Talkeetna Historical Society trial delayed until June

The civil trial for the Talkeetna Historical Society versus Steve Van Troba was set to start yesterday. The courts have pushed the pre trial date to the second of June.

The suit originated in the summer of 2007 when Mr. Van Troba and the Historical Society got into a dispute concerning access to property.

Van Troba purchased land next to the Society property near Belle’s Barn.  He cleared a walking path that had been used for access through Historical Society property, built a driveway of sorts and began using it to unload his horse trailers.  To him, the issue is about traditional use access. The street through the Historical society property was platted but has never been used.  And,  Crain says its actually Borough property since the revised plat has not been approved.  He says the planning commission has granted an extension on approval of plat while the issue remains unresolved.

The Society tried to settle out of court and allow Van Troba access so he would have the ability load and unload his horse trailers.  Over a year ago, Society Board president Rich Crain said he thought the matter might be close to being settled, but matters heated up again and a court date was set.  The Historical Society Board will go back to the courthouse again June 2^nd.