Ellen Lockyer, Alaska Public Media
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
Several fires plague Mat-Su over Memorial Day weekend
Three new fires in the Matanuska Susitna Borough were sparked over the long weekend. On Monday, fire crews were called out to two fires in the Palmer area. Despite the area being under a burn suspension, both of the fires were human caused on private land, when residents chose to burn debris piles. Forestry crews from Palmer responded to those fires, which were declared contained. Download Audio
Attorneys in Sockeye fire case ask for more time to prepare, granted
Attorneys for the two defendants in the Sockeye fire case have asked for more time from the court to prepare a case for trial. Download Audio
UA Coop Extension Services in Sitka and Anchorage set for closure
State budget cuts are hitting home. The Anchorage and Sitka offices of the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service are slated for closure by the end of October. UAF spokesperson Marmion Grimes said the closures reflect severe reductions in state funding.
Alaska corrections officer faces federal drug charges
A Goose Creek prison guard has been arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to distribute drugs in the correctional facility. The corrections officer faces federal charges. Download Audio
State educators adapt to new Every Student Succeeds Act
The state education department is seeking public input on a new plan to meet Alaska's unique education challenges. Under the new federal law, Every Student Succeeds Act, the state must design its own requirements to meet the standards under the new federal law.
Attorneys grow impatient in Sockeye Fire trial
It is almost one year since the Sockeye fire in Willow devastated over 7,000 acres of Southcentral Alaska and torched 55 homes. Download Audio
Mat-Su school board selects new superintendent
The Matanuska Susitna Borough school board has announced a replacement for outgoing school superintendent Deena Paramo. Download Audio
AK: Palmer, where the bison roam
A new honor for the American bison.. it's now an official national mammal. Download Audio
Water main break on Tudor and Old Seward diverts traffic
A water main break at a busy midtown Anchorage intersection has stalled traffic, and fouled city streets. Anchorage police are warning drivers to avoid the Tudor Road and Old Seward highway area until further notice, and the traffic snarl my continue into commute hours.
Secretary of Agriculture discusses wildfire season with regional forest officials
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with the nation's regional forest heads on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming wildfire season. This year is expected to be worse than average in the Southwest US, Alaska and Hawaii. Download Audio
Mat-Su pot moratorium stalls growth of cannabis industry
Three steps forward, two steps back.. Mat-Su's tangled marijuana regulations take another U turn.
Older Alaskans to feel budget axe
Alaska's elders face drastic budget cuts. Download Audio
Mat-Su Borough Assembly approves budget
Mat -Su Assembly sets mil rate, approves spending plan for next fiscal year.
Mat-Su school district faces $9 million deficit
Despite a $3 million appropriation from the Mat-Su Borough, the Borough's school district is millions in the red. Download Audio
Palmer meat plant up for sale
State funding may keep Mt. McKinley slaughterhous open another year, while details of a sale are worked out. Download Audio
Girdwood considers Trooper offer
State Trooper post in Girdwood could stay open.. if the price is right.
Borough ban angers cannabis council
A Mat-Su Borough ban on commercial marijuana enterprise is angering pot entrepreneurs.
Firefighters contain Sunrise wildfire north of Wasilla
The 30-acre Sunrise wildfire north of Wasilla is now 100% contained. Mop-up operations are underway, according to state fire information officer Norm McDonald. About 30 firefighters are on the job and will remain there through the night.
Fatal plane struck eagle before crash
New evidence indicates a plane that crashed April 20 near Birchwood hit a bald eagle. Four died in the accident. Download Audio