KHNS - Haines

The University of Alaska is offering up 400 acres of its Haines-area land for timber harvest. The timing of the university’s decision was motivated by a conversation happening at the local level. The Haines Planning Commission is considering whether to restrict resource extraction in the Mud Bay area.

Craft distilleries in Alaska are reeling after a decision that could change the part of their businesses most accessible to the public: tasting rooms. Distilleries have been operating tasting rooms since 2014 legislation allowing that practice.

Freeride World Tour, an international big mountain ski and snowboard competition that brought an economic boost to Haines for three winters is not returning to Alaska in 2018.

Adult king salmon are returning to the Chilkat River at historically low numbers. The population has been decreasing over the past 10 years. In 2016, the Chilkat saw the lowest escapement estimate in about 25 years. Preliminary counts for 2017 show the downward trend is not letting up and fishing restrictions are likely to continue next year.

An investigation into an August commuter flight accident takes a close look at the aircraft’s fuel sources. A Haines-based pilot made an emergency water landing in the Juneau area in August. He, along with four passengers, swam safely to shore.

The Skagway Borough Assembly formally voiced its support for Police Chief Ray Leggett at a meeting last week. Leggett lost his Alaska police officer certification earlier this year after a lengthy legal battle with the state.