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February 26, 2021
Sk a g w ay, A l a s k a
WP&YR cuts jobs as 2021 looks bleak
By Gretchen Wehmhoff More than two dozen railroad employees lost their jobs this month as White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (WP&YR) “abolished” positions in the wake of news that a strong 2021 cruise ship season was most likely not going to happen. In a letter dated Feb. 5, WP&YR cited the “ongoing global pandemic” and its effect on Skagway’s largest employer. The letter listed specific jobs including coach cleaners, trackman, diesel mechanics, heavy duty equipment operators and more. WYPR’s executive director of human resources and strategic planning, Tyler Rose, said there was consideration of abolishing - a term used in contract language the positions after the 2020 season. “Though many of these employees were laid off and have not worked since September or October of 2019, the decision was made to continue supporting their benefits until a potentially renewed 2021 season,” said Rose. That 2021 season appears bleak after Canada recently extended their ban on large passenger ships from entering their ports until February 2022. The ban was originally put in place in March 2020. “This is one of the most difficult times we’ve ever faced,” said Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata. Cremata noted that like most business owners in Skagway who have been making tough staffing decisions, White Pass, as a private company, is in the same situation of losing revenue and is also tightening their budget. continued on BACK page
Skagway by the shots PAGE 4
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Photo by Melinda Munson
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad passenger cars sit idle on the tracks. A bleak 2021 tourist season may be enough to leave them idle again until 2022.
SOS offers three paths to survive another dismal tourist season By Melinda Munson COVID-19 foiled Skagway’s plan to make a plan when a much anticipated town hall scheduled to take place at the recreation center was transitioned to an online Microsoft Team meeting after three new coronavirus cases were announced Feb. 10. The town hall, dubbed SOS or Save Our Skagway, was an opportunity to discuss how the borough could push past a second devastating tourist season. “We’ve gone 15 months without cruise ships,” Cremata said. “And we are going to go … most likely another 15 to 16 months without cruise ships … We need to think about our survival as a community so that we make it to the 2022 season intact, with as many residents as possible, with as many jobs as possible...” Around 213 viewers participated in the virtual meeting, where Mayor Andrew Cremata took questions and community members posted in the chat box.
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A SOS banner was unveiled, but for many who only had access to sound, viewing the banner would have to wait. When Transport Canada announced early February that Canadian waters would be closed to pleasure ships with more than 100 passengers for another year, a shudder went through the town of Skagway which normally sees approximately one million cruise passengers in a season. “If we’re not a cruise ship destination in 2021, what are we?” Cremata asked. With only a handful of small American cruise ships expected to dock in the northern Lynn Canal and the Canadian border closed, Skagway will have to depend on something that’s always been just a slice of their revenue -- independent travellers. The borough hopes to attract 20,000 non-cruise ship visitors this year, far below the typical tourist numbers but possibly enough to keep residents from leaving town
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permanently. Cremata presented a threetiered approach to helping the city limp through to May 2022, when summer travel is expected to normalize. First, he will continue working with cruise ships. While large cruise ships are stymied, two smaller cruise ships have committed to visiting “The Gateway to the Klondike.” Second, the Visitor Bureau will continue to market to independent tourists, a strategy it embraced before Canada announced it would not welcome large cruise ships. And third, Cremata hopes Skagwegian will reach out to family, friends and former residents to encourage them to visit Skagway. “It’s an all hands on deck opportunity,” he said. A visit to Skagway could literally save the city. According to Cremata, the municipality is expecting only $230,000 from the federal government’s third bailout package. That’s a disappointing number for a city with the highest unem-
ployment rate in the state and few prospects for new income avenues. This summer will again look different for the gold rush town. Cremata stated that businesses need to decide on community-wide mask policies and seasonal workers who have been coming to Skagway for years won’t have easy employment as year-round residents struggle to earn income. Jennifer Ozuzun, owner of Just Do You Salon, was optimistic, but forthright. “If we don’t keep ourselves on the map, forget about 2022, and that’s just the realness of where we’re at. We have to make what we have right now work,” she said, encouraging business owners to agree on masking up and reaching out to independent travellers. “If we don’t have some type of traffic through here, we’re going to have to leave,” she said. A follow-up, in-person town hall will be announced at a later date.
