The Skagway News - 3-24-23

MOS takes control of port, signs new lease agreements

By Melinda Munson

At midnight on March 18, the 55-year Pacific and Arctic Railway and Navigation Company lease ended, granting the Municipality of Skagway freedom to operate its own port. There was no ceremony to mark the occasion. That will come later.

“It’s been a long road to get here,” said Mayor Andrew Cremata. “And there’s a sense of accomplishment for sure. But this starts the beginning of a lot more work.”

Part of that work was negotiations for the upland leases. At times the process was tense, but all agreements were completed by the takeover deadline, with upland leases contracted for current fair market value.

“I know there’s been a lot of consternation … for the employees of those businesses because uncertainty and change is extremely difficult,” Cremata said.

Alaska Marine Lines, Inc. (AML) signed a two-year lease for two acres (Ordinance 23-03). Moving forward, AML will be charged to access the loading ramp and the municipality will be responsible for maintaining the infrastructure.

“…they will be charged the wharfage and dockage to come into the loading ramp. With that comes our responsibility to be proactive and keep it in good shape,” said Borough Manager Brad Ryan.

Fair market value was assessed at $133,600 annually.

Cruise Lines Agencies Alaska (CLAA) agreed to a one year, eight month lease for 6,566 square feet of prop-

Assembly authorizes transfer of Rapuzzi House

By Melinda Munson

The Skagway Borough Assembly voted March 16 to transfer ownership of the Rapuzzi House to Friends of the Klondike Corridor (FKC), for the price of $10. Ordinance 23-07 states that FKC “seeks to restore, maintain and repair the Rapuzzi House for the purpose of preservation and enjoyment of the public.”

In 2008, the Rasmuson Foundation gifted the Municipality of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park more than 30,000 artifacts and documents known as the Rapuzzi collection. As part of the endowment, the municipality also received the Rapuzzi House.

The home, gifted by Phyllis Brown, heir to George and Edna Rapuzzi, has white peeling paint, lacked utilities since 1990 and is in need of stabilization.

Mayor Andrew Cremata estimated it would cost $2 million to repair the dwelling and regulations prevent the municipality from using

it as housing. The municipality voted to give the Rapuzzi House back to the Rasmuson Foundation in Oct. 2021, but the process was halted when FKC expressed interest in the project.

“We have struggled to figure out what to do with it within code,” said Assemblymember Orion Hanson. And this organization … has come up with a very good concept, I think, for restoring the Rapuzzi House. It needs quite a bit of work. …I think they’re going to make it into a welcoming event space as well as a museum of sorts.”

“It’s exciting to see some movement on this, so that building is restored and that home is changed into a welcoming event space,” Orion added. “And I think they’ve got some really good ideas for artists in residence and other things like that.”

Hanson noted that the new plans for Rapuzzi House have already passed the necessary permitting steps for conditional use.

FKC is the official non-profit partner for the

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (KGR), and covers the Klondike Corridor from Seattle to Skagway, and Dawson City, Yukon.

Donna Larsen, executive director of FKC, said their organization was asked in the past if they would be interested in the Rapuzzi House, but the Municipality of Skagway decided to take responsibility. With ownership transferring to FKC, the non-profit’s job now is to satisfy the best interest of the national park and the community.

According to Larsen, FKC wants “a legacy place for

Chikoot artists in residence” and a museum that “expands the story beyond just the gold rush.” The community voiced support for use as a small venue for events like book signings and a shortterm abode for visiting art professionals, such as the piano tuner.

Larsen envisions restoring Edna’s front flower garden and George’s basement, complete with radio antennae.

Larsen stressed that all of the discussion at this point is just concepts.

“We’re throwing everything on the board right now,” she said.

(see page 3-Grants)

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Racers push off at the start of the 2023 Buckwheat International Ski Classic on March 11. More photos on page 6.

(see page 3 - MOS)

Photo by Melinda Munson Rapuzzi House (Circa 2021)

The Skagway News. Skagway’s First Newspaper

Christened in 1897, buried alive in 1904 and resurrected in 1978, The Skagway News is currently celebrating 46 years of reporting in Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, recording our Centennial years and beyond.

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Spring Street - dangerous route for buses

In 2018 I came to the assembly with a proposal for bus traffic going to the Fraser Railroad siding to be deferred to 11th Street, instead of Spring Street. Spring Street is from 9th to10th Streets the narrowest in Skagway by 10 feet. The 40-50 foot buses are treating Spring Street as a one way road. The stop sign before 10th and Spring Street is violated every day.

If nothing is done, that will be a total of five years with no action. That is kicking the can down the road on steroids. This represents a huge liability to the city that is not being addressed.

