The Skagway News - June 19, 2020

THE SKAGWAY NEWS.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

June 19, 2020

Page 1

June19, 2020

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

Meet Emily Deach

Borough clerk serves more than the Assembly PAGE 5

For the Halibut

Residents line up for fresh fish PAGE 7

$1.50

Independence Day

July 4th with fewer people PAGE 6

Stained glass mystery leads to Skagway

By Melinda Munson A 10-year treasure hunt might end in a women’s restroom in Skagway.

Jack Suess and Nicholas Smith, both immigrants from Germany, tried to make their fortune in the Klondike Gold Rush during the 1980s. Originally based in Chicago, the two friends settled in Seattle after their mining aspirations fizzled. Instead of gold, they turned to glass. Suess & Smith Co. opened in 1901.

Their stained glass creations graced the city, ranging from a representation of recently killed President William Mckinley to the intricate cupola for the Coliseum theater.

Smith and Suess closed their business around 1951.

In 2010, the families realized one of their ancestors’ art works was missing. The window, a gold toned, threepiece panel, measuring seven by 10 feet, features a Bavarian couple. Once located in Seattle’s Frye Hotel, the work hadn’t been seen by the families since Curt Green, great grandson of Nicholas Smith, had a photographer friend, Bart Atteberry, photograph the panels at the Frye hotel in the 1980s.

Seattle writer Clay Eals published an article in the May 7 edition of The Seattle Times asking readers for clues regarding the whereabouts of the window. Eal’s article suggested that the

see BACK page

“The Dream Chaser - Klondike Gold Rush” adorns the grounds in the Skagway Sculpture and Flower Garden.

Photo by Melinda Munson

Applications for $1,000 CARES Act funds due monthly

By Melinda Munson June 19 was an important date for Skagwegians. It was the last day residents could apply for the Emergency Assistance and Economic Stimulus Program June payment.

Skagway will receive a total of $7.4 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to help offset the loss of the 2020 cruise season which will leave most Skagwegians without employment until at least the 2021 tourist season.

Resolution 20-22R, passed by the Assembly on June 4, gives the Municipality authority to distribute $1,000 each month (through December) to each Skagway resident, regardless of age, who

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can prove they were permanent residents on or before June 4.

“The purpose of the program is to assist residents with the means to meet financial obligations and remain in Skagway through the upcoming winter,” the application states.

The application, which can be found at www.skagway.org under the government/forms tab, is two pages long and must be submitted monthly. The first batch of checks will be issued on June 26. Applications for all subsequent months will be due on the 10th with payments starting on the 15th.

Residents have to document how the CARES money has been spent with receipts

BLOTTER PAGE 8 CLASSIFIED PAGE 11

and invoices or bills showing a current amount due.

Qualified expenses include housing, utilities, groceries, miscellaneous household needs and insurance, as well as spending that stimulates the local economy -- such as eating out.

Property taxes, Municipal utilities and marijuana products (illegal under federal law) do not qualify for reimbursement.

Debt repayments such as car loans and credit card payments will be approved on a case-by-case basis by the new program administrator, Raniyah Bakr (cares@skagway. org).

“We’re coming from a place of yes,” said Borough Treasurer Heather Rodig, adding

that the Municipality’s goal is to help each household qualify for the maximum amount allowed.

However, the Municipality must be careful that payments are used appropriately with sufficient documentation so they don’t have to pay any of the CARES money back to the federal government.

Rodig encourages residents to contact Bakr if they need assistance or have questions specific to their situation.

“Any question is a good question,” Rodig stressed.

Appeals will be handled

by Borough Manager Brad Ryan, who will respond within five days.

Those hoping to use their CARES money to bolster their business should be causee page THREE

FREE personal classifieds up to 25 words.

CALL (907)983-2354 for more information.

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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.

June 19, 2020

Opinion Fair Share Act (Ballot Measure 1) increases Alaskans’ share

ADVERTISING & NEWS COPY DEADLINES Next issue will be published

JULY 3, 2020

AD DEADLINE: Sun. June 28 Please email sales@skagwaynews.com All ads and classifieds

by Sun. June 28, 2020 COPY, LETTERS, CALENDAR DEADLINE: Mon. June 29 Please email editor@skagwaynews.com All news copy, letters and calendar events

By Mon. June 29 2020 Vol. XLIII, No. 9 (881) June 19, 2020 Published biweekly Phone: (907) 983-2354 www.skagwaynews.com editor@skagwaynews.com sales@skagwaynews.com Publishers Melinda Munson Gretchen Wehmhoff Managing Editor Melinda Munson Production Editor/Sales Gretchen Wehmhoff Summer Intern Krizelle Solidum

By Robin Brena The Fair Share Act will be Ballot Measure No. 1 this November. It will (1) only apply to our three largest and most profitable oil fields, (2) increase Alaskans’ share of revenues from our three major fields, (3) limit cost deductions from our share of our three major fields to the costs of producing oil from them and (4) require production tax filings for our three major fields to be public. This article details these provisions and explains why they are important for Alaska’s future.

Applicability. The Fair Share Act will only apply to the Prudhoe Bay Unit (Prudhoe Bay), the Kuparuk River Unit (Kuparuk) and the Colville River Unit (Alpine).

