KWave Radio

10/03/2025

New York is getting a dose of the Last Frontier! 🏔️ Holland America Line is celebrating nearly 80 years of cruising Alaska with a tribute float in this year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The design, unveiled in Juneau, aims to honor Alaska's landscapes and inspire travelers to experience its grandeur. Get a sneak peek at the majesty coming to Manhattan this November: 🚢

This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will have a familiar face for some: Alaska’s very own Holland America.

10/03/2025

Congrats to Chunk, the new champion of Fat Bear Week! 🐻🏆 The hefty bruin, estimated at 1,200 pounds, won with over 96,000 votes in a record-setting year that saw 1.7 million total votes. The competition, which originated in 2014, has become a national phenomenon used in classrooms to teach about conservation and Alaska's massive Katmai bears. Creator Mike Fitz noted this year's bracket was "unpredictable" and highlighted Chunk's powerful story of persevering through a broken jaw to become one of the river's largest, most dominant bears. See the winner and read more about the competition's rise: 🥇

With a new champion of “Fat Bear Week” crowned for an 11th year running, Alaskans can look back on this year’s competition and celebrate what makes it so compelling.

10/02/2025

Remembering Jane Goodall, the groundbreaking primatologist whose work with chimpanzees changed how we view all wildlife. 🐒 The Alaska Zoo says her message of conservation and compassion deeply influences their work with Arctic species, like polar bears, every day. Goodall's legacy as a UN Messenger of Peace continues to inspire conservationists globally. Read more about her impact: 🌍

Goodall’s death at 91 sparks reflections in Alaska, where her message of compassion for animals resonates deeply

10/02/2025

Bull moose are getting tangled up! 🧶 Alaska Fish and Game is getting increased reports of moose with cords, wires, and cables caught in their antlers during the rut. Biologists recently had to sedate a young bull in Anchorage to remove electrical cords blocking its vision. While removal is sometimes necessary, not every tangled moose needs intervention. Always call Fish and Game if you see an entangled moose and never approach it! Learn more about the rescue and what to do: 🦌🚫

Fish and Game says it's getting more reports of moose with items tangled in their antlers

10/02/2025

Palmer Moose football had a big win on Friday, but the real prize was jewelry of a different kind! 💍 Lineman Chandler Coman surprised his longtime girlfriend, Layla Buzzard, with a proposal on the field after the game! She said yes! 🎉 Get the heartwarming details on the surprise and the big moment:

In a season where Palmer seems in good shape to contend for its first championship ring in over a decade, Friday’s win over Chugiak concluded with the presentation of a different sort of jewelry.

10/02/2025

Yesterday was Orange Shirt Day, a time to bring awareness to the inter-generational trauma caused by the U.S. Indian Boarding School system. 🧡 The Alaska Native Heritage Center's exhibit is educating visitors on this painful history and the ongoing process of healing and revitalization. It's a personal journey for many, including the Center's Director of Indigenous Research, whose grandfather attended boarding schools. Learn more about the history and the call to action:

If you were out and about on Tuesday, you might’ve seen an influx of people wearing orange shirts. There is a symbolic reason for the increase; every September 30 is known as “Orange Shirt Day,” and the orange shirt is a way to help bring awareness to the intergenerational trauma caused by the...

10/01/2025

Frost is creeping in, Alaskan Gardeners! ❄️ It's time to put your garden to bed for the winter. The Alaska Botanical Garden offers tips: cut back annuals and leave roots to enrich the soil, remove diseased stalks to prevent spreading, and be sure to insulate bare soil with mulch or leaves. Get all the essential fall winterizing details here: 🍂🌷

As that first frost approaches, gardeners need to think about putting their plots to bed.

10/01/2025

The final round of the annual Fat Bear Week contest concluded, crowning Bear 32, affectionately known as Chunk, as the champion! 🐻👑 Chunk earned 96,350 votes, beating out Bear 856 for his first victory. This successful adult male grizzly is estimated to weigh around 1,200 pounds and overcame a broken jaw this summer to adapt his fishing strategy. Katmai National Park officials celebrate these bears as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Read more about Chunk's victory and the importance of conservation:

The people have spoken! The burliest bruin carrying the thickest and chubbiest tummy of all is none other than bear 32 — affectionately known as “Chunk.”

09/30/2025

It's a Fish Bowl three-peat! 🏆🏈 The Seward Seahawks celebrated homecoming with a dominant 70-0 win over Nikiski, keeping the coveted Fish Bowl trophy for the third straight season! Emerson Cross led the charge with a monster performance. Check out the full game recap and photos here: Next up: Seward hosts Monroe Catholic on Friday to determine a playoff host! Who are you rooting for?

The host Seward football team celebrated homecoming by defeating Nikiski 70-0 on Friday at Roger Steinbrecher Memorial Field.

09/30/2025

Amazing news for Alaska's veterans!A $16.7 million federal grant has been awarded to build the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery, the state's very first state-owned and operated veterans cemetery! Located in Salcha, south of Fairbanks, it will provide a final resting place for over 15,000 veterans and their eligible families across a wide swath of Alaska. Construction is expected to finish by late 2027. This has been a long time coming for our heroes! Read the full story here: 💙

The cemetery was awarded a $16.7 million federal grant from Veterans Affairs.

09/29/2025

The battle for the biggest belly just got real! 🐻🏆 Only the top four fattest bears remain in this year's Fat Bear Week competition. Grazer (128) will go paw-to-paw with 856, while 602 takes on the mighty Chunk (32) in the semifinals! Head to the link in this post to cast your vote starting Monday. The final vote is Tuesday, September 30th. Who do you think has the best chance at the crown? 👑🍯

The race may be getting thinner, but these bears sure aren’t. The battle for the biggest belly in Fat Bear Week has narrowed to the top four.

09/29/2025

Welcome to this week's Community Corner! Check out these events happening around the Kenai Peninsula:
Monday, Sept. 29 - Tuesday, Sept. 30
Maritime STEAM Fest (Homer): Students (grades 8-12) & the public can explore maritime careers with a ferry tour and career expo. Dive into maritime technologies! 🚢
Tuesday, September 30
Sip & Sew (Soldotna): 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Community Room, Soldotna Library. Adults/teens 16+ learn to sew a cozy cowl scarf or hand warmers while enjoying cider. Beginner-friendly. Register online; space is limited! 🧵
Wednesday, October 1
Brake for Breakfast (Homer/Anchor Point): 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Grab a FREE breakfast bag with breast health info & special prizes at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Parking Lot (Homer), Fritz Creek General Store, or Rise N' Grind Coffee Shop (Anchor Point). Hosted by SPH and Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic. 🍎
Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 31
Skeleton Scavenger Hunt (Pratt Museum): 11 AM – 4 PM daily. Fun, hands-on exploration for kids throughout October. Learn about skeletons. FREE with museum admission! 🦴
Friday, October 3
Evenings of Hope Dinner and Auction (Soldotna): 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alaska Christian College. Fundraiser for New Hope Counseling Center, which provides free counseling to ACC students. Enjoy food and bidding for this vital cause! 🍽️
Saturday, October 4
Find Your Wild Event (Homer): 10:00 AM–1:30 PM at Mariner Park. Walk, roll, or paddle the Spit (5K) to support the National Wildlife Refuges System. No registration needed; leashed dogs welcome! 🐾
Red Carpet Ritz (Pratt Museum): Fundraiser at the Porcupine Theater. Enjoy live music by the K.P. Brass Band, auctions, food, drinks, and a "Best Dressed" award. Get tickets today to support the museum! 🥂
What event are you most looking forward to checking out this week?