The Skagway News - Aug. 13, 2021

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THE SKAGWAY NEWS.

Garden City photos PAGE 7

Bring on the ribbons PAGE 6

August 13, 2021

Fairway’s new owners PAGE 5

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

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Canada opens borders

By Melinda Munson After 17 months of separation, Skagwegians can now be reunited with what many consider their big backyard -- the Yukon. Aug. 9 marked the opening of the Canadian border to vaccinated U.S citizens and permanent residents after Canada closed to non-essential travel in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

The process to cross into the Yukon has multiple requirements. Travellers must be fully vaccinated, submit travel information electronically on Canada’s official government app, ArriveCAN, within 72 hours prior to arrival in Canada, and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test, taken within 72 hours.

Those molecular tests are available at Dahl Memorial Clinic (DMC), which has a total of three machines that meet Canadian requirements.

Este Fielding, executive director of DMC, said Canadian officials are “strict” about the 72-hour rule. The clinic received reports of Skagwegians being turned away for having tests that were 73 hours old.

“Plan as far ahead as possible,” she advised.

Patients who call the clinic for COVID-19 tests will have to wait a few days for an appointment to swab their nose. DMC will bill insurance companies, and for the time being, will absorb the remaining cost of any COVID-19 tests.

“We’re testing at capacity,” Fielding said.

Visitors to Canada must show no symptoms of COVID-19, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination continued on page 2

Photo by Allyson Nannini

The Celebrity Millennium docks in Skagway on July 27, marking the first large ship arrival since fall of 2019. Skagway’s cruise season was severely shortened and the town sees only three to five ships per week because of the pandemic.

SEARHC MOU, NDA approved, ballot question vote postponed

By Melinda Munson The Skagway Borough Assembly made three major decisions regarding SEARHC and its possible acquisition of Dahl Memorial Clinic at the Aug. 5 meeting.

• The assembly approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SEARHC, designed to get more information about what exactly the private, non-profit health consortium could provide to Skagway should it take over the ailing Dahl Memorial Clinic (DMC).

• The legislative body also approved a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with SEARHC, which according to Borough Manager Brad Ryan, keeps negotiations with the borough confidential until SEARHC’s proposal is finalized.

• Finally, the assembly voted to table Resolution 2122R, a ballot question which would ask the community

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if they support SEARHC taking over the municipality-owned clinic. The proposed ballot measure will be discussed again at the August 19 assembly meeting.

“It’s no secret that our clinic is currently in a crisis … We have been here before…” said Assemblymember Reba Hylton, chair of the Health, Education and Welfare Committee (HEW).

DMC, like most of the country, faces a healthcare

provider shortage, but also struggles to retain its staff.

The clinic has shed 75% of its workers since the start of the year.

According to Ryan, the MOU does not bind the municipality to selling or leasing the clinic building to SEARHC, or accepting services.

“I do not have a problem with this. I see it as a very basic first step of starting a dialogue and moving for-

ward,” said Assemblymember Deb Potter.

Assemblymembers Sam Bass and Jay Burnham voted against the measure. Cory Thole, president of the Dahl Memorial Clinic Board of Directors, made an official request for a work session with HEW or the assembly regarding the MOU, which was later granted, after the MOU passed.

When Assemblymember

By Melinda Munson From July 28 to Aug. 10, Skagway saw 15 COVID-19 cases, a shocking number for a town that reported 33 total positive cases since the pandemic began. The cases were traced to community spread and community travel, not cruise ships, which first began arriving in Skagway on June 11.

Skagway Mayor Andrew

Cremata isn’t surprised that Skagway’s recent COVID cases didn’t stem from cruise ships.

“It’s a testament to the fact that cruise ships might be the safest place to be in the U.S. right now,” Cremata said, citing the ships’ strict protocols.

When COVID-19 first appeared in the U.S. and began overwhelming hospitals,

Skagway declared a state of emergency on March 16, 2020 and initiated a hunker down process. Later, whenever a case of COVID-19 was found, the town shut down to allow for contact tracing. With the emergency health declaration ended and 77% of the population vaccinated, the town’s reaction to new cases, even the more

continued on page 3

Skagway COVID cases climb

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August 13, 2021

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Canada opens border to vaccinated US residents Continued from front page

(paper or digital) and have a basic quarantine plan in case of an emergency.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are allowed to travel with their vaccinated parent, but must avoid large group settings.

Those without access to a smartphone can register their travel plans by visiting Canada.ca/ArriveCAN. Print the receipt.

Skagway residents were already planning what they would do once they crossed into the other “Land of the Midnight Sun.” Joe Torresgrossa booked a dentist appointment in Tutshi Lake, Yukon.

Whitehorse and is looking and “hitting the fancy cheese paddling and just enjoying the forward to sushi.

Kaylynn Howard is updat- store.” drive.

Other Skagwegians are looking her eyeglass prescripAs of Aug. 6, the Yukon Tering forward to hiking, fishing, tion, getting her car serviced ritory had 54 active COVID-19

cases, according to the Whitehorse Star. The Municipality of Skagway reported 15 COVID-19 cases since July 28.

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, or who have close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, can call Dahl Memorial Clinic (DMC) at 907-983-2255 to schedule a testing appointment. Insurance will be billed, and DMC will cover any remaining cost.