Spring Street is very dangerous for all concerned. Eleventh and Broadway should be used for all of the traffic to the Fraser siding. When I originally brought this up in 2018, Monica Carlson was our mayor. At that time, there was a consensus from the assembly and Monica to divert the bus traffic off Spring Street and onto 11th and Broadway for the Fraser siding.

Dear fellow Skagway assembly members,

It is with great excitement that I ask for your acceptance of my resignation. I have accepted the position of Tourism Director in our neighboring community of Haines, Alaska, and will not be able to complete my term. My last day as a Skagway assembly member will be April 7th, 2023.

It has been an honor, a privilege and one of the most incredible learning experiences of my life. When I think back over the past 2.5 years, I’m amazed at all we went through together. A global pandemic, the economic repercussions of the said pandemic, the end of the White Pass lease, a struggling clinic, the rockslide, plus many other obstacles, highs and lows, sorrow and crisis. And yet we endured.

If the most vulnerable in a population are thriving, the community is thriving. The duty of taking care of business will always be upon your plate of responsibilities, but to serve full-heartedly, one must advocate for the young and the old, the most vulnerable. I implore you all to look beyond your individual needs, not accept the status quo, do your due diligence, take action for positive change and focus on the common good. Be better. Be your best. And thank you for your service.

Reba Hylton was here, 2020-2023

This requires some follow through from the previous proposal that the 2018 assembly agreed to. This is a hard thing to say, but it needs to be said. Monica and her mother were killed by a bus driver that wasn’t paying attention. I only hope that doesn’ happen here. None of us want that on our conscience. If there are no rules put in place and enforced, it’s just a matter of time.

If the big buses are on 11th and Broadway to get to their parking, they will not run a stop sign on a two way street such as 11th and Broadway. Coming off State Street they can drive straight to their parking spots on 11th and exit on 12th.

Currently, the big buses coming up from the north end of town drive right past 11th and 12th, down to 7th to City Hall, and then up Spring Street and past 10th to their parking spots on the Frasier siding. That is 10 blocks out of the way when they would only have to turn

Frank Murkowski recently wrote an opinion piece published in the Skagway News. While I disagree with Murkowski (both of them) on lots of issues, I whole-heartedly agree with his opinion and ideas on the marine highway system. I adore the marine highway and hate every report of how it’s been deteriorating and under-funded.

Murkowski laid out how the funding from the inappropriately named “Inflation Reduction Act” could be utilized to pay for or supplement AMHS expenses. He pointed out the decreased ridership might make it seem (to an outsider) less needed. “With fewer vessels, ridership which had been av-

on 11th the one block, and exit on 12th one block.

One thing that seems to be forgotten is that the streets of Skagway belong to the citizens of Skagway and not the bus companies to do whatever they want. It’s the city’s obligation to tell the bus companies how and where they are going to operate on our streets.

This issue requires action by the Public Safety Committee and also the assembly and enforcement thereof. Putting a sidewalk on Spring Street won’t fix this problem but removing the buses to 11th and 12th will.

I sent this letter to the assembly on Sept. 5, 2019 and again on April 28, 2022 without any response or action taken on this issue. This letter is a revised version of my original letter.

Yours sincerely,

Craig Weidner, Concerned Citizen of Skagway

eraging over 250,000 in 2019 dropped to 135,000 in 2020 and 38,000 in the year 2021.” But the last couple of years cannot be used as justification for any funding loss to any business. The years 2021 and 2022 are two aberrations that will, hopefully, never be repeated.

I sincerely hope the state of Alaska takes Murkowski’s advice and applies for every penny they can get from that appropriations bill. Maybe invite @ secretarypete to come see and partake of the ferry system.

Thank you,

Lynn Gutterman

Donna Griffard practices CPR on an infant model under the instruction of Skagway firefighter and EMT Austin Taylor.

Photo by Melinda Munson

MOS leases to AML, CLAA, Petro,TEMSCO

(Continued from front page)

erty (Ordinance 23-04). The odd lease length is to ensure that if the municipality decides not to renew the lease the contract ends in the fall, allowing time for a transition into the following tourist season. Fair market value was assessed at $29,600 annually.

Petro Marine, Inc. signed the shortest lease at eight months for 2.19 acres (Ordinance 23-06). According to the ordinance, this is because “additional time is required for negotiation of a longer-term lease and to provide for a vote if the requirements of SMC 16.03.025(B) are met, and therefore the municipality would like to approve a short-term lease to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to Skagway and the Yukon.”

Because the Petro Marine long-term lease will bring in more than $5 million for the entire length of the contract, voters must approve the lease on this October’s ballot.

