KMAS Radio

As the 2026 Washington State legislative session gets underway, Jeff Slakey checks in with Drew MacEwen , State Senator for the 35th District and Deputy Leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. MacEwen shares his reaction to the Governor’s State of the State address, raising concerns about continued tax increases, rising costs for families, and what he describes as a growing disconnect between Olym...

This conversation steps away from policy and meetings and focuses on the person behind the title. Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey and parent Shiloh Littlesun for a candid discussion about fatherhood, growing up with an IEP, working in special education, and how those experiences shape the way he leads today. From raising his own children to supporting students...

As Washington’s legislative session gets underway, 35th District Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture sit down to discuss what lawmakers and residents can expect in the weeks ahead. The conversation covers the State of the State address, a projected multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, tax policy debates, and how rising costs are impacting families and small businesses across Washington....

Habitat for Humanity of Mason County Executive Director David Brandt joins Jeff Slakey to explain a short-term cash flow issue that may be circulating in the community. Brandt breaks down how Habitat funds its homebuilding work, why a delayed house closing created a temporary liquidity crunch, and why this is not a budgeting or mismanagement issue. The conversation also covers the difficult decisi...

Mary M. Knight School District Superintendent Matt Mallery joins Jeff for an in-depth conversation about the district’s upcoming EP&O levy on the February 10 ballot and what it means for students, families, and the broader Matlock community. The discussion starts with a look at why EP&O levies exist and how they differ from basic state education funding—especially for smaller, rural school...

“You’re voting about the kids and the services are for them. You’re not voting about Wyeth Jessee or the school board. You’re voting literally for resources and supports. That money goes straight to services for kids — regardless of who’s sitting in these roles.” Superintendent Wyeth Jessee sits down to walk through the upcoming Shelton School District levy and what it means for students, staff, a...

Oakland Bay Junior High has changed a lot in the last few years, and this extended conversation offers a clear look at what that transformation actually looks like day to day. Recorded on site at OBJH, Jeff Slakey sits down with Principal Marianne Marshall, seventh-grade ELA teacher Andrea Smith, and Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee for an in-depth roundtable discussion about ho...

Flight of the Blue Ox is an original Christmas radio play written by Rachel Hansen and performed by a full cast of local voices who bring Camp Grisdale to life. The show opens with Joel as the narrator, guiding listeners into a cold and stormy Christmas Eve deep in the Wynoochee Woods. Inside the logging camp, Paul Bunyan—voiced by Rich—and his steady partner Babe the Blue Ox—played by Will Stone—...

Operation Scrooge is coming to Mason County with a full 24-hour telethon featuring 24 local bands helping raise money for families in the Hood Canal School District and across the county. Chris Eaks joins Jeff to talk about how the idea started, what the need looks like in the schools, and how people can stream the event live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. They also dig into the fundraising goa...

Toys for Tots in Mason County is gearing up for a busy December, and the need is higher than usual. Jeff talks with Marcus Kennedy, one of the local coordinators, about how many kids rely on the program each year, how the donations stay local, and why teens are often the most overlooked age group when it comes to gifts. Marcus shares how he and his wife got involved back in 2017–18, how the progra...

This is the full uncut recording of the 2026 Legislative Send-Off hosted jointly by the Shelton-Mason County Chamber, the North Mason Chamber, and the EDC of Mason County. Senator Drew MacEwen, Representative Travis Couture, and Representative Dan Griffey sit down with moderator Jeff Slakey to walk through the issues that will shape the upcoming short session in Olympia. The conversation covers ta...

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff for a Thanksgiving-week check-in on what’s happening across the Shelton School District. They talk about the installation of new board member Andrew Wilford , how the district brings a new director up to speed, and ongoing community feedback around the Mountain View situation. Wyeth also digs into how the district stays focused heading into winter break — fro...

Shelton’s beloved Mistletoe Mile is back! Jeff talks with organizer Matt Lowe about bringing this community fun run back to downtown Shelton right before the Christmastown parade. It’s one mile, all ages, tons of holiday spirit, costumes, dogs, strollers — and yes, hot chocolate at the finish. Matt also shares the race history, how to register online, and a little about his new coaching business,...