Those who are asymptomatic can be tested at Skagway Traditional Council (STC), which, through a partnership with SEARHC, provides free COVID-19 tests. The community took advantage of this testing on July 29 after a member of Skagway Fish Company staff tested positive. A line four blocks long stretched out from the STC building as child care employees and food indus-

try workers waited to be screened.

Jaime Bricker, STC president, expressed her “gratitude for Sara and Rori for stepping up to the plate.”

“They worked very hard under stressful conditions,” Bricker said. Sara Kinjo-Hischer, STC tribal administrator, and technician Rori Leaverton, instructed participants how to register and self administer the test.

“Personally, I appreciate them,” Bricker said, who tested at STC after returning from travel.

STC testing is available Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 11th Avenue and Broadway, between the two blue buildings.

Photo by Kari Rain

Unprecedented rise in local COVID-19 cases Continued from front page

contagious delta variant, is different.

“I don’t think there’s anybody at the table that wants the town to shut down,” Cremata said.

“We have a response mechanism that works now.”

Cremata said that as long as Dahl Memorial Clinic can keep up with testing and any medical care needs, Skagway will remain open for business.

Skagway continues to serve tourists, with an occasional business temporarily closing if an employee tests positive.

The community has made adjustments.

Municipal buildings again require masking and most private

establishments request that customers wear face coverings. Senior Services briefly re-started congregate meals only to return to delivery and the school revamped their mitigation plan.

While Skagway tries to maintain control of its COVID-19 numbers, Chilkat Valley announced 41 active cases as of Aug. 10, following the July 29 - Aug. 1 Southeast Alaska State Fair.

Cremata stressed that with two months left in this shortened tourist season, “taking a few extra precautions” would be wise.

One precaution is routine COVID-19 testing for anyone whose employment brings them into contact with the public.

Natural, recurring outbreak affecting trees in Southeast Alaska Guest Contributor - USDA Visitors and locals alike to the Tongass National Forest can help scientists learn more about a familiar insect outbreak occurring in Southeast Alaska.

After a 30-year break, the western blackheaded budworm is back and causing the hemlock to turn reddish-brown.

Forest visitors can upload photos, video or information related to sightings of the insect or its damage to Alaska Forest Health Observations, a project in iNaturalist. More information on the project

can be found at: https://bit. ly/3Aj3kMm. Reports have been coming in from the public of caterpillars hanging from branches and concern for the red-colored trees. Ground and aerial forest health surveys have confirmed increasing budworm activity in Southeast Alaska. Caterpillars feed on the buds and new growth of hemlock, and then tie needles together creating the red appearance.

In coming weeks, the budworms will turn into moths and Forest Service entomologists are looking for help

tracking these insects to learn more about what next year’s budworm population may look like.

“People out on the forest can really help us improve our monitoring and be our eyes on the ground,” said Elizabeth Graham, Ph.D., an entomologist for the USDA Forest Service Alaska Region. “We use observations collected and shared with us by the public in our national reports on forest health.”

Some trees may not survive the damage caused by outbreaks. Those that do,

may benefit in the long-term with increased light and a nutrient boost to the forest floor.

The last time a major outbreak in Southeast took place was from 1992 to 1995.

For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ detailfull/r10/forest-grasslandhealth/?cid=FSEPRD646066&width=full.

For information about the Alaska Region, visit our media toolkit at: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ r10/news-events/?cid=fseprd868372.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

August 13, 2021

Page 3

Assembly moves Dahl ballot discussion to Aug. 19 Continued from front page

Hanson listed off questions he wanted answered in a work session such as cost of services, Ryan acknowledged, “We won’t get those answers by next week.”

Another disputed topic, the NDA with SEARHC, passed with a vote of four to two, with Bass and Burnham in the minority. Bass cited the clinic board’s concern over the NDA for his no vote.

“Once again, I think this is not any kind of binding contract, it’s just a step in gathering more information,” said Potter.

According to Ryan, legal representatives for the municipality reviewed the NDA “multiple times.”

The assembly voted five to one to address Resolution 21-22R at the next meeting. Its passage on Aug. 19 would be necessary for the measure to appear on the Oct. 5 ballot. None of the assembly members seemed keen to hold a special vote, which historically, are not well attended.

The proposed yes or no ballot questions reads: “Do you support the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) taking over the responsibility of providing healthcare for the community of Skagway from the Municipality of Skagway and the Dahl Memorial Clinic?

Burnham, the no vote, made it clear he is against the legislation.

“This is a huge issue and there’s an Oct. 5th every year. I think we need more information and this is

rushed...” he said.

Bass said he wanted to give the clinic more time to address the issues.

“I understand that the clinic may be in crisis at this time but when you’re in a crisis, that’s not the time to make life changing decisions…” he said.

“It does seem a little rushed,” Hylton said. “I will totally admit that ... but time is of the essence … I feel like if we move forward with an MOU here at this table, by the time the vote comes

around on Oct 5th the public will be informed…”

“I really feel there is a large majority of our community that is ready for something like this to happen. So on their behalf, I am trying to get this on the ballot for them,” she said.

Assemblymember Dustin Stone voted for the MOU and NDA to get more information and said he hasn’t yet made up his mind.

“I’m still being educated just like everybody in the community is. I still don’t

know if SEARHC is or is not the correct answer to the problem we are currently having. What I do know is we are failing our community right now as far as our health care that we are offering. And we owe it to the community to be having these discussions right now,” he said.

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August 13, 2021

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Peace and laughter on the boardwalk

By Gretchen Wehmhoff Standing next to the Skagway News Depot, I watched a family of ravens teach their offspring the tricks of ravenhood. Today’s lesson covered how to hang onto a utility wire.

