The National Park Service was able to release the name of the man killed in an ice fall avalanche in Denali National Park on Thursday.  Chris Lackey, age 39, from Houston, Texas was with one of two guided climbing parties that were camped overnight on the Root Canal landing area to the south of the infamous Moose’s Tooth.  A large serac collapsed and sent a violent jumble of ice down the mountain.  Both camps were buried in debris and everyone was thrown from their tents.  The 4 uninjured climbers tended to Lackey until evacuation by helicopter was possible.  While being transported, rangers determined Lackey had died from his injuries.  The NPS helicopter flew him to Talkeetna and returned to evacuate the surviving climbers, who had all lost their gear, tents and extra clothing.  For more on this story, see the other related headlines on our website.

-Ice fall near Ruth Glacier kills climber. (4/29)

-Climber dies in Alaska Range avalanche. (4/28)

An ice avalanche killed a climber near the Ruth Gorge in the Alaska Range early Thursday morning.  The climber was on a guided climb and another guided party was caught up in the avalanche as well.  The guiding companies involved in the accident and those that climb on the Ruth Glacier on a regular basis are talking about  the unpredictable event and wonder what could have been done differently.  Sue Deyoe has more the accident:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The Mat Su Borough approved roof repairs for the Trapper Creek elementary school last year and they asked the state for funds.  By June of 2010, the Borough received word that the project had survived the Governor’s veto pen. $110,000 was allocated to the repair project. (more…)

aired wed. (4/27) – Talkeetna Fire Department and Rescue and Alaska state troopers responded to a single car accident along the Talkeetna Spur Road this morning (4/27).

According to Fire Chief Ken Farina, the southbound car struck the guard rail at the bottom of the hill at Answer Creek and traveled part way up the hill before coming to a stop.

The driver, William Helser the 3^rd, age 30, was not injured. He was the only one in the car at the time. He was arrested on a driving under the influence charge..

Traffic was slowed slightly due to emergency vehicles.  Farina said their main role in the accident was traffic control to get motorists safely past the accident.

The Build a Plane project has grown wings since last summer when it was introduced as an idea for students to learn more about the aviation industry in Talkeetna.  The project may be the biggest volunteer effort Talkeetna has seen in years.  Sue Deyoe was at their recent project evening and has more on the project.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

KTNA’s morning news, weather forecast, Denali echos, announcements for April 28th. Host is Sue Deyoe. Headlines – Climber dies in Alaska Range; Couple indicted on felony charges; Build a Plane project holds open house May 14th.  16 min.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Talkeetna Elementary School teacher Bruce Hamler and retired college professor Ed Craver have been mentoring 6th grade writers since December. Several of those writers have written poetry. In honor of National Poetry Month, these poets, Mr. Hamler, Mr. Craver and Talkeetna Elementary School shared their work with KTNA. Press play below to hear an interview with Ed Craver and the works of five young poets.

-

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(more…)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

An avalanche claimed the life of one male climber near the Ruth Gorge on the Denali massif early Thursday. (more…)

The jackpot for the Nenana ice classic has hit a record high.  This year’s amount is over $338,000.  The amount was announced at the Ice classic’s board of directors meeting. (more…)