“Spawned Weekly for Southwest Alaska”

VOL. 41, No. 52 | $1.00 thebristolbaytimes.com December 24, 2020

IN CELEBRATION OF LIVE MUSIC

Investigation
into plane
In crash reveals
memory mechanical
Todd Radenbaugh
remembered as a
visionary.
problem
PAGE 3 Some pilots express
concerns about
relaxed safety rules
BY ZOE SOBEL
KUCB News

Still It was a blustery fall day at

Tom Madsen Airport. A PenAir
flight from Anchorage was mak-
moment PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DILLINGHAM COMMUNITY CHOIR
Screengrab of the Dillingham Community Choir’s first concert, which was streamed Dec. 17 on Facebook.
ing its second attempt to land
in Unalaska. Gusting tail-winds
Winter Solstice is made the landing extra challeng-
a time when the ing. As the plane touched down
‘sun stands still.’

PAGE 7
Dillingham Community Choir it failed to slow down, broke
through the airport’s chain link
fence, crossed a road and hit a

streams first concert on Facebook

rocky embankment just short of
the frigid waters of Iliuliuk Bay.
Steve Ranney was among the
39 passengers on Flight 3296.
Despite distancing, How a Rose ‘ere Blooming!” “We mantle of bringing singing joy to He’s a commercial pilot with 20
Three Kings;” and “Here We Come this community, we have to be years experience and still trying
group is motivated A-Caroling.” held to a higher standard for our- to understand what went wrong
to bring joy of music
Freezer to the community
The choir began weekly re-
hearsals in early November at the
local Moravian Church. Brandon
selves and for everyone else.”
Smith said streaming the con-
cert was a way to celebrate live
that day.
“I just don’t think that we can
flat accept that there’s going to
arrives BY BRIAN VENUA
Smith, the music director for the
Dillingham Middle/High School,
music.
“We’re created to live in the
be accidents like this,” Ranney
said. “I think that’s really one
Company helps KDLG News conducts the rehearsals. moment — to be present with of the more important things.
transport crucial “It’s just been great,” Smith other people,” he said. “That is I know people make mistakes,
equipment for There hasn’t been much live said. “We’re a highly motivated such a crucial aspect that is miss- but in the air carrier world these
COVID-19 vaccine. music in Dillingham this year. But group of people to bring the joy of ing from so many prerecorded things should not happen. This
the Dillingham Community Choir music to our community.” things that you see. I wanted to shouldn’t have happened at all.”
PAGE 9 decided to change that. Smith said the choir takes sig- preserve the live component.” Ranney is still recovering from
The choir performed its first nificant measures to practice All are welcome to join the his injuries. A passenger to his
concert last Thursday evening. safely — precautions include so- choir. The schedule for spring left fared much worse: 38-year-
It featured five pieces, which can cial distancing and limiting their rehearsals will be posted on the old David Oltman was fatally in-
be streamed on the group’s Face- social interactions. group’s Facebook page jured in the crash. There were at
book page. The songs included “We had a talk right upfront,” least nine people hurt. Oltman’s
“Once in Royal David’s City;” “Of he said. “We’re really responsi- Contact the author at [email protected]
the Father’s Love Begotten;” “Lo! ble. If we’re going to take on the or 907-842-2200. n See page 8, INVESTIGATION

Vaccine expected late this month in Bristol Bay

Trasport to rural providers grapple with the logis- Committee will distribute the difficult.
tical challenges of getting the vac- vaccine in phases. The first round “The challenges with admin-
communities poses cine to rural areas. includes hospital-based health istering vaccines in the villages
logistical challenge Bernina Venua, the incident care workers; community health also relates to having both vac-
commander for the Bristol Bay aides and practitioners; emer- cines being a two-dose vaccine,”
BY ISABELLE ROSS Area Health Corporation’s CO- gency medical services workers she said. “There’s different time
KDLG News VID-19 task force, said the corpo- and long-term care residents and frames for each vaccine but we
ration plans to start administer- staff. have to ensure that we are able
From Ketchikan to Kotzebue, ing the vaccine in the last week of The health corporation has a to return with the appropriate
BBT 02-02-2012
communities across the state be- December. tentative plan as more phases are allocation and within that time
gan to administer their first doses “Currently we are in Phase 1A. announced for wider distribution frame.”
of coronavirus vaccine this week. And that means that it is only for to villages. BBAHC doesn’t know which
But Bristol Bay will have to frontline health care workers,” But Venua said new informa- vaccine it will administer initially
wait at least another week for she said. tion and factors such as unpre-
8 54159 00006 6
its first dose, while health care The state’s Vaccine Allocation dictable weather could make that n See page 12, VACCINE
Page 2 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m December 24, 2020

Pebble parent company to appeal ‘Parade of storms’

Army Corps’ rejection of permit heading to Bristol Bay
Anchorage Daily News

The parent company of the

over the holidays
from the president, and an
environmental group releas-
ing secretly recorded tapes of
R-Alaska, are pushing early ef-
forts to make the land where
the mine is proposed perma-
Pebble Limited Partnership Thiessen and Pebble’s former nently off limits to develop- BY ISABELLE ROSS few fluctuations over the next
said it is appealing the Trump chief executive, Tom Collier, ment. KDLG News week.
administration’s recent deci- speaking openly about their Earlier this month, a coali- “Temperatures will be
sion to deny a key permit for relationships with political tion of Bristol Bay groups — Bristol Bay is in for some above freezing and then drop
the controversial mine pro- leaders in Alaska. Collier re- United Tribes of Bristol Bay, stormy weather this week. The below freezing for a couple
posal in the Bristol Bay region signed, and U.S. Sen. Dan Sulli- Bristol Bay Native Association National Weather Service is- days and probably pop back
of Southwest Alaska. van, R-Alaska, released a state- and Bristol Bay Economic De- sued a Winter Weather Advi- up,” Thoman explained. “Most
In a written statement last ment condemning the mine velopment Corp. — said they sory on Monday for the wider of the precipitation should fall
Thursday, Northern Dynasty proposal. would push for the U.S. Envi- region, including Dillingham, as snow but there will be peri-
Minerals President and CEO On Thursday, Thiessen in ronmental Protection Agency Naknek, King Salmon and Pi- ods of rain in there as well.”
Ron Thiessen said the rejec- his statement said the devel- to veto the mine and for legis- lot Point. That’s in effect until 6 But where is all this wind
tion was “without precedent opers had attempted to devel- lation to permanently protect p.m. Monday, and gusts are ex- coming from? A storm in the
in the long history of respon- op “mitigation requirements the waters of Bristol Bay. pected to reach up to 70 mph Bering Sea has created a deep
sible resource development in that were both extreme and “Although we are relieved after midnight, with wide- low pressure system. That sys-
Alaska.” unprecedented in Alaska” in that Pebble’s permit applica- spread rain and snow showers. tem has been swirling west of
The U.S. Army Corps of order to get the permit, and tion has been denied, our peo- “Really quite a parade of the Pribilof Islands. Today it
Engineers in November said argued its plans were rejected ple must be assured that no storms here,” said Rick Thom- pushed warmer air across the
Pebble’s plans to develop the “on the basis of what we be- matter the political winds, our an, a climate specialist with Alaska Peninsula and into the
copper and gold mine did not lieve to be largely minor and way of life is protected from the Alaska Center for Climate Dillingham area.
comply with the Clean Wa- arbitrary deficiencies.” the threat of mining in our Assessment and Policy at the Another low pressure sys-
ter Act and “is contrary to the Army Corps Alaska District region,” said BBNA President University of Alaska Fairbanks. tem is expected to blow more
public interest.” spokesman John Budnik said and CEO Ralph Andersen in a The warm, wet weather is southerly winds toward the
The Army Corps’ decision Thursday that the agency has statement. a big change from earlier this region later this week, bring-
followed a series of notable not yet received the appeal. During his campaign, Pres- month. Storm centers have ing some snow and rain.
developments this year, in- Since the Army Corps’ de- ident-elect Joe Biden said he moved further north in the “As we head towards Christ-
cluding opposition to the cision, Pebble opponents and would work to halt the mine Bering Sea, which is creating mas Eve, we’ll see another low
mine from Donald Trump Jr., some Alaska leaders, includ- after taking office. several low pressure systems. pressure form in the central
a seemingly supportive tweet ing U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, “There’s going to be a whole Bering Sea. This one will wind
series of these this week and up east of the Pribilofs,” Thom-
into the weekend,” Thoman an said.
Adak records first COVID-19 case said. “So for the Bristol Bay
region it’s going to be the case
— if you don’t like the weather
Another storm is forecast
to move up from the North Pa-
cific into the Bristol Bay region
BY HOPE MCKENNEY do to adapt those? How this bad storm coming through and today, wait ‘til tomorrow.” this weekend.
KUCB News goes will dictate whether we try to keep everyone safe by The first weeks of Decem- Temperatures are expected
will need more restrictions or staying indoors and not inter- ber were cold, with tempera- to remain steady in the mid-
Local officials have put Adak whether we can continue to acting with folks outside their tures in the single digits and 30s heading into the holiday
under lockdown after a visitor have the same program we’ve household.” teens. But the low pressure weekend. People should watch
tested positive Saturday for had in place.” The city also ordered all systems have pushed tem- out for areas of blowing snow
the coronavirus upon arrival Under the lockdown order, businesses must remain peratures up to the mid-30s, and hazardous driving condi-
to the Aleutian community. Lockett said all residents must closed — with the exception and people can expect quite a tions due to freezing rain.
The mandatory stay-at- stay home unless “performing of those necessary for public
home order and closure of all duties related to immediate health and safety — until the
but essential businesses went
into effect Saturday evening
public health and safety,” in
order to allow state health of-
order expires.
The Adak City Council Dillingham shortens
quarantine requirement
and was expected to be lifted ficials to conduct full contact passed an ordinance last
on Tuesday. tracing and determine the lev- month to continue restrictions
It’s the first confirmed case el of risk of community trans- on travel into the commu-
of COVID-19 for the commu- mission. nity through at least Jan. 26,
nity of about 100 people, ac- “We don’t expect that there 2021. All travelers must make BY ISABELLE ROSS form to the city prior to or up-
cording to Adak City Manager was significant community arrangements to take a CO- KDLG News on arriving in the community.
Layton Lockett. transmission,” Lockett said. VID-19 test at the Adak Medi- People in quarantine are al-
“Hopefully, it’s just a trav- “But again, until [public health cal Clinic within 24 hours after People arriving in Dilling- lowed to leave where they are
eler that can stay isolated,” officials] can finish their con- arrival, regardless of whether ham can now leave quarantine staying to participate in sub-
Lockett said on Monday. “This tact tracing, we won’t know for a test was taken as part of the after 10 days without getting sistence activities and to go
is truly a test of our travel re- sure. So that’s the reason we’re state’s Health Order 8. tested for COVID-19, instead of outside for fresh air and exer-
strictions. Are the mandates asking for people to stay at the original 14 days. To do so, cise, as long as they social dis-
working? What do we need to home, pretend like it’s a really they must not be experiencing tance and wear a mask when
any symptoms. near those not in their house-
City Manager Tod Larson holds.
With seven new COVID-19 cases, changed the quarantine rule
Friday in an emergency order,
The city has had a 14-day
quarantine requirement since

