News

The Bering Strait region is severely overcrowded as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. One Nome resident saw a way she could help more people get roofs over their heads using a creative model. KNOM recently went on a tour of “Kugzruk Kommons”, a place the owner describes as Nome’s newest common…

Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration has been discussing plans for possible legislation with federally-recognized tribes that will allow for educational tribal compacts in Alaska. During a presentation and listening session last month, the governor gave examples of what that could look like in rural Alaska communities. KNOM’s Joe Coleman reports: Department of Education Project Coordinator and…

The 2020 Census is not the only counting effort in Western Alaska this year. Debuting in the beginning of February, a comprehensive language survey of Inupiat will project speaker counts and gauge attitudes of Alaska’s Inupiaq community. KNOM’s JoJo Phillips reports on the importance of the survey as well as the coalition behind it. In…

All rates under the Port of Nome tariff need to go up. That was the decision of the Port Commission following more than three contentious hours of discussion during their regular meeting last week. Ultimately the commission agreed to raise rates for all operations at the Port by 10%, setting aside $150,000 of that revenue…

The Nome School Board has decided to change to a middle school model at Nome-Beltz, approve funding for last month’s disbursements and out of state travel, as well as extend a contract offer to Superintendent Jamie Burgess. Students of the month were Benny Lee of Anvil City Science Academy, and Rachel Burgess and Davey Okpowruk…

After seven months without a designated animal control officer, the City of Nome announced this week that they have begun contracting with an ACO again. That could reduce the number of animals at the local pound, however city officials caution this is only a trial period. During Monday’s City Council meeting, City Manager Glenn Steckman…

The Nome Subway Showdown concluded this past weekend, with Soldotna claiming victory over the Nanooks basketball teams. The Nome boys’ team was led by high-scorer Dawson Schaeffer and the girls’ team by Lisa Okbaok. Overall, the Nanooks boys took 2nd in the Subway Showdown, with the team losing only to eventual tournament champions Soldotna, 62…

Suicide is an issue that has plagued Alaska at high rates for years, with rural areas seeing the highest numbers. The latest data from the state suggests that rate has been rising in recent years, and continues to be higher in Western Alaska.  Now a newer prevention model is making a dent in the suicide rates by giving…

The Nome City Council authorized the Nome Police Department’s requests for an upgraded order of tasers, via resolution, during their regular meeting on Monday night. Acting Chief Mike Heintzelman explained to KNOM that the police department found that the Axon tasers ordered last year were insufficient for penetrating through parkas and winter clothing. NPD signed…

Tariff rates may have to go up at the Port of Nome to keep the port profitable. That’s a conversation the Port Commission had during a work session last week and will continue to discuss this Thursday. Last week the commission discussed increasing the percentage rates for permits at the Inner Harbor by 2%. That’s…