diff --git a/.github/workflows/tests.yml b/.github/workflows/tests.yml
index 13045afc1..9d8cded08 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/tests.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/tests.yml
@@ -9,10 +9,10 @@ on:
       - '**'
 
 
-concurrency:
-  group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.ref }}
-  # don't cancel on main/master/default
-  cancel-in-progress: ${{ format('refs/heads/{0}', github.event.repository.default_branch) != github.ref }}
+# concurrency:
+#   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.ref }}
+#   # don't cancel on main/master/default
+#   cancel-in-progress: ${{ format('refs/heads/{0}', github.event.repository.default_branch) != github.ref }}
 
 
 env:
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ env:
   SKYSCAN_CACHE_DIR: /home/runner/work/skymap_scanner/skymap_scanner/cache
   SKYSCAN_OUTPUT_DIR: /home/runner/work/skymap_scanner/skymap_scanner/output
   SKYSCAN_DEBUG_DIR: /home/runner/work/skymap_scanner/skymap_scanner/debug
-  EWMS_PILOT_DUMP_SUBPROC_OUTPUT: False  # get logs in "reco-icetray logs" step instead
+  EWMS_PILOT_DUMP_SUBPROC_OUTPUT: False  # get logs in "client/pilot subprocesses stderr & stdout" step instead
   # see source tests/env-vars.sh
 
 
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ jobs:
         uses: actions/checkout@v3
         with:
           token: ${{ secrets.PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN }}
-      - uses: WIPACrepo/wipac-dev-py-setup-action@v2.5
+      - uses: WIPACrepo/wipac-dev-py-setup-action@v2.6
         if: github.actor != ${{ env.BOT_NAME }}  # no auto-updates for bots # should match all 'git_committer_name' uses
         with:
           git_committer_name: ${{ env.BOT_NAME }}
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ jobs:
           ./resources/launch_scripts/wait_for_file.sh ./startup.json $CLIENT_STARTER_WAIT_FOR_STARTUP_JSON
 
           # Launch Clients
-          nclients=$(( $_CLIENTS_PER_CPU * $(nproc) ))
+          nclients=$(( $_NCLIENTS * $(nproc) ))
           echo "Launching $nclients clients"
           mkdir $SKYSCAN_DEBUG_DIR
           export EWMS_PILOT_TASK_TIMEOUT=1800  # 30 mins
@@ -231,8 +231,11 @@ jobs:
           1.0,
           0.65,
         ]
+        concurrency: [
+          'multitask',
+          "multiclient",
+        ]
     env:
-      _CLIENTS_PER_CPU: 1  # there isn't any improvement when >1
       SKYSCAN_BROKER_ADDRESS: user1@localhost/test
       SKYSCAN_BROKER_AUTH: password  # using this would override password in address
     services:
@@ -272,10 +275,24 @@ jobs:
           export _EVENTS_FILE=$(realpath $REALTIME_EVENTS_DIR/hese_event_01.json)
           export _NSIDES="${{ matrix.nsides }}"
           export _PREDICTIVE_SCANNING_THRESHOLD=${{ matrix.predictive_scanning_threshold }}
+          export _NCLIENTS=$(nproc)
+
+          if [[ ${{ matrix.concurrency }} == "multiclient" ]]; then
+              # if not using concurrent tasks, then use multiple clients
+              export _NCLIENTS=$(nproc)
+              export EWMS_PILOT_CONCURRENT_TASKS=0
+          else
+              export _NCLIENTS=1
+              export EWMS_PILOT_CONCURRENT_TASKS=$(nproc)
+          fi
+
+          free  # dump memory stats
 
           cd ./resources/launch_scripts
           ./local-scan.sh
 
+          free  # dump memory stats
+
       - name: check no nsides skipped
         run: |
           ls $SKYSCAN_OUTPUT_DIR
@@ -291,7 +308,7 @@ jobs:
           assert len(pydict) == nsides.count(":")
           '
 
-      - name: reco-icetray logs
+      - name: client/pilot subprocesses stderr & stdout
         if: always()
         run: |
           sudo apt install tree
@@ -319,13 +336,15 @@ jobs:
           run00136766-evt000007637140-GOLD.pkl,
           run00136662-evt000035405932-BRONZE.pkl
         ]
+        concurrency: [
+          'multitask',
+          "multiclient",
+        ]
         exclude:
         # splinempe should not run on HESE
           - reco_algo: splinempe
             eventfile: hese_event_01.json
-
     env:
-      _CLIENTS_PER_CPU: 1  # there isn't any improvement when >1
       SKYSCAN_BROKER_ADDRESS: user1@localhost/test
       SKYSCAN_BROKER_AUTH: password  # using this would override password in address
     services:
@@ -372,9 +391,24 @@ jobs:
           export _EVENTS_FILE=$(realpath $REALTIME_EVENTS_DIR/${{ matrix.eventfile }})
           export _NSIDES="1:0"
 
