KMAS Radio

Shelton’s own Cuppiecakes Queen is celebrating two years—and Cally’s story is as sweet as her bakes. She shares how a home hobby became a destination bakery, why real-deal ingredients matter (butter, sour cream, scratch-made fillings), the fan-favorite flavors (hello, oatmeal cream pies, Tropical Escape, and those viral-worthy Dubai brownies), how she collaborates on custom cakes, and what to know before you order. We also get the details on Friday’s anniversary party: special menu, mini sizes so you can try more than one, and raffle prizes.
Find her at 2523 Olympic Hwy N, Shelton, across from Licensin...

Downtown Shelton is getting ready for one of its most anticipated events of the year — the Halloween Spooktacular! Jeff Slakey sits down with Amy Cooper from the Shelton Downtown Merchants to talk about what’s new for 2025, how the event keeps growing, and how families and businesses can join in. From safe trick-or-treating on Railroad Avenue to the free Corpse Bride movie at Shelton Cinemas, this episode covers everything you need to know for Halloween night in Shelton.

👻 Trick-or-Treating: 4–6 p.m. on Railroad Avenue
🎬 Free Movie: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride – 7 p.m. at Shelton Cinemas with a non-peris...

Join KMAS Radio’s Jeff Slakey for a special community forum at Olympic Middle School in the Shelton School District, featuring Principal Mary Johnson, Counselor Grace Reneker, and Superintendent Wyeth Jessee.
This in-depth conversation explores how Olympic supports Shelton’s 5th and 6th-graders through positive relationships, structured learning, and a strong culture of care.
Hear about the school’s academic goals, social–emotional supports, parent engagement, and how local levy funding impacts programs, staffing, and student success.

*Apologies for the quality of this recording.

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey with a candid update one month into the new school year. From tackling discipline challenges and supporting student mental health, to empowering kids through hands-on projects and leadership opportunities, Jessee shares why this year feels smoother than ever. The conversation also dives into the district’s new cell phone policy, the critical role of levies in funding enhanced services like counselors and librarians, and how parents and the community can stay engaged — including at this weekend’s Oysterfest.

Recorded Thursday, October 2, 2025.

#SheltonSchools #MasonCounty #EducationMatters #CTE #ProjectBasedLearning #School...

The Oysterfest fun doesn’t stop at the fairgrounds—just down the road, the Shuck & Share 5K +1 Run/Walk brings the community together to support Project Share. Jeff talks with Sheila Corson from Mason PUD 3 about the event’s 11-year tradition, how it helps local families with power bills, and why participants get more than just a race—swag bags, gift card drawings, and a flat, fun course around Island Lake. Registration ends soon, but you can still sign up on race day.

https://www.pud3.org/calendar-events/shuck-share-5k-run/

#ShuckAndShare #Oysterfest #SheltonWA #MasonCounty #RunForACause #Communit...

He’s visited all 3,086 U.S. counties, published a six-language travel magazine that sold the American dream overseas, and now he’s slinging unforgettable pies on the Hood Canal. Jeff sits down at Hood Canalé with John DeLeva to talk about choosing Union on purpose, what international travelers really want (parks, open roads, icons), how phones changed trip-planning—and the fine art of sharing local gems without crowding them out. Plus: Cameo Boutique’s move and what’s next for Hood Canalé (indoor dining, an Italian-style deli, gelato & more), and why local radio still feels like “welcome home.”

#MasonCounty...

Bordeaux Elementary kicks off Shelton School District’s new community forum series with a candid, feel-good conversation about what’s working—and what’s next. Host Jeff Slakey sits down with Principal Kyle O’Neil, 3rd-grade teacher Bree West, Superintendent Wyeth Jessee, and school board members James Dale and Lauren Gilmore to unpack a fast start to the year, the power of consistent routines, and a district-wide literacy push that’s getting results.

You’ll hear how daily “warm welcome” systems, structured mini-lessons, and Words Their Way are helping students move from learning to read to reading to learn. The pane...

