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1,210 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsListener-supported, community based public radio to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain Southeast Alaska's Upper Lynn Canal and beyond
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Episodes
Newscast – June 4, 2020
June 05, 2020 01:05Chilkat Indian Village of Klukwan and a coalition of green groups take their lawsuit against mine development to appeals court; summer rentals in Skagway sit vacant because summer workers haven’t come.
Fire burns horse stable at the Southeast Alaska State Fair grounds
June 04, 2020 01:40A structure fire broke out at the Southeast Alaska State Fair grounds Wednesday morning. Nobody was harmed, but one of the stables behind the hockey rink was destroyed. Liam Cassidy says Wednesday morning he began burning some brush that had recently been cleared at the fairgrounds. He contacted the fire department before starting the burn. […]
Newscast – June 3, 2020
June 04, 2020 01:20Fire burns stable at Southeast Alaska State Fair grounds; Fish and Game asks Haines residents to keep their distance from moose calves; Federal judge to rule on timber sale on Prince of Wales Island.
Vigils for George Floyd spark conversation about racism in Haines and Skagway
June 03, 2020 17:49Local residents came together over the past two days to honor the life of George Floyd, a black man who was killed while unarmed when a Minnesota policeman kneeled on his neck for over 7 minutes. Floyd’s death has prompted widespread protests and riots followed by violent backlashes from police across the nation. As KHNS’ […]
Skagway residents weigh in on how to spend $8 million in relief money
June 03, 2020 01:36Skagway residents are divided over how to spend nearly $8 million in relief money. A resolution drafted by the administration and an amendment from the finance committee present two options for how to distribute the cash. Skagway received $2.9 million in relief money on Tuesday morning. It is the first of what could be three […]
Newscast – June 2, 2020
June 03, 2020 01:25Upper Lynn Canal residents hold vigils for victims of racist violence; Skagway residents must decide how to spend millions in relief funds.
AMHS reduces passenger capacity as health precaution during pandemic
June 02, 2020 02:01The Alaska Marine Highway System has reduced the number of passengers allowed on its ferries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each vessel may only carry up to one third of its passenger capacity. At least one passenger trying to purchase a walk-on ticket reports being turned away. Carol Flegel says she only learned about the […]
Newscast – June 1, 2020
June 02, 2020 01:29AMHS reduces the passenger capacity of its ships amid COVID-19 pandemic; Friedenauer resigns from HEDC following budget cut from the Haines Borough; Native Youth Olympics goes virtual.
Haines prepares for possible arrival of small cruise ships
June 01, 2020 21:26Large cruise ships operated by companies like Norwegian and Carnival are unlikely to visit Haines and Skagway this summer due to federal restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some smaller cruise lines are hoping to sail the Lynn Canal as early as June. There are a few rules that have blocked cruise tourism in […]
Newscast – May 29, 2020
June 01, 2020 17:43Canada extends its ban on cruise ships through October; Skagway decides how to spend nearly $8 million in relief money; fishermen gear up for the gillnet season.
Tours are down, but sales are up for local bike retailer
May 29, 2020 18:28There was already a bike waiting on the front stoop when Dustin Craney got to work. He glanced at the note taped to the seat and rolled it inside. “It’s here for service,” he said, as he opened up the door. Craney is usually onboarding tour guides this time of year, but instead he and […]
Chilkat River flyway a shortcut for migratory birds headed north
May 29, 2020 18:27Pamela Randles and Kathleen Menke are walking down a path near the Chilkat River, looking for birds. They’re “birders,” hobby ornithologists. Cottonwoods shimmer in a light breeze, as the women pick out which species are nearby simply by hearing their song. They were kind enough to translate: ruby crowned kinglet, robin, savanna sparrow. I wasn’t […]
Newscast – May 28, 2020
May 29, 2020 01:00Local bicycle business sees drop in tours and a spike in bike sales; Haines tour operators prepare for the possibility of small cruise tourism.
Newscast – May 27, 2020
May 28, 2020 23:08Former Haines borough manager responds to the assembly that fired her; Upper Lynn Canal assemblies accept relief money from the state.
Schnabel responds to criticism from assembly members following her dismissal
May 28, 2020 16:54The following is a transcription of the comments made by Debra Schnabel at the May 26, 2020 assembly meeting regarding her dismissal. I appreciate this opportunity to address the community and the assembly that represents it. I was suspended as borough manager on May 12, and terminated on May 19. The assembly and I have […]
Newscast – May 26, 2020
May 27, 2020 01:19Chilkat Valley Community Foundation poised for large donation from late Haines philanthropist; Southeast communities consider risks and benefits of small cruise tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic; Haines Borough looks to fill budget shortfall caused by loss of school bond debt reimbursement from the state.
Newscast – May 22, 2020
May 23, 2020 00:50Haines borough releases statement regarding Schnabel’s dismissal; Skagway extends self isolation requirement for arrivals, but exempts those coming from AK communities with no current COVID-19 cases; Haines birders scour the skies for rare species.