These three major fields are low-cost, high-profit fields

Contributers

that should be paying Alaskans a fair share. In 2018, for example, when oil was $63.61 per barrel, Prudhoe Bay produced oil for $13 per barrel in operating costs, $2 per barrel in capital costs, and $8 per barrel in transportation costs or about $23 per barrel in total. The resulting $40.61 per barrel, pretax profit is more than the major producers made anywhere else in the world with major reserves.

Importantly, the Fair Share Act will not apply to other fields until they produce 40 thousand barrels per day and 400 million barrels in cumulative total. As a result, it will not impact the development of new fields in Alaska.

Increases Alaskans’ Share.

The Fair Share Act increases Alaskans’ share of production revenues from our three major fields by about $1 billion per year when oil prices are normalized in the $55-$65 per barrel range.

Under the current law, Senate Bill 21 (SB21), Alaska is getting a smaller share of production revenues than ever in our history and a smaller share than any other major resource owner in the world.

Alaskans’ share of production revenues after credits

A note to our subscribers

Circulation Assistants

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

Due to the U.S. - Canada border closures we are unable to provide a print copy of the paper.

We are providing PDF versions of our paper to the community via our website. The issue will include everything you would normally find in the SN including ads from our supportive advertisers, photos, updates and the beloved Fire & Police Blotter.

Please send us your email address and name to sales@skagwaynews.com to receive notice when the SN is posted or to receive a PDF version via email through June.

Chris Kuhn, Danielle Authier

Editor Emeritus

William J. “Jeff” Brady

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THE SKAGWAY NEWS

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If you know of a reader who does not have access to the digital version, let us know by calling 907-983-2354. We will print a large copy on our office printer and deliver it to their door.

During the months of March through June we will be providing our online edition (the PDF) and website browsing free of charge. All print subscriptions include digital access.

Find the PDF at www.skagwaynews.com. Continue to check our website and Facebook page for daily updates and new stories.

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

Hang in there Skagway.

-Gretchen and Melinda

collapsed from $19 billion (2009-2013) before SB21 to less than $0 (2015-2019) after SB21. Since SB21, Alaskans have paid the producers more in cashable credits than we have received in production revenues. A $1 billion per year increase is more than fair to the major producers.

With this increase, the major producers will actually be paying less on average than they have paid for the past three decades before SB21.

Production revenues are the greater of a gross or a net calculation. The gross calculation is based on a percentage of the gross value at the point of production after subtracting transportation costs and profits to the West Coast. The Fair Share Act makes two changes to the SB21 gross calculation for our three major fields. First, it increases Alaskans’ minimum share from 04% to 10%. Second, it makes the new 10% rate progressive by adding an additional 1% for each $5 increase in the price of oil beginning at $50 per barrel, up to a maximum of 15% when the price of oil reaches $70 per barrel or more.

The net calculation is based on a percentage of the production tax value (gross revenues less allowed costs and credits) realized at the point of production, less transportation costs and profits to the West Coast. The Fair Share Act makes two changes to the SB21 net calculation for our three major fields. First, it increases Alaskans’ share by eliminating the $8 per barrel credit. Second, it makes the current 35% rate progressive by adding an additional 15% when producers’ profits reach $50 per barrel or more.

Limits Deductions. The Fair Share Act requires that the costs deducted from the revenues of our three major fields be related to producing oil from them. Under SB21, the major producers

are deducting unrelated costs for developing future prospects on federal lands from our share of our three major fields. As a result, our share will decline and the state deficit will increase by $300 million per year for most of the next decade. The Fair Share Act will put legacy producers in the same competitive position as new producers and require the costs of the new fields to be deducted from the revenues of new fields.

Transparency. The Fair Share Act requires production tax filings for our three major fields to be public and transparent. Under SB21, Alaskans are kept in the dark while the wealth from our three major fields is being taken from Alaska. As owners, Alaskans are the stewards of hundreds of billions of dollars of oil resources, and we have the right to know the revenues, costs and profits from our three major fields.

A Necessary Part of Any Deficit Solution. To more fully fund PFDs, jobs, education, universities, ferry service, police and fire and essential services, Alaska needs additional revenues. Recovering a fair share from our oil is the first place Alaskans should look to provide those revenues. It makes no sense whatsoever to continue to give away our oil to major international oil companies and then tax ourselves to get back the revenues we just gave away. The Fair Share Act is a fair and necessary part of any long-term solution to the state deficit. Vote “Yes” on Ballot Measure No. 1—the Fair Share Act. Robin Brena, an oil and gas attorney, is a life-long Alaskan who grew up in Skagway and owns the Pack Train Inn. He is Chair of Vote Yes for Alaska’s Fair Share.

Send us your name and email to receive a PDF version. (sales@skagwaynews.com)

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 3

June19, 2020

Applications, instructions for CARES Act available at City Hall from FRONT page

tious. The Municipality is planning financial help for local businesses. Residents who use the household payments for business expenses won’t be able to later claim those business expenses, explained Rodig, as there is no

“double dipping.”

City Hall is not offering advice for how CARES funds will affect taxable income. The application states, “While many sources seem to indicate that qualified disaster relief payments are not taxable income, it is rec-

Letters

Local hero pulls child from water

ommended that you are certain this is the case for your individual situation…” More information can be found in IRS Publication 525, page 28.

