THE SKAGWAY NEWS.
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
June 5, 2020
June 5, 2020
Sk a g w ay, A l a s k a
Obituaries
Ron Boughton and William D. Andrews PAGE 11
Fish This
Bushwacking for trout PAGE 8
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$1.50
For the record
We asked the Assembly PAGE 9
Silent vigil draws 100 supporters
By Melinda Munson Organizers of Skagway’s June 1 vigil, Cameron Brockett and Megan McGrail, haven’t watched the video of George Floyd’s death. “I didn’t need to see it to know that it was such an injustice and such a horrendous act,” McGrail said. Following George Floyd’s death on May 25, pictures and video circulated of Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, even after Floyd said he couldn’t breathe and lost consciousness. According to The New York Times, Chauvin remained on top of Floyd a full minute after paramedics arrived. A deli employee called police because he suspected a $20 bill Floyd used to pay for cigarettes was counterfeit. Four officers responded. Floyd, a black man, was not armed and did not appear to resist arrest. His death, following a multitude of other African American deaths at the hands of police, sparked nationwide protests and rioting. Chauvin was charged with murder and manslaughter, the other three officers are still under investigation. Minneaplois might feel far from Skagway, an Alaska town of roughly 1,000 year-round residents, most of whom are white. Still, Brockett and McGrail felt compelled to act. “I have grown up around Alaska and Southeast Alaska, racism really affects people in this state … We set records see BACK page
Photo by Reba Hylton
Nicholle Chandler holds up a sign honoring George Floyd, killed by a Minneaplois police officer on May 25. Over 100 people attended a silent vigil in Skagway outside of city hall on June 1.
Assembly plans $1K per resident monthly assistance By Gretchen Wehmhoff After hours of public testimony and committee meetings, the Assembly voted 6-0 to approve a plan to help Skagway residents get through the winter. Dozens of residents testified and more wrote letters with their ideas, concerns and preferences as to how Skagway should spend the $7.4 million CARES Act funds designated for municipal relief by the State of Alaska. Resolution 20-22R will distribute CARES Act funds to year-round residents who have lived in the municipality as of June 4, 2020 or before. Each resident, adult and child, will receive $1,000 per month. Residents will need two forms of proof of residence issued on or before June 4,
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2020. The application process will be finalized and announced by the administration. The resolution includes a monthly per person funding cap which may be adjusted by the administration depending on the availability of funds. Money will be paid to Skagway in increments. The first increment of $2.9 million was received June 2. MOS must use 80 percent of that amount towards COVID-19 related emergency economic stimulus and assistance before the next increment is delivered Funds must be spent by Dec. 31, 2020 and unused monies will be returned to the state and potentially the federal government. Another $1.9 million in Commercial Passenger Vessel (CPV) funding may be
BLOTTER PAGE 11 CLASSIFIED PAGE 13
available in grant format. Borough Manager Brad Ryan hopes to utilize that to extend assistance beyond December. The Borough Finance Committee held two special meetings as well as their regular meeting to work through the plan offered by Ryan and his staff. Each meeting drew more testimony and correspondence than the last. Amendments with sliding scales, more stringent dates and differing payment amounts were presented. In the end, the assembly passed a version of the original plan. Treasurer Heather Rodig, who has been working on the project and the application process, said the turnout and involvement over the week was more than she has seen in the recent past. She was glad to see the community become
so involved. According to Ryan, the MOS is looking at a loss of about $160 million in taxable revenue for the 2020 tourist season. He ascertains that loss will impact every person in Skagway. The town has already been adding up costs for emergency response and preparation due to the threat of COVID-19. Ryan says MOS has spent approximately $450,000 on supplies, plexiglass windows, new ventilators for the clinic and other preparations. He expects that amount to top $600,000. Ryan anticipates about $300,000 is needed for MOS audio/visual improvments. This will most likely include hiring a contractor to help create a new system for the chambers and staff.
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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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AD DEADLINE: Sun. June 14 Please email sales@skagwaynews.com All ads and classifieds by Sun. June 14, 2020 COPY, LETTERS, CALENDAR DEADLINE: Mon. June 15 Please email editor@skagwaynews.com All news copy, letters and calendar events By Mon. June 15, 2020 Vol. XLIII, No. 9 (880 June 5, 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
June 5, 2020
Opinion We have to work together to support small businesses By Andrew Cremata The CARES Act community assistance program passed unanimously at last night’s Assembly Meeting. A lot of work went into ensuring the program is minimally intrusive into the lives of residents while still satisfying the demands of CARES Act requirements. Skagway is the only community in Alaska rolling out a community assistance program on this scale, and it took a lot of hard work from our Assembly and Municipal Staff. Full details will be available shortly but the intent of this program is to help residents and businesses by providing direct financial assistance. Living essentials come first but please spend additional funds locally. We have to work together and support
local businesses. Our survival as a community depends on it. Help is also coming to support local small businesses. Some of the CARES money is earmarked for yet another program. Details are being worked out. Some of the other ideas presented at last night’s meeting are already in the works. Thanks for being patient - dealing with pandemic health protocols and CARES Act funding has taken up a ridiculous amount of time. Small business owners: I heard you loud and clear. Next week, I’m going to explore any and all avenues to help small businesses. Last night, one small business owner asked that we “think outside of the box.” Our unique situation demands such an approach, so it’s time
to contact our government reps and financial institutions and figure out a way to develop a plan that helps businesses survive until 2021 AND helps some of our year-round businesses stay open this winter. This isn’t going to be easy but I plan on exhausting all options. Yesterday, a cruise industry rep told me that 2021 in Skagway is shaping up to be FAR better than anyone would have expected just two weeks ago. This is the first good news I’ve heard in three months. We are going to make it to April of 2021 but we will only succeed if we lift each other up. Andrew Cremata is the Mayor of the Municipality of Skagway.