+          if [[ ${{ matrix.concurrency }} == "multiclient" ]]; then
+              # if not using concurrent tasks, then use multiple clients
+              export _NCLIENTS=$(nproc)
+              export EWMS_PILOT_CONCURRENT_TASKS=0
+          else
+              export _NCLIENTS=1
+              export EWMS_PILOT_CONCURRENT_TASKS=$(nproc)
+          fi
+
+          ls /dev/shm
+          free  # dump memory stats
+
           cd ./resources/launch_scripts
           ./local-scan.sh
 
+          free  # dump memory stats
+          ls /dev/shm
+
       - name: test output against known result (.json)
         run: |
           ls $SKYSCAN_OUTPUT_DIR
@@ -389,7 +423,7 @@ jobs:
             --assert \
             || (cat $(ls *.diff.json) && false)
 
-      - name: reco-icetray logs
+      - name: client/pilot subprocesses stderr & stdout
         if: always()
         run: |
           sudo apt install tree
@@ -488,6 +522,7 @@ jobs:
             icecube/skymap_scanner:local \
             python -m skymap_scanner.client.reco_icetray \
             --in-pkl /local/pkls/in.pkl \
+            --reco-algo ${{ matrix.reco_algo }} \
             --gcdqp-packet-json /local/pkls/GCDQp_packet.json \
             --baseline-gcd-file $(jq -r '.baseline_GCD_file' tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/${{ matrix.reco_algo }}/${{ matrix.dir }}/startup.json) \
             --out-pkl /local/pkls/out.pkl
diff --git a/dependencies-from-Dockerfile.log b/dependencies-from-Dockerfile.log
index 4acffdff9..c4e8a88d7 100644
--- a/dependencies-from-Dockerfile.log
+++ b/dependencies-from-Dockerfile.log
@@ -26,13 +26,13 @@ decorator==4.4.2
 defusedxml==0.7.1
 docutils==0.20.1
 et-xmlfile==1.0.1
-ewms-pilot==0.14.0
+ewms-pilot==0.15.1
 fonttools==4.29.1
 fs==2.4.12
 gast==0.5.2
 healpy==1.15.0
 htchirp==2.0
-htcondor==10.9.0
+htcondor==23.0.0
 html5lib==1.1
 humanfriendly==10.0
 hypothesis==6.36.0
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ typing_extensions==4.8.0
 ufoLib2==0.13.1
 unicodedata2==14.0.0
 UNKNOWN @ file:///root/nuflux-2.0.4
-urllib3==2.0.5
+urllib3==2.0.6
 urwid==2.1.2
 wcwidth==0.2.5
 webencodings==0.5.1
diff --git a/dependencies-from-Dockerfile_pulsar.log b/dependencies-from-Dockerfile_pulsar.log
index bd3a86e5f..637b1a20f 100644
--- a/dependencies-from-Dockerfile_pulsar.log
+++ b/dependencies-from-Dockerfile_pulsar.log
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ decorator==4.4.2
 defusedxml==0.7.1
 docutils==0.20.1
 et-xmlfile==1.0.1
-ewms-pilot==0.14.0
+ewms-pilot==0.15.1
 fonttools==4.29.1
 fs==2.4.12
 gast==0.5.2
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ typing_extensions==4.8.0
 ufoLib2==0.13.1
 unicodedata2==14.0.0
 UNKNOWN @ file:///root/nuflux-2.0.4
-urllib3==2.0.5
+urllib3==2.0.6
 urwid==2.1.2
 wcwidth==0.2.5
 webencodings==0.5.1
diff --git a/resources/launch_scripts/docker/launch_client.sh b/resources/launch_scripts/docker/launch_client.sh
index 0908e56b6..6160d557d 100755
--- a/resources/launch_scripts/docker/launch_client.sh
+++ b/resources/launch_scripts/docker/launch_client.sh
@@ -70,7 +70,8 @@ fi
 
 # Run
 docker run --network="host" $pull_policy --rm -i \
-    --shm-size=6gb \
+    --ipc="host" \
+    --shm-size=32gb \
     $DOCKERMOUNT_ARGS \
     --env PY_COLORS=1 \
     $(env | grep '^SKYSCAN_' | awk '$0="--env "$0') \
diff --git a/resources/launch_scripts/local-scan.sh b/resources/launch_scripts/local-scan.sh
index e064d5121..853725414 100755
--- a/resources/launch_scripts/local-scan.sh
+++ b/resources/launch_scripts/local-scan.sh
@@ -48,11 +48,13 @@ fi
 
