Kevin Shutty, currently serving as a Mason County Commissioner, has chosen not to run for another term, instead taking a job as the new Executive Director of the Mason County Economic Development Council (EDC), starting May 1st. On his first day, Jeff Slakey and Kevin talk about his decision to apply for the EDC job and his experience in community …

Wyeth Jessee, the superintendent of the Shelton School District, talks with Jeff Slakey about the district. They talk about the football coach's recent resignation, emphasizing the district's commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments. Jesse highlights efforts to improve attendance and address mental health concerns among students. He a…

Students from Shelton High School's theater class discuss the upcoming performance of Mean Girls. They discuss the excitement of bringing the popular movie and Broadway show to the SHS stage, the camaraderie among the cast and crew, and the dedication to this performance and the other performances during the school year.…

Mason County Master Gardeners Tessa Halloran and Christy Rowe talk with Jeff Slakey about the upcoming plant sale organized by the Master Gardeners of Mason County. They highlight the variety of plants available, including tomatoes, herbs, perennials, and native plants, as well as educational opportunities such as soil screenings and workshops. The…

Deb Seymour, described as "Joni Mitchell meets Lucille Ball," discusses her upcoming performance at St. Germain's in Hoodsport for the Tall Timbers Concert Series on April 27th, 2024 at 4pm. She shares insights into her musical career and more, including her thoughts on the Pluto, and her album "Blame it on the Dog." Deb's music blends folk with hu…

Jeff Slakey and Shelton Mayor Eric Onisko discuss the situation with Post Office Park, owned by the U.S. government. Negotiations between the city and the US Post Office have been ongoing since 2018 to work out some kind of deal concerning the property and the long-term 20-year lease. The post office recently announced to the city its current inten…

Jeff Slakey interviews Barb Hubbard and PJ Hopkins from the Harstine Island Theatre Club about their recent performance and upcoming auditions for "You Have the Right to Remain Dead." Barb reflects on her past theater experiences, while PJ details the auditions, emphasizing inclusivity and fun. They discuss the schedule and nature of the auditions …

Jeff Slakey interviews Joe Alessi at the Timberland Regional Library's pop-up location on Harstine Island. Joe discusses the significance of the pop-up library for rural communities, offering access to books and resources closer to home. He describes the process of selecting library materials based on community feedback and introduces innovative le…

Mason County Search and Rescue is a dedicated 501c3 organization that helps people in their time of need. Jeff talked with some of their volunteers who all undergo extensive training and put in countless hours to assist in search and rescue missions. Despite being donor-funded and volunteer-driven, they collaborate with various agencies and organiz…

Shelton City Manager Mark Ziegler discussed the recent resignation of Council Member Joe Schmit and the process for filling the vacant seat. Ziegler thanked Schmit for his strategic thinking and dedication to the community. He emphasized the importance of finding a new council member with a passion for Shelton and the ability to learn on the job. Z…

Executive Director Cheryl Heywood from the Timberland Regional Library System talks with Jeff Slakey in front of the SS Jolly Reader, a 26-foot structure at the Shelton Timberland Library aimed at creating a youth area for reading and socializing. Cheryl highlights the importance of providing safe spaces for children and families, especially after …

Curtis and Loretta, performers for the St. Germain's Tall Timbers Concert Series, discuss their upcoming show on April 13th. They reflect on their extensive touring experience as folk musicians, sharing anecdotes about their meeting in Santa Cruz and their subsequent musical journey spanning 47 years. They discuss their latest record, "Lift the Wor…

The United Way of Mason County Spring Dessert and Gift Auction is coming up on May 10th from Noon - 2 PM at the Shelton Civic Center on Cota St. Executive Director Ted Jackson, Board President Dan Teuteberg, and VP Amber Trail highlight the event's purpose of raising funds for projects in the community. They emphasize the importance of community su…

Larry Murante, a singer-songwriter with a diverse musical background, discusses his upcoming Tall Timbers performance at St. Germain's in Hoodsport on Saturday, March 23rd. He shares insights into his musical journey, influenced by iconic artists like James Taylor, and his upbringing near the Martin Guitar factory. Larry also talks about his tourin…

Kim Morris talks about the youth talent show auditions organized by the Armstrong Community Outreach Foundation. Auditions will take place at Faith Lutheran at 1212 Connection Street in Shelton on Friday, March 22, from 4 to 7. Those involved will participate in the Candyland Youth Festival on April 20 at the South Mason Youth Soccer Fields on John…