CARES Act funding spread throughout the state By Julie Anderson The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic disaster has impacted all Alaskans. We have worked together to manage the re-opening of the economy and are slowly recovering, with more businesses resuming operations daily. Many of these businesses were required to shut down due to no fault of their own and have incurred significant economic injury. To address this issue, through the Federal CARES Act the State of Alaska received funds to pro-
Contributers Andrew Cremata
vide small business relief. Working with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) recently implemented the AK CARES Grant Program. AIDEA has contracted with Credit Union 1 to administer the grant program. These grants, which range between $5,000-$100,000, are available to small businesses based, licensed, and located in Alaska. Small businesses and non-profits that were operat-
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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
ing when the State of Emergency was declared on March 11, 2020; have experienced significant economic injury; have 50 or fewer employees on average; and were excluded, did not qualify, or were otherwise unable to obtain funding from a federal program under the CARES Act are eligible for these grants. Applications for the AK CARES grants are available through the Credit Union 1 website. Grants differ from loans in that there is no repayment required except if funds are used inappropriately. These grant funds are to pay for eligible expenses that were incurred during the between March 11, 2020 to eight weeks after the application date. Under this program, eligible expenses include operating expenses such as: payroll, rents, utilities, personal protective equipment and other business-related expenses. More detail is available on the AK CARES Grant website. The AK CARES program is a huge step in the right direction for Alaska’s economy. Thousands of small businesses that received no assistance and were potentially going under will now benefit from these funds. These grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Understanding that those in rural areas may have connectivity issues, the program has set aside up to 20% of $290 mil-
lion that is allocated for this program for rural small business. I encourage businesses to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. The Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDORs) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are working with us and will provide technical assistance to small businesses that may need help understanding the program or applying for the grant. Their contact information is available on our website and I encourage you to contact them for more information to help move through the process quickly. Governor Dunleavy also allocated $568 million of the CARES Act funds to Alaskan communities. These funds are available to communities to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 4, we have funded 58 communities with over $58 million to stimulate the economy. Communities can implement grant programs under the CARES Act guidance to assist their residents and small businesses as well. I urge you to contact your community to see if there are other local options available to help your business through this difficult time. Julie Anderson is the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
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THE SKAGWAY NEWS
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June 5, 2020
CARES Act opens $290 million for small Alaska businesses By Gretchen Wehmhoff The federal government allocated funds to states through the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in April. Different states received varying amounts. Alaska and other lower population states received the minimum amount of $1.25 billion to use towards the COVID-19 impact. In determining the distribution of the funds, the state, through the governor’s office, and with appropriation approval of the legislature, allocated CARES Act funding to four major areas and amounts: Direct Municipal Relief ($562.5 million), Small Business Relief ($300 million), Health – Non-Profit Support ($50 million), Health – Health-Related COVID-19 Costs ($337.5 million). Communities received different amounts based on perceived economic impact. (See the entire list of funds distributed to Alaska communities HERE.) Skagway received $7.4 million in direct
municipal relief. As Skagway struggles with the best way to distribute the municipal relief funds, the designated Small Business Relief is available to local businesses. In the process, $10 million of the Small Business Relief was reallocated by the state to address COVID-19 impacts to homelessness around the state, leaving $290 million for loans of $5,000 to $100,000 for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Rep. Sara Hannan, (D) Juneau, said the fact that Skagway’s main economic driver, the cruise ship industry, is gone makes Skagway a “poster child” for the funding programs. Sen. Jessie Kiehl (D) Juneau, said that 20 percent of the small business program is reserved for populations under 5,000. Rep. Garen Tarr (D) Anchorage, clarified that if a person has applied for PPP or EIDL and not yet received any funds, they should try for
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the CARES Act funding. Tarr said even though the legislature returned to session to vote for the appropriation, it doesn’t mean there weren’t conversations. She said there were 13 committee meetings in the process to work through the list. She has concerns that smaller businesses without full time accounting staff may be at a disadvantage when it comes to speed. However, the initial application being processed by Credit Union 1 should only take a few minutes. Businesses who have already applied and received
funds through the original Payroll Protection Program (PPP) or the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are currently not eligible for the new CARES Act funding. Hannan acknowledged that businesses that followed the rules for the original PPP and EIDL funds were caught by surprise with rule changes or reallocation due to dried up funds. She urges businesses to apply even if they already applied for PPP and/or EID. Hannon reasons that if rules or conditions change, they will be prepared. In the worst case, a business might be denied.
Kiehl cautioned “the needs exceed the cash,” noting that the tourism industry brings in $4 billion to the state, far more than the total $1.25 billion in the CARES Act. “There are going to be gaps,” Keihl said. The Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) and the Alaska Industrial Development Export Authority (AIDEA) Is working with Credit Union 1 to process the applications and funds. (Apply for an Alaska CARES Grant HERE.)
By Melinda Munson The Assembly voted Thursday to end the 14-day isolation policy for individuals arriving in Skagway, with the passage of Resolution 2021R. “Going forward, the MOS will follow the State of Alaska health guidance for Alaska Travelers,” the Tourism Department stated. Starting June 6 at 12:01 a.m., Alaska will waive quarantine requirements for out of state travelers who provide proof of two negative COVID-19 test results. Those without appropriate test results must adhere to the State’s 14-day quarantine.
More information can be found at https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/ and https:// covid19.alaska.gov/reopen/. COVID testing at Dahl Memorial Clinic is by appointment only. Those seeking testing should call 907-9832255 before attempting to visit the clinic. Before the June 4 policy change, anyone entering Skagway from out of state or an Alaskan community with known COVID-19 cases, was expected to self-quarantine
for 14 days. Due to the policy, many Skagway residents chose not to travel to Juneau or other destinations for medical appointments and essential supplies. “The Municipality of Skagway continues to encourage residents and visitors to practice social distancing and good hygiene as detailed by the State of Alaska and the CDC,” the Tourism Department said.
Assembly lifts 14-day self-isolation policy
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June 5, 2020
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THE SKAGWAY NEWS
The evolution of a resolution: part one - how to spend 7.4 million Editor’s note: As part of ongoing CARES-Act coverage, The Skagway News is reporting the events in a series. While the resolution passed on June 4, we felt the community input and process was worth publishing. Here are the first two installments.
By Gretchen Wehmhoff In a May 28 special Borough Finance committee meeting, assembly members considered a resolution to distribute $7.4 million in relief funds to the residents of Skagway. Designated via the State of Alaska, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (H.R. 748, P.L. 116-136) recently passed by Congress, would assist the municipality in COVID-19 response and economic relief. Up to an additional $1.9 million may also be available to supplement lost revenue of the borough’s Commercial Passenger Vehicle (CPV) funding, a $5 head tax. In response to the committee’s request for a distribution plan, Borough Manager Brad Ryan presented a proposal that would pay community assistance, fund food banks and other direct Covid-19 related expenses, as well as provide monthly checks to residents of Skagway. The draft plan includes payments of $1,000 per resident, per month from June or July through December 2020. Working with the additional CPV grant opportunity of $1.9 million, Ryan hopes to extend the payments through March 2021. “The idea is to maintain the Skagway community here … and make it through to the next cruise season,” said Ryan. In order to qualify for the CPV grant, Ryan’s office needed to submit the primary application by May 29. Ryan said paying every current resident a monthly amount would be a way to circulate the funds throughout the community in order to help people stay afloat and to support businesses in Skagway. Restrictions to the draft would limit payments to year-
round residents who have an Alaska driver’s license or voter registration showing residence in the town. Applicants also need to show eligibility for the 2020 PFD. Assemblyman David Brena suggested that the payments should be limited to the underemployed and unemployed, that those members of the community already working 40 hours a week should not be eligible. He also suggested recipients must have lived in Skagway in 2019. Brena figures that there are at least 200 full-time city employees and 300 children of non-working age, totalling about 500 people who he believes wouldn’t need checks, leaving more money to distribute to others. Brena would like to see larger checks to fewer people. “I don’t think $1,000 is going to be sufficient or change anyone’s life who is unemployed or trying to operate a business without any revenue,” said Brena. Assemblymember Jay Burnham said he felt people who are making their regular wage such as city employees and school employees wouldn’t need the assistance. “I like the intent, but I would hate to see it go into the hands of people who are making six figures in the community or just making their regular wage,” said Burnham. Steve Burnham added that he felt the assistance checks should be limited to those age 14 and up who are working less than 20 hours per week, noting that two part-time jobs could add up to 40 hours per week. Burnham says he hears rumors of people “bragging that they were going to get a $5,000 bonus check every month. Some are talking about saving for a vacation,” he said. Burnham also suggested that retired members of the community should receive checks as “they are more likely to use the funds because they are in Skagway.” Ryan asked for clarification. “I’m trying to avoid a management nightmare,” he said. Ryan said the draft plan
would not require additional staffing, but to manage applications that were more complex, as the committee was suggesting, would require the borough to hire an additional employee to handle the process. He noted that the salary for that employee could come from the CARES Act funding. Steve Burnham said residents should be budgeting on their 40 hours a week, not additional summer income. Brena took it further. “Kids don’t support themselves … we want to put the money in the parent’s hands, not create a windfall for a family of six of $6,000 a month,” he said. “I do not think giving fulltime employed people $1,000 a month is any kind of solution.” At this point, members of the audience asked to speak. Jamie Bricker cautioned that the 40-hour a week concept does not consider people who might have taken a reduction in salary and that year-round incomes matter. “Oftentimes people extend themselves financially with a mortgage or other loans based on their entire income,” said Bricker. “A lot of people in Skagway work multiple jobs in the summertime to be able to survive the winter and oftentimes their loans are approved on that income,” she said.
