The Skagway News - Dec. 20, 2024

Letters to Santa

New opportunites

Baby boom

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Streetcar wins first TBMP Award Skagway Streetcar Company received the first Tourism Best Management Practices (TBMP) Annual Hospitality Excellence Award at the Yuletide Gala last weekend. “The award is a prestigious honor that celebrates businesses within the TBMP community who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable tourism practices and outstanding hospitality,” Director of the Skagway Visitors Department Jaime Bricker said.

Bricker described the mission of the award in her speech.

“Skagway, Alaska is located on the traditional land of the Chilkoot Tlingit People. In conducting business here, we commit to being good stewards of our natural environment and educating our guests to do the same so that we may preserve its fragile beauty for generations to come. TBMP are intended to minimize the impacts of tourism in a manner which addresses both resident and industry concerns and enhances the visitor experience in Skagway. It is a voluntary, cooperative effort of Skagway organizations that are committed to

sustainable tourism.”

This year, there are 55 members. That number is double from last year.

The trophy, called “On the Hardcore Wings of Hospitality” was made in Skagway in collaboration with several sources. Bricker helped pull it together with a piece of driftwood she found at the mouth of the Skagway River. Her son built the base, she used gold panned Grizzley Falls and sourced by local artist Bruce Schindler of Chasing Mammoths.

“I love the natural aesthetics, its decomposition and evidence of the wood’s long journey on the white capped waters to the shores of Skagway,” said Bricker.

Each TBMP member was allotted two nominations. Twenty businesses submit a total of 40 nominations. Skagway Streetcar received the most with five nominations from other TBMP Members.

“I’m REALLY excited that the trophy will be “Made in Skagway” each year,” said Bricker.

Artists can apply through the Visitors Department to be the creator of next Loya and Jaime at Yuletide Bash TBMP Hospitality Award Presentation year’s award in exchange for $1,000.

12.04.2024 Photo by Cory Bricker.

Beth Smith surprised with Helen B. Clark Award

Skagway businesswoman Beth Smith received the Helen B. Clark Award for Community Service in a surprise announcement at the Yuletide Bash on December 14.

The annual bash was held at Happy Endings, a bar owned by Smith, and she was caught off guard, having just returned from a trip back east.

The announcement was made early in the evening during a break in the music.

Jeff Brady, whose bookstore has co-sponsored the award with the newspaper for 38 years, read from a compilation of nominating statements for Smith by Jaime Bricker and Cindy O’Daniel: “Skagway is well known as a generous community whose members are always there to lift up their fellow citizens. Often, it takes someone to coordinate those efforts, and this person is always one to step up to make that happen.

“She is an engaged parent and supporter of the Skagway School District. She resurrected the Skagway Booster Club around 2015, an organization that raises money for youth extra-curricular activities. She has spent a decade fundraising for sports, travel, uniforms, etc. that might not otherwise have been funded. In the past year alone, she raised over $40,000 for the Booster Club, and she also supports various high school classes with their proms and graduations.

“Her fund-raising goes well beyond the school.

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In the last year she hosted fundraisers that garnered over $100,000 for community members with significant medical needs.

“And she often makes it fun. For 22 years she has been the main sponsor of The Station’s annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, and in the past has sponsored the Pig Run of Lake Nona, the Tanner Hanson Olympics, and the Shot Ski Race and Staring Contest. She’s supportive of events like Yuletide, Buckwheat Ski Classic, Fall & Spring festivals and the 4th of July - not to mention her SNAFU and TARFU Klondike Road Relay teams.

Welcoming just about anyone, she has been the spark to light many a local joggers’ fire.

“As a local businesswoman, she has been an active member of the Skagway Visitors Advisory Board since 2010, including as chair. Her businesses are members of the Tourism Best Management Practices.

“Finally, there are the personal stories of the lives she has touched in this community: Offering people employment when they are down on their luck; she supports local musicians; she helps families when a loved one is lost or ill; she even memorializes unforgettable Skagway characters by naming menu items after them. She truly loves and appreciates the characters in Skagway and helps in ways that are more private and without praises. (see page 3-Smith)

Beth Smith holds her award, an antique wood type letter B with her name engraved on the back. Photo

by Jeff Brady

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December 20, 2024 THE SKAGWAY NEWS

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The Skagway News.

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Christened in 1897, buried alive in 1904 and resurrected in 1978, The Skagway News is currently celebrating 47 years of reporting in Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, recording our Centennial years and beyond.

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by Jan. 17, 2025 Vol. XLVII, No 23 (985) December 20, 2024 Published online the second and fourth Friday of the month

Phone: (907) 983-2354 www.skagwaynews.com editor@skagwaynews.com sales@skagwaynews.com Publisher Gretchen Wehmhoff Contributors & Volunteers Alaska Beacon Jeff Brady Jaime Bricker Andrew Cremata Jonathon Hillis Katherine Moseley Kerri Raia Skagway School Joe Stoltze Denise Welch Editor Emeritus

William J. “Jeff” Brady

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Editorials, Opinions and Letters

A railroad extension from the North Slope

By Frank Murkowski

The recent announcement by the State’s bank AIDEA (Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority) and the Alaska Gas development corporation (AGDC) warrants close examination not only by the legislature, but every Alaskan who might become a rate payor utilizing the gas.