Fair market value was assessed at $269,600 annually.

TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. accepted a lease for four years and eight months for

1.46 acres (Ordinance 2305). Fair market value was assessed at $201,600.

“…this has been a long process and a difficult one,” said Assemblymember Orion Hanson. I think and hope we can all move forward and go back to just doing what we do.”

“And I thank everybody,” he continued. It’s not been easy on the assembly either. And I know staff has worked hard. I know all the managers and owners of these respective businesses – it’s been difficult for them as well. And I think we’re at the finish line. And I think we’ve gotten to at least a good place for now.”

One day after the first ship of the season arrives in Skagway’s self-managed port, the municipality will host a dedication. The event will occur April 19 at 5 p.m. at Shoreline Park, followed by a town photograph in front of Broadway Dock.

Cremata said he is “grateful that community leaders in 1968 were wise enough to enter into a deal that allowed this community to grow. Now it’s our turn to take the baton and grow our community in ways that will benefit every resident for generations.”

None of the lease holders returned comment by deadline.

Margaret Frans Brady Fund Scholarships 2023

Up to $7,000 available for students pursuing arts; deadline to apply April 15

The Juneau Community Foundation (JCF) and the Brady Family of Skagway announced the Margaret Frans Brady Fund (MFBF) will make up to $7,000 in scholarship funding available in 2023 for qualifying area students pursuing artistic excellence. All application materials must be received by April 15. Application forms are available on the Juneau Community Foundation website.

The MFBF was established in 2012 at the JCF to support arts and education projects and programs in Skagway and northern Southeast Alaska. A separate MFB Scholarship Fund was established a year later to assist students and artists in this area with scholarships to help them improve creative abilities. Since 2013, more than $70,000 has been awarded to 75 area students.

Scholarships are considered for all students pursuing creative arts including writing, music, visual and performance arts. These scholarships include grants to help artists attend arts camps, schools, colleges, symposiums, or conferences.

The scholarship committee will make recommendations and announce this year’s scholarships by early May. Scholarships will be sent to the tax-exempt non-profit or educational institution that awardees will be attending. For more information, contact Jeff Brady, MFB Scholarship Committee Chair, at wjbradyak@me.com or 907983-3188.

Grants assist organization in restoring local historic home

(Continued from front page)

A $9,000 grant from the Margaret Frans Brady Program Fund covered the cost of roof repairs to stop leaks. A grant from the Rasmuson Foundation will pay for an architect who will give an estimate for further repairs and a reality check for just how costly it will be to remove asbestos and lead paint and save the building.

Previously, local historian Jeff Brady spoke out against

The Skagway Chamber of Commerce would like to help you get ready for the 2023 season.

Keep an eye on our website for updates.

Let’s support our Local Businesses.

the municipality returning the house to the Rasmuson Foundation. While he would have preferred the borough maintain ownership and complete the project, he

is satisfied that a solution has been reached. He noted FKC’s expertise at procuring restoration funding.

“I really think it’s the best alternative,” he said.

Photo by Melinda Munson

Mayor Andrew Cremata signs a new lease agreement after the March 16 assembly meeting.

By Melinda Munson

My son hadn’t been on a plane for seven years. The only reason I put him on a flight in 2016 was because the drive from Las Vegas to Alaska would have been excruciating with his special needs, so we braved a commercial flight for the big move to the North. He was a perfect gentleman – hands to himself, minimal noise.

I don’t like to tempt fate, so this month when it was time for dental work in Anchorage and said son was

It takes a village – and I’ve found mine

now my height with sinewy, 19-year-old muscles, I asked Medicaid if we could take the ferry. Unsurprisingly, Medicaid was not flexible.

We were scheduled on a plane out of Skagway, a teeny tiny eight-seater.

My son has autism, was born with no eyeballs and functions at about a twoyear-old level. He’s generally compliant and gentle, but occasionally, when something is bothering him, he might pinch or hit at the caretaker or bang the wall. He’s non-verbal, so this is his only way of expressing discomfort.

This behavior is disconcerting on the ground. In the air, it could be a disaster.

I called Skagway’s Alaska Seaplanes and explained the situation. Karen contacted headquarters and helped us

make a plan. As long as he stayed buckled, which I expected he would, we would be safe. Banging on the plane would be annoying, but not life threatening. How could we get him prepared and calm?

We went to the airport and listened to a plane take off and land. He got used to Seaplanes employees Karen, Breanna and Jessica’s voices as they greeted, encouraged and coached him. They wheeled up the stairs and we practiced entering the plane crouched, so our heads didn’t hit the ceiling. We discovered he didn’t feel comfortable walking to his seat but butt-scooting worked just fine. We buckled him into a seat then practiced disembarking.

