KMAS & The Fjord Magazine podcast

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Mother’s Day, Mock Mimosas & Community Care with South Mason Fire & Rescue 9:44

منذ 6 hours9:44

9:44

We’re back with Amber Anderson from South Mason Fire & Rescue to talk about one of Mason County’s favorite traditions—the Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast ! Happening this Saturday, May 10th from 9:30 AM to noon at Fire Station 4 on Arcadia Road, it’s more than just pancakes and mock mimosas. We dive into how this event supports vital community programs, from school supply drives to smoke alarm installations and the growing Mobile Integrated Health program that’s making waves nationwide. Plus, find out how South Mason is working behind the scenes to help residents age safely at home, reduce emergency calls, and stay connected to the community they serve. Links: 📍 Pancake Breakfast info: southmasonfire.org 📘 Follow: South Mason Fire & Rescue Firefighter Association on Facebook #MothersDayBreakfast #SouthMasonFire #CommunityFirst #MasonCountyWA #FirefighterFundraiser #WildfireReady #PancakesForACause #MobileIntegratedHealth #PublicSafety #KMASradio…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Wildfire-Ready Neighbors: Getting Ahead of Fire Season with Amber Anderson 9:38

منذ 5 أيام9:38

9:38

Fire season is coming fast, and Mason County is gearing up. In this episode, Jeff Slakey chats with South Mason Fire PIO Amber Anderson about the county-wide Wildfire-Ready Neighbors Fair happening Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Shelton Civic Center parking lot (525 W. Cota St.) . Hear how Central Mason Fire, South Mason Fire, DNR, Squaxin Island Tribe, Mason Conservation District, the Red Cross, and more are coming together to offer free home-hardening assessments , live demos, and kid-friendly fun—yes, Smokey Bear will be there! Discover simple tweaks that can slow a fast-moving blaze and why early prep matters when 4–9 million acres burn nationwide each year. Grab lunch at the Farmers Market next door and leave wildfire-ready. #WildfireReadyNeighbors #MasonCounty #SheltonWA #FireSafety #KMAS #CommunityPreparedness #SouthMasonFire #CentralMasonFire #DNR #SmokeyBear…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Tax Tension and Tough Tradeoffs: Sen. Drew MacEwen Reflects on 2025 Session 19:55

منذ 6 أيام19:55

19:55

Washington State Senator Drew MacEwen joins Jeff Slakey to unpack the just-completed 2025 legislative session. MacEwen shares his candid take on what he calls one of the most frustrating sessions he's experienced—highlighting $10 billion in new taxes, rising fees, and limited bipartisan cooperation. He discusses concerns over the budget's sustainability, impacts on working-class families, and potential consequences of rent cap legislation in the 35th District. From gas taxes to property tax shifts, Drew outlines what local residents can expect—and where he hopes the governor might still intervene. 🎤 Plus, hear a preview of the upcoming Legislative Wrap-Up hosted by Mason County EDC on May 14th. #WALeg #MasonCounty #TaxPolicy #35thDistrict #DrewMacEwen #WashingtonStatePolitics #RentCap #LegislativeSession #PublicPolicy #WAStateSenate #KMASradio #JeffSlakey…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Mason County Still Walking Strong: Relay for Life 2024 Preview 18:46

منذ 13 يومًا18:46

18:46

Mark your calendars for June 21st and 22nd at South Sound Stadium — that’s North Thurston High School in Lacey — where teams from across Thurston and Mason counties will gather for this powerful 22-hour event. Mason County is still proudly represented with teams like Boz Brigade , led by Deb Hill and Vicki Gonzalez, honoring loved ones lost and those still fighting. The event kicks off Saturday at noon with opening ceremonies and the inspiring Survivor Lap , followed later by the emotional Luminaria Ceremony — a candlelit tribute circling the track in memory and in hope. Ahead of the big weekend, you can show your support at these upcoming fundraisers: Friday, April 25 – Spaghetti Feed & Dessert Auction at the Elma Eagles FOE, starting at 5 PM. Wednesday, May 21 – Bowling Night Fundraiser at Elma Lanes from 5:30 to 7:30 PM with food, fun, and a silent auction. And if you’d like to donate, you can drop off checks at Ascend Roofing in Shelton or head online to RelayforLifeofThurston.org . Forty years of Relay. Millions raised. Countless lives changed — and we’re still walking for more.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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35th Legislative Update with Representatives Griffey & Couture - 4/22/25 26:47