 
 # Launch Clients
-clients_per_cpu=${_CLIENTS_PER_CPU:-"1"}
-nclients=$(( $clients_per_cpu * $(nproc) ))
+nclients=${_NCLIENTS:-"1"}
 echo "Launching $nclients clients"
 export EWMS_PILOT_TASK_TIMEOUT=1800  # 30 mins
 for i in $( seq 1 $nclients ); do
+    if [[ $i == "2" ]]; then
+        sleep 60  # sleep past race condition
+    fi
     ./docker/launch_client.sh \
         --client-startup-json ./startup.json \
         --debug-directory $SKYSCAN_DEBUG_DIR \
@@ -61,6 +63,9 @@ for i in $( seq 1 $nclients ); do
 done
 
 
+free -c 6 -s 10  # dump memory stats for 1 min
+
+
 # Wait for Everyone
 wait -n  # for server
 for i in $( seq 1 $nclients ); do
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/client/__init__.py b/skymap_scanner/client/__init__.py
index e69de29bb..a08a6e9ee 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/client/__init__.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/client/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+"""Init."""
+
+import logging
+
+LOGGER = logging.getLogger("skyscan.client")
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/client/__main__.py b/skymap_scanner/client/__main__.py
index 5ab089393..2346ac67a 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/client/__main__.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/client/__main__.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 """Entry-point to start up client service."""
 
-from . import client
+from . import LOGGER, client
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     client.main()
+    LOGGER.info("Done.")
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/client/client.py b/skymap_scanner/client/client.py
index c0130f911..897bb7375 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/client/client.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/client/client.py
@@ -3,19 +3,20 @@
 import argparse
 import asyncio
 import json
-import logging
+import os
 from pathlib import Path
 
 import ewms_pilot
 from wipac_dev_tools import argparse_tools, logging_tools
 
 from .. import config as cfg
-
-LOGGER = logging.getLogger("skyscan.client")
+from . import LOGGER
 
 
 def main() -> None:
     """Start up Client service."""
+    LOGGER.critical(f'/dev/shm: {os.listdir("/dev/shm")}')
+
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
         description=(
             "Start up client daemon to perform reco scans on pixels "
@@ -74,31 +75,37 @@ def main() -> None:
         " --out-pkl {{OUTFILE}}"  # ^^^
         " --gcdqp-packet-json GCDQp_packet.json"
         f" --baseline-gcd-file {startup_json_dict['baseline_GCD_file']}"
+        f" --reco-algo {startup_json_dict['reco_algo']}"
+    )
+
+    init_cmd = (
+        "python -m skymap_scanner.client.prepare "
+        f" --reco-algo {startup_json_dict['reco_algo']}"
     )
 
