Podcast
KMAS Radio
Hosted by Jeff Slakey · EN
Long-form interviews and conversations from Mason County, Washington. Host Jeff Slakey sits down with local leaders, legislators, small business owners, and community voices for unhurried conversations about what's shaping the Hood Canal region — government, education, healthcare, the outdoors, and the people making a difference.
New episodes drop throughout the week. For daily local headlines, subscribe to KMAS Morning News with Jeff Slakey.
32episodes
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National Night Out 2025: Mason County First Responders Gear Up for August 4th
6d ago00:07:17Tap to summarizeNational Night Out is back in Mason County and this year, more agencies than ever are coming together. Jeff Slakey sits down with leaders from South Mason Fire, North Mason Fire, Central Mason Fire & EMS, the Mason County Sheriff's Office, and Shelton Police to talk about what's planned for August 4th, 5–8 PM, all across the county.From block parties and bucket brigades to a fire-vs.-police spicy wing trivia challenge and an egg drop from the top of a 58-foot fire ladder, this year's National Night Out has something for every age. But beyond the festivities, the conversation gets to the heart of why this event matters: building relationships with law enforcement and first responders before an emergency happens, so that when help is needed, neighbors and responders are already partners.Shelton's new Chief of Police, Dan Patton, shares a story about why community trust is the foundation of effective public safety. You'll also hear from Abe Gardner (North Mason Fire), Amber Anderson (South Mason Fire), Keith Reitz (Central Mason Fire), and Deputy Matt Colbenson from the Sheriff's office.West Mason Fire and the Skokomish Tribe are also part of the night, Chief Welander stopped by before getting called out.#NationalNightOut #NNO2025 #Shelton #MasonCounty #FocusOnShelton #KMAS #SheltonWA #HoodCanal #FirstResponders #SheltonPolice #MasonCountySheriff #SouthMasonFire #NorthMasonFire #CentralMasonFire #WestMasonFire #CommunityPolicing #PublicSafety #WashingtonState
Transcribe →Free Summer Camp Returns to Shelton - Kids Camp at Shelton Presbyterian Church
1w ago00:03:03Tap to summarizeEvery summer, Shelton Presbyterian Church opens its doors to the whole community for Kids Camp, a free, week-long vacation Bible study program that's been running for nearly two decades. In this conversation, Jeff Slakey sits down with Eileen Bailey to talk about what makes Kids Camp special: free admission, daily activities including crafts, games, cooking and woodworking, lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt for every camper.This year's theme is "Follow God with Your Whole Heart", the story of David. Kids from pre-K through sixth grade are welcome, and you don't have to be a member of the church or even from Shelton. If grandkids are visiting for the week, this is a great option. Sixth graders can also participate in a drama program that culminates in a Sunday performance for families.Camp runs July 7–10, 9 AM to 1 PM at Shelton Presbyterian Church on Shelton Springs Road. Registration is still open, call 360-432-8696. Kids Camp Sunday is July 12, with a 10 AM service and a barbecue and games to follow.
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Shelton Pride's Party in the Park: Rainbow Extravaganza at Kneeland Park
2w ago00:04:19Tap to summarizeJeff Slakey sits down with Fae from Shelton Pride to talk about Party in the Park, a free, family-friendly event at Kneeland Park on Friday, June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. Expect collaborative art booths, face painting, balloon animals, a short pride parade (ADA accessible), and a costume contest with the theme Rainbow Extravaganza. Every entrant gets a prize. Top three in each age category get special awards. Fae also reflects on the community compassion mural at the Shelton Civic Center, the significance of the proclamation vote, and what it means for the Shelton Pride Group.