On the day of the journey, my anxiety was, pardon the

pun, sky high. I was confident we were about to be placed on the No Fly List. Karen did what she could to help, keeping us updated about flight times, making sure we didn’t arrive at the airport any earlier than necessary.

“What’s the most distracting thing a customer has ever done on a plane?” I asked the pilot as we got ready to climb on.

“I had a lady once who warned me that when she got stressed, she would bark like a dog. Sure enough, when we hit some bumps, she barked like a dog.”

Maybe we would be okay. I’d never heard my son make animal noises.

All the women were there to help us board. We ducked, we scooted, we buckled, favorite blanket out, so far,

success. I watched my son intently as the engines started – no reaction other than slight interest. The real test was in the air when the first bout of up and down began. I clutched my seat and heard my son … giggle.

Praise all that is holy, it worked. We had a delightful flight to Juneau and an equally smooth return trip. We were met with high-fives and praise from the Skagway team when we touched down.

While I don’t relish the idea of traveling with my son with severe disabilities, it’s a relief to know that it’s possible. It’s important to be reminded that, sometimes, the only thing holding him back is me.

2023 North Words Writers Symposium set for late May

By Melinda Munson

The tentative schedule is posted for the 2023 North Words Writers Symposium, happening May 24-27 in Skagway and Dyea. Judging from the faculty, the future really is female.

“It just kind of happened that way,” laughed Jeff Brady, organizing faculty member. “We’re very happy with that group.”

This year’s keynote au-

thor is Oregon resident Karen Russell, nominated in 2011 for a Pulitzer Prize for her debut novel, “Swamplandia!”

NPR describes Russell as, “One of the most original American authors working today. She’s also one of the best.” They call her newest book, “Orange World,” “a thing of beauty, a stunning collection from one of the most brilliant literary minds

of her generation.”

“We’ve been trying to get Karen Russell for a couple of years,” Brady said.

Russell will be joined by Alaska transplant Marybeth Holleman, author of poetry and non-fiction; National Geographic Explorer, science writer and former Skagway worker M Jackson; fiction writer and Alaska sourdough Leigh Newman;

(Continued on page 5 - We’re)

Assembly to fill seat as Hylton heads to Haines

By Melinda Munson

Assemblymember Reba

Hylton’s last day on the Skagway Borough Assembly will be April 7, approximately six months short of her term. She accepted the position as Haines Tourism Director and will relocate to her former home along with 10-year-old son, Emmett.

Hylton said Haines, where she was a river guide for nine years, is where she first fell in love with Alaska. Hylton moved to Skagway in 2007 to work for White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, then transferred to Skagway Brewing Company in 2018.

Hylton started her tenure on the assembly in October 2020. She described her term as, “one crisis after another,” including COVID-19 shutdowns, life threatening landslides on Railroad Dock and a struggling clinic.

“What I’m most proud of are the beginnings of a senior center, the childcare $100,000 start-up grants and the many ways the entire assembly came together and worked diligently to financially do all we could to help our businesses and residents make it through the pandemic,” Hylton said.

Hylton is a strong supporter of Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium

(Continued from page

Inupiaq poet and Nome resident Marie Tozier; wildlife biologist (who sometimes lives off-grid) Caroline Van Hemert; and Southeast professor of English and poet Emily Wall.

There is no set theme for the 13th annual writers gathering as the symposium embraces its new motto: “Ya aaní káa has du shkalneegí yaa nas.áx̱” (On this land their stories are sounding off.)

Organizing Faculty Mem-

assuming operation of the municipality’s Dahl Memorial Clinic. That controversial issue will come before the voters on April 18.

The first item Hylton placed on the Heath, Education and Welfare Committee agenda as chair was the dysfunctional school kitchen. Almost three years later, the kitchen addition is complete and students are back to hot lunches.

Although not the assembly liaison, Hylton attended or listened to every Ports and Harbor Advisory Board meeting in preparation for the borough assuming control of its waterfront this month.

Hylton’s parting legislation is Resolution 23-13R: Expressing Intent to Dispose of Garden City RV Property (GCRV). Not reviewed by the borough attorney, Hylton described the resolution as a blueprint she hopes assembly members will embrace and push forward. The measure would divide GCRV (the former site of St. Pius X Mission Residential Boarding School for Native Children) into 24 lots, transferring 12 to Skagway Traditional Council for $10. Six of the remaining lots would be sold by lottery to the public with no restrictions. The

ber X́unei Lance Twitchell helped craft the new motto and translated it into Tlingit.

