Trooper Helicopter Picks Up Stranded ATVers near Petersville

On Tuesday, the Alaska State Troopers picked up two stranded Upper Valley residents in the Petersville area.

According to Troopers, Kricket Porter of Talkeetna placed a call around 11:30 on Monday night and stated that she and her boyfriend, Talkeetna resident Steven Schneider, were stuck in a swampy area of Oil Well Road.  They had reached the area by ATV, but were unable to drive it back out.  Porter and Schneider had set up a shelter for the night, as they were also unable to walk out of the area.  Porter told the Troopers she would check in periodically.

Around 6:00 on Tuesday morning, Troopers say that the couple had not been in contact, and an ATV that was dispatched to locate them was unable to negotiate the poor trail conditions.  A helicopter rescue was called for, and Troopers eventually found the couple, though not in their reported location.  Porter and Schneider were picked up by the search and rescue helicopter and returned to their home.  Troopers say both had minor injuries and declined medical attention.