The Skagway News - April 24 , 2020

THE SKAGWAY NEWS.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

April 24, 2020

April 24, 2020

Sk a g w ay, A l a s k a

Hunker down tips for Adults

It’s okay to take some time for yourself. PAGE 8

Shiny Engine

Page 1

$1.50

Gatch a glimpse of Engine 3002. PAGE 12

COVID-19 local updates

Dahl Clinic receives test machine. PAGE 4

Cruise ship fleet cuts ships, town gets ready to tough it out

By Gretchen Wehmhoff

with reporting by Melinda Munson

Last week, two major cruise lines announced reductions in Alaska sailings, confirming what Skagway residents already knew - the cruise ship season was sinking ship by ship.

Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska (CLAA) updates their online calendar weekly. Each week shows fewer arrivals in Skagway. As of Friday, with the exception of the American Constella, a smaller ship, arriving June 14, there are no scheduled arrivals until July 3. At that time, there will be 1 to 4 ships docking daily in Skagway – for now. Ships normally start sailing up Lynn Canal in May. Skagway, a small port town at the northernmost tip of the

Southeast Alaska panhandle, depends on the economic blast of the summer cruise season to get through the winter. With 1,000 year-round residents, Skagway bursts into a bustling gold rush town

filled with up to 20,000 people a day meandering the streets before returning to their ships or boarding buses and trains to travel on to the Yukon and Interior and Southcentral Alaska.

In March, as word spread of COVID-19 infecting hundreds of passengers on the Diamond Princess, docked in Japan, Skagway city leaders and business owners knew trouble was coming. The

cruise industry announced a sixty-day pause in service.

Skagwegians started preparing for things to get worse.

Businesses had to pass the bad news on to hundreds of

By Larry Persily Citing low passenger counts amid travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, the state has significantly reduced ferry service throughout Southeast Alaska and Prince William Sound into the summer.

The Tazlina will continue to serve Lynn Canal twice a week into the first week of June. The service will drop to one call on Skagway each week as the ship’s availability is limited with the addition of service from Juneau to Gustavus besides calling on Hoonah, Angoon and Haines.

The Tazlina will resume twice-weekly sailings to Skag-

way in July.

The state on April 16 announced reduced service, subject to change, “for spring and early summer to provide an appropriate level of service based on passenger demand, crew availability and state and federal guidelines for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Though three other ferries had been scheduled to come back into service for the summer season in Southeast, their return “will be delayed until such time travel restrictions are relaxed and demand returns for passenger service,” the ferry system said in its press release.

The Alaska Marine Highway

System website now shows the Columbia returning to work and making its first stop in Skagway on July 6, more than two months later than originally planned.

The LeConte and Matanuska, which had been expected to join the fleet for summer voyages in May and June, respectively, are not on the schedule posted on the ferry system website April 16, pending a decision by management based on future demand.

The Tustemena, which serves Cook Inlet, Kodiak and Gulf of Alaska communities, had been scheduled to return to service this month, but the

state announced April 1 that its return would be delayed until mid-May, and now that’s been postponed to the first week of June.

The Kennicott, which will sail from Bellingham, Washington, to Southeast, now is scheduled to return the last week of June, its second delay from an April start and then, later, a scheduled mid-May return.

There appear to be no changes in the schedule for the small shuttle ferry, the Lituya, which runs between Ketchikan and Metlakatla almost daily.

Without the larger vessels with staterooms, there will be

no service between Bellingham and Southeast until the end of June. Cordova and Valdez in Prince William Sound will continue without any ferry service until further notice.

The two communities last saw a state ferry in September.

“The health and well-being of our passengers and crew is a top priority … We continue to observe social distancing rules and implement intensified cleaning protocols at our terminals and onboard our vessels,” according to the April 16 Alaska Department of Transportation announcement.

Photo by Reba Hylton

Becky Mull delivers a gift of fresh greens, donated by Skagway Brewing Company, to Jean Worley. Mull makes her rounds visiting seniors in Skagway. She has started a Tuesday morning outreach group. For more tips for adults during the “hunker down,” see the story on page 8.

see BACK PAGE

Ferry schedules reduced due to COVID-19, could increase in June

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

BLOTTER PAGE 8 CLASSIFIED PAGE 11

FREE personal classifieds up to 25 words.

CALL (907)983-2354 for more information

April 24, 2020

Page 2

The Skagway News.

Skagway’s First Newspaper

Christened in 1897, buried alive in 1904, and resurrected in 1978, The Skagway News is currently celebrating 43 years of reporting in Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, recording our Centennial years and beyond.

ADVERTISING & NEWS COPY DEADLINES Next issue will be published

MAY 8, 2020

AD DEADLINE: Sun. May 3 Please email sales@skagwaynews.com All ads and classifieds

by Sun. May 3, 2020 COPY, LETTERS, CALENDAR DEADLINE: Mon. May 4 Please email editor@skagwaynews.com All news copy, letters and calendar events

By Mon. May 4, 2020 Vol. XLIII, No. 6 (877) April 24, 2020 Published biweekly 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 Contributers Jeff Brady Reba Hylton Kristen Peterson Larry Persily Circulation Assistants

Chris Kuhn, Danielle Authier

Editor Emeritus

William J. “Jeff” Brady

Subscriptions

Sign up online at www.skagwaynews.com or call us at 907-983-2354 Mail checks to PO Box 244, Skagway, AK 99840 All print subscriptions include online access.

