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 to and reflect on. She also talks about finding inspiration in everyday life and her upcoming tour s...
Apr 22, 2024•15 min•Ep. 101
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 turned into a parking lot with work starting around July 2024.
Apr 19, 2024•11 min•Ep. 100
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 atmosphere of the theater community on Harstine Island. KMAS is the local radio station in Mason County W...
Apr 17, 2024•7 min•Ep. 99
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 interview highlights Joe's passion for bringing books to rural areas and the positive reception of the...
Apr 17, 2024•7 min•Ep. 98
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 high-angle rescue or water rescue. They're gearing up for the premiere of a documentary, "Where the ...
Apr 12, 2024•19 min•Ep. 97
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 council's role in policy development and goal-setting for the city. The application deadline for the ...
Apr 10, 2024•13 min•Ep. 96
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 Anywhere Library initiative, mobile services reaching smaller communities, and the recent expansion of l...
Mar 28, 2024•18 min•Ep. 95
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, and their approach to crafting setlists for their performances, which range from intimate venues to ...
Mar 28, 2024•20 min•Ep. 94
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 location and donation procedures. Additionally, they reflect on United Way's role in providing essentia...
Mar 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 93
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, "Taylor Made," and his approach to crafting sets tailored to different venues and audiences. Throughout...
Mar 21, 2024•12 min•Ep. 92
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 creativity, offering opportunities for various talents and showcasing arts and crafts by young vendor...
Mar 21, 2024•9 min•Ep. 91
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 highlights the shift towards clearer communication about how agents are paid and the implications for buyers ...
Mar 19, 2024•12 min•Ep. 90
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 fundraising aids cancer patients. Additionally, she acknowledges the importance of supporting bo...
Mar 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 89
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 positive atmosphere where people can step out of their comfort zones and connect with others. These are ...
Mar 15, 2024•9 min•Ep. 88
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 can anticipate surprises, such as special drinks, and don't forget your green!
Mar 15, 2024•5 min•Ep. 87
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 impact on businesses and the unpreparedness of the electrical grid. He also discusses successful initiati...
Mar 08, 2024•11 min•Ep. 86
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 1-3 and "Frindle" for grades 4-6 at Shelton High School's Performing Arts Center. Jo mentions the adap...
Mar 04, 2024•9 min•Ep. 85
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 March. The club also plans a gala fundraiser featuring guest speakers like Stephanie Cox and auction ...
Mar 04, 2024•10 min•Ep. 84
Shelton High School is hosting the Bite of Reality Fair, an event organized by Peninsula Credit Union to educate high school seniors about financial responsibility. The fair utilizes an app-based simulation where students receive a job, salary, and must make budgetary decisions regarding housing, transportation, and other expenses. The program aims to prepare students for real-world financial challenges. Peninsula Credit Union, along with community volunteers, facilitates the fair and also suppo...
Mar 04, 2024•10 min•Ep. 83
U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer discusses the looming threat of a government shutdown and attributes it to some members of the House Republican Conference wanting to inject cultural issues into spending bills. Kilmer emphasizes the avoidability of a shutdown if these issues are kept separate. He also touches on the challenges of the current Congress, particularly the internal divisions among Republicans hindering legislative progress. Kilmer advocates for constructive dialogue and bipartisan coope...
Feb 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 82
Representative Dan Griffey discusses the urgent issue of fentanyl in the community. He emphasizes the severity of the situation, calling it a "poison" affecting all communities, and expresses his concern about federal agencies' effectiveness in addressing the problem. Griffey proposes declaring a state of emergency to mobilize state agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and State Patrol, to combat fentanyl trafficking. He suggests convening a prosecutor summit and easing regulatory ...
Feb 28, 2024•26 min•Ep. 81
Senator Drew McEwen discusses ongoing budget discussions in the state legislature. He's particularly focused on the $3 billion surplus and concerns about the House's proposal, which includes a controversial $200 rebate tied to voting down a carbon tax initiative. Senator McEwen expresses disappointment in this approach, emphasizing his hope for its removal during the budget conference. The discussion also touches on the budget process intricacies, concerns about specific initiatives, transportat...
Feb 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 80
Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee discusses various updates in the district, emphasizing the ongoing implementation of their strategic plan focusing on literacy, college and career readiness, and safe and welcoming environments. He highlights the unique role of Choice High School, providing a family therapeutic setting with additional mental health support for students facing challenges. The school's efforts, including a full-time mental health therapist, have contributed to po...
Feb 22, 2024•18 min•Ep. 79
Representative Travis Couture discusses the ongoing legislative session and the focus on budget allocation in the state. There is mention of a $3 billion surplus in the supplemental budget, with discussions around how to spend it strategically. Representative Couture emphasizes the importance of prioritization in budgeting, expressing concerns about spreading resources too thin and needing to fund essential areas fully. The conversation also discusses the options for utilizing the surplus, inclu...
Feb 21, 2024•17 min•Ep. 78
Representative Dan Griffey discusses the recently released supplemental budget proposals by House Democrats and Senate Republicans. Griffey expresses concern about the $3 billion spending in the budget, emphasizing the missed opportunity to address underfunding in K-12 education and special education. He highlights specific initiatives in the 35th district, including a budget proviso for educating people on fentanyl use in libraries and a study on cancer occurrences among volunteer firefighters....
Feb 20, 2024•14 min•Ep. 77
35th District Representative Travis Couture and Jeff Slakey continue discussing this legislative session. They delve into House Bill 2001, which grants the state Supreme Court and the governor decision power on commuting sentences for felons, focusing on recalculating sentences to potentially release individuals from prison early. The bill narrowly passed, raising concerns about the impact on victims and their families. The conversation then shifts to another topic: rent control. Representative ...
Feb 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 76
State Senator Drew McEwen and Jeff Slakey discuss Senate Bill 5770, a property tax measure. According to Senator McEwen, the bill proposes allowing local governments to exceed the 1% property tax cap, established by voters and the legislature a decade ago, by tripling it to 3%. Moreover, the bill permits local governments to bank the unused increase for subsequent years without voter approval, potentially costing taxpayers an additional $6 billion in property taxes. Senator McEwen criticizes the...
Feb 09, 2024•12 min•Ep. 75
Jeff Slakey and Mason County Republican Chair Melissa Upson discuss the ongoing election season. The focus then shifts to the upcoming Mason County Republican County convention this weekend, with Brad Klippert running to lead OSPI as a featured speaker. Chair Melissa Upson provides insights into the convention process, detailing how delegates elected at precinct caucuses will contribute to the Mason County Republican Convention and the Washington State Republican Convention. Notably, the state c...
Feb 09, 2024•5 min•Ep. 74
Mason County Republicans Party Chair Melissa Upson talks about the Mason County Republicans county convention this week and what the landscape looks like for 2024.
Feb 08, 2024•5 min•Ep. 73
In this radio interview, Mason County Auditor Steve Duenkel discusses recent changes in the Mason County Auditor's Office, including relocating operations to create more space for ballot processing and election observers. Duenkel outlines the busy election year ahead, with five elections scheduled, including a special election in February and the March presidential primary. The conversation touches on ballot security measures, such as enhanced surveillance on drop boxes, and Duenkel emphasizes t...
Feb 08, 2024•10 min•Ep. 72