منذ 13 يومًا26:47

26:47

It’s been a busy session in Olympia, and the 35th District delegation is sounding the alarm on taxes, education equity, and small business impacts. In a recent update, Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture shared concerns about what they’re calling some of the largest tax increases in state history — including $5 billion in B&O tax hikes that could affect everything from groceries to housing and healthcare. They warned that even though a proposed statewide property tax cap hike was defeated, a “backdoor” property tax increase is hidden in the form of reduced state matching funds for rural schools through Local Effort Assistance (LEA). What does that mean? Districts like North Mason, Hood Canal, and others may have to ask local voters for more money — and still get less help from the state, widening the gap between property-rich and property-poor communities. The reps say these changes could undo the equity gains from the McCleary decision and push the state back toward another education funding lawsuit. On the business front, they criticized across-the-board B&O tax increases, saying they’ll hit small businesses hardest. While some industries like timber manufacturing got exemptions (good news for Sierra Pacific in Shelton), most small businesses — already struggling with inflation — will pay more, even as big players like Boeing keep carve-outs. On a positive note, Griffey and Couture celebrated a newly signed law enhancing monitoring of sexually violent predators, including GPS tracking and victim notification zones. 📅 Looking ahead — there's a 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast planned for May 14th at Mason County Public Works. The event is hosted by the Shelton-Mason and North Mason Chambers, the EDC, and Mason County, with breakfast by T's Café and recording by MasonWebTV. It's a chance to hear how the session’s pieces fit together and what comes next. Stay tuned to KMAS for more updates from Olympia as the session wraps up.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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🎧 Flashlights, Prizes & 15,000 Eggs?! 13:15

منذ 27 يومًا13:15

13:15

In this episode, Jeff chats with Kim Morris from the Armstrong Community Outreach Foundation about one of the most exciting community events of the year—the 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Flashlight Egg Hunt happening Saturday, April 12 at South Mason Youth Soccer Fields. From a daytime egg hunt packed with games, a talent show, and kid vendors , to an after-dark adventure featuring live music from Hella 90s, raffles, auctions, and a glow-in-the-dark hunt for teens, adults, and even seniors , this event truly has something for everyone. 💥 15,000 eggs, huge prizes (like TVs, gift cards, and even a vacuum), and tons of community spirit all wrapped into a single day—with proceeds supporting local youth in sports and outdoor activities. 🎟️ Get all the details, hear how it comes together behind the scenes, and find out why this is a can’t-miss event for families across Mason County! https://www.armstrong-foundation.org/event-details-registration/easter-event-egg-hunt-and-flashlight-egg-hunt…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Sheriff Sit-Down – April 2025 15:58

منذ 4 weeks15:58

15:58

In this interview, I sit down once again with Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, just ahead of the monthly Sheriff's Lunch. Sheriff Spurling dives deep into what leadership looks like inside the Sheriff’s Office—from West Point-inspired training to major promotions and a focus on building ethical, motivated teams. We talk about the legacy of retiring Jail Chief Kevin Hanson and what’s ahead for one of Washington’s only accredited county jails. Plus, legislative updates, community partnership reminders, and a shoutout to the often-unsung heroes working behind the scenes. Brought to you by Our Community Credit Union. #MasonCountyWA #HoodsportWA #SheltonWA #ExploreHoodCanal #MasonCountySheriff #SheriffSitDown #LawEnforcementLeadership #PublicSafety #CorrectionsLeadership #PoliceTraining #BehindTheBadge #CommunityPodcast #LocalVoices #RadioInterview #LeadershipMatters…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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WA Senator Drew MacEwen Breaks Down the State Budget Battle 21:55