The AIDEA proposal commits up to $50M as a backstop in support of an Economic Feasibility study on the proposed bullet gas line.

The study would be conducted and initially funded by an unnamed private company. If the study concludes that the project is not economically viable, then the state will be on the hook to reimburse up to $50M expended on the study. This in effect creates a contingent liability for the state without oversight or approval from legislature.

The first phase of the socalled bullet line is estimated to cost $11-13bn. It would deliver North Slope gas to Alaska’s interior and some western Alaska communities. The second phase would be larger in scope to accommodate the LNG export markets of Asia.

The proposal which was approved by the AIDEA board and AGDC represents

a significant financial risk to the state. History tells us we are almost certain to end up paying out $50M. The combined efforts to bring Alaska gas to the markets of the world as well as supplying Alaska’s needs has consistently run up against the hard economic test of rate of return “vis-àvis” the risks. It is very difficult for this former banker to contemplate amortizing an $11bn project with over less than half a million Alaska rate payers. I wonder how many times we go to the well before acknowledging that it’s empty. Like many others, I don’t see the bullet line as a viable or affordable option. Now is the time to consider other opportunities.

Importing LNG: while maybe necessary in the short-term, is not a viable long-term solution from either a financial or philosophical perspective.

Transmission line: from the North Slope, cost likely to be lower than a bullet line and could deliver sufficient power to the grid but has a single point of failure, something unacceptable to utilities.

Additional investment in gas in Cook Inlet: we should continue to support gas exploration but there is little hope that the impact will be meaningfully beyond a few

KHNS News drive meets the Match

Thank you to everyone who helped push our News Drive over the $25,000 mark and enabled KHNS to qualify for $20,000 in NewsMatch matching funds! NewsMatch offers bonuses for funds raised between now and December 31st, so if you missed the Drive but would still like to support the KHNS news program, head to KHNS.ORG today.

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Find the

Yuletide Schedule

on the Skagway News website. https://skagwaynews. com/2024/11/22/yuletide-2024-schedule/

years.

Significant scaling up of renewables: We all want clean power, wind, solar, tidal, even small modular nuclear are increasingly viable, but without sufficient natural gas baseload or advancement in battery energy storage, this option is only a piece of the overall puzzle.

A more realistic option is the estimated $11bn cost, a 471 mile rail extension from Fairbanks to the North Slope. A true revenue generator with a broad business case, it could provide all the gas needed from the Slope.

This project would be funded through Alaska Railroad $20 bn bonding authority and not on the back of the ratepayers as in other scenarios. It could also support the Ambler Road project, and the development of a petrochemicals industry for export, reduce exploration and operating costs for the North Slope, stimulating the development of marginal fields thus allowing the producers to book more reserves and increase activity at reduced costs. One could also contemplate rail evacuating remaining oil reserves via rail someday in the future and turning TAPS into a dry gas line, finally exporting Alaska’s gas to the world via Valdez. Finally, we would take a major leap for-

ward in connecting the Alaska Railroad with the Canadian/ US Trans Continental System near Prince George, BC. This would relieve our state’s sole dependance on marine transportation.

Let’s examine ALL the potential options. Instead of throwing $50M after one alternative, let’s ask ISER, University of Alaska Analytical Group, to do a back of the envelope evaluation of several approaches and see which one rise to the top. Then we can focus our financial commitment to the alternative that makes the most sense for the next generations of Alaskans.

Murkowski is a former Governor and US Senator for Alaska

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

December 20, 2024

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a state budget proposal on Thursday that would draw down roughly half the amount remaining in the state’s budget reserve fund.

“We’re going to follow the laws and we have the savings,” the governor said at a news conference announcing the spending plan. “That’s why you have the budget designed as it is.”

The $16.8 billion draft budget for the 12 months beginning in July is $344 million more than the amount the state plans to spend in the current budget. The increase is due to $1.6 billion more in spending on the Permanent Fund dividend, the estimated amount of which would be more than $3,800.

When Dunleavy was asked about why he chose to draw from savings, he pointed to the requirements of state law.

“The PFD’s in law, just like some of these other programs in law. You don’t have enough revenue. If you have savings, so, you have to make a choice as to whether you’re going to reduce education or reduce other aspects of the programs to get that budget balanced,” he said.

Not including the dividend, the budget proposal includes $1 billion less in federal funding for roads and other items, and $205 million less in the state spending that’s most directly under the control of the Legislature. The spending decline matches a projected drop in revenue, with oil prices lower than the state previously forecast.

While most state services would be funded at a similar level to the current budget, public education spending would drop by $213 million, primarily due to the fact that $175 million added to the current budget for school aid

is not repeated in the governor’s plan.

State budget director Lacey Sanders said the education budget does not include reductions, since the additional school aid was considered “one-time” spending when it was included in this year’s budget. Dunleavy and legislators have not reached agreement on the future of the formula used to determine the bulk of state spending on schools.

Dunleavy said a roughly $200 million increase in school funding could be included on a permanent basis if he and legislators can reach an agreement on changes to state education laws.