Melinda Munson didn’t care for the “windfall” suggestion. Munson’s family moved to Skagway in March. Her husband, a chef, had a job lined up until the cruise season tanked. She pays over $4,000 a month in rent for her family which includes six children under the age of 18. If the assistance requires a resident to have lived in Skagway in 2019, her family would not be eligible. “I wouldn’t consider any assistance a windfall,” said Munson, referring to Brena’s comment. Munson is co-owner of The Skagway News where she says she works for free. “I don’t expect an income until at least July of next year from the paper.” “We would love to stay. We put ourselves in a position that it cost us so much money to get here. We couldn’t leave and we don’t want to leave. We want to stay.” (Editor’s note: Munson is co-owner of The Skagway News. She will not be covering this topic.) Borough treasurer Heather Rodig asked to speak as a citizen on the issue of spending the money locally. “We don’t normally budget to eat out, but $1,000 is 10 meals out in a month that would help a restaurant in town,” she said. The conversation changed
direction as committee members suggested that perhaps the checks should go to businesses instead of individuals. Rodig informed the committee that through research, the administration found that any business that receives CARES Act funding would be disqualified for other funding opportunities from the state. Brena said he hadn’t seen anything that agrees with that and asked Rodig to forward the source of the information. Rodig, working to clarify the committee’s suggestions, asked Brena if he intended the money to go to the owner or the business and if there was to be a cap on the size of the business. Brena said the assistance should go to the owner of the business. The discussion then drifted into the fairness of funding businesses only open in the winter versus those open in the summer before the group decided they needed more time. The Finance Committee scheduled a special work session on Tuesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. in the Assembly Chambers. The link to the June 2 meeting agenda and documents is HERE.
Photo by Melinda Munson
Skagway residents sit six feet apart at the June 4 Finance Committee meeting in the assembly chambers. Municipal staff marked seats with duct tape to maintain social distancing.
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
June 5, 2020
Photo by Melinda Munson
Finance Chair Steve Burnham prepares for the June 4 regular finance meeting with Borough Treasurer Heather Rodig and Borough Manager, Brad Ryan.
The evolution of a resolution: part two ‘So far it is only ideas’ By Gretchen Wehmhoff In a room of almost 20 people and more listening in on the telephone, Assemblyman Steve Burnham called the second special meeting of the borough finance committee to order. Electronic alerts continued to sound as listeners entered the meeting. More than 35 people were online. Burnham thanked those in attendance for coming and for sending letters. “All of this is necessary and important as part of this process,” he said “I want to be clear at this time frame we have not made a recommendation,” said Burnham. The committee previously met May 28 to discuss the distribution of monies granted by the state to the Municipality of Skagway as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Burnham said that the committee meetings have been focused on “how to make [the CARES Act] equitable for the whole community. So far it is only ideas.” During public testimony residents thanked the committee for their work and shared their stories and views. Several requested meeting documents be available sooner. Some liked the ideas of distributing equal amounts of grant funds to all residents. Others liked the idea of a sliding scale. Some just wanted enough to take care of themselves.
Viola Gazzara suggested they keep it simple. Due to the Covid-19 virus she is not able to work. She shared that while she didn’t want government assistance, she knew she needed it. It was a tough reality. “I’d much rather have my job,” she said. “I would trade anything for 40 hours of work.” Karl Klupar expressed that the income section needed definition and was concerned that the information required on how monies were spent could be “an onerous invasion of privacy.” He was concerned the CARES Act language didn’t look to help the community get ready for the 2021 season. Lynn Cameron asked the city to provide someone to help residents get through potentially complicated application process. One speaker who did not identify himself, requested the committee look at net income versus gross income, as that was what the family had to work with to pay bills while Jaime Bricker highlighted that the CARES Act included the role of economic security and the current proposed sliding scale might not be effective in that area. Business owner Mike Healy wanted the committee to remember that with cruise ship income not arriving until May of 2021, the distribution should take care of the people who live in Skagway all winter.
“Come January and February, the people who live here are going to be hurting the most,” he said. Healy said his biggest stress right now is that he can’t afford to pay his employees through the year and he hopes that [the grants] will get them through. He is concerned that while he normally keeps his business open at a loss through the winter, under the current situation, he isn’t sure he can do that this year. He asked the city to consider grants and low interest or zero loans with deferred payments for businesses. He also noted the arguing within the community regarding seasonal and year-round businesses. He said all businesses are important, but emphasized taking care of those who remain open all year. “We [year-round businesses] are what keeps people interested in living here throughout the winter, what keeps families here, what keeps the student enrollment up at the school.” Robert Murphy, business owner, doesn’t believe the suggested income determination addresses the impact of the COVID-19 CARES Act and that “protecting us this winter should be a priority.” “I’m spending my savings right now to keep my people employed,” said Murphy. Deb Potter took the mic. “If this is meant to be a stimulus then it should be a stimulus. It is money that is going to stay in Skagway and
it’s money that is going to help stimulate businesses in the winter.” Potter felt the PFD requirement would be problematic, citing that a person who moved to Skagway last winter might not have been able to file and some people, for one reason or another, don’t regularly file for the PFD. She urged the committee to take their time. KayLynn Howard was concerned the sliding scale would not be equitable and that a lot of residents don’t work 40 hours a week, but many work more than 20 hours per week. “I’d originally planned on working three jobs this season to get through the winter. Now that isn’t happening,” she said. Jan Wrentmore spoke briefly to support “money circulating in the winter.” She thanked the committee for “grappling” with the issue. After public testimony, Assemblymember Dave Brena said he had read all of the letters submitted to the committee up to the start of the meeting and had spoken with a number of friends. He acknowledged the varying circumstances of community members. “My concern has always been that it [the original draft plan] is not needs based,” said Brena referring to the original plan. “Even though 7.4 Million sounds like a lot of money, it really doesn’t take us through next season under a lot of scenarios,” he said. Brena agreed with speakers that the PFD should not be a requirement, but that it could be one of several options to prove Skagway residency. He also suggested the income section be based on net income and include assistance to businesses. According to the CARES Act distribution amounts listed from the state, there is an additional $290 million designated to small business relief outside of the direct municipal relief. The first come, first served program will be run through The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and the Investments Section of the
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Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development will temporarily bolster their existing loan programs to provide support to struggling small businesses. This program was not mentioned at the meeting on Tuesday. Assemblymember Jay Burnham, on the phone and still under quarantine for a few days, felt the sliding scale would help those who need it most. He suggested that a minimum of two temporary positions be created to assist in administering the funds and applications. He also suggested funding student lunches be considered over the school year. Borough treasurer Heather Rodig questioned the potential problems if businesses were to use net income and individual payments were based on gross income. The first payment of $2.9 million to the municipality was received on Tuesday. Borough Manager Brad Ryan said 80 percent needed to be spent prior to the next installment. All of the funds have to be sent out by December. “There are a lot of things about the CARES Act that are complicated,” said Ryan. He cautioned that there may be restrictions for some businesses if they have applied for other programs. Ryan mentioned that if the Skagway Traditional Council (STC) moves forward with a stimulus package, residents can apply for the MOS funds or the STC funding, but not both. Ryan reminded the committee that there wasn’t a guarantee that CPV grant money would be accessible as hoped to help extend the assistance into the first three months of 2021. The committee moved to forward the draft recommendation proposed amendment to the Assembly for consideration and discussion. The next Finance Committee is scheduled for 4 p.m. on June 4. The meeting agenda and documents can be found HERE.