A conversation with Kamie Sawtell, a Re/MAX agent in Shelton, discussing the recent news about the traditional 6% commission possibly being eliminated after a settlement was reached between the National Association of Realtors and groups of home sellers. Kamie explains the potential impact and reasons behind this change, emphasizing the need for tr…

Karen Hilburn, Founder of the Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund, discusses the upcoming Denim and Diamonds Dinner Auction, marking the fund's 20th year in operation. Karen highlights the fund's impact, assisting over 600 women with mammograms and other medical needs. She also emphasizes the community's support and invites participation in the event, featur…

The next Community Comedy Open Mic night is Tuesday, March 19th at the El Sarape Cantina in downtown Shelton, organized by Claudia Suastegui. Despite not considering herself a comedian...Claudia's passion for storytelling led her to create a supportive environment for anyone wanting to share their stories through stand-up comedy. The event welcomes…

Sunday marks St. Patrick's Day, coinciding with the St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl, offering an opportunity to eat, drink, and be Irish. Jeff Slakey talks with Nikki Boad about the event, which starts at Wilde Irish and entails a swag bag pick-up followed by a self-paced crawl across ten other establishments in Shelton. Transportation is available, with…

State Senator Drew McEwen discusses the recently concluded legislative session, expressing dissatisfaction with House Bill 1589 related to Puget Sound Energy's shift away from natural gas. He highlights issues with the bill, including expedited rate increases for consumers before new generating systems come online. McEwen criticizes the rushed poli…

A conversation discussing Shelton Junior Programs, a nonprofit organization that has been bringing live theater to local elementary students for 23 years. Jo Ewart, a member since 2008, explains that the program presents two plays each year for different grade levels, fulfilling Washington State's Arts Education requirements. The upcoming performan…

FC Olympia's owner, Ryan Perkins, discusses the recent merger with Lacey Lights, forming another semi-pro soccer team under FC Olympia. The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for local athletes and enhance the soccer community in Thurston County. Additionally, Perkins announces season tickets for the upcoming USL league at an affordable pr…

Shelton High School is hosting the Bite of Reality Fair, an event organized by Peninsula Credit Union to educate high school seniors about financial responsibility. The fair utilizes an app-based simulation where students receive a job, salary, and must make budgetary decisions regarding housing, transportation, and other expenses. The program aims…

U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer discusses the looming threat of a government shutdown and attributes it to some members of the House Republican Conference wanting to inject cultural issues into spending bills. Kilmer emphasizes the avoidability of a shutdown if these issues are kept separate. He also touches on the challenges of the current Congress,…

Representative Dan Griffey discusses the urgent issue of fentanyl in the community. He emphasizes the severity of the situation, calling it a "poison" affecting all communities, and expresses his concern about federal agencies' effectiveness in addressing the problem. Griffey proposes declaring a state of emergency to mobilize state agencies, such …

Senator Drew McEwen discusses ongoing budget discussions in the state legislature. He's particularly focused on the $3 billion surplus and concerns about the House's proposal, which includes a controversial $200 rebate tied to voting down a carbon tax initiative. Senator McEwen expresses disappointment in this approach, emphasizing his hope for its…

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee discusses various updates in the district, emphasizing the ongoing implementation of their strategic plan focusing on literacy, college and career readiness, and safe and welcoming environments. He highlights the unique role of Choice High School, providing a family therapeutic setting with additi…

Representative Travis Couture discusses the ongoing legislative session and the focus on budget allocation in the state. There is mention of a $3 billion surplus in the supplemental budget, with discussions around how to spend it strategically. Representative Couture emphasizes the importance of prioritization in budgeting, expressing concerns abou…

Representative Dan Griffey discusses the recently released supplemental budget proposals by House Democrats and Senate Republicans. Griffey expresses concern about the $3 billion spending in the budget, emphasizing the missed opportunity to address underfunding in K-12 education and special education. He highlights specific initiatives in the 35th …

35th District Representative Travis Couture and Jeff Slakey continue discussing this legislative session. They delve into House Bill 2001, which grants the state Supreme Court and the governor decision power on commuting sentences for felons, focusing on recalculating sentences to potentially release individuals from prison early. The bill narrowly…

