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Tag Archives | weather

April ice, and a prestigious award

By on April 15, 2013 in Stories

The winter weather continues: temperatures hover near zero as more ice forms on the Bering Sea. The frigid temperatures bring dazzling, clear, sunlit days and awe-inspiring nights – with the moon and stars shining brightly in the night sky.

We gladly share the congratulations of the entire radio broadcasting community for KNOM’s 2013 Crystal Heritage Award from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). We are so grateful to the thousands of KNOM supporters and wish that the entire KNOM family could have stood on the stage to accept this special accolade. (To do so, of course, the stage would need to have been larger than the deck of an aircraft carrier!)

At last week’s award ceremony at the annual NAB Show, the presenter for the Crystal Awards stated:

KNOM is a friendly voice, a community resource, and a vitally-needed lifeline. It is a source of companionship, entertainment, inspiration, and information, and in extreme moments – especially in the midst of dangerous weather conditions – its broadcasts can save lives. For its listeners and the communities of its region, KNOM truly is “Yours for Western Alaska.”

Thank to all who make this critical work possible!

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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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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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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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A special sled dog race returns

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

A sled dog from the team of musher Pete Kaiser

February 2013 marked the second running of a sled dog race with special significance for Western Alaskans: the Paul Johnson Memorial Norton Sound 450. The NS450 honors the memory of Paul “Putty” Johnson, a dog musher and community leader from Unalakleet (YOU-nuh-luh-kleet), Alaska, a town well within KNOM’s listening range located on the coast of the eastern Norton Sound (it’s also the hometown of news director Laureli Kinneen).

Dog mushing is at the heart of the traditional culture of our region. It’s a common activity for many of our listeners and even a livelihood for some, and every winter, KNOM covers these sled dog races that so capture the imagination and affection of Alaskans.

Bethel musher Pete Kaiser interviews with KNOM's Laureli KinneenThis year’s NS450 was distinctively Alaskan in another way: it was adversely affected by severe weather. With brutal winds battering the race trail, officials decided to shorten the competition from a medium-distance 450 miles to a “sprint” of only 40 miles. It was but the latest example of the countless times weather shapes life – and changes plans – in our corner of the world. Thanks to you, we brought the latest race developments to our listeners.

(The photos above and at right are from the 2012 race, since the 2013 NS450, as described earlier, was re-routed at the last minute and did not finish in Nome. Top: an NS450 sled dog; right: Laureli interviews musher Pete Kaiser, who won both the full, 2012 race and this year’s abbreviated “sprint.”)

 

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Amid the cold, construction begins for our new studios!

By on February 10, 2013 in Photos, Stories

Evening construction on the digital studios

Western Alaska village temperatures are dropping, and wind chills sometimes reach 50 below. The north wind is relentless, and it is cold! Any exposed skin quickly reddens and is accompanied by an unmistakable stinging sensation, reminding you to cover up or get inside where it is warm.

Even with these cold temperatures, the construction crew building the Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios at KNOM are hard at work, setting beams and joists. As we have seen in the past, getting construction materials to Nome is very difficult, and there have been a few delivery delays of critical construction materials. Work is now proceeding, and the crew will soon be attaching the plywood and insulating the floor system.They are a hardy bunch, and we can’t thank them enough for working through cold and windy winter weather.

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Howling winds outside, and a mentorship in our newsroom

By on January 14, 2013 in Stories

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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Weathering the season

By on January 6, 2013 in Stories

Several additional minutes of sunlight greet us each day as we weather the cold, windy days and nights.

KNOM weather reports help remote listeners prepare for the harsh conditions experienced throughout western Alaska. Our region’s extreme weather means that getting the right information at the right time is often a matter of life or death. KNOM keeps everyone connected with the latest warnings, watches, and reports.

We pass on the thanks of the many listeners who appreciate the support of the entire KNOM family. You are keeping the beacon of faith, hope, and charity burning bright in their lives every day.

Our prayers for you, for your family, and for all you hold dear. Have a happy and healthy New Year!

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December 2004: A Christmas storm

By on December 23, 2012 in History

December 24, 2004

A deadly storm is approaching, and KNOM broadcasts ten minutes of weather warnings every hour. The gale strikes at 11 PM, dropping visibility to near zero until suppertime Christmas Day. Residents estimate that, as it funnels and gusts around the buildings of Nome, the wind’s velocity exceeds 80 MPH.

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Christmas lights

By on December 16, 2012 in Photos, Stories
John and Les

In late 1999, former KNOMer John Albers (dressed in brown) works at the base of the station’s FM transmitter tower alongside volunteer engineer Les Brown (blue jacket). Les is holding the Christmas star that, shortly after this photo was taken, was hoisted back to the top of our FM tower; a star has decorated the tower every year since 1971, shining brightly over downtown Nome.

As we move through the dark days of winter and sub-zero weather, KNOM brings light to the lives of remote listeners throughout 100,000 square miles of Western Alaska.

It is a special time of year for the KNOM volunteers. They are far from their families, yet they treasure the gifts of service that they share with each other, the KNOM listeners, and you!

As in years past, the Christmas star is illuminated, and its tiny, bright lights reach into the darkness, sparkling and twinkling with anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. We continue to witness marvelous signs of the great love and support we have for each other. The familiar aroma of a Christmas wreath in our broadcast studio reminds us that, through the cold and darkness, the hope of a new beginning will bring a great light.

From all of us at KNOM, Merry Christmas!

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