A younger bird kept moving in on the parent, who kept cawing for it to pick its own wire. After a minute or so of testing mom or dad, the fledgling took the leap to the wire a foot away.

It made contact at first, until it couldn’t keep its balance. The bird struggled to get its feet secure around the wire, but slipped and swung around in circles, much like a child spinning on their knees on bars on the playground. It found its balance again, trying to hang on to the much narrower wire then spun forward and found itself

hanging upside down, wings awry with not many choices but to let go. It dropped and rolled mid fall, catching the wind to fly to the roof across the street where the rest of the family watched.

Life around the boardwalk never lets me down.

Sitting on the bench underneath the stairs to the news office has become a highlight for me. I love conversations.

Almost everyone passing by has a story to chat over.

I’ve met many locals, people from hot parts of the Lower 48 who came to cool off and families on reunion voyages.

There is a solid sense of peace in this town. People say “hey” as they walk by and Athena has received an abundance of attention as tourists and locals alike stop to scratch her behind the ears and talk about the dogs they left at home.

I love the wind, the rain, the sun and the people here.

Next week my husband will arrive to work for six weeks and I hope he finds the same peace I do.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know locals over the winter, on Facebook and in passing.

Now I get to see everyone doing their summer routine and it is exciting. Even walking down the sidewalk, excitement can surprise you.

A few days ago I took Athena out to do her duty, then headed back to the boardwalk carrying a clear plastic bag of her business. As I came close to Tayia Fine Arts, I saw Katie Kollasch setting up for the day, the door open for business. At the same moment, a group of tourists hovered near the Mascot Saloon. For a split second I weighed my choices -- say hi to Katie with a bag of poop or get to the trash can before the visitors met up with me.

It only takes a moment for your dog to read your intentions. Mine chose to visit Katie while I made the move to head for the trash can. I floundered over her in a dramatic roll. Katie saw me fall and later said it was in slow motion, like I knew I was going down. When you get to a certain age, you learn awareness of the fall. Don’t put out your hands (avoid broken wrists), tuck your head and try to roll to your

butt, which in my case, gives me the most protection.

I must have called out in surprise because I found myself lying on the boardwalk surrounded by a dozen cruise visitors and Katie. A woman offered her hands, but I was afraid I’d pull her down with me. So, in a not-so-graceful move, I pointed my rear end up towards our guests and walked my way up with my hands. The helpful woman straightened the front of me, and as I turned around, Katie was gently pulled my hair out of my face. Concerned faces were everywhere. I’m pretty sure Athena was getting equal attention. I smiled and said thanks. It was at that moment I realized something was missing.

The bag of poop.

I looked around the ground between people’s feet, trying not to call attention to the fact that I was missing the very thing I was trying to hide before I met them.

My eyes landed on it, it had flown into the street, just off the boardwalk.

Suddenly, smart shoes and an elegant dress took commanding steps off the board-

walk, missed the bag by inches, and the owner of the shoes greeted the group of good samaritans on the other side of our small pod. It was Cooper, trying to retain her “Madame” walking tour that I had accidentally hijacked.

“You ought to put some ice on that knee, Gretchen,” she confidently advised.

With that she led her group of clients down the alley like the pied piper.

By this time Melinda had made it down the stairs to see what had happened. Denise and Billi had stepped out of their storefronts to check on the commotion -- or laughter. I was sure I would be sore the next day, but there was some slapstick humor in it all.

As I turned to talk to Melinda, the woman from the tour group who first offered help came up to me.

“I believe this belongs to you,” she grinned.

She handed me the bag of dog poop, holding it carefully with her thumb and forefinger. I think she saw the humor as well. I think.

Yes, the amount of this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend will be at stake when legislators convene in another special session on Monday.

And while the PFD is important, legislators — and Alaskans — should not let the political fights over the dividend overwhelm the importance of resolving other financial disputes that jeopardize the lives of tens of thousands of Alaskans.

In particular, there are the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) payments that benefit about 82,000 Alaskans in almost 200 rural communities across the state.

The Legislature created the program in 1984 to ensure that residents in rural communities receive help with their high electricity costs.

It was an issue of fairness, not a gift.

The state had poured hundreds of millions of dollars into other energy projects around the state. That included the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project near Homer,

which serves Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula to Fairbanks, as well as Tyee Lake and Swan Lake, which generate power for Wrangell, Petersburg and Ketchikan, along with two other costly hydro projects for Kodiak and Valdez/Glennallen.

But even with the PCE help, rural electricity bills are still painfully costly. For example, residents in Kake benefit from the program, but their electricity rates are still two to three times higher than in Wrangell. Without it, they would be five or six times higher.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, in an ongoing political dispute of his own making with the Legislature, wiped out the payments for the fiscal year that started July 1, about $32 million. He decided a couple of years ago that the endowment which pays the bills is not available for appropriation without a three-quarters majority vote of the House and Senate — and that did not happen this year amid political squabbles.

Without access to the endowment, there will be no PCE payments to 29,000 households and almost 2,000 community facilities in small communities. That includes Kake, Angoon, Hoonah, Prince of Wales Island communities and other Southeast towns.

Supporters of the program are in court, asking a judge to order the governor to restore the funding. But their

first choice would be for legislators to put aside their differences over the PFD and politics, and find the courage to resolve the PCE problem with a three-quarters vote.