Unalaskans urged to remain vigilant

citing new CDC recommenda- April.
tions that allow for shortened People who have been in
quarantines. close contact with someone
Dillingham’s new rule went who has tested positive for
BY HOPE MCKENNEY the individuals who tested cases of the coronavirus in into effect at 11:59 p.m. last COVID-19 should get tested or
KUCB News positive will be notified. Unalaska, 13 of which are cur- Friday. quarantine for a full 14 days,
“I understand people are rently active. Those arriving in Dilling- according to the ordinance.
The city of Unalaska re- getting tired, and the vaccine Unalaska remains in a state ham must still monitor them- In Dillingham, testing is
ported seven new cases of is very exciting,” City Manager of emergency and is currently selves for symptoms for a full available from 12 p.m. to 6
COVID-19 on Dec. 16. One is Erin Reinders told KUCB. “But at a high-risk level for the virus, 14 days, and they have to abide p.m. daily at the Capstone clin-
community acquired, one is it’s not here yet. So we need as determined by local authori- by other precautions even af- ic by the airport.
travel-related, and five are in- to focus on remaining diligent ties. The city will consider step- ter the 10 days are up. Addi- Anyone experiencing CO-
dustry-related, the city said in in our efforts and not cause a ping back down to the medium tionally, people can’t test out of VID-19 or flu-like symptoms
a statement. widespread outbreak. Hope is risk level after two weeks with- the 10-day quarantine early. can get tested at the hospital.
Contact tracing is under- on the horizon.” out a new COVID-19 case stem- People traveling into Dill- To schedule a screening, call
way, and all close contacts of To date, this marks 171 ming from community spread. ingham need to submit a travel 907-842-9440.
December 24, 2020 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m Page 3

Todd Radenbaugh remembered as a ‘visionary’

dedicated to environmental education in Bristol Bay
BY ISABELLE ROSS Interdisciplinary Science Radenbaugh from her work
KDLG News Conference. The annual event at Nunamta Aulukestai, which
brings together people and was a nonprofit association
Todd Radenbaugh was students who work and con- of Bristol Bay village corpora-
known for his tenacity and his duct research around Bristol tions and tribal councils.
boundless enthusiasm for ed- Bay. Williams said he was dedi-
ucation and the environment Lisac said Radenbaugh did cated to working with local
— someone who approached not let his students get dis- people on environmental is-
global problems through com- tracted during his lectures. sues in the region.
munity action. “You know how everybody “His contribution to train-
“Sustainability starts local. is, they’re giving all these ing through classes, training
And sustainability has to stay lengthy PowerPoints and they the IGAP Tribal workers on
local. And sustainability has drone on for a while — me in- how to look at water quality,
to use both science and local cluded,” Lisac said. “Well, Todd to me, that was a testament to
culture,” said Radenbaugh, Photo provided by Michele Masley
gave a presentation about the his long legacy in our region
speaking to KDLG last year at Radenbaugh is remembered for his dedication to working with local people importance of estuaries. And that our conversations around
on environmental issues in the region.
Dillingham’s March for Science everybody woke up. Because if resource development — we
event. “Know where your wa- you’ve ever heard Todd give a have better conversations be-
ter comes from. I mean, that’s cues about when to stop talk- to work. talk, he got very loud at times. cause of Todd,” Williams said.
a local thing. Know a little ing.” “When he came to Dilling- And if he saw people dozing “He gave us the techniques to
geography. Should you build Radenbaugh grew up in ham he came right from the off, he would actually yell at look at what is the science be-
there? Is there a landslide North Carolina and earned an airport, and he came right the conference. And I think he hind water quality. And that, I
going to come in and hit the undergraduate degree in ma- down to the campus, and I was probably yelled the word ‘es- think, is invaluable.”
property that you just bought. rine biology at the University teaching a class,” said Mark tuary’ about 20 times during “You could really see that
So there’s a lot of stuff you can of North Carolina, Wilmington. Lisac, a retired federal fisher- that presentation, and every- enthusiasm for what he did,
do by educating yourself in a He went to Appalachian State ies biologist. “He had all these body was awake.” and for spreading knowl-
science way that you can be University for his master’s in big ideas, and I was sitting Radenbaugh also organized edge,” said Gabe Dunham, who
much more compliant with paleontology, and received his there rolling my eyes, think- and chaired numerous other worked with Radenbaugh as
Mother Earth, shall we say, and PhD in interdisciplinary sci- ing, ‘Oh, this guy just came conferences, forums, work- part of his job with the Alaska
trying to keep her healthy.” ence from the University of Re- into town, some PhD egghead shops, educational programs Sea Grant Marine Advisory
Michele Masley was Raden- gina in Saskatchewan, Canada. from somewhere.’ But over the and focus groups. He helped Program. “He really is one of
baugh’s wife of 14 years. They He also worked with the Peace years, I got to know Todd, and organize the Alaska Forum the sole sort of representatives
met at grad school in Canada. Corps in Jamaica. he really impressed me. It’s a on the Environment, and he of the science and research
“It’s funny, I always called He came to Dillingham in great loss to the community chaired its Environmental Ed- communities that lived here
him my walking encyclope- 2006 to take up a post as an and the world to lose someone ucation Track. Additionally, he year-round. [Radenbaugh]
dia,” she said. “I could ask him associate professor of envi- of that caliber.” chaired a number of the AAAS was an excellent teacher and
a question about anything, and ronmental science at the Uni- Radenbaugh started the Arctic Science Conferences. really good at communicating
I would get a very long-winded versity of Alaska Fairbanks campus’ Environmental Sci- Kim Williams, the acting those concepts and those ideas
response,” she laughed. “And Bristol Bay Campus. And he ence Program. He also cre- director of the Bristol Bay
so he learned to look at me for didn’t waste any time getting ated the Western Alaska Campus, said she remembers n See page 11, RADENBAUGH

Iditarod still plans to hold a race, but it won’t end in Nome

BETH BRAGG It still includes a ceremonial circumstances and wish they with limited health care re- champion Thomas Waerner of
Anchorage Daily News start in Anchorage on March 6, were different. The burled arch- sources. The Iditarod said the Norway and four-time cham-
though how that will work with es in Nome will be ready and changes were “necessary for pion Jeff King of Denali Park.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog the city’s COVID-19 mitigation waiting for the return of the race the overall health and safety” King said Friday by text that
Race will follow a revised trail policies remains unknown. in 2022 for the 50th running.” of those communities. he’s organizing a 200-mile
that won’t lead mushers to “The Iditarod is working According to the Iditarod, Last year’s race was held just race on the Denali Highway to
Nome in 2021. with the Municipality of An- “the race route will follow a por- as the pandemic was emerging. be held March 12-14 during
Instead, mushers will make chorage regarding the cer- tion of the traditional Iditarod The village of Shaktoolik opted the Iditarod.
a round-trip run of about 860 emonial start and will provide southern race route to the Idi- not to host a checkpoint in town He’s calling it the Ididn’trod
miles that begins and ends updates as they arise,” race or- tarod checkpoint, and then con- as a result, and race officials 200, and he hopes the Iditarod
in Willow and includes two ganizers said by email. tinue to the mining ghost town urged spectators to not travel to Trail Committee will approve
crossings of the Alaska Range. The Iditarod is traditionally of Flat before looping back to the Nome for the finish. his request for the race to
Dog teams will travel a little a point-to-point race that be- southern route in a course that is A field of 57 mushers is serve as an Iditarod qualifying
beyond Iditarod, the ghost gins with the ceremonial start, approximately 860 miles.” signed up for the 2021 race. race. “I have applied for such
town that marks the midway followed by a restart the next Many of the eliminated Seven mushers have with- and expect it to be approved
point of the race’s southern day in Willow. It ends several checkpoints are in villages drawn, including defending next week by the ITC,” he said.
route, before turning around. days later in Nome.
Race organizers announced First run in 1973, the Idi-
the shorter route on Friday, a day
after releasing a COVID-19 plan
tarod has started in Fairbanks
on a couple of occasions be-
Director
that includes mandatory and
multiple tests for mushers. Any-
cause of poor trail conditions
south of the Alaska Range, but
Candidates Wanted
one who tests positive in rapid the finish line has always been Three (3) directors will be elected to the Nushagak Cooperative Board at the 20th Annual
tests administered at the start or in Nome, which gained fame Member Meeting scheduled for March 30, 2021. Members interested in being considered
at the McGrath checkpoint will as a gold rush town and main- should submit a letter of interest, along with a photo and biography by 5:00 p.m.,
be removed from the race. tains it as the final destination January 8, 2021 via e-mail, fax or U.S. Postal Service to:
The revised route is about for hundreds of sled dogs and Nushagak Cooperative Nominating Committee
140 miles shy of the race’s their drivers every March. Attn: Angela Thames
traditional and much-cele- “We support the Iditarod’s P.O. Box 350 or E-mail: [email protected]
brated 1,000-mile distance. decision to alter the race route Dillingham, Alaska 99576 Fax: (907) 842-2799
It eliminates 13 checkpoints for the 2021 race,” Nome May- *Members may also petition to have their name placed on the ballot by obtaining a minimum
and doesn’t go near the Norton or John Handeland, who is of 15 signatures from the membership. Nominations made by petition must be received at
Sound coast or the burled arch also an Iditarod board mem- the Cooperative by 5:00 p.m. February 5, 2021 to be considered valid.
that marks the iconic finish ber, said in a written state- For any further information please contact Angela Thames at 842-5251.
line on Nome’s Front Street. ment. “We understand the
Page 4 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m December 24, 2020

