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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 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
“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.
NSHC identifies more than 50 COVID cases per day
As of Feb. 16, Norton Sound Health Corporation reported exactly 200 active cases of COVID-19 in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region.
Environment & Climate
Ice seal survey underway in Bering Sea as NOAA designates ‘critical habitat’
After a failed attempt in 2020, NOAA Fisheries is currently surveying ice-associated seals in the Bering Sea. Their research will concentrate on waters between the Norton Sound and St. Matthew Island.
Coast Guard requests comments on shipping through Beaufort and Chukchi Seas
Since 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard has been running a Port Access Route Study, or PARS, for the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas to determine how vessel traffic in the region should be routed.
Sea ice coverage ‘running out of time’ as strong winds push over Norton Sound
Sea ice in the Eastern Norton Sound is breaking up as temperatures continue to warm and strong winds threaten to shift the Bering Sea ice pack even more.