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Editors’ Column
June 5, 2020
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
A house divided: keeping our family together
By Melinda Munson I have two houses. Not in the bourgeoise kind of way where one home is a snug winter retreat and the other is a summer getaway on the beach. My houses are modest Skagway rentals within four blocks of each other. Recently, one of our children with special needs started acting out. He can be
sweet as peaches canned in heavy syrup, but as he got older, his body grew bigger and his intellect stayed static. He became frustrated and confused, lashing out at siblings and forgetting boundaries. Too much stimulation is too much information for his brain to process. Our home with seven children made him anxious and cranky. To keep him safely within our family, we decided to give him his own housing. We call his abode “The Cabin.” We take shifts at The Cabin. Our 18-year-old cares for her brother on weekdays so I can work at the paper. I spend late afternoons with the little guy then bring him to the “Big House” for dinner and a visit with family. The adults
rotate overnight shifts so now I sleep next to my husband every third night. When I adopted this child, I made a promise in front of a judge to give him whatever he needed. This is what he needs, and for now, we can make it work. Breaking up my family broke my heart. I didn’t imagine this is how I would live my life. With the help of my husband, I am doggedly trying to meet everyone’s needs; to maintain two households with double the bills and double the chores. We are working on hiring respite workers and seeking additional state funding but a pandemic isn’t really the time to ask the State of Alaska for more money. Recently, I witnessed a dif-
By Krizelle Solidum Every college student’s world was turned upside down when COVID-19 struck. Many, like myself, are left wondering what’s next and how to plan for the future. I am currently a senior journalism and public communications major at the University of Alaska Anchorage, going into my sixth year of college. Fall commencement was set to be my biggest day thus far, but like others who recently graduated, there’s the reality there may not be a commencement exercise. Now, with the uncertainty brought by the virus and the question of when the second wave may hit, the university is still deciding which classes will be offered in-person or online when the fall semester starts in late August.
There’s a domino effect with many other aspects of my life, based off of this one pending decision. The schedule will be announced in mid-June, according to UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen. This means that students cannot plan for their future as they don’t know the delivery method of their courses. I understand the university must take its time to make decisions, but it is frustrating. More than for myself, many students live out of state and have to coordinate a place to live and when to come back. More so, higher-risk students are worried about safety measures the university will implement. As much as I would love to see my professors and peers in person, I’m just not comfortable, even if it’s a large classroom, being on campus.
A positive to classes being moved online is that I may be able to move to Colorado and secure a job in the field of journalism sooner than expected. However, anxiety hits when I question if I can even land a job during this time. I begin to wonder if my peers and I are entering the workforce at the worst possible moment. This fear was validated when all the internships that I applied for this summer were terminated due to COVID-19. This made it difficult for many students to find other means to get experience. Luckily, through one of my professors, Larry Persily, I was able to land an internship with The Skagway News. Internships are such an important and beneficial process for students. It helps them gain experience, build connections and give a taste of what the work environment is like. If I didn’t get this internship, it would have prolonged my graduation by another semester.
ferent kind of breakup. The town that once pulled together is cracking amid fiscal uncertainty and isolation. It’s time to address the internet -I mean elephant in the room. Skagway Facebook groups are at war. There are threats of physical violence, posts mocking the grammar and content of other posts and the word “Nazi” being thrown around like a recess ball. This too breaks my heart. For what it’s worth, here’s advice from someone new to town but with substantial experience keeping sh&% together. 1. Treat everyone like they have special needs. This isn’t meant to be degrading. Everyone needs help in some area. Assume the person in
question doesn’t know any better. This will allow you to take the high road, Michelle Obama style. 2. Go on a virtual diet. Just walk away from Mark Zuckerburg’s worldwide social experiment. It will still be there when you get back. 3. Vent in a non-permanent format. For me, this is talking to my husband in my “sassy and condescending voice.” When I’m done, there’s no evidence of what I said and no regrets. Skagway has never been so vulnerable. In a time when social distancing precludes even hugs from close friends and gainful employment is a desperate wish, strive to be kind. Help us keep our house together.
Graduating college during a pandemic isn’t what I expected
Solidum and her mother at Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Phillppines.
Commencement is the day every college student strives to reach. The day was important to me, but most of all it was a celebration for my mom. Growing up, I was raised by a single mother. All she ever asked of me was to graduate college. The hard work that I put into finishing university reflects all the sacrifices she made for me. My heart goes out to all the other first-generation college graduates who will have to find alternative ways to celebrate.
Although the thought of not being able to walk down the green carpet, cross the stage and be handed my diploma is disheartening, I have to remind myself how lucky I am. There are many people who are not fortunate enough to obtain a higher education. Even though my last year of college didn’t turn out the way I planned, I was still blessed to have the experience.
“The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
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June 5, 2020
Alaska ranked first for slowest internet speed Krizelle Solidum With students statewide facing the possibility of online classes again this fall, improved internet connectivity is increasingly important. Alaska has the slowest internet speed in the country, with an average of 20 megabits per second (Mbps) provided by companies across the state, according to highspeedinternet.com. Providers include Alaska Power & Telephone, which serves Skagway and almost 20 other communities around the state, ACS in Anchorage and the biggest statewide provider, GCI. “Alaska is vast, with some areas being difficult to reach with telecommunications infrastructure,” said Bryant Smith, who works for broadband sales and quality for AP&T. Rural communities have a smaller number of paying customers, making it economically difficult to offer the same type and speed of internet packages as in densely populated urban areas. AP&T is currently offering internet packages and different types of hardship relief such as waiving data overage fees until June 30. For students or teachers who do not have internet access at home, they can qualify for the service at no cost. Those who already have service can get free upgrades. ACS and GCI are providing similar help for students, teachers and health care workers. The reality is “the free internet services provided by AP&T cannot continue long term, so families unable to afford internet access at their homes may be in a tough position unless funding sources surface,” Smith said. The Skagway School District is contingency planning just in case, said Superin-
tendent Dr. Josh Coughran. When COVID-19 hit, the school district provided a list to AP&T of families without internet access, and all the families were set up with internet service within a week. Through it all, “AP&T has provided an amazing service. They’ve been an incredible community partner with the challenges facing COVID-19,” the superintendent said. Coughran said the school district is working with state health officials and the Department of Education in determining whether Skagway classes will be held online or in person when the fall semester starts. The first day of class is now set for Aug. 20. Some of the elements that will be taken into account in making the decision are risk factors, following federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and determining which schools and communities are low and high risk. Of the more than 730,000 residents of Alaska, almost one-third, or 258,000, live in a community with access to just one internet provider, according to broadbandnow.com. Of those 258,000, 148,000 don’t have access to a wired connection capable of a 25 Mbps download speed. The national download speed averages over 59 Mbps. Maryland has the fastest with a speed of about 84 Mbps. AP&T maintains a Southeast Alaska microwave network that stretches 350 miles, along with a separate Lynn Canal fiber optic line that links Skagway, Haines and Juneau. “We remain committed to looking for projects that bring the communities we serve closer to lower-cost internet transport options,” Smith said.
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”
- George Bernard Shaw
Mayor Andrew Cremata leads a brief Memorial Day service in Veteran’s Park.
