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KNOM Update News
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Top News
Profiles
Representative Mary Peltola, Senator Lisa Murkowski and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visit Nome & Bering Strait region
On Saturday, three prominent federal government officials were in Nome to survey the damage done by the significant storm that devastated Western Alaska. Hear the full interview on KNOM.org
St. Mary’s Yup’ik model turns heads on Florida runway
Entertainment and fashion industry professionals were scouting for new talent in Orlando, Florida, in August when they beheld an unexpected sight: a female model in full Yup’ik regalia.
Michelle Sparck on Get Out the Native Vote
Director of Strategic Initiatives of Get Out the Native Vote, Michelle Sparck, discussed the August 16 special election for the Alaska US House seat and encourages Native Alaskans to vote.
Public Safety
Nome resident arrested in sexual assault case
Nome Police arrested Isaac Ozenna Sr. on May 4 on multiple charges of sexual assault of a minor and coercion.
Bun Hardy receives apology and three-quarters of a million dollars in sexual assault case settlement from City of Nome
The city, former police chief John Papasadora and former police officer Nicholas Harvey all signed the agreement by Monday, March 21st.
ACLU claims City of Nome is withholding information, Nome wants Hardy’s lawsuit dismissed
The Alaska Civil Liberties Union has requested the U.S. District Court of Alaska hold the City of Nome in contempt of court and pay attorney fees on behalf of Clarice “Bun” Hardy. Meanwhile, on January 21st the City of Nome asked the court to dismiss Hardy’s case altogether.
COVID-19
CDC reports racial disparity in COVID impact
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (coauthored by a Department of Health and Social Services employee) found that Alaska Native people face disproportionate risks from COVID-19, compared to white residents in Alaska.
“We’re past the worst of it,” NSHC medical director says of COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 has entered its endemic phase in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region, NSHC Medical Director Dr. Mark Peterson said. That’s where the virus exists at a fairly consistent level within a population as a part of everyday life.
Nome Common Council votes to keep current rules for sale of alcohol
The Nome Common Council at Monday’s meeting voted down a proposed ordinance that would have changed the legal hours to sell alcohol in the city.
Environment & Climate
FEMA extends disaster application deadline
Western Alaskans have an extra two weeks to apply for state and federal disaster assistance as recovery efforts from ex-Typhoon Merbok are still ongoing in various communities.
Western Alaska receives millions to repair roads and storm-damaged communities
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is providing $9 million to pay for needed repairs in Western Alaska. FHWA released the emergency relief funds on Oct. 6 to help cover the cost of damages incurred by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok.
Community needed for Nome campsite cleanup
JT Sherman with Sitnasuak Native Corporation called on listeners for help cleaning up Nome campsites.