The Skagway News - Dec. 23, 2022

THE SKAGWAY NEWS.

Skagway’s children correspond with Santa

Dear Santa,

My name is Abigail. I have been very good this year. I really like your toys. For Christmas, I would like two nutcrackers please.

Love, Abigail (K)

Dear Santa,

My name is Gabriella. I have been very good this year. I really like your toys. For Christmas, I would like a really big Roblox doll please.

Love, Gabriella (K)

Dear Santa,

My name is Wells. I have been very good this year. I really like your candy. For Christmas, I would like an Optimus Prime RC please. Thank you!

Love, Wells (K)

Dear Santa,

My name is Noah. I have been very good this year. I really like your magic! For Christmas, I would like a whiteboard and dry erase markers please!

Love, Noah (K)

Dear Santa,

My name is Levi. I have been very good this year. I really like your fire truck ride! For Christmas, I would like a Mario Lego set please!

Love, Levi (K)

Dear Santa,

My name is Jasmine. I have been very good this year. I really like your hat. For Christmas, I would like a horse to ride for real!

Love, Jasmine (K)

Jay B. Skagway

We could really use a pool.

Helen B. Clark winner

The Skagway News.

Skagway’s First Newspaper Christened in 1897, buried alive in 1904 and resurrected in 1978, The Skagway News is currently celebrating 45 years of reporting in Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, recording our Centennial years and beyond.

ADVERTISING & NEWS COPY DEADLINES

Next issue will be published

JAN. 20, 2022

Please email sales@skagwaynews.com All ads and classifieds by Jan. 13

COPY, LETTERS, CALENDAR DEADLINE: Please email editor@skagwaynews.com All news copy, letters and calendar events by Jan. 13

Vol. XLV, No 23 (939) Dec. 23, 2022

Published on the second and fourth Friday of the month

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

Publishers

Managing Editor

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.

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Letters and Opinion

Dear Valued Readers and Advertisers

Hang onto your newsie hats – The Skagway News is implementing changes to embrace the future and ensure the survival of the paper.

We are pivoting to an online-only model. Our last printed edition will be Dec. 23. You can continue to find our online edition at Skagwaynews.com. Click on individual stories or select the PDF for a more traditional newspaper experience.

We want to assist our readers during this transition in any way possible. We will maintain the printable PDF version of The Skagway News and email it to subscribers. Laptops can be checked out from Skagway Library or readers can visit the library to view the paper via desktop computer. Melinda is available to visit any Skagway resident who needs help learning to access the paper.

We will contact our advertisers with new rate sheets and advertising opportunities with our online format.

This was an arduous decision that took months of research and contemplation. While losing the print edition is difficult, it allows us to keep The Skagway News in business. COVID-19 and the landslides on Railroad

Editor’s column

By Gretchen Wehmhoff

With the latest dump of snow, winter really showed up. People had to step out of their comfort zones – I mean the comfort zone of toasty homes and cable television. There was so much snow that it was all hands on deck, or snow shovel.

My siblings and I grew up with a 40’ x 60’ ice rink in our backyard. Keeping it shoveled was just part of the joy. We learned to keep the blade at an angle as we skated with the shovel.We set boundaries with the neighborhood kids. If they wanted to skate, they had to shovel the rink at least once. Dad made sure we had plenty of shovels and even built a small fire pit next to the rink for warming. I’m sure by today’s standards the fire pit would be considered dangerous. I think it really ensured you learned to stop.

Speaking of learning to stop…

My first adventure on skis happened at a Girl Scout winter event at Elmendorf’s (now JBER) Hillberg in the late 60s. I was 12. Most of my friends knew how to ski, so they rushed to the

Dock sped up this transition – a move many local papers will make in the next few years.

An exclusively on-line paper is better for the environment and will allow us to focus on pushing out more news. It also increases the likelihood that we get paid a salary. We will maintain our twice per month publication schedule with updates when breaking news occurs between deadlines.

We are working on an expanded website which will include increased content, a more complete archive and the ability to listen to articles.

The Skaguay Alaskan, our local visitors guide, will continue as a printed paper handed to thousands of tourists by our famous, adorable local newsies.

Thank you for your support and embracing this community paper. We look forward to engaging with you online and in Skagway.

Melinda Munson and Gretchen Wehmhoff Co-owners/editors The Skagway News

Snowy memories - looking at the sky

hill while I waited in line for rental equipment. The attendants were kind, showed me how to take the skis on and off, how to hold my poles and sent me on my way. I didn’t think to ask any questions.