Photo by Melinda Munson
Margaret Frans Brady Fund Arts Scholarships announced The Juneau Community Foundation and the Brady family of Skagway announce that the Margaret Frans Brady Fund has awarded $7,000 in scholarship funding in 2020 for five area residents pursuing artistic excellence: • Reece Bleakley, Juneau – 2020 graduate of Thunder Mountain High School, will be studying flute and music at San Jose State University in California in the fall ($1,500). • Dennis Corson, Juneau – 2020 graduate of Thunder Mountain High School, a classical and jazz performer and composer, will be studying music at Pacific Lutheran University in Washington this fall ($1,500). • Eliza Myers, Skagway – 2020 graduate of Skagway High School, will be pursuing film/video production at
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Pierce College in Washington this fall ($1,000). • Noatak Post, Juneau – Noatak, Juneau’s young viola virtuoso, will seek a degree in music education at Pacific Lutheran University ($2,000). • Mina Yee, Skagway – a concert violinist at the age of 10, will be able to continue her professional lessons (virtually for the time being) with a grant to the Skagway Arts Council ($1,000). “Despite this being a strange spring for everyone, we were pleased to see these five young artists take the time to apply during their busy at-home school schedules, and we are very happy to help them all,” said Jeff Brady, chair of the MFB Scholarship Committee. Brady said the committee
did not see the usual wave of applications for those attending summer camps and retreats (all have been cancelled) in this year’s applications. The Margaret Frans Brady Fund was established in 2012 at the Juneau Community Foundation to support arts and education projects and programs in Skagway and northern Southeast Alaska. A separate MFB Scholarship Fund was established a year later to assist students and artists in our area with scholarships to help them improve their creative abilities. Including this year’s awards, more than $52,000 has been awarded to 60 area students of the arts since the scholarship fund was created in 2013.
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THE SKAGWAY NEWS
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June 5, 2020
! s i h t h Fis
bars where anglers gather to brag and imbibe. Nothing fuels a fishing story faster than bottled spirits and a listening ear. I once hiked ten miles through alpine muskeg for the reward of a 6-inch long northern pike. On another outing, I walked upstream for 4 hours in icecold water until my legs were entirely numb. When I finally reached my destination, I cast aimlessly in water utterly devoid of fish. Many years ago in Florida, I trekked along a mile of dry palmetto scrub in an attempt to locate legendary lunker inshore redfish. After stumbling upon someone’s makeshift marijuana farm, I made haste in another direction and eventually found the spot I was looking for. While I didn’t catch any redfish, I did manage to land a 40-pound black drum. When Tim and I finally reached the river, we quickly sorted our gear. Tim tied a mosquito pattern onto his fly rig while I attached a Mepps lure to my spinning outfit. Working down-current, we caught fish on virtually every cast. Tim landed a few beauties well over 20 inches long. Not once did he utter a word or show a hint of emotion. Some 30 minutes later, I hooked into a hard-fighting fish that took me on a ride downriver. Hopping from rock to rock, I eventually got control over the big cutty and dragged it into the net. The colorful trout was just short of 23 inches, not quite a trophy but it was the biggest fish of the day. Holding up the fish for release, I heard Tim yell, “Nice fish!” from his location upriver. When I turned to look in his direction, Tim gave me a big thumb’s up. At that moment I was satisfied. All of the effort that went into finding one tiny slice of the Alaskan wilderness was paid off in full. Even the hike back to the truck suddenly didn’t seem so daunting. Heck, it might even be enjoyable! I could already taste the cold beer back at Tim’s house. A few minutes later, Tim and I had to work our way through a stand of dense alder. When we emerged, I was startled to see another fisherman fly casting toward a deep pool just below a shallow riffle. Two large cutties tied to a stringer were laying on the ground next to his feet. The man turned to face us. “Nice fish,” I said. “Thanks,” he replied. “The bite’s been on since I got here.” “Did you hike in from the road?” I asked. “Hell no!” the man answered. “I took my boat. The river ends about a quarter-mile downriver from here.” I looked over at Tim, whose boat was sitting in his driveway back home. Tim shrugged and said, “Good to know.”
Legendary fishing quests
Photo by Andrew Cremata
By Andrew Cremata
When it started raining, we were two miles away from the truck. My rain gear was in my backpack and in the 20 seconds it took to retrieve it, I was soaked. “It’s supposed to rain like this for a while,” said my fishing partner, Tim, as he wrestled his own rain gear onto his burly frame. I was visiting Tim in Thorne Bay for a few days of fishing on Prince of Wales Island. Tim is a good fisherman but doesn’t say much. Not saying much is often a sign of a good fisherman. With heavy rain pouring down around us, we continued along the muddy road toward our destination. Somewhere just past the end of the road was a short trail to a place where large fish were rumored to dwell. It was at least three miles to our destination but we chose to hike instead of drive. Tim said the old logging road was notorious for trapping vehicles in soft mud - even pickups with four-wheel drive. Rumors of large fish in hard-to-reach places are common. Few pan out. Often, these legends reach mythical proportions and each story has one element in common - getting to the fish is an epic journey fraught with peril. Tim and I rounded a narrow bend where the road suddenly disappeared. In its place was a mountain of mud at least 60 feet high. Mighty fallen trees stripped of their branches seemed as though they were being swallowed by the mud - suspended in time by some recent cataclysm. “Landslide,” said Tim. “Looks to be a few weeks old.” We made an attempt to traverse Mud Mountain but the size of the debris proved impossible to overcome. After briefly discussing our options, we decided to climb down the steep roadway embankment and hike around the mudslide’s terminus
somewhere in the dense forest below. Bushwhacking through tangled underbrush with fishing poles sticking out from the top of our backpacks was unpleasant. Slipping and falling onto a thick stalk of devil’s club was painful. Still, the thought of reaching a fishing hole worthy of Promised Land status kept my feet moving forward. Tim led the way as we slowly trudged back uphill toward the road. I said, “Tim, I need some motivation. Tell me again what it is we’re fishing for at the end of this road.” Tim removed his worn Traveler hat and wiped his brow. Without turning to face me he said, “Wild cutties. Big ones.” A “cutty” is a colloquial name for a cutthroat trout. A wild cutty is a true Alaskan native - ancient and beautiful. Black spots on a silver body with golden yellow highlights and a blood-red slash across the lower gill plate. Thus the name. Interestingly, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between a big cutty and a small cutty. Most cutties are no bigger than 16 inches. An 18-inch fish makes an angler’s eyes get larger. A 20-inch cutty makes fishermen shout uncontrollably and fist-pump the air. A trophy cutty is rare and still only 25 inches long. Trekking through miles of dense Alaskan bush teeming with ferocious wild animals to catch fish less than two feet in length may seem maniacal and even somewhat deranged. These accusations are undeniable. My legs were burning when we climbed back onto the roadway. A half-mile further along, the rain stopped just as quickly as it had started. Against the silence, I could hear the distant rhythm of a flowing river and realized we were close to our destination. I thought back to other wild treks in search of large fish. Some were exploratory in nature while others were based on tall tales overheard in seedy
“The fish in the creek said nothing. Fish never do. Few people know what fish think about injustice, or anything else.”
- Ursula K. Le Guin, Catwings
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
June 5, 2020
Opportunities
Girl Scouts of Alaska offering virtual summer camps
Girl Scouts of Alaska (GSAK) will host virtual summer camps in lieu of traditional, in-person camps. Camp sessions will open at different times throughout the summer, but once they are open, they will remain available through the end of August and can be completed at a girl’s own pace. Virtual camp is more than online programs - while virtual camp will include live and recorded programs to watch online, there will be plenty of opportunities to move beyond the computer, with hands-on activities, outdoor adventures and opportunities to connect with others across the state (and possibly the country). Parents and girls can find more information in the Virtual Camp Catalog and on the GSAK website. Those wondering what virtual camp is all about can join for a free mini camp sampler program. This includes activities like singing along with counselors to a camp song, downloading a STEM experiment and practice paddling a canoe from your couch with an experienced camp director. The program fee for each camp “session” will include at least the following components: • Guided instruction from knowledgeable staff* • One live virtual program with an expert will occur the first week the program is released* • One to three pre-recorded virtual programs* • A weekly virtual campfire with songs and games • Downloadable activities (with step by step directions)* • Camp sing-alongs • A live stream of camp • Outdoor activities • Access to our camp phone line with changing activities • “At home counselor” instructions for parents* *included in mini camp sessions In April, GSAK announced that 2020 in-person day, resident and traveling camps are canceled due to State of Alaska and CDC mandates related to COVID-19.
