The Skagway News - April 28, 2023

THE SKAGWAY NEWS.

April 28, 2023

No increase in sales tax, clinic stays in local hands

By Melinda Munson

The Skagway Borough Assembly certified the May 18 special election results at their May 20 meeting. The numbers were decisive, with a sales tax increase being dismissed, the public rejecting a lease of the clinic to Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and the sale or lease of the Dahl Memorial Clinic now requiring voter ratification.

Proposition One would have raised sales tax from five to 6.5%, from April to September, “for increased operational and infrastructural demands.” It failed with 220 votes against (56%) and 173 votes in favor (44%).

The Skagway Business Association, formed in 2019 by concerned Skagway business owners, officially opposed the measure.

“We as a business group are against any sales tax increase, especially at the present time. We are already facing record inflation in virtually every area of consumption. We are still reeling from two straight years of severely reduced or zero income, and a 2022 year of compromised income due to the landslide on the railroad dock.”

Assemblymember Dan Henry was visibly disappointed by the proposition’s failure.

“I did not get the message out that our sales tax subsidizes the clinic, the EMS, the fire department, the police department, the rec center, the buy down in the mill rate, your property tax, and so many other things that it makes my head hurt to try and remember them all,” he said. “...I’ve been trying to

(see page 3 - Election)

Skagway, Alaska

Community gathers for port celebration

By Melinda Munson

Hundreds of people turned up to Shoreline Park April 19 to mark the end of the 55-year lease of Skagway’s waterfront, and to participate in a town photo with friends and families stretched across the entrance to Broadway Dock.

The Municipality of Skagway’s (MOS) lease with Pacific & Arctic Railway & Navigation Company (PARN) and White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (WPYR) ended at midnight March 18, transferring responsibility and revenue opportunity to the municipality.

The lease end negotiations were sometimes tense, with the MOS eventually agreeing to release PARN/WPYR from environmental remediation of the Ore Dock Basin (up to $15 million), in exchange for WPYR leaving infrastructure and improvements in place.

However, the mood was celebratory on dedication

For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

day, 24 hours after Skagway welcomed its first ship to a municipality controlled port.

“Today we gather as a community on our own waterfront, your waterfront, the Port of Skagway,” Mayor Andrew Cremata said. “Getting here was not easy. When this community overwhelmingly voted down a lease extension just eight years ago, our path was forged. We were on a clear path to own and operate our port for the first time in our collective history.”

Cremata then outlined the ensuing pandemic and rockslides that crippled the town’s economy.

“But we persevered,” he said. “And we are all here today. My fear throughout all of these challenges that we dealt with over the past three years was that the community would lose its resolve in regard to taking control of our waterfront. But those fears proved to be unfounded. Every one of

you stayed the course. You remain determined to be in control of our collective destiny. It’s the proudest I’ve ever been of this community. Accomplishments like this don’t happen because of government. This is not an accomplishment of the Skagway Assembly. This is not an accomplishment of the borough manager and it’s certainly not an accomplishment of a mayor. This is the result of community working together with one harmonious voice – resilient, and strong.”

Steve Hites gave a poetic history of Skagway and then led the crowd in the Alaska State Song with the help of Sheryl Dennis. Braving the wind, Mayor of Whitehorse, Laura Cabott, addressed the audience and Port Director Cody Jennings outlined the port redevelopment project which includes a new Ore Dock that holds a very large cruise ship (VLCS) and incorporates a marine service

platform for the exportation of mineral concentrates.

Professor X́unei Lance Twitchell gave his speech in Tlingit, then in English.

The speaker’s podium was staged in front of the new Shoreline Park restrooms which display the most prominent Tlingit artwork in Skagway, Northwest Coast formline eagles constructed of metal.

“If you look way over that way, look way over that way, way over that way, you look right here – It’s all Tlingit land,” Twitchell said as he gestured full circle around the valley. “We never gave it to anybody. Nobody ever purchased anything from us.”

“But Skagway has a long and complicated history with its indigenous peoples,” he continued. “So as you dedicate this dock today with joy, I want to issue a challenge. And that challenge is to let go of anti-indigenous senti-

Steve Hites, Chair of Ports and Harbors Advisory Board Liz Lavoie, Mayor Andrew Cremata, Brittany Cremata and Rufus prepare to cut the ribbon in front of hundreds Skagway community members at Broadway Dock on April 19. The ceremony marks the transfer of port operations to the Municipality of Skagway, ending a 55-year lease with Pacific & Arctic Railway Navigation Company and White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

Photo by Melinda Munson

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.