Legislators respond Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said he was concerned that Dunleavy was repeating his approach from last year, which Stevens said would have harmed school districts and led to more funding for private schools. He also criticized Dunleavy’s proposal last year to focus on teacher salary bonuses.

“We know that they need to be addressed,” Stevens said of teacher salaries. “But I’m not sure his approach is going to work in the Legislature.”

Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, said it’s disappointing the administration relies on savings for the budget as well as in its 10-year state plan. She and Stevens lead a majority caucus with five Republicans and nine Democrats.

“As any family knows, repetitive spending from savings is not a plan,” she said in an emailed response. “The mentality that it’s ok to leave Alaskans with no savings within the next two years is disappointing. It puts the

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Alaska Gov. Dunleavy proposes budget with $1.5 billion deficit, points to resources for revenue problem into the lap of the next Governor, for her to solve.”

Other legislators who are more philosophically aligned with Dunleavy responded positively to the budget proposal. Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, expressed hope in a news release that the Legislature would address a long-term plan to balance the budget.

“The Senate Republican Caucus stands in solidarity with Governor Dunleavy in producing a fiscally responsible budget which addresses critical services and infrastructure, while exploring options to reduce the rapidly increasing costs of our state government,” said Shower, whose caucus is entirely Republican.

Rep. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, said in a news release that the Republican House minority caucus that recently chose her as its leader looks forward to the legislative session.

“This session, we look forward to working with the Governor to craft a responsible budget along with meaningful legislation that will move Alaska forward,” Costello said. “We share his goals of achieving better educational outcomes, improved public safety, and working towards affordable, abundant, and sustainable energy for all Alaskans.”

Relying on resources for state revenue Dunleavy said his answer for future state revenue is to develop more of the state’s natural resources. He also expressed hope about President-elect Donald Trump’s effect on resource development.

Dunleavy said the United States has always looked at the state for its resource po-

tential. He noted that Alaska could pay off the $6.7 million the U.S. paid Russia in 1867 for Alaska with a halfday of oil production.

“Just to put that in perspective, we also have tremendous amounts of other resources in Alaska: huge amounts of gas, huge amounts of rare earths — copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver. You name it, we’ve got it, almost unlike any other state. We have enormous amounts of potential farmlands, forests, waters,” he said. “We have everything we need here in the state of Alaska to pay our way to create a future for our kids and our grandkids, if we so choose to do that.”

He proposed adding $50 million to the current year’s budget for the liquefied natural gas pipeline that’s been proposed to run 800 miles across the state from the North Slope. The total cost of the long-stalled project has been estimated at $44 billion, though a smaller portion to connect it to Southcentral gas consumers has been estimated at $10.7 billion.

The total projected state deficit over the next decade is $16 billion, according to the Dunleavy administration’s 10-year plan. Some legislators have expressed concern that once the state’s main reserve account to cover budget deficits – the Constitutional Budget Reserve – is exhausted, the state may turn to the Permanent Fund.

The size of the 10-year deficit is more than one-fifth of the $79 billion Permanent Fund’s size.

Previous Alaska governors have also pointed to more resource development as central to balancing the budget.

When asked whether Alaskans should be concerned about the state’s reliance on resource development, Dunleavy said they should inbig team,” Smith told the work were new nominees stead be excited by the posaudience. “Without all my Lea Maudlin, Kim Burnham, sibilities.

“If we unleash and we are friends, my family, my staff, and Andy & Mindy Miller.

I could never do any of that They join a pool of nomi- not stopped or prohibited by stuff…. I do love this town nees from the past five years the federal government from and Alaska is just a wonder- for future consideration of maximizing our resources, ful place to be.” the HBC award. The award we’re going to have more oil Also recognized during the is selected annually by past in the pipeline,” he said.

Neil Steininger, a former ceremony for their volunteer winners.

Smith’s volunteerism recognized (From Front page)

“She’s a bit of a character herself. We like to call her Shakey. Tonight we honor BETH SMITH!” On the stage, Smith said she was honored and shocked.

“All that stuff that you talked about comes from a

budget director for Dunleavy who now writes for the Alaska Political Report, noted that state law requires that the 10-year plan include ideas for balancing the budget in the long term. He asked his former boss why he didn’t include the legally mandated proposals.

Dunleavy in turn asked Steininger if he was asking about introducing statewide sales or income taxes.

“Again, I believe that the resource base of Alaska is a solution to the future,” Dunleavy said. “I believe an income tax on the people of Alaska, a sales tax on the people of Alaska, taking what’s left of the dividend from the people of Alaska — if that’s what’s going to happen, I would suggest that we all invest in U-Haul, to be honest with you.”

Dunleavy based his proposed Permanent Fund dividend on a formula in state law that the state has not followed since 2015. Legislators have not agreed on a dividend formula in line with current state revenue, and have funded the dividend at lower amounts. They have cited a need to preserve the fund’s value for the future.