Skagway (local) $30 Out-of-town $45 (periodical rate) First class $55 Overseas $65 Online Only $25 USPS 697130 ISSN 0745-872X

Periodicals postage paid at Skagway, Alaska 99840.

POSTMASTER send address changes to: The Skagway News PO Box 244, Skagway, AK 99840 Normally printed in Yukon Territory

by The Whitehorse Star

Published as PDF due to COVID-19

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Budgets, Skagway Deal presented; April 16 Assembly highlights

By Melinda Munson

First reading of 2020.5 budget Borough Manager Brad Ryan expected that transitioning Skagway to a calendar year budget in 2021 via a six month transitional budget would make for a “unique” process.

“While the half-year budget was originally going to be a bit of a stressor on the Assembly and staff, it now appears it will provide the much needed flexibility to react to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ryan said.

Throughout the budget planning, Skagway’s financial situation changed dramatically with the cancellation of over half of the cruise ships that would typically tour Southeast Alaska. With the situation in continual flux, the 2020 cruise ship schedule has yet to be published by Skagway’s Tourism Department.

“When the budget process began, the MOS was looking for an estimated 6% increase of cruise ship passengers and another year of increased revenue from all sources (primarily sales tax, excise tax and property tax.) However, in the last few weeks those projections of increased revenue have disappeared. I am now anticipating a near total loss of sales tax for the final quarter of fiscal year 2020 and I anticipate significant loss of revenue throughout the six month fiscal year 20.5 budget,” Ryan said.

Ryan stated he tried to cut funding “when it would not have a negative impact on the community and still maintain forward progress for when the community opens for business.”

Four of six seasonal emergency responders for the fire department were removed. Parks and Recreation maintained its seven seasonal crew members. The Dahl Memorial Clinic budget remained the same.

The budget is scheduled for two more readings. An Assembly of the Whole Committee will be held April 28 at 6 p.m. in Assembly chambers to review the proposed budget. The 2020.5

A note to our subscribers The Skagway News is dedicated to continuing our role to share news and provide readers with stories and information of interest to Skagway and the region around us.

Due to the U.S. - Canada border closures and the 14day self-isolation mandate for travelers, we are not able to provide a print copy of the paper until COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our community.

HOWEVER We will provide a PDF version of our paper to the community via our website beginning Friday, March 27. The issue will include everything you would normally find in the SN including ads from our supportive advertisers, photos, updates and the beloved Fire & Police Blotter.

Please send us your email address and name to sales@ skagwaynews.com to receive notice when the SN is .

posted or to receive a PDF version via email during March and April.

If you know of a reader who does not have access to the digital version, please let us know by calling 907-9832354. We will print a large copy on our office printer and deliver it to their door.

During the months of March and April, we will be providing our online edition (the PDF) free of charge. All print subscriptions include the digital version.

The online version will be available at www.skagwaynews.com. Continue to check our website and Facebook page for daily updates and new stories.

We hope to return to our printed paper AND online subscriptions as soon as we can.

Hang in there Skagway.

-Gretchen and Melinda

budget can be read in full under the government/ordinance link at: https://www.skagway.org/ordinances/providing-establishment-and-adoption-budget-fiscal-year-20205.

Skagway Deal Phase One approved

Details of the first phase of the Skagway Deal, a plan by the Municipality to keep local workers employed during a potentially disastrous cruise ship season, were presented to the Assembly. The plan was unanimously approved.

“Not only will the program allow the MOS to complete needed projects but the money to pay for these projects will keep local residents employed and ensure that cash keeps circulating through the community,” Mayor Andrew Cremata said. The proposed projects are listed below.

• Cleanup and removal of “derelict items and structures” at the Nahku A-frame, cost estimate: $25,000 • Upgrades including insulation, skirting and floor updates at the Nahku A-frame, cost estimate: $25,000 • Expansion of garbage shed on the north end of Skagway.

When the new combined garbage and recycling site is opened, the shed will be repurposed for Parks & Recreation storage. Cost estimate: $15,000 • Recreation center upgrades, cost estimate: $25,000 • Install five electric car chargers, MOS already ordered, cost estimate: $9,500 • Kayak rack for Nahku Bay, cost estimate: $10,000 • Install LED lights on Congress Way, cost estimate: $50,000 • Increase fruit tree reimbursement from $20 to $50, cost estimate: $200 • Reduce eligible age for Higher Ground garden boxes from 65 to 55, cost estimate: $1,000

Skagway School budget presented

The Assembly unanimously approved Skagway School District’s fiscal year 2020-2021 budget.

“It is because of your continued and unwavering support that we’ve been able to maintain our standing as the highest achieving district in the state of Alaska in every assessed content area (math, language arts, and science),” said Dr. Joshua Coughran, superintendent.

Skagway School currently serves 155 pupils from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Total operating revenue from the adopted budget is $3,241,976. Total operating expenditures are $3,164,354, leaving a remaining balance of $77,621.

The Skagway News Depot and Books displays a printed copy of Photo by Melinda Munson The Skagway News on their front windows.

Send us your name and email to receive a PDF version for the month of April.

Email sales@skagwaynews.com.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 3

April 24, 2020

Governor vetoes funding for crew cabins on Tazlina, Hubbard

By Larry Persily In addition to vetoing twothirds of the Legislature’s increase in state ferry operating funds for the next fiscal year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy eliminated all of the funding to add crew quarters to the system’s two newest vessels, the Tazlina and Hubbard.

