E. Coli Outbreak Comes to Alaska: First Confirmed Cases Are Nome Inmates
State-wide, all eight confirmed cases of E. coli infection are inmates currently residing in Nome’s Anvil Mountain Correctional Center (AMCC). As of Wednesday, no additional E. coli cases have been reported by AMCC or elsewhere in Alaska. The Center for Disease Control recommends Alaskans avoid eating any romaine lettuce unless you can verify it is not from Yuma, Arizona.
Cleanup Continues for Fuel Spills in Savoonga and Nome
An unknown volume of diesel fuel has spilled in Savoonga, and Nome has seen several leaks in recent weeks. Some of these spills are likely connected to extra snow this winter.
Bill Schildbach Will Be Next NPS Superintendent
Bill Schildbach was the unanimous pick of the NPS Board to be the next superintendent. His first day on the job will be July 1st.
Nome Schools Superintendent Finalists Share Visions for District
The three remaining candidates are Jamie Burgess, Patrick Mayer, and Bill Schildbach. The board is expected to release a final decision soon.
Nome Schools Passes Budget, Restoring Most Cuts
The budget factors in an anticipated funding increase from the City of Nome of about $600,000 over last year. The city council still has to vote to approve its contribution.
City Council Weighs Increasing Deficit to Forestall More Cuts at Nome Schools
There’s no easy path forward for the Nome City Council as it decides how much money to give to Nome Public Schools for the upcoming school year.
Alaska Native Leaders Imagine Divergent ‘Arctic Futures’
A conference in Nome last week brought together leaders from Alaska Native communities to discuss the challenges — and opportunities — facing an evolving Arctic.
Nome Schools Fills Most Teacher Positions, Looks to Finalize Budget
Nome Public Schools has filled about 75 percent of the 18 open teacher positions for next year. It’s still looking for a new superintendent, and finalizing the 2018–2019 budget.
Nome Schools May Find Funds for Music and Librarian
Superintendent Shawn Arnold says the savings from retiring long-time teachers’ higher salaries could keep the music program off the chopping block. As for the librarian, he says: talk to your elected officials.
Snow, Snow, Snow!
In KNOM country, it’s been a year of heavy snowfall. A certain amount of snow is needed each winter for traditional sub-Arctic activities, whether subsistence hunting or village-to-village travel. But too much snow can cause problems.