Opinions & Ideas

Anchorage Daily News
300 W. 31st Ave.
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Holiday memories conjure magic celebration
T
Phone (907)257-4268
Fax (907)279-7579
he boxes would start ar- ray of sunlight. one from our great-aunt, add-
riving in early December. Inside our tiny cabin, the ing the treasure to the tree.
PUBLISHERS As the light dwindled, wood stove crackled and pots The candles were blown out
President and CEO the trips up the big, concrete of stew simmered. Huge ici- and it was time for bed after
Ryan Binkley steps of the post office were cles hung down like stalactites reading one of the carefully se-
Publisher filled with excitement. My sis- from the roof past our single- lected Christmas books, books
Andy Pennington ter and I eagerly clutched the pane windows, but inside we that only came out once a year.
slips of paper heralding some were warm. On Christmas Eve, In the morning, our stock-
Editor-in-chief cardboard-encased wonder my mother would start the ings were filled with impossible
David Hulen
from far away. They came from holiday bread, a braided won- treasures — the rare candies
our grandparents, of course, der that was slightly sweet, and chocolates in small metal
big stamp-covered, tape-en- golden and topped with honey tins, toy airplanes and some
tombed boxes that looked like and candied fruit. In the af- sort of magazine. In the toe,
SSN: 0897-9502/USPS 002-382
they had journeyed from an- Carey Restino ternoon, we would all tromp there was always a tangerine.
EDITORIAL other dimension. My mother out on snowshoes in search Then we had breakfast,
Carey Restino, Editor
[email protected] used to joke that there was an or recycled from others’ cast- of our tree, my father’s big the cabin rich with the rare
[email protected] elephant they kept in the back away piles. beard glistening with icicles as scent of bacon. And then, the
(907) 299-1172 of the post office just to sit on But those gifts were only we pushed through the drifts
Fax: (907)279-7579
impossibly long wait for the
Anchorage Daily News the boxes. “The elephant was part of the magic of Christmas looking for a spruce just the barn chores to be finished. Fi-
300 W. 31st Ave., working HARD today,” she’d for our family. What we lacked right size and shape for our nally, we would sit down to
Anchorage, Alaska 99503 say, as we gingerly carried our in material possessions, we small space. We carried it back open the presents. From those
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR bedraggled treasure home to made up for with time. This and set it up to dry off, raining tattered brown boxes came
(WEEKLIES)
Jada Nowling the farm. Other boxes were was one of the few times of spruce-filled raindrops onto the new clothes, books and toys,
[email protected]; (907} 257-4268 smaller, but no less special. year when the pace of life on floor and filling the cabin with and some strange things that
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT There was one great-aunt who our subsistence farm slowed the intoxicating scent of the for- showed the obvious discon-
[email protected] always sent us the most exqui- to a trickle. The woodshed was est. Once it was dry, it was deco- nect between our lives and
(907) 257-4268 Fax: (907) 279-7579 site decorations for our tree, if full of neatly-stacked, chopped rated with a strange collection those of our far-away relatives.
CLASSIFIED & LEGAL the elephant spared them. wood, a month of work that of ornaments — a tiny, carved One year, we each got a giant,
ADVERTISING
[email protected] In a way, these gifts had would heat our cabin through baby nestled in a walnut shell, red, monogrammed bath tow-
(907) 257-4268 Fax: (907) 279-7579 come from another dimension. the winter. The vegetables had a hand-made felt crimson bird el. Another year, my sister and
CIRCULATION Our small farm on a remote is- all been harvested and stored and a punched metal star on I got matching stuffed Snoopy
(907) 257-4400 land sticking out into the Atlan- in our dusty log root cellar, top. I loved the tinsel, but was dogs. When it as all over, my
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR tic Ocean was light-years away where daddy longlegs the size cautioned to hang it like icicles, mother smoothed out each
The Arctic Sounder welcomes letters
from the bustling New England of my hand crawled by when I one at a time. At the end, my piece of wrapping paper, put-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR streets filled with shops, elec- tiptoed in to pull carrots from father put on the candle clips, ting it away for future use, and
The Arctic Sounder welcomes letters tric lights and indoor plumb- the sand-filled boxes or pota- each one with a small candle, we sat nibbling on nuts and
to the editor. General interest letters
should be no more than 300 words. ing. Christmas was one of the toes from the burlap sacks. The positioning them just right so Christmas bread and feeling
Thank you letters should be no more few times those worlds inter- animals were bedded down for they wouldn’t cause a holiday extraordinarily, deeply for-
than 150 words.
Letters should be submitted by 5 sected, as our tiny, lamp-lit the winter, their vast pastures disaster. After dinner, we would tunate for gifts from afar, but
p.m. on Friday for consideration in the cabin filled with gifts from afar. reduced to a small yard where gather around the tree and light even more, for the gift of family.
next week’s edition of the newspaper.
However, meeting that deadline is no The boxes were packed with the horses and goats trampled the candles, just once, and sing From our home to yours,
guarantee that the letter will be pub- crisp, shiny newness, not yet down the snow each day to carols while they burned. Then may you all have the very hap-
lished.
All letters must include the writer’s dulled and dirtied by farm life breath in fresh air and feel a we opened one gift, often the piest of holidays.
name, address and daytime telephone

A path forward for Alaska’s economy

number. Only the writer’s name and
city or village of residency will be pub-
lished. This newspaper also reserves
the right to edit letters for content,
length, clarity, grammar and taste.
Unsigned letters will not be pub-
lished. Third-party and open letters
also will not be published. Letters that to resources, renewable en- scale not seen since the Great
may put the writer or this newspaper in ergy production, and critical Depression, taking extra funds
legal jeopardy will not be published.
infrastructure production. from the Permanent Fund’s

L
Letter writers are encouraged to use
e-mail – the fastest and most efficient ast week, I introduced a BY GOV. MIKE DUNLEAVY Separately, this year’s substan- Earnings Reserve account is a
method for submissions. However, we
also welcome letters by fax, by mail or budget containing a $5 For the Bristol Bay Times - tial capital budget will provide one-time solution. To that end,
those hand-delivered. billion recovery package Dutch Harbor FIsherman $1.4 billion for badly needed I am introducing a set of con-
CONTACT US to get Alaska back on its feet. construction and maintenance stitutional amendments that
E-MAIL There is no doubt we are facing 100-year crisis before us. This at a cost to the state of only will move Alaska toward a sus-
[email protected] a once-in-a-generation chal- will allow for distribution of $59 million. tainable fiscal future.
FAX lenge. With 40,000 Alaskans the remaining portion of the I want to be clear that a The first is a permanent
(907)279-7579 on unemployment and 90,000 2020 PFD along with a full bond package is not some- fix for the Permanent Fund.
MAIL having received assistance this PFD in 2021, providing nearly thing I suggest lightly, but with The dividend debate must be
The Arctic Sounder year, we are in unprecedented $5,000 in relief to every quali- interest rates below 2.5% and settled this year. My amend-
300 W 31st Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99503 territory. Our three top indus- fied Alaskan. no state bond sales in the past ment will protect Alaskans by
tries — oil, seafood, and tour- Hundreds of thousands of 10 years, I believe this is a pru- guaranteeing the dividend and
PUBLISHING ism — are recovering from Alaskans have been affected dent and fiscally responsible preventing any changes to the
Published every Thursday by
Anchorage Daily News devastating blows. by layoffs and reduced hours. relief measure. Of course, the dividend formula without a
300 W. 31st Ave., We must act decisively. We Families have delayed trips to final decision will be yours. A vote of the people. As for the
Anchorage, Alaska 99503 must chart a path forward. the dentist and medical care; bond sale will require a spe- formula, I am proposing a 50-
Postmaster: Please send address Thankfully, we have the they are behind on house pay- cial election this spring where 50 split between Alaskans and
changes to The Arctic Sounder, 300 W tools to ease the suffering of ments and putting grocer- Alaskans will decide for them- government spending. This is
31st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Subscriptions: Periodicals mail: rates our fellow Alaskans. Over the ies on their credit cards. This selves to accept or reject this considerably higher than re-
are $80 for one year. The newsstand past decade, the Permanent short-term relief is desperate- issuance. Whatever the out- cent dividends while acknowl-
price: $1 each. Periodicals postage is
paid at Anchorage, AK 99502 Fund has grown by an enor- ly needed and could begin as come may be, I will respect the edging the reality that our
The publisher reserves the right to mous $39 billion. In fact, the soon as March. will of Alaskans. state can no longer be funded
reject or edit any advertisement sub-
mitted. No part of this publication may fund’s value has increased by Secondly, I have developed We must also maintain our solely by oil.
be reproduced by any means without over $11 billion in the past the framework for a $350 mil- focus on addressing Alaska’s As I have promised many
the express permission of the publisher.
eight months alone. lion bond package that I be- fiscal challenges. While this times before, any changes to
© 2020 The Arctic Sounder is a copyrighted
I am proposing we uti- lieve will put Alaskans back year’s budget is unique in that the dividend must receive
publication of the Anchorage Daily News. lize just over half of this to work in the mid-term. This we are required to address
All rights reserved.
year’s growth to address the bond package will target roads an economic emergency on a n See page 11, DUNLEAVY
December 24, 2020 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m Page 5

