Podcasts
Interview with Interim Superintendent Jim Nygaard 5-12-22
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Interim Superintendent Jim Nygaard regarding wrapping up the 2021-2022 school year. Topics covered include: MAPS testing; upcoming meetings and topics.
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 5-4-22
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathy Todd regarding medical issues in Valdez. Topics covered included: COVID, Fentanyl and Mental Health
Interview with Interim Superintendent Jim Nygaard 4-25-22
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked to interim Superintendent Jim Nygaard. Topics covered include: Technology purchases; Teacher, Classified Staff and Administration payroll increases on agenda; 2023 School District budget; onboarding handbook for newly elected school board members; curriculum update
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 4-20-22
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Dr. Kathy Todd for the bi-monthly update on COVID in Valdez. Topics covered included: status of COVID in the local hospital and clinics; long-COVID; availability and uses for monoclonal antibodies and how
April Fools – LIVE & Local Breaks
The KVAK Crew had a bit of fun on April Fools Day, breaking into regular programming with Live & Local breaks that were seemingly broadcast from around town. In reality, Laurie and Robert were in the KVAK
KVAK’s Laurie Prax Interviews SMALL GLORIES – Coming to Valdez, March 29th!
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Small Glories about their upcoming show in Valdez. Give it a listen! Small Glories will be coming to Valdez – Tuesday, March 29th at the Valdez Civic Center. Doors will open at 6:30pm
KVAK’s Heidi Franke Interview with PRCS Staff – Jennifer James & Nikki Duhamel – BANFF Mountain Film Festival – March 26th!
KVAK’s Heidi Franke interviewed PRCS staff Jennifer James & Nikki Duhamel about this year’s BANFF Mountain Film Festival! We hope to see you at the Civic Center this Saturday, March 26! Doors open at 6pm with door
KVAK’s Brandon Roberts Interview with Ken Lares of the Valdez Snowmachine Club
Please be aware of racers and fans as they will be out on the trails practicing for this weekend’s races!
Interview with Kathy Todd – COVID & Spring Medical
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Dr. Kathy Todd of the Valdez Medical Clinic and Providence Valdez Medical Center to get a brief update on COVID in Valdez and talk about what type of patients she sees at
Happy Birthday Gloria Day – 100 Years Old
VALDEZ (1-27-22) – KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Valdez resident Gloria Day who turned 100-years-old today. Day answered questions about how she got to Valdez; businesses in Valdez; Alaska Statehood; what it was like in Valdez and during
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT PODCAST & INFO
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT AT CIVIC CENTER MONDAY Tickets available at www.valdezarts.org Adults: $20 / Students, Youth, Seniors & Military $10 (Left to Right): Luca Stricagnoli (Italy)/www.lucastricagnoli.com | Thu Le (Vietnam)/www.thuleguitarist.com| Janet Noguera (California)/www.janetnogueramusic.com | Lulo Reinhardt (Germany)|
3rd Grade Students Share Knowledge of Bridges
KVAK Radio had the pleasure of recording four students from Mrs. Katie Burns 3rd grade class talking about different kinds of bridges they have been learning about at Hermon Hutchens Elementary School: Paulette Keeton – Suspension Bridge
Interview with Leslie Bauman – Last School Concert
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Leslie Bauman, music teacher for Valdez City Schools, about her 27 years in the District. Bauman talks about how music has changed; what she enjoys most about working with music and kids and
Interview with Interim Superintendent Jim Nygaard 12-13-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Interim Superintendent Jim Nygaard regarding School Board meeting topics for the Monday meeting. Topics covered included: Recruitment and Retention Relief funds of $1,500 each for full time classified and certified employees; Discussion
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 12-8-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Dr. Kathy Todd about Coronavirus. Topics covered include: Omicron variant; “Test to Stay” program at Valdez City Schools; testing in Valdez; monoclonal antibody treatment; and vaccination.
Interview with Dr. Kathleen Todd 12-1-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd regarding COVID. Topics covered include: the Omicron variant; vaccination; School District “Test to Stay” program and testing.
Interview with Dr. Kathleen Todd 11-3-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd regarding COVID. Topics covered include: Valdez mask mandate; vaccination, testing, hospital status, Valdez City Schools update and contact tracing.
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 10-27-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd about COVID. Topics covered include: testing in Valdez and Schools; impact and expectations of school and community reset; testing; vaccination; profiles of COVID patients in Valdez and availability of testing.
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 10-20-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathy Todd about COVID-19 in Valdez. Topics covered include: COVID numbers in Valdez; testing; vaccination; profile of cases and patients in Valdez; vaccine boosters; Valdez City Schools testing and school closure; status
Know Your Zone Info with Emergency Director Aaron Baczuk
KVAK’s Laurie talked to the City of Valdez Emergency Manager Director Aaron Baczuk about why it is important to “Know Your Zone” when it comes to earthquakes and tsunami’s. Discussion included information on how to find out
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 10-13-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathy Todd about COVID. Topics covered include: status of healthcare in Valdez and State of Alaska; testing; vaccines; status of COVID in schools, close contacts and quarantine.
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 10-6-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Dr. Kathleen Todd of Valdez Medical Clinic about COVID. The topics covered include: status of Valdez hospital; hospitals statewide; testing; vaccines; and what people can do to be prepared in the event
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd about COVID Testing
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathy Todd regarding COVID testing in Valdez. Topics covered include: Availability of testing in Valdez; different types of testing; time to conduct tests; national test shortage and guidance on when to test.