The skiers grabbed a long heavy rope that pulled them to the top of the hill. Easy. I could grab a rope. I worked my way over to the line, and with some instruction, I grabbed on. Working to keep my skis straight and remembering the instructions to lean back, I started to move forward and up. Friends called out to me on the way down. I was excited to join them. In my moment of peace I noticed the rope was doing something peculiar – it was dragging on the hill above me. In fact, it was cutting into the snow and settling in. Panicky youth brain set it. I was sure my hands would be caught in the rope snow grip. Not sure what to do, I let go of the rope. I may have saved my hands, but I caused a knock down pileup of about ten skiers behind me. Everyone fell into each other, a few skied over us. I crawled away from the chaos and watched as the ski patrol jumped in to line all the girls up and get them back on the rope. I felt meek when I realized that had I held on, the rope would have lifted up and all would be good.

A better, uneventful trip up the rope tow took me to the top of the hill. I was begin-

ning to think that I should have asked more questions at the rental shop, like, how do I get down the hill?

“Come on, Gretchen!”

My friends whizzed by, laughing, stocking caps flying. How hard could it be?

I used my poles to move to the edge then let gravity do the rest and headed straight down. I mean straight down.

I didn’t know about edges, or that skis were similar to skates. I didn’t know about turning or snowplowing… I just went down in a straight line. The further I went, the faster my hair blew. I held my legs together for fear they would split and go separate directions.

“Turn, Gretchen, turn!”

It didn’t take long to notice there was a forest at the end of the run. I hadn’t thought about stopping, I had been focused on a rather exhilarating sense of speed. Now what common sense I had brought with me told me to stop, quickly, as the trees were getting closer. So, I fell. Actually, it was more of a crash, tumble and body plant ten feet from the nearest tree. I lay looking up at my breath puffing air into the sky, checking my limbs.

Maybe snowshoe softball would be less dangerous. I returned my skis and headed over to the softball game.

The adult in charge fitted me with snowshoes, the kind you see on people’s walls with long boards in the back. This should be easier. I knew

how to play softball and I was pretty good at bat.

When it was my turn, I waddled my way to the plate. Positioning by hands in the familiar way, I waited for the pitch. It came and it was perfect. Powering the bat forward, I heard the loud smack as I sent the ball flying into the air. I didn’t get to see where it went. I had forgotten I had snowshoes on and couldn’t move. I also forgot to drop the bat which continued its arc around my body hitting me in the back of my head. I was down, and once again looking at the sky. This time a group of worried adults huddled over me. They decided that perhaps I’d had enough fun and should go rest in the warm up tent. I didn’t argue at all.

I did play snowshoe softball once more during Fur Rendezvous in the ‘80s. There was a write up in the paper. According to he reporter I had popped the orange ball high into the air and headed to first base. The first base player struggled to retrieve the ball an outfielder had thrown in. She didn’t need to hurry. I had fallen, struggled back up, fell again and eventually crawled to the base. I’m pretty sure I didn’t make it, but it was a touch and go match to see who could keep moving in the right direction. Again, I found myself looking up at the sky. Maybe space travel would be easier.

Melinda Munson

Gretchen Wehmhoff

Melinda Munson

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

Artist, pickle ball enthusiast named H.B. Clark winner

By Melinda Munson

Pete Griffard brought his wife, Donna Griffard, to Skaguay Depot & Books Dec. 9 on an errand. It was apparent when she stepped inside that she’d been bamboozled.

Present was bookstore owner Jeff Brady, who presides over the Helen B. Clark Award for Skagway Community Service. The Skagway News was already live streaming Donna’s reaction and friends had their cameras out.

“I should have prepared a speech,” Donna said, looking slightly abashed.

Brady named Donna the 36th winner of the annual community service award, noting she had “received several nominations over the past few years.”

President of the Skagway Arts Council, Donna facil-

itated the visits of multiple artists to Skagway, from Geppetto’s Junkyard puppet show (Haines) to international best-selling humorist David Sedaris. Each production requires hours of grant writing, emails, phone calls and attention to performers when they arrive in town.

Donna is also dedicated to local artists.

“She once drove a piano tuner from Juneau around to every home that needed a piano tuned,” Brady said.

Donna is a founding member of the Paws and Claws Animal Shelter, having served on its board and helped it attain non-profit status. She started You Say Tomato, bringing organic food and increased grocery options to Skagway.