The governor vetoed $16.2 million of the Legislature’s $19 million appropriation for vessel repairs and improvements, leaving $2.8 million to put toward repairs of the 43-year-old Aurora, which has been out of service since last year while it awaits funding for steel work and other repairs.

(Editor’s note: The Skagway News mistakenly reported April 10 that the governor did not veto any of the $19 million capital appropriation for the Alaska Marine Highway System.)

The governor on April 7 signed the state budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, vetoing about a quarter-billion dollars from the Legislature’s version of the spending plan. The legislative deadline to reconvene and attempt a veto-override vote expired April 12. Dunleavy said he needed to reduce state spending amid falling revenues from the crash in oil prices.

“My administration worked to make a number of difficult, but necessary, decisions,” the governor said in his veto announcement. “Now, as we face a drop in oil prices and face a global health pandemic, is not the time to irresponsibly increase our state’s budget.”

“Capital budget funding was prioritized to complete hull repairs to the Aurora as quickly as possible,” the

governor said in a prepared statement April 14. There is no scheduled date for when the Aurora will go back into service. Other funding brings the total amount available for the work to $7 million, the governor’s statement said.

“Funding for crew quarters … was removed because it is premature to make substantial changes to the fleet until a reshaping study” is released this fall, Dunleavy said in the statement. “The study can be used to guide the restructuring of the marine highway system so it is more affordable, sustainable and reliable.”

The study is the second state-funded effort under the Dunleavy administration to look at money-saving alternatives for ferry system operations.

Currently, the Tazlina is

Nice day for a drive with the doors off

photo by Kristen Peterson

Shaun McKnight and Josh Peterson take advantage of a sunny Skagway day.

the only ferry operating in Northern Southeast Alaska.

The Alaska Marine Highway website shows the Columbia and LeConte coming back into service the third week of May after provisioning and staffing delays due to travel and work restrictions imposed under the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lack of crew quarters means the Tazlina, which was added to the fleet last year, cannot make a same-day Juneau-Haines-Skagway round trip. The full run exceeds the U.S. Coast Guard 12-hour limit on crew time. Without a crew change, the ferry needs to drop either Haines or Skagway on each trip to stay under 12 hours.

With that constraint, the ferry system is unable to provide the same frequency of direct service between Haines

and Skagway as in past years.

Adding crew quarters was intended to allow same-day runs.

The governor’s veto of $15.5 million from the Legislature’s $23.5 million increase for ferry system operating expenses will not affect this summer’s schedule, according to Northern Southeast legislators. But instead of a 30% bump in service next winter with the full $23.5 million boost, the reduced budget will be sufficient to provide about a 13% increase in 2020-2021 winter service, the governor’s office said April 14.

With the governor’s veto, the ferry operating budget for the next fiscal year is about $108 million. Less than half would come from passenger and vehicle fares; the rest from state dollars.

April 24, 2020

Page 4

Editors’ Column

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Lucky or not, I know there is a pony in here somewhere

By Gretchen Wehmhoff I’m lucky. It may not seem like it sometimes, but for some reason, for every unlucky moment, I manage to salvagea bit of luck - if you squint. You know the story two children are given shovels and placed in a room with two stinky piles of manure to clean up. When someone comes to check on them, one child is sitting on the floor, frustrated and angry about the situation, their pile untouched. The other child, who has moved half of the pile, is still digging, looking up momentarily with a grin to say, “There has to be a pony in here somewhere.”

That’s me. Covered in stink and shrugging off impossible - often to the chagrin of my siblings who love me.

A week before Melinda and I left Chugiak, Larry Persily, the former owner, met with us one last time. We talked about the next issue’s story line-up.

The Diamond Princess was in a pickle. A new virus had caught the world’s attention and was spreading rapidly

through the ship, docked in Japan. As we started talking story ideas, I remember asking if that cruise ship incident would impact Skagway.

Well, duh. Here we are - not lucky.

Two weeks after arriving in Skagway, businesses were shuttering and spring break was extended. In another week, I had planned to return home to finish the semseter teaching at the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Anchorage School District before returning to Skagway.

Suddenly, I had to hurry back to Chugiak early due to border closings with little concrete information as to who would be allowed through. Ironically, days later, all instruction for ASD and UAA went online.

I’ve always dreamed about working from home. A casual stroll by the coffee pot with the only traffic to my office being our 12-year-old dog, Athena, trying to squeeze through the door with me. It all sounded romantic. My desk would be organized, I’d have a comfy chair for reading. Blissful.

Relaxing. My time, my schedule.

Now working at home is my reality and the lucky part is a bit elusive. I lay out the paper, build ads and manage our bookkeeping from my home office. Of course, I am

also Zooming with my UAA and ASD classes and trying to keep my 100 students on track. It took a while to find the “Lucky me! I get to work at home” attitude. There is no comfy chair and cleaning up my office didn’t happen.

Clutter is everywhere: personal bills and finances, medical paperwork for my family and mother-in-law and 17,000 emails with more piling up by the hour.

Last issue, I was still working out kinks with the Skagway News website. I didn’t have contact information for subscribers and advertisers at my fingertips and my days became very long. I’m trying not to make my husband feel like a newspaper widower, but I think it’s happening.