منذ 5 weeks21:55

21:55

I had the chance to sit down again with State Senator Drew MacEwen as we inch closer to the end of the legislative session. It’s budget season, and we got into some deep conversation about what’s in—and what’s being cut from—the latest proposals. Right out of the gate, we talked about wildfire prevention, which is especially relevant here in the 35th. Drew expressed serious concern over cuts to DNR’s budget, noting how prevention is always more cost-effective than fighting fires once they’re raging. It’s frustrating, especially since previous leadership worked hard to boost those funds. From there, we dove into the broader budget landscape. Even though the state’s revenues are at record highs, Drew pointed out that overspending has created a situation where harmful cuts are now being made—cuts to wildfire prevention, funding for schools that serve Native and Hispanic communities, and even to local hospitals. All of this while $21 billion in new taxes are being proposed. He called the Senate Democrats’ budget “draconian” and was especially frustrated that not a single one of the Republicans’ budget suggestions was adopted. A big sticking point was the proposed wealth tax, something the governor himself had previously said he wouldn’t support. Drew questioned whether the governor would stick to his word and use his veto pen, particularly given how that tax—while marketed as targeting the ultra-wealthy—could drive up local property taxes and other fees, like hunting licenses and the Discover Pass. He made a strong case for zero-based budgeting, which he believes would bring better accountability. We also talked about state employee furloughs buried in the budget, the implications of raiding the rainy day fund, and the risk to Washington’s triple-A bond rating. The gas tax increase came up too—a 6-cent hike with an inflation escalator attached. Drew explained how that money gets bonded out for transportation projects, which can be effective, but he argued there's a better way: redirecting existing sales tax from car sales to fund transportation long-term. He was happy to see funding secured for the Belfair bypass and improvements in Shelton, but the overall structure of the budget still concerns him. On the Second Amendment front, we touched on the new permit proposal that would require live-fire training before buying a firearm—every single time. Drew sees it as another infringement on law-abiding citizens, especially when compared to the state’s leniency toward offenders. We also talked about the recent town hall he held with Reps. Dan Griffey and Travis Couture. Taxes were far and away the top concern. Education came up too, especially with rising funding but declining student performance. He mentioned seniors calling in, saying they’re being taxed out of their homes. Finally, we got into the potential federal cuts to education and what they could mean for Mason County. Drew said it’s too soon to say for sure, but he’s hoping the intent is to streamline the bureaucracy and not actually reduce support for local students. There are a few weeks left in session, and we’ll see how it all plays out—especially if the governor sticks to what he said at the start. I’ll keep you posted, and I’ll be checking in soon with Dan Griffey and Travis Couture to round out the picture. #waLeg #MasonCounty #35thDistrict #WashingtonStatePolitics #KMAS #Budget2025 #PublicSafety #Education #Transportation #SecondAmendment…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Budget Battles, Public Safety, and Parents’ Rights with Reps Griffey & Couture 29:17

منذ 7 weeks29:17

29:17

Had a great chat with 35th District Reps Dan Griffey and Travis Couture about what’s happening in Olympia. As we get closer to the end of the legislative session, things are heating up—especially around the budget, public safety, and education. Travis broke down the upcoming state budget, highlighting concerns about new taxes and proposed cuts, including a push to close Mission Creek Women’s Prison in Belfair—something they’re fighting against to protect jobs and public safety. Meanwhile, Dan shared his focus on crime and law enforcement, calling out policies that are making our communities less safe. We also tackled the Parents’ Bill of Rights, which was overwhelmingly supported last year but is now being undermined by new legislation. The conversation got deep into education, transparency, and how schools should be working with parents, not against them. There’s a telephone town hall on March 25 where folks in the 35th can call in, ask questions, and make their voices heard. I’ll be sharing more details soon. Listen in to the full conversation—some important issues here that affect all of us. Let me know your thoughts! 🎙️ #WAleg #MasonCounty #Education #PublicSafety #BudgetTalk KMAS is the local radio station in Mason County Washington.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Mason County Public Health teaming with UnitedWeCare for increase mental health support 10:13

منذ 8 weeks10:13

10:13

Mental health support just got a whole lot easier in Mason County. I sat down with Dave Windom, Director of Mason County Public Health, to talk about a brand-new pilot program using the United We Care app. It’s a free, AI-powered platform that connects people to real support, whether that’s a trained listener, a coach, or a licensed therapist. We get into how this works, why Mason County chose United We Care , and what it means for our community. The app combines AI-driven tools with real human connection, giving folks 24/7 access to resources for stress, anxiety, and more. And the best part? It’s completely free during this 90-day pilot program, with spots open for 2,500 residents. We also talk about how Mason County will use de-identified data from the app to see what kinds of mental health challenges people are facing—and how that info can help shape future programs. Plus, we dive into why it’s so important to break the stigma around asking for help. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, check out unitedwecare.com and keep an eye out for QR codes from Mason County Public Health to get started. They're working to make mental health care more accessible for everyone. Google Play App Link | Apple App Store Link | Use Referral Code: 2PQ04KF…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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🚢 WA Ferries, Law Enforcement, and State Budget – A Sit-Down with Senator Drew MacEwen 26:04