ADVERTISING & NEWS COPY DEADLINES

Next issue will be published MAY 12, 2023

Please email sales@skagwaynews.com

All ads and classifieds by May 5 COPY, LETTERS, CALENDAR DEADLINE:

Please email editor@skagwaynews.com

All news copy, letters and calendar events by May 5

Vol. XLVI, No 7 (946) April 28, 2023

Published on the second and fourth Friday of the month

Phone: (907) 983-2354 www.skagwaynews.com editor@skagwaynews.com sales@skagwaynews.com

Publishers

Melinda Munson

Gretchen Wehmhoff

Managing Editor

Melinda Munson

Production Editor/Sales

Gretchen Wehmhoff

Editor Emeritus

William J. “Jeff” Brady

Submissions

The Skagway News welcomes opinions pieces and letters to the editor. Opinion pieces should be no longer than 600 words and will be published based on space availability and relevance to current and local events.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 250 words.

Submit letters and opinions to editor@skagwaynews. com. Letters may be edited for grammar and length.

Subscriptions

Sign up online at www.skagwaynews.com

or call us at 907-983-2354

Mail checks to: The Skagway News PO Box 244, Skagway, AK 99840

All subscriptions include online access.

Online Only $27

USPS 697130 ISSN 0745-872X

Periodicals postage paid at Skagway, Alaska 99840 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Skagway News PO Box 244, Skagway, AK 99840

Governor’s sales tax doesn’t make sense

By Larry Persily Publisher, Wrangell Sentinel

Alaska is 30 years into state budget deficits, borrowing billions from savings to pay the bills.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is five years into the job, still pledging mega Permanent Fund dividends even if the money isn’t there.

Three months ago, Dunleavy in his State of the State address couldn’t even manage to acknowledge the need for a long-term fiscal plan, despite the budget math that adds up otherwise.

Then the governor had an epiphany last week. Not a religious one, a fiscal one.

He said the word “taxes.”

Only he didn’t say it in public. That would have been a bridge much too far for Dunleavy, who has long maintained that taxes are bad and that he would never support any such thing without a vote of the people.

He said it during closed-door meetings with legislators, with no mention of putting the question on a statewide ballot, as if he were embarrassed to tell the public the truth about state finances. Or maybe he was sticking his toe into the political waters before sticking out his neck to take questions at a public

microphone.

The governor told lawmakers he would introduce legislation for a state sales tax, though he provided no details on the rate, exemptions, how to meld a state tax on top of local sales taxes in 100-plus cities and boroughs, or how much it might raise.

And still no sight of an actual bill as of Monday, six days after he used the T word.

He met with members of the House and Senate as lawmakers are struggling for the umpteenth year to find consensus for an overall fiscal plan to balance state revenues with spending. Even before the governor woke up to the need for taxes, legislators already had put multiple sales tax and income tax proposals on the table, though none appear to be moving anywhere this year.

Even if Dunleavy is serious about seeing the need for taxes to help pay for public services and the beloved dividend, he waited too long to change the batteries in his political calculator — the legislative session started three months ago.

The governor awoke with just a few weeks left before the Legislature’s adjournment deadline of May 17. That’s more than tardy, it’s unrealistic and

An overdue thank you

It’s time again to bring the Fairbanks Breast Cancer Detection Center mobile mammography truck to Southeast Alaska. I neglected to thank the helpful folks in Skagway that assisted me in June 2022.

I realized I had tire issues just as I was leaving Skagway to drive home to Fairbanks. I asked for suggestions from Lori and Skip at Family Fuel. They rounded up some Skagway residents to find a fix to the problem.

It was definitely a group effort and I want to thank Skip Stoddard, Tim Cochran, Eadoin Kerns, Robert Perdue, Cory Bricker and William Lockett for banding together to get me road-ready until I could purchase a new tire in Whitehorse. We did have a little excitement in the shop, but thankfully no one was injured.

Thank you for your kindness, your tools, your strength and your time on that beautiful Saturday afternoon. It’s great to know the Alaskan spirit is alive and well in Skagway.

Sincerely,

Kathi Loudon, Breast Cancer Detection Center Fairbanks, Alaska

Correction

In an article “Public Correspondence no longer posted to MOS site” published Feb. 10, Sara Kinjo-Hischer was identified as the writer of a community letter to the assembly. Kinjo-Hischer did not author the letter but did sign it. We apologize for the error.

shows a reluctance to lead. Maybe showing up late is better than not showing up at all, but just barely.

Meanwhile, it’s unconscionable that he continues to support paying out a PFD this fall that would exceed available funds. It’s as if one hand says the state needs money to pay its bills while the other hand says here, take the check.

