Problem Corner

A blustery Thursday brings lively calls about access to CBJ staff, the planned move to the Michael J. Burns Building, and whether Floyd Dryden could’ve housed city services. Listeners compare “yes-yes-no” takes on the three ballot measures, plug voter centers, and urge watching Gavel-to-Gavel; one celebrates 89 days smoke-free, another seeks Heather Ale, and Justin updates Seahawks/Mariners coverage. Bonus: local buy/sell/trade (Superman comic, misprint quarter) and a welcome to a visitor from Gustavus.

 Justin and guest co-host Devon field a flurry of calls: garage/for-sale listings, a missing Siamese cat, and lively takes on city spending, ballot measures, and free speech. Plus station notes on Seahawks coverage, ideas for youth activities, local sports buzz, and a big push for Saturday’s Cure for Cade Radiothon. 

 NBC filmed JDHS football in a quintessential Juneau downpour, while Justin and Kenny fielded community calls (odd-jobs help, a misdelivered package, a fixer-upper plow truck) and a quick time-change debate. In the second half, Affordable Juneau’s Joe Geldof and Frank Bergstrom broke down the three ballot measures—pushing lower mill rates and a food/utilities tax exemption while panning the seasonal sales tax—sparking “yes-yes-no” caller reactions and a broader chat on costs, city spending, and where to vote. 

 A rainy Monday show with election talk (ballots mailed, drop boxes open, props 1–3 overview, upcoming forums), a caller-announced peaceful protest at Centennial Hall before the CBJ Assembly, and spirited calls on free speech and local radio issues (KJNO 630 outage, Seahawks broadcast mix-up). Community notes included arts events (Romeo & Juliet, Perseverance’s What the Constitution Means to Me, Kimball organ concerts, JSO preview), plus lots of classifieds (Samsung Ultra 24 phone, furniture/electronics) and two kittens needing homes. 

 Stormy Friday brought classifieds (DVDs/bike, Subaru, tires, cots, birdcages), a missing Siamese cat (Thumbelina), condolences to the Caesar family, and a caller’s EMS/body-cam concern plus a KJNO outage tip. Former assembly member Michelle Hale unpacked CBJ Propositions 1–3 (mill-rate cap, food/utility tax exemption, seasonal sales tax) as ballots and drop boxes opened—and callers sparred “yes-yes-no” vs. “no-no-no.” 

 Host Dave Ignell and Justin Miller revisit a show cut short by a power surge, then frame two hot-button topics: preserving Telephone Hill’s historic homes and alleged racism in Alaska’s justice system, including the Thomas Jack Jr. case. Callers weigh in with firsthand experiences, criticism of the show’s focus, and public-safety notes about flashing yellows and school-bus stop laws; a local employer also shares a day-labor opportunity. The hour closes with election reminders and notice of a Telephone Hill organizing meeting at the downtown library, highlighting how civic debate and everyday community needs intersect on Problem Corner. 

 Callers flagged a found ID, asked for clearer paths to homeless services (plus a flyer idea), and previewed a peaceful protest over Telephone Hill and city transparency. Listeners weighed in on movie pricing and family-friendly films, PFD timing, and concerns about the city buying APFC office space; we also shared birthday shout-outs and an odd-jobs request—plus teased Friday trivia and giveaways. 

Ben hosts a mellow, rain-streaked Monday (Sept 15). First caller reports being injured by a rock-thrower under a posted bridge; Ben condemns violence. He spotlights local arts—Perseverance’s What the Constitution Means to Me (Douglas) and Theater in the Rough’s Romeo & Juliet (previews Tue/Thu, opens Fri at McPhetres)—and mentions the Symphony’s new music director this season. Civic chat covers: ballots mailing this Fri 9/19, early in-person voting starting Mon 9/22, and Oct 7 municipal election with results certified ~Oct 20. He walks through the three CBJ ballot measures (mill-rate cap; exempt food & residential/non-commercial utilities from sales tax; seasonal sales-tax shift). Talk also touches on ranked-choice voting petitions, TikTok’s fate, and a quiet Emmys.

A caller asks if new SEARHC facilities are property-tax exempt (Ben says nonprofits generally reduce the taxable base); same caller recommends the 1949 film The Flying Saucer (Amazon Prime) for vintage Juneau views. Mel calls to praise strong local tribal presence and voice concern over a national headline.

Glacial Outburst Flood (Suicide Basin) alert: CBJ/NWS warn of a minor Mendenhall Lake/River rise, cresting ~11–12 ft Tue 9/16, 8am–noon; sandbags to View Dr with advised evacuations; closures around the lake/river trail, Skaters’ Cabin, campground, and possibly below Back Loop Bridge. Ben recaps lessons from recent floods (HESCO barriers), notes $5M reallocated to reinforce them, and ongoing Corps studies. Chamber notes: no luncheon this Thu (SE Conference in Sitka); School Board forum Thu 9/25; Assembly forum Thu 10/2 (Wade Bryson vs. NANO Brooks spotlight); annual dinner Sat 10/11 (“For the Health of It”).

 Justin teams up with Kenny for a lively Friday. After trip talk (Seahawks/Mariners, WA State Fair scones & corn), a caller describes being wrongly stopped by JPD and asks for bias-free policing, mandatory body-cams, public listening sessions, and annual trust polling. Multiple listeners urge the hosts to give callers more room—he’s invited back and finishes his points. Other topics: LeConte ferry back in service, keeping lines open for new voices, dangerous jaywalking/traffic choke at Willoughby & Egan by Centennial Hall, a proud shout-out to a life-saving grand-nephew near Costco, and a birthday salute to Ed Boone. Charles checks in—watch repair resolved, two weeks sober—and offers seasonal roof help .

 Host Justin Miller opens with a wet but meaningful 9/11 memorial at Rotary Park, inviting listeners to share where they were and what they remember. Calls pour in: a man urgently seeks an escort for Anchorage heart surgery (Sept 16–26), someone needs a large metal dog crate, and a buyer named “Jerry” is asked to reconnect about a missing dash-cam part. The buy-sell segment buzzes—TVs, a soundbar, a king bed, Jeep rims/tires, an ’05 Pathfinder needing a transmission, a Mongoose bike, two RC airplanes, plus a women’s bike and a dual-sport Suzuki—along with birthday shout-outs for “Hurricane Maggie.” Community notes include a “no camping/loitering/dumping” notice under the Gold Creek bridge, the ABC News feed fix, Demon Slayer at Glacier Cinemas, and JDHS football coverage. The hour closes on unity, safety, and gratitude for first responders and neighbors who step up.