Mary Donaldson/KMXT Chef Joel Chenet was in California last week promoting wild Alaska Seafood. Mary Donaldson has more.

Mary Donaldson/KMXT The worldwide shortage of rice has caused panics and riots in some countries and even forced stores in Anchorage to limit purchases. Now, it is causing some stores in Kodiak to institute rationing. Mary Donaldson has more.

Sunshine greeted the crowds at the 50th annual Kodiak Crab Festival, which opened today at noon. KMXT’s Casey Kelly was there and has this report. (Photo by Casey Kelly/KMXT).

Port Lions teacher Eli Derenoff instructs carpentry students Jeremy Kewan and Brandon Bartelson atop a 12 x 16 foot shed the class is building for a local resident. Port Lions students have built two sheds this school year. (Photo by Casey Kelly/KMXT).

Mary Donaldson/KMXT Nearly one-year-ago, two trekkers began a 4,000 mile long journey from Seattle, Washington, en route to False Pass in the Aleutian Islands. Now in Chignik Lagoon, Erin McKittrick and her husband Bretwood “Hig” Higwood are close to the end of their trip. Mary Donaldson has more.

Mary Donaldson/KMXT High school senior Laura Ranney is just 18-years-old, and is already involved in Alaska politics. Ranney will be heading to Palmer this weekend to participate in the Alaska Democratic Convention. Mary Donaldson had the chance sit down with her and talk to her about what it’s like to be one of the youngest delegates for the convention. ###

Mary Donaldson/KMXT It’s taken years of preparation, but Alutiiq treasures have made their way back to Kodiak and will be on display at the Alutiiq Museum later this week. Mary Donaldson has more.

Anne Hillman/KIAL The Alaska Marine Highway’s ferry Tustumena has connected remote villages with the rest of the state since 1964. Its southwestern route runs from Kodiak to Dutch Harbor and provides the most affordable form of transportation within the region. But as Anne Hillman found out, it’s more than just a cheap ride, it’s a community builder.

Mary Donaldson/KMXT The Blood Bank of Alaska will be parking its blood-mobile in Kodiak starting today (Tuesday). They are taking blood donations from interested donors throughout this week and over Memorial Day weekend.

Casey Kelly/KMXT The first village graduations were held Friday in Port Lions and Ouzinkie. Here Ouzinkie students queue up for the procession. Three pre-schoolers, three kindergarteners, an eighth grader, and two high school seniors celebrated graduation in Ouzinkie. (Photo Casey Kelly/KMXT) The villages of Port Lions and Ouzinkie celebrated graduations on Friday. KMXT’s Casey Kelly was there, and filed this …