This is the same governor who last year vetoed a tax of pennies per puff on e-cigarette and vape products, saying “a tax increase on the people of Alaska is not something I can support.” It’s quite the change from opposing a directed tax on vape sticks to supporting a sales tax on everything that moves off the shelf.

The confusing and conflicting positions are not limited to the governor. So-called fiscal conservatives in the House this year support a $2,700 PFD so much that they are willing to run up a $600 million budget deficit. Some who strongly opposed a measly eightcent-a-gallon increase in the state motor fuel tax last year as an undue burden on consumers — the first increase in more than 50 years — now appear open to a full sales tax, just as long as that fat PFD goes out to their constituents every year.

Weddell fills assembly seat

By Melinda Munson

The Skagway Borough Assembly voted unanimously April 20 to appoint Alexandria (Alex) Weddell to fill former Assemblymember Reba Hylton’s seat until the October 2023 election. No other parties expressed interest in the position.

Weddell ran for assembly in October 2022, coming in third in a race with two open seats and six names on the ballot.

A Skagway resident since 2016, Weddell resides in Dyea with her husband and two-year-old daughter, Delilah.

Weddell originally came to Skagway to work as a hostess for the Red Onion. She is now employed as the client services director for a Juneau law firm.

Weddell said she has “always been an active volunteer.” Prior to having a baby, she served as a state member for the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

While running for assembly, Weddell made it a point to attend every municipality meeting scheduled after 5 p.m.

“Congratulations, Alex,” said Assemblymember Orion Hanson. “You’ve already been putting in work showing up to … every single committee meeting possible. Don’t burn out.”

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me. I plan to work very hard,” Weddell said. She has already committed to run for assembly when her term ends in six months.

Port dedication and a nod towards the original peoples of the area

(Continued from front page)

ments that exist here today, that existed when I was born here.”

He explained that this historical moment will feel different for Native people.

“But you do have to keep in mind for the indigenous peoples who are from here, it’s sometimes difficult to watch people take your land and give it to someone else right in front of your own face when they don’t recognize what’s been lost and what’s been taken from the indigenous peoples who have lived here. And who caused no one harm.”

He encouraged residents to learn about indigenous history, pointing out that Soapy

Smith, “a guy who scammed people out of buying soap with money in it, is more famous than any single Native person who has ever lived here.”

Twitchell referenced the former Pius X Mission Catholic Resident School for Native Children, where Garden City RV is now located, owned by the municipality.

He challenged the audience

“to give the land back. Even if you just start with a little chunk, land back is a wonderful initiative.”

“There’s a lot of wonderful things that happen in this community,” Twitchell said.

“I think it has come a long ways from when I lived here.

And I think we can still go farther by listening to each other, by seeing each other, by learning and committing to the complex histories that sometimes still contribute to erasure.”

After the dedication, Twitchell and his family participated in the town photo, which was organized chaos as residents crowded around a Skagway Volunteer Fire Department fire engine and Liz Lavoie, chair of Ports and Harbors Advisory Board, cut the oversized blue ribbon with giant scissors borrowed from Juneau.

Following the photo, much of the town headed to the Red Onion Saloon for a beer.

Election results certified on ballot propositions

(Continued from front page)

pick which day and I think I’m centering on Tuesday, when I’m going to go down on the White Pass Dock and panhandle for money. I won’t be busking. I’ll just be panhandling to try and get some money raised, so I can help pay for the clinic…”

The Municipality of Skagway (MOS) will need to keep contributing to the clinic because voters smacked down Proposition 3, an advisory question asking if the MOS should lease the clinic to SEARHC and allow SEARHC to assume clinic operations.

Seventy-four percent of voters (294) were against the change. Twenty-four percent (96) voted in favor of SEARHC.

“Rarely, I think, do you see an election where you have an issue that gets an overwhelming vote,” said Mayor Andrew Cremata. “So, loud message from the community that they want this body to do whatever we have to do to fund the clinic. So I think that should be our intent moving forward … So, clear messages are good, makes our job a lot easier. Budget time, it might be a little more complicated. But right now, it’s clear direction, and in my opinion, during budget time, the clinic’s a priority.”

The results for Proposition 2 were also definitive. Placed on the ballot by initiative petition it read: “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.”

With 317 votes for (80%) and 75 votes against (19%), the assembly will now need voter permission to lease or sell the clinic building.

Dahl Clinic Interim Executive Director Thomas Steiner’s contract was unanimously extended through October 2023. Normally a point of frustration on the part of some assembly members as the interim director costs the municipality ap-

proximately $150,000 every three months, there were no complaints when the contract was extended at the April 20 meeting.