Did I mention I’m a workaholic? I sit down in front of my computer early in the morning and stay there until after bedtime. My derriere hurts and for the first time in my life I don’t like to sit. I think about going outside for a walk but keep saying, “just one more paper to grade, one more ad to change or one more class to Zoom.” Days start to blend together, while my motivation and enthusiasm wanes.

Where I used to drive to my UAA classes, teach, then grade papers, I now teach from my desktop. Instead of winding down on my drive home, I

close class on the screen and open my email to an important task for the paper.

As for my high school classes, I normally drove to school, spent my day (including lunch) with students, then graded papers after everyone went home. The quiet of the classroom kept me focused.

Everything was in place. Every job had its space.

Now, with everything happening on my home computer, my worlds are colliding.

Emails fly from everywhere, kids don’t show up for the online class and I have to track them down. I am no longer walking as much so my body is starting to stiffen. My only break is to crawl to the coffee pot, stepping over my sleeping dog who has taken up napping outside my office - her only way to get my attention.

In a reflection assignment, my UAA students shared how the isolation has impacted their interpersonal life. While most discussed improved family communication and the frustrations of giving up workout schedules and time with friends, almost all of them mentioned that motivation was the biggest issue.

They explained that the reasons they had decided to attend college included doing something for themselves, working with classmates, learning something new

and enjoying time out of the home. Some mentioned they have not been able to organize a place to do school work in a home busy with family. Others have to share computers and a few, well, they just don’t have internet at their off-thegrid home. However, in all of this, I may have found my “lucky.”

During one of my junior English classes on Zoom, I noticed a small cat walking behind a student in his room. I asked him about it. He quickly grabbed the kitty and introduced us. Soon all of the kids left their chairs to find their pets. We met dogs, cats, a bird and a snake. The kids were excited just to have a moment of sharing. The class went overtime as we visited. This is new. Usually I see students at school, not in their personal world. It changed my attitude.

Now I might ask a student about a picture on their wall or an instrument in the room.

I get to wave at parents. Cats and dogs make regular appearances, as do little brothers and sisters. We start class with small talk, move into the lesson and finish with a “plan” to get through the novel or the next speech. I get to see their space, their rooms, their pets and their parents. I get to know them on the best level.

I am so lucky.

I am so truly lucky.

By Melinda Munson Following the lead of Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the Municipality of Skagway ended its shelter-in-place mandate on Friday. Skagway’s health mandates had originally been extended to April 30, “to prevent the spread of COVID-19

in the community and flatten the curve.”

Community members should continue to practice social distancing and maintain six feet of space between non-household members, especially in public.

Individuals returning to

Skagway are still expected to self-isolate for 14 days.

Those coming from out-ofstate or another country are legally required to complete self-isolation.

Individuals who are self-isolating should keep away from family and friends as well as public places. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend all persons wear face masks in public.

As of Friday, all Municipal facilities remain shuttered.

These include the Skagway Museum, library, recreation center, senior center and the Visitor Information Center.

All public bathrooms and outhouses are closed.

As of Thursday, 14 COVID-19 tests had been administered in Skagway. All 14 tests were negative. Res-

idents can monitor the total number of tests administered as well as results at www. skagway.org. Click on the red COVID-19 banner. Skagway originally had around 40 tests. It continues to house one ventilator.

Skagway recently procured an Abbott ID Now, a portable instrument which can return COVID-19 results in 15 minutes. Because of possible false negatives, all results must be sent to an outside lab for confirmation testing. Patients tested for COVID-19 are asked to remain in quarantine until results are confirmed.

Skagway continues to follow testing protocols established by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Anyone with fever,

cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should call the Dahl Memorial Clinic.

The Abbott ID Now came to Alaska at no cost via the National Strategic Stockpile.

The state then distributed the tests to rural towns and villages. The quickest test on the market, the Abbott has come under scrutiny for not detecting early cases of COVID-19.

“It doesn’t work as a screening tool as much as we had wanted it to,” said Borough Manager Brad Ryan.

Dahl Clinic continues efforts to acquire more COVID-19 test kits and ventilators.

Social distancing still encouraged, clinic receives new COVID tester

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 5

April 24, 2020

Skagway out for the count, residents encouraged to complete census

By Melinda Munson Skagway likes to win. Team Alaska, an ice carving group based in town, won the people’s choice and juried competition at January’s World Snow Festival in Switzerland.

Skagway School consistently places in the top one percent of the state for overall test scores. There is, however, an area in which Skagway lags.

The 2020 census.

Held once every 10 years, the census collects information used to allocate an estimated $1.5 trillion a year in federal funds to state and local governments, nonprofits, businesses and households.

The money helps fund resources such as hospitals and emergency services. The data is also used to determine political boundaries in state legislatures.

Out of 19 Southeast Alaska communities, Skagway currently sits in 16th place with a census participation rate of 4.1%.

“As the country’s largest and least populated state, Alaska has one of the hardest populations to count … an undercount of Alaskans means our state fails to receive its fair share of federal resources,” Alaska Counts stated on its website. Alaska Counts is a non-partisan coalition, created by the Alaska nonprofit support organization the Foraker Group, which aims to educate Alaskans about the 2020 census.

According to Alaska Counts, in 2010, Alaska had the lowest census participation rate in the county at 64%.

“A similar undercount of our state in 2020 means Alaska will not receive its full share of federal funding for the following 10 years,” Alaska Counts said.

Skagway has some unique challenges when it comes to the census. It’s a town where street addresses are often ignored in favor of descriptions: the green house with the pink garage or the new modular on 8th. In 2019, Skagway’s buildings were re-numbered in an update to aid emergency services. This means some residents might not even know their legal house address.