The same hope applies to a state college scholarship program that serves almost 5,500 students, which has shut down its endowment checkbook the same as PCE because the governor thinks a three-quarters vote is the

correct legal answer — although many legislators believe a simple majority vote would be good enough, just as it was for years.

But settle their differences they must, for if the Legislature and governor cannot resolve it, a lot of Alaskans will be reading in the dark as they study for college they cannot afford.

—Wrangell Sentinel

Wehmhoff is co-owner of The Skagway News.

Opinion - A lot more at stake than just the dividend

Eliza Myers, environmental technician for Skagway Traditional Council, works beside her mother, Abby Myers, not pictured.

The women are removing invasive white sweet clover, next to the airport.

They also do air quality checks and work to remove other invasive species from the area.

Photo by Melinda Munson

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

August 13, 2021

By Melinda Munson Lee McKinney’s first week as the new manager at AC Fairway Market, formerly IGA Fairway Market, has been hectic. He and his sizable transition team from Alaska Commercial Company (ACC) installed an ATM, outfitted the staff with company tee shirts and badges and restocked shelves with the store’s brand, Everyday Essentials.

The new owners faced a major obstacle when a major supplier, located in Washington, was shut down due to COVID-19.

“We find alternatives,” McKinney said, noting that two plane loads of cargo had already arrived on Aug. 4, with another expected soon.

McKinney relocated from Sand Point, an island of about 900 residents, whose population can balloon to 3,000 during fishing season.

McKinney’s wife, Kista, is Sand Point’s front-end manager. Once a replacement is found, she will join her husband in Skagway where she’ll take over front-end operations.

ACC retained all Skagway store employees who wished to remain, and made their positions full time. The grocer hired two additional full-time workers and there are plans to add a few parttime positions. With a larger workforce, the store will be open expanded hours, 7 a.m.

to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, masks are required at AC Fairway, and they should cover the customer’s nose.

“You have to wear it properly to be in the store,” McKinney said.

ACC, with 32 locations across rural Alaska, will remodel the Skagway store, perhaps in February, with improved check out stands, more freezer space and a customer service area with options such as cash checking and Western Union.

McKinney says the new and improved aspects of the store won’t take away from the establishment’s history. Started in 1958 by Ervon Fairbanks and run by the Fairbanks family for 63 years, the IGA helped make burger feeds and senior meals possible by sourcing ingredients and offering discounts.

“They had a lot of backbone,” McKinney said. He hopes to hang photographs of the store’s founding family in the building.

Keeping Fairway in the store’s new name is a reflection of ACC’s appreciation for what came before their chain’s acquisition.

“We didn’t want people

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to see it as someone taking something away, but building on what’s already here,” McKinney said.

McKinney said his focus will be on fresh meat, and particularly produce.

“Fresh produce makes a big difference to us,” he said.

He hasn’t decided if that produce will be barged or flown to town.

The new manager said he doesn’t anticipate prices going up because of the ownership change, but prices will rise because of the pandemic.

“Unfortunately in this market, with COVID, prices are going up everywhere,” he said.

On Aug. 1, Jackie Schaefer posted a thank you note to Ron and Tim Fairbanks on Skagway Bulletin Board that received 177 likes and 30 comments.

“It’s a huge responsibility to feed a town and I admire the Fairbanks family for shouldering that burden for more than half a century,” wrote Jeff Brady.

“The Fairbanks Family have fed us, donated and served Skagway for many years -- so appreciated! Enjoy the next adventures, Tim and Rod, thank you is not enough,” added Kareen

Page 5

photo by Ray Tsang

Doug Patenaude from Alaska Commercial Company and Dave Roemhildt (with drill in hand) from Facility Contractors of Cordova hang the new store sign.

photo by Melinda Munson

Micah Cook, Fairway employee, wearing the new uniform.

Hoover.

Rod will continue at the store’s meat department while Tim, former manager, relocated to Maine where he will fish and enjoy mixed beverages.

August 13, 2021

Page 6

2021 Southeast Alaska State Fair Winners, Skagway Provided by Donna Griffard

Debbie Ackerman: Division Champion, 1st Place Stained Glass “Daisies in Blue Vase,” 1st Place Fused Glass “Fireweed Snowshoe,” 1st Place Stained Glass “Sweet Peas on Trellis,” 2nd Place Crochet, 2nd Place Jelly Betsy Albecker: 1st Place Acrylic Pour “She Knows She Has Cancer,” 1st & 3rd Place Acrylic Pou Linda Chase: 2nd Place Fused Glass “Puffin” Courtenay Birdsall Clifford: Judges Choice, Best of Professional, Division Champion, 1st Place Watercolor “Kingfisher with Fish” Sherry Corrington: Judges Choice, Division Champion, 1st Place Crafts and Pioneer Arts “Creepee Baby Calendar 2021” Tina Cyr: Division Champion, 1st Place Multimedia “Salmon Collage” Cori Giacomazzi: Division Champion, 1st Place Sewing “Dress,” 1st Place Pillow, 1st Place Boxer Shorts Nicole Goodman: 3-1st Place Photography “Old House,” Mountain Scene 1 and 2, 4-2nd Place Photography, 1-3rd Place Photography Donna Griffard: People’s Choice, 1st Place Sewing Accessory “Salmon Bag,” 2nd Place Ceramics Marie LaMarr: Division Champion, Best of Professional, 1st Place Crafts and Pioneer Arts Book “Whale of a Tale” Lisa Mandeville: Judges Choice, 1st Place for “Tomato Bounty,” 2-1st Place, 4-2nd Place, 8-3rd Place Eloise Matsov, Division Champion, 1st Place Original Paper Craft “Bear” Vinya Matsov, Participation Ribbon “Kandinsky” Brian Pierson: Division Champion, 1st Place “Rotary Plow,” 2nd Place Old School Photography