Other budget items can be found at the Alaska Beacon story at https://

alaskabeacon.com/2024/12/12/ alaska-gov-dunleavy-proposes-budget-with-1-5-billion-deficit-points-to-resources-for-revenue/?emci=8fdad5ad-0db9ef11-88d0-000d3a9d5840&emdi=dd6b5ffa-62b9-ef11-88d0000d3a9d5840&ceid=147019

Reporter Yereth Rosen contributed to this article.

December 20, 2024 THE SKAGWAY NEWS

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Haines hosts Region V tourney, Skagway brings mats, regional champ

By Rashah McChesney More than 200 wrestlers, coaches and guests gathered in Haines this month for the Region V wrestling tournament.

It’s the first time the community has hosted the tournament in 12 years.

“In Southeast, not everyone gets to host every year. We’re one of those schools,” said coach Andus Hale.

Wrestlers from Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan and other communities weighed in for the event.

Skagway junior Brenden Moncibaiz brought home first place in regions in the 119 weight class. He will respresent Skagway and the region Dec. 20 at State in Anchorage.

Hale said he’s looking forward to having a refreshed team of wrestlers to compete.

“For a school like us, Haines lives on the periphery and not towards the center of everything; our travel is so much more extensive,” he said.

For last weekend’s Viking Invite in Petersburg, the team left on a Wednesday and did not get back until Tuesday.

“That’s a long trip,” Hale said. “That’s huge. Not only does it take your practice time away – we find ways to practice, but it’s not quite the same – but there’s a real grind or fatigue Skagway’s Logan Ward squares up against Petersburg’s Jake Newlin on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, during the Region V wrestling tournament in Haines, Alaska. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News) with that travel. It’s a real thing.”

Hale said it will be a big advantage for Haines’ wrestlers to be refreshed and ready to go, as will the size of a hometown crowd. He’s optimistic that the team will send multiple wrestlers to the state championship in Anchorage on Dec. 20.

Hale said the wrestling team had planned to purchase new mats for the event and fundraised toward that goal over the summer. But, the mats they were looking at would have cost about $20,000 each and the school district did not have funds to contribute toward the goal.

“We were left with an option of just basically emptying everything – and we needed singlets – so, yeah emptying everything and not having any money for the singlets or all the travel we do,” he said.

So, they asked Skagway for help and the school ended up shipping loaner mats over to Haines on the ferry.

The event was streamed on the NFHS network, a subscription service that streams high school sports.

The Skagway News contributed to the story.

Skagway Wresling team. Photo provided by Skagway School.

Skagway Boys at the Jamie Shaw Tournament

Skagway Panther Boys took 3rd at the Jamie Shaw Tournament on December 13th. They played five games total. The first game they scored 100 points against. St. Francis B Team. Their last game was tight against the Haines Glacier Bears and they ultimately lost.

Skagway Senior, Landon Rodig, got “Player of the Game” for that match. Photos and coverage by JaimeBricker.

RoyceBorst tips it in.

Aurthur Aribam jumps for the shot.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

December 20, 2024

Page 5

A few of the new Skagway residents born in the last twelve months.

Emma Jones

This is Emma Jones. She was born on August 7th 2024. Parents are Tony and Brittany Jones. Brittany’s due date was August 17th and she waited in Juneau for four weeks whileher husband stayed in Skagway for work. They scheduled an induction for August 12. Tony was already coming on the ferry when her contractions started that morning. He jumped on a plane instead.

Luckily he made it four hours before she actually arrived.

Evy Charlotte Watson Evy Charlotte Watson was born September 10, 2024 weighing 7 lbs 2 oz. Her parents,Kathy Carr-Watson & Jacob Watson “were super excited to be part of the baby boom this year!”

Maya Seizov Maya Seizov, was the first one this year, born on May 16th, 2024. Parents Nina Brown and Alex Seizov say it was definitely a bit of a challenge going back and forth from Juneau for appointments and then a month leading up to her due date.

Very interesting process being pregnant in Skagway!

Maya is currently 6 1/2 months old, and is very bubbly and happy.

“It has been great having a community of tiny babies so that we can all get to know each other We are lucky to have a child in Skagway, a safe, supportive, and friendly community.

We are truly blessed.”

Lauchlin Philip Flood Little one, Lauchlin Philip Flood, joined Dr. Rachel Dewan and Jonathan Flood on August 23, 2024 at 4:16 am at the Juneau Family Birth Center, weighing 9lb 15 oz.

“We are all so excited about our family’s new addition, especially the new big brother, Ronan.”

Carl Marvin Malulani Rose On December 19t, 2023 at 5:40 AM proud parents Tyler Rose and Jacqueline Taylor-Rose welcomed to the world their son, Carl Marvin Malulani Rose. He was 9 pounds 7.6 ounces and 21 and1/2 inches long.

Carl is a fifth generation Skagway resident with deep ties to the community on both sides of his family through grandparents Carl and Frances Rose & Ralph and Sonya Taylor.

“He is a blessing to his family and we expect great things from young Carl in the years to come.”

December 20, 2024 THE SKAGWAY NEWS

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Preschool Dear Santa, It’s close to Christmas, and I am really excited for you to bring me presents. I would like a Playdoh ice cream store and a cake stuffy.

Love, Cash Dear Santa, I would like a magic wand and a phone.

What is your favorite type of cookie?

