We’re taking a trip down memory lane with Robert Poole — a musician, storyteller, and the man behind the beloved Songwriter’s Stage on KMAS. In this reflective, reintroduction interview, Poole shares how his musical spark ignited in his teens, from playing in a Beatles-inspired band in Tacoma to rubbing elbows with rock legends like The Kinks and The Byrds. Along the way, he opens up about his deep connection to Hood Canal, his years hosting open mics and curated songwriter showcases, and the wi...
Aug 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 162
🏌️♂️ Helicopters, golf balls, and giving back—what more could you ask for? In this special episode, Jeff Slakey chats with longtime Love INC supporter and board member Dan Partridge about the annual Love INC Golf Tournament at Alderbrook. Hear how this community-powered event supports hundreds of families in Mason County, and why the famous “Golf Balls from Heaven” helicopter drop is the highlight of the day. With 25 partner churches and over 1,600 families served last year, Love INC is changi...
Aug 06, 2025•9 min•Ep. 160
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 ...
Aug 05, 2025•18 min•Ep. 161
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 U...
Aug 01, 2025•27 min•Ep. 159
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 Co...
Aug 01, 2025•31 min•Ep. 158
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 fu...
Jul 27, 2025•12 min•Ep. 156
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 resour...
Jul 22, 2025•22 min•Ep. 155
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 wha...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 154
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 r...
Jul 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 153
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...
Jul 08, 2025•14 min•Ep. 152
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...
Jul 08, 2025•13 min•Ep. 151
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 s...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 150
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 mural on the Coda Street Antiques wall Steve Buettler – Coordinating librarian for Timberland Regional...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 149
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 conversations with unhoused neighbors sparked your interest in council—how so? Homelessness at Brewer Pa...
Jun 25, 2025•36 min•Ep. 146
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-splashed reggae grooves without missing a beat. The result? A mind-bending soundscape that makes your br...
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 148
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 Keys–style riffs , and pop-punk chord progressions into a fresh Pacific Northwest country-rock sound....
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 147
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, transparent leadership, and youth engagement. The pair dive into hot-button issues like affordable housing,...
Jun 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 143
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 test scores, discipline numbers and classroom practices aligning with the district’s pillars? Choice &a...
Jun 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 145
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 principles of “policing by consent” and explains why they still guide modern deputies. Neighborhood Wat...
Jun 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 142
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 why “regionally well-thought-of” is a business-card flex. Expect talk of Dwight Yoakam twang, Black...
Jun 10, 2025•12 min•Ep. 144
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 down practical ways Mason County residents can save smarter—no matter their income or generation. G...
Jun 09, 2025•42 min•Ep. 140
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 ready for big employers—or support the small ones already here? What makes a site "shovel ready"? An...
Jun 03, 2025•51 min•Ep. 141
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 issue—it’s vital for every homeowner along Hood Canal and Puget Sound. They unpack how the Coastal Haza...
May 21, 2025•13 min•Ep. 139
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 expect from the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade—80+ entries, all-city marching bands, visiting floats, and fu...
May 19, 2025•24 min•Ep. 138
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.
May 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 137
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 of Shelton’s public schools and their role in shaping the community’s future.
May 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 136
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. #MasonCounty #SheriffsSitdown #PublicSafety #HoodsportWA #CommunityPolicing #FlockCameras #HomelessnessCrisis...
May 07, 2025•17 min•Ep. 135
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 keep your system running right and our environment safe. https://extension.wsu.edu/mason/event/2025-...
May 06, 2025•15 min•Ep. 134
We’re back with Amber Anderson from South Mason Fire & Rescue to talk about one of Mason County’s favorite traditions—the Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast ! Happening this Saturday, May 10th from 9:30 AM to noon at Fire Station 4 on Arcadia Road, it’s more than just pancakes and mock mimosas. We dive into how this event supports vital community programs, from school supply drives to smoke alarm installations and the growing Mobile Integrated Health program that’s making waves nationwide. Plus,...
May 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 133
Fire season is coming fast, and Mason County is gearing up. In this episode, Jeff Slakey chats with South Mason Fire PIO Amber Anderson about the county-wide Wildfire-Ready Neighbors Fair happening Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Shelton Civic Center parking lot (525 W. Cota St.) . Hear how Central Mason Fire, South Mason Fire, DNR, Squaxin Island Tribe, Mason Conservation District, the Red Cross, and more are coming together to offer free home-hardening assessments , live demos, and ki...
Apr 30, 2025•10 min•Ep. 132
