January
The school in Little Diomede reopened after a city building partially collapsed into it in November 2023 due to ground settling and the age of the city building. Students took classes remotely as they repaired the damage. The community celebrated the school reopening with a spagetti dinner.
February
The Alaska Department of Public Safety is seeking new fur trapper hats for State Troopers. Many Troopers prefer this option for a snug fit to guard against Alaska’s harsh elements. Caps for Cops, hosted by Denakkanaga, allows officers to craft hats under the guidance of elders. For Clint Brubeck, who learned from elder Marie Yaska, his beaver hat carries both warmth and meaningful memories. Yaska nicknamed him “Broken Needles” after he broke two of her sewing machine needles. Brubeck treasures the hat and the stories she shared.
March
Dallas Seavey made history with a commanding performance in the 2024 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, claiming his record-breaking sixth victory. Celebrating his 37th birthday on the trail, he crossed the finish line in Nome on March 12th after a near-1,000-mile journey completed in just over nine days. Despite a moose encounter early in the race that injured one of his dogs and resulted in a time penalty, Seavey maintained his lead and secured the win. The Talkeetna musher, part of a family of Iditarod champions, took home $55,600.
April
A rare white raven has captivated Alaskans and gained 25,000 Facebook followers with its playful antics and dumpster-diving habits. Biologists confirm it is leucistic, not albino, distinguished by its white feathers and sky-blue eyes. Some locals see the bird as a harbinger, linking its presence to Alaska’s harsh winter, while others view it as a mystical symbol of renewal, hope, and ancestral wisdom. Rooted in Alaska Native traditions, the white raven inspires reflection on the profound connection between humans and nature.
May
Mark your calendars for March 30, 2033, when Alaska will be the prime spot for a total solar eclipse, with Nome and Utqiaġvik along the path of totality. KNOM invites you to an eclipse party in Nome featuring themed snacks and a chance to witness this rare two-minute, 37-second event, part of the moon’s 18-year cycle. Bundle up for the cold and stay for the Aurora Borealis, as this unique spectacle offers a double dose of Alaska’s natural wonders.
June
The 2024 Met Gala, themed “Garden of Time,” featured striking designs, including Quannah Chasinghorse’s tribute to her Alaska roots. The Hän Gwich’in model and actress collaborated with Tlingit artist Heather Dixon, who crafted accessories inspired by the rare Alaskan forget-me-not flower using materials like caribou hair and moose hide. Chasinghorse highlighted the flower’s rarity and beauty, describing it as a “delicate, pretty blue” treasure that reflects her connection to her heritage.
July
Nome Elementary School’s 2nd grade class visited the KNOM station to learn about the world of broadcasting and understand the importance of radio in rural Alaska. Their introduction to broadcasting was done in their classroom where they recorded spots and time announcements for KNOM. During their time at the station, they took a tour of the studio and equipment, engaged in recording positive quotes, and saw firsthand the operations in action. One key lesson they took away from the experience was the importance of staying silent when someone is on the radio.
August
The inaugural KNOM Radio Music Fest brought together local musicians, Indigenous dance groups, and special guests from across Alaska, drawing over 300 attendees despite chilly winds and overcast skies. KNOM’s General Manager, Miranda Musich, emphasized the importance of community support, noting the event’s success was made possible by sponsors, individual donors, and the hard work of KNOM staff. The idea for the festival grew from the relationships built during the 2023 American Idol auditions hosted by KNOM, showcasing how recent staffing changes have opened new opportunities for community engagement.
September
After 47 years, former KNOM Radio engineer John Pfeifer returned to Nome this July. Pfeifer first arrived in Nome in 1970 to help build KNOM, working alongside Tom Busch to convert a house into a functioning radio station, laying its foundation before winter set in. He created and hosted the “Early Bird Club,” fostering deep connections with listeners before moving on to a diverse media career. Now retired Girdwood with his wife, Anna Moran, Pfeifer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to revisit KNOM and reconnect with a community that remains close to his heart.
October
Lisa Kamahamak Lynch recently completed a three-week residency at Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson Museum, where she explored the fusion of traditional Inupiaq art and contemporary techniques. During her residency, Lynch shared her intricate beadwork, moosehide crafts, and Eskimo yo-yos through demonstrations, sales, and community classes, all while honoring the generations of Inupiaq knowledge that inspire her work.
November
The TNT Podcast, a long-time dream of KNOM staffers Teresa Trigg and Tate Coler, launched online in October after debuting on-air this summer. Each episode explores Western Alaska topics, current events, spirituality, dad jokes, and guest interviews, with Emmy-winning sound designer Marc Rose working behind the scenes. Listeners can tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.
December
Each year, KNOM crafts a special Christmas ornament, and this year’s design is inspired by the Alaskan forget-me-not flower. The 2024 ornament features real dried forget-me-nots, shimmering gold flecks, and a clear, translucent finish. You’ll also find it proudly displayed on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree!
