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KNOM Update News
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Top News
Profiles
Shaktoolik community and archaeologist collaboration uncovers the past
Ongoing research is digging into the history of one of Alaska’s oldest archaeological sites.
Meet the Three Candidates Vying to be Nome’s Next Mayor
Nome’s 2020 Municipal Election is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th. Although there are several seats up for grabs, only one has multiple candidates running for the same position: Nome’s Mayor.
Nome-Beltz Teacher Receives STEM Grant for Research Lab Kits, to Develop Young Scientists
Dr. Anthony Husemann, a full-time science teacher at NBHS, received $5000 in grant money to serve as a mentor for Nome students to be able to conduct science research independently, as well as to develop STEM projects.
Public Safety
Nome police ask community for help identifying burglar
Two months after a burglary at the Subway sandwich shop in Nome, police are seeking community assistance identifying the burglar.
Drop in sexual assault reports might not indicate less violence
Reports of sexual assault in Nome are down about 50% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. But it’s difficult to determine what exactly that means.
Coast Guard rescues overdue boaters on Sinuk River
The watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th district command center received a call, at 11 p.m. on Oct. 28, informing them of overdue boaters in need of aid on the Sinuk River near Nome, Alaska. The watchstanders directed the launch of an aircrew, Oct. 29, to bring the boaters survival supplies, and a helicopter crew to rescue the boaters later in the day.
COVID-19
COVID-19 spikes in Savoonga as Nome cases decline
Savoonga has just seen a major spike in COVID-19 cases. Norton Sound Health Corporation reported identifying 70 new cases of COVID-19 in Savoonga over the weekend of Oct. 30. On Nov. 2, NSHC announced a total of 113 active cases in the St. Lawrence Island community.
Second COVID-related death in region as Nome tops 100 active cases
Norton Sound Health Corporation on Oct. 28 reported a second death due to COVID-19 in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region. While only the second death in the region overall, it is also the second death this month.
Nome bars still able to serve alcohol
After much discussion Monday night, the Nome Common Council did not pass a proposed emergency ordinance that would have prohibited sales of alcohol in town for on-site consumption.
Environment & Climate
Sikuliaq research cruise gets rare chance to study Bering & Chukchi Seas in November
The final research cruise of 2021 came through the region in November. Scientists onboard observed a variety of marine mammals, saw sea ice growth in real time, and found evidence of a healthy ecosystem.
White, wet Christmas for Western Alaska during exceptionally cold, stormy winter
Nome and Western Alaska are on track to break a few climate records this winter. Following one of the top five coldest Novembers in climate history, the region is now facing its wettest December in decades.
Bowhead pod visits Savoonga with ice conditions unsuitable for hunting
Earlier this week, a pod of about nine Bowhead whales were seen off the northern coast of Savoonga.