Kaitlyn Jared, executive director of Skagway Development Corp., warned Skagwegians not to expect a letter from the Census Bureau with an invitation to participate and an accompanying code, called a Census ID. “People should not expect to see a code in the mail,” she said. Jared explained that invitation letters are only sent to physical addresses. Both Skagway and Dyea rely on post office boxes and street delivery is not an option.

“It’s best to get online and bypass the code,” Jared said.

Residents can report their household information at www.my2020census.gov.

Those without codes can start the questionnaire. Below the ID field is a link that says: “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.”

Participants who complete the census online should finish their entry in one sitting, as there is no way to save the form. Jared reminded filers that the questions pertain to April 1, National Census Day. This means answers should reflect an individual’s situation as it was on the first of April, not the day they are filling out the form.

Residents who don’t have online access can complete the census via telephone by calling 844-330-2020. There is an option to request a callback instead of waiting on hold.

Due to COVID-19, the Census Bureau suspended all field data activities in March.

As a result, Skagway workers who would have been hired by the bureau to canvas neighborhoods have been placed on hold. The Census Bureau said it plans to reopen field offices “as quickly as possible following June 1.”

By law, the Census Bureau is required to deliver the count to the country’s president on Dec. 31, 2020. The bureau said it plans to seek congressional approval to extend the deadline to April 30, 2021.

The 2020 census does not have a citizenship question.

President Donald Trump’s push to include a question inquiring about a respondent’s citizenship status was reject-

ed by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2019. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the “question appears to be contrived.” He added that executive branch members should “offer genuine justifications for important decisions, reasons that can be scrutinized by courts and the interested public.” Many advocates feared a citizenship question would dampen participation from non-U.S. citizens.

Information gathered in the census is confidential and census workers swear an oath to protect private data. It is a felony to improperly disclose such information, punishable by a $250,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share a person’s information with immigration enforcement, law enforcement agencies or government benefit programs. Landlords and employers do not have access to census responses.

As of April 13, 48% of households across the United States responded to the census. Jared hopes that more Skagway residents will take the time to fill out the census.

Residents who don’t know their physical addresses should ask their landlords or contact the municipality.

Graph: U.S Census Bureau Quickfacts

QuickFacts data are derived from: Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, Current Population Survey, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Nonemployer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits.

A letter to our advertisers Dear Advertisers: We recognize this is a difficult time for Skagway and businesses who depend on the tourism season. We wanted to update you on our plan for The Skagway News and for the Skaguay Alaskan visitors guide.

1) We will offer free digital advertising to all of our Skagway News print advertisers. In other words, if you have an ad in the print version of the SN, you are able to have a digital presence on our website as we roll out the new site.

2) Due to the border closure and 14-day mandatory isolation procedures, we are not able to provide a print version for the next two issues or until we are able to safely and economically get the paper from our printer in Whitehorse, or make other printing arrangements. We ARE, HOWEVER, providing a free PDF version of the SN on our website and via email when requested. So, readers will still see your ads in the online PDF version of the paper. In addition, we are offering to print a copy of the paper from our office for readers who need a print version.

3) We are offering free online access at www. skagwaynews.com until May 1.

Regarding the Visitors Guide 1) We plan to make two runs of the Skaguay Alaskan visitors guide. The first run will be smaller and we will print it in several runs of thousands as we need them. We plan to print and revise the second version to be ready July 1.

2) We plan to offer a 20% discount for ads in the Skaguay Alaskan. Some of you have already received a 10% discount for early placement and purchase. We will add 10% and submit a refund of 10% to your account.

3) At this point, the use of our famous Newsies to hand out the paper will depend on the COVID-19 situation and how comfortable parents feel. We will make sure visitor guides are still distributed around town and to visitors as they disembark.

We value the community of Skagway. We know we are all making tough decisions to allow us to make it through this to the other side. Thank you for supporting The Skagway News and we wish you the best.

-Melinda and Gretchen

April 24, 2020

Page 6

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

(Right) Three harbor seal positioned in line during low tide.

(Below)A bald eagle flies low near the tideline.

Low tide exposes an abandoned tire encrusted with blue mussels near Dyea.

A sunny day during low tide in Dyea with the Tazlina approaching Skagway beneath snow-covered peaks.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 7

April 24, 2020

Low tide in Dyea

(Left) Dyea wharf pilings stand in the day’s waning light.

(Below) Hikers and their dog pass near the historic wharf pilings in Dyea.

Photos by Jeff Brady

A trumpeteer swims near Dyea at low tide.

April 24, 2020

Page 8

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Skagway News picks for hunkering down: adult version

By Melinda Munson Read with no hands. Audible is offering hundreds of titles for free; no account or credit card information required. Designed for school-aged children, there are plenty of adult picks (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Scarlet Letter) and all seven Harry Potter books. https://stories.audible.com/discovery Keep the community in community paper.

Submit an article or picture to The Skagway News at melinda@skagwaynews.com. All written entries should be 700 words or less. Photographs should be emailed the largest file size possible.

Art really is for everyone. Sign up with New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for online, self-paced, tuition-free classes. Corey D’Augustine’s eight week class, Postwar Abstract Painting, is one of nine topics and will take approximately 27 hours to complete. https://www.coursera.org/moma Reach out from six feet away. Entrepreneur Becky Mull maintains a list of seniors who appreciate window visits and the occasional treat. Her Tuesday morning outreach group is looking for more volunteers. Contact Mull through Facebook for more information.