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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 43 years of reporting in Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, recording our Centennial years and beyond.
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February 26, 2021
Letters and Opinion
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Sen. Murkowski did her job - like it or not By Larry Persily Maybe you did not like her vote to convict former President Donald Trump in the Senate impeachment trial. Maybe you wanted her to stick with most Republicans who cast their ballot to acquit because you believe the evidence was weak, or that Trump never intended to ignite a riot at the Capitol last month, or that Congress cannot impeach a former president. Maybe you think the senator, now in her 20th year, isn’t conservative enough for your Republican tastes, and you believe she has grown too moderate and bipartisan -- though I would counter that those are admirable traits deserving of support, not criticism. Maybe you believe the Democrats stole the election away from Trump and the public needs to show its support and not question his tactics, even as some supporters turned violent as
they stormed the halls of Congress and people died. Whatever the reason you disagree with Murkowski, please keep it civil. Even if you don’t respect the senator after her vote, keep your criticism respectful. Not only does the senator deserve it, but our country needs it. The name calling, the insults, the ripher-up-and-spit-her-out anger that has grown far too loud on all sides nationwide is divisive and accomplishes nothing constructive. The attacks, the falsehoods and rumors spread on social media certainly attract viewers -- and ad revenue in many cases -- but it is making it harder to govern, harder for elected leaders to work in the middle, to get things done. We should be a country of majority rule with compromise, not a nation driven to chaos by accusations and anger. One conservative website calls Mur-
kowski a “liberal,” who “disgracefully supported” impeachment. No offense to the senator, but calling her a liberal is like calling Southeast Alaska a sundrenched destination — it doesn’t fit. She is a thinker, someone who studies and then makes her decisions slowly and carefully. Not always decisions that I agree with, but they are rational decisions based on the facts and circumstances as she judged them. If you are upset at her impeachment decision, don’t vote for her if she runs again in 2022. Don’t put up a yard sign in support. But please don’t get caught up in the nastiness, the bullying on social media, where the senator has been labeled a turncoat, weak, a Republican in name only, a defector, a disgrace to her party. The only disgrace is that schoolyard bullying has become part of America’s politics. It’s time to stop.
Stan versus the dentist
I understand when opportunity comes knocking, it is very important to answer the door because Skagway has a special story to tell and Stan Bush and his film crew will do an outstanding job telling it. However, by allowing Stan and his crew special travel considerations regarding our quarantine mandate, the municipality is highlighting the fact that potential personal fame and spotlight brought by a film crew is more important than education, our dental needs and our medical needs. It is my understanding that the crew arrived, took a test, then went straight to city hall to film the assembly meeting. Meanwhile, those with kids in school are having to deal with either quarantining or going without medical services because we cannot go to Juneau without repercussions. Furthermore, if we decide to go ahead and take our child for medical treatment in Juneau, the odds of getting a covid test and being able to get our children back in school within seven days are slim. Testing slots are not always available and usually need to be scheduled days in advance -- not to mention they are not available on weekends or holidays. (Except tests with slower results provided by Skagway Traditional Council on Saturdays -- thank you STC). I could go on about the issues this causes, but ultimately, what the municipality allowed is a severe slap in the face to those of us living here that have to abide this ridiculous mandate. We have seen our children (and ourselves) suffer and be depressed, have dealt with tears and failing grades … meanwhile an entertainment crew can come and go with a simple exemption request. Ultimately, I have no problem with the film crew coming here and maintaining the state’s protocols. I do, however, think the additional protocols required by the municipality are incredibly onerous and ridiculous and need to be rescinded immediately. What the municipality allowed was not fair to those of us in the community and is a sincere slap in the face as we battle this pandemic. If the municipality does not rescind the travel mandate, I would formally like to request an exemption for anyone, especially every child attending Skagway School, for the remainder of the year to travel for any medical reason. Simply put, by denying this request, the municipality would be showing the hypocrisy of its mandate. The municipality should be ashamed of itself for treating the community this way. Furious mother and community member, Christy Murphy
Rev-flections of Glenn Reed
