780 AM | 96.1 FM 

“YOURS FOR WESTERN ALASKA”

(907) 443-5221

September 1970: Dynamiting into the permafrost

September 21, 1970

Volunteers Tom Busch and John Pfeifer and dynamite expert Sam Tucker put in another day, melting holes into the permafrost with red-hot chisels and heavy hammers. Sam’s dynamite blasts excavate an average of about a foot a day on the main hole for the tower, as well as the three smaller holes for guy wire anchors.

Did you enjoy this History story?

Consider supporting our work by becoming a one-time or recurring donor.

Share this story

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Recent Posts

GCI’s Annual Refueling Effort Hits Halfway Point

GCI’s annual refueling operation for its TERRA Network has hit the halfway point, according to a press release issued on July 22. The telecommunications company delivers approximately 106,000 gallons of fuel every year to power generators at remote mountaintop towers.  Located far from commercial power grids, these remote towers rely

Read More »

More

Newsletter:

Work for Us:

Jobs

Contact

Nome:

(907) 443-5221 

Anchorage:

(907) 868-1200 

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that KNOM Radio Mission is located on the customary lands of Indigenous peoples. 

Based in the Bering Strait region, KNOM broadcasts throughout the homelands of the Iñupiaq, Siberian Yup’ik, Cup’ik and Yup’ik peoples.