     # go!
     LOGGER.info(
         f"Starting up a Skymap Scanner client for event: {startup_json_dict['mq_basename']=}"
     )
-    asyncio.run(
-        ewms_pilot.consume_and_reply(
-            cmd=cmd,
-            broker_client=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_BROKER_CLIENT,
-            broker_address=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_BROKER_ADDRESS,
-            auth_token=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_BROKER_AUTH,
-            queue_incoming=f"to-clients-{startup_json_dict['mq_basename']}",
-            queue_outgoing=f"from-clients-{startup_json_dict['mq_basename']}",
-            ftype_to_subproc=".pkl",
-            ftype_from_subproc=".pkl",
-            timeout_incoming=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_MQ_TIMEOUT_TO_CLIENTS,
-            timeout_outgoing=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_MQ_TIMEOUT_FROM_CLIENTS,
-            timeout_wait_for_first_message=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_MQ_CLIENT_TIMEOUT_WAIT_FOR_FIRST_MESSAGE,
-            debug_dir=args.debug_directory,
-            task_timeout=cfg.ENV.EWMS_PILOT_TASK_TIMEOUT,
+    try:
+        asyncio.run(
+            ewms_pilot.consume_and_reply(
+                cmd=cmd,
+                init_cmd=init_cmd,
+                broker_client=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_BROKER_CLIENT,
+                broker_address=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_BROKER_ADDRESS,
+                auth_token=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_BROKER_AUTH,
+                queue_incoming=f"to-clients-{startup_json_dict['mq_basename']}",
+                queue_outgoing=f"from-clients-{startup_json_dict['mq_basename']}",
+                ftype_to_subproc=".pkl",
+                ftype_from_subproc=".pkl",
+                timeout_incoming=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_MQ_TIMEOUT_TO_CLIENTS,
+                timeout_outgoing=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_MQ_TIMEOUT_FROM_CLIENTS,
+                timeout_wait_for_first_message=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_MQ_CLIENT_TIMEOUT_WAIT_FOR_FIRST_MESSAGE,
+                debug_dir=args.debug_directory,
+                task_timeout=cfg.ENV.EWMS_PILOT_TASK_TIMEOUT,
+            )
         )
-    )
-    LOGGER.info("Done.")
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    main()
+    except:
+        LOGGER.critical(f'/dev/shm: {os.listdir("/dev/shm")}')
+        raise
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/client/prepare.py b/skymap_scanner/client/prepare.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9c419dc0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/skymap_scanner/client/prepare.py
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+"""Setup common resources for future IceTray instances of a specified
+reconstruction."""
+
+
+import argparse
+import logging
+import os
+
+from wipac_dev_tools import logging_tools
+
+from .. import config as cfg
+from .. import recos
+
+LOGGER = logging.getLogger("skyscan.client.prepare")
+
+
+def main() -> None:
+    """Reco a single pixel."""
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
+        description="Setup common resources for future IceTray instances of a specified reconstruction.",
+        formatter_class=argparse.ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter,
+    )
+
+    # "physics" args
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--reco-algo",
+        required=True,
+        choices=recos.get_all_reco_algos(),
+        help="The reconstruction algorithm prepare for",
+    )
+
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    logging_tools.set_level(
+        cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_LOG,  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+        first_party_loggers="skyscan",
+        third_party_level=cfg.ENV.SKYSCAN_LOG_THIRD_PARTY,  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+        use_coloredlogs=True,
+    )
+    logging_tools.log_argparse_args(args, logger=LOGGER, level="WARNING")
+
+    # go!
+    RecoAlgo = recos.get_reco_interface_object(args.reco_algo)
+    reco = RecoAlgo()
+    reco.setup_reco(LOGGER)
+
+    LOGGER.critical(f'/dev/shm: {os.listdir("/dev/shm")}')
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()
+    LOGGER.info("Done.")
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/client/reco_icetray.py b/skymap_scanner/client/reco_icetray.py
index 60048f22c..d26967950 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/client/reco_icetray.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/client/reco_icetray.py
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Any, List, Union
 
-from icecube.icetray import I3Tray  # type: ignore[import]
 from icecube import (  # type: ignore[import]  # noqa: F401
     dataio,
     frame_object_diff,
@@ -20,6 +19,7 @@
     photonics_service,
 )
 from icecube.frame_object_diff.segments import uncompress  # type: ignore[import]
+from icecube.icetray import I3Tray  # type: ignore[import]
 from wipac_dev_tools import argparse_tools, logging_tools
 
 from .. import config as cfg
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ def notifyStart(frame):
     # create instance of reco_algo object
     RecoAlgo = recos.get_reco_interface_object(reco_algo)
     reco = RecoAlgo()
-    reco.setup_reco()
+    reco.setup_reco(LOGGER)
 
     # perform fit
     tray.AddSegment(
@@ -241,7 +241,13 @@ def main() -> None:
         ),
     )
 
-    # extra "physics" args
+    # "physics" args
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--reco-algo",
+        required=True,
+        choices=recos.get_all_reco_algos(),
+        help="The reconstruction algorithm to use",
+    )
     parser.add_argument(
         "--gcdqp-packet-json",
         dest="GCDQp_packet_json",
@@ -274,10 +280,11 @@ def main() -> None:
     )
     logging_tools.log_argparse_args(args, logger=LOGGER, level="WARNING")
 
+    LOGGER.critical(f'/dev/shm: {os.listdir("/dev/shm")}')
+
     # get PFrame
     with open(args.in_pkl, "rb") as f:
         msg = pickle.load(f)
-        reco_algo = msg[cfg.MSG_KEY_RECO_ALGO]
         pframe = msg[cfg.MSG_KEY_PFRAME]
 
     # get GCDQp_packet
@@ -288,14 +295,14 @@ def main() -> None:
 
     # go!
     reco_pixel(
-        reco_algo,
+        args.reco_algo,
         pframe,
         GCDQp_packet,
         str(args.baseline_GCD_file),
         args.out_pkl,
     )
-    LOGGER.info("Done reco'ing pixel.")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     main()
+    LOGGER.info("Done.")
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/config.py b/skymap_scanner/config.py
index 236c3e483..c8fe5420c 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/config.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/config.py
@@ -44,7 +44,6 @@
 STATEDICT_BASELINE_GCD_FILE: Final = "baseline_GCD_file"
 STATEDICT_NSIDES: Final = "nsides"
 #
-MSG_KEY_RECO_ALGO: Final = "reco_algo"
 MSG_KEY_PFRAME: Final = "pframe"
 