The first time I met the one and only Glenn Reed, was where else, but Skagway, Alaska. It was the summer of 1986 right on Broadway, in front of the Golden North Hotel. I’d been asking around town, making inquiries as to where I might find some musicians. A bass player would be a dream come true. Did I luck out or what? I was told to be on the lookout for a slightly aged, multicolored, mostly faded, funky red Ford Econoline van. Bullseye! Low and behold, I spotted his trusty steed. This had to be the fabled, sacred van. While I was standing there, transfixed and reveling in the pure rapture and joy of this synchronistic and exciting sighting, who comes sauntering across the street, but the mighty legend himself! I’m sure he was most assuredly wondering who the weirdo was that was so fascinated with his rig. Mister Reed was most definitely a reluctant hugger and that’s putting it rather mildly. It took a few minutes and some creative talking to pass the screening process. Our bottle to the bow, maiden voyage was sure enough a magical icebreaker. Yes, you guessed right -- it was a done deal and we were, after a lengthy ten- minute rehearsal, going to shake the dust off and tap our sonic sabers at Malcom Moe’s Frontier Bar, the CBGB of the north. This first gig was indeed a memorable event as we joined forces to provide some haphazard ambience for the great Albert Burnham’s birthday. That was just the beginning of what was to be a priceless, precious, treasured friendship. Countless jams and gigs at every fine establishment in town. The Eagles, the Elks, The Golden North Hotel, The Bonanza, The Red Onion Saloon, Seven Pastures and countless house parties. Would I do it again? Sign me up! It would certainly take more than a whole whack of campfires and time, maybe a beer or two as well, to even begin to reflect on all the thoroughly righteous fellowship and adventures that I now feel so privileged to have participated in. I shall miss and love you eternally, my Dear Comrade. Bidding you safe, happy travels. Perhaps Huck and Tom would understand? God Bless. Rev. Neil Down
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
February 26, 2021
By Melinda Munson Skagway Traditional Council (STC) has been a distributor of the USDA Farmers to Family Food Box Program since June 2020. The resource has received renewed attention since Skagway’s food bank announced it would revert to pre-COVID policies in order to conserve its dwindling funds. The USDA food boxes, containing fresh produce, meat and dairy, arrive once a week on Tuesdays, depending on the weather. Alaska Seaplanes delivers the 35 boxes to STC, which sends out a text message to alert residents. The free boxes are avail-
able on a first come, first served basis and no application is needed. STC volunteers its time to receive and distribute the boxes. “STC does not receive any funds as a distribution site and all boxes arrive free of charge to STC. We are happy to be able to offer this program to our community,” said Sara Kinjo-Hischer, tribal administrator for STC. Currently, the USDA contracts with Alaska Commercial Company. Southeast is serviced by AC Lakeside out of Sitka. Delivery to Skagway is sometimes challenging due to bad weather. Twice so far, the deliveries have been delayed. The shipment scheduled for Feb. 16
arrived six days later due to inclement weather. Another nutrition resource, The Skagway Food Bank, a program run by local churches, sets up credit at Skagway grocery stores for those in need. It has distributed $138,650 since Jan. 1. The board recently voted to curtail the more generous guidelines that were a response to high unemployment due to COVID-19. The food bank has now returned to its policy of $100 per individual, $200 per family, meant to last for two weeks. Upon second request, clients are asked to apply for Alaska’s food stamp or SNAP program. Food bank president Ryan
Mandeville estimated the organization currently gives out around $14,000 in assistance every two weeks. “If the world would have gone the way we were all hoping it would, we had a good shot of making it to May 1 (the start of cruise ship season) without changing our guidelines with the other donations coming in. But as you know, things have changed,” Mandeville said. According to Hischer, the USDA distributor would like to provide more boxes to Skagway, but could make no promises. “We hope that the boxes can help stretch the grocery bill for those who are in need as well as the food bank bud-
By Ceri Godinez Chilkat Valley News Although Shannon Stevens was prepared for the sting of cold when she bared her behind in a Chilkat Lake outhouse last weekend, she wasn’t expecting the sting of a bear tooth. “I just sat down and the thing bit me right away. I jumped up, screamed, screamed for my brother,” Stevens said. Her brother Erik Stevens, who was still inside the yurt at his Chilkat Lake property, said he heard his sister shout. “She screamed, ‘Something bit me.’ I’m thinking, ‘Oh, there’s probably a mink or some smaller animal in there. Then she screamed again, ‘I’m bleeding.’” He said he grabbed his headlamp and ran to the outhouse where his sister was bleeding from a single puncture wound on her butt. “She was still standing there with her pants down. I said, ‘What bit you? Where is it?’ And she said, ‘In the hole.’ I shined the headlamp and opened the lid, and right there at the level of the toilet seat was a cinnamon-colored bear face, big enough to fill the hole.” The siblings slammed the seat shut and ran from the outhouse.
