Letters to Santa edition
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THE SKAGWAY NEWS.
December 24, 2021
Sk a g w ay, A l a s k a
$1.50
Skagway School K-3 corresponds with the North Pole
Kindergarten
Dear Santa, Can I please have a nice little desk and a little picture of my family. My mom and dad, and my brother. My family is the best. Christmas is coming up. Cheeto is doing good. Ho, ho, ho. Ps. I know that I have been so good. I am good at writing but I want my brother and me to get along. Ps. I can’t wait for Christmas. Christmas is the best. I love Santa. Santa is the best. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Some people get presents and gather around the Christmas tree. Some people do not. Also, it is definitely freezing at Alaska. Some days it can be rainy outside but we could always face it. My mom opens presents at Christmas Day, my dad opens presents on Christmas eve. Merry Christmas Love, Naomi
Natasha Kraus and Joseph Torregrossa take part in the Dec. 3 Yuletide Parade of Lights.
Dear Santa, How does your sleigh work? You should trick me for Christmas. I like when my Dad tricks me! I hope you like the cookies and milk I give you.
bring me a kitchen set Dear Santa, for Christmas? I have How is Dasher doing? been good helping my Please can I have a surMom and Acky with prise for Christmas? folding laundry. Love, Love, Rudy Paislee
-Ira
Dear Santa, Is it too cold in the North Pole to grow carrots? Can I please have a hamster for Christmas and everything that it needs to survive? I help my mom make dinner! Dear Santa, Love, How is Rudolph doNori ing? Please can you Dear Santa, How is Rudolph do- give me bath bombs for ing? Can I please have a Christmas. I have never Dear Santa, green bicycle that goes tried bath bombs. I clean How many kids have up good! been good this Christon snow? mas? Can I please have -Lucas -Shane a Gabby Dollhouse for Christmas? I want an L.O.L. doll too. Dear Santa, Love, Do Reindeer like carElliott rots? Will you please For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
BLOTTER next month CLASSIFIED PAGE 7
Photo by Kari Rain
1st Grade
Dear Santa, What is your favorite color? I bet it’s red! I would like an American Girl doll for Christmas. I have been nice by helping other kids. Dear Santa, Sincerely, Is Rudolph still guiding your sleigh? Please -Scarlett may I have a Nerf gun continued on page 3 for Christmas? I help my Mom! Love, Luke
ly We real nee d a . kitchen
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The Skagway News. Skagway’s First Newspaper
Christened in 1897, buried alive in 1904 and resurrected in 1978, The Skagway News is currently celebrating 44 years of reporting in Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, recording our Centennial years and beyond.
Yuletide in Skagway
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JAN. 12, 2021 Please email sales@skagwaynews.com All ads and classifieds by Friday, Jan 14 COPY, LETTERS, CALENDAR DEADLINE: Please email editor@skagwaynews.com All news copy, letters and calendar events by Sunday, Jan. 16 Vol. XLIV, No.23 (916) Dec. 24, 2021
Published on the second and fourth Friday of the month
Phone: (907) 983-2354 www.skagwaynews.com editor@skagwaynews.com sales@skagwaynews.com Publishers Melinda Munson Gretchen Wehmhoff Managing Editor Melinda Munson Production Editor/Sales Gretchen Wehmhoff Editor Emeritus
William J. “Jeff” Brady
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The Skagway News is accepting applications for a 2022 summer intern The Opportunity The Skagway News, established 1978, is looking for a summer intern. Work for a small-town, Alaskan paper while living nestled in the mountains of an historic gold rush community. Located in the upper Lynn Canal in Southeast Alaska, Skagway has a population of 800 in the winter which balloons to 2,000 in the summer, not counting the million cruise ship passengers that disembark to the 18th most visited port in the world. Skagway celebrates and peddles its gold rush history to visitors. Interns won’t earn much gold ($800/month with free housing) but they will leave with a better understanding of how a newspaper functions, honed writing skills and an appreciation for the area’s unique history and community, including its original settlers, Tlingits and Haidas. The Responsibilities The Skagway News is published twice a month. Interns are expected to provide a minimum of three stories per issue, assist with morgue organization and digitalization, photograph the community, attend assembly meetings twice per month and help newsies distribute the tourist paper. The Details Alaska residents and students enrolled in Alaska institutions are preferred. Internship dates are May 15 to Aug. 15, 2022. Travel costs will be covered, up to $500. Students may arrange for university credit through their institution. A decision will be made by Feb. 15, 2022. The Skagway News requires full COVID-19 vaccination for all team members. How to apply Email the following information to melinda@skagwaynews.com by Jan. 31, 2022. • An introduction letter indicating how familiar the applicant is with Alaska, AP style and print journalism • Resume including any journalism classes • Three writing samples (including one feature and one news story) • Three references Any questions should be directed to Melinda Munson, co-editor, at the above email address.
