KHNS-FM (Haines, AK)

The Haines Borough assembly is considering a proposal that would allow voters to choose whether to sell the green-space downtown at the corner of Third and Main, or keep it as a public park. As Will Steinfeld reports for KHNS, there’s debate about which option would lead to the most benefit for Main Street.

Municipalities across Alaska have long taxed natural resources that are extracted locally, but sold elsewhere. The aim is to ensure communities see some sort of financial boost from those exports, particularly amid waning support from the state. Haines could be next. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, voters soon will decide whether they want to impose a similar tax on exports of timber, gravel and mineral ore.

KHNS and the Chilkat Valley News are collaborating on candidate coverage for this year’s election season. Interviews with individual candidates for Haines and Skagway will be broadcast on KHNS, and available to listen, read, (or watch!) on our websites. Tune in weekday mornings starting Monday, September 14th, at 7:07am (after Alaska Morning News) for candidate interviews.

Haines voters will decide in October whether to add a 2% sales tax to alcoholic beverages. While the increase isn’t large, it brings up the issue of sin taxes, responsible spending and how to best fund a borough. https://khnswebsitemedia.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09123308/09Alcohol.mp3 Seven years ago, Haines voters decided against a two percent tax on alcohol, but approved that same tax increase on marijuana.

https://khnswebsitemedia.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09132552/8Skagwayterminal.mp3 The Skagway ferry terminal is on track to reopen on Thursday, nearly a month after ferry service stopped abruptly due to structural damage at the dock. The terminal’s closure threw a wrench in regional travel plans, including for seasonal workers planning to leave town and for participants in a running race that draws people from around the region.

Haines voters will decide in October whether to add a two percent sales tax to alcoholic beverages. While the increase isn’t large, it brings up the issue of sin taxes, responsible spending and how to best fund a borough. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has more. Newscasts | KHNS Radio | KHNS FM Sept.

The Skagway ferry terminal is on track to reopen on Thursday [9/10], nearly a month after state ferry service to the popular tourist destination stopped abruptly in mid-August. The closure happened when staff noticed structural damage on the state ferry docking facility. The decision threw a wrench in regional travel plans, including for seasonal workers looking to leave town – and those participating in an upcoming running race that draws people from Haines, Juneau and beyond.

Repair work on the Skagway Ferry Terminal continues and it’s unclear when service might resume. The Municipality of Skagway announced a contingency plan to get travelers to Haines through the end of the month. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has more. And, Dolly Parton’s music and philanthropy touched communities across the country, including Juneau. After her recent death, Juneau residents honored her legacy of music and early childhood literacy with a commemorative march on Aug. 28.

Repair work on the Skagway Ferry Terminal continues and it’s unclear when service might resume. The Municipality of Skagway announced a contingency plan to get travelers to Haines through the end of the month. https://khnswebsitemedia.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/06211342/04Chains.mp3 Skagway has been without state ferry service since mid-August. That’s when cracks were discovered in the concrete abutment that supports the vehicle transfer bridge and passenger walkway.

Skagway’s housing shortage has impacted year-round residents, seasonal employees, business owners and people who might want to move here. But in the next installment of The Skagway Shuffle, KHNS contributor Molly McCluskey looks at how it’s also negatively impacting the heart of the town’s economy – its visitors.