“You’re on this land where wonderful stories happened before Skagway was Skagway. We’re on a mission to continue to tell stories,” Brady explained.

“We’re talking about better ways to tell stories,” he continued. “People who come here are already writers.”

Brady said the small gathering is “powerful and insightful,” allowing writers to become even better.

last six lots would be sold by lottery to the public for the purpose of high density housing.

The resolution was sent to the Finance Committee for review.

Assemblymember Orion Hanson thanked Hylton for her service.

“Reba, thank you for all your hard work. You have really fulfilled your seat with great effort, integrity, and really tackled difficult issues,” he said.

As of April 7, the assembly has 30 days to fill Hyton’s seat.

Mayor Andrew Cremata asked prospects for the position to demonstrate their interest.

“If there are members of the public who are interested in filling that role until October when we have our next regular election, it’s a good

time to reach out to an assembly person, or by letter, however you feel comfortable. It doesn’t have to be a letter. It could just be a con-

versation. It could just be an email. It could be any number of ways because code is a bit nebulous when it comes to process,” he said.

“We’re on a mission to continue to tell stories’

4 )

Photo provided by Reba Hylton

Building the factory

It’s a Willy Wonka

Buckwheat International Ski Classic 2023 Special Awards

Best Costume: Cole Digel of Whitehorse who skied the 32K as the Everlasting Gobstopper

Des Duncan Award (Volunteer): Sam Best for grooming trails for Log Cabin Ski Society (LCSS) and Buckwheat Ski Classic

John Briner Award (Enthusiastic and Committed): John Hinrichs former LCSS board member for traveling from his new home in Washington to help us this year

Ms. Buckwheat: Sophie Schindler

LCSS Member Winner of Skis: Jill Pangman from Whitehorse

View complete race results by category HERE

More photos on back page.

Factory photos by Bruce Schindler

Photo by Jacy Kern

Photo by Jacy Kern

Photo by Jacy Kern

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Bruce Schindler Ms. Buckwheats

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by A Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Delton (Del) Almond

Sept. 12, 1945 - Jan. 31, 2023

Obituaries

Delton Almond was born Sept. 12, 1945 and died Jan. 31, 2023 at home in Alliance, Nebraska with his family at his side.

Del started his railroad career with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Pasco, Washington at the age of 20. Superintendent Ed Hanousek Sr. of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway came to the Tri-Cities of Washington looking for experienced train and engine men to handle the new boom for the White Pass Railway. New mines had been opened in the Yukon and ore was being shipped to

George Theodore Butt

Oct. 8 1976 - Feb. 27, 2023

“He was an idea man,” Nicole said. “I can’t tell you how many times he would come up with a good business. And then a year later, we would see it somewhere.”

Nicole said the couple’s Skagway business, Klondike Electric Bicycles, was George’s idea.

“He thought about it, obsessed about it and researched it to the nth degree, and decided that this is what he wanted to do.”

the Port of Skagway.

Del accepted a position on the narrow gauge railroad as a fireman, then engineer. He met his wife, Kay, at The Golden North Hotel. His three daughters, Kelly, Jennifer and Elizabeth were all natives of Skagway, two of the girls being born in the Dahl Memorial Clinic with the midwives in attendance.

Del was very active in the union and instrumental in the strike during the summer of 1970, which resulted in better working conditions for the rail crews. He was also a starter on

the men’s Skagway basketball team that won the Gold Medal Tournament in 1973.

Del loved all sports. He pitched on the town’s fast pitch softball team which provided hours of entertainment for those that played and for those who came to watch. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with the great friends he made there.

Even though his time in Skagway wasn’t long, the friends he made and the experiences he had lasted a lifetime. Skagway always and forever held a special place in his heart.

No one wanted to say goodbye to George Butt. The Skagway entrepreneur died unexpectedly in Seattle on Feb. 27, in the presence of his loved ones, just two weeks before he was scheduled to head home after treatments for squamous cell carcinoma.

George, known for his humor and hugs, collected flutes and took up magnet fishing last summer. He loved cars, and according to his wife, Nicole Goodman, “could tell you what kind of car it was in the dark just by the headlights.”

George would have liked it noted he was in the gifted program throughout middle and high school. And rightly so.

March 8

Herself a gifted business woman, Nicole is struggling to find her way forward without her partner.

“I just keep hearing his voice. You’ve got this. Don’t stress about the things you can’t do. Just do the things that you can,” she said.

George measured success through love and life experiences. He squeezed two lifetimes into 46 years, starting with his marriage to Nicole in 2010, when he became a stepdad. According to George, being a father to Alex was the greatest privilege of his life.