Photo by Melinda Munson

Photo by Melinda Munson

Professor X́unei Lance Twitchell speaks at the Port Ceremony on April 19 at Shoreline Park.

Steve Hites gives a poetic history of Skagway and then leads the crowd in the Alaska State Song with the help of Sheryl Dennis.

Howard Mallory 1940 - April 4, 2023

When the clock struck four he grabbed his Eagles sweatshirt, alternated between his floppy hat, his Seahawks hat or his Remedy Shoppe stocking cap, grabbed his walker (where he carefully attached a license plate, and cup holder for his beer) and proclaimed it was time to go “check his emails” before heading out the door.

Skagway residents might have seen him making rest stops at the Catholic Church bench, the library bench and a few more on the way to the Elks or Eagles – both only four blocks from his home. Like the bar in the sitcom Cheers, the clubs are places where everyone knows your name.

“Hey Howard, how are you?”

“Well, they let me out of prison again,” he would say with a grin, slipping his beer in his personalized koozie and sipping away.

Howard was diagnosed with dementia, but his long-term memory of sipping beers, playing pool, darts, and even the location of the clubs was cemented in his long-term memory. He couldn’t always recall how many beers he had, so he agreed to be allowed one beer per hour. When one club cut him off, he would shuffle to the next club hoping to get there before the bartenders communicated. Some people would “sneak” him an extra beer and he would put his finger to his mouth like it was their secret.

“Don’t tell Judy.” But she knew. He didn’t hide anything from his wife.

If you were lucky, while bellied up to the bar he would share stories of living life his way. He was confident, generous, fair, passionate, opinionated and armed with a plethora of one-liners.

Howard Mallory was born to Cecilia (Kubis) Mallory and Archibald Mallory in Anoka, Minnesota in 1940. He was one of five boys: Dale, Norman, Howard, Clyde and Roy. His family moved to Medora, North Dakota, home of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Medora Musical at the outdoor amphitheater, where he spent his adolescent years.

After graduating second in his class from high school, Howard traveled to Wahpeton, now known as North Dakota State College of Science, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering, specializing in surveying and materials testing. He served in the North Dakota National Guard but was quickly hired by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT). Later Texas DOT recruited him to work on a tunnel in Big Bend National Park, but it was the State of Alaska DOT’s offer to help build a road in Valdez after the 1964 Earthquake that brought him to his dream job.

After years of reading Robert Service, Howard found his home. From the moment he stepped foot in Alaska he would say, “If Alaska isn’t heaven, I don’t want to go.”

He was there to build the road from “Old Valdez” to “New Valdez.” Socializing, part of his nature, led him to a young independent, fiery redhead. He was in his dream place and now he had met his dream girl, Judy Kohake. They were married in Kelly, Kansas.

While in Valdez (1965-1968) he worked on multiple jobs around the state. He relocated to Juneau (1968-1974) where his jobs included laying out Egan Drive. He became a father to his first son, Wayne, in Juneau. In Sitka, he was on a 24-hour concrete pour while building the Sitka bridge. He rushed to the hospital during breaks to check on his wife who gave birth to their second son, Scott.

He moved back to Juneau where he became a father for the third time, to his girl, Tara.

Howard moved to Yakutat, building a road to a river, and helping with several ferry terminal jobs over the years.

Frustrated with the inefficiency of government jobs, he leaned back on his entrepreneurial spirit. Mallory started a sandblasting and power washing company and the first carwash and gas station in town. He sold it to Perseverance Glass in the 1990s.

He was a proud libertarian. In 1980 he ran for Alaska State House on the Libertarian ticket with Souix Plumber (previous owner of Skagway Inn) as his campaign manager. He picketed to abolish taxes, showed up almost weekly on the Problem Corner radio show and wrote numerous letters to both the Juneau Empire and The Skagway News. He was friends with almost every governor of Alaska since Egan.

In tough times he drove trucks for Foss Alaska (1981). An engineering firm took him back to Sitka in 1982. There he introduced Dennis Carlson (his brother-in-law) to Judy’s sister Bobbie; it was a proud cupid moment. Dennis, also an engineer, described what Howard did.

“It was complicated … inspections, soil sampling, radiation detection, run gradation, densitometer work, lab work, surveying, field testing mains, concrete cylinder testing. He did it all,” Carlson said.

While in Sitka he started Construction Technical Services, contracting with several engineering firms around Alaska. From 1985-1986 Mallory returned to Juneau to work on the wastewater treatment plant and interceptor sewers, but Skagway was calling.

Skagway needed him to refurbish the border station and lay out new sewer lines. When word got out Howard was a surveyor, job offers increased to designing and surveying the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad yard curve, an accomplishment he pointed out every time he drove by.