The next morning, the outhouse visitor was gone. The pair investigated and found large animal tracks leading from the fire pit, where they’d cooked dinner, to the outhouse, which is built on top of a root wad, high enough above the ground for a wolverine or small bear to squeeze through. Erik Stevens said at first, they assumed it was a wolverine, but after they returned to town and had others look at pictures of the tracks, they were told the tracks looked like bear prints. “I believe it was a bear as do my colleagues,” Alaska Department of Fish and Game wildlife biologist Carl Koch said after looking at photos of the tracks and interviewing both Stevens siblings. He said he’s not sure at this point whether the wound resulted from a bite or a swat from the paw. At first, Koch had a hard time believing the story. He said he’s never heard of anything like this occurring. “I have heard stories of people having scares near outhouses in the spring and summer when bears are normally out, but never in winter and definitely not from underneath while sitting down,” Koch said. He said he’s not sure why the animal
was drawn to the outhouse. “I would think the odor is cut way down with everything being frozen,” he said, adding that he doesn’t think the animal was denning in there since Stevens and her companions had used the bathroom earlier in the day without suffering any nips to their rears. Koch said this is a reminder that running into bears is a year-round possibility in the Chilkat Valley. “This is the second confirmed bear I’ve heard of outside of a den during February in the Haines area with rumors of others,” Koch said. “Folks should be prepared that some bears are out and about even though the odds of encountering bears is certainly lower in winter than it is in the summer.” He said he was sent a photo of a black bear in the Chilkat Lake area two days after the outhouse incident occurred. Last weekend, Bart Pieciul was mauled by a bear after
he and two other backcountry skiers accidentally disturbed its den above the Glory Hole Road along Chilkoot Lake. Shannon Stevens said the experience hasn’t deterred her from using outhouses, but she does plan to practice a “look before you sit” policy on future visits. In an interview Tuesday, she said the wound wasn’t too bad, mostly just bruising at that point. She said she plans to make an appointment at the Haines Health Center to determine whether she needs shots including rabies and tetanus.
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STC offers USDA food boxes as food bank funds diminish
Woman gets surprise bite while using outhouse
get. Since June we have seen our notification list grow from 35 to 79 today. We plan to continue being a distribution site as long as there are people in need,” Hischer said. Skagway resident KayLynn Howard started receiving boxes in the fall. She splits the contents with her roommates “so nothing goes to waste.” “These boxes have made a positive impact … I see the big difference it has made in a variety of households,” Howard said. To sign up with STC to receive notification of available food boxes, text “USDA” to 833-758-0543. Donations to the food bank can be made through Skagway First Presbyterian Church at http:// www.fpcskagway.org/giving.html.