منذ 8 weeks26:04

26:04

In this conversation with State Senator Drew MacEwen , we cover some of the major issues facing Washington State right now. Ferries & Transportation: The state has been struggling with ferry service disruptions, and while electric ferries are the long-term goal, they’re not a realistic solution today. Drew shares why the focus should be on building new diesel-efficient boats now to restore service while technology catches up. Government Efficiency: Bureaucracy is a word we hear a lot, but what does it really mean for everyday people? We discuss inefficiencies in state government—like redundant inspections and permitting delays—that slow things down and waste resources. Law Enforcement & Public Safety: A bill moving through the legislature could change how sheriffs are appointed in certain counties, raising concerns about accountability and elections. We also talk about staffing shortages in law enforcement and the growing need for public defenders and prosecutors. State Budget: Washington is facing a significant budget deficit, not because of declining revenue, but due to increased spending. Drew breaks down where the money has been going and what steps legislators are considering to bring the budget under control. This conversation covers a lot of ground—check it out to hear what’s happening at the state level.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Funding Challenges & School Updates with Superintendent Wyeth Jessee 27:27

منذ 9 weeks27:27

27:27

I had my scheduled interview with Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee, below are some topics we covered. Mostly budget related stuff, but I did ask about things brought up by those attending the school board meetings and comments brought up on social media. Also I'm trying a new camera/sound setup. 🔹 State & Federal Funding Struggles – Rising operational costs and a significant funding gap have put pressure on Shelton schools. While the state allocates funds for utilities, insurance, and staffing, the actual expenses exceed what districts receive, forcing tough financial decisions. 🔹 Levy & Local Funding Differences – Not all districts are funded equally. Schools in wealthier areas can generate more revenue through local levies, while districts like Shelton rely primarily on state funding. This imbalance affects resources, technology, and overall student support. 🔹 Essential School Services & Budgeting – Schools provide more than just education. Maintaining facilities, ensuring security, providing meals, and funding after-school programs all come with costs. With funding shortfalls, districts must prioritize, often at the expense of valuable student services. 🔹 Federal Funding & Potential Cuts – Federal dollars support free meals and special education programs. Any cuts to these funds could disproportionately impact districts with high-need students, adding strain to already tight budgets. 🔹 School Maintenance & Repairs – Aging school buildings require constant upkeep, but limited resources make improvements difficult. Recent facility issues, including bathroom stall repairs at OBJH and vandalism, highlight the district’s efforts to maintain safe and functional learning environments. 🔹 Student Behavior & Bullying Prevention – Creating a safe and welcoming school environment is a priority. While bullying remains a concern, most conflicts stem from social struggles and external influences. The district invests in training and intervention strategies to support students and foster positive interactions. 🔹 Transportation & Bus Operations – Shelton’s school transportation operates cooperatively with Southside and Pioneer districts. While the district oversees operations, each school’s administrators are key in addressing bus-related concerns. 🔹 Planning for the Future – With ongoing legislative sessions and budget discussions, decisions made in the coming months will shape the next school year. The district continues to advocate for funding that covers the actual cost of education while preparing for summer programs to support student learning.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Childcare, Criminal Justice & More with 35th District Rep. Dan Griffey - 02.25.25 25:01

منذ 10 weeks25:01

25:01

This week, 35th District Representative Dan Griffey and I are diving into some issues affecting our community—from childcare shortages to criminal justice concerns. We start with the challenges families face when it comes to affordable and available childcare . House Republicans are pushing for policy changes, including a tiered system for different levels of care, quicker certifications, and liability protections for in-home providers—especially in childcare deserts like parts of Mason County. Then, we talk about concerns over potential closures or access issues at Olympic National Park due to federal budget constraints. While nothing’s official, state lawmakers are ready to put pressure on Congress to keep the park open. We also take a hard look at the criminal justice system , specifically resentencing laws and DUI enforcement. There's growing concern about cases being overturned too easily, backlogs in toxicology testing slowing down prosecutions, and repeat offenders getting off too soon. The need for more funding for forensic labs is clear. Finally, we discuss sentencing policies, forgiveness, and a victim-centric approach to justice. There's debate over whether some sentences are too lenient and whether the Clemency and Pardons Board should factor in victims' voices before making decisions. Plus, we highlight the ongoing backlog in rape kit testing and the urgent need to clear these cases.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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35th Update with Reps. Griffey and Couture - 2/18/25 24:54