The energetic multi-tasker has served on the Yuletide

Committee and been an election official. She currently organizes pickleball games at the recreation center. Donna and Pete help spearhead the Presbyterian Church pumpkin patch sale to raise money for Senior Services.

“She did a lot of this while fighting off cancer,” Brady said. “And she has cared for others.” For example, last year when a community member experienced serious health problems, Griffard flew to Seattle to assist with doctor appointments and spent hours on the phone with insurance and doctors.

“Thank you, Donna, for all the good you have done to make Skagway a better place to live and love,” said Wendy Anderson, who nominated Donna for the award.

Photo by Melinda Munson

Photo by Cynthia Tronrud

Donna Griffard and Jeff Brady.

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

PERSONALS-MISC. SERVICES

FOOD BANK DONATIONS

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

JOBS

“SKAGWAY CHILDCARE COUNCIL is Hiring for Little Dippers Learning Center for several positions, in hopes to open January 2023. Little Dippers is a non profit learning center dedicated to serving children and families. The open positions include Administrator, Director and Lead teacher. For more information on how to apply please visit www. skagwaylittledippers.com “

OFFICE SPACE

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: Upstairs portion of Boas Building (above Skaguay News Depot). Approximately 600 SF. Available April 1, 2023. Sublease subject to approval by National Park Service. Serious inquiries only. Contact Jeff Brady for more information: email skagbooksak@icloud.com or text 907-973-2354.

LEGAL

ORE DOCK PILE SPLICE & DELIVERY

Bid/RFP Status: Open - accepting bids and proposals

Bid/RFP Due Date: Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 - 3:00pm

Back to Bids/RFPs

The Municipality of Skagway (MOS) desires to receive proposals from qualified bidders covering the labor and equipment necessary to receive delivery of, splice, repair coatings, and deliver piles. The MOS has ordered piles for the cancelled Ore Dock 2023 Large Ship mooring Project. The MOS will require a contractor to receive delivery of the piles, splice them together, and deliver them to Skagway.

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

THE MUNICIPALITY OF SKAGWAY is accepting bids for the management of Pullen Creek RV Park and Garden City RV Park for the 2023/2024 season from April 8, 2023 through April 15, 2024.

The Municipality will compensate the RV Park manager a not-toexceed amount per season. Bidders shall submit a bid to manage the RV Parks under the terms set forth in the RFB and sample agreement (Attachment A). This is a competitive bid process, and the Municipality intends to award based on the bid that is of greatest financial benefit to the Municipality.

The successful bidder will be responsible to manage daily operations and business needs

Dec. 4

-Police assisted with a vehicle lockout.

Dec. 7

-A Nixle message was sent out advising of slippery driving conditions.

-Dispatch assisted Haines Police Department with a license check. Dec. 8

-Police responded to a report of a vehicle parked along Dyea Road that was obstructing traffic. Owners were aware and attempting to locate a key so the vehicle could be moved.

-Police responded to a report of counterfeit bills at a downtown business.

Dec. 9

-A report of lost keys was received.

Dec. 10

-Fire personnel responded to

LEGAL

of the RV parks, keep records of transactions, input and timely keep any informational management tools, clean all bathrooms and facilities of the RV parks, keep the dumping stations rinsed off and sanitary. Complete spring, -summer, and -fall landscaping/ groundskeeping including, but not limited to mowing, watering, raking and other basic outdoor facilities upkeep as needed. The successful bidder will be required to maintain the municipal RV park website and a reservation system for the RV parks, as well as carry a Municipal supplied phone for transactions of all RV Park business. The successful bidder shall collect all fees and submit them weekly to the borough office, or at a frequency determined by the finance department and provided in writing to the successful bidder. There will be no other fees charged or collected other than those authorized by the Municipality as outlined in Resolution 18-13R. Please see the project description in the RFB and the sample agreement (Attachment A) for details and additional responsibilities of the CONTRACTOR and MUNICIPALITY.

A full copy of the Request for Bids can be obtained by calling Skagway Municipal Offices at 907- 983-2297, or by e-mailing a.lawson@skagway.org or on the municipal website at https://www. skagway.org/rfps .

Police & Fire Blotter

an automated fire alarm at a downtown location. Dec. 11

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

-Fire personnel responded to an automated fire alarm.

-Police responded to a report of a vehicle break-in.

-EMS responded to a medical emergency.