PHOTOS BY MELINDA MUNSON

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

August 13, 2021

Page 7

SKAGWAY FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW

By Debbie L. Ackerman The rebooted Skagway Flower and Garden Show is now in the books, and we are taking what we learned to prepare for 2022. The current circumstances gave locals and visitors an opportunity to view wonderful gardens in their natural habitat. One day, we may be able to have an indoor show again. Until then, viewing not only the registered gardens, but all the beautiful gardens around town made for a lovely weekend.

This year, the people chose the award winners and the results are: Edith Lee Award – Donna Griffard (Gift certificate sponsored by Marcia Berry, Jewell Gardens donated a beautiful hand-blown vase for the award) Mrs. Frank Suffecool Award – Lisa Mandeville (Gift certificate sponsored by Jan Tronrud) John Berry Vegetable Garden Award – Kim Burnham (Gift certificate sponsored by Marcia Berry) Golden Trowel Award for Business Garden – Becky Mull (Sponsored by Chilkoot-Gateway Insurance on behalf of the Skagway Chamber of Commerce) Skagway Organic Garden Society presented two awards: Magpie Farms Gift Certificate – Sally Stevens Pollinator Garden Award – Annemarie Hasskamp A big thank you to Kim Burnham for working her magic creating the flyers, ballots and Facebook postings. A shoutout to Klondike Electric Bikes for offering a discounted rate for people to view the gardens; and cruising around town on these bikes is just plain fun. We would like to thank everyone for their participation and support as we work to bring this annual event back to life and show everyone that Skagway truly is “The Garden City of Alaska.”

PHOTOS BY KIM BURNHAM

Page 8

Shirley Marie Hughes

Nov. 20, 1938 - July 21, 2021

Orrin and Myrtle (Feero) Edwards. She spent the majority of her childhood in Skagway, Alaska and graduated from Skagway Public School in 1956.

Shortly after graduation she married Kenneth Justin.

Ken’s work for C&R Builders took them to Juneau where their daughter, Sharon, was born. In 1957, they moved to Sitka for Ken’s Shirley Marie Hughes, 82, work on the construction of went to be with her Savior, the ALP pulp mill. During Christ Jesus, on July 21, the next six years, three 2021. She died peacefully at more children were born to her home in Sitka, Alaska, them, Randall, Kenneth Jr. with family beside her. and Sheila. Her marriage to She was born on Nov. 20, Ken ended in 1973.

1938, in Juneau, Alaska to In 1974, Shirley and her

Obituary children moved to Juneau where she started working at a friend’s bakery. That move led her to marry the love of her life, Samuel Hughes, in 1977. Together they owned and operated Sam’s Bakery until they retired and moved to Lexington, Tennessee to raise cows. After Sam’s passing in 2017, Shirley moved back to Sitka to be close to family. She enjoyed Bible study, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, crocheting, playing games and feeding her beloved cows peppermint candies. Her cows came running when they heard the sound of a peppermint candy being unwrapped.

August 13, 2021

She was preceded in death by husband: Samuel Hughes, brother: David Edwards, sons: Randall Justin, Kenneth Justin Jr. and daughter: Sheila Chatriand.

She is survived by brothers: John Edwards of Skagway and Alan Edwards (Lisa) of Altavista, Virginia. Daughter: Sharon Byrd (Don) Granddaughters: Miranda Littlefield (Victor) and Melinda Cagle (Jamey) of Sitka.

Granddaughters: Amanda Ebert (Jason) of Bozeman, Montanna, Kari Neiman (Bob) of Plains, Montanna, Samantha Strecker (Jordan) of Big Horn, Montanna and Bobbi Neumann (Tanner)

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

of Whitehall, Montanna.

Great-grandchildren include: Alex Cagle, Ellie Cagle, Chloe Cagle, Hunter Littlefield, Lilly Ebert, Katie Ebert, Allie Ebert, Finn Neiman, Dillon Neiman, Westyn Strecker, Tenley Strecker and Grayson Neumann.

Great-great-grandchild: Layla Robinson.

Her family was blessed to have her back in Sitka to enjoy having five generations of family all together for the last days of her life.

Due to COVID the family will be having a private service at a later date.

Photo by Melinda Munson

Vehicles line up for blocks outside of the Skagway Traditional Council testing site after positive cases of COVID-19 were announced by the municipality on July 29.

Solid Waste drop off moves closer to town Beginning on Aug. 12, the Public Works Department will move its solid waste collection operations from the Incinerator to the Solid Waste/Compost facility on the Klondike Highway, across from the Dyea Road turnoff.

All public drop-off will be at the Solid Waste/Compost facility, not the Incinerator. The recycle trailer from 5th & Alaska will also be relocated to the site, with a bin added for compostables.

Beginning on Aug. 12, the hours of operation for the Solid Waste/Compost facility will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Please contact the Public Works Department with questions at 983-2449.

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THE SKAGWAY NEWS

August 13, 2021

By Larry Persily Wrangell Sentinel The 2,700-page, trillion-dollar infrastructure bill that passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday could provide tens of millions of dollars, maybe more, to help the ailing Alaska Marine Highway System.

