KMAS Radio

1. Introduction and Historical Context of the Sheriff’s Office (0:00 - 2:28) When I sat down with Sheriff Ryan Spurling for this Sheriff’s Sit-Down, we kicked things off by reflecting on the history of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Spurling shared some fascinating details about his predecessors, like Sheriff Salisbury, who served for 16 years—the longest tenure in the county’s history...

Dave Windom, Director of Mason County Public Health, talked with KMAS’ Jeff Slakey about the upcoming bike rodeo at Olympic Middle School. The event aims to teach kids about bike safety, including road rules and helmet fittings, with help from the Boy Scouts, Shelton police, and the Mason County Sheriff's office. Various organizations have donated helmets and bikes, and the event will feature acti...

Jeff Slakey talks with the President of the Mason County Amateur Radio Club, Ben Hicks, who is preparing for an event that serves both as a gathering for enthusiasts and a practical test of equipment for emergencies. Ham Radio is important in emergencies, particularly when other communication systems fail. The upcoming 24-hour event at Sanderson Field aims to educate the public, demonstrate radio...

Kevin Shutty, currently serving as a Mason County Commissioner, has chosen not to run for another term, instead taking a job as the new Executive Director of the Mason County Economic Development Council (EDC), starting May 1st. On his first day, Jeff Slakey and Kevin talk about his decision to apply for the EDC job and his experience in community and economic development. Kevin talks about the si...

Wyeth Jessee, the superintendent of the Shelton School District, talks with Jeff Slakey about the district. They talk about the football coach's recent resignation, emphasizing the district's commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments. Jesse highlights efforts to improve attendance and address mental health concerns among students. He also encourages community involvement in supporting...

Students from Shelton High School's theater class discuss the upcoming performance of Mean Girls. They discuss the excitement of bringing the popular movie and Broadway show to the SHS stage, the camaraderie among the cast and crew, and the dedication to this performance and the other performances during the school year. 

Mason County Master Gardeners Tessa Halloran and Christy Rowe talk with Jeff Slakey about the upcoming plant sale organized by the Master Gardeners of Mason County. They highlight the variety of plants available, including tomatoes, herbs, perennials, and native plants, as well as educational opportunities such as soil screenings and workshops. The funds raised from the plant sale support communit...

Deb Seymour, described as "Joni Mitchell meets Lucille Ball," discusses her upcoming performance at St. Germain's in Hoodsport for the Tall Timbers Concert Series on April 27th, 2024 at 4pm. She shares insights into her musical career and more, including her thoughts on the Pluto, and her album "Blame it on the Dog." Deb's music blends folk with humor and serious themes for her audience to listen...

Jeff Slakey and Shelton Mayor Eric Onisko discuss the situation with Post Office Park, owned by the U.S. government. Negotiations between the city and the US Post Office have been ongoing since 2018 to work out some kind of deal concerning the property and the long-term 20-year lease. The post office recently announced to the city its current intentions, which will likely result in the area being...

Jeff Slakey interviews Barb Hubbard and PJ Hopkins from the Harstine Island Theatre Club about their recent performance and upcoming auditions for "You Have the Right to Remain Dead." Barb reflects on her past theater experiences, while PJ details the auditions, emphasizing inclusivity and fun. They discuss the schedule and nature of the auditions and performances, highlighting the welcoming atmos...

Jeff Slakey interviews Joe Alessi at the Timberland Regional Library's pop-up location on Harstine Island. Joe discusses the significance of the pop-up library for rural communities, offering access to books and resources closer to home. He describes the process of selecting library materials based on community feedback and introduces innovative lending options like the "library of things." The in...

Mason County Search and Rescue is a dedicated 501c3 organization that helps people in their time of need. Jeff talked with some of their volunteers who all undergo extensive training and put in countless hours to assist in search and rescue missions. Despite being donor-funded and volunteer-driven, they collaborate with various agencies and organizations to provide specialized assistance, such as...

Shelton City Manager Mark Ziegler discussed the recent resignation of Council Member Joe Schmit and the process for filling the vacant seat. Ziegler thanked Schmit for his strategic thinking and dedication to the community. He emphasized the importance of finding a new council member with a passion for Shelton and the ability to learn on the job. Ziegler also highlighted ongoing projects and the c...

