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Archive | March, 2013

From Rome to Nome

By on March 28, 2013 in Photos, The Nome Static, The Nome Static, 2013 (All), The Nome Static, April 2013

St. Peter's, The VaticanLike many of our listeners – and, we imagine, many of our supporters – we were excited last month to hear the news of the newly-chosen Pope Francis.

Thanks to you, the Catholic faithful throughout Western Alaska were kept informed on the headlines from Vatican City with hourly national and world news provided by ABC News, of which KNOM is an affiliate. This news coverage is a part of our hourly radio programming throughout the year, but it takes on special significance when national and international news events reverberate in rural Alaska.

For obvious reasons, KNOM cannot provide its own news coverage for stories that take place thousands of miles away. In these moments, a cornerstone of our Catholic mission – to inform the listeners of Western Alaska – extends even beyond the borders of our state. From Rome to Nome, our mission calls us to bring information to the listeners of Western Alaska; it’s made possible through your support. Thank you!

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Friends and fashions

By on March 26, 2013 in Inspirational Spots

Our inspirational spot for the week:

Unlike the latest fashions, friends don’t go out of style, and if you’re careful, you won’t wear them out, either.

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Cold nights and volunteer travel

By on March 25, 2013 in Stories

The temperatures each night are falling to about -20º F, and the stars sparkle in the dark night sky. As the moon traverses the heavens, the sound of houses crackling and snapping can be heard. As the air gets colder, pilings shift a bit, twisting home supports and floors. The night is alive with this and so many other interesting sounds.

For the last seven to eight months, volunteers have been learning and experiencing life and service to remote listeners tuned in to KNOM. They have grown in so many ways. You would be so proud of their kind demeanor and their great work ethic.

Thanks to free travel from a local airline, volunteer Josh Cunningham recently flew to Bethel, Alaska to cover a music festival celebration. His news reports, feature interviews, and recorded music will help to put the KNOM listeners in the front row of this incredible event.

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March 2008: The All-Alaska Sweepstakes returns

By on March 25, 2013 in History, Photos
Paul and Amy report on the All Alaska Sweepstakes

KNOM newsies Paul Korchin and Amy Flaherty report on the live start of the 2008 All Alaska Sweepstakes from Nome’s Front Street. Photo by David Dodman.

March 26, 2008

Paul Korchin and Amy Flaherty hop onto borrowed snowmobiles to follow the 100th anniversary running of the All Alaska Sweepstakes, a 408-mile sled dog race through the wilderness.

They report using a satellite telephone lent by Nome police chief Paul Burke.

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Peace, through forgiveness

By on March 18, 2013 in Inspirational Spots

Our inspirational spot for the week:

Peace comes when we pray for those who have hurt us. With a peaceful heart, we can forgive as we have been forgiven.

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Dreaming of Iditarod

By on March 18, 2013 in Stories

Our weather alternates between blizzards and clear, calm conditions. We can feel the pull of spring as we approach Easter Sunday. KNOM brings Easter Mass to many places with no priest, keeping the faith family together.

A former KNOM volunteer sent us an email, and we would like to share some of her thoughts.

As I sit in my cabin here in Fairbanks following the end of the greatest race on earth (Iditarod Sled Dog Race), my thoughts go back to the first Iditarod…

As all eyes look to Nome, I find myself once again thankful to God for giving me a wonderful life in Alaska. As I sleep tonight, I will dream of the dogs, the amazing men and women who run this race, the volunteers who make this all happen, and, of course, you and your staff who bring it all to the world.

My prayers and donations are with you always. God’s blessings be with you in all you do.

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March 1968: Picking a frequency

By on March 18, 2013 in History

March 20, 1968

Pioneer Alaska broadcaster Augie Hiebert, who is handling the Nome Catholic radio project’s paperwork, suggests 780 kHz as the new station’s frequency.

In a letter, he asks Peter Gureckis of John H. Mullaney’s Washington, DC engineering firm if he concurs.

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Hope

By on March 13, 2013 in Inspirational Spots

Our inspirational spot for the week:

Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier.

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March 1990: An international popcorn connection

By on March 11, 2013 in History

March 16, 1990

When Tom and Florence Busch host a Russian man and his son, they discover that the boy loves popcorn, which he had never before tasted. And so, they send them home with a jar of Orville Redenbacher and some oil.

Later, a (uniquely phrased) letter arrives. “This attempt was not excellent,” it reads. “Corns begined to blow up and was filled whole value of frying pan’s space. It was fantastic picture. I was can’t to open cover because corns was jumping too long. Now I choose suitable deep crockery.”

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Snow, sled dogs, and therapy

By on March 10, 2013 in Stories

From swirling snow and whiteout blizzards to clearing skies and rapid temperature drops, the winter weather in Western Alaska changes quickly, creating many challenges for traveling and, at times, for survival. KNOM broadcasts hourly weather information to enhance and save lives.

This week, the 1,000-mile 2013 Iditarod Sled Dog Race finishes in Nome. KNOM is broadcasting trail interviews and frequent updates to this world-class event. The race brings many benefits to the people in bush communities along the race route – some quite unexpected.

Several years ago, a young autistic boy who rarely, if ever, uttered a word met Iditarod veteran DeeDee Jonrowe. Seeing one of her dogs, he immediately began to speak, repeating the dog’s name over and over again. With help from the KNOM family, the boy received a therapy dog, spurring incredible benefits in this young man’s life. This miracle brought tears of joy not only to the family, but to everyone who helped. We thank everyone who helps to make these miracles happen!

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