Ironically, George and Nicole went to the same middle and high school but George was a “band geek” and would say Nicole “was too cool for him.” After reconnecting later in life,

-Fire personnel responded to an automated EWS alarm at a downtown business.

-Dispatch received a report of loose dogs on Dyea Road. Police were unable to locate.

March 9

Police personnel assisted a citizen with fingerprinting.

March 10

-A lost iPhone was turned into dispatch.

-Dispatch contacted the Dahl Memorial Clinic on duty provider.

-Police performed a welfare check.

March 12

they planned their first trip together on their inaugural date. Before George’s death, the couple visited all 50 states, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Panama, the Caribbean and more. Their 2015 cruise to Skagway led to their eventual exodus north from Florida and embracing the windy city as home.

Patrons who visit Klondike Bikes will miss the disorganized chaos of George’s desk as he attempted to complete a task, but more than likely got sidetracked into a wormhole of internet searches. George was known for forgetting his cell phone when conducting tours, and bringing bikers back late because there was always more information to share.

“He should have been fired many times,” Nicole joked.

Along with amassing trivia, George also collected socks.

“He loved socks – brand new socks,” Nicole said. “He thought they were the best thing on the planet. He would always tell people that he wanted to start a business called Sock A Day. You could get a subscription to get new socks to wear every day, and then you just send them back and they would get donat-

Police & Fire Blotter

Submitted by Skagway Police Department

-Dispatch contacted the clinic on duty provider. -Fire personnel responded to a medical emergency.

-A lost iPhone was reunited with its owner.

-Police assisted a visitor who was having issues with a pellet stove.

March 13

-Police helped a citizen gain access to their locked vehicle.

March 14

Fire personnel responded to an alarm that turned out to be a cooking mishap.

ed to another country.”

In honor of George, friends and family are invited to the Eagles F.O.E. #25 on April 8 for a celebration of life. In terms of dress code, a fun pair of socks is encouraged. Cake pops will be served, because for George, one of the best parts of being an adult was the ability to go to the grocery store and buy a birthday cake, even when it wasn’t his birthday.

George leaves behind his wife, Nicole Goodman, son, Alex Goodman, daughter-in-law, Jessica Hanson, mother, Theodora Butt, sister, Nancy Kornbluh (Richard), brother, Peter Butt (Jane), multiple nieces and nephews and puppy Woody Mac. A Go Fund Me page is active to help cover the costs of George’s medical expenses.

Nicole reflected on the countless acts of service George performed, such as learning to make bagels and pizza, because they were her favorite.

“I knew how much he loved me. I felt it every single day,” she said.

March 15

-Fire personnel responded to an automated EWS alarm at a downtown business.

-Dispatch received a report of benches missing from in front of a downtown business.

March 16

-Skagway School closed due to extreme weather. -Dispatch received a report of an open door and was able to contact the business.

-Fire personnel responded to a fire alarm at a downtown business.

-Klondike Highway closed at 4 p.m. due to unstable avalanche conditions.

Ferry system short more than 100 crew to put Kennicott to work

By Larry Persily Wrangell Sentinel

The Alaska Marine Highway System is short more than 100 new crew to safely and dependably put the Kennicott to sea. Without enough onboard workers, the state ferry system will start the summer schedule in six weeks with its second-largest operable ship tied up for lack of crew.

Though management has said they could put the Kennicott into service if they can hire enough new employees, filling all the vacancies would represent more than a 20% gain in current ferry system crew numbers, setting a very high hurdle to untie the ship this summer.

The state would also need to wait on Coast Guard licensing and onboard training before they could use the new crew to operate the ferry.

Without the Kennicott, there will be no service this summer to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, a popular and lower-cost option for travelers to connect with the highway system rather than the much longer and more expensive run to Bellingham, Washington.

The crew shortage is extensive and has lasted more than two years as resignations and retirements have exceeded the count of new hires.

With the Matanuska out of

service for millions of dollars of extensive steel repairs and asbestos abatement work, the rest of the fleet’s crew requirement comes to 496, plus a 20% buffer, totaling 595, reported Department of Transportation spokesman Sam Dapcevich in an email on Saturday.

Currently, there are approximately 450 crew positions filled, he said.

The 20% buffer allows for sick leave and other absences, and to avoid overtime and holding crew for double shifts to keep the ships running.

“If we remove the Kennicott and Tazlina from the mix (as currently planned), the crew requirement drops to 383, plus a 20% buffer, for a total crew need of 459,” Dapcevich explained. That matches the ferry system’s current summer schedule, which will hold the two ves-

sels out of service for lack of crew.