UAF Statewide Extension week offers community classes From controlling bird vetch to cooking with beans, 20 community classes will be offered via distance delivery June 8-12 by Cooperative Extension agents and staff around the state. The Zoom classes are free and offered as part of Statewide Extension Week. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service switched to distance delivery in March after the university cancelled faceto-face classes because of coronavirus concerns.
One-hour classes will be offered at 11 UAF Cooperative Extension photo a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on most days. Topics include: Bird vetch control, 10 a.m., June 8 Air quality in the home and out, 11 a.m., June 8 AgrAbility program and helping Alaska’s agricultural workers, 2 p.m., June 8 Fundamentals of Alaska gardening, 3 p.m., June 8 Zumba fitness, 10 a.m., June 9 Preparing your home for disasters and for aging, 11 a.m., June 9 Kids Activity Corner, with exercise and ball making, 2 p.m., June 9 Healthy homes, 3 p.m., June 9 Lilacs: Landscape options for Interior and Southcentral Alaska, 6 p.m., June 9 Scaling up? How to increase food production, 10 a.m., June 10 Enjoy beans! 11 a.m., June 1 Canning 101: Safety and science, 2 p.m., June 10 Kids in the Kitchen, for ages 8-14, 3 p.m., June 10 Growing together: The ways gardeners support each other, 6 p.m., June 10 Choosing which vegetable varieties to grow, 10 a.m. , June 11 Starting a cottage foods business, 11 a.m., June 11 From field to fork: Reducing food waste, 2 p.m., June 11 Climbing Denali, 3 p.m., June 11 Green care: The intersection of agriculture and health care, 10 a.m., June 12 Kids Kitchen Fun Friday: Making tortillas and tacos, 11 a.m., June 12 Register for the free Zoom classes at https://lam.alaska.gov/suffrage-star For more information, contact Extension at 877-520-5211.
For the Record
Page 9
To the consternation of some and the relief of others, the Assembly extended Skagway’s 14-day self-isolation policy on May 21 with Resolution 20-17R. Along with outlining policy to prepare for the return of cruise ships, the resolution went against the State’s policy of not requiring intrastate travellers to quarantine upon arrival. For the record, we invited the Assembly to share in 200 words or less, how they voted on 20-17R and their reasoning. While the isolation policy was lifted by the Assembly on June 4, The Skagway News feels it’s important to track voting records and give elected officials the opportunity to be accountable to voters. This will become a recurring feature in The Skagway News. The Assembly members who responded to our request regarding 20-17R are featured below.
Assemblymember David Brena
Thanks for reaching out to the Assembly to survey the opinions and reasoning regarding resolution 20-17R, which extended the 14-day, self-quarantine request until June 4. I supported and voted in favor of this extension. It seems that prudence is the best course of action here. We know that some states that have opened early are seeing increased COVID-19 cases. I appreciate the grocery store and hardware store employees for continuing to wear masks. If an infected person were to come to Skagway, it would likely come from an area with active cases. For me, the small inconvenience of self-quarantining is worth protecting our seniors and vulnerable population.
Assemblymember Orion Hanson
I favor a cautious and pragmatic re-opening of Skagway. I have been impressed with the emergency response committee’s policies and, as a whole, the community’s acceptance of the restrictions particularly during the “shelterin-place” order. Skagway has been a welcoming environment for travelers since
the Gold Rush. I applaud Assemblyman Steve Burnham’s amendment to resolution 20-17R in that we should look for solutions to the pandemic going forward this summer in the remote event that there is a cruise ship season. Re-opening to intrastate travel is a next-step in the process to implement our community and economy in the COVID-19 paradigm. I know most businesses are fighting to tread water with zero tourism. Skagway, like many other Southeast Alaska communities, is connected to Juneau like an umbilical cord for supplies, commerce, medical needs, community and access to the broader world. As a year-round resident, I believe it is time to lift the 14-day quarantine for intrastate travel. If the occasion arises in the future to hunker down, Skagway has the protocols and community diligence to do it again.
Steve Burnham declined to participate, stating he included a memo when he proposed Resolution 20-17R. We did not hear back from Jay Burnham or Dan Henry. Dustin Stone submitted a statement that exceeded the word limit and declined to shorten his submission.
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
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June 5, 2020
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Recreation Center closed for roof replacement and repainting
two challenges during June. days. “You will then have 24 The first is the June 2020 hours to complete an enjoyWalk/Run LOOP Challenge. able self-care opportunity Each participant can down- (suggestions are provided load the map online https:// when you sign up or you can skagwayrecreation.org/spe- create your own). Record it cial-events/ and complete the on a paper calendar and at the loop three times every week. end of the month simply take “This is a self-timed event a screenshot of your completand on your honor,” the ed calendar” and send it in. center’s website says. En- The winner gets a free mastry forms are due by July 1. sage. Winners will be announced Jaime Bricker, director of July 4. There are categories public relations at the White for male and female runners Pass & Yukon Route, said with the fastest, slowest and she had a bit of a tough time most-improved times. when the facility closed in The idea behind the June the middle of winter due to 2020 Self-Care Challenge COVID-19. Photo by Melinda Munson is to “stay motivated to Bricker has a family memConstruction equipment waits in the Skagway Recreation Center parking lot as Island Contractors prepare to replace the roof. take better care of yourself bership. “Not having a recrethroughout the month of June ation center the last couple of Zoom or outdoors. One class By Krizelle Solidum to that closure, and fees will The Skagway Recreation not resume until the center being offered outside, with by receiving a beautiful mo- months reminds me to appre10 to 15 feet of social dis- tivational quote as a remind- ciate their services and I’m Center will be closed until reopens. mid to late July for roof reBefore the new roof and tance between participants, is er to do something good for looking forward to seeing it new and improved,” she said. placement and repainting. repainting, the last time the yoga. Participants are urged yourself,” the website says. The quotes will go out “All of the overhead work facility was repaired was to bring their mats, blankets, makes it not safe to have the three years ago when the for- straps and wear a mask. Class to participants at 1 a.m. weekfacility open during construc- mer equipment storage area is 9:15 a.m. every Monday tion,” said Brad Ryan, bor- was turned into an expanded and Wednesday on the recre- Alaska Suffrage Star online exhibit ough manager. weight room, said Katherine ation center lawn. For those that prefer workThe renovations will cost Nelson, facility director. The Alaska State Muse- bition in Alaska about $473,000, with the job Before the weight room ad- ing out at home, pre-record- um’s online exhibit, Alas• Lena Morrow Lewis, soawarded to Island Contrac- dition, about eight years ear- ed classes can be found on ka’s Suffrage Star, opens at cialist organizer and the first tors of Juneau. lier, new insulated siding and the recreation center website 4:30 p.m. on June 5 as part Alaska woman to run for fedhttps://skagwayrecreation. of the Juneau Arts & Human- eral office in 1916 The recreation center has an arctic entry were added. been closed since mid-March During the public health org/. ities Council’s Virtual First • Tillie Paul, Tlingit educaTo help keep the commu- Friday. The exhibit is view- tor and tribal historian who due to the COVID-19 shut- closure and the construction downs. Refunds are going work, free alternative class- nity active, even at a dis- able at https://lam.alaska. was arrested for assisting a out for membership fees back es are being offered through tance, the facility is offering gov/suffrage-star. Tlingit man to vote The exhibit shares the hisThe Alaska State Museum tory of women’s suffrage in produced the exhibit to comAlaska, explaining how local memorate the centennial of and national activism helped the 19th Amendment to the Recipe provided by Paul Munson Alaska women citizens U.S. Constitution, which in achieve the vote in 1913. 