Mike Bates is the field officer for Wrangell’s branch of the Salvation Army. (June Leffler/ KSTK)

 

 

Talk on the Rock is KSTK’s live call-in show. Every Tuesday at 1pm we welcome a local guest to discuss events and topics of interest to our little island town. For this week’s episode, host June Leffler spoke with Mike Bates. Him and his wife Jennifer run the Salvation Army in town. He’s been with the Salvation Army for about 30 years, and has served at 11 different posts. Mike told us about the services the Salvation Army offers. Those clearly include the food pantry, but also utility and rent assistance, to keep folks from being evicted. While Mike sees how giving Wrangell is, he knows folks are suffering from financial insecurities, domestic violence and substance abuse. And he’s just doing his part.