KMAS Radio

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey on Focus on Shelton for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the state of public education in Mason County — and across Washington State. Shelton voters delivered a resounding 62% approval on the district's levy — one of the strongest showings for any comparable school district in the February election cycle. But that win h...

Jeff Slakey sits down with Molly Wheat Baker inside her studio at Graffiti Community Art Space in downtown Shelton, Washington—and what starts as a conversation about her library exhibit quickly turns into a window on everything that’s growing in the Shelton arts scene right now. Molly’s work is everywhere in Shelton—murals on Cota Street, stickers and shirts, commission paintings, and now a solo...

In this episode of Focus on Shelton on KMAS, host Jeff Slakey sits down with Jordanne Krumpols from the City of Shelton Parks & Recreation Department to talk about two exciting community initiatives.  First: the PROST Plan — Shelton's Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails six-year master plan is in the community input phase RIGHT NOW. The survey is live online and via QR code on posters th...

The Mountain View Café at Mason Health is officially reopened — and it’s better than ever. Culinary Manager Ashlee Johnson joins Jeff Slakey on location to talk about: • The 9-month remodel  • Prime Rib Fridays ($12 plates, 4:30–7pm)  • Healthy, locally sourced ingredients  • Partnerships with Colvin Ranch and Skokomish Valley Farms  • Blue Zones and Mason Matters collaboration  • Community art an...

Shelton City Manager Mark Ziegler sits down to talk about being named “Boss of the Year” by the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce , what leadership really looks like inside city hall, and where the City of Shelton is headed next. In this conversation, we cover: Why Mark sees himself as a collaborator, not a “boss” Managing nearly 100 city employees Working with the Shelton City Council Advo...

Peninsula Credit Union has been named the 2025 Business of the Year by the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce, marking the second time the organization has received the honor. In this conversation, CEO Jim Morrell and Shelton Branch Assistant Manager Charlie Allmendinger talk about what the award means to their team, their mission of listening, serving, educating, and caring, and how that mi...

Local historian and author Don Trosper joins KMAS Radio to talk about his newest book, This Can’t Be History… Or Is It? , a collection of 100 short stories from across Southwest Washington. The conversation covers Tumwater, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific, and Mason counties, touching on early settlers, logging towns, railroads, Native trails, and the small, often overlooked moments that sh...

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to discuss the early results of the district’s three-year levy, currently passing with 61% of the vote. The conversation covers what that level of community support means during challenging economic times, including how gas prices and financial pressure can impact levy outcomes across Washington State. Jessee outlines measurable...

The Great Bend Center for Music has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, and its impact stretches far beyond Mason County. In this conversation, Jeff Slakey sits down with Matt Melendez to talk about how a locally rooted music nonprofit now serves young learners in nearly every U.S. state and multiple countries through its early learning programs. They...

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jesse joins KMAS Radio’s Jeff Slakey to recap recent school roundtables across the district, highlighting major changes at Shelton High School, Choice and Cedar, Evergreen Elementary, and Bordeaux Elementary. The conversation focuses on literacy improvements, student-centered learning, family involvement in reading, and why Shelton now leads the state i...

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff Slakey at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport to discuss proposed Washington State legislation that could impact how sheriffs are elected or removed from office. The conversation covers Senate Bill 5974, concerns from the Washington State Sheriffs Association, and what the bill could mean for voter authority. Sheriff Spurling also previews the upcoming...

FC Olympia is hosting its fourth annual Valentine’s Gala Dinner on February 13 at the Olympia Ballroom, bringing together live comedy, community support, and South Sound soccer. The event features headlining comedian Sam Miller , along with dinner, a bar, and a silent auction with items ranging from local dining experiences to signed Sounders memorabilia. Proceeds from the gala support FC Olympia’...

