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KNOM Update News
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Top News
Profiles
By 2014, a Wellness and Sobering Center in Nome
To respond to the need for substance abuse treatment in the Norton Sound, Norton Sound Health Corporation is planning on starting a substance abuse treatment center in Nome. The Wellness and Sobering Center will be based in the old hospital, and may open as early as fall 2014.
Public Safety
Fire Caused by Electrical Heater in Nome Apartment
An electrical fire on Wednesday caused no injuries but did some significant damage to the apartment units at 603 Seppala Drive in Nome.
Legislator Seeks to “Rewrite” Alaska’s Consent Law, Speed Up Rape Kit Testing
Rep. Geran Tarr pre-filed House Bill 5 earlier this month which includes rape kit testing reform, further protections for underage victims of sexual abuse, and updates the state’s sexual consent law.
Emmonak Man Found Dead In His Home After Alleged Assault
After receiving a report at 3:25am on January 1st, Alaska State Troopers found 39-year-old Brian Agwiak of Emmonak deceased in his residence.
COVID-19
Over 3,000 Norton Sound Residents Taken One Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
While COVID-19 cases continue to climb, so do the number of vaccinations in the Norton Sound. According to NSHC, more than a third of eligible residents in the region have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine at this point.
What to Expect When Traveling to Nome Based on City Requirements
The City of Nome continues to ask travelers coming from the Anchorage airport to practice quarantining to slow the spread of COVID-19. However with more people becoming fully vaccinated or having recovered from COVID-19, there are more options and sometimes more confusion than before.
Resident of Undisclosed Community Tests Positive for COVID-19, All Other Active Cases in Nome
Norton Sound Health Corporation announced yesterday that two new cases of COVID-19 were identified in the region. This brings the active total to 12 positive cases in the Norton Sound.
Environment & Climate
Mild Temperatures and North Winds Contribute to Low Sea Ice Extent in Bering
Sea ice extent in the Bering Sea was at record low levels at the end of 2020. And with recent strong northerly winds combined with mild temperatures, sea ice coverage in the Bering Strait region is still not ideal.
“Milestone”: Reinstated Climate Plan Incorporates Indigenous Tribes and Their Knowledge
President Joe Biden passed several climate-related executive orders on his first day in office earlier this week. Among those is an order reinstating the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area, an Obama-era executive order that includes protections from off-shore oil and gas leasing in the Norton Sound and waters around St. Lawrence Island.
High Frequency Radar Sites in Wales and Shishmaref, Could Help Track Debris and Save Lives
New technology in Wales and Shishmaref that utilizes high frequency radar is collecting important data about the Bering Sea’s ocean currents. That data could help track debris, improve weather forecasts, and even save lives.