منذ 11 weeks24:54

24:54

Time for another deep dive into what's happening in Olympia! This week, we caught up with 35th District Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture to break down some major legislative discussions and how they’re impacting our communities. We kicked things off with a heated debate over a proposal to remove George Washington’s image from the state flag and official documents . Dan and Travis shared their frustrations, arguing that this isn't the priority Washingtonians need to be focusing on—especially considering the state is staring down a $10 billion budget shortfall . From there, we tackled the growing issue of homeless encampments and the legal gray area surrounding cleanup efforts. Community members are stepping in to remove trash, but some property owners are raising concerns about trespassing laws . Meanwhile, a new bill could make it even harder for cities to address homelessness, allowing encampment residents to sue local governments if their camps are cleared. Dan and Travis warn this could lead to even more encampments with fewer tools to address the root causes. On the law enforcement front , we discussed a controversial proposal that could limit the types of traffic stops officers can make —meaning people driving with broken headlights, missing taillights, or expired tabs might not get pulled over. While supporters see this as a step toward equity in policing, critics (including WSP and local sheriffs) warn that these stops often lead to DUI arrests and catching more serious offenders. We also touched on public protests happening at the Capitol—what brings people out, how often lawmakers engage with demonstrators, and the challenges of representing a district when loud voices at rallies don’t always reflect the majority opinion. Plus, Dan shared a behind-the-scenes look at how lawmakers navigate the flood of emails from frustrated citizens—sometimes even getting mistaken for members of Congress! As always, Dan and Travis provided some unfiltered insights into the legislative process, including what bills they’re watching, how they’re working to make bad policies better, and what all of this means for folks in the 35th District. With just over 65 days left in the session , things are moving fast, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.…

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

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Sheriff Sit-Down 2/13/25: Community, Accountability & Law Enforcement Support 21:26

منذ 11 weeks21:26

21:26

Another Sheriff Sit-Down with Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling, and we covered a lot! We kicked things off talking about the Polar Plunge, which raised money for Mason County Emergency Services. It’s amazing to see the community step up year after year to support the dive team, fire halls, and chaplains who keep us safe. And yes—Sheriff Spurling took the plunge while I stayed dry! 😆 Next year’s is already set for Valentine’s Day 2026, so you’ve got plenty of time to prepare! From there, we got into a big discussion on community policing and why public safety isn’t just about law enforcement—it’s about the partnership between officers and the people they serve. Sheriff Spurling talked about how Mason County has always supported law enforcement, even when other places were seeing anti-police sentiment. That support, he says, has been key to recruiting and retaining good officers, especially since Mason County can’t always compete with the salaries in larger counties. We also talked about body cameras—why Sheriff Spurling has been a strong advocate for them, how they help with transparency and accountability, and how they’ve cut complaints against officers by 35% in some cases. The bottom line? Most officers are out there doing the right thing, and having that footage helps showcase their professionalism while also holding everyone accountable. Another big topic—the sheriff’s budget. While many cities and counties across Washington are struggling with massive deficits, Mason County’s commissioners have done a solid job managing resources. That’s meant additional deputy positions and a push to get to one deputy per 1,000 residents, something the sheriff says is key for keeping the county safe. Then we got into something that’s raising concerns across law enforcement—a proposed state law that would limit traffic stops for minor equipment violations (like a broken taillight). Sheriff Spurling explained why these stops are about more than just tickets—they help keep unsafe vehicles off the road, they provide positive officer interactions, and they often lead to arrests of criminals who might otherwise go unnoticed. His take? Stripping officers of these routine stops could hurt public safety. We wrapped up with a discussion about law enforcement engagement in schools—from the return of the DARE program to the need for officers to be visible, especially for younger kids. Sheriff Spurling also touched on some of the misconceptions people have about local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration laws, and how Washington state laws already prevent officers from asking about immigration status. All in all, a great, insightful conversation with Sheriff Spurling, and a big thanks to Our Community Credit Union for making these discussions possible! What do you think about the proposed traffic stop law? Send me your thoughts or questions to jeff@kmas.com KMAS is the local radio station in Mason County Washington.…

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