Transcribe →Inside Hoodstock 2026: Floating Concert, Vendor Village & Community Giving | Union WA
2w ago00:14:38Tap to summarizeHoodstock is back — and bigger than ever. Jeff Slakey heads to the Robin Hood Resort in Union, Washington to sit down with the Hoodstock organizing committee ahead of the August 14–15 weekend on Hood Canal.Last year, Hoodstock raised $50,000 for the Salmon Center and Hood Canal School — including funding that helped bring music educator Chris Eakes into the school full-time. This year, organizers are renewing that commitment, with added urgency: the Salmon Center has lost some of its educational funding, and Hoodstock donors are stepping in.On the water, expect over 400 boats — including eight yachts from the Shelton Yacht Club making a two-day trip up the canal. The water concert runs noon to 5 PM, with DJ Mixtris keeping the crowd going between sets, Santa Poco bringing Latin-country flavor, Georgetown Orbits in the middle, and Petty Thief — widely considered one of the best Tom Petty tribute bands on the West Coast — closing out the day.At the Robin Hood Resort in Union, the event features a vendor village with 25+ local artisans and crafters, a beer garden, food trucks with Filipino, Latino, seafood, and Italian ice options, and free shuttle service from Union Fire Hall and the church. Daytime events are free and family-friendly. Evening shows (Friday and Saturday nights) are ticketed at $30 for ages 21 and over.Friday evening lineup: Moon Music, Champagne Sunday, Five Guys and a Flute. Saturday afternoon: Katie Wade, Norman Baker, Queen of Hearts, Dakota Poorman, Stacey Jones Band. Saturday evening: Stephanie Ann Johnson and James Berkeley Band.Before the main weekend, don't miss the Hoodstock fundraiser dinner on August 8th at Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club — celebrating the women of Hood Canal music, featuring local musicians and headliner Kate Dinsmore with her full band.Flags and posters are available at the Union Country Store, Union City Market, Canal Side in Hoodsport, Summer Tides on the North Shore, and May Mobile Marine in Belfair (now offering boat rentals — call ahead).Mason County Sheriff's Marine Patrol will be on the water. Water concert hours: 12 PM–5 PM.#Hoodstock2026 #HoodCanal #MasonCounty #SheltonWA #UnionWA #HoodCanalMusic #FocusOnShelton #KMASRadio #PacificNorthwest #LiveMusicWA #PettyThief #HoodCanalSchool #SalmonCenter #RobinHoodResort #FloatingConcert #WashingtonMusic
Transcribe →Shelton's Next 3–5 Years: City Manager Mark Ziegler on Growth, Walkability & Your Voice in the Plan
3w ago00:17:08Tap to summarizeShelton is growing, and the city wants to make sure the community has a voice in what that looks like. City Manager Mark Ziegler joins Jeff Slakey on Focus on Shelton to break down the strategic planning work underway at City Hall, what the City Council identified as Shelton's strengths and challenges, and how residents can weigh in at a public open house on June 23rd at Shelton's Civic Center.They cover the full picture: new housing developments near Olympic College, water infrastructure and storage capacity, walkability standards being built into new subdivisions, the former Simpson Railroad corridor as a potential crosstown trail, and the tension between preserving Shelton's small-town character while meeting the demands of a growing population.Ziegler also addresses head-on the question every listener is thinking: how do we make sure this plan doesn't just sit on a shelf? His answer; KPIs, check-ins, budget accountability, and a city manager who considers it his personal job to make it stick, is worth the listen.📅 PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE: Monday, June 23rd | 5–7 PM | Shelton Civic CenterNo registration required. Drop in and talk directly with city staff about the five draft strategic initiatives.Focus on Shelton is produced by KMAS Radio and sponsored by Peninsula Credit Union.Chapter Markers0:00 — Introduction: City Manager Mark Ziegler at Shelton City Hall0:23 — Strategic planning retreats and the focus question1:27 — Growth is at Shelton's doorstep: what the council agreed on2:33 — SWOT analysis: strengths, infrastructure, water storage challenge4:51 — Revenue diversification and transportation investments6:19 — Will this plan just sit on a shelf? KPIs and accountability8:12 — PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE: June 23rd, 5–7 PM — how to participate9:18 — How the strategic plan flows to city departments10:37 — Shelton on the rise: growth trends from both sides of Seattle11:33 — Preserving small-town character while welcoming new residents13:07 — City limits, the 98584 zip code, and who counts as a constituent14:21 — Development standards: park requirements, walkability, and livable neighborhoods15:33 — Simpson Railroad trail, Neyland Park, water supply, and police staffing16:22 — Event reminder and closing#SheltonWA #FocusOnShelton #MasonCountyWA #SheltonStrategicPlan #CityOfShelton #SheltonGrowth #KMASRadio #MasonCounty #HoodCanalWA #SheltonCommunity #WashingtonState #SmallTownWA #PacificNorthwest #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement #PublicInput