Haines Borough releases statement regarding Schnabel’s dismissal
May 22, 2020 18:19STATEMENT OF HAINES BOROUGH The Haines Borough has terminated the employment agreement between the Haines Borough and Debra Schnabel. The Assembly and Mayor made this decision based on what was felt to be in the best interests of the citizens of the Borough. The decision to change managers was difficult and one on which different […]
Haines Borough Assembly fires borough manager Debra Schnabel
May 21, 2020 22:03A narrowly divided Haines Borough Assembly has fired its manager. The 4-3 decision to remove Debra Schnabel followed a contentious two-hour meeting behind closed doors. The process of removing Debra Schnabel began last week with Assembly member Paul Rogers moving to suspend her with pay from her post. He told his colleagues that she did […]
Upper Lynn Canal unemployment spikes in April
May 21, 2020 18:48The COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down much of the world’s economy over the past two months and workers in the Upper Lynn Canal are not immune to effects. Haines and Skagway boroughs both reported dramatically elevated unemployment numbers this April over the same time last year. In the seasonal economies of the Upper Lynn […]
Newscast – May 20, 2020
May 21, 2020 01:23Haines assembly fires borough manager Debra Schnabel; April data shows spike in unemployment claims from the Upper Lynn Canal.
A bad year for tourism presents a unique opportunity for scientists
May 20, 2020 22:50Southeast Alaska’s economy is poised to take a hit as most of the season’s cruises cancel. But a rough year for tourism could be a good moment for science. No cruise ships or tour buses mean researchers will be able to measure the region’s baseline air quality. Last year, Southeast residents logged forty-five air quality […]
Canadian border closure extended until June 21
May 20, 2020 16:58Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday that the Canadian border will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another month. On March 20th the U.S. and Canada mutually agreed to close their border to non-essential traffic for 30 days. That closure was extended in April for another 30 days. During a press conference, […]
Newscast – May 19, 2020
May 20, 2020 01:17Canada extends its border closure; a rough year for tourism is an interesting year for science.
Newscast – May 18, 2020
May 19, 2020 01:39Haines borough sets date for meeting to consider terminating borough manager Debra Schnabel’s employment; Chilkoot Indian Association examines possibilities for new cultural center; Forest Service to host fire prevention workshop.
Wildlands Fire Prevention workshops available in the Upper Lynn Canal
May 18, 2020 21:55Haines State Forester Greg Palmieri said all Upper Lynn Canal property owners should consider tuning in to one of his fire prevention workshops this week. Wildland fire response is always a challenge, he said, and especially this year because COVID-19 concerns could slow response. “I think every rural landowner, property owner, homeowner should take into […]
Haines cannery opens downtown seafood shop
May 18, 2020 18:44While COVID-19 has decimated the economy and shuttered a number of small businesses, it hasn’t laid Haines Packing Company low. The local cannery opened a downtown retail location in Haines on Friday. Melanie Thomas is working the counter at the new Seafood Store downtown. She scoops up an armful of king crab legs. “So, we […]
Newscast – May 15, 2020
May 16, 2020 01:05Haines Packing Co. opens new storefront on Main St. in Haines; Alaska Seaplanes looks to buy PenAir and save the Southwest Alaska airline’s operating certificate; Legislature to reconvene next week to allocate federal COVID-19 relief; Haines borough looks to increase water supply from Piedad Spring Water Treatment Plant.
Preserving The Chilkat Center for the Arts and KHNS
May 15, 2020 23:48This is Kay Clements, General Manager for Lynn Canal Broadcasting. KHNS has been based in the Chilkat Center for the Arts since 1981, a year after we began broadcasting in Haines. The Borough has supported this building as both the home of KHNS and as a world class theater, venue for religious services, civic meeting […]
Skagway cafe re-opens for limited dine-in service
May 15, 2020 19:11Skagway restaurants have been closed to dine-in service since the state mandated it in March—and they’ve all stayed closed despite relaxed restrictions. But this Friday, one local cafe will invite patrons inside. The Sweet Tooth Cafe will be the first restaurant in Skagway to navigate the uncharted waters of dine-in service during a pandemic. Owner […]
Newscast – May 13, 2020
May 15, 2020 18:13Haines assembly votes to suspend borough manager Debra Schnabel and cut all municipal funding to the Haines Economic Development Corporation.
Newscast – May 14, 2020
May 15, 2020 01:00Skagway continues its mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers; a Skagway restaurant is poised to re-open for dine in service.
Haines assembly will consider firing borough manager after suspending her with pay
May 14, 2020 02:13Haines Borough Manager Debra Schnabel has been suspended from her job and her future in that position is unclear. That’s following a contentious 4-2 vote by the Haines Assembly. It was Haines Assemblyman Paul Rogers who made the motion to suspend borough manager Debra Schnabel with pay and host a future meeting to decide if […]
Haines Borough Assembly eliminates funding for local economic development group
May 14, 2020 01:11The Haines Borough Assembly considered significant cuts to the manager’s proposed budget at their Tuesday meeting in anticipation of a lean year. Those included an end in funding for the borough’s economic think-tank. The Haines Borough Assembly voted to cut all funding to the Haines Economic Development Corporation at their Tuesday meeting. That’s as COVID-19 […]
Newscast – May 12, 2020
May 13, 2020 01:22A Haines Assembly member seeks to fire the Borough Manager; Haines High School seniors will graduate via video conference; federal scientists advise against feeding a sea lion at Letnikof Cove.
