Dear Power 620 Family, It is with a very heavy heart that I must inform you of the passing of Saundra Smokes. She was hospitalized on Monday, and passed away this morning. In her time with Power 620, she made such a difference: bringing insightful, intelligent conversations to our listeners. We enjoyed each moment we spent with Saundra, and she will be missed by everyone here at the station.   Stay tuned to Power 620 and visit our website, we will keep you updated with how you can honor the memory of our dear friend Saundra Smokes. Please keep Saundra, her family, and her friends in your thoughts and prayers.  Sincerely, Kenny Dees Program Director for Power 620

Please CLICK HERE to listen to Saundra Smokes Speaks on Venus podcasts.

About Saundra Smokes

Saundra was the first woman and person of color to serve on the Post Standard's editorial board. She won seven writing awards from the Associated Press and was a contributing opinion columnist at USA Today. Her columns have appeared in various newspapers around the nation, including in New York, Ohio, California, Indiana, Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Alaska; and in Manhattan Woman's magazine. Smokes is also an award winning playwright. Her column on the Columbine killings lead U.S Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell to write her a personal letter; letting her know that she had written one of the best commentaries about the tragedy.