Rodig reminded residents that City Hall is open by appointment only. Printed applications are posted on the

Jennifer Ozuzun addresses a gathering of Black Lives Matter sign makers on June 11 at Seven Pastures in Skagway.

Ozuzun’s family participated in the march across the bridge in Selma, Alabama, known as Bloody Sunday. Cameron Brockett holds the mic.

Ozuzun emphasized unity and community caring.

Sincerely, Tom Hall, Luke’s grandpa

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to suspend his tour company for the season. She was relieved when the Assembly passed Resolution 20-22R. “This is how we will afford to stay in our beautiful town,” Jennings said. “I am beyond grateful.”

Black Lives Matter supporters stay active in Skagway

On Saturday, June 6th, Luke Ward, age 4, was playing in the water at Pullen Pond with friends, while his parents and other adults watched, when he slipped under the water and into a deeper part of the pond.

Luke told me later that he bobbed up twice for air, then began to sink, while watching bubbles rise up to the surface.

Shane Rupprecht, a family friend and previous lifeguard, jumped straight into the water fully clothed and pulled Luke to safety. In my mind, Shane’s immediate actions resulted in saving Luke’s life.

He is a hero in my book. I want the community to know about it.

The Skagway News welcomes opinions pieces and letters to the editor. Opinion pieces should be no longer than 600 words and will be published based on availability and relevance to current and local events. Letters to the editor should not exceed 250 words.

Submit letters and opinions to editor@skagwaynews. com.

Letters may be edited for grammar and length.

downstairs bulletin board. All completed paperwork can be placed in the dropbox outside the entrance to City Hall.

Kelly Jennings, who works at the hardware store and has two children, lost a large portion of her family’s yearly income when her husband had

Stay vigilant.

Wash your hands.

Wear a mask.

Keep six feet apart.

Page 4

Editors’ Column

By Gretchen Wehmhoff Raise your hand if you’ve ever brought a pet into your home based on the desires of your child. Keep your hand up if you hesitated because you knew who would really take care of that pet after the novelty wore off.

Example four (we are slow learners): Sammy the Hamster.

Examples one through three can be found in an earlier piece, “Diva Destructo the Cannonball Dog.” I haven’t yet written about example five, but I’ll get to it.

Our ten-year-old daughter (D) wanted a hamster. Her friend had one. It was cute.

The friend offered her a hamster cage with a wheel. It was in our driveway.

“Please. He could stay in my room,” D pleaded.

June 19, 2020

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Sammy the hamster joins the family in a weak moment

“What about when you go to your mom’s on weekends?” I countered.

“I can clean the cage before I go and make sure it has water and food,” she promised.

Yes, you see it coming.

D and I visited the pet store.

I never had small furry pets in my childhood and Joe, my husband, referred to them as rodents. This was a gamble.

At first look, they are adorable. Without the long tail, they almost looked like miniature guinea pigs. She chose a reddish blonde cutie with a nose in constant motion.

The clerk removed the hamster from the cage and placed it in an colorful cardboard box, similar to a Happy Meal ® box. It was designed as a small house with the handles at the top, folded together. He placed the box in a bag. I started to say, “We didn’t need the bag if we had the box.”

“Yes, you need this,” he said, adding a ‘trust me’ nod.

“What will you name it?” I asked D. “I think I’ll name it Sammy.”

D was so pleased and grateful. She searched for a way to

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do something for me.

“Would you like to go to dinner at a Mexican restaurant?”

She had tired of me taking her to Mexican restaurants, and even though I would buy, she knew I would enjoy it.

“Sure.”

We arrived at a local favorite. As I pulled up, I realized the winter temperature would be a challenge.

“We can’t leave it in the car.

Maybe another time.”

“We can take him in. I’ll hold on to the bag.”

Just call me sucker.

We were seated in a booth near the back of the restaurant, the brown bag by her side.

Halfway through the meal, I asked how Sammy was doing.

She slowly opened the bag, just enough to peek, then squished it shut.

“He’s chewing through the box!”

I nearly tackled the food server with my voice.

“Excuse me. Could we please have a couple of boxes and the check. It’s kind of urgent.”

Fears of the rodent being released into a local eatery had me in major situational awareness. What would happen if the hamster broke through the bag? How would we contain it? We couldn’t.

What would we do? Scenarios streamed through my brain.

“Excuse me, our hamster is under your feet, do you mind?”

Headlines the next day might read: Local restaurant closed due to rodent sighting.

“Start shaking the bag. Don’t let it chew more,” I commanded.

The box was cardboard, the bag was a thin wall of paper.

She started furiously shaking the bag. I told her a little gentler, please.

The wait staff brought the boxes and the checks. He asked what was in the bag.

“A hamster,” D said.

The server immediately started helping fill the containers. I paid in cash.

“Keep the change and thank you,” We made it safely back to the car. D checked on the hamster.

“He’s out of the box.”

“Keep shaking the bag!”

I called Joe. “Honey, we need the hamster cage ready as soon as we enter the driveway.”

“I’m still cleaning it,” he said, “Please, it’s okay if it’s not dry. We’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

As I left the parking lot, I heard a tear.

“He’s chewing through the paper!” said D. I glanced while shifting into third. A tiny head with a wiggly nose poked out of the bag.

“You may have to hold him, D,” I warned. “If he gets out, just cup him in your hands.