Washington State Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture join Jeff Slakey for a wide-ranging 35th District legislative update. The conversation focuses on newly proposed income tax legislation in Olympia, concerns over constitutionality, and how a so-called “millionaire tax” could impact households, small businesses, professional sports teams, and local industries like shellfish farming. Th...

Newly selected Shelton Mayor Sharon Sherman sits down at Uracco Coffee to talk about how city government really works in Shelton . In this conversation, Sherman explains the council-manager form of government, what the mayor’s role does—and doesn’t—include, and why progress often takes time. She shares her perspective as both a business owner and council member, touching on downtown vacancies, sma...

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee shares what it looks like to be inside classrooms every week—and why those visits matter. From unannounced walkthroughs to coaching principals on school improvement plans, Jessee explains how leadership, data, and student engagement connect to real outcomes. Recorded on site at Mountain View Elementary , the conversation also highlights how talki...

Mason County Auditor Steve Duenkel and Deputy Auditor Marie Stevenson join KMAS to walk through several important election updates ahead of the February 10 special election and the April special election. The conversation begins with a critical change in U.S. Postal Service postmarking policy that could affect whether ballots are counted if they are mailed too close to Election Day. Election offic...

In this community forum recorded at Shelton High School , KMAS Radio host Jeff Slakey sits down with school leaders to give families and community members a deeper look at how the high school operates and supports students. Principal Bruce Kipper , Assistant Principal Jordan Stray , CTE teacher Katie Shrum , and Superintendent Wyeth Jessee discuss enrollment, staffing, extracurricular participatio...

In this conversation, 35th District Representative Dan Griffey reflects on Survivor Advocacy Day in Olympia and the real-world impact of domestic violence legislation. Griffey shares personal perspective on why survivor services matter, highlights the role of organizations like Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center, and explains how faster rape kit testing and legal resources can change outcomes...

Recorded at Urraco Coffee, this in-person conversation with Congresswoman Emily Randall focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities across Washington’s 6th Congressional District. The discussion covers pressures on small and micro-businesses, rising costs tied to tariffs and supply chains, and how immigration policy is impacting local employers. Randall also addresses heal...

Shelton School District Director of Finance Clinton Sherman breaks down the district’s recent financial turnaround, projecting a positive fund balance after years of deficit concerns. In this conversation, Sherman explains how quick budget recalibration, staffing reductions, and tighter operational spending helped stabilize finances — and why long-term sustainability is still the goal. The discuss...

Love is in the air as the Mason General Hospital Foundation gets ready for its annual Business Luncheon, returning Friday, February 13 to the Sa-Heh-Wa-Mish Room at Little Creek Casino Resort . Host Jeff Slakey sits down with Jen Capps, Amber Trail, Lisa Woodard, and Brad Miller to preview this year’s Valentine’s-themed fundraiser, which combines great food, friendly competition, and strong commun...

With ballots heading out across Mason County, lawmakers from Washington’s 35th Legislative District join KMAS for a timely conversation on education funding, school levies, and public safety priorities during the current legislative session. Representatives Travis Couture and Dan Griffey discuss why school districts are facing financial strain despite record K-12 spending, how levy equalization ch...

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for an in-depth conversation on school funding, local levies, and what it really costs to operate schools in Washington state. Jesse responds to claims about per-student funding, explains why rising operating costs like insurance, utilities, and transportation are outpacing state revenue, and why Shelton’s levy request is about...

Forest Festival is coming up sooner than many people realize, and this year brings expanded opportunities for students across Mason County to get involved while earning scholarship support. In this conversation, Jeff talks with Anna Lilges about the 2026 Forest Festival theme, Legends of the Timber , and the expanded royalty and ambassador programs now available to students in grades 6 through 12....

School counselors play a much bigger role than many people realize. In this conversation, two longtime counselors from the Shelton School District break down what that role really looks like today — from early elementary support to helping high school students prepare for life after graduation. Recently retired elementary counselor Brian Wirzbicki shares how counseling has evolved over the years,...