In this episode, we’re at Mountain View Elementary for another community forum in the Shelton School District. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Principal Lysandra Ness , kindergarten teacher JoAnna Bielec , and school board director James Dale for an open conversation about what’s happening on campus, how students are learning, and how the school supports families. We cover a wide range of topics...

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff in his office for a wide-ranging sit-down on youth outreach, crime trends, and what’s new at the sheriff’s office. They talk about the return of the DARE program in local schools, how it’s been updated for today’s kids, and why decision-making and mental health are at the center of the curriculum. Sheriff Spurling explains how a donated 2024 Mustang GT...

Shelton, Washington turns into Christmas Town every December, and this year brings even more ways to celebrate. Amy Cooper joins Jeff to talk through everything happening downtown — Shop Shelton First, Best Friends Friday, tree lighting night, the return of the Mistletoe Mile, and the annual nighttime Christmas Parade. They also cover the expanded Festival of the Firs, the 12 Ways of Christmas acr...

Singer-songwriter Mel Dalton is back on KMAS after more than a decade, and she’s got a lot of stories to tell. In this conversation from the North Mason Chamber of Commerce office, Mel shares how she went from growing up in Bremerton to playing full-time in Coeur d’Alene , why she keeps coming back every year for the Healing Hearts Fund fundraiser, and how everyday moments—a lottery billboard, a l...

Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) joins Jeff to talk about the 44-day federal government shutdown, its impact on workers across the Sixth District, and why she voted no on the reopening bill. She shares what she heard from Shipyard employees, small business owners, and families facing rising healthcare premiums. They also dig into rural hospital challenges, small business loans, bipartisan possi...

As food insecurity rises, one Mason County resident turned concern into community. Angela Leander founded Together We Eat — a grassroots group helping local families through shared meals, cooking classes, and fresh-food partnerships with organizations like Salish Roots and Community Lifeline. In this conversation with Jeff Slakey, Angela shares how small acts of love and action are bringing Shelto...

Evergreen Elementary’s community forum dives deep into the district’s 50/50 Dual Language model (Spanish/English), early-literacy gains, and how families, staff, and students are teaming up for success. Hosted by KMAS’s Jeff Slakey with Principal Paula Canady , Academic Assistant Principal & Multilingual Coordinator Cat Kelly , and Superintendent Wyeth Jessee . What you’ll hear How Evergreen’s...

The Shelton School District’s Career and Technical Education team is redefining how students prepare for life after graduation.  Director Gretchen Maliska , Academy Coach Wendy Burr , and Business & Hospitality Lead Tye Ramos join Jeff Slakey to talk about the district’s academy model , hands-on learning , and internships connecting students directly to Mason County employers like Mason Health...

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to explain how each school sets measurable goals for student growth, reading achievement, and attendance.  They also discuss the district’s upcoming levy renewal, how those funds sustain classrooms, and why consistent attendance makes such a difference after COVID.  A transparent look inside the plans guiding Shelton’s schools—a...

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a conversation on building a love of reading — both in the classroom and at home. From “stretch” reading levels to family book clubs and spooky Halloween reads, the two talk about helping students find books they enjoy while improving comprehension. Plus, an update on Shelton’s leading early literacy growth and what it means...

Halloween is back in full swing in Mason County! 🎃 Jeff Slakey talks with Jen Capps from Mason Health and Chala Gray from WellPoint about the 6th Annual Mason Health Trunk or Treat — happening Friday, October 24th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mason General Hospital. Families can park at Olympic Middle School and walk over for a fun, safe, and candy-filled afternoon featuring themed booths from local part...

North Mason School District Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael, joins Jeff Slakey for an in-depth conversation on her first few months leading the district, connecting with community groups, and preparing for November’s levy vote. She shares how levy funding supports essential programs like safety, technology, athletics, and early learning — plus a celebration of North Mason Olympian CJ Allen. A...