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What happened when I said “yes” to KNOM

Lynette and Ric outside KNOM studios, circa 1980s

KNOM Radio has touched the lives of so many people, including its volunteers and staff. This month, volunteer-turned-general-manager Ric Schmidt shares the many ways KNOM has changed his life:

In the summer of 1984, I said “yes” to KNOM, and from that day forward, I was swept into an intense, active ministry that serves so many people on so many different levels. KNOM was such a blessing that, nearly 30 years later, I still find myself working here, serving listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Along the way, I’ve met lifelong friends and fell in love with a fellow volunteer: KNOM’s news director, Lynette Berger. She fell for me, too, and in December 1985, we were married. We were blessed with six children and the opportunity to work together at the same radio ministry where we met. In a life full of ups and downs, we have been given the chance to weave a quilt of service to each other, our children, our church, our community, and Western Alaska. Over the years, we have said goodbye to too many friends and family, but we have also welcomed the births of new members of our KNOM family and honored those who have made significant sacrifices for us and our communities.

Today, the KNOM family makes a difference in the lives of thousands of families every day, whether it is in the studio, in an Alaskan village, or in countless places around the world, with supporters praying for and contributing to our mission. I am honored and privileged to be a part of our incredible radio ministry.

Ric and Lynette's Wedding

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Face the music

An inspirational spot from the February 2013 edition of our newsletter, The Nome Static:

Christ helps us to face the music, even though we may not like the tune.

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Number One

Our inspirational spot for the week:

If all we take care of is “Number One,” we won’t add up to very much.

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KNOM heard in Sweden!

The light is returning, and on clear days, the sky radiates a sparkling, deep blue light. Sunrise and sunset glow with fiery yellow and red hues. At night, the stars and planets twinkle with occasional interruptions from majestic auroras.


View Larger Map

Last week, we received notification that a long-distance radio listener in a small village called Forsa (shown in the map above), about 300 kilometers north of Stockholm, Sweden, picked up a very weak KNOM radio signal by using an antenna and 2,600 feet of wire pointing at North America.

The listener wrote,

I am one of those guys who likes to listen to foreign radio stations on AM. The satisfaction of catching a radio signal from a faraway distance with no other connection than the airwaves is like a good hunt for a hunter. I like the format of your station; (it’s) good music in my taste, just as a local AM-station should be.

Thank you to everyone who makes KNOM possible.

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February 1973: A “solo” delivery

February 4, 1973

KNOM volunteer support nurse Candy Gleason, RN delivers her first baby “solo.”

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The commandment

Our inspirational spot for the week:

If loving every one of your neighbors was easy, it wouldn’t be a commandment.

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Anticipating a prestigious award

Great news!

The National Association of Broadcasters has officially announced that KNOM will receive the 2013 NAB Crystal Heritage Award; it’s the broadcasting organization’s capstone award recognizing outstanding commitment to community service.

We congratulate and thank all who have helped KNOM garner such a prestigious honor. Our radio station is only the fourth ever to receive the Crystal Heritage Award, and the entire KNOM staff is all smiles. We are blessed with wonderful support that allows us to produce programming that receives such national recognition.

We thank everyone who helps to make this possible, and as always, we share this award with you.

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January 1981: A new computer for Br. Normand

Cromemco Z2 computer ad

An advertisement for the Cromemco Z2 computer (very similar to one of the computer components used by KNOM in the early 1980s), as seen in the July 1977 issue of Byte magazine.

January 23, 1981

KNOM places a $16,435 order for a Cromemco Z2-H computer. Running at 4 MHz and with a 64k memory, the system includes two terminals. Using Structured Basic programming language, Br. Normand Berger, FIC, writes a program for keeping track of donations. One terminal sits in reception, the other in the manager’s office. The computer, paid for by a diamond engagement ring that had been donated to the station years earlier, makes a tremendous improvement in KNOM’s office efficiency.

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Your steps

Our inspirational spot for the week:

Your heart plans its own way, but the Lord directs your steps.

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Howling winds outside, and a mentorship in our newsroom

The winds are howling and the snow is flying as Alaska’s winter continues into 2013. The KNOM weather reports help families stay safe and plan their winter travel. However, one unaware traveler recently had to be rescued by helicopter from an ice floe due to extreme north winds (which separated the sea ice nearest Nome from its shoreline). Our message is always a clear one, “listen to KNOM for the latest weather forecast!”

This week, KNOM news director Laureli Kinneen is mentoring a young listener from the community of Koyuk. She is studying broadcasting and, during her college break, will be job-shadowing Laureli, interviewing area news-makers, and writing news stories. It is such a blessing to pass on the mission ideals of KNOM to young students.

We are thankful for all the prayers, kind comments, and contributions. The KNOM family is serving our remote part of the world, and we thank you for all you do for us.

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