How to use the money — assuming Congress approves the final package later this year, which is far from certain — would be decided by the governor and Alaska legislators next year.

“We can’t allow it to be a total replacement of the state’s responsibilities,” Robert Venables, executive director of the Southeast Conference, said Monday.

He hopes the state would use the additional federal funding to improve from an insufficient level of service to providing “adequate service” to meet coastal community needs, Venables said.

State general fund dollars cover a little more than half of the ferry system’s $108 million annual operating budget, with most of the rest of the money coming from ticket revenues. The budget is down about 25% from three years ago.

There is nothing in the federal infrastructure funding bill that would explicitly require Alaska to use the new federal aid to improve service, rather than replace state dollars.

A key element of the legislation for ferry communities is a provision that authorizes $1 billion to support essential ferry service for rural communities nationwide, at the rate of $200 million a year for five years.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a member of the bipartisan Senate group that negotiated the deal, was behind efforts to add the provision to the legislation.

The new federal aid program would be limited to ferry systems that serve at least two communities, at least 50 miles apart, which eliminates a lot of the shorthaul systems around the country, putting Alaska in a prime spot to get some of the money.

The bill directs the secretary of Transportation to “establish requirements and

criteria for participation in the program … including requirements for the provision of funds to states.”

While the bill authorizes $200 million a year for five years, starting with the current federal fiscal year that ends Sept. 30, 2022, the money would be subject to annual appropriation by Congress.

And it would be subject to legislative appropriation in Alaska. “You still have to get it through the political process,” State Senate Finance Committee Co-Chair Bert Stedman, of Sitka, told the Anchorage Daily News last week, speculating that any federal money could be used to merely replace what the state already spends.

Stedman in the past has bemoaned the growing urban-rural political divide in Alaska, and its damage to services important to smaller communities.

Acknowledging the politics of the state budget process, Venables said no net gain to the ferry system would be a disappointing outcome of the federal aid.

The governor’s office has not specifically commented on potential uses of any additional federal aid for the ferry system.

However, Randy Ruaro, the governor’s chief of staff, said in a public radio interview last week: “That’s going to produce a very significant amount of funding for Alaska’s ferry system. We just don’t know exactly how much will come out of that formula yet. But it will be substantial. … We’re already making plans on our end on how to best get the highest and best use of the funds for the system.”

The bill also would change federal law, allowing the Alaska Marine Highway System to spend federal highway dollars on vessel operations and repairs, not just new construction. Most of the fleet is decades old, with the state short of its own money to build new ships.

The bill authorizes $570 million out of the Highway Trust Fund over the next five years for the construction of new ferries and ferry terminals nationwide.

Another provision of the

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Federal legislation could help state ferry system bill authorizes $250 million for pilot project to build and operate ferries that run on electricity or other lower-carbon fuel. Though the bill does not name Alaska, it says at least one grant under the program must go toward “a ferry service that serves the state with the largest number of Marine Highway System miles.” The answer to that is Alaska.

Venables said he is excited about the prospect of Alaska winning a grant for such a ship to operate in Lynn Canal, between Haines and Skagway, maybe Juneau, or between Ketchikan and Metlakatla, maybe Prince of Wales Island.

Especially for an electric-powered ship, the shorter shuttle runs would be

more feasible than a longer mainline route through Southeast, he said.

Other provisions of the bill would authorize: - $3.5 billion, about 40% more in federal funding than current levels, to highway construction, repair and maintenance in Alaska, spread out over five years, Murkowski’s office said.

- More than $180 million to the state for clean water projects. Though a substantial down payment, the state has said it needs close to $2 billion to provide adequate drinking water and sewage services in rural Alaska.

Wrangell needs substantial repairs to its water reservoirs and water treatment plant.

- Separately, Alaska villages would receive a share of

$3.5 billion designated for Indian Health Services water and sewage spending nationwide. That amount would be spread across five years.

- And about $5 billion would be available in grants under a new airport terminal improvement program, with some of the money set aside for small, rural airports, Murkowski’s office said in a statement. The state of Alaska owned and operated 237 airports as of 2019, including the Wrangell airport, according to the latest figures from the state.

MUNICIPALITY OF SKAGWAY NOTICE OF REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, there will be held in the Municipality of Skagway, Alaska, a REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION. THE FOLLOWING OFFICES WILL BE ON THE BALLOT:  One (1) Mayor Seat – for a two (2) year term, to expire October 2023;  Two (2) Assembly Seats – for three (3) year terms each, to expire October 2024;  Two (2) School Board Seats – for three (3) year terms each, to expire October 2024.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS: Any person qualified to vote in borough elections may have their name placed on the ballot for election as a candidate for any borough elective office. No person may serve simultaneously as mayor and assembly member.

FILING DATES: Interested persons wishing to file for an elected office may file a DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY with the Borough Clerk between August 2, 2021, and August 16, 2021. A PUBLIC OFFICIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE must be on file in the Borough Clerk’s Office or attached to the Declaration of Candidacy to be considered complete. Forms are available by request from the Borough Clerk and will only be accepted during the filing period.

ELECTION HOURS: The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, and will close at 8:00 p.m. on the same day.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: The deadline to register to vote in the October 5, 2021, Regular Municipal Election is Sunday, September 5, 2021.

