Articles from the April 30, 2020 edition


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  • Local author releases new book, "Silty Water People"

    Caleb Vierkant|Apr 30, 2020

    Local writer Vivian Faith Prescott recently announced the publication of her newest book, Silty Water People. The book is a collection of some of her oldest poems, she said, and is a look at "the effects of assimilation" on Wrangell families and the community as a whole. The poems range from the serious, to the humorous, to the intimate. The ideas of identity and culture have always fascinated her, Prescott said. She holds a doctorate in cross cultural studies. Silty Water People, she said, is...

  • Uncertainties across industries as Wrangell economy works through pandemic

    Caleb Vierkant|Apr 30, 2020

    With Health Mandate 16, part of Governor Mike Dunleavy's plan to reopen Alaska's economy safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the state are considering what the near future may look like. Revenues have fallen for the city and businesses have had to get creative to stay open. While there is optimism to be found amongst some business owners, uncertainties loom for the economy in general. Alan Cummings, of All In Charters and Grand View B&B, said that they are looking at a rough...

  • Economic recovery task force meets to discuss business needs, state mandates

    Caleb Vierkant|Apr 30, 2020

    The Reopen Wrangell Task Force, made up of several representatives across the community, met last Monday afternoon to discuss ways to assist Wrangell's economy through the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force recently sent out a survey to local businesses to see what their needs are. The survey became available Friday, April 24. Kate Thomas, with the Wrangell Parks and Recreation department, said they have received 27 responses. Two of them were test runs from city officials, she said, but the bulk...

  • School district working to keep kids fed through end of the school year

    Caleb Vierkant|Apr 30, 2020

    This has been a unique school year in Wrangell. With the COVID-19 pandemic, not only was the basketball season cut short, but districts across the state have closed their doors. The Wrangell School District is no different, having closed down the schools to protect staff and students from the virus. While the buildings are not in use currently, the district is still providing education remotely, through online classrooms. Not only that, but the district is working to make sure students are...

  • Rushmore answers census questions, encourages responses

    Caleb Vierkant|Apr 30, 2020

    April 1 was Census Day, but Carol Rushmore wanted to remind everyone that responses can still be turned in until the end of July. Rushmore, Wrangell's economic development director and head of the local census committee, wanted to clear up a few questions she had received from the public regarding the census, and to encourage further turnout. One of the most common questions she has heard about the census was about when people can expect to receive physical packets, she said. Rushmore explained...

  • Baseball season coming soon, says little league president

    Caleb Vierkant|Apr 30, 2020

    It is springtime in Wrangell. Birds are returning for the warmer weather, fishing season is gearing up, and under normal circumstances little league season would be kicking off right about now. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, little league has been temporarily put on hold. There is no cause for concern though, according to Briana Schilling, as she promises Wrangell kids will get to play baseball in the near future. Schilling, Wrangell's little league president, said that little league...

  • Springtime for Wrangell

    Apr 30, 2020

    The Wrangell log, out at City Park, got spruced up a bit over the weekend. Groundswell, the local flower shop, put together the floral arrangement for public enjoyment. Mya DeLong, of Groundswell, said on Facebook that the arrangement was made up of about five dozen roses and carnations, plus locally foraged greenery....

  • The Way We Were

    Apr 30, 2020

    April 29, 1920 Daniel Baker, the affable young traveling representative of the Western Dry Goods company, was a pleasant caller at the Sentinel Office yesterday. Mr. Baker does not, of course, ever expect to sell the Sentinel any dry goods (regardless of how much we may need them,) but he has to come down Front street as far as Captain Jinks store anyway. Then after he has sold Jinks a bill of goods he comes across the street and lets the Sentinel force enjoy the sunshine of his smiling countenance. Baker is no pessimist, and we surely like...

  • Police report

    Apr 30, 2020

    April 20 Parking Complaint. Vehicle Fire. Agency Assist: Hospital. Welfare Check. April 21 Violation of Condition of Release. Summons Service. Agency Assist: Ambulance. Animal Complaint. Agency Assist: Harbor Master. Agency Assist: Fire Department. Gunshot. Noise Complaint. Domestic Disturbance. April 22 Noise Complaint. Disturbance. Hit & Run. April 23 Subpoena Service. Agency Assist: Fire Department. Deer Poaching: Unfounded. April 25 Theft. Agency Assist: Hoonah P.D. Agency Assist: Ambulance. Subpoena Service. Gun Shots. Fire Alarm. April...

  • Letter to the Editor

    Apr 30, 2020

    To the Editor: After again hearing that the economic health of our community is a second priority, I feel compelled to offer a few facts that we all live with and could live with for some time. As reopening occurs and business and fisheries get going they will be burdened with still more regulation, more forms, more signing that we will obey the rules. State and now probably increased local government regulation will be required. As we go down this road here are a few local facts to consider....

  • Dan's Dispatch

    Dan Ortiz|Apr 30, 2020

    This past weekend, I hosted a Facebook Live event to catch up with District 36 while still social distancing. I was happy to see a lot of participation; there were great questions and comments! Thank you to everyone who listened in and offered insights. I’d like to reiterate some of the bigger topics we touched during that forty-minute conversation. As the summer season begins, the visitor industry has been on the forefront of people’s minds. Cruise ship stops will be down by over 50%, and most cruise ship schedules (which are subject to cha...

  • Reflections

    Apr 30, 2020

    In the past few months, many of us, believers and non-believers, have asked the question, 'Where is God in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic?" When we are challenged with an individual, family, community, nation and or world situation that causes us to feel powerless, confused, afraid, sad, and/or angry, perhaps we need to look beyond the question, "Where is God in this?" At this point, many of us in the Christian community are reflecting on what Jesus might do in our current situation. Jesus of...

  • Face Mask

    Apr 30, 2020

    Office dog Sky tries on a face mask, with the help of Sentinel reporter Caleb Vierkant. Wearing face masks out in public is an important part of keeping the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Homemade face masks, like the one seen in the photo, do not guarantee protection from COVID-19, but can help prevent it being spread to others. Sky reports that while masks may be uncomfortable and inconvenient (it's very hard to play fetch with a mask on) they are still important for public...

  • Alaska's COVID prevention guidelines; Fish Board brouhaha; Trolling lawsuit

    Laine Welch|Apr 30, 2020

    Strict new rules are now in place for Alaska fishermen and their vessels to protect against and prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the 2020 salmon season. Effective April 24, Governor Dunleavy provided 11 pages of mandates that specifically apply to those who have not “agreed to operate under a fleet-wide plan submitted by a company, association or entity” representing them. Among other things, each independent skipper must sign a “Health Mandate Acknowledgement Form” prior to going fishing. They are required to maintain a written or time...