KENAI — Six months after one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded rattled Japan in March of 2011, two Soldotna men were among the countless volunteers who felt a calling to help rebuild the shattered country.

Lucas Petersen and Taylor Jackson spent four weeks in Japan helping put the pieces back together one home at a time. They returned to Soldotna a couple of days before Christmas with a first-person glimpse of the damage that tore the country apart.

KENAI — Cheryl Romatz has developed a wide range of teaching styles during her 22 year tenure.

Whether she is singing and dancing with first-graders, or working algebra problems with sixth-graders, the goal is the same — to help students get back on track. It’s not just her job, it’s her passion and one students can relate to.

“It’s just so spectacular,” Romatz said. “It’s just absolutely energizing. Every day is phenomenal. I think I have the best job in the district honestly.”

KENAI — The large sockeye salmon run brought scores of Alaskan residents to the beaches of Kenai in order to access the dipnet personal use fisheries. Most of those who made the trip came away with their allotment of fish. However, the increased traffic took a toll on the beaches.

With a large amount of people in a confined area, there is a risk of environmental and social issues, Kenai Parks and Recreation Director Bob Frates said.

However, Frates explained that impact was not as substantial as some might think.