Even without the Kennicott and Tazlina on the job, the state is “approximately nine positions short of an ideal crewing level for the ships that are operating,” Dapcevich said.

That shortage would jump to more than 100 crew if the ferry system wanted to return the Kennicott to service, with an adequate buffer of employees to cover all contingencies, he said.

Running the system without a crew buffer “could be compared to driving the Dalton Highway (North Slope Haul Road) without a spare tire.”

The Alaska Marine Highway System continues to recruit new applicants “through job and career fairs, targeted social media advertisements, union halls, maritime academies

and more,” Dapcevich said. “We are also … making it possible for entry-level hires to start drawing a paycheck right away, rather than losing recruits while they wait for U.S. Coast Guard credentials to come through.”

The onshore employee count at ferry terminals and operations offices is not as stressed as onboard staffing levels. The ferry system had 20 of 148 shoreside positions vacant as of last week, Dapcevich said.

However, several of those vacancies are in middle- to upper-level management positions at the system’s Ketchikan headquarters, acting general manager Tony Karvelas reported to the Alaska Marine Highway Operations board on Friday.

The office has lost nine people since the start of the calendar year, Karvelas told the public advisory board.

tazlina pic

Passengers disembark the Tazllina in Skagway in March 2020.

Photo by Gretchen Wehmhoff

Family Fun Page - print and share

Across

1 Took a dip

5 “Trust ---” (Janet Jackson song)

9 They raise the pitch

11 Bok ---, Chinese cabbage

12 Hill product

14 Condo, for example

15 “The Cannonball Run” star Reynolds

16 Ft. Collins setting

17 Track prelims

18 Without being stated

21 Title for a lady

22 Popeye’s verb

of being 25 “... --- - Cold ---

- is master of them all.”(Kipling)

26 Composer --Bartók

27 Drives immedi ately behind another racecar

30 Oversupply

31 Whoopee!

32 “--- of the D’Urbervilles”

33 10 Down output

Down

1 Mad guitarist played as one of twelve on high

2 Formal legal document

3 Brown delivery firm

4 Ocean-height standard

5 Real

6 17th century European war

7 Cheers

8 Feminine half, in Chinese thinking

9 Urban renewal target

10 Cackleberry makers

13 Assist

17 “She Done --Wrong” (Mae West movie)

19 Gets a little

one a little later in life

20 Metal containers

21 Toulouse thousand

23 Mrs. Alfred Hitchcock

24 Hot Lips worked at one

26 North Atlantic hazard

27 U S M C noncom

28 French alternative to “café”

29 Bald patch patch?

Color Me

www.skagwaynews/puzzles

News Classified Ads cost 40 cents per word, $4 minimum.

SERVICES

FOOD BANK DONATIONS

WELCOME. Donations may be sent to the Food Bank, PO Box 200, Skagway, AK 99840. The local Food Bank helps those in need with groceries. If you need assistance, or know anyone who needs assistance, at any time of year, call any pastor or 907-612-0313

BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD

JOBS

“Skagway Child Care Council is happy to announce they will be opening the Little Dippers Learning Center February 21st. The Center still needs full time teachers for the summer, Housing is available. Little Dippers is a non profit learning center dedicated to serving children and families. For more information on how to apply please visit www. skagwaylittledippers.com

OFFICE SPACE

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT:

Upstairs portion of Boas Building (above Skaguay News Depot).

Approximately 600 SF total, or smaller 50-60 SF office if willing to share with another renter. Both have access to small kitchen and bath. Available April 1, 2023. Sublease subject to approval by National Park Service. Serious inquiries only. Contact Jeff Brady for more information: email skagbooksak@icloud.com or text 907-973-2354.

REAL ESTATE

Lot For Sale by Owner Lot 9 Block 74, $115,000. Call or text 907.723.2030

To reach the Dahl on-duty provider, contact police dispatch at 907-983-2232

For after-hours emergencies, dial 911.

SKAGWAY WORSHIP DIRECTORY Weather Watch

Assembly of God Church 8th & State • 907-983-2350

Sun. Worship....................11 a.m.

Wed. Bible Devotions & Prayer 7 p.m. Email skagwayag@outlook.com

First Presbyterian Church 5th & Main • 983-2260 Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Women’s Prayer 10 a.m Tues. Bible Study time varies. Please inquire. Online access available to all events.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 11th & State • 983-2518

Sun. Sacrament Meeting...10 a.m.

Sun. School/Primary ...11:10 a.m.

Relief Society/Priesthood..12 p.m.