VOTER QUALIFICATIONS: A person may vote in a municipal election only if the person: 1. is qualified to vote in state elections under AS 15.05.010; 2. has been a resident of the municipality for 30 days immediately preceding the election; 3. has registered before the election as required under AS 15.07 and is not registered to vote in another jurisdiction.

EARLY / ABSENTEE VOTING: Voters who will be out of town for the Regular Municipal Election on October 5, 2021 are able to vote absentee in person at the Borough Offices beginning Monday, September 20, 2021, and ending Monday, October 4, 2021, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to allow sufficient time for mailing, absentee ballots by mail should be requested by Friday, September 24, 2021.

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

POSTED JULY 14, 2021

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Family Fun Page - print and share Across 1 Scores, in cribbage 5 “The Sweetheart of Sigma --- “ 8 Last President of Czechoslovakia 9 Burroughs’ was naked 12 Primary 14 “So many --- , so little time” (MaeWest) 15 Upper limit 16 Carpet fuzz 17 Copycat 19 Sand ridge 20 Fellow student 22 Kind of egg drink 23 --- Christian Andersen, fairy tale writer 24 One third of an ellipsis

August 13, 2021 25 Lisa Simpson’s instrument 26 Dance 29 Bright 32 Played by Yo-Yo Ma 33 34 Beat recording?

35 Unaccompanied Down 1 Skin 2 In any way 3 Coagulate 4 Pizza portions 5 Cut out 6 Barbarian 7 Where to find a kernel 8 Concentration measure 10 Marsh bird 11 Promotional hoopla 13 Dillon or Earp

THE SKAGWAY NEWS 18 Mush 19 Karate proficiency measure 20 Exact duplicate 21 Axioms 22 Financial stability org.

25 Peg away 27 Upon 28 School group 30 Antlered animal 31 Congressional spending watchdog

Last issue’s answers 4

Color me

Add Axis Class Coset Cube Direct Divide Graph Index Invert

Mathematics Limit Mean Mode Normal Open Pi Plane Pole QED Quartic

Radians Ratio Root Rule Scalene Series Sign Sum Zero

CLASSIFIEDS

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

August 13, 2021

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

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

Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. Out-oftown ads must be pre-paid with a credit card and should be phoned in to 907-9832354. All ads appear in our online edition for a minimum of two weeks.

Skagway employment application and job announcements can be accessed at www.skagway.org.

JOBS-OPPORTUNITIES

Large, furnished 1 bedroom for day rentals. Includes linens and utensils. Call 907-738-2754 for details.

Employment Opportunities!

The Municipality of Skagway is accepting applications for a wide variety of positions including Port Director.

The Municipality of

HOUSING AND PROPERTY Large 1 bedroom, unfurnished apartment for rent. Energy efficient. Includes W/D. large kitchen and bathroom, bedroom for kingsize bed. Directly across from the library. Contact Bud at 907-738-2754 for a walk through and details.

COMMERCIAL-PROPERTY

STEAK YOUR KLAIM in the #1 summertime destination in Whitehorse! Klondike Rib & Salmon is looking for a new owner/operator. Interested? Go to SteakYourKlaim.ca BUSINESS FOR SALE: Gold Digger Mine and Dine For more information see https://www. skagway.forsale/

MARKETPLACE FOR SALE 2018 Jeep Compass, plus 4 aluminum rims (on studded tires.)

Low mileage (less than 20K).

Manual 6 speed. $20,000.

Call 907-244-3707

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.

Classified ads get read. Place one today.

Submitted by Skagway Police Department

July 16 EMS responded to a medical emergency on 4th Avenue.

July 27 EMS assisted Guardian Flight with a scheduled medevac from the clinic.

July 19 Police assisted a motorist who broke down on the Klondike Highway.

July 29 The fire department responded to a fire alarm on Broadway Street.

July 20 EMS assisted Airlift Northwest with a scheduled medevac from Dahl Memorial Clinic (DMC).

Aug. 4 EMS assisted AC Global with a scheduled medevac from the Majestic Princess.

EMS assisted Guardian Flight with a scheduled July 24 EMS responded to a med- medevac from DMC. ical emergency near Seven Pastures.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Library Hours: M-F 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday (COVID-19 mitigation practices are in place) Call 983-2665 or email library@skagway.org Dahl Clinic Winter Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sat. and Sun. For after-hours emergencies, please dial 911.

Incinerator Hours T, Th, Sa. 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 M-F 8 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 10 a.m.

Wed. Women’s Prayer 1:30 p.m.

Thursday Bible Study 3:30 p.m.

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)

See www.skagway.org for borough meeting updates.

RECREATION CTR SCHED

Email Updates & New Events:

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

editor@skagwaynews.com

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

DATE MAX MIN PREC

BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD Police & Fire Blotter

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OPEN regular hours Please sign up for classes, wt. room use and cardio floor use at https://signupschedule.com/src

Weather Watch 7/7 - 8/6 7/7 67 55 7/8 65 56 7/9 63 56 .01 in 7/10 67 55 7/11 67 52 7/12 61 52 .01 in 7/13 61 53 .17 in 7/14 66 52 .21 in 7/15 63 52 7/16 57 47 .08 7/17 79 48 7/18 79 48 7/19 67 54 7/20 75 50 7/21 79 53 7/22 64 57 7/23 66 53 7/24 64 54 7/25 57 55 7/26 67 50 7/27 60 50 trace 7/28 63 52 7/29 61 52 7/30 74 45 7/31 74 47 8/1 84 52 8/2 78 52 8/3 65 52 8/4 73 50 trace 8/5 76 55 .04 8/6 64 56 .56

Phone:907-983-2259

August 13, 2021

Page 12

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Sales tax an option, says state revenue commissioner

By Larry Persily Wrangell Sentinel The governor’s Revenue commissioner has presented legislators with several revenue-raising options so that the state could afford a significantly larger Permanent Fund dividend and still balance its budget.