Alaska faces an uphill battle to right its economy in 2021

T
here’s just more than a together. But it’s easy to see No time to waste COVID-19 hasn’t changed the
month until the Legisla- how the fracture within the However legislators decide fact that this idea, at its core, is
ture returns to session party that blew open in Au- to organize, they need to get it a bad one.
in 2021, and nearly every is- gust could doom their chances BY EDITORIAL BOARD done quickly — before the ses- Gov. Dunleavy insisted in his
sue that plagued lawmakers at forming a majority. An un- Anchorage Daily News sion starts, if possible — and budget rollout, “I want people
in 2020 looks likely to be the compromising full-Permanent do so in a way that enables to understand this is not going
same or worse. The partisan Fund dividend faction, made them to tackle the major is- to be a situation where my ad-
rifts are deeper. The state’s bud- up mostly of Mat-Su area and electoral fraud in — conve- sues facing Alaska in 2021. Our ministration is going to go into
get situation is more dire. The Kenai Peninsula legislators, niently — several of the swing state has been pummeled by the earnings reserve of the Per-
COVID-19 pandemic is raging purports that Alaska’s budget states that president-elect Joe COVID-19 and will continue to manent Fund on a regular ba-
on, with grave impacts to both deficit of a billion-plus dollars Biden won, and none of those be for months. Our economy sis.” There’s no doubt he means
public health and Alaska’s econ- per year can be closed through that Donald Trump did. It re- is in scary shape and won’t what he says, at least right now.
omy. And, as in the last Legisla- cuts while the state continues mains unclear how Reps. David return to anything approach- But every year — and it won’t
ture, the challenge of organiz- to pay a full PFD. This is plainly Eastman, Ron Gillham, Chris ing normal until late spring or take many — raiding the Per-
ing majority caucuses in the false to anyone with even a ru- Kurka, Kevin McCabe, Tom summer. State revenues re- manent Fund to ease today’s
House and Senate looks daunt- dimentary sense of Alaska’s McCay and George Rauscher, main scarce, and a budget fix woes will become easier and
ing. On top of that, Gov. Mike budget, but they come to Ju- as well as Sen. Lora Reinbold, is sorely needed before our easier, until it’s gone.
Dunleavy’s budget would set a neau with the strident support squared their purported small- savings run completely dry. We Regardless of its short-term
scary, shortsighted precedent. of their constituents, and the government, pro-states’ rights can’t afford a legislative stale- focus, the governor’s budget
past two years have shown talk with their support for an mate, and we desperately need approach will add another
Same as it ever was that they’re exceedingly un- effort by one state to overturn some statesmanship. layer of complexity to the Leg-
Although the Alaska GOP likely to support any budget election results in another. The And there’s another ap- islature in 2021, as quite a few
effectively split into two dif- vision other than their own. action was unprecedented, un- proach we can’t afford: Gov. legislators will champion the
ferent parties in August’s pri- More moderate Republicans, founded and dangerous to de- Dunleavy’s plan to withdraw a chief executive’s approach, re-
mary election, the overall ef- such as Fairbanks Reps. Bart mocracy. And it was an excel- massive $6.2 billion from the gardless of the fact that it alters
fect this had on the number of LeBon and Steve Thompson, lent illustration of just how far Permanent Fund to pay super- the PFD calculation or raids
seats the major parties held in are once again in the difficult the Legislature’s hardliners are sized dividends. For a gover- the Permanent Fund to an un-
the Legislature after the gen- position of trying to herd cats willing to go in service of parti- nor who has prided himself sustainable degree. Alaskans
eral election was surprisingly within their own party or join- san ends. on following the law related should encourage their repre-
muted. As in 2019, the House ing a coalition that doesn’t en- The Senate, too, may see to PFD matters, it’s a shocking sentatives in the Legislature to
is effectively split down the tirely share their values. The some sort of bipartisan coali- affront to a 2018 statute lim- instead make the harder choice
middle between Republicans latter is the likely outcome. tion formed, but it’s not clear iting draws from Permanent to hammer out a balanced bud-
and Democrats — and the al- And it’s clear the hardline how many Democrats such a Fund earnings and an abdica- get vision that won’t have Alas-
lied independents who plan GOP contingent doesn’t plan on caucus would need — or how tion of fiscal responsibility. The ka draining its savings until
to caucus with the Democrats. taking a backseat in whatever many its presumably Republi- problem Gov. Dunleavy plans we inevitably hit rock bottom.
Republican Rep. Louise Stutes caucus they form. In fact, sever- can leadership would be able to combat with the cartoonish That would require legislators
of Kodiak, citing concern for al members are already throw- to abide. Complicating matters checks is real — many Alas- to actually listen to one an-
ferry funding, said she plans to ing red meat to their voting further, an FBI investigation in- kans are hurting financially other and compromise. Given
join the Democratic/indepen- base. A week ago, they signed to allegations of senators trad- because of the pandemic. But their past behavior, maybe
dent caucus, making for a dead on with Texas’ ill-conceived ing votes for campaign funding this proposal is just a re-hash that’s unlikely, but if they want
even 20-20 split. lawsuit that attempted to over- could shake up the structure of of his pre-pandemic PFD-at- to build a bridge to a better to-
The 20 other House Repub- turn the presidential election the body if there is substance any-cost philosophy. The eco- morrow, it’s the least they can
licans are, for now, hanging result by claiming widespread to the charges. nomic scarring we’ve felt from do.

Alaska should bid on ANWR oil leases itself

W
e have been waiting After all our efforts, hope and present the lease sale and to
25 years for another aspirations, Alaska will look bid on a portion or all of the
Arctic National Wild- like the proverbial paper tiger. leases with bids meeting at
life Refuge lease sale. Now it BY FRANK MURKOWSKI After Clinton vetoed the least the minimum. Such an
has been scheduled for Jan. 6, For the Bristol Bay Times - ANWR bill in 1995, I held a effort could be coordinated
2021. Is Alaska ready? Dutch Harbor Fisherman meeting with BP officials and by the state’s Department of
So far, there has been no in- suggested that BP consider Natural Resources and the at-
dication from the producers of Don Young, Sen. Ted Stevens acquiring tracts just outside torney general’s office. If there
an intent to bid on the tracts. and me. Unfortunately, the en- the ANWR border from which are other bidders, then the
We hope some of the smaller vironmental groups persuad- it would conduct directional state bids will not be neces-
independent producers will ed President Clinton to veto drilling under ANWR. Should sary.
bid, but we haven’t heard the bill. it be successful, then because But if there are no bidders
from Exxon, ConocoPhillips Now, through the efforts of of the “rights of capture” poli- on the lease sales at all, Alaska
or Hilcorp. BP has already left Rep. Young, Sen. Dan Sullivan cy, the Department of Interior will likely never be able to de-
Alaska. Opposition to explora- and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, and would have to initiate drilling velop our oil and gas poten-
tion in the Arctic has been the with the support of President on its ANWR land to protect tial from ANWR. Funding for
rallying cry for the national en- Donald Trump, Congress has its federal holdings. BP said it the bid need not be difficult.
vironmental groups for years. again passed a bill in support had considered the idea, but The bid could be funded from
The major banks have indicat- of leasing. abandoned it because of fear acquired revenue receipts or
ed that they would no longer President Trump has made of retribution from the Clinton reserve accounts or by the Per-
fund oil and gas development quite a point of declaring that administration. manent Fund. Trading invest-
in Alaska’s arctic. Fortunately, the United States is finally en- Arctic Slope Regional Corp., ment dollars for developing
the bank regulators, the Comp- ergy independent in oil and gas Chevron and BP drilled the valuable revenue producing
troller of the Currency has is- production and we are no lon- Kaktovik well in 1986. It was leases, which when operation-
sued a mandate that our bank- ger held captive by the Middle a tight hole. The state has drill al could generate a handsome
ing system must be accessible East oil producers. logs on the well which have return to the investors.
to everyone on an equal basis. When opportunity knocks, never been released. Perhaps I encourage all Alaskans to
The oil and gas industry has we can’t just pull the covers ASRC, in conjunction with urge the Dunleavy Adminis-
historically contributed more over our heads and hope that Doyon, Ltd., would consider tration not to pass up this op-
than 70% of our state’s rev- someone else will help us out. bidding on the lease sale. It portunity. We can’t wait for an-
enue. We first got ANWR ap- I have been in contact with would be a shame to allow this other 25 years.
proved for a lease sale back in numerous Alaskans, includ- resource — for which the state
1995. Authority was given by a ing former governors, in ex- has fought so long and hard — Frank Murkowski served as gover-
favorable vote in both the U.S. pressing our concerns over to be abandoned. nor of Alaska from 2002-2006, and
Senate and the House through the prospect of having a fed- I urge the Dunleavy ad- previously served as a U.S. senator
the efforts of Congressman eral lease sale with no bidders. ministration to have the state from Alaska.
Page 6 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m December 24, 2020