There was no place to sleep in Skagway. Mallory bought an Airstream, a piece of land and started building Mile Zero Bed and Breakfast, laying the foundation in 1993. It opened in 1995.

Howard wintered in Juneau and summered in Skagway until the B&B was built. While in Juneau he drove school buses and hosted hundreds of people in Juneau when they were stuck in town due to weather. It wasn’t uncommon for his family to come home to multiple strangers at the dinner table or sleeping on the floor.

When the housing shortage led to building Mile Zero B&B, his wife, Judy, protested.

“If you think I’m going to cook and clean when I retire, you have another thing coming,” she said.

“No problem, I’ll do it,” Mallory replied. And he did.

His regular morning coffee inspectors dropped by to hear what was happening in town. Buddies from around the state would overnight, filling the house with laughter and beer. He talked about wanting B&B to stand for bed and beer.

Mallory bought two motorcycles, a Kawasaki 350, and Honda 250, which he proudly called Hardly and Barely. He scoffed at the need for more power and snickered as he parked Hardly by all the fancy Harleys that came to town.

He took second place in the Eagle’s famous chili cook off. After revealing with a snicker that he had just bought a big can of chili and dumped it in a crockpot, he caught an earful. Rules were changed (created) … no more canned chili in the cook off.

Tired of cleaning and being tied down by the B&B, Mallory sold it to Tara in 2004. He was a morning person so at 6 a.m. sharp he would show up at the B&B to chop fruit and help put breakfast out so he could sit and have his “heart starter” (cup of coffee) with her. He teased it should later be turned into a Pioneer Home so he could move in.

For several years, he would take his Airstream or motorcoach and road trek across America to visit family and friends.

In 2006 Howard started personalized tours to the Yukon. Sinatra’s song, “My way” was among his favorites, so he named his tour company “ALCAN MYWAY.” For years he would work with Dyea Dave (another character in town) referring passengers back and forth.

Giving up driving was not something he accepted lightly. When Skagway told him he couldn’t take the test, he had someone drive him to Haines where he renewed his license.

Mallory knew people talked a lot about themselves so he would listen, greeting everyone with a smile and a one-liner. All the women got compliments, but they would rarely know much about him. He held his family close to his heart. When his grandkids were born, he was there as soon as possible.

He loved new technology and having the newest gadgets. He loved his family, friends, politics, socializing, fire pits, camping, nature, pedicures, Robert Service, darts, pool, poker, hunting, fishing and salt. He was a Mason, Eagle, Elk, Moose, Libertarian, engineer, entrepreneur, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and in-law. He thought he would die at 62, so at 63 everyday was a bonus.

“Heaven is my home, I’m just here on a visit,” Mallory would say.

The Old Man who shuffled to the bar had a story, but in the end, he was more interested in yours.

Mallory’s dementia progressed and infections set in to where he was no longer mobile. His family surrounded him in the comfort of his home, where he passed on April 4 at 11:45 p.m.

Please join the family at the following events.

JUNEAU: May 9, 2 p.m. at the Shrine of St. Therese. Howard will be laid to rest at the columbarium, his condo on the water.

SKAGWAY: May 13 at the Eagles and Elks from 4 to 8 p.m. Raise a koozied can of PBR or Rainier to the man who shuffled to the bar. Let’s snicker at life’s idiosyncrasies, care about each other’s stories, wipe our tears with handkerchiefs and eat some canned chili.

Howard is survived by his wife, Judy, of 55 years, his children Wayne (Fabiana) Mallory and granddaughter Anna; Scott (Lori) Mallory, and granddaughter Samantha; Tara (Sam) Bass, and grandchildren Millie and Henry. Brother Roy Mallory and family, 17 nieces and nephews and 34 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Cecilia, father Archibald Mallory and his brothers Dale, Norman, and Clyde.

“Who’s the old man who shuffled to the bar?”

Fred Lawrence Hosford

May 4, 1949 - April 13, 2023

Fred Lawrence Hosford was born May 4, 1949, at the White Pass Hospital in Skagway, Alaska. Nicknamed Fritz as a kid, he was the second of five children born to Ed and Frances (Jigger) Hosford and raised between Haines and Skagway/ Dyea. Fred attended the Pius Mission School as well as Haines and Skagway Schools. In high school, he played basketball, was voted prom king and graduated in 1967.

Fred’s family built a cabin at the Hosford Sawmill located at 3-mile on the Chilkoot Trail. They also logged and built the road up West Creek. Growing up around logging operations, Fred developed a strong work ethic and a generous heart of gold. Anyone who was blessed to know Fred, witnessed his compassion and knows that he’d give the shirt off his back or the shoes off his feet to someone in need – which he did on multiple occasions.

