Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Media

Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Media
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APTI Reporter-Producer Ellen Lockyer started her radio career in the late 1980s, after a stint at bush Alaska weekly newspapers, the Copper Valley Views and the Cordova Times. When the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Valdez Public Radio station KCHU needed a reporter, and Ellen picked up the microphone.
Since then, she has literally traveled the length of the state, from Attu to Eagle and from Barrow to Juneau, covering Alaska stories on the ground for the AK show, Alaska News Nightly, the Alaska Morning News and for Anchorage public radio station, KSKA
elockyer (at) alaskapublic (dot) org  |  907.550.8446 | About Ellen

Alaska Kayaker Still Missing in Costa Rica

Almost two weeks ago, 27-year-old Alaskan Cody Dial was reported missing on a kayak trip in Costa Rica. Dial is the son of Roman Dial, a well-known outdoorsman and Alaska Pacific University professor.

Arvin, Tilton Compete for GOP Nod In Mat-Su

Two candidates familiar with the legislative process are vying for an open state House seat. Ron Arvin is a seasoned Matanuska Susitna Borough Assemblyman, while Cathy Tilton has served as a staffer for a long time Valley legislator. The two are seeking the Republican nod for the House District 12 seat, which represents the Fairview Loop area linking Wasilla and Palmer as well as Eklutna, Chugiak and Peters Creek.

Mat Su Borough Assembly To Continue Ferry Meeting

The homeless ferryboat, MV Susitna, is still docked in Ketchikan, while the Matanuska Susitna Borough Assembly wrestles with a solution to avoid paying a twelve million dollar debt to the Federal Transportation Administration. KSKA's Ellen Lockyer reports, the Assembly plans to continue it's discussion on the issue on August 21. Listen now:

Johnson, Stoltze Square Off in Valley Senate Race

Former state representative Bill Stoltze is eyeing a new state senate seat. The District F seat will include the Eastern Anchorage suburbs of Peters Creek and Chugiak, as well as the greater Palmer area and outlying communities to the North. But current Palmer mayor DeLena Johnson has thrown her hat into the ring and now the two Republican candidates will face off in the upcoming August 19 primary.

Mat-Su Asked to Return $12.3M in Federal Grants for Ferry Project

The federal government wants the Matanuska Susitna Borough to pay back $12.3 million in grants related to the ferry MV Susitna. Mat-Su Borough manager John Moosey made the announcement Thursday at a press conference in Palmer. Listen now:

Coho limits Loosened in the Mat-Su

Coho salmon are running so strong in three Matanuska Valley creeks that the state department of fish and game has upped the bag and possession limit for the species in three Knik Arm streams. The change starts August 9, this coming Saturday.

Litigation Blamed For Port MacKenzie Rail Spur Delays

Construction of the railroad link between the Matanuska-Susitna Borough city of Houston and Port MacKenzie is over budget and way behind schedule. Borough officials blame litigation for the delays. Download Audio

Mat Su Borough Looks Ahead to 2015 Legislature

The Matanuska Susitna Borough Assembly is wrestling with it's legislative wish list for next year. At a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon, Borough officials outlined the top twenty projects that could use state funding..plus a few more. And now the task at hand is to narrow that list down to the top five.

Alaska Man Missing in Costa Rica

The son of a noted Alaska outdoorsman is lost in a Central American jungle. Download Audio

DOC Releases New Information Policy

After a string of prisoner deaths this year, the state Department of Corrections has posted on its website its policy regarding the release of information to the public in the event of an inmate death.

Linc Energy Seeks Tyonek Coal Permit

Australian - based Linc Energy seeks to further exploration activities in Cook Inlet.

Borough Could Be First To Allow Lifetime Auto Registration

The Matanuska Susitna Borough could be the first government to give the nod to lifetime vehicle registration. That's if legislation aimed at supporting a new state law is accepted by the Borough Assembly. Download Audio

Port MacKenzie Poised For Post-Oil Economy

Earlier this month, on July 14, the Matanuska Susitna Borough's Port MacKenzie took on a load of sixteen miles of cement-coated pipe from a foreign vessel. The pipe now rests at the Port, awaiting shipment to Nikiski to be used in construction of a new Cook Inlet oil platform. Although the pipe shipment has boosted Borough revenues, some are asking questions about whether the port will ever be profitable. Download Audio

Report Investigates Coal Dust Hazards In Seward

Alaska Community Action on Toxics has issued a new report on the hazards of coal dust in Seward. The organization is recommending further monitoring, but city officials deny that local air quality is poor. Download Audio

Questions Remain About Alaska’s Prison Deaths

A number of inmate deaths in Alaska prisons over the past few months have prompted state legislators to seek answers. But at a hearing hosted by Senator Hollis French (D – Anchorage) on Tuesday in Anchorage, few questions were resolved. Download Audio

“Key Ingredients ” Highlights Local Foods

Eating is, by nature, a social activity. But these days, with the frenetic pace of American living and a disturbing reliance on fast food, it's hard to get the whole family together for a meal. Now a traveling Smithsonian exhibit at the Palmer Museum attempts to get people connected to their local foods, Recently, a sampling of old time Palmer colonists' recipes is helping to highlight the use of native grown produce.

Alaska Native Leader Don Wright Passes Away

Alaska Native leader Don Wright has died. He was 84 when he passed away at home on July 5. Download Audio

Ellis, Gara Ask DOT To Delay Demolition Of Two Anchorage Houses

A move by the state Department of Transportation to demolish two houses in an Anchorage neighborhood has become a political issue. Download Audio

Two Properties Up For Demolition To Make Way For KABATA

The state Department of Transportation has announced plans to demolish two Anchorage properties to make way for Knik Arm Bridge construction. Download Audio

Palmer Farm School Provides Local Food Education For Youngsters

A dozen or so five- and six-year-olds are playing a game in the shade of a gnarled apple tree. The game involves a frog and a detective, somehow. The kids all are enjoying themselves, shrieking and laughing. It's all part of a summer program at Spring Creek Farm. Download Audio