Suicide – Stigma and Stereotypes
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with GMS School Counselor Kyra Meyer about the stigma and stereotypes surrounding Suicide. Meyer shares tips for talking with those asking for help and provides resources and contacts for those in need.
Interview with Superintendent Ralph Watkins 9-27-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Valdez City Schools Superintendent Ralph Watkins regarding items on the School Board Agenda for 9-27 (Monday) meeting at 6:30pm. Topics covered include: COVID Update, Lack of Substitute Teachers at Valdez City School District
Suicide Prevention Month Podcast – What Happens at the Counseling Center?
KVAK’s Heidi Franke spoke to Behavioral Clinician Elina Mapfumo from the Providence Valdez Counseling Center. If a person is thinking about suicide, what happens if they decide to seek treatment? Elina talks us through step-by-step.
Suicide Prevention Month Podcast – Grief
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Matt Wadsworth, Director of the Providence Valdez Counseling Center about Suicide Prevention Month and Grief. This is Part Two of a four part series.
Interview with Ralph Watkins – Valdez City Schools Superintendent
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Valdez City Schools Superintendent Ralph Watkins about the process of appointing a new School Board member, Capital Improvement Projects and the Valdez City Schools COVID Re-Entry Plan. School Board Candidates Are: Lisa
INTERVIEW WITH NICK FARLINE & JOHN H. CLARK ABOUT THE MEALS HILL FOUNDERS MEMORIAL
8-10-21 – KVAK’s Laurie Prax talks with John H. Clark, President of the Valdez Dock Company, and Nick Farline, Director of PRSC, about a Meet and Greet with artist finalists for the Founders Memorial Meals Hill Entrance.
INTERVIEW WITH SUPERINTENDENT RALPH WATKINS 8-9-21
Interview with Superintendent Ralph Watkins regarding the opening of schools. Discussion of masks, COVID plan, and curriculum for school year.
CALL IN to WIN during Tourism & Restaurant Week
When you hear this Winning “Sea Shanty” on KVAK, call 907-835-1230 to win a prize from one of our sponsors.
Interview with Alyeska Pipeline President Brigham McCown
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Brigham McCown, President of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
Dr. Kathy Todd Interview 5-12-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd regarding Coronavirus and the new vaccine for kids 12 to 15. Discussion also included information about end of Valdez mask mandate and looking toward summer.
Interview with Dave Stieren, Communications Director for Governor Dunleavy
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Governor Dunleavy’s Communications Director Dave Stieren about the Governor’s announcement that the State of Alaska would rescind mandates and provide guidelines regarding COVID. Stieren also talked about the Governor’s proposed budget.
Wear Orange & Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
AVV is promoting awareness of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February. KVAK’s Laurie Prax and Heidi Franke review talking points from the www.loveisrespect.org website and provide information and resources from AVV. Wear Orange Day is Tuesday,
Interview with Dave Stieren 2-2-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dave Stieren, Communications Director for Governor Dunleavy. Topics covered include: Impact of President Biden’s moratorium on oil and gas drilling permits, and the Governor’s role and plan for working with new Administration and
Interview with Dr. Kathy Todd 1-20-21
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathy Todd 1-20-21. Topics covered include: COVID vaccines in Valdez, school update and general information.
Interview with Dr. Kathleen Todd 1-6-2021
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd. Topics covered include: Vaccinations in the State of Alaska and Valdez; Valdez mask ordinance extended to February 3rd; 2nd dose of vaccine for health care workers; process for vaccine distribution
Interview with Dr. Kathleen Todd 12-23-20
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd. Topics covered include: Vaccine distribution in Valdez and Kathy’s experience getting the vaccine; Statewide vaccine guidelines and general information about COVID-19.
Interview with Dr. Kathleen Todd 12-16-2020
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked to Dr. Kathleen Todd regarding COVID Vaccine coming to Valdez. Topics covered include: number of vaccines; who is getting them; who they will be given to and how they will be administered.
Interview with Kathleen Todd 12-10-20
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd. Topics covered include: what happens when you test positive for COVID; the availability of oxygen in Valdez; and Statewide medical situation.
Interview with Dr. Kathleen Todd 12-9-20
KVAK’s Laurie Prax interviewed Dr. Kathleen Todd M.D. Topics covered include: vaccine distribution in Alaska; distribution of vaccine in Valdez; side effects; and current cases and processes in town.
Interview Regarding Meals Hill Master Plan Meeting 11-16-20
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked with Holly Spoth-Torres of Huddle and Nick Farline of Valdez Parks & Recreation regarding their Meals Hill Master Plan Virtual Public Meeting. MEALS HILL MASTER PLAN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING Monday, Nov 16th
COVID-19 Cases & School Status
Due possible contact with active cases of COVID-19, Valdez City Schools implemented their Smart Start Plan. Statement includes precautions taken at GMS, HHES and VHS
Interview with Nick Farline & Holly Spoth Torres Regarding Meals Hill Master Plan
KVAK’s Laurie Prax talked to Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director Nick Farline and Huddle Alaska’s Holly Spoth-Torres regarding the Survey currently out to solicit information on the Meals Hill Development Plans. Discussion includes: Brief History of
