Tag: Hometown

Spenard Jazz Fest 2022

The Spenard area of Alaska is known for its eclecticism and diversity amongst its people, its businesses, and its artistic sensibilities. Long has it been the host of Tommy's Burger Stop, Chilkoot Charlies, Center Bowl, and more currently The Drip, the city's first black-owned coffee hut. It's no wonder that this area specifically also openly celebrates American jazz culture, and has instituted an event to partake in its music.

Grassroots response to the opioid crisis

On this episode of Hometown Alaska, we will meet leaders in the grassroots movement to respond to the opioid crisis. These are recovering addicts, and moms of addicts, who are helping get users into recovery, and working with the political system at all levels to make a change. They're inspiring people and they have a lot to share about dealing with this terrible epidemic. Thanks for listening!

Exporting music from Alaska

KSKA: Wednesday, December 13, 2pm and 8pm. We'll have live music on the next Hometown Alaska as we learn about efforts to build our local music scene into an export industry. The Alaska Independent Music Initiative set up a showcase performance space last summer at a national festival and is working to bring together players here in mutual support to build their community into something that can break through. LISTEN HERE

The Real Estate Market

There's evidence that house prices are rising and new homes and business spaces are getting harder to find. Does that mean this is a good time to buy, sell, or refinance your home? We'll be looking at how to handle your biggest asset in the current economy on the next Hometown, Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday 10/3 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

The first day of school

As students finish their first day of classes of a new school year Wednesday afternoon, host Charles Wohlforth visits with the new superintendent of the Anchorage School District, Jim Browder, to learn about his plans for our kids and to answer your questions. KSKA: Wednesday 8/22 at 2:00 pm

Alaska’s Only Private University

Alaska has only three private colleges listed by the college board, and only one offering a four-year liberal arts education. Others have failed, and many students assume they must leave the state for educational choices. APU President Don Bantz discusses the challenges and rewards of running a private college in Alaska, and the benefits for students. Join host Charles Wohlforth to talk about options for our brightest young people on Hometown, Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday 4/4 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

The Alaska Permanent Fund Model

As the deadline approaches to apply for your permanent fund dividend, scholars around the world are examining our unusual institution for a model they can use in the middle east, Russia, or anywhere resource wealth is found. This week on Hometown, Alaska host Charles Wohlforth and his guests talk about this amazing Alaskan invention, the permanent fund, and why it is attracting admirers you might not expect, for reasons we rarely consider. KSKA: Wednesday 3/7 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm Read More...

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Unique Learning Opportunities For Alaskan Youth

Growing up as a young person in rural Alaska is both exciting and challenging. How do rural Alaskan youth decide what they want to be when they grow up and once they decide, what resources help them succeed? Join host Shelly Wade and her guests as they share how unique learning opportunities in Anchorage and rural Alaska have changed their lives on the next Hometown Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday, 2/15 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Chancellor Tom Case

Charles Wohlforth hosts UAA Chancellor Tom Case to talk about the changing roles of Alaska’s largest university, and his vision of higher education in Anchorage. Join the conversation with your thoughts or questions about UAA. KSKA: Wednesday, February 8 at 2:00 pm repeating at 7:00 pm

Surviving Alaska Winter

Alaska Winter Hazards, from Cabin Fever to avalanches. Waking up in the morning with the conviction that mother nature wants you dead is never more plausible than in the midst of the cold, dark Alaska Winter. What it takes to survive on the next Hometown, Alaska. Participate in the live call-in Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 pm. KSKA: Wednesday 1/25 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Immigration Challenges and Opportunities in Anchorage

2010 Census data show that Anchorage is growing and becoming increasingly diverse. A growing percentage of the people that represent Anchorage's new residents have moved from other countries and speak English as a second language. What are some of the challenges and opportunities of migrating to Alaska from a different country and what services can Anchorage offer to help ease the transition to a new and foreign place? KSKA: Wednesday 1/3 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

What’s Next for the Troubled “New” Port of Anchorage?