Transcribe →Shelton's Next 3–5 Years: City Manager Mark Ziegler on Growth, Walkability & Your Voice in the Plan
3w ago00:17:08Tap to summarizeShelton is growing, and the city wants to make sure the community has a voice in what that looks like. City Manager Mark Ziegler joins Jeff Slakey on Focus on Shelton to break down the strategic planning work underway at City Hall, what the City Council identified as Shelton's strengths and challenges, and how residents can weigh in at a public open house on June 23rd at Shelton's Civic Center.They cover what the council worked on like, new housing developments near Olympic College, water infrastructure and storage capacity, walkability standards being built into new subdivisions, the former Simpson Railroad corridor as a potential crosstown trail, and the tension between preserving Shelton's small-town character while meeting the demands of a growing population.Ziegler also addresses the question that comes up with these types of studies: how does the city make sure this plan doesn't just sit on a shelf? 📅 PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE: Monday, June 23rd | 5–7 PM | Shelton Civic CenterNo registration required. Drop in and talk directly with city staff about the five draft strategic initiatives.Focus on Shelton is produced by KMAS Radio and sponsored by Peninsula Credit Union.Chapter Markers0:00 — Introduction: City Manager Mark Ziegler at Shelton City Hall0:23 — Strategic planning retreats and the focus question1:27 — Growth is at Shelton's doorstep: what the council agreed on2:33 — SWOT analysis: strengths, infrastructure, water storage challenge4:51 — Revenue diversification and transportation investments6:19 — Will this plan just sit on a shelf? KPIs and accountability8:12 — PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE: June 23rd, 5–7 PM — how to participate9:18 — How the strategic plan flows to city departments10:37 — Shelton on the rise: growth trends from both sides of Seattle11:33 — Preserving small-town character while welcoming new residents13:07 — City limits, the 98584 zip code, and who counts as a constituent14:21 — Development standards: park requirements, walkability, and livable neighborhoods15:33 — Simpson Railroad trail, Neyland Park, water supply, and police staffing16:22 — Event reminder and closing#SheltonWA #FocusOnShelton #MasonCountyWA #SheltonStrategicPlan #CityOfShelton #SheltonGrowth #KMASRadio #MasonCounty #HoodCanalWA #SheltonCommunity #WashingtonState #SmallTownWA #PacificNorthwest #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement #PublicInput
Transcribe →Whitworth Graduate Isaac Dorcy Composes Paul Bunyan Brass Quintet | Shelton WA
3w ago00:08:36Tap to summarizeIf you check out this week's Shelton Mason County Journal, you will see Isaac Dorcy on the front page. Isaac just graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane with a degree in music composition, and for his senior recital, he composed an original piece for brass quintet called "Ode to Paul Bunyan."The piece is rooted in Pacific Northwest Paul Bunyan lore, including the first-ever Paul Bunyan storybook set in the Pacific Northwest, written by James Stevens in 1925. Isaac pulled one quote per movement to shape each section of the music, which takes listeners from the wintry first meeting of Paul and Babe the Blue Ox, through a bluegrass-inflected forest section complete with performers stomping their feet for a hoedown feel, into a somber stretch, and finally a joyous resolution.🎺 Listen to "Ode to Paul Bunyan" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WA7jq2NpzRY#SheltonWA #MasonCounty #FocusOnShelton #KMASRadio #PaulBunyan #ForestFestival #PacificNorthwest #LocalMusic #BrassQuintet #HoodCanal #WashingtonState #SheltonMasonCountyJournal #WhitworthUniversity #MusicComposition #PNWHistory
Transcribe →"Too Many Kids Land on a Couch" — Shelton Superintendent on What's Next After Graduation
4w ago00:33:19Tap to summarizeShelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for an end-of-year conversation covering what families in Mason County and need to know about local education heading into summer.This week: the Class of 2025 earned nearly half a million dollars in scholarships. Third-grade reading scores have doubled in four years. And the district just completed 100 work-experience placements through its Career & Technical Education program.But Superintendent Jessee also shares what keeps him up at night: seniors who shrug when you ask them about their plan. He talks about what the district, and parents, can do differently, the "warm demander" approach to parenting teenagers, and a simple technique (borrowed from preschool) for getting your kid to actually talk to you in the car.Also covered: the Shelton Promise scholarship, community college affordability, the new School Links career-planning program (starting in 7th grade), the district's next strategic plan, enrollment trends, and what the Peacock Ridge development could mean for Shelton schools.RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Shelton School District: sheltonschools.org• Shelton Promise Scholarship — ask your school counselor• School Links Program — career planning starting in 7th grade• Evergreen State College• CTE / Work Experience Program — contact Ty Ramos, Shelton School DistrictFocus on Shelton airs on KMAS Radio 1030 AM / 103.3 FM, serving Mason County and the South Sound. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.#SheltonWA #MasonCounty #SheltonSchools #FocusOnShelton #KMASRadio #Education #PublicSchools #SchoolDistrict #Scholarships #CollegeAccess #CareerReadiness #CTE #HoodCanal #WashingtonState #SheltonWashington #LocalNews #Community #HighSchool #StudentSuccess #TeacherAppreciation
Transcribe →Firewise, Fireworks, and the Fight to Keep Elected Sheriffs — Ryan Spurling | KMAS
4w ago00:13:18Tap to summarizeMason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff Slakey for their monthly conversation, recorded at the Fjord Oyster Bank ahead of the Sheriff's Luncheon. This episode covers the full range of what's on the Sheriff's radar heading into summer 2026.Topics include: the leadership transition at the Shelton Police Department as a new chief takes over following Chief Kostad's departure; wildfire preparedness and the Forest Service's determination that the Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman was likely caused by fireworks; how the Sheriff's Office handles the 4th of July surge with limited resources (up to 250 calls, six deputies, a thousand square miles); the new MACECOM AVA non-emergency AI dispatch line and how it's designed to improve coverage during high-volume events; and a full update on the legal fight over the state legislature's sheriff oversight bill, including two injunction wins that have frozen the law pending court review.Sheriff Spurling also shares encouraging news on law enforcement staffing levels across Washington State, and WASPIC research data showing public trust in law enforcement ranks among the highest of any profession.The Sheriff Sit-Down is produced by KMAS Radio and serves Mason County and the south Hood Canal area. Sponsored by Our Community Credit Union.0:00 — Introduction / Location / New Shelton Police Chief Patton1:36 — Wildfire Season & Bear Gulch Fire Investigation3:01 — Firewise, Fireworks & 4th of July Call Volumes4:00 — World Cup 2026 & Summer Visitor Influx to Mason County4:32 — MACECOM AVA: The New AI-Powered Non-Emergency 9-1-1 Line6:23 — Sheriff Oversight Bill: Two Injunctions & the Constitutional Challenge9:34 — Law Enforcement Staffing & WASPIC Conference Takeaways12:15 — Non-Emergency Line Reminder (421-4441) & Sponsor Close#MasonCounty #SheltonWA #HoodCanal #FocusOnShelton #KMASRadio #MasonCountySheriff #SheriffSpurling #WildfirePreparedness #BearGulchFire #4thOfJuly #WorldCup2026 #MACECOM #LawEnforcement #WashingtonState #PublicSafety #CommunityRadio
Transcribe →Glow Golf, Fireworks & The #1 Pros in the World — Cascade Challenge Returns to Mason County
May 2600:11:13Tap to summarizeOne of the top 100 disc golf courses in the entire United States is tucked into the forest on Shelton Springs Road in Shelton, Washington, and unlike almost every other top-ranked course in the country, you can play it for free, any day of the year, on the same pads the pros throw.This weekend (May 29–31, 2026), the world's best disc golfers come to Mason County for the Discraft Cascade Challenge — the West Coast debut of the brand-new JomezPro Series on the Disc Golf Pro Tour. The number one men's and number one women's competitors in the world will both be in Shelton. And on Saturday night, in a Forest Festival weekend first, players and fans get to throw glow discs under stadium lights and the city fireworks, with the last tee time going off at 11:20 PM.Jeff Slakey sits down with three people who can tell you exactly why this is happening here: Ryan Smith and Justin Holzgrove from the Mason County Disc Golf Club, and Cascade Challenge Tournament Director Jeff Korns. They cover the course's UDisc Top 100 ranking, why the City of Shelton's partnership made it possible, what the pros actually say about the layout, and how a casual visitor can walk up, watch a 500-foot tee shot, and get an autograph from a world champion — all in the same afternoon.🎟️ Tickets: https://tickets.dgpt.com/event/cascade-challenge-h4yzzy🥏 Event info: https://www.dgpt.com/event/2026-cascade-challenge/#CascadeChallenge #DiscGolf #SheltonWA #MasonCounty #JomezPro #DGPT#PNW #PacificNorthwest #OlympicPeninsula #HoodCanal #Hoodsport #ExploreShelton #WashingtonState #Discraft #UDisc #UDiscTop100 #DiscGolfProTour #SheltonSprings #GlowGolf #ForestFestival #KMAS
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