St. Therese Catholic Church 9th & State • 983-2271

Sun. Mass.......................5 p.m. Mass Mon. & Tues.....12:10 p.m.

a priest is available)

sales@skagwaynews.com

Bid/RFP Status: Open - accepting bids and proposals

Bid/RFP Due Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 2:00pm

The Municipality of Skagway is requesting bids to provide janitorial services for the Dahl Memorial Clinic’s facility located on 14th and State Street.

A full copy of the Request for Bids can be obtained by calling Skagway Borough Offices by e-mailing a.lawson@skagway.org.

The Municipality of Skagway shall not be responsible for any costs incurred in the preparation of bids. The Municipality reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Bids must be sealed and clearly labeled with the following information:

1. “Dahl Memorial Clinic Janitorial Services”

2. Date and Time of Bid (Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.)

3. Bidder’s name Bids are due no later than Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., at the address listed above, or delivered directly to borough office on 700 Spring Street. All bidders are expected to consider weather in determining how to deliver their bids timely and there shall be no exceptions for a late received bid on account of weather. Faxed and e-mailed bids will not be accepted. Bids will be opened in the Assembly Chambers at 2:00 p.m. on the day of the bid opening.

Business

MUNICIPALITY OF SKAGWAY PUBLIC NOTICE

March 23,

DATES

Sealed bids must be delivered to City Hall located at 700 Spring Street, Skagway, AK 99840 by 2:00pm on April 13th, 2023. Bids will be opened in the Assembly Chambers at City Hall immediately following the bid deadline.

TERMS OF SALE

Property sold as is. The Municipality shall not be liable for the condition of the property or any items in or on the property. The successful bidder takes possession of all items in or on the property and shall be responsible for any disposal of that property upon sale. Item/s sold must be removed, at the expense of the winning bidder, from Municipal property within fourteen (14) days after award of sale, unless a new written storage agreement is entered into with the Municipality. The Municipality will not assist the successful bidder in any way with the removal of the property from Municipal property. The successful bidder shall be responsible for any damage to Municipal property caused during the removal of the property purchased.

For more information contact the Harbormaster at (907) 983.2628 or m.oboyle@skagway.org.

service is rescheduled for the observance of Seward’s Day Revised Pickup → Tuesday March 28 → Wednesday, March 29 → No Change Regular Pickup Monday March 27 Tuesday, March 28 Wednesday, March 29

Buckwheat 2023

MUNICIPALITY OF SKAGWAY NOTICE OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

TUESDAY, April 18, 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, there will be held in the Municipality of Skagway, Alaska, a SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

THE FOLLOWING QUESTION IS ON THE BALLOT:

Ø Shall the rate of sales tax collected upon sales made and services rendered in Skagway be increased from 5% to 6.5% for increased operational and infrastructural demands during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of each calendar year, April through September?

For " # Against " #

Ø The E.A. & Jenny Rasmuson Community Health Center building and the Dahl Memorial Clinic business shall not be leased or sold without ratification by public vote.

For " # Against " #

Ø Shall the Municipality of Skagway lease the E.A. and Jenny Rasmuson community Health Center building and land for $1.00 to SEARHC and sell the Dahl Memorial Clinic business and assets for $1.00 to SEARHC?

For " #

Against " #

ELECTION HOURS: The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 and will close at 8:00 p.m. on the same day.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: The deadline to register to vote in the April 18, 2023 Special Municipal Election is Sunday, March 19, 2023

VOTER QUALIFICATIONS: A person may vote in a municipal election only if the person:

1. is qualified to vote in state elections under AS 15.05.010;

2. has been a resident of the municipality for 30 days immediately preceding the election;

3. has registered before the election as required under AS 15.07 and is not registered to vote in another jurisdiction

ABSENTEE VOTING: Voters who will be out of town for the Special Municipal Election on April 18, 2023 are able to vote absentee in person at the Borough Offices beginning Monday, April 3, 2023 and ending Monday, April 17, 2023 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to allow sufficient time for mailing, absentee ballots by mail should be requested by Friday, April 7, 2023

For more information visit www.skagway.org and click on “Government” then “Elections,” or contact the Borough Clerk at s.burnham@skagway.org or 907-983-9706.

Naloxone overdose kits (name brand NARCAN) have been placed around town to assist in an opioid emergency. They can be found at the following locations:

● AMHS Ferry Terminal

● Eagles F.O.E. Aerie #25

● Elks Lodge #431

● Skagway Recreation Center

● The Station

● U.S. Post Office

● Grizzly’s General Emergency medical assistance is still necessary after administering naloxone.

● Wells Fargo Bank

● Two kits are at the school

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata

Photo by Andrew Cremata