1920 extended the right to Munson, a chef with over 15 years experience, checks his shrimp pots twice a day, which That year, the first bill ever vote regardless of gender. takes more time than cooking this meal. passed by the Alaska TerritoThis online exhibit is a comrial Legislature granted vot- panion to the traveling exhibIngredients: ing rights to women citizens. it that the Alaska State Muse1 pound local shrimp Only in 1924 did all Alaska um organized. The traveling 1 red bell pepper, julienned Native women become eli- version of Alaska’s Suffrage ½ teaspoon red chile flakes gible voters, because it was Star will be on exhibit during 1 pinch cayenne pepper only then that the federal 2020 at the Haines Sheldon Fresh ground black pepper to taste government granted U.S. citi- Museum, the Nolan Center in Sea salt to taste zenship to Native Americans. Wrangell, the Carrie McLain 3 tablespoons salted butter The exhibit features repro- Museum in Nome, the Fair3 tablespoons oil (25 percent extra virgin ductions of historic photo- banks North Star Borough olive oil (EVOO), 75 percent canola oil*) graphs, illustrations, political Libraries, the Wasilla Muse1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs: basil, cartoons and student learning um and the Skagway Public thyme and parsley all work well activities. It highlights Alaska Library. 1 pound pasta, cooked women voting rights activists The League of Women from the 1910s and 1920s, in- Voters Alaska, the League Directions: cluding: of Women Voters AnchorCook on medium high heat. • Nellie Cashman, entre- age, the Fairbanks Branch of In a large saute pan add oil and butter. While butter is melting, add dried spices. When butpreneur, miner and the first the American Association of ter is melted, add peppers. Saute one minute. Add shrimp. Saute only until cooked through. woman to vote in a territorial University Women and the Toss in fresh herbs and pasta. Mix well and serve. election in Alaska Friends of the Alaska State • Cornelia Hatcher, temper- Library, Archives and Muse*This blend gives you the great flavor of butter and EVOO while allowing the dish to be cooked at a ance leader who led the suc- um sponsored the exhibit. higher temperature. cessful effort to enact Prohi-
Paul’s 15-minute shrimp dinner
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
June 5, 2020
Ron Boughton
Obituaries
and brother Chuck (Leigh) Boughton. He is also survived by four step-children: Martin (Gisela) Porreca, Anthony (Robin) Porreca, Gina (Dave) Sicard and Dominic Porreca. Finally, he is survived by his partner and wife of 27 years, Margaret “Maggie” Boughton. Ron and Margaret met in 1993 and left Michigan in 1994 to begin their adventure in Alaska. Ron told everyone Long-time Skagway resiRon was preceded in death since he was 4-years-old that dent Ron Boughton passed by his father Duane Bough- he was going to live in Alasaway suddenly on May 22, ton Jr. He is survived by son ka some day. With Margaret age 67, due to complications Randy, mother Myrna Bough- beside him, they made that from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. ton, sister Kym Yates (Dan) dream happen. They started
William Donald Andrews termination,
Bill was born in Skagway, Alaska on October 20, 1930 as William Donald Dagush Dennis, a 100% blood Tlingit Alaska Native. His birth parents, Leo and Louise Dennis, became unable to care for him. He was adopted into the family of Alfred and Katherine Andrews of Skagway, and so became William Donald Andrews. When Bill was around two years old, his adoptive mother Katherine passed away and Alfred was no longer able to care for Bill by himself. Bill was placed in the Haines Orphanage where he grew up struggling with hunger, hard work and occasionally, severe punishment. But he also experienced the kindness and encouragement of the orphanage’s administrator. At age eleven, an aunt and uncle – Bert and Marion Dennis of Skagway – took him into their household of four boys and a girl, where he remained until he was a young adult. From this very difficult start in life came an extraordinary man, who, through sheer de-
let nothing stop him in the pursuit of his dreams. Bill grew up working hard for his keep. “Willie,” as he was known to Alaska friends and family, was a hunter, fisherman, logger and railroad worker. A superb athlete, he was a high school basketball star and long distance runner. He remained a runner throughout his life until the age of 70. With a voice that strongly resembled Eddie Fisher, he was also an in-demand professional singer, traveling and performing in venues around Alaska, including the annual governor’s ball. As a young man in Alaska, he survived a car crash off a cliff, a small plane crash, a boat explosion and botulism poisoning. All of this before the age of 30! After moving to Seattle with only $20 in his pocket, he cobbled together several part-time jobs, obtained a degree in accounting and then a position with Seattle City Light, where he worked in finance for 40 years before retiring in 2001. At City Light, he faced a great deal of discrimination and outright hostility in the days prior to the Equal Opportunity Employment Act and Civil Rights
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legislation, but he stayed and persevered. He will be remembered by coworkers as an excellent manager; honest, direct and a fighter for women’s rights and equal rights. In addition to his professional career, Bill volunteered at Seattle’s juvenile detention center, working successfully with youth that were considered extremely difficult. He coached an adult women’s basketball team to victory in a regional championship. He was very photogenic with a beautiful smile, and obtained modeling assignments in his spare time. If Bill wanted to learn something, he taught himself – guitar, electronics, motorcycle riding and auto repair, among other things. Bill was a strong Christian and very active in the Broadview Community United Church of Christ in Seattle. Bill was very proud of his Native heritage and worked to support it. He acted as a volunteer delegate for Sealaska Corporation, attending annual conferences in Alaska. He was a member of Tlingit & Haida of Washington and Alaska. Bill never ran out of stories, and the storytelling and teaching abilities he derived from his culture were second to none. His clan affiliations were Eagle and Raven. His Native name, Dteet-Ta-Nee, suited him perfectly. Though there
their adventure working at the Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood in 1994 and relocated to Anchorage the following year. Ron was maintenance manager at the Inlet Tower Suites in Anchorage. In 2002, after Margaret’s serious illness, they decided to move south to Florida to be closer to family. On their road trip south Ron asked, “Do you want to see the place where I hiked the Chilkoot Trail (in 1998)?” The rest, they say, is history. They returned to Skagway in 2003 where they lived until September 2019, departing for Florida with the intention
of becoming snowbirds. Ron was a handyman. Margaret would say he could do anything, but pay him by the job not the hour, as he was a perfectionist. He had a few careers in Skagway but his favorite was that of being a coffee shop owner for two summers. Ron will be missed by all who knew him as he was steadfast and would do anything to help. Above all, Ron was proud to be an Alaskan for 26 years, almost as proud as being a Harley owner.
is no exact English translation, Bill translated it as “the way you feel when you look out on the first spring day and see sunshine sparkling on the dew, and it makes you smile.” Ah yes – that smile! From Bill’s first marriage, two beautiful daughters were born. From his second, a son, who died an accidental death in 2012. From his third, there were no children but a remaining lifetime of love and 36 ½ years with his wife, Marilyn. In 2013, Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. For his last two years of life, he lived at Goldenview Adult Family Home in Seattle, where he received incredibly kind, attentive and expert care. After a total of seven plus years battling the disease, Bill passed away peacefully on April 27, 2020 at the age of 89 ½. Bill’s life motto, “I don’t worry about anything,” never changed. His easy going per-
sonality and beautiful smile never changed. His heart for his family and friends never changed. He was a good father, a perfect husband and a great, great man. Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his sister Kathy Lawrence (John), his two daughters, Tracey Howell (Tony) and Marlee Carlile (Terry), and four grandchildren: Samus Clark, Kimberlee Alseth (Jared), Timothy Clark and Floyd Clark. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Tlingit & Haida of Washington and Alaska, Broadview Community United Church of Christ or Goldenview Adult Family Home. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Police & Fire Blotter Submitted by Skagway Police Department
May 20 Fire personnel responded to an unattended brush fire on the Klondike Highway. Police helped return a lost dog. May 25 EMS personnel assisted Airlift Northwest with a medevac from the clinic.