Dec. 24, 2021
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
A Visit from St. Nicholas BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Dec. 24, 2021
More letters Dear Santa, How do you get down the chimney and up the chimney? With a magical cookie or something? I want new Nerf guns. If somebody’s hurt, I say “Are you okay?” Love, Brixton
Dear Santa, How do you get down the chimney when the fire is on without burning your bottom? I would like a T-Rex robot that can do whatever I say. I made breakfast for my family. Sincerely, Ryan
Dear Santa, How do you wrap the presents so nicely? I really want a giant stuffy horse that doesn’t flop on its side. I said yes to anyone who wanted to Dear Santa, play with me. Is Rudolph’s nose really red? I Love, want a sewing machine for ChristAvelyn mas. I’ve been a really good big sister to my new baby brother. Sincerely, Iris Dear Santa, I have a question for you and Mrs. Claus. Does Mrs. Claus help you make all the toys? Also, how do you get to every little kid’s house in one night? I want a Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer but not a live one. This year I was really nice to my brother. Love, -Mila
Dear Santa, How do you not wake us up in the middle of night when you come to bring the presents? I want a Squishmellow for Christmas. I show other people how to do things when they Dear Santa, don’t know how to. How do you fit through the chimSincerely, ney? I would like huge Hatchimals Wesley for Christmas. I help my sister when she is sad. Sincerely, Piper
Dear Santa, How old are you? I would like a puppy and a kitty. I hold the door at the grocery store for people. Dear Santa, Love, I already know how you get through Remy the chimney, so I’ll ask why do you not like to be seen? I want a new American Girl doll. I have helped others this year. Love, Harper
Dear Santa, I would like a velociraptor blue helmet and when you open your mouth it opens its mouth and makes the sound of a velociraptor. This year, I made a lot of people feel happy. Bye, Santa! I love you, Santa! Love, James
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Dec. 24, 2021
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2nd Grade Dear Santa Claus, Hello! How are you? I am super! This year, I want a new drone, a Green Bay Packer football helmet that comes with shoulder pads, knee pads, and a football signed by Davante Adams! I am a good friend and some of my friends have football helmets but I don’t. Merry Christmas, Booker
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Dear Santa Claus, Hello! How are you doing? How many elves do you have? How many reindeer do you have? Do you have any baby reindeer this year? This year, I want Minikins Barbie accessories, make-up, jewelry, American Girl Doll sets, purses, slippers, soft blankets, hair accessories, a puppy, pastels, nail stuff, vet things, decorations, fancy stickers, and doctor supplies. I’ve done chores to help my family and have been a good friend. Merry Christmas, Santa! Sincerely, Anika
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
3nd Grade
Dear Santa, Santa, why do you like red? I want a PS5 for Christmas. I deserve it cause I am a good person. Your friend, Tim
Dear Santa, What do you want for Christmas? I want an L.O.L. for Christmas. I was good all year and I do my chores when my mom tells me to. Your friend, Amara
Dear Santa, How many elves do you have? I want a football holder, a Kyler Murray jersey, and a phone. I deserve these presents because I am a good boy. Your friend, Zander
Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is an Anna dress and an Elsa dress. I deserve it because it is my favorite. I want it because I love it. What do you want for Christmas? Your friend, Summer
Dear Santa Claus, Hi! How are you? This year, I want a Dear Santa, 20 ounce gold bar and milk bones for my I want a new phone, I want to see you, dogs! I’ve been a really good friend this and a new tablet. year and I help at home with chores. Dear Santa Claus, Your friend, Merry Christmas, How are you? How many elves do you Izzy Henry have? How are your reindeer? This year, I’d really like a recorder, please. I am nice, kind, and a good friend. Merry Christmas to you and Mrs. Claus! Love, Dear Santa, Emerlee Jared How old are you? I really want some toblerone. I deserve it because I did the dishes without being asked. Your friend, Oscar
Billi Clem, Iris Drake and Kari Rain enjoy a Yuletide visit with Santa.