Fred was also known for his unique sense of humor and prankster behavior. He had a habit of bestowing nicknames on people he loved and got a kick out of signing folks up to receive silly or irrelevant junk mail. And if you just happened to be in the grocery store at the same time as Fred, beware – as you may have been surprised to find embarrassing items in your basket during checkout while Fred stood giggling off in the distance. Fred loved to laugh, and it was infectious.

Fred initially met his future bride Kathy’s family (the Ericksons) in the mid-60s during one of his father’s logging operations in Thomas Bay. In 1969 when Fred was drafted into the United States Army, Kathy’s family stayed in touch with him by sending cards and cookies. During his deployment, Fred was stationed in Vietnam and Germany. Upon his return in 1971, Fred went to work for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad as a trackman/section laborer. The following year, Fred went to work for Glacier Timber, his father’s logging export business. He later was part of the crews that helped build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as well as the Klondike Highway (including the Moore bridge).

The lucky person who Fred chose to spend his

life with was his loving wife, Kathy. They married in 1976 and had two children, Desi and Eric, and raised them all over the state of Alaska. Fred worked as a service oiler/mechanic and Kathy was a flagger/heavy equipment operator. They lived in Skagway, Petersburg, Kihei (Hawaii), Girdwood, Hollis, Chicken and eventually Fairbanks, where they planted for 14 years. During that time, Fred worked at different pump stations along the pipeline, and he eventually retired in 2001 from the Operating Engineers.

Fred was a devoted father and gave his kids the most amazing experiences due to their unique upbringing, spending summers in road construction camps. He taught Desi and Eric, along with his grandkids and many cousins and friends, to drive at very young ages!

In 1999, Fred and Kathy moved back to Skagway where they would start building their “retirement project.” Not long after, the Chilkoot Trail Outpost became recognized and remains one of the finest lodging accommodations in the state of Alaska.

In August 2018, one of Fred’s lifelong dreams came true when he was invited to be adopted into the Raven clan. Growing up in the Chilkat Valley, many of Fred’s closest friends were Tlingit, and he felt a very deep connection to their heritage. He was given the name Sampo and wore it proudly.

Fred had a strong faith in God and attended church at every opportunity. He looked to Jesus, his Lord and Savior, as the miracle worker who carried him through this life and into the next. Fred was a perfect example of how to love thy neighbor. He was a selfless man who always put others first. Fred also worked hard to remember the names of each person he met. He always carried a notepad in his pocket to write them down.

Fred had a uniqueness in keeping in touch with

friends – dropping occasional notes in the mail and writing out hundreds of Christmas cards every year. And if you hadn’t seen Fred for a day, a week, month, or year, you always picked up right where you left off, as if time never passed.

Fred’s kids and grandchildren meant the world to him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Jigger, his brother Pete and his sister Janet. He leaves behind his wife, Kathy, daughter Desi (Trent) Tucker, son Eric Hosford and six grandchildren: Carson, Kalina, Armour, Cannon, Diesel and Rockwell. Fred also leaves behind his brothers Ray (Beryl) and Mike, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and friends – who were his extended family throughout Alaska, the Yukon and across the globe.

His grandchildren would like us all to remember on his birthday each year, May the Fourth (and loving memories of Fred) Be With You!

A Celebration of Fred’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 27 starting at 5 p.m. at the Chilkoot Trail Outpost in Dyea. The service and sharing of memories will begin at 6:30 p.m. The family would love any memories to be shared in the guestbook online at https://www.mcmillanmortuary.com/obituaries/fred-hosford.

E-cigarette use by young Alaskans tripled between 2016 and 2021

The Alaska Beacon and Wrangell Sentinel

Alaska posted the nation’s highest rate of increase in electronic cigarette use by young adults from 2016 to 2021, according to a report tracking patterns in all 50 states.

The rate of e-cigarette use by Alaskans in that age group more than tripled, from 4.8% in 2019 — the lowest rate in the nation at the time — to 15.8% in 2021, according to the report.

The sponsor of a bill in the Alaska Legislature to impose a tax on e-cigarettes, vape sticks and other electronic smoking devices has said the tax is intended to

deter young people from vaping, same as the state tax on tobacco cigarettes is intended to deter smokers.

The recent report on e-cigarette use was compiled by HealthAdvisor, a company owned by insurance marketer Tranzact. The report uses data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Nationally, e-cigarette use, also known as vaping, has increased dramatically for young adults, according to the report. In 2016, 9.6% of Americans between 18 and 24 years old used e-cigarettes; that jumped to 19.8%

in 2021, roughly doubling.