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Editors Column
By Melinda Munson It’s been a year. I mean this both figuratively and literally. Our family’s move to Skagway, one week before COVID-19 financially devastated the town, has been painful, chaotic and bewildering. With eight people packed into a 1,200 square-foot modular, which we were fortunate to procure in Skagway’s tight rental market, I’ve suddenly become claustrophobic. Every time the municipality announces a new shelterin-place order or Skagway School is cancelled because of covid cases, I shut myself in my tiny room stuffed with a king-sized mattress and try not to scream. There is
The mistakes I make no lock on the door, so I’m quickly joined by a child, usually with a request or inquiry. (My favorite thus far: “Mom, what do they sell at a bookstore?” This facilitated a roll of my eyes and an eventual field trip to Skaguay News Depot.) It’s also been a year since Gretchen and I were chosen out of hundreds of applicants worldwide to take over The Skagway News, becoming the first female owners. We hoped for a modest income and a chance to serve the community. So far, we’re definitely serving the community. When I relocated to Skagway, I expected cruise ships and slightly milder weather than Anchorage. Both factors elude me. We left our snowblower behind in Southcentral Alaska after a thorough debate on Skagway Bulletin Board. That was my first mistake. My second mistake was renting a unit in Whitehorse, Yukon to store a majority of our household goods until we moved into our year-long rental. “We’ll be in Canada every two weeks to pick up the pa-
per from the printer,” I said. “Does it really matter what country we keep our belongings?” Turns out, it does. During a pandemic, Canada doesn’t care if all your winter gear, all your hand-medowns or even your grandmother’s World War Two photo album is out of reach. They also don’t care if you normally print your paper at the Whitehorse Star. My third mistake was not comprehending how the meat department functions at Fairway Market. When I didn’t see a turkey in the aisles around Thanksgiving, I assumed the fowls missed the barge. It wasn’t until Denise at the bookstore mentioned weeks later she had procured a bird that I learned the secret. “You just have to ask,” she advised. “They keep them in the back.” My most embarrassing mistakes have been in the paper for the entire town to observe -- a missing apostrophe or a story that got cut off. Recently, I misunderstood Assemblymember Orion Hanson when he said he had two employees who couldn’t safely travel Dyea Road. Somehow, I heard “two sons.” With a few keyboard taps, I made Hanson into a parent with two new mouths to feed and college funds he’s been neglecting. Since then, I’ve noticed that when speaking at assembly meetings, Hanson removes his mask and enunciates into the microphone. He’s probably worried I’ll mishear and conjure up an ex-spouse who wants alimony. Throughout the upheaval and financial quagmire of this past year, I am certain of one thing. Moving to Skagway was not a mistake. This town fits me like a glove, a heavy duty, thewind-is-blowing-50-milesper-hour kind of glove. I love the sound of my heels thumping on the boardwalk. I like walking to nearly every destination. City Hall is beautiful and when I ask on Facebook at midnight for 9V batteries for a toddler’s thermometer, five people respond. Make no mistake about it, Skagway, I love you and you are my home.
February 26, 2021
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Photo by Melinda Munson
Teacher Mary Thole prepares a lesson as she waits to be released after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination in the Public Safety Building.
78% of Skagway expected to be vaccinated for COVID-19 by March
By Melinda Munson As of Feb.18, 840 single doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Skagway residents, according to Borough Manager Brad Ryan. Of the 840 doses, 277 were second doses. By March 5, an estimated 560 Skagwegians will be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The current population of Skagway is believed to be around 800, the number of residents who applied for CARES funding in December. “If you remove 80 kids from the population, you would have a vaccination rate of 78% of the adult population,” Ryan said. Most children do not qualify for vaccination. The Moderna vaccine is currently available for those 18 and over while The Pfizer vaccine is approved for ages 16 and up. Dahl Memorial Clinic started a waitlist for 16 and 17 year olds for the Pfizer vaccine, but has not yet scheduled appointments. Ryan estimates there are between 10-20 individuals in this age group.
According to NPR, 12.4% of U.S. residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and according to The New York Times, 18% of all Alaskans have received their first dose. This is surprising, given the size of Alaska and the remoteness of many communities. Snow machines, boats, seaplanes, ferries and sled dogs have all been employed to transport the vaccine to smaller communities. Alaska received a high number of doses from Indian Affairs which were distributed by tribal clinics. Even with Skagway’s high vaccination rate, mother and resident Raniyah Bakr is still concerned about the upcoming tourist season. “...a large portion of our population is being overlooked. I am referring to the kids of Skagway. We must admit that when it comes to kids and covid, there remains quite a bit of uncertainty...” Bakr said. She hopes the town will continue to mask and follow health protocols.
