On this edition of The Lowdown, we check in with health professionals from Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center and Kodiak Area Native Association to learn how the medical community is preparing for COVID-19 cases in Kodiak. They provide updates on hospital capacity and ventilators, debunk myths about masks and remind the community about best practices for keeping everyone on the …

Both of Kodiak’s state-level representatives, Sen. Gary Stevens and Rep. Louise Stutes were guests on today’s edition of The Lowdown. Stevens and Stutes talked about measures passed by the Legislature last week that are heading to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for approval. “It helps evictions and foreclosures for Alaska’s experiencing financial hardships that are specifically related to COVID-19,” Stutes said. “It …

Kodiak is settling into a new routine of social distancing in the hopes of pushing off the possibility of a coronavirus case on the island. So far, Kodiak has not had a case of the virus, though the state of Alaska is at more than 60. Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center is changing how they approach medical care during this …

Despite business closures and a borough-wide hunker-down mandate, social service organizations like the Salvation Army and Kodiak Women’s Resource and Crisis Center are continuing to serve the community, while taking precautions to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus. “It’s affected us quite a bit,” said Rebecca Shields, executive director at KWRCC. “We are still providing all of our core …

An unexpected error during a rocket launch rehearsal caused a small brush fire and damage to launch facilities at the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak on Monday. Alaska Aerospace CEO Mark Lester reported the “anomaly” caused an explosion on Launch Pad B at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon. No staff were present at the pad during the rehearsal and there were …

Both the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and Discover Kodiak are closed, in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the community. However, as both organizations explained on today’s edition of The Lowdown, they’re still working to support local businesses, many of whom are struggling during the pandemic. Sarah Phillips, executive director at the Chamber, said that while their …

On today’s edition of The Lowdown, we talked to executive directors Sarah Phillips, from the Chamber of Commerce, and Aimee Williams from Discover Kodiak. Even though both offices are closed, Phillips and Williams are still working to support local businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Chamber is offering help with applying for federal small business loans. Discover Kodiak is …

Nurse practitioner Elsa DeHart joined us today for The Lowdown to discuss resources available at the Kodiak Public Health Center. She talked about reducing strain on the health care system by making sure you’ve had your flu shot — available for anyone who needs one at the Public Health Center. We also talked about the way coronavirus is transmitted between …

The Pacific Spaceport Complex reported an “anomaly” on a launch pad during a rocket launch dress rehearsal on Monday. The anomaly did not result in any injuries, according to Alaska Aerospace CEO Mark Lester. Reached shortly after the incident, Lester said “I can confirm we had an anomaly on the launch pad. We are executing our emergency checklist. We request …

As the community prepares to combat the arrival of the coronavirus to Alaska, the Kodiak Public Health Center is still operational. Overloading the medical system with COVID-19 cases is a major concern for state health officials. Public health nurse Elsa DeHart says reducing other types of disease — like the common flu — is a good way to help make …