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KNOM Update News
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Top News
Profiles
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.
Carol Seppilu: Running for Life
In the last ten years, Seppilu has been actively running all over the Nome area. Her love for running is fueled by a deeper purpose: to promote suicide prevention.
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
Nome COVID-19 Cases Spike to Seven, First Doses of Vaccination Still On Hold
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Nome has risen to seven, with two more residents testing positive yesterday.
Travel Continues to Bring COVID-19 Into Nome, New Travel Policy Announced
COVID-19 continues to trickle into Nome through travel. Over the course of the weekend Norton Sound Health Corporation detected four cases of COVID-19, the healthcare provider announced in a statement.
Nome Plans to Use NSEDC Community Benefits for City HVAC Upgrades
The Nome Common Council has $200,000 from the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation that they plan to spend in their regular meeting tonight.
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.