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
February 26, 2021
Obituaries
Glenn G Reed Feb. 20, 1956 - Dec. 8, 2020
Long time Skagway resident, Glenn G. Reed, passed away in Skagway on Dec. 8, 2020. Glenn was born in Juneau on Feb. 20, 1956. His parents were Morgan and Blodwen Reed of Skagway. His father represented Skagway in the Alaska State Legislature. Glenn attended the Skagway School up until his senior year, when he relocated briefly to Pasadena California to live with his older brother, Ken. Glenn graduated from Pasadena’s Blair High School in 1974. Another significant event happened there, when Glenn purchased his first electric guitar and amp. A life long love of rock music ensued. Glenn returned to Alaska and worked for two years on the North Slope of Alaska during the heyday of the Alaska pipeline project. When that project was completed, Glenn worked for White Pass Railroad and took on construction jobs in Skagway. He drove a truck hauling rip-rap that was used to create the site of the current Skagway Ferry Terminal. Eventually, he was employed at the Skagway Ore Terminal, which evolved into a job as a stevedore on the Skagway docks. This was his occupation until he
passed. Longtime friend and coworker, Wayne Ames, remembered a close call that occurred when Glenn was in the hold of a log ship being loaded in Skagway. The load shifted and the log Glenn was standing on suddenly sprung, and Glenn was set flying. Luckily, his injuries were fairly minor and Glenn eventually joked about it, but he never forgot that work on the docks had the potential to get dangerous. In the mid 1980s, Glenn also found time to get his private pilot’s license. His long-time friend Gary Hisman recalls, “Glenn and I flew my plane back from Mesa, Arizona to Skagway. We were in the clouds above Northern British Columbia, flying on instruments. When there was a break in the clouds, Glenn spotted trucks on the highway below. ‘Hey look at that!’ he exclaimed. But, when Gary took his eyes off the instruments to look, the plane made a few sudden movements. Startled, Glenn said, ‘Next time I say look at that don’t!’” Also in the 1980s, Glenn picked up the bass guitar and joined the local Skagway rock band, Fireplay. Besides being well known in Skagway and Haines, Fireplay performed all over the Yukon and Southeast Alaska before eventually relocating to Anchorage for a short while. After Fireplay, Glenn joined local Skagway band Ground Effect. Band member Mike Rostron rememebers his days playing in Ground Effect with Glenn. “Glenn was a very important figure in the history of live music in the upper Lynn Canal. I remember him telling
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the story of jamming with Tennessee Ernie Ford at the Eagles while he was still in his teens.” Glenn also lent his talents to another Skagway group, the Rev. Neil Down band. Rev. Down offers this memory of his first meeting Glenn. “The first time I met the one and only Glenn Reed, was the summer of 1986. I’d been asking around
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town, making inquiries as to who and where I might find some musicians. A bass player would be a dream come true. The first gig was indeed a memorable event as we joined forces to provide some haphazard ambience for the great Albert Burnham’s birthday. That was just the beginning of what was to be a priceless, precious treasured friendship.”
Wendall G. Cravey
Wendall Gaylon Cravey was born on Nov. 7, 1976 in Paris, Texas to Eugene and Peggy (Farmer) Cravey. Wendall was a graduate of Soper High School, Class of 1995. During his tenure at Soper High he was a member of FFA and a two-time state qualifier with the Soper track team. He was a member of the Soper Church of Christ. Wendall received his
Glenn loved playing cribbage and won trophies many times at the annual tournament held at the Skagway Elks. Glenn also liked to bowl at the Elks and he was the member of several teams over the years. He enjoyed golfing at Whitehorse during the summer and down in the Mesa Arizona area during the winter months.
