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Tag Archives | light

The difference weather can make

By on March 3, 2013 in Photos, Stories
Snow on Nome mountains

Snowy mountains near Nome, photographed February 2011. Photo by David Dodman.

What a difference the weather can make: especially in Western Alaska, and especially at this time of year.

On cloudy days, the dull light blurs the snowy landscape, and depth perception, over long distances, is more difficult. This “flat light” is a challenge for all who travel on land and the frozen sea. On sunny days, the light contrasts the Bering Sea shoreline, high places on the tundra, the rolling hills, and steep mountains, making travel easier for those using landmarks to find their way. At times, heavy snowfall makes any travel impossible.

In this season, casual observers along the Bering Sea coast can see helmeted travelers making their way across the snow and ice by snowmachine (or snowmobile) and, at the same time, witness sled dogs, strung together, pulling a sled and a solitary musher. Whatever the means of transportation, getting home can be a challenge at times.

We thank all who support KNOM and ask that you please join us as we pray that all who travel arrive safely at journey’s end.

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“…Because the dawn has come.”

By on January 3, 2013 in Inspirational Spots, The Nome Static, The Nome Static, 2013 (All), The Nome Static, January 2013

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

Death is not putting out the light…

It is turning off the lamp because the dawn has come.

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Signs of the season

By on December 17, 2012 in Photos, The Nome Static, The Nome Static, 2012 (All), The Nome Static, Year-End 2012

It’s a strikingly dark time of year in Western Alaska. On clear days, we’re treated to gorgeous sunrises and sunsets (like the one pictured above); the sun rises just shy of 12 noon and sets before 4pm.

While the sunlight is brief, the darkness allows KNOM’s Christmas star – perched atop our FM transmitter tower (pictured) – to shine all the brighter. We light the star at the beginning of each Advent, and alongside a few simple decorations inside our studios, the star has been a tangible reminder of our mission: our calling to be a light in the darkness, especially during this special season. We thank you for sustaining our mission into 2013, and we ask for your prayers: especially for our volunteers, who spend this joyful season in rural Alaska, far from home.

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God in the dark

By on December 17, 2012 in Inspirational Spots, The Nome Static, The Nome Static, 2012 (All), The Nome Static, Year-End 2012

An inspirational spot from the Year-End 2012 edition of our newsletter, The Nome Static:

I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light.

– Mary Gardner Brainard

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In Western Alaska, winter’s coming – and quickly

By on October 27, 2012 in Photos, Stories
Frozen Snake River mouth, Nome

In winter, the ice on Western Alaska’s rivers – such as the mouth of the Snake River in Nome – becomes thick enough to support people and small vehicles.

The snow covers mountains, hills, and the tundra. On clear nights, we are blessed with colorful auroras as the night sparkles with stars and planets. The scenic majesty of bush Alaska is breathtaking during the day and at night. As the seasons change and the thermometer falls towards zero, we thank all who help us make a positive difference every minute of every day.

Soon, the Bering Sea will turn to a slushy soup of ice crystals. Then the shore ice will fasten itself to the beaches (and the rivers, as pictured above) and the light will fade, declining about six minutes each day. As the seasons change, KNOM is constant in broadcasting critical weather, news, information, inspiration, and entertainment. We owe so much to so many who have helped us for nearly five decades: from planning to engineering, construction, and operation. We are truly blessed!

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A failed sensor and a frozen pipe

By on October 20, 2012 in Stories

At times, KNOM staff and volunteers face a variety of challenges. Last week brought engineering, computer, and plumbing difficulties, but with the help of professionals and an energetic staff, each problem was identified, and, when possible, solved.

Among our glitches was a malfunctioning temperature sensor at our studio building. The sensor is designed to feed live temperature data to our on-air deejays, so that we can announce local weather conditions as they change. After a visual inspection and a reboot of the computer attached to the sensor, our temperature readings are now accurate and back to normal.

As our repaired temperature sensor will attest, Nome’s temperatures are now consistently falling below the freezing point, and last week this caused a problem: the main water lines leading into the KNOM studio building froze. The water slowed to a trickle, then stopped! Every time there is a plumbing problem, however, our favorite plumbers stop what they are doing (this time it was an installation of a heating system) and come to our aid. The frozen pipe was thawed, and once again, the water is flowing.

We thank all who help to keep the heat and lights on (and all the other utilities working properly!). We so appreciate all they do for us.

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Prayers for Father Armand, and new ways we’re saving power

By on October 1, 2012 in Photos, Stories
LED light

An example of the LED bulbs we soon hope to install throughout KNOM’s facilities.

We continue to give thanks and celebrate the faithful service of KNOM’s spiritual advisor, Father Armand Nigro, S.J. He has been offering prayers and Masses for the intentions of thousands of KNOM’s supporters, our staff, and listeners. We ask for your prayers for Fr. Armand as he deals with a variety of health challenges. He continues to pray for you and your intentions.

KNOM’s dynamic carrier control project continues to pay dividends in power savings. The latest billing information reveals that we are saving $101.00 per day in electricity costs! Many thanks to the Nautel Company, Chuck Lakaytis, Frank Jazzo, Jack Mullaney, Rolland Trowbridge, Les Brown, and engineers at the FCC.

The quest to find ways to trim the budget and to save money continues with our LED lighting project: a planned initiative to replace the fluorescent lighting fixtures in our facilities with cost-efficient LED bulbs. As always, we are working to save every penny we can! We thank you for the opportunity to serve.

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