After rebound, Pacific cod catches to increase in 2021

A
laska coastal commu- exported to China. U.S. valued at $268 million, 3.7 fishing families who operate
nities will get a bit of Fishing updates The newest hit is million pounds of frozen snow four freezer longliners, and
an economic boost in In the Bering a 25% to 35% tariff crab valued at over $282 mil- was joined by the Bristol Bay
2021 from increased catches Sea, P-cod catches imposed last month lion and over 1 million pounds Economic Development Cor-
of Pacific cod. The stock, which took a 21% cut on $4 billion of U.S. of sockeye salmon worth $3.4 poration (BBEDC) in 2007.
crashed after a multi-year to 245 million goods, including sal- million. All of the products en- Grant recipients have in-
heat wave starting in 2014 pounds. Likewise, mon, that goes to the ter the U.S. nearly duty free.  cluded schools and education-
wiped out several year class- the Bering Sea FISH FACTOR 27 countries that Meanwhile, SeafoodNews. al programs, food banks, shel-
es, appears to be rebounding pollock catch for Laine Welch comprise the Eu- com reports that Russian crab- ters, libraries, youth sports
throughout the Gulf of Alaska. next year was re- ropean Union. The bers are upping the ante and programs, museums, and recy-
No cod fishery occurred at duced by 3.5% to dispute stems from plan to catch almost 220 mil- cling efforts.    
all this year in federally man- 3 billion pounds. Gulf pollock a spat over U.S. subsidies being lion pounds of mostly king and “Our most important re-
aged waters (from 3 to 200 catches were cut by 2.4% to paid to Boeing and competing snow crab in 2021. By com- source in rural Alaska is our
miles out) where the bulk of about 250 million pounds. European AirBus aircraft.  parison, Alaska’s Bering Sea people,” said Robin Samu-
the harvest is taken, and a catch Other forecasts call for “It is going to have an effect catch for golden and red king elsen, CEO of BBEDC. “Many
of under 6 million pounds was Southeast Alaska’s pink sal- on our ability to get wild sal- crab, Tanners and snow crab community efforts to provide
allowed in state managed wa- mon harvest next summer to mon into the European Union. for the 2020/21 season totals the best possible opportuni-
ters (out to 3 miles). be “average” at 28 million fish. With that kind of tariff, it’s under 50 million pounds. ties for our families require
For 2021, the North Pacific Kodiak’s pink catch is pegged going to make it pretty darn financial support that is often
Fishery Management Council at a strong 22.5 million and an tough,” said Allen Kimball, Fish give-backs difficult to find. These Alaskan
set the federal cod catch at just “excellent” catch of nearly 13 head of global and domestic American Seafoods since Leader Foundation grants help
over 38 million pounds and million humpies is projected sales for Trident Seafoods. 1997 has donated nearly $2 provide the hope and commu-
nearly 11.7 million pounds at the South Alaska Peninsula. In 2019, Alaska exported million to over 100 Western nity interaction necessary in
for the state. While it’s a bump Alaska’s largest herring over $30.4 million in frozen Alaska communities to “make facing the challenge of life in
up, managers caution that the fishery at Togiak in Bristol Bay salmon fillets to the EU, said sure they benefit from the rural Alaska.” 
stock remains very low. is projected to produce a har- Dan Lesh, fisheries economist industry in their backyard.” Closer to shore, Sitka-based
“The state waters GHLs vest of 47,348 tons, the highest with the McKinley Research The company maintains a Alaskans Own has distributed
(guideline harvest levels) have since 1993. The fish are valued Group. fleet of six vessels that fish over 533,000 donated seafood
gone up about two-and-half for roe and it remains to be “Of that, $13.2 million went primarily for Alaska Pol- meals (302,000 pounds) to
times since last year. While seen if there will be any buyers, to the United Kingdom, which lock in the Bering Sea and more than 100,000 needy fam-
it’s good, we are still at a very as the product goes to a single is withdrawing from the Eu- hake in the North Pacific.   ilies throughout Alaska and
low level of abundance, so that market, Japan, where low in- ropean Union and announced “It started because we recog- the Pacific Northwest this year
should be kept in mind,” said terest has seen prices plummet it will not include the punitive nize that our livelihoods, and and plans to continue doing so.
Nat Nichols, area groundfish to as little as $50 per ton. tariff,” Lesh said. what the company is trying to The donation program, an off-
manager for the Alaska Dept. Meanwhile, trollers at “Smoked salmon exports do, is really based on coopera- shoot of the Alaska Longline
of Fish and Game at Kodiak.  Southeast Alaska are still out also are subject to the ad- tion from the local Alaska com- Fishermen’s Association, was
“The model for at least the on the water pulling up Chi- ditional tariff, but that is a munities. And this is about us initially launched in March to
last year or two has predict- nook salmon. Beam trawl and minor export product to the supporting those communities address the sharp rise in food
ed that 2020 would be the pot shrimping continues at the EU27 — $341,000 in 2019, he that are helping us do what we insecurity among local fami-
low point in abundance and Panhandle, along with diving added. “Those are the only two do,” said Margery Schelling, lies due to the coronavirus
then, based on assumptions for sea cucumbers (1.7 million Alaska seafood products sub- vice president of market- pandemic. The need was in-
of average natural mortality pounds) and geoduck clams. ject to additional tariffs under ing, strategy and innovation. creased when dismal salmon
and average recruitment, the Crabbing continues in the this Boeing/AirBus dispute.” “It can be for food and fresh runs to many regions left fam-
stock would begin rebound- Bering Sea for golden kings Also, Russian Prime Min- produce, for shelter, residents, ily freezers empty.
ing beginning in 2021. The and Tanners. Red king crab is ister Mikhail Mishustin an- safety equipment, or starting a “We honestly didn’t intend
model and other indices are about a wrap and fishing for nounced that its food embargo food bank. We did a supportive to create a seafood donation
still seeing rebounds in cod snow crab will get underway on U.S. goods will be extended pet companion program for program this year,” said Alas-
numbers, not large dramatic next month.  through 2021, according to senior citizens and individuals kans Own founder and ALFA
rebounds, but steady incre- The deadline for halibut reg- the Moscow Times. living with disabilities, even director, Linda Behnken. “It
mental growth, which is good,” ulatory proposals for 2021 is Russia stopped buying all playground equipment. It’s just organically happened
he added. Dec. 26. The International Pa- foods from the U.S. and many really a grassroots program when we realized that many
One reason cod numbers cific Halibut Commission will other countries in 2014 over across Western Alaska sup- of our neighbors were strug-
have ticked up, Nichols said, is set catch limits when it meets protests to its invasion of porting the needs of the com- gling to feed their families nu-
because of the fishery reduc- virtually the week of Jan. 25. Ukraine. Since then, U.S. pur- munity, as are recommended tritious protein and our local
tions this year. The deadline for fisher- chases of Russian seafood by the community.” fishermen were struggling to
“Just by the function of leav- men to apply for trade relief is have continued to grow. Calls for donations go out get a fair price for their catch
ing many, many thousands of extended to Jan. 15. That’s In 2019, Russia exported twice a year that each total due to COVID-19.”
tons of cod in the water you the program through the U.S. over 80 million pounds of sea- $45,000. The mix of frozen/por-
get more cod in the assess- Department of Agriculture food to the U.S. valued at nearly  “As responsible citizens, tioned salmon, halibut, rock-
ment,” he said. that pays extra poundage to $700 million. Undercurrent supporting the well-being of fish and more is donated by
The cod fishery in state wa- make up for losses from ongo- News reports that is a 7.4% in- Alaskan communities is a way too many fishermen, proces-
ters is carved up based on the ing trade disputes. crease in volume and a nearly of giving back. It’s as simple as sors, and suppliers to mention.
federal harvest guidelines for 20% increase in value over that,” said American Seafoods Ditto the number of individu-
five regions: Kodiak, Cook In- More trade troubles 2018. Most of the seafood is president Inge Andreassen. als, businesses and community
let, Chignik, Prince William More trade inequities will Russian-caught red king crab, Another company, Alaskan partners who stepped up to as-
Sound and the South Alaska bite into Alaska salmon, crab snow crab and sockeye salmon. Leader Fisheries, since 2009 sist with distribution logistics.
Peninsula.  That’s then broken and other seafood in the com- According to U.S. trade has granted nearly $600,000 To help sustain the pro-
up into shares for different ing year. That’s alongside the data, so far this year Russia to nonprofit groups in Kodiak gram, it’s offering a special hol-
fishing gears. ongoing 38% average tariff has sent 1.3 million pounds and Bristol Bay through its iday gift box featuring a variety
“For the most part, it’s pot paid for most U.S. seafood of frozen red king crab to the foundation. The company was of local Sitka products. Check it
and jig gear with pot gear gen- founded in 2000 by six Kodiak out at www.alaskansown.com.
erally taking more. The one Solutions to page 10 puzzles
exception is Prince William
Sound where they have a long-
line fishery,” Nichols said, add- Keeping Alaska Open for Business
ing that each fishery has open-
ing dates ranging from Jan. 1
into March.
Due to the COVID-19 pan-
demic, fishery managers are
making efforts to streamline Northern Air Cargo is committed to continuing our cargo operations. There’ss eenough
the process of registering for worry in the world, you need to be able to count on getting the supplies you ne
eed.

the cod fishery. For questions, For the most up-to-date information visit www.nac.aero.

call 907-486-1840.
December 24, 2020 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m Page 7

Alaska Science Forum

A breathless moment of stillness before the light returns
BY NED ROZELL university and the U.S. Fish burning brush and building
University of Alaska Fairbanks and Wildlife Service. He never chickadee nest boxes in the ga-
really seemed retired to me. rage.
On Dec. 21 at 1:02 a.m. Alas- Over the years, he helped so Since driving up the Alaska
ka time, this big round head of many graduate students earn Highway in his Model A Ford
a planet tipped back, paused, their degrees they could fill an in 1947, Dave had experienced
then slowly nodded toward auditorium. Those men and more winter —and summer
the sun. women spent hours watching — solstices here than anyone
That breathless moment of caribou and musk oxen and else I knew. He came to the
stillness is the northern hemi- bison and other wild animals territory at a good time for
sphere’s winter solstice. roam over Alaska. Those stu- a young man who was inter-
Solstice is a combination of dents are now decision-mak- ested in Alaska mountains and
a few Latin words, meaning ers in Alaska and all over the the animals that live in them.
“sun stands still.” That is some- world. Those chickadees and Dall
what true from this far-north Along with that legacy, Dave sheep and caribou are out
vantage point, as well as all left a nice example for aging there now, scratching at the
over the world. Photo provided
with grace and happiness. quiet, muted landscape, using
The sun rises and sets above the Alaska Range south of Fairbanks in this com-
Unlike all the other days of He always had a Science marvelous adaptations to sur-
posite image taken from the Akasofu Building on the UAF campus on Dec. 21.
winter, on Dec. 21 we will nei- magazine open on his desk, his vive in a place most creatures
ther lose nor gain a second of reading glasses resting on top. can’t. Dave did the same, for a
sunlight here in middle Alaska. experience more than four brushing his lanky body as he He sought out younger peo- long time. I will light a candle
The sun arcing over the Alaska hours of possible sunlight. strides out for a ski or swings ple to join him in adventures, or two on Dec. 21.
Range to the south will follow January is also when we no- his hatchet to make kindling. such as skiing into his Quartz
a path that is almost precisely tice our coldest air, due to a lag Dave was one of many peo- Lake cabin in the winter. And Ned Rozell is a science writer with
the same as its track on Dec. from the time we receive the ple we lost in 2020. I knew him he kept that tall body mov- the Geophysical Institute at the
20. least solar radiation to when for the last 20 years of his life. ing, tending his small garden, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
If, from a perch on the uni- that absence manifests in frig- He was our neighbor most of
versity hill here in Fairbanks, id air temperatures. Last Janu- that time, until the shoveling
you squinted at the sun for the ary, Fairbanks showed that and the risk of falling was too
3 hours, 41 minutes it was vis- the deep valleys of the North much, and he moved to Raven In a year like no other
ible those two days, you might are still fantastic at shedding Landing in Fairbanks. Before You stepped up.
guess that it was standing still. whatever heat they may have that, we passed many hours You wore a mask.
However, after that day of held. Our average temperature together drinking coffee, pull- You helped those in crisis.
“Time Stand Still” — a sweet for the month was minus 21 ing down problem spruce You made sure Alaskans had food.
Rush song penned by drum- degrees Fahrenheit. trees with his 100-year-old You taught from your kitchen table.
mer Neil Peart, who died in Though solstice will soon block-and-tackle, and talking You took a stand on injustice.
January 2020 — we in Fair- pass, we are still dark and cold. about muskrat pushups while You changed so much so fast.
banks sip more sunlight each But, as a friend said to me not we warmed up in the sauna he Maybe you did all of these things.
day. By Dec. 22, the sun is long ago, “It all goes so fast.” built. Maybe you did some of these things.
above the mountains for 20 That friend, Dave Klein, Before I met him, Dave Whatever you did, we are grateful for you.
additional seconds. Forty died one month ago, at the had retired as a biologist and
more the day after that. Anoth- age of 93. This solstice is the ecologist at the University of
er minute the day after that. first since 1927 during which Alaska Fairbanks. There, he
By New Year’s Day, we will sunlight has no chance of had a joint position with the We celebrate

THE ALL-ALASKA TALENT COMPETITION

Wishing you peace and joy

MUSIC • COMEDY
DANCE & ATHLETICS • OTHER

Learn more at: “Beneath the Sky” by Alaska artist Vonnie Gaither
Painted for Rasmuson Foundation in 2020

FIGHTFORTHESPOTLIGHT.COM www.rasmuson.org
Page 8 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m December 24, 2020

