Media Fact Sheet on First Census 2000 Enumeration in Unalakleet, Alaska Note: The Census Bureau strongly urges the media to set up pool coverage or rely on wire service coverage from the Associated Press. The Census Bureau has reserved three seats for radio pool members and three for TV pool members on Pen Air FLT #4241 (Jan. 19, 2000, departing from Anchorage at 12:45 p.m. AST) and Pen Air FLT #4242 (Jan. 20, 2000, departing from Unalakleet at 3:00 p.m. AST). Pool members designated as such by their colleagues should contact Census Bureau media specialist David Olivera at the Jan.19 news conference at the Heritage Center in Anchorage for reserved seats; pool members must pay all flight and travel expenses. (Pen Air has added a second flight from Anchorage to Unalakleet on Jan. 19 and from Unalakleet to Anchorage on Jan. 20. Flight numbers and options often change in Alaska. Check with Pen Air on all details.) Below are factors news organizations should consider in attempting travel to Unalakleet: Flights: 1. Daily direct Anchorage to Unalakleet and return (second non-direct flight added): Pen Air 1-800-252-7522 2. Daily Anchorage to Nome to Unalakleet and return: Anchorage to Nome and return: Alaska Airlines 1-800-252-7522 Nome to Unalakleet and return: Bering Air 907-624-3175 Baker Aviation 907-443-3081 Cape Smythe Air 907-443-2414 Hagland Air 907-245-0119 3. Charter service from Anchorage to Unalakleet: Pen Air 1-800-252-7522 Security Aviation 907-248-2677 F. S. Air 907-248-9595 Weight Restrictions: Passengers may take two bags weighing up to 70 pounds each. Heavier baggage or additional baggage or equipment will be checked in as excess and charged to the passenger. Ground Transportation: Rental cars and taxis not available. No ground transport for equipment. No passable roads into Unalakleet from major cities. Accommodations: No hotel facilities available. Reporters may sleep on gym floor at Unalakleet School. Bring own sleeping bag and towel. Restaurants: Limited eating facilities. Gear: Special winter clothing required. Should include fully insulated boots, gloves, parka and hat covering ears. Clothing should be in multiple layers with outer garments good to at least 20 below zero; protection from wind needed. Temperatures: Temperatures 20-40 degrees below zero common; high winds. whiteouts possible. Equipment: Suitable for use in arctic conditions. Cell phones unreliable in remote areas. Sunlight available: Four hours daily Miscellaneous considerations: 1. Credit cards not widely accepted. Cash necessary. Prices high due to remote conditions. 2. No ATMs in Unalakleet. Closest ATM in Nome (150 miles away). 3. Public facilities not readily available away from school. 4. Title 13 of the U.S. Code guarantees the confidentiality of census respondents, thus precluding videotaping, filming or photographing actual enumerations. Reporters cannot accompany enumerators during the enumerations. Travel Agencies: Reporters should consult travel agencies specializing in travel to remote Alaska. Please contact the Census Bureau's Public Information Office for the names and numbers of agencies that provide this service. The Census Bureau offers no endorsement of these agencies. (301) 457-3691 Public Information Office (907) 271-1300 Anchorage Local Census Office Media Fact Sheet on Events in Unalakleet, Alaska January 19, 2000 Public Events 3:30 p.m. AST First Enumeration Celebration Unalakleet School Unalakleet, Alaska Speakers and Activities: Weaver Ivanoff, Master of Ceremonies Posting of Color Guard, Alaska National Guard Prayer by Clara Oyoumick President, Native Village of Unalakleet Mayor Henry Ivanoff, city of Unalakleet Steve Ivanoff, Unalakleet Native Corp. Rider Erickson, Unalakleet School Student Council Gov. Tony Knowles (tentative) Stanton Katchatag, special recognition of Alaska Territorial Guards Kenneth Prewitt, director, U.S. Census Bureau Alaska Census Area Office Representative Potluck dinner King Island Dancers January 20, 2000 Census Bureau conducting enumeration of Unalakleet residents. Confidentiality precludes reporters from photographing,filming or taping enumeration activities. Reporters may not accompany enumerators.
