In this episode, Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee talks with Jeff Slakey for a candid conversation on the district’s financial outlook, record-setting literacy growth, and the exciting programs launching this school year. From budget pressures to preparing classrooms, we unpack the realities facing public education today. Plus, learn more about the August 22nd Back-to-School Festival, the tuition-free Shelton Promise at Evergreen, and how parents can stay informed. Stream the full conversation or catch highlights on the KMAS Morning Show.

#SheltonSchools #WyethJessee #EducationMatters #BackToSchool #SheltonPromise #EarlyLiteracy #WAEducation #SchoolFunding #KMASPodcast

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 Sperling also discusses major leadership changes within the department, including the retirement of Undersheriff Travis Adams and the promotion of Jason Dracobly. Get the scoop on the department’s new fentanyl-sniffing K9s, how they're tackling jail overdoses, and what’s ahead for DARE and community outreach this school year.

👉 Stay informed about local emergencies and public safety efforts with this insightful update from the front lines.

#BearGulchFire #MasonCountySheriff #LakeCushman #EvacuationUpdate #PublicSafety #FentanylAwareness #DAREProgram #CommunityPolicing #SheriffSitDown #WildfireResponse #KMAS #LocalNews

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 “Soup with the Sup” listening lunches, Dr. Michael lays out a transparent roadmap for keeping Bulldog Country thriving—despite tight budgets. Tune in to hear how public education can stay the great equalizer in Mason County and learn how you can get involved before ballots drop in November.

#NorthMasonSchools
#MasonCountyWA
#EducationPodcast
#SchoolFunding
#SuperintendentSpotlight
#WashingtonEducation
#CommunityConversation
#ReplacementLevy
#CTEPrograms
#StudentSuccess

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 crews are partnering with law enforcement to host block parties, cookouts, games, and family-friendly fun throughout the county. From car seat installations and bucket brigades to root beer floats and fire station tours, there’s something for everyone.

We also cover burn ban safety, the risks of summer wildfires, and what people can do to avoid overtaxing local emergency resources. It's all about connecting with the community before the emergency happens—and having fun doing it.

👉 Learn more about the national event at natw.org, and check out this local conversation for everything happening here in Mason County.

#NationalNightOut
#MasonCountyWA
#FireSafety
#BurnBan
#MeetYourFirefighters
#NNO2025
#RootBeerFloatsAndFireTrucks
#CommunityFirstResponders
#WAEvents
#SheltonWA
#NorthMason
#SouthMason
#CentralMasonFire
#EmergencyPreparedness
#FirePrevention

KMAS is the local radio station in Mason County Washington.

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 that support vulnerable students are at risk. Wyeth explains some of the consequences: fewer resources for homeless youth, cuts to food assistance, and jeopardized tutoring and mental health services. He also discusses how budget timelines clash with late-breaking funding changes and how these ripple effects extend into next year’s services.

Despite the challenges, Wyeth highlights the district’s recent successes in reading scores and financial recovery. Hear how new leadership is stabilizing Shelton’s budget, what role the state might (or might not) play, and how local advocacy could be key to protecting essential student services.
If you have questions for the superintendent, email them to [email protected]

#SheltonSchools
 #EducationFunding
 #FederalCuts
 #PublicEducation
 #RuralEducation
 #StudentSupport
 #McKinneyVento
 #WashingtonSchools
 #SheltonWA
 #SchoolDistrictBudget
 #WyethJessee
 #EducationEquity
 #SchoolLeadership
 #SchoolTransparency
 #KMASPodcast

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-trip-ready rhythms, each song is a journey—told with honesty, warmth, and a deep understanding of what it means to be alive.

From small-town stages to waterfront sunsets, Terry Mutter’s performances feel like a conversation between old friends—raw, real, and resonant.

Couldn’t make it to Hoodsport? No problem. Replay the full concert right here—or tune in on AM 1030, FM 103.3, or any KMAS streaming platform. Press play and let Terry Mutter soundtrack your evening with songs that hit home and linger long after the last note fades.

https://terrymutter.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/terry_mutter_music/
https://www.facebook.com/Keepitgoingrecords/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Xon9LSEMIHxOe7AJBYvjU
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/terry-mutter/1598819674

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 may be impacted, sparking widespread community concern. But Eric delivers a message of clarity and reassurance: Mason Health is not closing. Instead, he outlines the hospital’s strong financial position, long-term vision, and proactive measures to expand access through telehealth, mobile care, home health, and strategic partnerships.

Listen and learn how AI is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, why specialty services like OBGYN and cardiology remain strong, and how Mason Health plans to support thousands who may lose Medicaid coverage in 2027. This is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of community healthcare in Mason County and beyond.

#RuralHealthcare
#MasonHealth
#MedicaidCuts
#MasonCountyWA
#HealthcarePolicy
#Telehealth
#HospitalCEO
#CommunityHealth
#HealthcareAccess
#EricMoll
#SheltonWA
#HealthcareLeadership
#OneBigBeautifulBill
#HealthcareFuture

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 about the family-friendly camping scene, instrument workshops, the legendary Midnight Hot Dogs, and how artists like Zach Top got their start right here in Mason County. With acts like Jim Hurst, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Never Come Down, and the Barkay Buckaroos, this year’s lineup blends national talent with deep local roots.

🎻 Visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com for tickets, camping info, and the full schedule.

Whether you’re a die-hard bluegrass fan or brand new to the genre, this is your invitation to experience great music, community spirit, and a weekend you won’t forget.
#BluegrassFromTheForest #SheltonWA #MasonCountyMusic #PNWBluegrass #AmericanaMusic #BluegrassFestival #FamilyMusicFestival #JimHurst #ZachTop #RunawayTrain #MidnightHotDogs #BluegrassWeekend #MasonCountyEvents

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, and more are making Union their summer stage. From intimate pub crawls and Linda Ronstadt tributes to powerful veteran collaborations and waterfront performances, this festival is more than music, it's an experience. Find out where to stay, what to expect, and why this small-town gathering is attracting talent from across the country.

🎟️ Don’t miss events July 15–19 weekend of acoustic performances, storytelling, and unforgettable moments at Robin Hood Village, Alderbrook Golf Club, and other local gems. Proceeds benefit nonprofits like Salmon for Soldiers and Harmony Hill and others.

Listen in, then visit peaceloveandunion.net to plan your trip.

#PeaceLoveUnion #SaltwaterSongwriters #UnionWA #HoodCanalMusic #ChristianBush #SongwritersFestival #GrammyWinnersLive #LindaRonstadtTribute #AcousticWeekend #PNWMusicScene #RobinHoodVillage #JeffSlakey #KMASRadio

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 like a conversation with an old friend. From stripped-down ballads to toe-tapping originals, their set flows with heart, humor, and harmony—perfectly matched to a summer night by the water.

Missed the magic live? No worries. You can replay the full performance right here—or tune in on AM 1030, FM 103.3, or any KMAS streaming platform. Whether you're relaxing at home or cruising through the canal, Randy Baugh & The Rehearsals will bring a little more soul to your summer soundtrack.