May 26 Police helped a motorist unlock their car. May 27 Police helped a motorist unlock their car.
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Family Fun Page - print and share Across 1 British Delta Force equivalent 4 Short change? 7 Iraq war casus belli 10 Presidential advisory grp. 11 “Figured it out!” 12 Weeding implement 13 Diamonds 14 Actor --- Gibson 15 Admiration 16 Fiver 17 Built 19 Party, south of the border 21 Blades 22 Drop by unannounced 24 Transfer legally 27 Cover completely
June 5, 2020
31 Drafted 33 Observe 34 Free 35 El operator 36 Highest mountain in Crete 37 Repetitive behavior condition, for short 38 Atmosphere 39 Crackpot 40 Might 41 Statute 42 Navigational aid Down 1 Smell 2 Computer data character set 3 Part of an act 4 Woke up
THE SKAGWAY NEWS
5 Healing 6 An auction 7 “Oh, --- Beautiful Mornin’” 8 Lawn-care buy 9 Real estate documents 18 Nam force 20 Vomit 23 To a certain extent 24 Information holder 25 “Fear of Fifty” author --- Jong 26 Annie’s Lieutenant-General 28 On drugs 29 Introduced, with “to” 30 Achievements to be proud of 32 College sporting org.
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
Celebrity Wordsearch
Bob Hope Cher Ice Cube James Franco Jay Mohr Jet Li
Jude Law Liv Tyler Lucy Liu Mae West Nia Long Paul Rudd
Rob Lowe Ryan Gosling Tara Reid Tim Allen
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.
May 8 answer keys
Color Me!
Sudoku
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) Little Dippers Learning Center is now hiring teachers for the 2020 Season. Visit www. skagwaylit tledippers.com/
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June 5, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS 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) 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 FOR SALE: Duplex, three bedrooms and two baths on each side. Constructed 2019. Fridge, range, washer/dryer included, partially furnished. Call 907-7232931.
COMMERCIAL-PROPERTY DOWNTOWN SKAGWAY SPACE available for lease: 1200SF retail space next to Eagles Hall. Great location in the heart of Skagway’s Historic District between 5th and 6th Ave. on Broadway. This is for the south retail in the Kelly Block Building. Contact jimpjewell@ gmail.com or text Jim at 907-6120114.(1cb) RETAIL SPACE ON BROADWAY for lease. See info at: www. skagwayrealestate.net. (1cb)
MARKETPLACE CHILKAT VALLEY NEWS & WHITEHORSE STAR available at Skaguay News Depot & Books. (1cp)
PERSONALS-MISC. SERVICES FOOD BANK DONATIONS WELCOME. Donations may be sent to the Food Bank, PO Box 200, Skagway, AK 99840. The local Food Bank helps those in need with groceries. If you need assistance, or know anyone who needs assistance, at any time of year, call any pastor or 907-6120313. (1cp)
LEGAL AD The Municipality of Skagway is accepting bids for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Odor Control Improvements Project. A full copy of the request for bids can be obtained by e-mailing m.gihl@ skagway.org. Bids are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. The Municipality of Skagway is accepting proposals for Municipal Technical Services. A full copy of the request for bids can be obtained by e-mailing m.gihl@ skagway.org. Bids are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2020.
BROADWAY BULLETIN BOARD Juneau Cooperative Extension is offering free distance-delivered food business and food preservation. Participants from any location may register at www.uaf.edu/ces/juneau to receive a Zoom link. The remaining classes include:
• Canning Wild Berries, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 13
. For more information contact Lewis at sarah.lewis@alaska.edu.
The 2020 Hoop Camp with Coach Ostenik this summer
Camp dates are July 13-16, 2020. The camp is optimistic that it will go on as planned with additional health and safety protocols. The camp is looking at new formatting and want to get an idea of the numbers attending in order to prepare. Hoop Camp is available for all kids entering grades K - 12 in the fall of 2020. Campers do not need to be students of Skagway School. Registration for camp is $20 per camper. The camp is looking into
the possibility of waving the fee this year. Email Cindy O’Daniel at cindyod22@yahoo.com with questions or a list of campers from your household, their grade this fall and your preferred method of communication.
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
RECREATION CTR SCHED
11th & State • 983-2518 Sun. Sacrament Meeting...10 a.m. Sun. School/Primary ...11:10 a.m. Relief Society/Priesthood...12 p.m.
Skagway Recreation Center • 12th & Main • 983-2679 Cardio • Weight Room • Locker Rooms • Showers • Rock Wall
9th & State • 983-2271 Sun. Mass..............................5 p.m. Mass Mon. & Tues...........12:10 p.m. (when a priest is available)
The Recreation Center is closed for repairs and construction.
St. Therese Catholic Church
Life Link Fellowship Bible Church
11th and Main • 907-612-0121 Sat. Night Worship ............7 p.m. Sunday Service.................11 a.m.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Library Hours: See website for updates due to COVID-19. Dahl Clinic Winter Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Closed Sat. and Sun. For after-hours emergencies, please dial 911. Incinerator Hours Tues./Thurs. 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. See www.skagway.org for borough meeting updates. Email Updates & New Events:editor@skagwaynews.com
“It did what all ads are supposed to do: create an anxiety relievable by purchase.”
-David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest
June 5, 2020
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THE SKAGWAY NEWS
Skagway turns out for silent vigil against violence and racism continued from FRONT page
(for violence against minorities),” Brockett said. Brockett and McGrail chose to organize their Black Lives Matter event as a silent vigil. “We didn’t want to alienate folks if we were going to march. We wanted to dip our toes in the water,” McGrail said. Over 100 Skagwegians attended the rally, some were families with small children. Also in attendance was Ray Leggett, Skagway police chief. When asked if he was there as police chief or in a personal capacity, Leggett
responded, “I don’t know whether there’s a way to separate that.” Leggett didn’t want to comment on how police officers in the Lower 48 are handling the protests and riots but he had thoughts to share about Skagway’s police department. “I do not tolerate any type of descrimination or abuse. That’s not what this job is about. It never has been,” he said. “I support people when they want to speak out about that (racism and violence). I don’t think we should sit idly by.”
Brockett and McGrail plan to continue their activism with a possible future march. They promote donating to organizations and people directly affected by racism and violence. Brockett recommends seeking out minority voices on Twitter, where she feels meaningful conversations are occurring, something she’s not seeing on Facebook or Instagram. “Black lives matter. Indiginous lives matter. It’s hard work to be doing but we have to be practicing anti-racism every day, especially in Alaska,” Brockett said.
Photo by Melinda Munson
Photo by Melinda Munson
Photo by Melinda Munson
Photos by Reba Hylton
Photo by Reba Hylton
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!