Occassional Talkeetna resident Vern Tejas holds the world’s seven summit record, but it is now being challenged by a former rugby star from Wales.   A 33-year-old man has put Denali, as well as the North and South Pole, on his list of quests to successfully climb the world’s seven summits in seven months. Tejas owns the record for completing the world’s seven summits in a record 136 days, but that record doesn’t include the 2 poles. (more…)

(aired thurs.) The climbing team of Artur Testov  and Christine Feret are unsure of their next move in their attempt to successfully summit Denali in winter. (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather, announcements and Denali Echoes, with Will Peterson. Local news headlines: Talkeetna Historical Society needs board members; Legislation introduced to clear right of way through Denali National Park for in-state gas pipeline.

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The Alaska delegation introduced legislation to Congress that would clear the way for an in-state, natural gas pipeline to be built along the Parks Highway. The bill is aimed to authorize a right-of-way along the highway and also through a small portion of the Denali National Park. (more…)

A small hydro project proposed to power the Kantishna Roadhouse garnered support from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich. The Senators introduced legislation that would give the green light to the construction of the hydro plant inside the non-wilderness part of Denali National Park. (more…)

Two climbers set out of Friday morning to attempt a winter ascent of Mt. McKinley. The climbers are French-born Palmer resident Christine Feret and Russian climber Artur Testov. Feret is trying to become the first woman to succeed climbing Denali in winter. (more…)

A deadline to apply for research fellowships in the Denali National Park and other national parks in Alaska is coming up. (more…)

For the better part of January, mountaineering aficionados kept an eye on the progress of Minnesota climber Lonnie Dupre who tried to summit Mount McKinley solo and set out to do so on January 7. But Mother Nature in form of 100 mph winds forced Dupre’s retreat and he decided today  to retreat to basecamp. Diana Haecker spoke with Dupre and has this report.

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KTNA’s local news, announcements, weather and Denali Echoes, hosted by Trisha Costello. Local news headlines: Man killed in Trapper Creek shooting; Weather slows Lonnie Dupre’s progress on Mt. McKinley. (16 min.)

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