In 2001, construction of the Millennium Gate commenced in Portage Creek, prompting many businesses in the town to shut down, such as a local coffee shop, and the local newspaper, The Morning Observer, whose offices moved. One store called Alexandria Books, owned by Henry Janeway, would not close down despite being asked to. Shannon O'Donnel (an ancestor of Kathryn Janeway) met Janeway and was able to convince him to close the shop before New Year's Eve, even after some conflicts between the two individuals. Construction on the Millennium Gate continued.