So far, it’s been an amazing, superlative winter in Western Alaska. With record snow and record cold temperatures – and an unprecedented winter fuel delivery – life in our region has been interesting, challenging and surprising!

With the tundra covered with a thick layer of frost and the days getting longer, temperatures recently fell to 40 below zero (-40° F) with wind chills approaching 70 below! Frequent weather reports, cold weather warnings, and hazard announcements filled the airwaves as the extreme winter weather bore down on Western Alaska.

A few communities in our listening range experienced special challenges from the deep cold. The village of Savoonga (suh-VOON-guh) faced the prospect of a full water freeze-up, while dozens of homes in St. Michael lost regular sewer services. As these challenges unfolded, KNOM was a source of much-needed information: we broadcast news stories on the conditions in the two villages, as well as water conservation and sanitation advisories. Thankfully, utility crews soon restored full water and sewer services, and KNOM was there to keep Savoonga and St. Michael updated on the latest developments. When there is an emergency, KNOM is there to help.

Amid the extreme cold – and just days after the utility challenges in Savoonga and St. Michael – we reported on a truly historic moment in Nome, with Alaska’s first-ever fuel delivery in the winter. Escorted by the US Coast Guard’s Healy – which broke through the thick ice of the Bering Sea surrounding Nome’s coast – the Russian tanker Renda carried a shipment of gasoline and diesel to town. You’ll find lots more on the journey of the Renda and Healy – including photos – through our social media outlets on Facebook and Flickr, as well as on our own website.

We continue to work hard to make sure that the people of Western Alaska are well served by KNOM – 24 hours a day. We are a constant companion for thousands of families, and we strive to serve all of our listeners with great programming to enrich and uplift their lives.

Walking through the radio station these days, you would see young, enthusiastic volunteers recording, editing and producing inspirational spots, PSAs, news stories, interviews, music, and many other radio programs. Their devotion to the people of Western Alaska, through KNOM, drives their desire to make a difference in the lives of everyone. 

We continue to thank everyone who prays for and contributes to KNOM! We remain “Yours For Western Alaska”!