KMAS Radio

Recorded 8/1/25. In this August edition of the Sheriff Sit-Down, presented by Our Community Credit Union , Jeff Slakey is joined by Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling for a timely conversation recorded in smoke-filled Hoodsport. They cover the latest on the Bear Gulch Fire, what Level 2 evacuations mean for residents, and how the sheriff’s office is supporting federal firefighting teams. Sheriff S...

Get an inside look at North Mason School District’s new leader. In this long-form conversation, host Jeff Slakey sits down with Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael , EdD, to trace her journey from Ohio to Belfair, unpack the district’s looming replacement-levy vote , and preview what students and families can expect this fall. From class-size pressures and CTE expansion to cell-phone bans and “Sou...

National Night Out returns on the first Tuesday in August—and here in Mason County, it’s not just law enforcement getting involved. Jeff Slakey is joined by representatives from North Mason, South Mason, and Central Mason Fire to talk about how this once police-focused evening has grown into a full-on first responder celebration. Abe Gardner, Amber Anderson, and Keith Ritz break down how fire crew...

Federal education funding cuts are looming and rural districts like Shelton are feeling it first. In this important conversation, Jeff Slakey is joined by Shelton School Superintendent Wyeth Jessee to break down what these sudden changes mean for students, staff, and the broader community. With 9% of the district's budget coming from federal sources, and many of those funds now being cut, programs...

Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this set features Terry Mutter —a singer-songwriter with a voice as rich as the stories he tells. Rooted in Americana and built on the timeless power of a well-crafted lyric, Terry’s music explores the joys and complexities of the human spirit. Whether he's strumming through heartfelt ballads or letting loose with road-t...

What does the future of rural healthcare look like after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? In this powerful episode, Jeff Slakey sits down with Eric Moll, CEO of Mason Health, to unpack the fears, facts, and forward-looking strategies surrounding recent Medicaid and Medicare cuts included in the bill signed on July 4, 2025. Mason General Hospital was listed among rural hospitals that...

Get ready to tap your toes! In this episode, Jeff Slakey talks with festival organizer Greg Linder about the 20th anniversary of Bluegrass From The Forest , happening this weekend in Shelton, WA. What started as a local idea in a parking lot has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere bluegrass events, attracting bands from Nashville to Oregon—and fans from across the U.S. They talk abo...

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind weekend in Union, Washington! In this interview, Jeff Slakey talks with festival founder Rob Hill about the 2025 Peace, Love & Union Saltwater Songwriters Festival, an acoustic celebration of award-winning songwriting, deep community connections, and breathtaking scenery. Hear how Grammy-winning artists like Christian Bush, John McLaughlin, Beth Nielsen Chapman, a...

Broadcast live from the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this 80-minute set spotlights Randy Baugh & The Rehearsals —a jazz-pop fusion group with lyrical depth, smooth grooves, and effortless charm. Led by the introspective songwriting of Randy Baugh, The Rehearsals blend warm acoustic rhythms, subtle jazz textures, and poetic storytelling into a performance that feels...

Get ready for a color-soaked stroll through downtown Shelton! 🎨 In this conversation, Jeff Slakey previews the 2025 Shelton Art Walk —happening Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. —with three creative catalysts: Amy Cooper – Photographer, business owner & driving force behind Shelton’s emerging Creative District Molly Wheat Baker – local artist/educator painting a brand-new Blue Zones–funded mu...

Pastor Doug Peterson —running for Shelton City Council Position 3 —joins host Jeff Slakey at Marmo coffeehouse for a 36-minute chat that blends policy, faith and hometown pride. Below are the exact questions Jeff poses so listeners (and voters!) can jump straight to the answers they need: Who is Doug Peterson? Tell us about your background and ministry at Faith Lutheran.   Why run now? Gas-card co...

Turn up the volume for the next chapter of KMAS Radio’s Shuck & Strum summer series! 🎶 Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this 75-minute set features Aaron Gorton —the Pacific Northwest’s premier One-Man Jam Band . A master looper and multi-instrumentalist, Aaron layers guitar, keys, and percussion in real time, morphing from rock swagger to sun-spla...

