KMXT's Pam Foreman talks with Master Gardener, Marion Owen about what you should be doing in your garden now to prepare for next year's growing season. Plus some tips on growing spinach and garlic over the winter in your raised beds. 

Kodiak is feeling many of the same challenges to its economy as other parts of the United States, including high housing prices and a need for workers. The Kodiak Economic Development Corporation was set up during the pandemic to evaluate COVID-19’s impact on local businesses and distribute funds. Today, KEDC examines long term challenges to Kodiak’s economy and considers solutions. KMXT’s Dylan Simard is joined by president of the KEDC board John Whiddon to discuss some of those problems and their potential solutions.

Dr. Cyndy Mika has had a busy season. She took over as superintendent for Kodiak Island Borough School District just over a month ago, and has since then been preparing for the upcoming school year—which begins Monday Aug. 29.

Mika joins KMXT’s Dylan Simard to discuss solutions to hiring difficulties, challenges and opportunities for the school district, and a cohort of new teachers soon to arrive in Kodiak from the Philippines.

Hospice and Palliative Care of Kodiak, or HPCK, takes care of people who are severely ill and near death, and helps their friends and families to process that reality. But after death, friends and families of the deceased still need help to grieve.

The opioid crisis in Alaska has been getting worse since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Overdoses are becoming more frequent, and so have deaths. Shanna Rockenbach and Amy Butts – wellness program supervisor for the Kodiak Area Native Association and Kodiak’s public health nurse, respectively – have been distributing Narcan and leading community outreach efforts to help combat the epidemic in Kodiak.

Rockenbach and Butts joined KMXT’s Dylan Simard to discuss the opioid crisis’ impact in Kodiak, as well as resources that locals can use to get access to Narcan themselves.

Host Dylan Simard hears from 4-H leaders Rebecca Ligtenberg and Velma Vining to discuss upcoming 4-H events. A dog show is right around the corner on August 6th, along with a marksmanship competition August 27th. September 3rd, Kodiak 4-H will hold their first livestock auction in nearly three decades. Ligtenberg and Vining also discuss the skills and values that 4-H teaches, as well as their experiences as both 4-H members and leaders.

Host Jared Griffin talks to members of Kodiak Arts Council’s Kodiak Youth Theatre production of “The Doctor in Wonderland.” Members of the cast and crew joining Griffin were Kylie Eaton, Ruby Gandel, Delaney Glenn, Al Hartt, Ronan Hinman, Serabella Jones, and Amelia Transano.

Performances are Friday, June 29 at 6pm and Saturday, June 30 at 2pm.

KMXT’s Dylan Simard is joined by Alaska’s House Speaker Louise Stutes to discuss the state budget, which was recently signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Stutes said she’d give the budget a B+ overall, although she was pleased with the way the budget shook out – especially for her home district of Kodiak, which received all requested money.

KMXT’s Dylan Simard is joined by Dr. Cyndy Mika, new superintendent for the Kodiak Island Borough School District, to discuss the district’s challenges and opportunities, as well as her personal calling to teaching.

KMXT’s Dylan Simard is joined by Dr. Suzanne Buie and Amy Samuel to discuss opportunities for medical education now available at Kodiak College.