We were on the highway, cautiously over the speed limit. Just three miles from home Sammy broke free and D caught him like a bumble bee.

“I got him!”

She let out a scream. He had bitten her between her thumb and forefinger, escaping her grip. He was loose.

“Honey, you have to try to catch him in the bag.”

The hamster started crawling around her seat, dropped to the floorboards and nearly crossed over into my side.

Thank goodness for the stick shift. I wasn’t sure how I could drive and use the clutch with a small animal running at my feet.

D captured the pet, still nursing her bite.

We pulled into the driveway. Joe was waiting with an innocent smile.

“Hi. Let me see him.”

“Later. Open the cage!”

I grabbed the bag with two hands and stuffed it into the cage. Both D and I finally let our breath out. We had a new pet, and it would stay in the cage.

(Ha, I know you know that was a wishful thought).

We placed Sammy’s cage on D’s dresser.

The next day we hunted for him.

Evidently there is an art to securing a hamster lock. We also learned that hamsters can reach through the bars. The bottom of D’s curtains were shredded and now a part of Sammy’s new nest.

She was surprised to find

hamsters are nocturnal.

“He’s keeping me awake.

His wheel squeaks. I can’t sleep,” D complained.

Her room was the only place to house the cage. We had a large German Shepherd and, no, the hamster wasn’t going to stink up my office.

I tried cooking spray to fix the noisy wheel. It worked, but we needed to get Sammy tired during the day. I picked up a cool plastic hamster ball at the store.

This is where I learned that both my husband and D were not fond of picking up the “rodent.”

I let Sammy walk around on my arms.

“Look. He’s fine. He was just scared when he bit you.”

D wasn’t convinced and Joe wasn’t touching him.

We opened the ball and dropped him in. We probably should have figured out how to close the ball before inserting the hamster.

I caught him and we tried again.

The ball was fun. It seemed like a good exercise toy for the hamster … and the German Shepherd. New rule: dog goes outside when the hamster plays in the ball.

The ball lasted two weeks until the day no one was watching as the ball rolled down the stairs. It even bounced. The ball lay cracked and Sammy was making his move.

Back to the cage.

We had some arguments about cleaning the cage. It was a chore that did not happen before she left for the weekend.

“My mom’s waiting. I don’t have time!”

Joe and I tired of taking care of the rodent. I even let out a scream as I got out of the shower and met Sammy in the upstairs bathroom.

Our first attempt at a child’s pet was educational. But like many, these parents didn’t really learn. There would be more.

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

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June19, 2020

Borough clerk does more than keep Assembly meetings on track

Photo by Melinda Munson

Emily Deach demonstrates the use of the official municipal seal.

By Melinda Munson Those who have seen Emily Deach in her role as borough clerk, helping guide the Assembly through procedural issues, might be surprised to know she was the Municipality’s second choice.

“I was not the first pick … they took a chance on me which was very kind,” Deach said.

The Municipality originally hired Deach as an accounts

payable/accounts receivable clerk in 2007.

“There was a lot of down time,” Deach said. When there was no urgent business, Deach asked Borough Clerk Marj Harris for extra work.

In 2010, Harris retired and Deach applied for the position.

“I felt like it was a long shot,” Deach said. When the Borough’s first pick declined, Deach was appointed.

The job of a borough clerk is mulit-faceted. In 1934, political scientist Professor William Bennett Munro wrote the following about the duties of a clerk.

“No other office in municipal service has so many contacts. It serves the mayor, the council, the manager … and all administrative departments without exception. All of them call upon it, almost daily, for some service or information. Its work is not spectacular, but it demands versatility, alertness, accuracy and no end of patience.

The public does not realize how many loose ends of city administration this office pulls together.”

Among other responsibilities, Deach attends meetings for recording purposes, ensures that meetings meet legal requirements for open access, oversees municipal elections, researches relevant issues, helps draft legislation and is the official keeper of the municipal seal. The seal, a large metal embosser, is used

on various documents from certificates of achievement to municipal resolutions.

Deach describes her job as being a facilitator. She assists the mayor, the Assembly and the public.

“If I don’t know something, I can get you a document or get you to the right person,” Deach said.

Deach keeps herself out of politics and stays politically neutral.

“I rely on the facts and the data. They’re not getting my personal opinion,” Deach said.

Every so often, there are memes across Skagway Facebook pages calling for an official Emily Deach Day. “If there’s an Emily Deach Day, I want to sign up for that. I’ll bring burgers and hotdogs,” said Mayor Andrew Cremata. “She makes this community look exceptional.” He described her as the “epitome of professionalism,” adding, “and she’s nice on top of it.”

Deach is a certified munic-

ipal clerk, which requires an annual week-long intensive training, over a period of three years. Called Institute, clerks from the west coast gather at the University of Puget Sound for the sessions.

They stay in dorms and are excited to see each other year after year.

“They can get sort of wild and crazy,” Deach said.

“What happens at Institute stays at Institute.”

When Deach isn’t clerking, she spends time with her husband and two children.

She plays the piano, draws, paints and has a goal to read 45 books this year.

Deach said sometimes her job can be physically and emotionally taxing. At some points when the Municipality was experiencing high turnover, she filled in for the borough manager.

For the most part, Deach enjoys the challenges of her career.

“I’m serving the community.