The HealthAdvisor report has findings similar to those in the 2022 Alaska Tobacco Facts update released in December by the Alaska Department of Health. That report, which focused on a younger age group, said that about a quarter of Alaska high school students regularly used e-cigarettes in 2019 and nearly half had tried vaping at least once.

Senate Bill 89 would raise the legal age for purchase of e-cigarette products in Alaska from the current 19 to 21, matching federal law. It also would impose Alaska’s first state tax on e-cigarette and

vape products at 25% of the retail price. Although several municipalities around the state impose taxes on e-cigarette products, the state has not changed its tobacco tax since 2006, a time before vaping products became widely used.

The bill is sponsored by Senate President Gary Stevens. It moved from the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee last Friday to the Senate Finance Committee, still facing a lot of steps to win legislative passage before the adjournment deadline of May 17.

Under the legislation, the fine for underage possession

of a vape product would be a maximum of $150. The Labor and Commerce Committee added a provision so that a judge could offer a defendant, in lieu of paying a fine, the option of participating in a “tobacco educational program.”

Lawmakers last year passed a similar bill that was also sponsored by Stevens, but Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed it, citing opposition to the tax provision.

The Alaska Beacon is an independent, donor-funded news organization. Alaskabeacon. com.

CLASSIFIEDS BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD

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.

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

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

LEGAL ADS

Intent to use USDA Forest Service, Secure Rural Schools

Title III Funding: As required by the Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS Act) reauthorization, P.L. 117-58, signed into law on November 15, 2021, and following the initiation of Title III funds for this use by the Borough Assembly on April 6, 2023, the following is the public announcement of the Municipality of Skagway’s intent to use Title III funds: The municipality is proposing to use Title III funds to purchase law enforcement patrol equipment related to search and

LEGAL ADS

rescue and other emergency services. This advertisement will be published for the required 45-day period. Please contact the Borough Treasurer with comments at 907-983-2297 or h.rodig@skagway.org.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF ALASKA

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT AT ANCHORAGE

In the Matter of the Estate of ALAN LYNN ANDERSON, Deceased.

Case No. 3AN-23-00604 PR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

[AS 13.16.450]

Notice is hereby given that JoAnn Goodrich has been appointed personal representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be presented to JoAnn Goodrich, Personal Representative of the Estate of Alan L. Anderson, c/o Barlow Anderson, LLC, 420 L Street, Suite 310, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, or filed with the court.

Dated this 24th day of April, 2023.

JoAnn Goodrich Personal Representative of the Estate of Alan L. Anderson c/o Barlow Anderson, LLC 420 L Street, Suite 310 Anchorage, AK 99501

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Library Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Weekends 1

Weather Watch

sales@skagwaynews.com

Advertise with The Skagway News and our annual visitors guide, the Skaguay Alaskan

SKAGWAY WORSHIP DIRECTORY

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.

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

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. (when a priest is available)

By Melinda Munson

It started about three weeks ago. I stepped into the coffee house and there were multiple faces I’d never seen before. I panicked. Was I in danger? Did I need to run?

When was the last time I ran? Could I run while holding my chai latte without spilling?

No, No. Five years? And definitely no.

“Shut up, brain,” I told my nervous system. “It’s okay. They’re just seasonals. It’s that time of year.”

This is a fight I have with myself after every long, dreary, dark winter that I

April 11

Dispatch received a report of a lost mailbox key.

Police responded to a report of a reckless driver on Dyea Road.

EMS responded to a medical emergency.

Dispatch contacted the clinic on duty provider.

April 12

Police assisted with a vehicle lockout.

Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

A report of a lost set of keys was received.

DOT responded to a report of large rocks on Dyea Road near Long Bay.

April 13

Dispatch assisted with testing a 911 auto dialer.

EMS responded to a medical emergency.

A report of a dog at large was received. The dog was later reunited with its owner.

Police responded to a parking complaint in the downtown area.

Dispatch received a report of a missing phone case with an attached wallet.

Don’t get scurvy

don’t travel. And hint, I have five kids still residing at home so I seldom leave.

It’s a shock seeing the same people all winter at the post office, at the hardware store, around a campfire and then … BAM! There’s a fresh mullet, a beard I’ve never been exposed to, X-tra Tuffs that definitely weren’t purchased from Duffs. It’s a sensory overload that takes getting used to.

(It’s also difficult sharing my beautiful valley with residents who might not cherish it the same way I do. For instance, lately there has been underwear strewn across beloved trails, alcohol bottles dumped around town, or the strangest new incident, someone barking at a dog walker.)