 BASELINE_GCD_FILENAME = "base_GCD_for_diff.i3"
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/recos/__init__.py b/skymap_scanner/recos/__init__.py
index 447fc3bdc..bb145fd69 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/recos/__init__.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/recos/__init__.py
@@ -67,10 +67,13 @@ def prepare_frames(self, tray, name, **kwargs) -> None:
         pass
 
     @abstractmethod
-    def setup_reco(self):
-        """Performs the necessary operations to prepare the execution of the reconstruction traysegment.
+    def setup_reco(self, logger):
+        """Performs the necessary operations to prepare the execution of the
+        reconstruction traysegment.
 
-        This method is expected to perform "expensive" operations such as fetching spline data and initializing IceTray spline services.
+        This method is expected to perform "expensive" operations such
+        as fetching spline data and initializing IceTray spline
+        services.
         """
         pass
 
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/recos/dummy.py b/skymap_scanner/recos/dummy.py
index a753ffc09..9277b38ce 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/recos/dummy.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/recos/dummy.py
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@ def __init__(self):
         self.refine_time = True
         self.add_fallback_position = False
 
-    def setup_reco(self):
-        pass
+    def setup_reco(self, logger):
+        logger.info("Dummy reco has nothing to setup :)")
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_vertex_variations() -> List[dataclasses.I3Position]:
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_original.py b/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_original.py
index 2ef5cb34f..3f3b859ab 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_original.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_original.py
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ def __init__(self):
         self.refine_time = False
         self.add_fallback_position = False
 
-    def setup_reco(self):
+    def setup_reco(self, logger):
         datastager = self.get_datastager()
 
         datastager.stage_files(self.SPLINE_REQUIREMENTS)
@@ -105,7 +105,9 @@ def setup_reco(self):
         abs_spline = datastager.get_filepath(self.MIE_ABS_SPLINE)
         prob_spline = datastager.get_filepath(self.MIE_PROB_SPLINE)
 
+        logger.info("Starting I3PhotoSplineService...")
         self.cascade_service = photonics_service.I3PhotoSplineService(abs_spline, prob_spline, timingSigma=0.0)
+        logger.info("Started I3PhotoSplineService.")
 
         self.cascade_service.SetEfficiencies(self.SPEScale)
 
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_wilks.py b/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_wilks.py
index ee3a970fd..6f7d901c9 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_wilks.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/recos/millipede_wilks.py
@@ -55,11 +55,11 @@ def __init__(self):
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_vertex_variations() -> List[dataclasses.I3Position]:
-        """Returns a list of vectors referenced to the origin that will be used to generate the vertex position variations.
-        """
+        """Returns a list of vectors referenced to the origin that will be used
+        to generate the vertex position variations."""
         return VertexGenerator.point()
 
-    def setup_reco(self):
+    def setup_reco(self, logger):
         datastager = self.get_datastager()
 
         datastager.stage_files(self.SPLINE_REQUIREMENTS)
@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@ def setup_reco(self):
         effp_spline: str = datastager.get_filepath(self.FTP_EFFP_SPLINE)
         tmod_spline: str = datastager.get_filepath(self.FTP_TMOD_SPLINE)
 
+        logger.info("Starting I3PhotoSplineService...")
         self.cascade_service = photonics_service.I3PhotoSplineService(
             abs_spline, prob_spline, timingSigma=0.0,
             effectivedistancetable = effd_spline,
@@ -78,6 +79,7 @@ def setup_reco(self):
             effectivedistancetableprob = effp_spline,
             effectivedistancetabletmod = tmod_spline
         )
+        logger.info("Started I3PhotoSplineService.")
 
         self.muon_service = None
 
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/recos/splinempe.py b/skymap_scanner/recos/splinempe.py
index 96fda512c..db5d9a824 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/recos/splinempe.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/recos/splinempe.py
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ def extract_seed(frame):
     def get_vertex_variations(self):
         return VertexGenerator.cylinder()
 
-    def setup_reco(self):
+    def setup_reco(self, logger):
         datastager = self.get_datastager()
 
         datastager.stage_files(self.SPLINE_REQUIREMENTS)
@@ -274,6 +274,7 @@ def setup_reco(self):
         StochTimingSpline: str = datastager.get_filepath(self.MIE_STOCH_PROB)
         StochAmplitudeSpline: str = datastager.get_filepath(self.MIE_STOCH_ABS)
 
+        logger.info("Starting I3PhotoSplineServices...")
         self.bare_mu_spline = I3PhotoSplineService(
             BareMuAmplitudeSpline,
             BareMuTimingSpline,
@@ -289,10 +290,11 @@ def setup_reco(self):
             BareMuTimingSpline,
             timingSigma=1000,
         )
+        logger.info("Started I3PhotoSplineServices.")
 