I’m useful to the community. It makes me feel good.”

Having trouble paying your rent or mortgage due to COVID-19?

You may be eligible for up to $1,200 in financial assistance.

Financial assistance from the CARES Act is available to help pay your rent or mor tgage.

Application deadline is June 26, 2020.

Visit www.AlaskaHousingRelief.org or call or text “RELIEF” to (833) 440-0420 to learn more and see if you are eligible.

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Page 6

June 19, 2020

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

A special Independence Day without the regular neighbors and guests

Photo by Reba Hylton

Crowds gather for the annual Fourth of July Parade on Broadway.

The festivities kick off on OM.” Children are encouraged to dress up as literary June 29 with a red, white and characters. Julene Brown, blue decorating contest.

“The Fourth of July is Skagway’s recently retired head librarian with over 25 a huge celebration here,” years of service, will grand Hylton said. “I’d say it’s the best place in the country to marshall the parade.

Photo by Reba Hylton Skagway Brew Co. and The celebrate.”

Kids prepare to pull in the tug-of-war during a previous Fourth of July festival in downtown Skagway.

She sees this summer, Station will provide outdoor high-risk residents who want bring their own chairs as seat- seating with live music and a where Skagway is empty of

By Melinda Munson special menu. A schedule and tourists, as a special opportuNormally on the Fourth of to stay in their vehicles. The ing will not be provided.

The theme for the general full list of participating busi- nity, despite the financial and July, cruise ship passengers kids’ carnival, hosted by Karpour into Skagway. Canadian la and Duff Ray, will limit the parade is “Small town cel- nesses is located on the back social challenges.

“This is our year to celeneighbors make the trek south number of participants at one ebration: Supporting locals page of this issue. Information can also be found on the brate,” Hylton said. one business at a time.” and the egg toss line stretches time.

Hylton said they’re “still The kids’ parade honors the Facebook Event: Small town down Broadway Street.

This year will be different. working out the details” for library’s 100th anniversary celebration: Supporting loWith cruises cancelled, the the ducky derby and White with the slogan “F-READ- cals one business at a time.”

Canadian border closed and Pass’ spike driving event. The COVID-19 social distanc- parade committee presented ing procedures in effect, the their mitigation plans to the Chamber of Commerce had borough manager, chief of police and fire chief. Hylton to adapt.

This recipe comes from Taste of Home. It’s a quick and delicious way to use up “Life has to continue,” said said so far, her committee has Skagway’s bounty of rhubarb.

Rebecca (Reba) Hylton, a the Municipality’s blessing.

“We’re suggesting everymember of the Chamber’s Ingredients: board of directors. “How do one wear a mask,” Hylton 3 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb said. Six-foot social distancwe adapt to this lifestyle?”

1 cup sugar While stressing safety, ing should also be practiced.

2 tablespoons all-purpose four This year, parents are beHylton and her crew of vol¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg unteers are making alterations ing asked to chaperone their ¼ cup butter, melted to Skagway’s staple celebra- children marching in the pation. The parade will cover rade. Candy may be thrown Batter: more distance so observers by those walking in the pro¼ cup better, melted can spread out, with a special cession, but not from vehicles ¾ cup sugar viewing section for older and or floats. Observers should 1 large egg, room temperature 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt ⅔ cup whole milk Photo by Paul Munson Sweetened whipped cream, optional

Rhubarb upside down cake

Directions: 1. Place rhubarb in a greased 10-inch heavy, ovenproof skillet. Combine sugar, flour and nutmeg; sprinkle over rhubarb. Drizzle with butter; set aside. For batter, in a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until blended. Beat in the egg. Combine the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Gradually add to egg mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

2. Spread batter over rhubarb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Photo

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 7

June19, 2020

The Halibut are HERE

Photo by Melinda Munson

Photo by Reba Hylton

Photo by Reba Hylton

Photo by Melinda Munson

Photo by Melinda Munson

Nan Saldi and crew sell whole halibut to eager buyers from the decks of the Kaemik at Skagway’s small boar harbor. Residents lined up down the dock, some wating for over an hour, to get the fresh fish.

Photo by Melinda Munson

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

June 19, 2020

Page 8

Add COVID-19 safety tips to your itinerary traveling to Alaska

By Krizelle Solidum As of early June, Alaska officials updated travel mandates for anyone entering the state.

The restriction of non-essential travel across the United States and Canada land border will continue until at least July 21.

Those who travel through the U.S.-Canada border must prove their crossing is essential by presenting documentation, reason for travel and length of stay.

Since the establishment of the travel mandates, over 2,000 people have flown into the state.

With state mandates in place, travelers entering Alaska have a choice of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test (taken 72 hours to five days) before departure. They must test again within seven to 14 days. If the second test is negative, there are no further restrictions. The other option is a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. No tests are necessary for those who quarantine.

Those who do not have access to testing before departure, or may not get their results in time before traveling to Alaska, can get their first COVID-19 test at the airport free of charge. All non-quarantining travellers should minimize interactions until a second test shows negative results.

Testing is available by appointment locally at the Dahl Memorial Clinic. Anyone wanting to get tested is ad-

vised to call in advance, to help protect staff and patients.

If previously tested positive for COVID-19, all the same requirements stand, along with a recovery note issued by a doctor.