Nov. 7, 1976 - Feb. 13, 2021
bachelor’s degree in business finance from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a degree in gemology from Paris Junior College, and was working on his pilot’s license. He had a thirst for learning and was always looking to challenge himself. Wendall loved to travel and during his short life he worked as a gemologist in Alaska and the Virgin Islands. He had also worked as an EMT and welder. In his most recent position as a certified pipeline welding inspector at Magnolia River, he received certifications as a cathodic protection tester (CP1), NACE level 1 and NACE level 2. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Wendall is survived by
his parents, brother, Wade Cravey and wife Kimberly of Farmersville, Texas; sister, Wendy Alderman and husband, Rob of Alexandria, Virginia; nieces, Alina Cravey and Lydia Cravey; uncles, Weldon Cravey of Hugo, Oklahoma, Royce Cravey of Antlers, Oklahoma, Mel Cravey of Rattan, Oklahoma and Jim Farmer of Socorro, New Mexico; aunt, Cheryl Mayhan of Tuttle, Oklahoma, along with a host of cousins, other family members, loved ones and friends in Alaska and the Virgin Islands. Stories and remembrances of Wendall may be posted online at:
https://www.legacy. com/obituaries/name/ wendall-cravey-obit-
Questions about COVID vaccines? Find answers to frequently asked questions and get the latest information at covidvax.alaska.gov
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February 26, 2021
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JOBS-OPPORTUNITIES Skagway Brewing/Healy Construction is now hiring for the following full-time positions, lasting approximately 6 months. Start dates are flexible, varying from immediately to early April. All positions have the potential to become full-time, year-round. Experience is a must. Benefits
HOUSING-PROPERTY FOR SALE: Duplex, three bedrooms and two baths on each side. Constructed 2019. Fridge, range, washer/dryer included, partially furnished. Call 907-7232931.6120197 YEAR ROUND APARTMENT FOR RENT. 1 bed/1bath, fully
furnished with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and a deck. $1,200 per month plus sales tax. Heating fuel is included in the monthly rent. Contact Debbie Knorr at 907-612-0197.
COMMERCIAL-PROPERTY BUSINESS FOR SALE: Gold Digger Mine and Dine For more information see https://www. skagway.forsale/ 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
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)
LEGAL ADS To inquire about legal ads, contact us at sales@skagwaynews.com
BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD Police & Fire Blotter Submitted by Skagway Police Department
Feb. 9 Fire personnel responded to a chimney fire on 11th Avenue. Fire personnel responded to a small brush fire near the Gold Rush Cemetery Access Road. Fire personnel responded to a fire alarm on Broadway Street. Feb. 14 Fire personnel responded to a fire alarm on 2nd Avenue. Febr. 16 EMS personnel responded to a medical emergency on State Street. Feb. 17 Fire personnel responded to a fire alarm on 3rd Avenue. Feb. 18 EMS personnel responded
to a medical emergency on State Street. EMS personnel responded to a medical emergency on Main Street. EMS personnel assisted the Coast Guard with a medevac from the clinic. Feb. 19 Fire personnel responded to a fire alarm on Spring Street. Feb. 21 Dispatch assisted the Alaska Department of Transportation with closing the Klondike Highway due to avalanche mitigation. Fire personnel responded to a fire alarm on Main Street. EMS personnel responded to a medical emergency on Dairy Drive.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Library Hours: W, Th, F 12 - 6 p.m. Sat. 1 - 5 p.m. 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 Closed for the season Border stations: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Call each station for specifics. Ferry Terminal Hours M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
See www.skagway.org for borough meeting updates. Email Updates & New Events:
editor@skagwaynews.com RECREATION CTR SCHED Skagway Recreation Center • OPEN regular hours 5:30am-NOON and 4pm -8pm Please sign up for classes, wt. room use and cardio floor use at https://signupschedule.com/src
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SKAGWAY WORSHIP DIRECTORY Please contact each worship location for their updated COVID-19 schedule Assembly of God Church
8th & State • 907-983-2350 Sun. Worship....................11 a.m. Wed. Bible Devotions &Prayer 7 p.m. Meeting on-line only during shelter-in-place order. Email skagwayag@outlook.com for the zoom link.