Haines assembly to consider suspending and possibly firing borough manager
May 13, 2020 01:20The Haines Borough Assembly may consider whether to fire borough manager Debra Schnabel at a meeting tonight. Haines Borough Assemblyman Paul Rogers asked Borough Manager Debra Schnabel to resign on Monday, but she refused. Now Rogers says he will introduce a motion to suspend Schnabel with pay and hold a future meeting with the borough […]
COVID-19 health safety questions? We’ll get answers.
May 12, 2020 21:37As state and local governments begin to relax COVID-19 emergency restrictions, what are your health and safety questions? The KHNS Local News team will interview local health care professionals on our upcoming public affairs program, Lynn Canal Voice. Send your questions to [email protected].
Unprecedented cruise ship cancellations affect seasonal, year round businesses
May 12, 2020 21:27The loss of roughly 80 percent of Alaska’s cruise tourism will have an outsize impact in Skagway and Haines, whose seasonal businesses will be operating at a small fraction of capacity, if at all. “It’s a significant blow. To be honest, it wasn’t necessarily a shock as much as it was a disappointment,” said Skagway […]
Newscast – May 11, 2020
May 12, 2020 00:48Upper Lynn Canal businesses begin to reopen after governor eases health precautions; Skagway extends mandatory two week quarantine for anyone entering the community from outside.
Newscast – May 8, 2020
May 09, 2020 01:50Alaska Native cultural and political leader Byron Mallott died unexpectedly at age 77; the Upper Lynn Canal braces for a lean summer as most cruise sailings cancel.
Newscast – May 7, 2020
May 08, 2020 01:05Haines Borough responds to questions and concerns about governor’s plan to reopen Alaska; Self-employed workers now eligible for unemployment relief; AMHS not requiring masks for passengers.
Stranded seal pup rescued by Haines Animal Rescue Kennel
May 07, 2020 21:14Haines Animal Rescue Kennel director Tracy Mikowski had a very eventful weekend after two newborn harbor seal pups were found stranded on local beaches. Haines resident Ron Jackson found the first seal pup Friday afternoon while canoing between Carr’s Cove and Letnikoff Cove. “When I saw the seal I looked around to see if there […]
Carnival Corporation cancels all voyages to Alaska
May 07, 2020 18:40Carnival Corporation won’t be bringing any of its cruise ships to Alaska this season. That’s following Wednesday’s announcement that its subsidiaries Princess and Holland America had canceled all remaining Alaska voyages for 2020. Carnival Cruise Line canceled its brand of cruises earlier this week. Seabourn Cruise and Cunard Line, smaller Carnival subsidiaries, have also canceled. […]
Haines borough assembly discusses budget cuts to local nonprofits
May 07, 2020 18:25As the Haines Borough works towards a municipal budget for the coming fiscal year, members of the assembly are trying to figure out how to weather the current economic downturn. While most of the assembly is pushing to reduce or eliminate spending on nonprofits like the Haines Economic Development Corporation and the Haines Sheldon Museum, […]
Newscast – May 5, 2020
May 07, 2020 17:08An abandoned seal pup is rescued in Haines and transported to the Alaska Sea Life Center; Skagway librarian Julene Brown retires after 25 years of service to the community.
Newscast – May 6, 2020
May 07, 2020 01:22Nearly 80 percent of Alaska’s cruises have been cancelled this season; Haines works towards a balanced budget.
Skagway librarian retires after 25 years
May 06, 2020 18:15Julene Brown had just had her second child when she became Skagway’s librarian in 1995. “I had a degree in English to teach and had come back to Skagway where I grew up. And, yeah, it just seemed like it’d be a good fit,” she said. Good fit turned out to be an understatement. Locals […]
State and municipal officials begin to soften rules on travel within Alaska
May 05, 2020 18:35The COVID-19 pandemic prompted state and municipal officials to issue mandates that restrict the public’s movement in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. As Governor Mike Dunleavy takes measures to start reopening Alaska, restrictions on travel within the state have been softened. However, the requirements for travelers entering and exiting the […]
Skagway High graduate among Pulitzer winning Anchorage Daily News reporters
May 05, 2020 18:22The Pulitzer Prize announced today that the Anchorage Daily News won its coveted Public Service award. The reporter leading the ADN’s investigative team grew up in Skagway. Kyle Hopkins attended Skagway High and after his first years studying journalism at University of Alaska Fairbanks, returned to the Gateway to the Klondike as an intern at […]
Newscast – May 4, 2020
May 05, 2020 03:23A Skagway High graduate and former Skagway new intern takes home a Pulitzer Prize; Carnival cancels its remaining Alaska cruises; how to navigate the ever-changing travel advisories.