     @traysegment
     def traysegment(self, tray, name, logger, **kwargs):
-        """SplineMPE reco"""
+        """SplineMPE reco."""
 
         def checkName(frame: I3Frame, name: str) -> None:
             if name not in frame:
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/server/__main__.py b/skymap_scanner/server/__main__.py
index 714033891..297223460 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/server/__main__.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/server/__main__.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 """Entry-point to start up server."""
 
-from . import start_scan
+from . import LOGGER, start_scan
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     start_scan.main()
+    LOGGER.info("Done.")
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/server/start_scan.py b/skymap_scanner/server/start_scan.py
index 67aff6278..ca0d8a807 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/server/start_scan.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/server/start_scan.py
@@ -15,14 +15,13 @@
 import healpy  # type: ignore[import]
 import mqclient as mq
 import numpy
-from icecube.icetray import I3Units  # type: ignore[import]
 from icecube import (  # type: ignore[import]
     astro,
     dataclasses,
     full_event_followup,
     icetray,
 )
-from rest_tools.client import RestClient
+from icecube.icetray import I3Units  # type: ignore[import]
 from skyreader import EventMetadata
 from wipac_dev_tools import argparse_tools, logging_tools
 
@@ -358,7 +357,6 @@ async def scan(
     total_n_pixfin = await _serve_and_collect(
         to_clients_queue,
         from_clients_queue,
-        reco_algo,
         nsides_dict,
         pixeler,
         reporter,
@@ -378,7 +376,6 @@ async def scan(
 
 async def _send_pixels(
     to_clients_queue: mq.Queue,
-    reco_algo: str,
     pixeler: PixelsToReco,
     already_sent_pixvars: Set[SentPixelVariation],
     nside_subprogression: NSideProgression,
@@ -394,7 +391,6 @@ async def _send_pixels(
             LOGGER.info(f"Sending message M#{i} {pframe_tuple(pframe)}...")
             await pub.send(
                 {
-                    cfg.MSG_KEY_RECO_ALGO: reco_algo,
                     cfg.MSG_KEY_PFRAME: pframe,
                 }
             )
@@ -411,7 +407,6 @@ async def _send_pixels(
 async def _serve_and_collect(
     to_clients_queue: mq.Queue,
     from_clients_queue: mq.Queue,
-    reco_algo: str,
     nsides_dict: NSidesDict,
     pixeler: PixelsToReco,
     reporter: Reporter,
@@ -440,7 +435,6 @@ async def _serve_and_collect(
             #
             sent_pixvars = await _send_pixels(
                 to_clients_queue,
-                reco_algo,
                 pixeler,
                 collector.sent_pixvars,
                 # we want to open re-refinement for all nsides <= max_nside_thresholded
@@ -508,6 +502,7 @@ def write_startup_json(
     nside_progression: NSideProgression,
     baseline_GCD_file: str,
     GCDQp_packet: List[icetray.I3Frame],
+    reco_algo: str,
 ) -> str:
     """Write startup JSON file for client-spawning.
 
@@ -531,6 +526,7 @@ def write_startup_json(
                 GCDQp_packet, pnf_framing=False
             )
         ),
+        "reco_algo": reco_algo,
     }
 
     with open(client_startup_json, "w") as f:
@@ -711,6 +707,7 @@ def _nside_and_pixelextension(val: str) -> Tuple[int, int]:
         args.nside_progression,
         state_dict[cfg.STATEDICT_BASELINE_GCD_FILE],
         state_dict[cfg.STATEDICT_GCDQP_PACKET],
+        args.reco_algo,
     )
 
     # make mq connections
@@ -746,8 +743,3 @@ def _nside_and_pixelextension(val: str) -> Tuple[int, int]:
             predictive_scanning_threshold=args.predictive_scanning_threshold,
         )
     )
-    LOGGER.info("Done.")
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    main()
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/utils/data_handling.py b/skymap_scanner/utils/data_handling.py
index f44f0e972..c3b1dda69 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/utils/data_handling.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/utils/data_handling.py
@@ -1,14 +1,15 @@
-from .. import config as cfg  # type: ignore[import]
-from pathlib import Path
 import subprocess
+from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Dict, List, Union
 