Executive Director Cheryl Heywood from the Timberland Regional Library System talks with Jeff Slakey in front of the SS Jolly Reader, a 26-foot structure at the Shelton Timberland Library aimed at creating a youth area for reading and socializing. Cheryl highlights the importance of providing safe spaces for children and families, especially after the pandemic. The conversation extends to the Anyw...

Curtis and Loretta, performers for the St. Germain's Tall Timbers Concert Series, discuss their upcoming show on April 13th. They reflect on their extensive touring experience as folk musicians, sharing anecdotes about their meeting in Santa Cruz and their subsequent musical journey spanning 47 years. They discuss their latest record, "Lift the World," inspired by reflections during the pandemic,...

The United Way of Mason County Spring Dessert and Gift Auction is coming up on May 10th from Noon - 2 PM at the Shelton Civic Center on Cota St. Executive Director Ted Jackson, Board President Dan Teuteberg, and VP Amber Trail highlight the event's purpose of raising funds for projects in the community. They emphasize the importance of community support and details about the auction, including loc...

Larry Murante, a singer-songwriter with a diverse musical background, discusses his upcoming Tall Timbers performance at St. Germain's in Hoodsport on Saturday, March 23rd. He shares insights into his musical journey, influenced by iconic artists like James Taylor, and his upbringing near the Martin Guitar factory. Larry also talks about his touring, involvement in a James Taylor Tribute Band, "Ta...

Kim Morris talks about the youth talent show auditions organized by the Armstrong Community Outreach Foundation. Auditions will take place at Faith Lutheran at 1212 Connection Street in Shelton on Friday, March 22, from 4 to 7. Those involved will participate in the Candyland Youth Festival on April 20 at the South Mason Youth Soccer Fields on Johns Prarie Road. The event aims to celebrate youth c...

A conversation with Kamie Sawtell, a Re/MAX agent in Shelton, discussing the recent news about the traditional 6% commission possibly being eliminated after a settlement was reached between the National Association of Realtors and groups of home sellers. Kamie explains the potential impact and reasons behind this change, emphasizing the need for transparency in commission structures. She highlight...

Karen Hilburn, Founder of the Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund, discusses the upcoming Denim and Diamonds Dinner Auction, marking the fund's 20th year in operation. Karen highlights the fund's impact, assisting over 600 women with mammograms and other medical needs. She also emphasizes the community's support and invites participation in the event, featuring a silent and live auction and talks about how...

The next Community Comedy Open Mic night is Tuesday, March 19th at the El Sarape Cantina in downtown Shelton, organized by Claudia Suastegui. Despite not considering herself a comedian...Claudia's passion for storytelling led her to create a supportive environment for anyone wanting to share their stories through stand-up comedy. The event welcomes both seasoned comedians and amateurs, with a posi...

Sunday marks St. Patrick's Day, coinciding with the St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl, offering an opportunity to eat, drink, and be Irish. Jeff Slakey talks with Nikki Boad about the event, which starts at Wilde Irish and entails a swag bag pick-up followed by a self-paced crawl across ten other establishments in Shelton. Transportation is available, with music performances throughout the day. Attendees...

State Senator Drew McEwen discusses the recently concluded legislative session, expressing dissatisfaction with House Bill 1589 related to Puget Sound Energy's shift away from natural gas. He highlights issues with the bill, including expedited rate increases for consumers before new generating systems come online. McEwen criticizes the rushed policy shift, emphasizing the potential economic impac...

A conversation discussing Shelton Junior Programs, a nonprofit organization that has been bringing live theater to local elementary students for 23 years. Jo Ewart, a member since 2008, explains that the program presents two plays each year for different grade levels, fulfilling Washington State's Arts Education requirements. The upcoming performances include "Jack and the Beanstalk" for grades 1-...

FC Olympia's owner, Ryan Perkins, discusses the recent merger with Lacey Lights, forming another semi-pro soccer team under FC Olympia. The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for local athletes and enhance the soccer community in Thurston County. Additionally, Perkins announces season tickets for the upcoming USL league at an affordable price of $24, aiming to surpass 500 sales, through M...