In Your Words
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Todd Radenbaugh
He dedicated his life knew his last day was coming, about action. He wasn’t about Western Alaska Interdisciplin- it comes to natural resource
but continued serving under- producing reports that sit on a ary Science Conference, where development in rural Alaska.
to strengthening the represented students till the shelf and collect dust; he was he also chaired numerous ses- He was also involved with the
sustainability of our very end. The first class he about making real things hap- sions. He was also an organiz- National Center for Science
missed was the one on the day pen. Radenbaugh and I quickly ing committee member for and Civic Engagement (NC-
communities he died, Oct. 26, 2020. became friends and I found the Alaska Forum on the Envi- SCE) and its Science Education
Many people could attest to myself helping him with things ronment, and the chairman of for New Civic Engagements
BY TOM MARSIK his endless interest in the nat- like installing solar panels on its Environmental Education and Responsibilities (SENC-
For the Bristol Bay Times- ural world and enthusiasm to his garage, setting up a wind Track. He chaired a number of ER) initiative. The combina-
Dutch Harbor Fisherman share it. His wife, Michele, says turbine, or adding insulation sessions at the American Asso- tion of his expertise, leader-
it best: “My husband, Todd, to his house. He wasn’t just ciation for the Advancement of ship skills, and commitment
The death of Dr. Todd was my walking encyclopedia. teaching about developing Science (AAAS) Arctic Science created a profound impact on
Radenbaugh, a highly respect- Ask him any question related sustainable communities, he Conferences, and was the main the society that will never be
ed colleague and my friend, to time, space and place; he was doing it. Wherever he saw organizer of the 2011 AAAS forgotten.
at the age of 56 is a sad thing. knew the answer. With de- an opportunity to make a dif- Arctic Science Conference. He One of the amazing things
But thinking about his life also grees in marine biology, pale- ference, he jumped on it. He was also the main organizer about Radenbaugh was that
brings another feeling — in- ontology and interdisciplinary served on boards of directors, of the Alaska Workshop for he did not show his pain. What
spiration. It’s the type of inspi- science and a deep self-curat- participated in professional Supporting and Advancing he showed was his concern for
ration that all of us can use to ed knowledge of history, cul- organizations, worked with re- Interdisciplinary Geoscience the future of the world. Instead
make the world a better place. tures and human geography, gional tribes, organized educa- Education (SAGE) in Two- of complaining about dying, he
He was the perfect example of Todd excelled at explaining tional events for youths, provid- year Colleges in 2013, and the handed over class materials,
somebody who thinks glob- the complexity of earth’s eco- ed consulting on local projects, Southwest Alaska Interagency held an election for a new pro-
ally and acts locally. He was an systems and understanding did radio interviews, wrote meetings in 2011 and 2014. gram head to replace him, and
amazing individual dedicated humankind’s impact on these newsletters, and a lot more. He also chaired sessions at the made sure we had the tools in
to serving his community. natural systems over millions Among his many contribu- Annual Alaska Tribal Confer- our hands to continue making
Radenbaugh was professor of years. He was always the tions to the society, of course, ence on Environmental Man- the world a better place with-
of environmental science at consummate educator, wheth- were his contributions to sci- agement, American Indian out him.
the Bristol Bay Campus of the er in the classroom, in the field ence, from innovative research Science and Engineering Soci- Radenbaugh was incred-
University of Alaska Fairbanks or in our yard that backed onto methods to numerous publica- ety National Conference, and ibly passionate about support-
(UAF). The UAF Bristol Bay a national wildlife refuge and tions and presentations, often AAAS Annual Meeting, among ing the well-being of future
Campus is an Alaska Native thousands of acres of Alaska with the involvement of Alaska others. generations and the best way
Serving Institution located in Native lands. He inspired ma- Native and rural students. List- Another thing to highlight to honor his legacy is to con-
the community of Dillingham ny of us how on to appreciate ing all his awards and accom- is Radenbaugh’s dedication to tinue to do just that – building
in Southwest Alaska. Raden- this planet and its ecological plishments would be beyond citizen science and civic en- sustainable communities. We
baugh worked tirelessly to value.” the scope of this article, but gagement. One of his classes miss you, Radenbaugh.
study the ecosystems of the When I moved to Dilling- one thing to highlight is his frequently offered in the com-
region, strengthen the sus- ham in 2009 to work at the leadership in organizing con- munity dealt with the Nation- Tom Marsik is associate professor
tainability of local communi- UAF Bristol Bay Campus, ferences and meetings. As a al Environmental Policy Act of sustainable energy at the UAF
ties, and develop science pro- Radenbaugh was already well founder of the Western Alaska (NEPA) and was empowering Bristol Bay Campus. He has a joint
grams for Alaska Native and settled in the community. I Interdisciplinary Science As- participants, no matter what position with the Alaska Center for
rural students. After battling didn’t know him before, but sociation, he was the main or- their age or background, to Energy and Power and the Cold
with cancer for a long time, he quickly learned that he was all ganizer for several years of the have their voices heard when Climate Housing Research Center.

INVESTIGATION Federal crash

aviation in-
operations told investigators accident. Most accidents don’t
FROM PAGE 1 vestigators
the requirement was not con- have board meetings. The
have released sistent with how other com- last time this happened for an
death on Oct. 17, 2019 was the a trove of mercial air carriers operated Alaska investigation was for a
second fatality for a commer- information in the Lower 48. fatal Togiak crash from 2016
cial airline in the U.S. in the last on Unalaska’s “I’m not convinced that it’s operated by another RavnAir
decade. fatal plane necessary because it’s not Group subsidiary, Hageland
Ranney was traveling with crash last done elsewhere,” the VP said. Aviation.
his son who was competing year. “There are mountains around Johnson says board meet-
with the Cordova school swim PHOTO BY MEGAN the country, around the world. ings are similar to a court
THOMSON-DEAN /
team. He is grateful the stu- KUCB NEWS Air is air. Physics are physics. hearing.
dents escaped serious injuries. Why is this different?” “Each one of the investiga-
“I’ll take the hit for the PenAir pilots concerned that for about three months. On the So what happens now? tors and each one of the disci-
boys,” Ranney said. the airline was reducing the day of the crash, he had logged Now that fact-finding is mostly plines are questioned by the
On Dec. 16, the National amount of experience its pilots 131 hours in a Saab 2000 — complete, NTSB’s Clint John- board members,” he said. “At
Transportation Safety Board needed to land on Unalaska’s less than half the historical re- son in Anchorage says investi- the end of that process, the
released more than 2,000 pag- notoriously challenging run- quirement for PenAir pilots re- gators hope to wrap up their board members right there in
es of documents related to the way. sponsible for bringing flights work within the next year. the board meeting will deter-
crash. Ranney has already be- PenAir historically required into the Aleutian city. His first “The analysis portion is mine probable cause [of this
gun to comb through the files. pilots to have a minimum of officer had a few hours more. crunching all the informa- accident].”
“A lot of people really get 300 hours in a Saab 2000 be- Both had been hired by the tion that we have here and PenAir is no longer fly-
frustrated with how long it fore they could captain a flight company in May of that year. ultimately driving towards a ing. Its parent airline RavnAir
takes,” Ranney said. “But I’m to Unalaska. But after the Sey- The NTSB’s investigation probable cause and analysis,” Group declared bankruptcy in
actually kind of surprised at bert family sold the airline to describes the airline’s safety Johnson said. “Also most im- April and sold its assets this
how much information they’ve RavnAir Group in 2018, that culture following PenAir’s portantly, probably recom- summer. A Southern Califor-
gotten and how close it is to rule was being reviewed. sale to RavnAir Group. Ravn’s mendations will come out of nia commuter airline bought
wrapping up.” In fact, NTSB investigators safety director told investiga- this accident investigation to some of its planes and two
Here’s what the federal in- were told by PenAir pilots that tors he considered the overall keep it from happening again.” of the operating certificates.
vestigators initially found: A in early summer 2019, a con- safety culture as “still good,” The five presidentially ap- The company resurrected the
faulty wiring job may have versation was held where the but admitted that pilots had pointed members of the Na- name Ravn Alaska and rehired
kept an anti-skid device from chief pilot and Ravn vice presi- approached him saying they tional Transportation Safety some of its crew. In November,
working properly. And that dent of flight operations dis- were “not as comfortable any- Board may vote to hold a it resumed scheduled flights
could have contributed to the cussed relaxing that rule. more” speaking freely about public meeting to review to Unalaska, under new own-
plane overshooting the tarmac. The captain of flight 3296 their concerns. this investigation and deter- ership but with the same old
But they also heard from had been flying into Unalaska A Ravn VP of flight mine a probable cause for the name.
December 24, 2020 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m Page 9

Classifieds & Legals

SUMMONS
CASE NO. CV2020-014075 Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation - Job Listing
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE For more information on any of these positions please contact the Human Resources office at:
STATE OF ARIZONA IN AND FOR THE
COUNTY OF MARICOPA Karen Elaine PO Box 130, Dillingham, AK 99576
Shaw Plaintiff(s), v. Prima Jonique 907-842-5201 ext. 6325 or toll-free 1-800-478-5201 ext. 6325
Chellis, et al. Defendant(s). To: www.bbahc.org
Raymond Thorson WARNING: THIS
AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM THE
COURT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. Executive/Division Positions Nurse Educator • EMS Instructor
READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY. IF • 1 full-time • 1 call-in
YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT,
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL Management Positions OUD Peer Recovery Support Forensic Interviewer/Case
ADVICE. 1. A lawsuit has been filed Case Management Nurse Specialist Manager
against you. A copy of the lawsuit Manager • 1 full-time
and other court papers were served • 1 full-time
on you with this Summons. 2. If you • 1 full-time Outpatient Nurse Itinerant CHA III-P
do not want a judgment taken Director of Nursing • 3 part-time
against you without your input, you • 1 full-time
must file an Answer in writing with • 1 full-time Radiology Tech II
the Court, and you must pay the Diabetes Program Coordinator Support Service Positions
required filing fee. To file your • 1 full-time A/R Tech – Patient Accounts
• 1 full-time
Answer, take or send the papers to Registered Nurse Inpatient/ER • 1 full-time
Clerk of the Superior Court, 201 W. Environmental Health Manager
• 1 full-time Case Management Support
Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 or • 1 full-time
electronically file your Answer RN Case Manager • 1 full-time
through one of Arizona’s approved Lead Medical Technologist
• 1 full-time • 2 full-time Central Registrar
electronic filing systems at
http://www.azcourts.gov/efilinginfor Registration Supervisor Staff Optometrist • 3 full-time
mation. Mail a copy of the Answer to • 1 full-time Clinical Assistant
the other party, the Plaintiff, at the • 1 full-time
address listed on the top of this CHAP Instructor/Provider • 1 call-in
Summons. Note: If you do not file
COVID-19 Response • 1 full-time Collector – Pt Accounts
electronically you will not have • 2 full-time
electronic access to the documents COVID -19 Medical Technologist Children’s Advocacy Center Child
in this case. 3. If this Summons and Therapist Communications Coordinator
• 1 full-time (TDY)
the other court papers were served
• 1 full-time
• 1 full-time
on you within the State of Arizona, Custodian
your Answer must be filed within Clinical Positions
TWENTY (20) CALENDAR DAYS from • 1 call-in
BH Clinician Community Health Positions
the date of service, not counting the Electrician
day of service. If this Summons and • 2 full-time Community Health Aide/
the other court papers were served
• 1 full-time
BH Clinician/CSP Coordinator Practitioner
on you outside the State of Arizona, ER Unit Clerk-Inpatient
your Answer must be filed within • 1 full-time 6-hour position(s) • 1 part-time
THIRTY (30) CALENDAR DAYS, not Comprehensive BH Counselor • 2 – Aleknagik • 1 call-in
counting the day of service. Requests • 1 full-time
for reasonable accommodation for • 1 – Chignik Bay Food Service Worker
persons with disabilities must be Dental Assistant • 2 – Chignik Lake *NMS Employee*
made to the court by parties at least • 1 full-time • 2 – Egegik • 1 full-time
3 working days in advance of a
Dentist Pharmacy Technician
scheduled court proceeding. GIVEN • 1 - Ekwok
under my hand and the Seal of the • 3 full-time • 1 full-time
Superior Court of the State of Arizona • 2 – Goodnews Bay
Developmental Specialist I or II – Pt Transport Van Driver
in and for the County of MARICOPA • 1 – King Salmon
SIGNED AND SEALED this Date: ILP • 1 call-in
November 04, 2020 JEFF FINE Clerk • 1 full-time • 1 – Levelock
Resident Attendant
of Superior Court By: YVETTE Family Physician • 1 – Naknek
MORALEZ Deputy Clerk Requests for • 2 full-time
• 2 full-time • 1- Perryville
an interpreter for persons with • 1 call-in
limited English proficiency must be Itinerant Nurse Practitioner or • 1 – Pilot Point Security Officer
made to the division assigned to the • 1 – Platinum
case by the party needing the Physician Assistant • 2 full-time
interpreter and/or translator or • 1 full-time  2 – South Naknek Sterile Supply Tech
his/her counsel at least ten (10) • 1 – Twin Hills
judicial days in advance of a
Laboratory Information System • 1 call-in
scheduled court proceeding. If you Coordinator CHAP Instructor/Provider Van Driver/Medical Supply Clerk
would like legal advice from a lawyer, • 1 full-time • 1 full-time • 1 call-in
contact Lawyer Referral Service at
602-257-4434 or Excellent benefit package available to regular full/part-time employees. BBAHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://maricopabar.org Sponsored operating under the Alaska Native and American Indian Preference in Hiring provisions of PL93-638. Pre-employment
by the Maricopa County Bar
Association. A copy of the Summons drug screening and a completed background investigation and determination that the applicant meets the eligibility
and Complaint may be obtained by criteria of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act and, where applicable, the Indian Child Protection Act, are prerequisites to hiring.
contacting Plaintiff’s attorney, Brian LIST SUBJECT TO CHANGE LAST UPDATE 12/19/2020
C. Fawber, at Breyer Law Offices,
P.C., 3840 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ
85044, (480)219-6274,
[email protected]
12/24, 12/31/20, 1/7, 1/14/21
CNS-3423455#
Call classifieds to place your ad.
BRISTOL BAY TIMES 907-257-4568 or email: [email protected]