+from .. import config as cfg  # type: ignore[import]
 from . import LOGGER
 
 
 class DataStager:
-    """
-    Class to manage the staging of (spline) data from different sources (in-container, mountpoint, CVMFS, http).
+    """Class to manage the staging of (spline) data from different sources (in-
+    container, mountpoint, CVMFS, http).
+
     Some similarity in the paths is assumed.
     """
 
@@ -20,27 +21,28 @@ def __init__(self, local_paths: List[Path], local_subdir: str, remote_path: str)
         self.staging_path.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
 
     def stage_files(self, file_list: List[str]):
-        """Checks local availability for filenames in a list, and retrieves the missing ones from the HTTP source.
+        """Checks local availability for filenames in a list, and retrieves the
+        missing ones from the HTTP source.
 
         Args:
             file_list (List[str]): list of file filenames to look up / retrieve.
         """
-        LOGGER.debug(f"Staging files in filelist: {file_list}")
+        LOGGER.info(f"Staging files in filelist: {file_list}")
         for basename in file_list:
             try:
                 filepath: str = self.get_local_filepath(basename)
             except FileNotFoundError:
-                LOGGER.debug(
-                    f"File {basename} is not available on default local paths."
-                )
+                LOGGER.info(f"File {basename} is not available on default local paths.")
                 if (self.staging_path / basename).is_file():
-                    LOGGER.debug("File is available on staging path.")
+                    LOGGER.info("File is available on staging path.")
                 else:
-                    LOGGER.debug("Staging from HTTP source.")
+                    LOGGER.info("Staging from HTTP source.")
                     self.stage_file(basename)
 
             else:
-                LOGGER.debug(f"File {basename} is available at {filepath}.")
+                LOGGER.info(f"File {basename} is available at {filepath}.")
+
+        LOGGER.info(f"Finished staging files in filelist: {file_list}")
 
     def stage_file(self, basename: str):
         """Retrieves a file from the HTTP source.
@@ -72,7 +74,8 @@ def stage_file(self, basename: str):
             )
 
     def get_filepath(self, filename: str) -> str:
-        """Look up basename under the local paths and the staging path and returns the first valid filename.
+        """Look up basename under the local paths and the staging path and
+        returns the first valid filename.
 
         Args:
             basename (str): file basename to look up.
@@ -86,7 +89,7 @@ def get_filepath(self, filename: str) -> str:
         except FileNotFoundError:
             filepath = self.staging_path / filename
             if filepath.is_file():
-                LOGGER.info("File {filename} available at {filepath}.")
+                LOGGER.info(f"File {filename} available at {filepath}.")
                 return str(filepath)
             else:
                 raise FileNotFoundError(
@@ -94,7 +97,8 @@ def get_filepath(self, filename: str) -> str:
                 )
 
     def get_local_filepath(self, filename: str) -> str:
-        """Look up filename on local paths and return the first matching filename.
+        """Look up filename on local paths and return the first matching
+        filename.
 
         Args:
             filename (str): the filename of the file to look up.
@@ -108,10 +112,9 @@ def get_local_filepath(self, filename: str) -> str:
             filepath = subdir / filename
             LOGGER.debug(f"Trying to read {filepath}...")
             if filepath.is_file():
-                LOGGER.debug(f"-> success.")
-                filename = str(filepath)
-                return filename
-            else:
-                LOGGER.debug(f"-> fail.")
-                # File was not found in local paths.
-        raise FileNotFoundError(f"File {filename} is not available on any local path.")
+                LOGGER.debug(f"File found {filename}.")
+                return str(filepath)
+
+        raise FileNotFoundError(
+            f"File {filename} is not available on any local path: {self.local_paths}."
+        )
diff --git a/skymap_scanner/utils/load_scan_state.py b/skymap_scanner/utils/load_scan_state.py
index f873ea7de..f8a13adff 100644
--- a/skymap_scanner/utils/load_scan_state.py
+++ b/skymap_scanner/utils/load_scan_state.py
@@ -47,10 +47,10 @@ def get_baseline_gcd_frames(baseline_GCD_file, GCDQp_packet) -> List[icetray.I3F
         try:
             baseline_GCD_frames = load_framepacket_from_file(baseline_GCD_file)
         except:
-            LOGGER.debug(" -> failed")
+            LOGGER.debug(f"Failed to read GCD from {baseline_GCD_file}")
             raise RuntimeError("Unable to read baseline GCD. In the current design, this is unexpected. Possibly a bug or data corruption!")
         if baseline_GCD_frames is not None:
-            LOGGER.debug(" -> success")
+            LOGGER.debug("Retrieved GCD from file")
         # NOTE: Legacy code used to scan a list of GCD_BASE_DIRS.
         #       It is now assumed that assume that the passed `baseline_GCD_file` is a valid path to a baseline GCD file.
 