Fully 90 percent of what we eat, drink, read and drive flows through the Port of Anchorage. And yet this gateway is 50 years old and vulnerable. A big quake could damage or destroy it. The fix has been flawed. Cost over runs and construction failures brought this retired Alaska shipper’s lament: “We’ve got a real mess on our hands.” Untangle it with host Kathleen McCoy and her guests Dr. Larry McCallister of the Army Corps of Engineers and Anchorage, Mayor Dan Sullivan on Hometown, Alaska.. KSKA: Wednesday 12/14 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Anchorage in World War II

December 7, 1941, was a day that changed Alaska as much as any other in our history. During World War II, Anchorage went from a town to a city, Alaskans helped arm the Russians and new forts defended against invasion. Residents fled. And an invasion did come. A resident who remembers that day Frank Reed is our guest, as well as a historian Dr. Stephen Haycox who has studied the impact of World War II on our city. Join the conversation on Hometown, Alaska with your host Charles Wohlforth. Wednesday 12/7 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Two Legs Good, Four Legs Good

Alaskans love animals, from dinky wiener dogs to exotic tropical birds to mighty draft horses. Join host Peter Dunlap- Shohl on Hometown, Alaska for another in our occasional series of chats with local veterinarians, when we talk with Chugiak large animal vet Julie Grohs. Call-in with your pet questions. KSKA: Wednesday 11/16 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss

As a third-generation Alaskan farmer, Larry DeVilbiss, has an interesting success story. Now he is also the mayor of the Mat-Su Borough, facing issues of transportation, growth, and a brand new ferry that was built without a landing for passengers on the Anchorage side. Charles Wohlforth hosts Mayor Larry DeVilbiss, to learn how he sees Mat-Su’s future, and to answer your questions.
    KSKA: Wednesday 11/2 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan

On September 30th, Mayor Dan Sullivan released his proposed 2012 budget. The budget is currently in the hands of the Anchorage Assembly for their review and October 25th marks the start of a series of public hearings to get resident feedback. What are your thoughts on the Mayor’s proposed budget and what would you like to know about his future plans for Anchorage? KSKA: Wednesday, 10/26 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

The Anchorage School District’s ‘Everyday Math’ Problem

How should the Anchorage School District resolve questions over its math curriculum? Some love Everyday Mathematics, some despise it, and the program recently had a near-death experience in the Anchorage School District. How did 2=2+4 get so complicated and controversial? Wednesday 10/19 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Rolling with the Rage City Rollergirls

Rage City Roller Girls Season Opener, October 1, 2011. Sockeye Sallys from Anchorage vs. the Fairbanks Rebel Ravens at the Dena'ina Center. Video by Kathleen McCoy. Join host Kathleen McCoy and Rage City Rollergirls, Dawnell “WickedSpeedia” Smith and Patricia "New England PatRIOT #1"Bergeron to talk about the energy behind the roller derby, what it means to women who skate, why it’s a D.I.Y. sport, and why some characterize it as an element of Third Wave Feminism. Why do they skate? Is it sport or spectacle? What is the injury rate? Are men involved? What about those crazy names? KSKA: Wednesday 10/12 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Nancy Pearl, Super Librarian

Nancy Pearl is a librarian with an action figure. She helped start a movement to get communities to read together. And she’s written top selling books about what books to read. Pearl joins host Charles Wohlforth on Hometown, Alaska to talk about how one Seattle librarian made books exciting and current in an era when how we read and use libraries is changing rapidly. Wednesday 10/5 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Prohibition in Alaska

Over 93 years ago, the citizens of Alaska enacted the "Bone Dry" law by a vote of nearly two to one. Two years later, the Eighteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution became law and the nation went dry. On the next Hometown, Alaska, join host Shelly Wade and her guests as thet we take your calls and answer your questions about the history of prohibition in Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday 9/28 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm