KNOM Radio is sustained through so many people: generous supporters, loyal listeners, and deeply spiritual clergy, who continue to guide and bless our mission.

In recent months, KNOM and Western Alaska have both welcomed and bid farewell to a number of such clergymen. As you may have read in the December issue of the Static, one of KNOM's spiritual advisors, Father Vince Beuzer, passed away in October. Last month, we were saddened also with the passing of Cardinal John Patrick Foley, a national Catholic leader whose life work merged religious ministry and communications. For decades, Cardinal Foley narrated Christmas broadcasts of midnight Mass from the Vatican and served as President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He believed – as we do – in the power of media to unite and inspire the faithful, and he will be missed.

Amid last year's sorrow, however, KNOM's clerical friends brought us many occasions for joy. We were delighted to welcome back to our mission Father Mark Hoelsken, who, for many years, served as KNOM's spiritual advisor while also ministering to communities throughout southwestern Alaska. Father Mark, pictured at top with general manager Ric Schmidt (Fr. Mark at left) was – and still is – a beloved figure among both Western Alaskan listeners and the KNOM staff, and we were glad to greet him during his brief visit to Nome late last year.

KNOM's spiritual advisor Father Armand Nigro and Father Ross Tozzi (pastor of Nome's St. Joseph Catholic Church) remain active. Both were recently in Fairbanks, Alaska for the photo at middle (generously provided by Betty Scott): Fr. Armand was leading a retreat, and Fr. Ross was en route to the city of North Pole to dedicate a new pastoral center.

Our joy goes also to Nome's Bob Froehle, who, in early November, was ordained a deacon! Bishop Donald Kettler officiated the ordination Mass before a large congregation at Nome's St. Joseph Catholic Church. Pictured are (left to right): Father Ross Tozzi, Bob's wife Gretchen Froehle, Deacon Bob, and Bishop Don; this photo and many others were generously taken by volunteer Ben Matheson. Congratulations, Deacon Bob!

As we've said before, winters in the sub-Arctic can be rife with harsh weather, often presenting extra challenges in obtaining even the basic necessities for daily life. In the past few months, we've seen some extreme examples of such challenges, but through your support, we've not only endured them but, also, reported on them.

You may have read (in our Christmas Static or even in national media sources) of the massive Bering Sea storm that brought hurricane-strength winds and almost unbelievably fierce waves to our region last November. Although we did not realize it at the time, the story of the storm was not over when the waves and winds receded.

The November storm delayed the arrival of Nome's final fuel shipment, carried to town via an ocean barge. In the weeks after the storm, subzero temperatures returned and the Norton Sound waters surrounding Nome froze over, preventing the barge from arriving with its crucial supply of gas and diesel.

As town organizations scrambled to find a workable solution, the KNOM news department (led by news director Laureli Kinneen, pictured) went above and beyond to keep our listeners informed.

As Western Alaskans heard on KNOM – and as many of our supporters may have read on our website (at knom.org/news) – all is not lost for Nome and its fuel shipment. While details are still evolving as this newsletter goes to press, it now seems that the Russian tanker Renda may make history by breaking through the Bering Sea ice to deliver Nome's fuel. It is not known how the delay of this shipment – or the extraordinary measures needed to finally accomplish it – may affect Nome's fuel prices.

This ongoing story continues to attract interest around the world, and our "newsies" remain on the front lines. Thank you for making our reporting possible during this incredible moment for rural Alaska!

Photos at middle and bottom: the shoreline surrounding Nome is now surrounded with Bering Sea ice (as it is for months at a time, every winter). It's this ice that's so complicated Nome's final fuel delivery.

It's a question at the heart of daily life in our region, and we suspect it may intrigue you, as well: how much snow will Western Alaska get this winter?

Although some readers may be surprised to know that our climate is often very dry – more notable for its subzero temperatures and fierce winds than its precipitation – when Nome does have a winter storm, the accumulation can be extreme. Temperatures rarely rise above freezing, which means that our snow cover continues to deepen throughout the season.

In the span of a week this past December, Western Alaska experienced three distinct blizzards, dumping multiple feet of snow on our communities. As seen in the photos at right, Nome's snow accumulation – especially after it's been cleared from the streets – can easily exceed the tops of automobiles, street signs, and even the massive metal scoops used to plow it.

Storms of this magnitude often prevent transportation by airplane, which means that our isolated communities – including Nome – can't receive mail, groceries, or any other needed supplies. As we detail above, such storms occasionally create even greater headaches, and as always, KNOM's weather forecasts warn our listeners of any physical dangers or hazards they may face. These weather broadcasts – like everything we do – are made possible because of you.