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

Reward Offered For Stolen Artwork

A 14-foot-long dinosaur sculpture affectionately called Bertie is missing from the Matanuska Valley museum The artwork was stolen from the museum during a break-in this summer and it’s owners want it back. No questions asked. Download Audio

Despite Fewer Small Plane Crashes, 2013 Yields More Fatalities

A rash of small plane crashes late this summer in Alaska has pushed the number of crash related fatalities past last year’s total, according to National Transportation Safety Board Alaska Region chief Clint Johnson. Download Audio

Emergency Dispatch Consolidation Plan For Mat Su

Two emergency dispatch centers in the Matanuska Susitna Borough are one too many, according to findings of a feasibility study released to the Borough Assembly at its last meeting. As Although a plan to consolidate Palmer and Wasilla's 911 emergency call centers is gaining favor in the Borough, critics say the merger will only hamper state law enforcement capabilities. Download Audio

Coal Development Spurs Protest

Numerous coal development projects are slated for lands in the Matanuska Valley that are owned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust. Some Anchorage and Valley residents are concerned about mercury poisoning linked to coal development, and on Wednesday, they aired their concerns before the board of directors of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. Download Audio

Report Links Rapid Borough Development to Low Mat-Su Salmon Returns

Causes for the Matanuska Valley's poor salmon runs – usually blamed on Cook Inlet commercial harvesters – are getting another look. New evidence links the diminishing runs to habitat degradation caused by rapid development within the Matanuska Susitna Borough.

No Flood Danger Predicted For Matanuska, Susitna Rivers

The National Weather Service is predicting another shot of rain for Southcentral Alaska through Wednesday, due to low pressure moving in from the Bering Sea coast, but there is no flood danger expected at this time.

Lawmakers Tour Valley Farms

On a farm in Palmer, the sweet taste of summer can be found in an acre of plump, big -as- your -fist strawberries that are destined for sale at farmer's markets. As KSKA's Ellen Lockyer reports, a recent tour of Matanuska Valley farms is helping state legislators get in touch with Alaska's agricultural potential.

Lawmakers View Valley Farms

The very word "Alaska" is synonymous with wintery snow and ice although on one Palmer farm, the sweet taste of summer can be found in an acre of plump, big -as- your -fist strawberries that are destined for sale at farmer's markets. As KSKA's Ellen Lockyer reports, a recent tour of Matanuska Valley farms is helping state legislators get in touch with Alaska's agricultural potential. Listen Now

Federal Fraud Charges Against Valley Dairy Co-Owner

A Wasilla woman is under federal indictment for fraud in connection with Valley Dairy, Inc., which did business as the now-defunct Matanuska Creamery.

Wasilla Woman Indicted For Fraud

A Wasilla woman is under federal indictment for fraud in connection with Valley Dairy, Inc., which did business as the now-defunct Matanuska Creamery. Karen Olson, who managed the Matanuska Creamery in Palmer, has been charged with defrauding the state of Alaska and with making false statements to the federal Department of Agriculture.

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State Fair Opens in Palmer

Soggy skies did little to dampen enthusiasm on the first day of the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on Thursday. Listen for Full Story

Matsu Ferry Could Be Dry-Docked

The Matanuska Susitna Borough is working on a plan to dry-dock the ferry Susitna in Cook Inlet. But the move would cost the borough more than one million dollars. Listen Now

Judge Suspends Controversial Union Ordinance

A state Superior Court judge has sided with Municipality of Anchorage employee's unions in a dispute over a city labor law. Judge Eric Aarseth heard arguments from union and city attorneys yesterday, and made his decision from the bench only minutes after their conclusion. Listen for Full Story

Valley Ag Center Boosts Seed Research

Pioneer Mountain looms over a small, anonymous white building tucked away on Palmer's Bodenberg Loop. Although the mountain and surrounding fields seem to dwarf the tiny structure, the research going on inside it could have gigantic implications for agriculture in the Matansuska Valley. Download Audio

Anchorage Committee Exploring Possible Olympic Bid

A committee has been organized in Anchorage to explore the possibility of the city hosting the Olympics in 2026. Mayor Dan Sullivan will lead the Anchorage Olympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee. Download Audio

Details Released On Seward Prison Disturbance

Alaska Department of Corrections officials say a disturbance at Seward’s Spring Creek Correctional Center on Monday night began when inmates were ordered to make beds and clean rooms. Download Audio

AHFC Head Dan Fauske Steps Down

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation executive director Dan Fauske is stepping down. AHFC’s board announced Wednesday that Fauske resigned his post. In a statement released to the press, AHFC’s board chair Frank Roppel says the resignation was not unexpected, and has been accepted. Download Audio

Borough Mayor’s Communications To Redistricting Board Draws Criticism

A Matanuska Susitna Borough Assemblymember is criticizing the Borough mayor's communication with the state Redistricting Board. As KSKA's Ellen Lockyer reports, the matter made sparks fly at Tuesday nights 's Assembly meeting. Download Audio

Details Sparse For Spring Creek Prison Incident

The state Department of Corrections is reacting to what is described as a “disturbance” at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward late Monday night. Details about the incident at the state’s maximum security prison are sketchy. Download Audio

Teen Rescued After Sustaining Injury On Float Trip

A 17-year-old boy was rescued by Alaska Air National Guardsmen on Monday. The teen, who suffered a leg injury while on a float trip down the Gulkana River, was picked up after the 11th Air Force Rescue Center at JBER received distress signals from a personal locater beacon and a SPOT beacon before 6 p.m. Monday night. Download Audio