For those who imbibe, Skagway Spirits Distillery offers a weekly rotating cocktail menu. A homegrown, family operation, Skagway Spirits incorporates local botanicals in their products. On this week’s menu is Rosemary and Grapefruit with

Skagway Spirits gin, 375 mL kit: $28, 750 mL kit: Heger is focusing on The Great Depression. She’s $40. Glasses and ice not included. Call 907-612-0306 researching the “innovative and resourceful” and to order and arrange pick up. https://www.facebook. contemplating the question: “How do we make com/SkagwaySpirits/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARCvy- what we have work for us?”

W481Vnryih3IgqpaRsamaiOBHwcEolEYhr7Za0TKuqOHlqJCMEEQuCO3FcUoXRT_F-Q3ntAspa5

Join Skagway Rocks.

Painted stones have been showing up all over town to the delight of parents and their spirited charges.

Decorate rocks and hide them on Skagway’s streets and trails. Masks and gloves recommended during the creative process and during delivery.

Watch the winners of Film Riot’s Stay at Home Short Film Challenge. The first place film starts at 5:45 and might cause violent laughter accompanied by shortness of breath. Visit Film Riot’s Facebook page for tutorials and news on the next short film contest.https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DgGs-NAFZ5c&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2AfgiVYpbiIhqWYZegAWc2gMi4L86no8IoDH9PC3jSkjcLp4rtCTZWvtI

Read about a challenging time in history.

Businesswoman and year-round resident Janilyn

Photo by Melinda Munson

Rocks placed by Amber Lamb decorate the forest.

Free distance-delivered food business, food preservation classes Juneau Cooperative Extension agent Sarah Lewis will offer free distance-delivered food business and food preservation classes this spring.

Participants from any location may register at www.uaf.edu/ces/juneau to receive a Zoom link. Upcoming classes will meet on Saturdays. They include:

• Starting a Cottage Foods Business in Alaska, 2 - 3:30 p.m., April 25 • Canning Dry Beans, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., May 9 • All About the Basil: Preserving Herbs, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., May 30 • Canning Wild Berries, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 13

Lewis is a family and community development agent with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. For more information contact Lewis at sarah.lewis@alaska.edu.

Police & Fire Blotter Submitted by Skagway Police Department

April 7

April 11

April 17

Police assisted the National Park Service in responding to an auto incident on Broadway Street.

Dispatch notified Public Works that the stop sign at the intersection of Alaska Street and State Street was missing.

EMS personnel responded to a medical emergency.

Police responded to a report of an injured coyote near Dyea Road.

April 12

April 8 Dispatch assisted the Department of Transportation (DOT) with closing the Klondike Highway due to weather.

April 10 Fire personnel responded to a possible chimney fire on 8th Ave.

Police assisted an individual in gaining access to their locked car.

April 14 Dispatch assisted the DOT with closing the Klondike Highway due to an avalanche.

April 15 A resident turned in an iPhone 8, found in Dyea, to the dispatch office.

Dispatch assisted the DOT with closing the Klondike Highway due to an avalanche.

EMS assisted Guardian Flight with a medevac from the clinic.

April 18 Police helped retrieve a phone from inside the walkway near the ferry terminal.

April 20 A Skagway resident reported a scam call from a Jamaica number claiming to be Publisher’s Clearing House.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 9

April 24, 2020

Y A W G A K S

S

U O Y S W HO

W O H

!

E N

O D s ’ T I

Photo courtesy Danielle Authier

s i y it n u m m o c e r T h e e nt i ! p l e h o t t u o g n i h c st r e t Making smart decisions

r & bo ro ug h as se mb ly th an k yo u to th e mayo

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

lo ca l bu si ne ss es th an k yo u to al l th e

AND sharing the news

ff on & Gretchen Wehmho ns Mu da lin Me u yo k an th r u b l i s h t h e n e w s pa p e p o t g n i r e v e s r e p r fo

Persily ry r La M O FR ll a to ts complimen pporter of small towns

Skagway News & su Former publisher of The

Page 10

Family Fun Page - print and share

April 24, 2020

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Across

35 How bodysuits fit

16 Plant juice

1 Spud source

36 They go with outs

17 Sin

6 Short boxing punch

37 Pixie

18 Unruly mob

9 Roomy autos

Down

11 Saintly symbol

1 Doctrine

12 Accident

2 Agnus or Opus follower

13 “I suppose”

3 Sales aids, for short

14 Match 16 Turnpike convenience 22 Solo numbers

4 “Baloney!”

5 Stopping by 6 Capital of Indonesia

23 Like certain organs

7 Cotton state

24 Multiply rapidly

8 Early man?

26 Teacher

10 Building detail, briefly

27 Gratis 29 Onetime Disney chief 34 Obstructs

19 Appraises 20 Consume 21 Malt beverage 25 Hatfields and McCoys 27 Crime fighters 28 Hurried 30 Daystar 31 The Y is one 32 Horror street 33 Cereal grass

11 Type of balloon 15 Breaking off

The keys will be posted online in the next issue.

Scavenger Hunt The Skagway News

Find these items and snap a picture! You could win a $25 gift certificate to Glacial Coffeehouse.