“Practice good hygiene, social distancing, wear a mask and get tested if you are sick,” said Cody Jennings, director of the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau.

If passing through Canada, a set of health questions will be asked. Individuals have 24 hours to get through the Yukon territory with limited stops for essential reasons only. The final decision for approval of entry into Canada is up to the Canada Border Services Agency, determined on a case by case basis.

George D’Amico, a local Skagwegian, experienced firsthand what it was like for a U.S. citizen to travel through Canada. D’Amico was returning to Skagway from the Matsu area because he runs a local automotive repair shop.

While crossing through the border, D’Amico was asked to provide a copy of his lease agreement, business license and proof of his employment.

Once D’Amico’s passage was approved, he was briefed that only one family per rest area was allowed.

When traveling out-of-state for five days or less, a test is not required but it is highly recommended that residents self-quarantine upon return for the allotted 14 days.

Any individual that yields a

positive result for COVID-19 must quarantine until a negative result is obtained. It is the responsibility of the traveler to find appropriate housing.

Rob May, a local Skagwegian, returned from a trip to Spain where he was touring the Camino de Santiago in early June.

When the coronavirus peaked in Spain, May, along with others in his tour group, was asked to return to the U.S. Everyone had to rebook flights because the country only allowed flights out of Spain, to the United Kingdom.

“There were barely any passengers on the flight and you had to sit in your assigned seat. The aircraft only had two rows with two seats

on each side,” said May. What May noticed was how different the culture was in Fresno, in which wearing a mask was mandatory compared to the Juneau airport, where he noticed he and the pilot were the only ones wearing face coverings.

May chose to quarantine himself at his brother’s Fresno, California home until he could get a flight back to Alaska. Upon his return, May’s priority was to get tested for COVID-19. He received his results in about 30 minutes.

May said is trying his best to do what the state has asked of every traveler.

Traveling into Alaska? Follow these steps. Quarantine for 14 days, or:

1.

Take test within 72 hours of departure

NEG

2.

Take test within 72 hours of departure

Results still pending

3.

Take test within 5 days of departure

NEG

4.

No test before travel

Travel

5.

6.

No test

Travel

Previously positive but recovered (at least 3 weeks prior)

Positive at any time

Travel

STOP

Travel

Travel

Travel

Declaration form

Quarantine until results are back (and send in)

Declaration form

Declaration form

Minimize interactions / monitor

Quarantine until results are back (and send in)

Go directly to quarantine location for 14 days. May only leave for medical emergencies

No state restrictions

Second negative test (7-14 days)

Minimize interactions / monitor

NEG

Test at the airport

Test at the airport

Declaration form/test results/recovery note

Second negative test (7-14 days)

Minimize interactions / monitor

Declaration form

Minimize interactions / monitor

Second negative test (7-14 days)

Second negative test (7-14 days)

No state restrictions

No state restrictions

No state restrictions

No state restrictions

No state restrictions

Isolate / public health

Symptoms at any time

STOP

Get tested.

Graphic obtained from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website.

Police & Fire Blotter Submitted by Skagway Police Department

June 3

June 10

Police responded to a report of suspicious activity at the small boat harbor.

Police responded to a report of suspicious activity in the railroad cars behind City Hall.

June 4

Fire Department responded to several false alarms triggered by a power outage.

Police assisted a motorist stuck in a ditch.

June 8 Police helped a resident unlock their vehicle.

June 9 Police helped a resident unlock their vehicle.

June 11 EMS responded to a medical emergency on Main Street.

June 14 Police responded to a report of graffiti at the skatepark.

Assembly and mayor contact info: Mayor Andrew Cremata mayor@skagway.org Steve Burnham Jr. (Vice Mayor) s.burnham@skagway.org David Brena d.brena@skagway.org Jay Burnham j.burnham@skagway.org Orion Hanson o.hanson@skagway.org Dan Henry d.henry@skagway.org Dustin Stone d.stone@skagway.org The next Assembly meeting is July 2 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Public correspondence is due July 2 by 4 p.m.

Email to e.deach@skagway.org

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Page 9

June19, 2020

Locally sourced fruits and veggies for the community Skagway garden group partners with Municipality for better food security

By Krizelle Solidum Higher Ground, The Skagway Organic Gardening Society and the Fruit & Nut Tree Planting Initiative are providing Skagway with access to fresh, local produce. These three programs also give the community opportunities to grow fruits and vegetables at a low cost.

The Higher Ground project was founded in 2017 by Kim Burnham. Burnham also heads the organic gardening society and the fruit tree reimbursement, which is issued by the Municipality.

The municipal budget provides up to $1,500 per budget cycle for the Higher Ground program and $1,000 for The Fruit & Nut Tree Planting Initiative.

Higher Ground has brought senior citizens and the special-needs community a chance to grow their produce at a minimal cost. The Municipality provides a garden bed, with soil, that meets Americans with Disability Act guidelines for accessibility.

One of the main reasons for Higher Ground is, “to reach an underserved population (seniors or permanently or temporarily disabled) in the area of gardening, to expand interest in gardening and growing food locally,” said Burnham.

Applicants must be over the age of 55. If a participant is younger, a medical statement is needed from their provider.

There are two height designs available to accommodate gardeners either sitting or standing. Greg Kollasch, who is the lead groundskeeper for Public Works, is the current builder of the beds.