Feel the energy of KMAS Radio’s Shuck & Strum summer kickoff—now on demand! 🎸 Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, Washington, this 70-minute set captures Kitsap County singer-songwriter Adam Thorne (@adamthornemusic) at his eclectic best. A 16-year Navy veteran by day and guitar-slinging troubadour by night, Thorne blends Dwight Yoakam twang , Black K...

In this in-depth Candidate Conversation , host Jeff Slakey sits down with retired Navy Senior Chief Ken Mobley , one of four contenders for Shelton City Council Position 3 . Mobley shares his journey from aircraft-carrier leadership to life in Shelton, explains why economic growth can’t come at the expense of natural beauty, and lays out four pillars—fiscal health, sustainable development, transpa...

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a deep-dive year-end recap of the Shelton School District. Below are the key questions Jeff asks so you can jump right to the info you need: Big Wins: What are you most proud of as the 2024-25 school year closes? Post-COVID Classrooms: Is rising student engagement tied to finally moving past pandemic disruption? Strategic Plan Progress: How are tes...

On this month’s Sheriff’s Sit-Down —recorded live at the Fjord Oyster Bank—Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins host Jeff Slakey to tackle the big questions facing local law enforcement and the community they serve. Forest Festival recap: why joint visibility with Shelton Police, State Patrol and Squaxin Tribal PD matters. History lesson: Sheriff Spurling breaks down Sir Robert Peel’s nine pri...

KMAS is launching its brand-new Shuck & Strum summer concert series, live from the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, Washington—and we’re starting strong with Kitsap County singer-songwriter Adam Thorne (@adamthornemusic) . Host Jeff Slakey chats with the 16-year Navy veteran about juggling submarine communications by day and guitar strings by night, the 20-year evolution of his songwriting, and...

Join KMAS Radio host Jeff Slakey as he sits down with Peninsula Credit Union’s Community Financial Educator, Darrell McVea , for a candid talk on conquering financial stress. Discover why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive, how emergency funds create true peace of mind, and the “free-money” power of 401(k) matches. From daily coffee habits to big-ticket goals like vacations, Darrell breaks...

Wonder what an Economic Development Council actually does ? Or how they measure success when it comes to growing jobs, attracting businesses, and supporting housing in a rural county? In this episode, KMAS’s Jeff Slakey sits down with Kevin Shutty, Director of the Economic Development Council of Mason County, for a candid conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes. How do we get...

Get the inside scoop on Sound to Sea – Working Together to Build Resilient Coastal Communities , a hands-on workshop coming to the newly renamed Sacred Waters Center for Restoration & Retreat (formerly Harmony Hill) on June 5, 2025 . Host Jeff Slakey sits down with Mason County WSU Extension’s Tessa Halloran and Kayla Wells-Yoakum to explore why coastal resilience isn’t just an ocean-front iss...

Join KMAS host Jeff Slakey for an upbeat, behind-the-scenes look at the 81st annual Mason County Forest Festival (May 29 – June 1, 2025). Festival president Amy Cooper breaks down the bonus-weekend carnival, free Friday Family Fun Night, wildfire-prevention displays, and Saturday’s packed schedule—from the Goldsboro Creek Run to the nighttime fireworks. Parade chair Robin Redman reveals what to ex...

The Day of Champions is back! On May 29th, North Mason High School will host this heartwarming track and field event for special needs students across Mason County. With 140 participants, 100 volunteers, and loads of joy (plus rubber chickens), this Kiwanis-led event is one you won’t want to miss.

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a wide-ranging conversation about early literacy success, the impacts of state budget shortfalls, and how local levy dollars keep essential student services running. From the challenges of defining “basic education” to celebrating over 50 students attending Evergreen State for free, this interview dives deep into the heart o...

In this episode of Sheriff’s Sitdown , Jeff Slakey catches up with Sheriff Ryan Spurling at the Oyster Bank in Hoodsport. They cover everything from the power of community engagement in law enforcement to homelessness challenges, the impact of Shelton’s new Flock camera system, and the importance of youth structure and service through NJROTC. Brought to you by Our Community Credit Union.  #MasonCo...

On this episode, Jeff Slakey talks with Tessa Halloran from the WSU Extension Office about the upcoming “Be Septic Smart” workshop happening May 15th in Shelton. They dive into why understanding your septic system is crucial for homeowners—especially those near waterways or with vacation rentals. From landscaping tips to warning signs and maintenance myths, this episode is full of helpful info to...