State Senator Drew McEwen and Jeff Slakey discuss Senate Bill 5770, a property tax measure. According to Senator McEwen, the bill proposes allowing local governments to exceed the 1% property tax cap, established by voters and the legislature a decade ago, by tripling it to 3%. Moreover, the bill permits local governments to bank the unused increas…

Jeff Slakey and Mason County Republican Chair Melissa Upson discuss the ongoing election season. The focus then shifts to the upcoming Mason County Republican County convention this weekend, with Brad Klippert running to lead OSPI as a featured speaker. Chair Melissa Upson provides insights into the convention process, detailing how delegates elect…

Mason County Republicans Party Chair Melissa Upson talks about the Mason County Republicans county convention this week and what the landscape looks like for 2024.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

In this radio interview, Mason County Auditor Steve Duenkel discusses recent changes in the Mason County Auditor's Office, including relocating operations to create more space for ballot processing and election observers. Duenkel outlines the busy election year ahead, with five elections scheduled, including a special election in February and the M…

In this radio interview, 35th District Representative Travis Couture discusses legislative efforts to address concerns about littering, graffiti, and illegal dumping, highlighting the importance of instilling pride in the community. The conversation also delves into mental health issues, with Couture emphasizing the need for self-care, particularly…

In this radio interview, 35th District Representative Dan Griffey discusses the ongoing challenges in Fire District 12 in Mason County, emphasizing the two-year-long federal investigations and the resultant lack of trust in emergency services. Griffey provides updates on misleading information in the media and expresses the need for local involveme…

The Love INC. Annual Benefit Concert & Dessert Auction is coming up on February 3, at 4:30 pm. Tickets are available now and at the door. Suggested Donation $20 and will be at the Shelton Presbyterian Church located at 1430 E Shelton Springs Road. Board Member Dan Partridge talks with Jeff Slakey about the event in this conversation.…

With a bond vote upcoming for the Hood Canal School District, Superintendent Lance Gibbon talked with Jeff Slakey on what it's going for, how it can help Hood Canal and SouthSide School District and more in this conversation.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

Oly Town Artesians owner Ryan Perkins talks with Jeff Slakey about the final few home games of the season at "The Ice Box" at the Pavillion at Evergreen State College. Oly Town has been playing there for 10 years, and it has seen some great matches. There is a lot to look forward to for the future of Oly Town, and Ryan talks about some of the plans…

35th District Representative Dan Griffey talk about Public Safety and Housing with conversations on crime, lack of housing, efforts for mental health help.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

Mary M. Knight school has a Levy vote on the Feb 13 ballot in Mason County. Superintendent Matt Mallory talks about how it would benefit the school district and the students.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

Jeff Slakey talks with Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling about some of the crimes happening in the county, bills/initiatives going through the Legislature this session, Hood Canal Lions Polar Plunge, and more.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

Washington State Senator Drew MacEwen talks about hearing initiatives signed by the citizens, specifically regarding the Climate Control Act, in this week's conversation.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

35th District Representative Travis Couture talks about the response to his fentanyl bill and the Belfair Bypass in this week's conversation.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

35th District Representative Dan Griffey talks about police pursuits and a sexual strangulation bill in this weeks conversation.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

The other day, we got a call from someone pretending to be a Sergeant from the Mason County Sheriff's Office. It was (at first) pretty believable since the caller had bits and pieces of information that would make this sound legit. Little did the caller know that we're friendly with Sheriff Spurling, so we were able to poke some holes in the story.…

The 2024 Washington Legislative session kicked off recently, and KMAS has great access to the legislators in the 35th District. State Senator Drew MacEwen talks about this session's priorities, Cap & Trade, and a bill he introduced following the protest that shut down Interstate 5 for multiple hours.…

The 2024 Washington Legislative session kicked off recently, and KMAS has great access to the legislators in the 35th District. Representative Travis Couture talks about fentanyl, special education and holocaust education in our first conversation of the session.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

The 2024 Washington Legislative session kicked off recently, and KMAS has great access to the legislators in the 35th District. Representative Dan Griffey talks about public safety, property rights, and retail theft in this first conversation of the year.By Rachel Hansen, Jeff Slakey

Mason Health recently worked with Performance Excellence Northwest to ensure they are working towards the best practices possible for their patients and staff. Through the work they completed, they will be receiving the Mt. Ranier Award at an upcoming ceremony. https://www.performanceexcellencenw.org/…