The first three beds were built

by Howard Smith, who volunteered his time.

Aside from providing produce, the Municipality wanted to “raise public awareness of therapeutic and nutritional benefits of gardening and growing food locally,” according to the application on the municipal website www. skagway.com, under the

forms section.

“It’s helped the community strive for self-sufficiency, especially fresh produce,” said Virginia Long, a participant since 2017 who lives four miles out of town. She said participating in the program has helped her feel tied to the community by sharing plants, stories, successes and failures.

The Skagway Organic Gardening Society provides help with overseeing application requests for garden beds, bed placement and upkeep as well as checking in with participants. The beds, considered property of the Municipality, are on loan for life as long as the gardener remains in Skagway.

“Food security and creating resilient communities are issues that local governments should be addressing, especially in Alaska where 95% percent of food is imported,” said Vivian Mork Yéilk’, in a Juneau Empire 2020 article.

In the past, the Skagway Organic Gardening Society organized garden-related classes (taught by Alaska Cooperative Extension agents) like lacto-fermentation, which is a type of fermentation that uses beneficial bacteria and yeasts to preserve food and beverages. The garden society teaches canning skills, along with overseeing the Seed Swap, a small seed library founded in 2014.

Another project that’s been piloted by Burnham is the Fruit & Nut Tree Planting Initiative which provides local planters with reimbursements. Founded in 2011, it was created to strengthen the local food system.

Fruit trees “can benefit wild and domestic pollinators, fruit trees can provide pollution mitigation and CO2 absorption,” said Burnham.

The fruit tree initiative has closed for new participants this summer. It distributes up to $50 per tree for new plantings.

All three programs have survived since the outbreak of COVID-19. Part of the

Photo by Melinda Munson

Photo by Melinda Munson

Ginny Cochran tends to her Higher Ground garden bed. The crib frame on the end acts as a trellis.

Skagway Deal, which is a plan by the Municipality to keep local workers employed as a result of the cruise ship season being cancelled, is to increase the number of garden beds built this year.

“We just placed our 14th garden bed and we hope to be delivering one more this week. There’s been a total of 18 participants since the start of the program,” said Burnham.

Unfortunately, the Fruit & Nut Tree Planting Initiative has seen a decrease in participants. This is likely due to nurseries that have ceased operations due to the pandemic, as well as higher demand for trees earlier in the season.

In total, 177 fruit and nut

trees have been planted in the nine years since the initiative has existed.

“We are grateful that the ideas were embraced by the city and they continue to fund the programs,” said Burnham.

Anyone 55 or older or with disabilities may apply for a Higher Ground garden bed for spring 2021. www.skagway.org

Page 10

Family Fun Page - print and share Across 1 Mountains 5 Set one back 9 Inamorato 10 Discord 13 Barely cooked 14 Westernmost Oregon cape 15 Alias 16 Speak 17 At the present time 18 Liberal magazine 21 Idle Monty Python comic 22 Swift 23 They’ll make a play for you 25 Fifth Beatle?

26 Rank

June 19, 2020

27 Slugger’s stat.

30 Muscular 32 Mattress feature 33 Sewer 34 Balladeer --- Seeger 35 Flatfish 36 Took advantage of Down 1 Siren in “East of Eden” 2 Escaping fluid 3 Jumpy guy?

4 Johnny Cash’s boy 5 Type of cigar or sandwich 6 Not many 7 Mexican Mrs. 8 Wear for those who serve

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

11 “Vamoose!”

12 Itty-bitty city 16 Firmly 19 Took cover 20 Sailor 21 Sgt. Bilko 23 Blue matter 24 Ciphers 28 Religious practice 29 Snow vehicle 31 Smartphone forerunner 32 Chip

The keys will be posted in the next issue.

Scavenger Hunt The Skagway News

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

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

4. Christmas lights 5. The place you can buy a replica of a news story describing Soapy Smith’s last day 6. Where the mayor spends a lot of time 7. Someone in a tu-tu (at least 6-feet away) 8. A business that is still open 9. A window with a candle in it 10. An outdoor clock

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

Pictures must be taken outside.

Summer Allergy Ant BBQ Bikini Boat Daisy Easy Fair Fan Heat Hike Hot Humid July June Kite Lawn Lazy

Sudoku

Light Party Patio Punch Rain Sand Sea Shade Sun Swim Tan Tent Thunder Walk Wasp

June 5 answer keys

Color Me!

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

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

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

Skagway residents may drop off ad and payment at the News Depot. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. Out-of-town ads must be pre-paid with a credit card and should be phoned in to 907983-2354. All ads appear in our on-line edition for a minimum of two weeks. Next deadline: Sunday, June 14 , 2020 FREE PERSONAL CLASSIFIEDS up to 25 words!

CALL (907)983-2354 (restrictions apply)

JOBS-OPPORTUNITIES CAREGIVER NEEDED - 5 Days / Week – 5 Hours/ Day – Salary $20 per Hour. For more details about the position, email Mr. Patrick (patdolan18@gmail.com)

Page 11

June19, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS Little Dippers Learning Center is now hiring teachers for the 2020 Season. Visit www. skagwaylit tledippers.com/ employment to learn more!(1-2b) JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Dahl Memorial Clinic is now interviewing for Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant. For applications and job description, go to www. skagway.org/administration/page/ employment-opportunities (13cb)

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

First time on the market. One 40 ac. parcel on AB Mountain (the Skyline Trail goes through the NW corner), One 83.4 ac. parcel in Dyea along the Chilkoot Trail in the

vicinity of the old Hosford sawmill, and one 2.18 ac. parcel below the incinerator near the Skagway River.

