Sunset in Valdez, Photo courtesy of Cody Emerald

SPRING BREAK EXTENDED FOR VCS STUDENTS

The Valdez School Board voted at noon last Friday to extend Spring Break for a week. Just hours after the local announcement, Governor Mike Dunleavy announced an extended statewide closure for public schools from March 16^th through March 30^th. Dunleavy said the move basically extends Spring Break for K-12 students, while teachers and staff will have in-service days.
An interview with Superintendent Shawn Arnold will air Tuesday, during the 9am, noon, and 6pm news hour on 93.3FM and 1230AM. Don't forget, with the KVAK App on your phone you can listen to both radio stations. KVAK App is free and can be downloaded at the Apple App and Google Play stores.

DR. ANGELA ALFARO TALKS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

KVAK’s Laurie Prax sat down with Dr. Angela Alfaro about the Coronavirus. At the time of recording (Tuesday, March 10th) there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Valdez or the State of Alaska. Listen to the interview HERE to get information and advice.
CLICK HERE for a flyer from
Valdez Unified Committee Response group explaining Symptoms &
Screening Guidance. 
 
MANY CITY FACILITIES CLOSED

The City of Valdez has the following facilities closed to the public until further notice: Civic Center, Movie Theater, Recreation Center, Pool, Rock Wall, Gyms, Library, Salmonberry Ski Hill.
The City reported that all other city facilities and departments will continue to operate as usual unless otherwise directed by the City Manager. Parks and Recreation will make updates to the Community Parks & Rec Hotline at
835-3200.


And now the info you have all been waiting for …toilet paper inventory. On Friday, Safeway Manager Joe Valero said they made arrangements to bring in a shipment of toilet paper on Saturday. “If people are particular about a specific brand,” Valero said, “they might be disappointed,” but he said Safeway is doing everything they can to meet the demand for toilet paper and groceries. He said they have increased deliveries to 7 days a week to keep up with the demand.

MAYORS CUP & SNO-X 

Photo courtesy of the Valdez Snowmachine Club Facebook page
The Valdez Snowmachine Club held their Valdez Mayor's Cup cross country race and Sno-X events over the weekend. 
CLICK HERE for the official results and HERE for videos and photos on their Facebook page.

GRAB AND GO FOOD SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

Grab and go breakfast and lunch will be available at the George Gilson Middle School Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th, from 11am to 1pm. Students or their parents will be allowed to stop by the lunchroom to grab breakfast and/or lunch and take them home. In addition to pick up meals, we are utilizing buses to deliver meals to homes during the weekdays from 11am-1pm during school closure. If you would like to request a meal, please contact Amber Cockerham at 907-834-4700 or acockerham@valdezcityschools.org.
These meals are available to all students K-12.
CLICK HERE for more information 

CONFIRMED CANDIDATES FOR MAY 5TH ELECTION

The City of Valdez has announced the following confirmed candidates to appear on the ballot in the May 5th election.

City Council (2 vacancies)
 James “Jimmy” Devens
Sue Ellen Montes
Jim Shirrell
Ken Lares
Susan Love
Dawson Moore
 
School Board (3 vacancies)
Cara Bourne
Jamie Winchester
Bill Connell
Paul Crater
Carey Wade
Ana Hinkle

COAST GUARD MEDEVACS FISHERMAN INJURED 170 MILES SOUTHWEST OF KODIAK

CLICK for video
The Coast Guard medevaced an injured fisherman Saturday from a boat southwest of Kodiak Island.
A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak hoisted the 49-year-old man from the 58-foot fishing vessel Alaskan Dream at approximately 1:15pm.
Read more HERE

VHS WEEKEND WRAP-UP
Basketball: Aurora Conference Regional Tournament

Courtesy of VHS Coaches - The Buccaneers traveled to North Pole on Wednesday, March 11th, to compete in the Aurora Conference Regional Tournament, which was technically hosted by the Galena Hawks but was occurring at North Pole High School in conjunction with the MAC (Mid Alaska Conference) tournament.
Read more HERE

CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT

Tuesday, March 17th, 2020
in City Council Chambers
7pm - Regular Session

Agenda includes:
1. Approval of Annual Renewal of City/School Health Insurance Benefit Plan
2. Discussion Item: COVID-19
3. Approval of Restaurant/ Eating Place Liquor License Renewal: The Potato
CLICK HERE for Agenda and Packet

UPDATED 2020 CRUISE SCHEDULE

Four cruise ship companies are scheduled to call on Valdez over the course of the 2020 summer season.
Vessels include: Viking Orion, Holland America MS Maasdam, National Geographic Orion, Windstar Star Breeze.
CLICK HERE for more information and tentative schedule.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Voters must be registered through the State of Alaska at least 30 days prior to any municipal, state, or federal election.
Registration qualifications include: U.S. citizen; 18 years or older; resident of the State of Alaska and the City of Valdez for 30 days immediately preceding the election and not registered to vote in another jurisdiction; and is not disqualified under Article V of the State Constitution.
CLICK HERE for more information and for Voter Registration Forms

USCG ALASKA VHF OUTAGE UPDATE

The Coast Guard has experienced various VHF outages in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. Extra caution is advised in areas service by the following VHF towers: Bede Mountain, Cape Fanshaw, Cape Gull, Deception Hills, Duke Island, Gravina Island, Sukkwan Island, Althorp Peak, Tuklung Mountain, and Duffield Peninsula.
Read more HERE