The Nome Static: January 2020 (Print Layout)
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From the GM’s Desk (January 2020)
”Infrastructure in Western Alaska can be a unique challenge. Many daily needs are often limited or unavailable as seasons change and resources fluctuate. Amidst these trials, we are able to witness the power of community coming together in the darkest of times. KNOM is able to dig deeper into these issues, ask questions, and shine […]
‘Dear Friend of KNOM…’ (January 2020)
Make it count. As a new decade begins, there’s much talk in Alaska about the national census, which determines government funding and political representation. 2020 years ago, the census was so important that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to be counted, adding Jesus to their Holy Family. In Western Alaska, being counted is certainly […]
Scott Kingeekuk Honored for ‘Keeping Toilets Flushing’
Scott Kingeekuk, the primary water plant operator in the village of Savoonga, has been named Alaska Rural Water Association’s Wastewater Operator of the Year. Kingeekuk and his crew are responsible for servicing the village’s water plant, the sewage lagoon, and handling repairs for Savoonga’s 600 residents. There are approximately 150 serviced buildings, all of which […]
Quality Census Data Could Reduce Overcrowding
As the 2020 Census begins, rural Alaskans hope the effort will shed light on a pervasive lack of housing in rural Alaska. Former CEO and President of Bering Straits Regional Housing Authority, Chris Kolerok, shared some troubling statistics: In the region surrounding Nome, the overcrowding rate is 37%. 19% of those homes are classified as […]
White Mountain Without Mail Service For Christmas
In a familiar story for rural Alaska post offices, the village has been without regular postal service since late October. Amazon packages on cargo flights are the only deliveries. Mail is a village lifeline. Checks and money orders aren’t arriving in White Mountain, which especially affects elders who do not use debit cards. Bills cannot […]
Power Returns to Diomede After Week in the Dark
An intense winter storm caused a power outage in Diomede on November 21. Harsh weather in Nome prevented a technician from reaching the 118-person community, accessible only by helicopter, for seven days. It took several more days for phone service to return. David Lee, an Emergency Management Specialist with the State Emergency Operations Center, said […]