Love, Keller Dear Santa, I would like a new umbrella. Who is your favorite reindeer?

Love, Delilah Dear Santa, I would like rainbow sparkles to wear in my hair. What is your favorite kind of candy?

Love, Izabela

Dear Santa, Who is your favorite elf? I would like General Grievous Legos.

Love, Griffin Dear Santa, What is your favorite animal? I would like two dogs and a stuffed monster.

Love, Lucy

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Dear Santa, My name is Esme. I am 5-years-old. Santa, how are you so quick at night? What are your other reindeer’s names? I would like an axolotl plushie. The first reason is that I really love axolotls. The second reason is, I will be able to have an axolotl family. I have been very kind and I have been acting like a big girl by not crying. Santa, I love you!

Love, Esme Dear Santa, My name is Christopher. I am 6-yearsold. How are your reindeer magical? Can I please have a Nerf gun for Christmas? I want it so I can [safely] shoot my brothers.

I help my mom cook. Thank you for all my presents.

Love, Christopher Dear Santa, My name is Kimber Jared. I am 6-yearsold. Is the North Pole cold? How is Mrs. Claus doing? Can I please have a newer Mario Kart for Christmas? The Mario Kart I have is hard to play and I like to play it with my Uncle Cody. I am nice to my friends and I always say please and thank you! I love you Santa!

Love, Kimber Dear Santa, My name is Chris. I am 5-years-old.

Where is your house at the North Pole?

Where did you find your reindeer? Can I please have a Nintendo switch for Christmas? I’d like to play Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros. I do my chores and do my homework! Thank you for making our presents!

Love, Chris

Dear Santa, My name is Arie. I am six. Santa, how are your elves? How do your reindeer fly?

Can I please have a Zelda book for Christmas? First, I want one because I love Zelda. Second, I like challenging things. I am good at sharing and helping my dad cook.

I love you Santa!

Love, Arie Dear Santa, My name is Ruby, I am 6-years-old. Santa, how do you make toys? How do you get to each house in time? Could I please have an American Girl doll for Christmas? I want it because you can do a lot with it and dress them up. I do my chores and help my mom make dinner. I hope you like cookies!

Love, Ruby Dear Santa, My name is Daniel. I am 6-years-old.

Santa how do your reindeer fly? How do you get to all of the houses in time? Can I please have a watch for kids for Christmas? I want it so I can call my mommy after school and so I can play games. I say please and thank you a lot. I am also very nice. Thank you for giving me presents.

Love, Daniel Dear Santa, My name is Ana. I am six-years-old. How many elves do you have? What are all your reindeer’s names? Can I get a little brown, black, and white kitten stuffy please? It is cute and I like to cuddle the one in my classroom! I help my sister with the laundry and clean the dinner plates. I hope you fly safely.

Love, Ana

2nd Grade Dear Santa, Hello! How are Mrs. Claus and the elves?

This year for Christmas I’d really like three Monster high dolls, two Hatchimal Alives, and one Rainbowcorn. I also would like two penguin stuffies. I help my mom with my little sister and the chores.

Love, Jasmine

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

December 20, 2024

Dear Santa, My name is Lewie and I am 8-years-old. I have been excited for my sister to be born this year. For Christmas this year, I would really like 999,999 Roblox Robucks. One question I have for you is how many cookies have you eaten? Have a safe trip from the North Pole!

Love, Lewie Dear Santa, Hello. How are you and Rudolph? This year for Christmas, I’d really like a Poopsie, a little sister, a hamster, a magical northern light tail fox and toys. I’ve been really good this year. I help people in need. I help my parents and am kind.

Why isn’t my Elf on the Shelf here yet?

Are there penguins in the North Pole or Polar bears? Polar bears have Polar in their name, so maybe they live there.

Love, Gabby Dear Santa, Hello! Can you send me and Keller a picture of Rudolph and the elves please?

This year for Christmas I’d really like Taggy to stop shrinking and poor people to have money, please. I have been helping my mom. What is your favorite cookie? Happy Holidays!

Love, Vivian

Dear Santa, Hello! How are the reindeer and the elves? This year, I want an iPhone. I also want a Fortnite Slushy Cup. I’ve been helpful when I do my chores and I listen to my parents. I hope your elves are doing good.

Love, Harlan

Dear Santa, Hello! Have you ever had a naughty elf?

This year I’d love to see a picture of you and the best video game in the world! And video game glasses too! I’ve been very kind and I’ve been as brave as I can. I hope you have a good Christmas!

Love, Wells Dear Santa, My name is Scott and I am 7-years-old.

I have been good this year. For Christmas this year, I would really like Rainbow Friends Toys! One question I have for you is how did you become Santa? Have a safe trip from the North Pole!

Love, Scott

Dear Santa, Hi! My name is Emma. Can you please tell my elves to have a snowball fight again with the gingerbread house? Does everyone have a Santa Key or is it just me? It was really fun last year! This year, I would really like a pet cat because my dad won’t let me get one. I would also really like for you to tell the elves to leave tiny green footprints in my house again so I can see where they’ve walked. I haven’t been naughty and I don’t complain when I have to get up for school. Merry Christmas!