Photos by Reba Hylton
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Dec. 24, 2021
Dear Santa, How many elves do you have? I want a magic wand. I deserve it because I am kind. Your friend, Finnley
Dear Santa, What is your favorite cake? I want a makeup set and the newest phone. I deserve it because I have been a good girl this year, do everything my dad says and Taylor says. Your friend, Rose
Dear Santa, What kind of cookies do you like? What I would like for Christmas is an encyclopedia, Dr. Marvel action figures, Harry Potter lego set, goblet lego set, baby Yoda toy, Loves, Barbies, and a dog top for my dog. I deserve it cause I get good grades, I’m kind, and usually will help you. Your friend, Fable
Photo0 by Reba Hylton
Emmit paints ceramics during Yuletide.
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Family Fun Page - print and share Across
1 Andrew Carnegie and Alex ander Graham Bell 6 Bonny girl 10 Case place 11 Fairy tale opener 12 Rite site 13 Like the “sisters” in “Macbeth” 15 Flunky 17 “--- Only Just Begun” (Carpenters hit) 18 “Render --- Caesar ... “ 19 Mint 20 Federal public lands agency 22 Assist 24 Exclamation 25 Stick up 26 Where the pews are 28 Unreturned opening shots 30 Evinces disdain 33 Challenged 35 19th century pianist --- Schumann
Dec. 24, 2021
36 Suggestive grin 37 Professional wrestler a k a Jeffrey Sciullo 38 Small whirlpool 39 Tapered tucks in dressmaking
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1 Con game 2 “Anything Goes” composer --- Porter 3 Facing a bigger army 4 Work out 5 Levels of society 6 Down in the dumps 7 Once again
THE SKAGWAY NEWS 8 Showcase for more analytical students 9 Waitron 14 Innocent 16 Lower part of the abdomen 20 Thin nail 21 Spot 23 Twisted? 27 Mexico’s Pancho --29 He/she might fire off a lot of 28 Across 31 Brotherhood 32 Impertinence 34 Teetotal
Last issue’s answers
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THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Dec. 24, 2021
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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.
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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. Women’s Prayer 10 a.m Tues. Bible Study time varies. Please inquire. Online access available to all events.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
11th & State • 983-2518 Sun. Sacrament Meeting...10 a.m. Sun. School/Primary ...11:10 a.m. Relief Society/Priesthood..12 p.m.
St. Therese Catholic Church 9th & State • 983-2271 Sun. Mass.......................5 p.m. Mass Mon. & Tues.....12:10 p.m. (when a priest is available)
RECREATION CTR SCHED Skagway Recreation Center • 12th & Main • 983-2679 Cardio • Weight Room • Locker Rooms • Showers • Rock Wall OPEN regular hours Please sign up for classes, wt. room use and cardio floor use at https://signupschedule.com/src
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OBSERVATIONS FOR PREVIOUS 24-HOUR PERIOD BEFORE 7 A.M.
DATE MAX MIN PREC
Weather Watch 11/11 -12/3 11/11 32 26 trace 11/12 38 27 11/13 40 34 .16 11/14 41 27 11/15 37 29 11/16 31 20 .04 11/17 40 25 .55 11/18 40 30 .07 11/19 32 18 .09 11/20 18 12 11/21 20 12 .15 11/22 27 13 .12 11/23 27 24 11/24 28 25 .05 11/25 32 27 .15 11/26 37 28 .22 11/27 35 30 .01 11/28 32 23 .01 11/29 33 25 11/30 34 27 .07 12/1 39 27 .06 12/2 38 28 trace 12/3 30 21 .21 12/4 22 11 12/5 - 10 .02 12/6 - 10 .07 12/7 34 17 .10 12/8 36 31 .03 12/9 33 25 trace 12/10 36 25 .28 12/11 36 24 .09 12/12 28 17 12/13 18 10 12/14 15 10 -
Dec. 24, 2021
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Kari Rain and Becky Silvers Mull deliver holiday gifts and cheer to Skagway Seniors.
o uld a c e W se u y l l rea po o l.
. Jay B y wa Skag
Photo by Kari Rain
THE SKAGWAY NEWS