SPAN Alaska rushes COVID-19 vaccine freezer to Arctic

Company helped temperatures, nearly 100F he was very emphatic about everything that was inside that the next in a timely fashion,”
below zero, requiring many how important it was to the container.” Knight said. “It was fun. You
ensure Utqiaġvik small hospitals to acquire spe- people of Utqiaġvik.” The Span Alaska team then know, you get that rush of
was ready when cialized refrigerators. Samuel The refrigerator had made repackaged the refrigerator to adrenaline when you have to
Simmons Memorial Hospital it to Span Alaska’s facility in be shipped on an airplane and accomplish something impor-
vaccine arrived in Utqiaġvik was no exception. Auburn, Wash., where it was contacted Alaska Air Forward- tant quickly.”
Utqiaġvik, America’s north- already loaded into a 40-foot ing. The refrigerator is over “Jennifer and her team her
STAFF REPORT ernmost city, is approximately shipping container and sit- 7 feet high, so it needed to be in Auburn and David Cate and
The nationwide effort to de- 2,000 miles from Seattle. Ship- ting on a truck bed, about to sent on a cargo-specific air- his ANC team found a way to
feat COVID-19 is bringing out ping anything there requires be loaded onto a cargo ship. plane. get this tall unit on airplanes
the best in people. The team advanced planning, especially Jennifer hurried to her ware- But there are only two car- from Auburn to Anchorage to
at Span Alaska Transportation something large that requires house crew and told them the go flights per week from An- Utqiaġvik,” said Span Alaska
had to take extraordinary ac- special handling. situation. chorage to Utqiaġvik, so if they Transportation Executive Vice
tion to ship a special refrigera- When the hospital’s Vice “When I told them where missed a flight, it would be President Michael Johnson.
tion unit all the way to the top President of Facilities Tom we needed to get to it, and that days until the next, potentially “Outstanding teamwork, co-
of the world to ensure it was Elkins realized the supplier it was a freezer for the vac- too late to save the vaccines. operation and creativity. At
on site before the community’s in Indiana had not shipped cines, they responded, ‘Let’s Knight, in Washington, and the end of the day, we made it
first vaccines arrived. the specialized refrigerator get on it,’” Knight said. “Our Elkins, in Utqiaġvik, stayed in possible for the medical team
Pfizer’s record-breaking in time for it to arrive before warehouse crew did an amaz- close contact with each other in Utqiaġvik to get the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccine is quickly the vaccines, he called Jenni- ing job. It took them over two and with the cargo crews at We can all be proud of our
being shipped throughout fer Knight, Customer Service hours to get to that thing. It each transfer station. teammates and our company.”
the nation, including to re- Manager at Span Alaska. was at the very nose of the “We had to make sure we
mote communities in Alas- “He knew the vaccines container, a 40-foot shipping had points of contact at the Span Alaska Transportion is a sub-
ka. But the vaccine must be would be ruined without that container. But they were just various airports to make sure sidiary of international shipping
kept at extraordinarily low refrigerator,” Knight said, “so very gung-ho and unloaded it got off one plane and onto company Matson.
Page 10 t h eb r i s t o l b ay t i m es . c o m December 24, 2020

THEME: BOARD GAMES

ACROSS DOWN
1. Dealer’s hand, in cribbage 1. Tube in old TV
5. Wade’s opponent 2. Paper unit
8. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte 3. “He’s Just Not That ____ You”
____” 4. Herzegovina’s partner
12. Nevada city 5. Excessive sternness
13. Prima donna 6. Convex molding
14. Weasel’s cousin 7. *Candy Land difficulty level
15. Makes collar for RBG 8. *Napoleon-themed game of
16. Between id and super-ego, pl. strategy
17. Can be hot or cold, meteoro- 9. Niels Bohr’s study object
logically speaking 10. Autry or Wilder
18. *Real estate-related board 11. Simon’s former partner
game 13. Performed comprehensively or
20. Elvis Presley’s “____ and in-____, pl.
Fortune” 14. Butcher’s refuse
21. Preface, e.g. 19. Beginning of sickness
22. *A top one is a game piece in 22. TV classic “Hee ___”
#18 Across 23. *Board game island ready for
23. Open carriage settlers
26. Having a malignant influence 24. True inner self
30. “Wheel of Fortune” request 25. Linear particle accelerator, for
31. Stay clear of short
34. Knife wound 26. Take-out handout
35. Touch of color 27. Half human-half goat, pl.
37. Computer network acronym 28. February “People,” e.g.
38. Awaken 29. *Game with rooks
39. Wet nurse 32. *Game involving Mr. Boddy’s
40. Castrated man murderer
42. Yale-____ College, Singapore 33. Chewbacca’s sidekick
43. Aircraft’s additional equip- 36. *a.k.a. draughts
ment holder 38. Type of parallelogram
45. They’re denoted in red 40. Liberty Tree, e.g.
47. Eric Stonestreet on “Modern 41. Vacuums, e.g.
Family” 44. Extra shirt, e.g.
48. Allergic reaction to bee sting 46. Sabbath, alt. sp.
50. Amusing 48. Audienceís approval
52. *Word game 49. Window treatment
55. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy 50. Bloody king of Israel
to the ____” 51. “Metamorphoses” poet
56. Joie de vivre 52. Serum, pl.
57. Charlie Parker’s nickname 53. *The Game of ____
59. Bake an egg 54. Makes mistakes
60. Knocks on the door, e.g. 55. Acid drug
61. 1970s hairdo 58. Part of URL
62. Milk ____, candy
63. Swallowed
64. Reason to cram

TUNDRA | By Chad Carpenter

FOR SOLUTIONS TO THE CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU PUZZLES,