A statewide sales tax is among the options the administration presented to the Legislature’s fiscal policy working group last Thursday.

Deciding the amount of the annual dividend should come first, Senate President Peter Micciche told a meeting of Alaska mayors last week. “We have to determine what dividend we can afford,” and then decide how to pay for it.

Supporters of a larger dividend will have to accept the need for new or additional taxes to pay the bill, Micciche said in a virtual presentation to the Alaska Conference of Mayors, meeting in Fairbanks on Aug. 4.

While not explicitly endorsing a sales tax or any of the other options, Revenue Commissioner Lucinda Mahoney said the governor would support the revenue measures “as long as there was support from the Legislature.”

The objective, she said, “is to really start a conversation … to determine what the appetite is for these measures.”

Lawmakers have been

struggling with crafting a long-term fiscal plan for the state for 25 years, reaching what could be a decision point this year as reserve funds have diminished and as Gov. Mike Dunleavy promotes a larger dividend, putting public pressure on legislators before next year’s statewide election.

“Everybody’s mad at each other,” Micciche said of legislative fiscal debates, adding that it will take political courage for lawmakers to settle on a dividend and then, if needed, raise revenues to balance the budget.

“Let’s find a way to make a deal that makes everybody unhappy,” he told the mayors the day before the Revenue commissioner gave her presentation to legislators.

The question facing lawmakers, the senator said, is how to pay a dividend, provide public services, not overdraw the Permanent Fund, and still balance the budget each year.

Last year’s PFD was $992, and the annual payment has averaged about $1,300 the past 10 years. The governor’s plan would boost it to almost $2,400 next year, growing to almost $3,400 by 2030, according to Mahoney’s presentation.

“The PFD cannot crater the future of the state,” said Micciche, who served five years as mayor of Soldotna, on the Kenai Peninsula, before his election to the Sen-

ate in 2012.

The state budget can afford a dividend of several hundred dollars, without needing new revenues or further cuts to public services, he said. Anything more than that creates a fiscal hole that would need filling.

Other options listed in the Revenue commissioner’s Aug. 5 presentation were an increase in the state’s oil production tax take; legalized gambling, including a state lottery and casinos; doubling the motor fuel tax to 16 cents a gallon; and amending the state’s corporate income tax structure so that Alaska would receive a lot more from digital businesses such as Netflix, Amazon, Apple Facebook and Google.

Another option is broadening the state’s corporate income tax structure so that it would apply to Hilcorp, which bought out BP Alaska’s North Slope operations last year, but as a privately held corporation is not taxed in Alaska as are publicly traded corporations.

This tax-broadening option would apply only to oil and gas companies, not any other sole proprietorships, partnerships or what are known as S corporations, which are closely held businesses with a limited number of shareholders.

In reviewing sales tax options, Mahoney’s presentation gave as examples a 2% and 4% state sales tax on

goods and services, with the revenue-raising estimates depending on exemptions, such as food, and whether the tax also would apply to goods and services used by businesses the same as individuals.

Revenues to the state for each 1% of tax could range from $150 million to $300 million a year, depending on exemptions.

The commissioner did not list a state income tax as an option.

Legislators are scheduled to return to Juneau next week for their third special session of the year. Dunleavy has called them back to work on a list of fiscal issues. He wants them to settle on an amount for this year’s dividend; consider his proposal to split equally the annual draw on Permanent Fund earnings between the PFD and public services, putting the new formula into the constitution; consider a constitutional amendment to impose a spending limit on the state; and consider new revenue measures.

Without new revenues, Dunleavy’s plan for larger dividends could result in an average budget deficit this decade of almost a billion dollars a year, according to Legislative Finance Division calculations.

Micciche acknowledged in his discussion with the mayors that cities and boroughs which have depended

on their sales taxes for years will not like the idea of a state tax added to the local rate. But a personal income tax could not pass the Legislature, he said, so municipalities need to understand how bad the state budget could get without new revenues and help work toward an acceptable sales tax.

Fairbanks Sen. Scott Kawasaki, who was at the mayor’s meeting, agreed with Micciche’s political assessment. “There is a lot of support generally for a sales tax,” Kawasaki said of his colleagues, though he added that he personally supports an income tax over a sales tax.

Kawasaki, one of four senators on the eight-member House-Senate fiscal policy working group, cautioned the mayors that while they may not like a state sales tax, they need to understand there are legislators who see spending cuts as an answer, such as extending the state moratorium on reimbursing local communities for school construction debt.

“Lawmakers need to settle their differences,” Micciche said, while also criticizing Dunleavy. “The governor has done a couple of silly, populist things,” the senator said, such as vetoing a smaller PFD appropriated by legislators in June to force the debate over a larger dividend in the constitution.

No one should think they are guaranteed reelection by draining the treasury, Micciche said.

He is hopeful, but skeptical, that the governor and legislators can agree on a comprehensive fiscal plan during the special session, which is limited by law to 30 days.

“Alaskans are getting tired of the inaction,” Micciche said.