Since You Asked! Episode 15: Juneau's Community and Economic Development

Librarian Julie Niederhauser talks with District 2 assembly member Karen Crane about the affordable housing shortage in the City and Borough of Juneau, the Willoughby Arts and Cultural District, Juneau's economic development, and the current state budget deficit. Julie also inquires about Karen's community service and the importance of participating in community.

Listen to Podcast (.mp3)
[ 20 minutes ]
Recorded on August 8, 2014

Learn more about....

• the Juneau Assembly, member contact info, and meeting minutes
• the Willoughby District Plan (PDF)

Since You Asked! Episode 14: Artist and Weaver Teri Rofkar

Librarian Julie Niederhauser talks with Tlingit artist and weaver Teri Rofkar. Teri is the recipient of the 2013 Rasmuson Distinguished Artist Award. During their conversation, Teri shares about her experience weaving baskets and textiles, as well as her work toward publishing a book with the University of Pennsylvania to share her knowledge of baskets.

Listen to Podcast (.mp3)
[ 25 minutes ]
Recorded on July 14, 2014

Teri Rofkar's website

Since You Asked! Episode 13: State Single Audits

What is a state single audit and why is it important? Librarian Julie Niederhauser talks with Colleen Campbell, State Single Audit Coordinator of the Finance Division of the State of Alaska Department of Administration. Colleen enlightens listeners about the how and the why of state single audits and what that means for entities and organizations within Alaska who receive grants.

Listen to Podcast (.mp3)
[ 24 minutes ]
Recorded on June 26, 2014

Learn more: 

• US OMB webpage
• State Single Audit information for Alaskans

Since You Asked! Episode 12: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Trends in Alaska

Ever wondered where all those numbers and statistics come from when it comes to substance abuse and mental health issues within Alaska? Librarian Julie Niederhauser interviews Ken Boegli, a research analyst of the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, about substance abuse and mental health trends in Alaska. Learn where Alaska ranks compared to the rest of the United States when it comes down to the number of suicides or the abuse of marijuana within our state.

Listen to Podcast
[ 26 minutes ]
Recorded on April 4, 2014

Online access to statistics:

• Vital Statistics for Suicide Rates
• Alaska BRFSS (Ages 18+)
• Alaska YRBS (High School Students)
• SAMHSA's NSDUH (Ages 12+)

Since You Asked! Episode 11: Alaska Water and Sewer Challenge

Librarian Julie Niederhauser speaks with Bill Griffith,  Project Manager of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Alaska Water and Sewer Challenge, a research and development effort to find better and more affordable methods to deliver drinking water and sewage disposal services to rural Alaska.  

Listen to Podcast (.mp3) 
[ 18 minutes ]
Recorded on April 14, 2014

Learn more at DEC's Water Sewer Challenge website.