1. Heart shaped rock 2. Three bears from three different windows 3. Go on a hike and take a picture.

4. Christmas lights 5. The place you can buy a replica of a news story describing Soapy Smith’s last day

Card Games Wordsearch Brag

Faro

Nap

Skat

Bunko

Fish

Ombre

Solo

7. Someone in a tu-tu (at least 6-feet away)

Canasta

Gin

Poker

Spades

8. A business that is still open

Carlton

Grab

Red Dog

Stop

Crib

Hearts

Whist

Demon

Hi-Low

Rouge et Noir

Fan-Tan

Misere

6. Where the mayor spends a lot of time

9. A window with a candle in it 10. An outdoor clock

Rummy

Open to Skagway residents age 17 and younger. The first person to submit all photos from the list: to melinda@skagwaynews.com (in a single email) wins a $25 gift certificate to Glacial Coffeehouse.

Pictures must be taken outside.

April 10 answer keys

Color Me!

Sudoku

THE SKAGWAY NEWS COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING Library Hours: Closed to the public until further notice due to COVID-19.

Dahl Clinic Winter Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., closed Sat. and Sun. For after-hours emergencies, please dial 911.

Senior Lunch postponed at Presbyterian Rec. Hall.

Border stations: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Call each station for specifics.

Elk’s Burger Feed: No burger feeds until further notice.

WEEKS AHEAD School closed for the rest of the year.

See www.skagway.org for borough meeting updates.

Email Updates & New Events: editor@skagwaynews.com

April 24, 2020

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

Ads must be pre-paid unless advertiser has a business account with the newspaper.

Skagway residents may drop off ad and payment at the News Depot. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. Out-of-town ads must be pre-paid with a credit card and should be phoned in to 907983-2354. All ads appear in our on-line edition for a minimum of two weeks. Next deadline: Sunday, April 22 , 2020 FREE PERSONAL CLASSIFIEDS up to 25 words!

CALL (907)983-2354 (restrictions apply)

JOBS-OPPORTUNITIES CAREGIVER NEEDED - 5 Days / Week – 5 Hours/ Day – Salary $20 per Hour. For more details about the position, email Mr. Patrick (patdolan18@gmail.com) Little Dippers Learning Center is now hiring teachers for the 2020 Season. Visit www. skagwaylit tledippers.com/ employment to learn more!(1-2b) THE MUNICIPALITY OF SKAGWAY is currently hiring the following positions: Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Visitor Information Specialist II Groundskeeper Emergency Responder Receptionist/Medical Assistant A Municipality of Skagway announcement and application can be downloaded from the website at www.skagway.org.(1b)

CLASSIFIEDS LINEMAN APPRENTICE: SKAGWAY AP&T IS NOW HIRING for a full-time Lineman Apprentice at our Skagway location. Our successful candidate will be a self-starter, highly motivated, flexible, detail-oriented, willing to follow directions, and willing to travel. They will possess excellent team and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with minimum supervision. Must have a High School Diploma or GED; must be willing to live within 5 miles of Skagway; must have the capability to attend and successfully complete the 4-year AP&T Apprenticeship Program.

For additional information about the Lineman Apprentice position, please pick up a detailed job posting at AP&T’s Skagway office, or email Human Resources at (christina.h@aptalaska.com). This posting will close on February 28, 2020. EEO Employer/Vets/ Disabled ~ AP&T is a Drug and Alcohol-free workplace(1&2b) JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Dahl Memorial Clinic is now interviewing for Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant. For applications and job description, go to www. skagway.org/administration/page/ employment-opportunities (13cb)

HOUSING-PROPERTY FOR SALE: 401 5th Avenue, 2, one-bedroom houses on one lot. $374,000. Contact: David Brena, ARA, 983-2700.(1cb) FOR SALE: Three parcels of land.

First time on the market. One 40 ac. parcel on AB Mountain (the Skyline Trail goes through the NW

corner), One 83.4 ac. parcel in Dyea along the Chilkoot Trail in the vicinity of the old Hosford sawmill, and one 2.18 ac. parcel below the incinerator near the Skagway River.

Call for further details, ARA, David Brena, 907-983-2700. (11cb) FOR SALE: Duplex, three bedrooms and two baths on each side. Constructed 2019. Fridge, range, washer/dryer included, partially furnished. Call 907-7232931.

COMMERCIAL-PROPERTY DOWNTOWN SKAGWAY SPACE available for lease: 1200SF retail space next to Eagles Hall. Great location in the heart of Skagway’s Historic District between 5th and 6th Ave. on Broadway. This is for the south retail in the Kelly Block Building. Contact jimpjewell@ gmail.com or text Jim at 907-6120114.(1cb) RETAIL SPACE ON BROADWAY for lease. See info at: www. skagwayrealestate.net. (1cb)

MARKETPLACE CHILKAT VALLEY NEWS & WHITEHORSE STAR available at Skaguay News Depot & Books.

(1cp)

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 907-6120313. (1cp)

BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD Dawson City Music Festival cancelled, first time in 42 year history

Today the Dawson City Music Festival Association (DCMF) announced the cancellation of its 2020 summer event. The Yukon’s longest-running music festival, which brings together over a thousand attendees for performances of all genres, will be cancelled for the first time in 42 years.

Ticket holders will be notified of their options via email, which will include a full refund. DCMF is a non-profit, charitable organization and encourages attendees who are able to consider donating their ticket as a tax-deductible contribution to the Association during this challenging time.