First Presbyterian Church 5th & Main • 983-2260 Sunday Worship 10 am Wed. Women’s Prayer 1:30 pm Thursday Bible Study 3:30 pm 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.
Weather Watch NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OBSERVATIONS FOR PREVIOUS 24-HOUR PERIOD BEFORE 7 A.M.
DATE MAX MIN PREC
Weather Watch 2/1 -2/19
2/1 19 15 2/2 18 10 2/3 11 6 .02 in 2/4 21 18 .01 in 2/5 22 15 2/6 missing 5 2/7 23 9 2/8 missing 5 2/9 13 -5 2/10 3 -4 2/11 missing -4 2/12 15 6 2/13 22 14 2/14 26 14 2/15 20 12 2/16 19 4 2/17 33 5 .08 in 2/18 36 26 .01 in 2/19 39 31 .51 in
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)
Phone:907-983-2259
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February 26, 2021
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
rectly to landlords, property managers and utilities. Payment of arrears “that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized,” under the federal rules. Assistance funds can go toward past-due rent and utilities bills as far back as March 2020. Last summer, AHFC operat-
ed a program with $10 million in federal CARES Act funds, providing up to $1,200 in one-time payments to assist Alaskans with their rent or mortgage payments. More than 8,000 households applied for the aid. Applicants to last summer’s program will need to apply again for this winter’s assistance.
from FRONT page
“There are pending items that may affect the outcome for these individuals,” said Rose. The SN is following this story. If anyone has information or a story to share on this topic, please contact the reporter at gretchen@skagwaynews.com.
Statewide rental assistance program opens this week
By Larry Persily Wrangell Sentinel Up to $200 million in federal funding is available to help Alaskans who are having trouble paying their rent due to a loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alaska Housing Finance Corp., a state agency, is running the assistance program. The corporation is using Alaska’s share of federal aid for renters, as allocated under December’s congressional pandemic relief legislation. The application period opened Tuesday and will close at 11:59 p.m. March 5. More than 15,000 Alaskans had pre-registered for the program as of Monday morning, the housing agency reported. Applications can be filed online at AlaskaHousingRelief.org, or call toll-free for more information at 833440-0420.
The online process asks questions to help applicants determine if they qualify. A case worker will later contact applicants to request proof of financial hardship due to the pandemic, a copy of their lease and a copy of their driver’s license or other photo ID. In Skagway, the program is open to households with less than $66,880 in income last year — or, if due to the economic hit from the pandemic, their household income will fall below that line this year. Total income includes all wages, tips and other income by all members of the household, according to the rules posted on the AHFC website. Unlike last year’s similar housing assistance program operated by the state corporation, this year’s program does not cover homeowners. The federal rules limit the funding to renters only. The municipality of An-
chorage received almost $36 million out of Alaska’s $200 million allocation. The municipality is working with AHFC so that there is one, coordinated program for renters statewide. Alaska’s share came from $25 billion appropriated by Congress for rental assistance nationwide. To qualify, applicants must show they suffered economic loss — such as a layoff, hours or contract work cut — “due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak,” the AHFC website explains. The assistance can help with back rent and/or future rent, up to 12 months in total, and unpaid utility bills. The funds will be paid di-
Railroad layoffs hit Skagway
Teamsters representative Joe Rintala told KHNS that union employees lost their seniority and benefits in the layoffs. Rintala acknowledged the company is having a tough time, but said union contractual issues are in question.
Need help heating your home and keeping the lights on? We may be able to pay up to 12 months. You may qualify for Alaska Housing Rent Relief if you rent your home and meet certain income criteria, live in an overcrowded or unsafe rental household – such as risk of domestic violence – or COVID has reduced your income. The application process is easy, safe and confidential. To find out if you are eligible and apply, go to:
AlaskaHousingRelief.org Call or text “relief” to 1-833-440-0420 toll-free
Apply by 11:59 p.m. March 5