Love, Emma

Dear Santa, How are you? Santa, do you actually go to Hawaii and chill? What I want for Christmas is an Apple Vision Pro. I also want an R2D2 Robot Pet. I have helped my mom do chores and I have been good at school.

Love, Argus Dear Santa, Hi! How’s Rudolph? This year, I would like a blue PBJ Axolotl we named Blueberry. I have been good because I have not bullied anyone this year! I also do chores. I hope you have a happy holiday!

Love, Eva Dear Santa, My name is Elijah and I am 7-years-old.

I have been nice this year. For Christmas this year, I would really like a Princess Barbie. One question I have for you is are you real? Have a safe trip from the North Pole!

Love, Elijah

Dear Santa, Hello! Who is your favorite elf? I would like a watch and an R2D2 Imaginex! I have been honest. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Love, Levi

Page 7

Dear Santa, Hello! How are the elves? This year for Christmas I would love a cat, a bike, and Fortnite for my Switch. I don’t need you to give me a Switch, I already have one. I have been nice to my friends at school and playdates.

Love, Noah

3rd Grade Dear Santa, Can you give me an elf in my house?

This year, I want a happy napper, a pillow cube, and a cute shirt. I help my mom with chores and my dad does not. I am nice to my friends. I hope I have been nice. Merry Christmas, Santa!

Merry Christmas, Rosie Dear Santa, How are you and your elves? I really want a VR Quest 3 and a PS5. Please and thank you. I have been a good boy.

Love, Shane Dear Santa, How many elves do you have? I would like another bunny because mine died. I have been helping my parents put all the bows on the presents.

Love, Elliott More letters on page 8

Page 8

December 20, 2024 THE SKAGWAY NEWS

More Letters to Santa

Dear Santa, How is Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer? I want a VR headset. My reason is that I’m nice, kind, and a good friend and good at school.

Love, Luke Dear Santa, Can I have a new PC? I am a good friend.

I have good grades. Did you know that my real name is Rudolph?

Love, Rudy

Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Clause, Santa? I really want Legos and L.O.L.s. I play with my brother and I try to manage my anger.

Love, Izzy

Dear Santa, Hello! How are you? Can I have a pet duck, a laptop and a hammock bed? I am going to help with chores.

Love, Nori

Dear Santa, How big is the North Pole? How bright is the star? Can I please have a pair of socks? I’ve been cleaning my room and I helped decorate the Christmas tree.

Love, Naomi

Dear Santa, For Christmas, I would like a kitty. I have earned it because I have helped my parents move into our new house.

Love, Oscar

Dear Santa, For Christmas, I want candy and a kitten.

I deserve it because I cleaned my room and I am a good girl. Do you think I am a good girl?

Love, Paislee

BULLETIN BOARD

Weather Watch

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OBSERVATIONS FOR PREVIOUS 24-HOUR PERIOD BEFORE 7 A.M.

DATE

Low Income Program Available for Residential Telephone Discounts Program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

LIFELINE PHONE DISOUNTS

The lifeline program provides eligible low-income customers a reduction in one of the following: Basic Landline, Wireless Phone, or Internet Customers may not receive Lifeline service from more than one provider or more than one service type.

Link-Up service covers a portion of new service installation for non-recurring connection fees and is available only once per customer at the same residence.

Internet speed and data must meet the FCC annual minimum.

To find out if you qualify for this program: Go to www.lifelinesupport.org for information or to submit an application online. You may also print out a mail-in application or contact your local service provider for assistance.

Contact your local AP&T office for more information on this program or visit our website www.aptalaska.com

MAX

MIN

PREC

Weather Watch 11/22-- 11/9 11/30 16 8 .00 12/01 13 7 .01 12/02 22 12 T 12/03 29 21 .10 12/04 36 27 .00 12/05 48 33 .00 12/06 48 33 .00 12/07 44 26 .00 12/08 40 24 .00 12/09 32 24 T 12/10 39 31 .10 12/11 37 32 .10 12/12 37 31 .10 12/13 37 31 .00 12/14 33 26 .06 12/15 18 18 .00 12/16 27 21 .00 12/17 25 19 .00

Library Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat-Sun 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Call 983-2665 or email https://skagwaylibrary.com/ library@skagway.org Dahl Clinic Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sat. and Sun. 907-983-2255 For after-hours emergencies, dial 911.

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.

Online access available The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 11th & State • 983-2518 Sun. Sacrament Meeting...10 a.m.

St. Therese Catholic Church 9th & State • 983-2271 Sun. Mass..........5 p.m.

October - April (when a priest is available) Solid Waste Facility Hours T, Th, Sa, Su. 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagway Museum 907-983-2420 Border stations: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Call each station for specifics.

Ferry Terminal Hours Daily 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Earlier when there is an early ferry Skagway Rec Center https://skagwayrecreation.org

See the link www.skagwaynews.com

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

December 20, 2024

Page 9

Scholarships, grants & opportunities

The Skagway Public tips, and frequently asked ques- participation. Home schooled tions are also available at ras- students may also participate Library Wifi is available outside muson.org. the library 10am-10pm..

