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.
Southeast
King salmon returning to Chilkat River exceed expectations, but continue on downward trend
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.
Lawmaker seeks audit of village public safety officers
Rep. Dan Saddler said he wants more information on why many positions in the state-funded VPSO program are unfilled.
NTSB releases preliminary report of investigation into Juneau-area commuter flight accident
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.
Fish and Game relocates two nuisance bears from Petersburg
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has trapped and moved two black bears that have been looking for an easy lunch and getting into garbage cans in Petersburg this summer.
Archaeologists shed light on Tlingit culture near Petersburg, before Europeans
The current town site was established around 1900 by Norwegians looking for a good spot to process fish commercially. But archaeologists are finding more evidence that Mitkof Island is just like others in the region. Tlingit people had settlements around Petersburg for thousands of years before Europeans planted their roots.
Skagway Assembly formally voices support for police chief following loss of state certification
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.
Petersburg woman makes indigenous derby team to compete at world cup
Petersburg’s Victoria Moore, aka Deckem, is one of 20 skaters who made Team Indigenous Roller Derby. She’s the only Alaskan on the team, made up of First Nations and Native women from around the globe.
Ferry reform’s next step at Southeast Conference meeting
Southeast Conference and the state ferry system are examining ways to save money while maintaining service to port communities.
Ketchikan council OKs funds for a fall-spring ‘warming center’
The Ketchikan City Council agreed Thursday to fund a seasonal warming center for homeless residents at a cost of $80,000. The program is a partnership between First City Homeless Services and the Salvation Army.