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ def load_GCDQp_state(event_metadata: EventMetadata, cache_dir="./cache/") -> dic
                 LOGGER.debug("load_GCDQp_state => reading source baseline GCD from {0}".format(read_path))
                 source_baseline_GCD_framepacket = load_framepacket_from_file(read_path)
             except:
-                LOGGER.debug(" -> failed")
+                LOGGER.debug(f"Failed to load source baseline GCD from {read_path}")
                 source_baseline_GCD_framepacket = None
             if source_baseline_GCD_framepacket is None:
                 raise RuntimeError(f"load_GCDQp_state => Could not read the source GCD file \"{source_baseline_GCD_metadata}\"")
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/BRONZE/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/BRONZE/startup.json
index 1064b57f0..2c6bf1028 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/BRONZE/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/BRONZE/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "millipede_original",
   "mq_basename": "run00136662.evt000035405932.HESE-1-1",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/baseline_gcd_135417.i3",
   "GCDQp_packet": {
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/GOLD/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/GOLD/startup.json
index cf860c045..cc21a3193 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/GOLD/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/GOLD/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "millipede_original",
   "mq_basename": "run00136766.evt000007637140.HESE-1-1",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/baseline_gcd_135417.i3",
   "GCDQp_packet": {
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/JSON/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/JSON/startup.json
index 0bb64909e..715dcdcf9 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/JSON/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_original/JSON/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "millipede_original",
   "mq_basename": "run00127907.evt000020178442.HESE-1-1",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/2016_01_08_Run127381.i3",
   "GCDQp_packet": {
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/BRONZE/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/BRONZE/startup.json
index 93a391290..592181a7d 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/BRONZE/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/BRONZE/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "millipede_wilks",
   "scan_id": "35405932-1:0-1684764148",
   "mq_basename": "35405932-1:0-1684764148",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/baseline_gcd_135417.i3",
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/GOLD/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/GOLD/startup.json
index 40d57cb72..758df3e93 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/GOLD/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/GOLD/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "millipede_wilks",
   "scan_id": "7637140-1:0-1684845570",
   "mq_basename": "7637140-1:0-1684845570",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/baseline_gcd_135417.i3",
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/JSON/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/JSON/startup.json
index a1564b058..5cb92db1c 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/JSON/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/millipede_wilks/JSON/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "millipede_wilks",
   "scan_id": "20178442-1:0-1684859396",
   "mq_basename": "20178442-1:0-1684859396",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/2016_01_08_Run127381.i3",
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/BRONZE/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/BRONZE/startup.json
index 34a453a26..63ad583a1 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/BRONZE/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/BRONZE/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "splinempe",
   "scan_id": "35405932-1:0-1689867940",
   "mq_basename": "35405932-1:0-1689867940",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/baseline_gcd_135417.i3",
diff --git a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/GOLD/startup.json b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/GOLD/startup.json
index 6446dcebb..4b073f4d7 100644
--- a/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/GOLD/startup.json
+++ b/tests/data/reco_pixel_pkls/splinempe/GOLD/startup.json
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 {
+  "reco_algo": "splinempe",
   "scan_id": "7637140-1:0-1689846722",
   "mq_basename": "7637140-1:0-1689846722",
   "baseline_GCD_file": "/opt/i3-data/baseline_gcds/baseline_gcd_135417.i3",
diff --git a/tests/env-vars.sh b/tests/env-vars.sh
index 6150b0c99..976415e2a 100755
--- a/tests/env-vars.sh
+++ b/tests/env-vars.sh
@@ -20,6 +20,6 @@ export SKYSCAN_MINI_TEST=${SKYSCAN_MINI_TEST:-'yes'}
 export SKYSCAN_LOG=${SKYSCAN_LOG:-"DEBUG"}
 export SKYSCAN_LOG_THIRD_PARTY=${SKYSCAN_LOG_THIRD_PARTY:-"INFO"}
 
-export CLIENT_STARTER_WAIT_FOR_STARTUP_JSON=${CLIENT_STARTER_WAIT_FOR_STARTUP_JSON:-12}
+export CLIENT_STARTER_WAIT_FOR_STARTUP_JSON=${CLIENT_STARTER_WAIT_FOR_STARTUP_JSON:-120}
 
 set +ex  # file is sourced so turn off
\ No newline at end of file