The Nome Static

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KNOM’s radio signal is a hopeful and safe companion that inspires trust. The station’s positive message is not based on wishful thinking, but in a living hope: hope that has put its boots on and walks in trusting faith. It does not fear scarcity, but lives in the reality of God’s goodness and abundant provision.…

Just a few days before Christmas, 975 coronavirus vaccines landed on the tarmac in Nome. Onlookers greeted the package with cheers and applause. Arriving on the heels of a major outbreak that closed schools in Nome, the vaccine brings great hope. Some residents said it made them think of the dogs and mushers that brought…

A year after their founding, Nome-Beltz High School’s e-sports team has impressed parents and coaches. The team, which competes by playing age-appropriate games online, was one of the few school teams still allowed to compete in Alaska last fall. Coaches say the players’ swift success is remarkable. “One year ago … we were doing our…

In December, a search party went out to search for an overdue snowmachiner, George ‘Butch’ Wassillie, who had been traveling between Nome and White Mountain. Wassillie was found on the trail safe and sound. Still, White Mountain’s longtime Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO), Dan Harrelson, warned listeners that with the local HAM radio network down,…

In the middle of December, a severe weather warning came in for Unalakleet and the eastern areas of the Norton Sound region. The storm brought with it winds gusting to more than 60 miles per hour. A small roof blew off and flew into a high voltage line, snapping the cable in two. Half the…

In mid-November, as Western Alaska transitioned from fall to winter with the thermometer ping-ponging above and below freezing, the KNOM FM transmitter’s signal strength dropped precipitously. The cycle of freeze-thaw combined with snow, freezing rain and wind wreaks havoc on the 30 year old antenna. (As regular readers may recall, the AM transmitter was replaced…

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On July 14, 2021, KNOM will celebrate 50 years of broadcasting. The last half century has been a story of service and a story of a good host: a gracious audience that has welcomed the radio signal into their homes. When anniversaries approach it is easy to look back and feel satisfied with past accomplishments,…

Young boy sitting in classroom reading a book.

In the latest episode of Restorative Remarks, students from Elim’s Aniguiin School voiced literary pieces titled “Where I’m From”, inspired by life in their village. The students’ reflections on subsistence activities, family gatherings, and personal triumphs express the joys of growing up in Western Alaska. The feature show adapts inspirational pieces written by Western Alaskans,…