RECREATION CTR SCHED Skagway Recreation Center • 12th & Main • 983-2679 Cardio • Weight Room • Locker Rooms • Showers • Rock Wall

The Recreation Center is closed until further notice due to COVID-19.

SKAGWAY WORSHIP DIRECTORY Please contact each worship location for their udpated COVID-19 schedule Assembly of God Church

8th & State • 907-983-2350 Sun. Worship....................11 a.m.

Thu. Intercessory Prayer.6:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

Wash your hands.

5th & Main • 983-2260 Sun. Morning Worship .....10 a.m.

Sun. Sunday School...............4 p.m.

Wed. Women’s Prayer ..........7 a.m.

Thur. Celebrate Recovery.....6 p.m.

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)

Life Link Fellowship Bible Church

11th and Main • 907-612-0121 Sat. Night Worship ............7 p.m.

Sunday Service.................11 a.m.

Page 11

LEGAL AD The Municipality of Skagway is accepting bids for Skagway Public Restrooms Janitorial Services. A full copy of the request for bids can be obtained by e-mailing m.gihl@ skagway.org. Bids are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. 2020 at City Hall in Skagway, AK.(1B)

The Skagway News.

The best paper in town.

April 24, 2020

Page 12

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

With cruise industry crippled by COVID-19 regulations, Skagway prepares for a lean season (continued from front page)

seasonal workers that they may not have a job this summer.

Mike Healy of the Skagway Brewing Company recently laid off 75% of his staff.

“That was my toughest day as a business owner.”

Healy says he’s keeping his expectations low. Lately, the restaurant has only been open for three hours on Friday and Saturday with curbside service during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. While the isolation orders were lifted Friday, his restaurant won’t be opening their dining room.

Changes to state alcohol laws such are temporarily allowing businesses to offer curbside service and delivery of closed container alcohol.

The new rule opens up some options.

Healy is hoping for “some actual business from cruise ships” and further government financing, although that hasn’t materialized.

“We have not received any funds,” he said.

Last week, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises cancelled their land excursions. Princess will leave their five wilderness lodges in Interior Alaska shuttered and Holland America will not operate their land itineraries through Yukon and Denali National Park, impacting bus and train traffic heading out of Skagway.

Both companies hope to have two vessels each sail in Southeast Alaska, the Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess and the Koningsdam and Eu-

rodam. This is down from the five Holland America ships and seven Princess ships that sailed to Skagway in 2019.

Cruise lines are partially responding to federal mandates and port closures.

The Port of Seattle placed a hold on the start of the cruise season until the public health emergency is assuaged. Canada is prohibiting ships with over 500 passengers from docking in Canadian ports.

On March 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandated that large passenger ships not embark any passengers or crew for 30 days in the United States. In early April, the CDC renewed the order, extending it into July unless the CDC or Secretary of Health and Human Services rescind the order. Some smaller ships are exempted.

Skagway Tourism Director, Cody Jennings said, “CLAA has advised us that they do expect additional changes.

This current schedule is approximately a 60% reduction in sailings from what was estimated previously.”

In 2019, 983,917 passengers disembarked from 446 cruise ships docked in Skagway over the season. Another 600,000 visitors and crew arrived via the Alaska Marine Highway System, smaller ships, rail, car and air. With visitor numbers increasing steadily over the past three years, the number of cruise passengers in the 2020 season was expected to top 1.1 million.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is con-

cerned “about the unintended consequences” the CDC April 9 order has in “singling out the cruise industry.”

CLIA contends in a press release that the cruise industry has “been proactive in its escalation of health and sanitation protocols and was one of the first industries to announce a voluntary suspension of operations.”

Dwindling cruise ship sailings impact just about every Skagway business and resident. Employers and stores are weighing the value of salvaging the season. Some have decided to cut loses and not open their doors.

Klondike Tours owners Greg and Billi Clem plan to stay in the game.

“I’ve got a feeling there are going to be a lot of companies that won’t open their doors,” said Greg. “Bottom line is we are going to be open.”

Billi Clem believes the season may not resemble making a living, but the Clems are

hoping to survive the summer.

Greg says it could be a success as long “as my business breaks even.”

“It [staying open] helps my employees, it helps the community.”

Local business owner, Karla Ray is concerned for the entire town.

“We are a community that runs almost exclusively on a small business engine, it is woven into every fiber of almost every project that happens here. As community members, volunteers, parents and consumers, we are very concerned about our community and the health and viability going forward,” she said.

Ray and her husband, Duff, are working a 14-month budget projecting a 75% loss of revenue. The hope is that sales from independent travel such as RV tourists, Alaskans vacationing at home and Chilkoot trail traffic may bring in some revenue.

Ray isn’t hopeful that the cruise ships will show up at all as the cancellations mount.

She has had to rescind job offers for summer employees and is attempting to cancel merchandise orders, although well over 50% of her stock is already in the stores.

The Rays operate Klothesrush, Duff’s Outfitters, Kone Kompany and Grizzly’s.

Their clothing store, Blueberry Boutique, won’t be opening this summer.

Reaching out for federal dollars from the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance (EDIL) hasn’t been fruitful.

While some expenses could be forgiven or worked out, Ray anticipates that even if they could borrow a large loan to get through 2021, they are looking at “years to recover.”

It’s a pretty bleak outlook,” she said.

Engine 3002 arrives in Skagway. It traveled from Illinois as the first new locomotive in 60 years for the Photo provided by WP&YR. White Pass & Yukon Route.