Chambers; present were assembly members Hoffman, Vick, Rossman, Lapp, Waterman, and Mayor Jan Hill.  Borough Manager Mark Earnest and Borough Clerk Julie Cozzi were also in attendance.  Assemblyman Smith was excused.

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