Dec. 12

-Police responded to a report of a rock going through a window at a downtown business. -Dispatch assisted with testing a 911 auto dialer.

Dec. 13

-Police responded to an open door at a downtown business. -Dispatch and police assisted in reuniting a canine with its owner.

Dec. 14

-Fire personnel responded to

an automated fire alarm at a downtown location.

Dec. 15

-Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on the Klondike Highway.

-Dispatch contacted DOT personnel regarding a report of large rocks on the Klondike Highway. Dec. 17

-Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

-Dispatch assisted with testing a 911 auto dialer.

-Nathan Jennings, 40, of Skagway, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Dec. 18

-Dispatch contacted a homeowner whose winter watchman light was on. -Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

Weather Watch

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

DATE MAX MIN PREC

Weather Watch 11/25 -12/16

11/25 39 3011/26 39 30 .27 11/27 34 25/11/28 30 2111/29 21 1411/30 21 912/1 13 7 .75

12/2 23 1312/3 18 1212/4 18 1312/5 27 1312/6 34 19 .25 12/7 35 31 .20

12/8 32 31 1.10

12/9 35 2612/10 29 1712/11 17 1212/12 29 13 .08 12/13 35 2812/14 38 3312/15 43 3512/16 37 27 -

Library Hours: NEW

Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Weekends 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Call 983-2665 or email library@skagway.org

Skagway Museum 907-983-2420

Border stations:

7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Call each station for specifics.

Dahl Clinic Winter Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sat. and Sun. 907-983-2255

For after-hours emergencies, dial 911.

Solid Waste Facility Hours T, Th, Sa, Su. 1 - 3 p.m.

Ferry Terminal Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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.

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)

Submitted by Skagway Police Department

Dear Santa, Can I have a reindeer? I want a better hoverboard. Do you have any secret reindeer? I have done my homework.

From, James (2nd)

Dear Santa, How does Redland get from Skagway to the North Pole? I want a stuffed animal puppy that looks like Luna. Not the moon luna, my puppy Luna! I am always respectful and helpful with my mommy when she’s working at the library.

Sincerely, Mila (2nd)

Dear Santa, I want Disney tickets and new headphones. I bake treats for my dog, Gunner and I help babysit my brother. When he is sad, I help him. He is very cute. Did you play Santa in the Christmas Chronicles and did you meet Kate Pierce too?

Love, Iris (2nd)

Dear Santa, How many elves do you have? I think 100. What I want for Christmas is an XBox or Nintendo Switch. At Grandma Linda’s I’ve been helpful with the babies if they’re crying.

Love, Brixton (2nd)

Dear Santa, What is your favorite color? This year I’d like a Surprise toy. I’ve respected my friends.

Love, Harper (2nd)

Dear Santa, I would love a 3D pen! My mom asked me to clean and I cleaned more than I had to! What’s your favorite kind of cookie? In a book it said that your favorite midnight snack is frozen pizza, is that true?

Sincerely, Avelyn (2nd)

Dear Santa, Do you have yetis? Can I please have a Chromebook for Christmas? I’ve been helpful with my little twin sisters, Maeve and Freyja.

See ya later, Lola (2nd)

Dear Santa, What is your favorite reindeer? I want a Fifa 23. I feed my two dogs, Stella and Olaf, morning and night. Love, Henry (3rd)

Dear Santa, How are you Santa? I’m really good!! I would like football gear, video games, Legos, and a surprise. I’ve been good because I take my dog out and pick up his poop!! Your friend, Booker (3rd)

Dear Santa, How do you get to all the houses in one night? I would like some books and chapter books. I have been good by walking my dog and cleaning my room. I also helped decorate the tree. Your friend, Emerlee (3rd)

Dear Santa, How do all your reindeer fly? I would like a Blox Buddy, please. I’ve been trying to be good all year, Santa. Your friend, Adriel (3rd)

Dear Santa What is your favorite cookie? I want a Squishmellow and American Doll travel set. I deserve it because I help my mom with the groceries. Your friend, Anika (3rd)

Thursday, December 22th

Friday, December 23rd

Saturday, December 24th

January 1st

Skagway School Library’s Titlewish Fundraiser runs until January 21st. All of the money raised will go directly to purchasing new materials for Skagway School’s library. Additionally, Follet will match 10% of every dollar raised. The library will use the money to replace outdated non-fiction books as well as to increase the collection of fiction books for elementary school. To help meet the goal, visit https://www.titlewish.com/1094777 and click the Donate button.