SEE PAGE 6.
December 24, 2020 t h eb r i s t o l b ay ti m es . c o m Page 11

Q&A: Health experts answer Alaskans’ vaccine questions

This column is part of a con- Dr. Anne Zink, the state’s chief possible COVID-19 infection Pfizer vaccine three weeks virus?
tinuing series. medical officer, at a recent me- caused by the vaccine. apart has a grace period of It is possible, yes. While
ANNIE BERMAN dia briefing. about four days after the three- both of the leading vaccine
Anchorage Daily News If I’m pregnant or breastfeed- week mark, said Dr. Liz Ohlsen, contenders have reported ef-
When will I have access to ing, should I get vaccinated? physician with the state health ficacy rates up to 95%, that
With some Alaskans now the vaccine? Pregnant and breastfeeding department. means about 5% of people
eligible to receive the first CO- Access to a COVID-19 vac- women were not intention- “And the reason we want who get vaccinated will re-
VID-19 vaccine beginning last cine in Alaska is currently very ally included in the leading people to get it in that window main susceptible to serious
week, we’re continuing to an- limited. Those who are cur- vaccines’ trials, which means is we want every Alaskan to COVID-19 infections.
swer readers’ virus and vac- rently eligible for the state’s there is no safety or efficacy get this vaccine in the way that And although the vast ma-
cine-related questions. Have initial doses of the vaccine are data for this group. it has been studied,” she said. jority who get vaccinated will
a question of your own? Open hospital-based front-line med- But the CDC and FDA have But if for some reason you build up an immune response,
this story online to find a form ical workers, long-term care not issued any specific guidance fail to get the second shot pre- there’s still a possibility that
to submit. facility residents and staff, except to say this group may cisely three weeks after the enough virus could be circulat-
EMS and fire personnel pro- consider taking the vaccine first, you don’t have to start all ing in the body and passing to
How do the new vaccines viding medical services, com- despite the lack of data, and over again with another two- others even if you’re not sick,
work? munity health aides and prac- should discuss their individual dose regimen and can pick up explained Joe McLaughlin,
The two leading COVID-19 titioners, and people required situations with their doctors to where you left off. epidemiologist with the state,
vaccines — by drug companies to perform vaccinations. make an informed decision. According to the CDC, both during a call with the public on
Pfizer/BioNTech and Moder- That’s about 25,000 people. Paul Offit, a member of the doses are necessary for pro- Wednesday.
na, which have now both been The state’s allocation com- advisory panel that recom- tection; “efficacy of a single “So that means that people
endorsed by the U.S. Food and mittee will meet Thursday mended emergency approval dose has not been system- who have had the vaccine
Drug Administration — are evening to decide who’s up of the vaccine to the Food and atically evaluated,” the agency should consider to follow the
new but not entirely unknown next beginning as early as Drug Administration, said this says on its website. standard mitigation strate-
messenger RNA (mRNA)- January. There are additional week that he agreed with the Still, “We believe that you do gies,” he said.
based vaccines. vaccine supplies coming to the decision to not actively discour- get some protection from one That means wearing a
Vaccines work by teaching state for military members, of- age pregnant and breastfeeding shot,” said Dr. Susan Bailey. “It mask, social distancing and
the body what a virus looks ficials say. women from getting the vac- is optimal if you get two.” hand-washing until more data
like so that it can effectively at- It’s still not known when cine despite the lack of data. Immunity with two doses is comes out, and more Alaskans
tack the virus if it ever enters the general public will be able “There’s really no biological likely to last longer, and the ef- get vaccinated.
the body without making us to get vaccinated, but likely by reason to think that it would fectiveness is likely to be high-
sick. In many traditional vac- late spring or early summer. be damaging either to them er, she said. So when will it be safe to visit
cines, this is done by putting because they’re pregnant, or to Research from Pfizer sug- a family member in a nursing
a weakened or inactivated Can these vaccines alter hu- their child,” he explained, noting gested only about 52% effi- home or assisted-living facility?
pathogen into the body. man DNA? again that the mRNA vaccine cacy from the first dose com- With residents of long-term
But the mRNA vaccine in- No. Scientists, doctors and does not contain a live virus. pared to over 90% for those care facilities now eligible to
stead uses strings of genetic the CDC say it is not possible And for pregnant women who receive both doses. receive the vaccine, Dr. Anne
code for the protein found on for the mRNA to enter the in particular, the risk of get- Zink, the state’s chief medical
the surface of the coronavirus nucleus of our cells, which is ting COVID-19 likely out- How long will post-vaccine officer, said it would likely be
to teach human cells to make where our genetic material is weighs the risk of getting vac- immunity last? safe soon to visit this high-risk
the protein. The body’s im- kept, and therefore cannot al- cinated, he said. It takes about five to six group that has been isolated
mune system recognizes that ter human DNA. The cells also “The fact of the matter is weeks after the first vaccine for months.
the protein doesn’t belong break down the mRNA soon that (the virus), when it infects dose for maximum immunity Again, it will take about five
there, and makes antibod- after it is finished using the in- pregnant women, can infect to build up in the body, scien- to six weeks from the time
ies capable of fending off the structions. them especially severely,” he tists say. someone receives their first
novel coronavirus. Our cells “The vaccine does not get said. “And so that’s the other While it is not yet known ex- dose to develop maximum im-
destroy the mRNA once it has into your DNA, and it is inca- side of not getting the vaccine.” actly how long immunity con- munity from severe illness, so
been used. pable of doing that,” said Zink. There were about two doz- ferred by the vaccine will last, you likely shouldn’t visit right
Health officials have en women in the Pfizer clinical most research suggests likely after they’re vaccinated, she
stressed that while the COV- Is it possible to get COVID-19 trial who did get pregnant dur- at least a year, said McLaughlin. said.
ID-19 vaccines will be the first from the vaccine? ing the course of the study, and “We’ll just have to follow Risk assessment is always a
mRNA vaccines licensed in the No. It is not possible to get none reported any adverse re- the science on this, but I don’t personal choice, given that no
United States, the technology COVID-19 from an mRNA vac- actions, he said. think we’ll know the answer vaccine is 100% effective, she
is not brand new: Scientists cine, because they do not use for many months,” he said. added.
have been developing and a live virus, said Dr. Susan Bai- The Pfizer vaccine requires
studying the method for more ley, president of the American two doses, taken three weeks If I get the vaccine, is it still Contact Annie Berman at aber-
than 30 years. Medical Association, during a apart. How protected am I if I possible for me to spread the [email protected].
“I think it’s important for national call with reporters on only get one? What if I miss the
Alaskans to know that we’re Monday. three-week mark?
building on experience from The mild symptoms post- The recommendation for RADENBAUGH the science and the environ-
previous vaccine work,” said vaccination do not indicate a getting the two doses of the FROM PAGE 3 ment around them.
“I think his lasting legacy
to people. That’s really where I is having people look beyond
DUNLEAVY with this year’s spending re- springing up, I genuinely be- think some of his greatest im- salmon in Bristol Bay,” said his
FROM PAGE 4 ductions, which amount to lieve we can lead our nation pact came from.” wife, Masley.
$500 million since fiscal year “North to the Future.” Radenbaugh was a scien- She said Radenbaugh was
your support and approval. I 2019, I believe this is a bud- This is a budget that recog- tist who went beyond salmon, a visionary, and that he held a
have asked the Legislature to get approach that upholds my nizes the need to dream big Dunham explained. He was one deep love for this region.
include a question on the bal- commitment to restoring Alas- and grow our economy again. of the first people to conduct “He loved how wild and im-
lot for the bond package ask- ka’s fiscal footing. By providing relief to individ- benthic trawl surveys in Bristol mense and unique Bristol Bay
ing if Alaskans agree with this I have great hope for Alas- ual Alaskans, jump-starting Bay. Through those surveys, he was, from an environmental
proposed change. This will ka’s future. With the first ship- our economy with a healthy studied isopods — shrimp-like point of view. I hope he con-
ensure that your voice is heard ment of vaccines that arrived capital budget, and making the creatures that live in the mud tributed to a broader thinking
well before you are asked on Monday, the end of the tough decisions required to re- and water around Bristol Bay about the ecological value of
to ratify the constitutional pandemic is in sight. Alaska, duce spending and secure our and feast on salmon carcasses, Bristol Bay,” she said.
amendment. thanks to our strategic loca- future, we can come out of this making them integral to the re- Radenbaugh died of meta-
The final two amendments tion and abundant natural re- pandemic stronger. gion’s food web. static cancer on Oct. 26. He was
will complement these efforts sources, has advantages most I stand ready to work with In the outpouring of re- 56 years old. It was an illness
by fixing the existing spend- nations can only dream of. the Legislature and all Alas- membrances after Raden- that had dogged him for years;
ing cap that Alaskans already With the prospect of a trans- kans as we move forward to- baugh’s death, people pointed he had a brain tumor removed
approved decades ago, and continental railroad, access gether. to his dedication to education, more than a decade ago.
by ensuring that any new tax to unlimited tidal, hydro and his vast influence on those he Masley is tentatively plan-
proposal is put before the vot- geothermal power, and new Mike Dunleavy is the 12th gover- worked with and his desire to ning a celebration of life for
ers of Alaska. When combined industries like mariculture nor of Alaska. help people better understand him in the spring.
Page 12 t h eb r i s t o l b ay t i m es . c o m December 24, 2020

VACCINE director of the Camai Com- Pfizer and 26,800 doses from differently as far as when it’s won’t prevent the spread of
FROM PAGE 1 munity Health Center in the Moderna. getting out there and how it’s the virus until it’s widely avail-
Bristol Bay Borough. She said For now, testing is still the getting out there, and that’s for able, which means that people
— Venua said they are waiting the health center plans to use best way to keep the commu- the state allocation,” the state’s have to continue taking pre-
for more information from the the Moderna vaccine because nity safe. Camai tests an aver- chief medical officer, Dr. Anne cautions to keep themselves
state. of the logistics of getting it to age of 100 people a week. Zink, said. “There’s also tribal and their loved ones safe.
But eventually, it expects to Naknek. Camai anticipates several allocation.” Ralph Anderson, president
use both Pfizer and Moderna. “We don’t have ultra-cold challenges in distributing vac- Dr. Bob Onders is a medi- and CEO of the Bristol Bay Na-
The Food and Drug Adminis- storage yet. We will be getting cines. Swain said the vaccines cal director at the Alaska Na- tive Association, echoed those
tration on Friday authorized that but we don’t have it cur- are fragile, which is why they tive Tribal Health Consortium sentiments at a regional panel
the Moderna vaccine for emer- rently,” Swain said. “The sec- need to be kept cold. When and the interim director at the with state health officials this
gency use. ond reason is, once it’s here, the Moderna vaccine is taken Alaska Native Medical Center week.
Venua said the health cor- because of the way they would out of a freezer and placed in in Anchorage. He said Bristol “The fact that the vaccines
poration will work on plans ship it, we would have very a refrigerator, she said, there is Bay is in a relatively good po- are out — it’s like doing back-
to protect people being vacci- limited time to use it up. So for a three-hour window to trans- sition — it’s still able to em- flips, or mental backflips,
nated in villages from the type them to send us, say, 100 dos- port it. phasize testing and minimize watching the shot being given
of allergic reactions that hap- es, we would have to have 100 For now, Cami plans to fly spread of the disease in the yesterday that nearly brought
pened in Juneau earlier this people in that phase lined up, patients from the village of region. tears to my eyes,” he said. “I
week. ready to go.” South Naknek over to the clin- “We’re working to expand know it brought tears to the
“We are creating teams for The Bristol Bay Borough ic to get vaccinated. our critical care unit capac- people I know. Because just
administration to fly to the vil- doesn’t have enough people “Because there is a moni- ity to try to ensure that we the sense of relief that help is
lages with the vaccine. We’ll who qualify under that first toring period, and we need to have the facilities available for on its way.”
have it so that we’re also ready phase of vaccine distribution, make sure that they’re in a fa- when our rural partners call Editor’s note: Bernina Venua
for any possible severe reac- Swain said. The Camai clinic cility that if they do have any and need to transfer patients is the sister of KDLG seasonal
tion,” she said. expects an initial allocation kind of reaction to the vaccine, here into Anchorage for higher reporter Brian Venua.
The Pfizer vaccine requires of 100 doses of Moderna vac- we need to have them here,” levels of care,” he said.
ultra-cold storage at minus cines. she said. “We’ll probably fly Even though vaccinations Contact the author at isabelle@
94 degrees Fahrenheit. That “We have about 40 doses them over in the morning in are starting, Onders added, it kdlg.org or 907-842-2200.
requirement poses problems that we know we’ll give right shifts throughout a couple
for facilities without adequate off the bat, and that is our EMS, days so that we can moni-
freezers. The Moderna vac- health care workers, and that tor them before they go back
cine can be stored in a normal
freezer at minus 4 degrees
demographic,” she said.
Alaska’s initial vaccine al-
home to South Naknek.”
Vaccine distribution de-
Serving Unalaska/
Fahrenheit.
Mary Swain is the executive
locations will include an es-
timated 35,100 doses from
pends on the region.
“Each region is doing a little
Dutch Harbor
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