Call for further details, ARA, David Brena, 907-983-2700. (11cb)

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)

Year Round Apartment For Rent: 2 bed/2 bath, newer construction, fully furnished, deck, heated garage, energy efficient. No pets, no smoking. $1,900/ month + electric. Contact info@ skagwaybrewing.com

RETAIL SPACE ON BROADWAY for lease. See info at: www. skagwayrealestate.net. (1cb)

FOR SALE: Duplex, three bedrooms and two baths on each side. Constructed 2019. Fridge, range, washer/dryer included, partially furnished. Call 907-7232931.

COMMERCIAL-PROPERTY DOWNTOWN SKAGWAY SPACE available for lease: 1200SF retail space next to Eagles Hall. Great location in the heart of Skagway’s Historic District between 5th and

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

(1cp)

PERSONALS-MISC. SERVICES FOOD BANK DONATIONS WELCOME. Donations may be sent to the Food Bank, PO Box 200, Skagway, AK 99840. The local Food Bank helps those in need with groceries. If you need assistance, or know anyone who needs assistance, at any time of year, call any pastor or 907-6120313. (1cp)

BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD

It’s happening in two weeks!!

Get ready for the 4th of July celebration 4th of July committee members Rebecca Hylton Nicholle Chandler Katie Auer Jaime Bricker Cindy O’Daniel Wendy Anderson 2020 Theme (and FB event page) Small Town Celebration, Supporting Locals One Business At A Time Kiddie Parade Theme F READ OM (freedom - fREADom) Celebrating 100 Years of Skagway Public Library Grand Marshal Julene Brown

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.

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

First Presbyterian Church

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

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

Wed. Women’s Prayer ..........7 a.m.

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

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

11th & State • 983-2518 Sun. Sacrament Meeting...10 a.m.

Sun. School/Primary ...11:10 a.m.

Relief Society/Priesthood...12 p.m.

St. Therese Catholic Church

9th & State • 983-2271 Sun. Mass..............................5 p.m.

Mass Mon. & Tues...........12:10 p.m. (when a priest is available)

Life Link Fellowship Bible Church

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

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

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

The Recreation Center is closed for repairs and construction.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Library Hours:

by Appointment 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. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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

Incinerator Hours T, Th, Sa. 1 - 3 p.m.

Senior Lunch postponed at Presbyterian Rec. Hall.

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

Call each station for specifics.

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

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

LEGAL AD We post legal ads. Contact us at sales@skagwaynews.com.

Support our local businesses.

Together we can do this.

June 19, 2020

Page 12

THE SKAGWAY NEWS

Sculpture Garden displays pieces of gratitude from visiting artists from FRONT page

elusive stained glass might be located in Skagway, AK. Diane White, proprietor of Skagway Sculpture and Flower Garden, suspects she now owns the window.

“I do believe the glass windows are in Skagway somewhere but we don’t know exactly where,” she said.

“We have two boxes in the ladies restroom that have never been opened.”

While the Smith and Suess families believe the windows were crated into three boxes, White said she has multiple storage sites in Skagway.

White and her husband, Dr. Robert White, travelled Southeast Alaska by boat during the 80s and 90s, inviting prominent artists from across the country to accompany them. In return for the couple’s hospitality, artists left behind paintings and sculptures which the Whites eventually moved to their Skagway property.

Dr. White purchased the stained glass panels when the Frye Hotel closed in the late 1990s, intending to display the artwork behind an espresso station. He died in December of 2016.

Diane White still returns to Skagway each summer from Washington State. Waylaid by the pandemic, she will arrive in the Gold Rush town in late July. She intends to search for the panels.

Green is excited for White’s return to Skagway.

“We are all anxious to learn the results of her investigation,” he said.

According to Green, readers responding to Eals’ story suggest the building in the stained glass scene is Heidelberg Castle, and the man in the window is a German prince, possibly based off the 1901 play, “Old Heidelberg.”

Green wonders if there is a connection between the window and Heidelberg beer, which was produced in Tacoma, WA. Depending on the outcome of the search, Green said Skagway might expect a visit from the Smith and Suess families when it’s safe to travel.

Photos by Melinda Munson

EAGLES NO. 25 Alaska’s Oldest Eagles Club Est . 1899

In response to COVID-19, the Skagway Eagles #25 has limited hours.

We are open for you, Skagway We’ve got everything you need! .From greeting cards to chocolate!

Come stop in and shop with us!

NOW PLAYING COMING SOON

BAD BOYS FOR LIVE THE LAST FULL MEASURE THE GENTLEMEN LIKE A BOSS THE TURNING RHYTHM SECTION

HOURS MONDAY - SATURDAY 10A.M. - 6 P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M. - 6 P.M. 983-3399

Check our Facebook page for updates.

AERIE MEETINGS 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 7:30 pm

AUXILIARY MEETINGS 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:00 pm

BAR HOURS

OPEN @ 11 a.m.

Members and Invited Guests Welcome!