A three-day certified pesU.S. Passports: Crystal ticide applicator training Harris, our Library Assistant, is currently Skagway’s only course is scheduled for Jan. passport acceptance agent. 28-30, with a second course Applications are accepted by planned for April 22-24. appointment only Tuesday through Friday. day. Please call to schedule. For more more information - 907-983-2665 or email library@skagway.org

The Municipality of Skagway 2025 Senior Citizen/Disabled Veteran Exemption forms have been mailed.

Forms must be received at City Hall by January 15, 2025.

If you are a property owner who will be 65 before January 1, 2025, or a disabled veteran, you must notify City Hall to enroll. All eligible residents must submit a form every year to receive the exemption. Ordinance 23-12 was ratified by the voters on October 3, 2023 which adjusted the exemption to the first $350,000 of the assessed value of your primary residence. Any questions can be directed to Tax Clerk, Susie Anderson by phone 983-2297 or e-mail s.anderson@skagway.org.

Rasmuson Foundation is accepting applications for Tier 1 and Community Support grants Tier 1 grants

Tier 1 is a core program of the Foundation, known for fast capital and one-time funding.

In addition to a 40% increase in the maximum award size, the program now allows organizations to apply up to 15% of an award toward administrative costs. Tier 1 grants will provide up to $35,000 per project and the application period opens Aug. 15. This is a rolling grant program, and applications are accepted throughout the year.

Community Support grants fund capital projects

and programmatic projects with broad community impact.

The grants are intended for requests between $35,000 and $250,000. Capital requests will be approved quarterly, while non-capital/programmatic requests will be reviewed twice a year. Grants of this size do not require an invitation to apply, and organizations can access the application starting Aug. 15.

The Foundation anticipates awarding 150-175 Tier 1 grants and 10-20 Community Support grants annually.

Program details, application

Both courses will be taught by the University Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service via Zoom and are available statewide. Each class will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is designed to help participants understand and pass the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation exam.

The state of Alaska requires certification for anyone who purchases, uses or sells restricted-use pesticides. Anyone who acts as a pesticide consultant, engages in the commercial or contract use of pesticides or supervises their use at a public location also must be certified.

Category descriptions can be found on the Alaska DEC Pesticide Control Program website.

A $75 fee includes study materials available at Extension offices. Contact mjohansson@ alaska.edu.The materials will be mailed for an additional $25.

Register for each course via this online form. Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the materials and required math beforehand.

For more information, contact Phil Kaspari at pnkaspari@ alaska.edu or 907-895-4215.

The deadline to register for the January class is Jan. 21.

Deadline for the April class is April 15.

Sullivan Announces Fentanyl Awareness Competition for Alaska High School Students Competition Details: What: Students are to

launch a “One Pill Can Kill” media campaign to reach high school students. The campaign can reach students in a variety of ways: posters in hallways, advertisements in student newspapers, or videos on social media are a few examples. Creativity is key.

The campaigns should use the “One Pill Can Kill” messaging and highlight the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of non-prescription drug use, and the importance of staying informed and seeking help.

Who: This competition is open to groups of high school students in Alaska. Schools are encouraged to submit one campaign per school but may submit more. Each entry must include at least two students’

by launching a media cam-

paign that reaches youth in locations other than school, including online.

How: After launching the

campaign, contestants must submit a report to Sullivan’s communications team explaining their campaign, how it was executed and what they learned. Keep in mind the judging criteria below. Examples of the campaign’s media materials must be included or linked to in the report.

Judging Criteria: Effectiveness – Is the campaign effective?

Targeted Audience – Does the campaign reach the intended audience?

Messaging – Does the campaign incorporate the theme of “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska?”

Creativity – Is the campaign innovative?

Accuracy – Are the facts about fentanyl and its risks correct and well-researched?

Lessons Learned – Does the report explain what they learned from the experience?

Prize:

While all campaigns will be featured on Sullivan’s website, the winning campaign will work with Sullivan’s communications team to design public service announcements featured as part of the statewide “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign and will be shared on Sullivan’s social media channels and offered for distribution to local television, radio, and print media.

Timeline:

Submission Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025 Winners Announced: March 14, More information is here: https:// www.sullivan.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/one_pill_can_kill_competition_one_pager.pdf

Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Alaska Broadband Office (ABO) announced the opening of the Alaska Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.

The ABO received a State Digital Equity Capacity Grant from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), of which $3.45 million will be made available for the in-state grant program.

This is the first of three tranches of Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding the ABO will receive.

The Grant program will provide funding to eligible entities proposing projects that will

CLASSIFIEDS 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.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE: Hand-crafted cargo sleigh, 36”hx126”lx44”w, has compensator front hitch as well as rear pulling hitch.

Built-in back covered storage

box and built-in gate for easy loading/unloading access.

Asking $3000.00 OBO. Call/ text Ted at 780-225-9443 for more info or pics.

PETS FREE GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES To Forever Homes due to relocating: 1 Male, 1 Female, Excellent Temperament, House Trained. Will Not Re-home To Just Anyone! Preferably email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@ gmail.com before Text (980) 3537582

REQUEST FOR BIDS/PROPOSALS December 4, 2024 SKAGWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES 2025-2027 The Skagway School District is requesting proposals for audit services for the Skagway School District for the fiscal years 2025 through 2027.

