A listener asked KTOO what the local mountains’ original Lingít names are. For this installment of Curious Juneau, Yvonne Krumrey spoke with Lingít educators to find out.
Curious Juneau
Curious Juneau: Why does Alaska’s Capitol building have a ground floor?
When Americans walk into a multi-story building, they’d usually say they’re on the first floor. Not in the lobby of Alaska’s Capitol building.
Curious Juneau: What caused the jumble of fallen trees near the ferry terminal?
The fan of fallen trees on the west side of Auke Nu Cove may be evidence of one of Juneau’s weirdest wind phenomena.
Curious Juneau: How big is the Coast Guard’s presence in Juneau?
“It’s a major footprint. And then we also have people who work for the Coast Guard who are not active duty,” she said. “It does end up being a significant economic driver in the community.”
Curious Juneau: Why does that speed limit sign say 19 ½ mph?
Studies show drivers remember fewer details about routes they’re more familiar with. Around Juneau and in other parts of the U.S., experimenting with speed limits can improve road safety.
Curious Juneau: Are those collapsing buildings along Glacier Highway the remnants of Juneau’s long gone dairy industry?
As it turns out, 87-year-old Juneau resident Elizabeth “Koggie” File grew up in the now-dilapidated buildings. She shared the family history behind them.
Curious Juneau: How far has the Mendenhall Glacier retreated in the last 12 months?
Juneau resident James Wycoff noticed on his regular walks to Nugget Falls that the face of the glacier seemed to be retreating faster this year than he’s ever seen before.
What happened to Juneau’s Taco Bell?
In the late ’90s Juneau had two Taco Bells. But by the early 2000s they were both gone.
Why are some of Juneau’s street lights glowing purple?
Some Juneau residents have noticed street lights with a purple glow popping up around town. A KTOO listener asked why.
Is there an Indigenous name for this cloud formation in Juneau?
A Curious Juneau listener wrote in saying they’d witnessed a snake-like cloud forming along the Gastineau Channel and wondered if there are any Lingít stories or a Lingít name for this cloud feature.