I calmed my mind and pushed further into the coffee shop, thinking I could play it cool. Maybe I was semi-successful because two younger guys approached me.

April 14

Police responded to a report of a disruptive individual walking in a residential area.

Dispatch assisted with testing a 911 auto dialer.

Fire personnel responded to an automated EWS fire alarm.

Police responded to an unknown individual beating on a resident’s door. Individual was at the incorrect residence.

April 15

Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

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

Police responded to a report of gunshots coming from the north end of town.

April 16

Dispatch assisted with contacting the on duty provider.

Fire personnel responded to a report of smoke emitting from the debris pile on 9th Avenue.

Police responded to a 911 hang up call. It was determined the call was accidental in nature.

April 17

Dispatch received a report of a lost wallet.

A found wallet was turned in. Wallet and owner were reunited.

“Hey,” one said. “Anyone ever told you that you look like Jamie Lee Curtis?”

That would be a compliment, except she’s 20 years older than me. I took my pride and my Jamie Lee Curtis haircut and retreated.

I didn’t interact with another seasonal until Folk Festival. After an electric performance by Lucas and Christian, I introduced myself and my daughter to the young guy sitting by himself in front of us. He said he was from the Midwest, he hadn’t traveled much, and this was his first time in Skagway.

He mentioned walking around trying not to cry.

“Oh,” I inferred. “You’ve been to the grocery store.”

“No,” he said. “The mountains. It’s so beautiful. I’m overwhelmed.”

I liked this seasonal. We talked some more. He actually was worried about food prices.

“Don’t look while you

Police & Fire Blotter

Submitted by Skagway Police Department

April 18

DOT reported they are hazing birds at the airport.

Dispatch received a report of a dog at large.

Police responded to a report of an individual setting up a scooter rental business at a downtown parking lot.

A found Amazon Prime VISA card was turned in.

April 19

Police responded to a report of a lock having been cut at a storage container. It was determined no items were taken.

DOT reported they are hazing birds at the airport.

Dispatch received a report of a found passport. Passport was kept at the downtown business where it was found.

Dispatch assisted with testing a 911 auto dialer.

Police responded to a report of illegal camping on the Lower Lake trail system.

A set of vehicle keys was found at Centennial Park and returned to its owner.

Police responded to a domestic disturbance.

Police responded to a single vehicle accident on the Klondike Highway.

shop,” I advised. “Just close your eyes and grab what you need. But never, ever buy grapes on sale. Because then you’re going to want them when they’re not on sale. And nobody can afford that.”

He looked at me in all seriousness.

“I love it here. But I’m afraid if I keep eating the way I’m eating, I’m going to get scurvy.”

I won’t lie. I went home

and researched scurvy. He could be right.

Seasonals, eat your potatoes, carrots, cabbage and broccoli. And when they’re on sale, tomatoes and bell peppers. Thank you for keeping our economy humming. Have fun and please keep your trash and your underwear in the appropriate containers.

The Alaska Press Club 2022 Awards

The Skagway News receives recognition

Andrew Cremata

Best Sports or Outdoors Column: First Place

Melinda Munson

Best Short Feature: First Place

Best Public Safety Reporting: Second Place

Best Profile: Second Place

Susan Nightingale Award for Best Columnist: Third Place

Gretchen Wehmhoff

Best Humor: Second Place

Leslie Ann Murray Award for Best Editorial or Commentary: Second Place

Susan Nightingale Award for Best Columnist: Second Place

April 20

DOT reported they are hazing birds at the airport.

Dispatch received a report of a stolen hand truck from a residential location.

DOT reported the Klondike Highway is closed due to avalanche activity.

April 21

DOT reported the Klondike Highway is open temporarily and will be closing again later in the day due to avalanche activity.

Police assisted with a vehicle lockout.

DOT reported the Klondike Highway is open.

April 22

DOT reported they are hazing birds at the airport.

Fire personnel responded to an automated EWS fire alarm at a downtown location.

Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

Dispatch assisted with testing a 911 auto dialer.

Police conducted a welfare check.

Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

April 23

Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

Dispatch contacted the behavioral health clinician.

DOT responded to a report of rocks on the Klondike Highway.

April 24

Dispatch received multiple reports of vehicles having been rifled through and one report of an item that was taken from a vehicle.

DOT reported they are hazing birds at the airport. Also reported there was a dog at large on the Dyea Road.

Dispatch received a report of a lost wallet.

Dispatch assisted with contacting the on duty provider, twice.

April 25

Police responded to a report of reckless driving.

Blake Owen Perry, 41, of Skagway was arrested for Vehicle Theft in the First Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Reckless Driving, and Resisting Arrest.