Award of the contracts will be based upon the experience in auditing, experience and qualifications of staff who will be assigned to the Skagway School District’s audit, firm’s knowledge of work to be performed including tax and non-audit services and fee structure. Firm and staff must be in compliance with the requirements of the Government Accounting Standards Board.

Detailed information and a

copy of the proposal package is attached or can be obtained from the Skagway School District Offices located at 1563 Main Street, Skagway, Alaska.

Questions regarding this project may be directed to Cindy O’Daniel, Business Manager, at (907) 983-2960 (phone), (907) 983-2964 (fax), or by e-mail, busmgr@skagwayschool.org.

Proposals must be received by January 24, 2025 by 4:00pm Alaska Time. Fax and e-mail proposals will not be accepted.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The Skagway School District is not responsible for any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals.

The Skagway School District is an equal opportunity employer.

Scholarships, grants & opportunities implement aspects of the Alaska Digital Equity Plan. These projects will work to eliminate barriers preventing Alaskans within the covered populations, identified in the Digital Equity Act of 2021, from meaningfully using the internet.

The ABO will begin accepting applications immediately through the 120-day application period ending on April 11, 2025. The application review process will last another 90 days with award notifications expected in July of 2025. Information on the Alaska Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program – including the Notice of Funding Opportunity, the grant application, and access to the online application portal – can be found on the ABO webpage at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/abo/.

SHI Acceptiong applications for college, voc-tech SEALASKA Scholarships

Applications are open for the 2025-2026 school year.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. However, Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is offering a $50 incentive to those who complete their scholarship application on or before

Feb. 1 and who are accepted as scholarship recipients; if selected as a recipient, the $50 will be included in their scholarship award. Applications must be filled out and submitted online at scholarship.sealaskaheritage. org.

Awards will be made to Alaska Native Sealaska shareholders and descendants enrolled full- or part- time in accredited colleges, universities and voctech schools. Students must also have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The scholarship program was founded by Sealaska and is administered by Sealas-

ka Heritage.

Juneau Public Health and Skagway School are co hosting a Vaccine Clinic January 13th - 15th at Skagway School.

This clinic is FREE of charge.

If you would like to schedule your child(ren) for vaccinations, please contact Skagway School Nurse, Amy Coughran BSN RN, by December 20th: acoughran@skagwayschool. org or (907) 983-2960.

Page 10

Family Fun Page - print and share Across 1 Kind of pond bloom 6 Locates 12 Relating to the nervous system 14 Top-of-the-line 15 Prius maker 16 Cloth 17 Small lake 19 Blowgun missile 20 Workplace regulation agency 23 Plant from above the timber line 25 Half a Latin dance 26 Inner protective covering 28 “Get going!”

30 Provides input for an amp.

31 Speck 33 Mistakes 35 2,000 to a ton 36 Expurgator 38 Abnormal body sac 39 Small winning margin

40 Cataclysmic stellar explosion 42 The --- states, between Poland and Russia 44 More morose 48 Moonshot program 49 Remington ---, Pierce Brosnan role 50 Not often 51 Corpse Down 1 Source of formic acid 2 Fifth sign of the zodiac 3 Fellow 4 Odor 5 Deceased 6 Widely-used computer file type 7 Preamble 8 Republic east of the Adriatic 9 At the moment 10 Way out 11 Dry wine

Color me!

Last issue’s solutions

December 20, 2024 THE SKAGWAY NEWS 13 Tomb Raider --- Croft 18 “A Boy and his Dog” author Harlan --20 Adrian Monk’s disorder 21 Card dispenser 22 Tint up top?

24 Photo 27 Sailors 29 Kind of bridge 30 E.g. Robinson, Doubtfire 32 Tucson time 34 Former Speaker “Tip” --37 Antarctic sea 38 Office in training 39 Wine valley 41 Tubs 42 Except 43 Overmodest 45 Agnus --46 Below 3 kilohertz 47 Sports official

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

December 20, 2024

Page 11

THE FUNNIES

www.corkeycomics.com

Page 12

December 20, 2024 THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Yuletide coloring contest and gingerbread winners The votes have been counted & the winners of the Klothes Rush Gingerbread House Contest for 2024 are: ADULTS: 1st Place-O’Daniel’s & Smith’s “Winter Gardening” (pictured below) 2nd Place-The Whiteheads “Dragon’s Hoard” 3rd Place-Meredith Hisman “Sweet Memories” Sweet Tooth KIDS: 1st Place-Oscar Zalit “Little Cabin by the Pond” (pictured below) 2nd Place-The Weddell Family “Cinnamon Toast Chalet” (pictured below) 3rd Place-Fable Wallace “Welcome to Camp Coho” Congrats to all the participants, everyone did so great, thank you!

Peppermint at Grizzleys is excited to announce the WINNERS of the 2024 GRIZZLYS COLORING CONTEST! Ages 1-4 : Griffin Smith; Ages 5-8 : Noah Miles; Ages 9-12 : Mila Nelson; Ages 12+ : Evelyn Borst