WSU Extension’s Tessa Halloran joins Jeff to cover three timely topics for Mason County: (1) Septic Smart maintenance and the Oct 23 workshop in Hoodsport, (2) “Cultivating Coexistence: Farming for Salmon Health” at the Salmon Center on Oct 21, and (3) the statewide online Whole Farm Planning course (Sep 22–Nov 3) with flexible, recorded sessions and optional field trips. We dig into real costs, DIY maintenance eligibility, salmon-safe practices, manure management, how certifications help farmers reach values-aligned customers, scholarships, certificates of completion, and how WSU Extension makes it all accessible. Plus: Master Gardeners at OysterFest and youth MG opportunities on deck.

#WSUExtension #MasonCou...

In a phone call on September 17, Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to reflect on the district’s new community forums, the success story at Bordeaux Elementary, and how aligning learning across schools helps students thrive. They celebrate Shelton High School’s vibrant clubs and football victory, discuss national recognition for early literacy, and invite the community to upcoming open houses and forums. It’s a positive look at how Shelton schools are working together to build strong futures for students.

#SheltonSchools #MasonCounty #EducationMatters #StudentSuccess #HighClimbers #BordeauxElementary #SheltonHigh #EarlyLiteracy #CommunityStrong

Shelton’s port is buzzing. Executive Director Wendy Smith and Engineering Manager Brandon Palmer join Jeff to walk through what listeners are seeing right now: the Bear Gulch Fire incident base camp at Sanderson Field, an airport-wide taxiway paving and LED lighting project (~$4.3M), and a major rebuild of the former Sawtooth site—engineered for heavy steel fabrication with two 15-ton bridge cranes.
We also hit OysterFest overflow parking (Plan B secured and likely not needed), an Airport Master Plan update with a public meeting coming, the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream move-in (with hopes for a scoop shop), stro...

Hear directly from the candidates before you cast your ballot!

Recorded live on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the PUD 3 Auditorium, this full-length Shelton City Council Candidates Debate features those running for Seats 3, 4, 6, and 7:

Moderated by Jeff Slakey of KMAS Radio and filmed by MasonWebTV, the candidates share their opening statements, answer community-based questions, and close with their visions for Shelton’s...

Brad and Heidi McCutcheon from Bradley Air Company join Jeff to talk fall prep, why modern variable-speed systems feel better and cost less, and how PUD-3 rebates—even for tenants—are helping Mason County families upgrade to whole-home comfort. We dig into service timelines (next-day residential service, ~two-week installs), airflow myths (don’t close those vents), and the “first freeze” surge that catches homeowners off-guard. Plus: what commercial HVAC looks like when the stakes are king-crab-level high.

Schedule service before the first freeze (next-day residential service; installs ~2 weeks).

Check PUD-3 rebates—tenants can apply if the utility...

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff Slakey with a September update packed with news and context. Sheriff Spurling reflects on Jail Chief Kevin Hanson’s tenure and the years-long push that led to jail accreditation. He introduces new Jail Chief Shane Schoeneberg and explains how a recent wave of qualified applicants—and a 10-week Corrections Officer Academy—will help restore staffing and raise in-county capacity from 60 to 80 beds. The conversation also looks at the Bear Gulch Fire: why Mason County’s command vehicle and tight coordination mattered, and what history tells us about repeated, fireworks-related starts. Plus: budget stewards...

School’s back—and Shelton’s first week is humming. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to take you behind the scenes: the maintenance and custodial crews who flipped spaces after the Bear Gulch response, the transportation team that kept routes moving, and why the district put English Language Arts instruction front-and-center on day one.
 You’ll also hear a fresh Social and Emotional Learning moment from a brand-new counselor (the “wrinkly heart” lesson), how a simple hall-pass system keeps learning on track, and details on a new evening school-by-school forum series—plus an open invitation to tour a school while...

Why do rural communities face higher risks of Alzheimer’s and dementia? Dr. Justin Miller from the University of Washington joins Jeff Slakey to talk about the new Northwest Rural Brain Health Initiative launching in partnership with Mason Health. The project brings free education sessions, brain health conversations, and clinical testing directly to Mason County. Learn how you or a loved one can get involved and why this program could change the way we think about aging in rural areas.

#BrainHealth #AlzheimersAwareness #RuralHealth #MasonHealth #UWMedicine #HealthyAging #SheltonWA #DementiaResearch #KMAS #localradio #jeffslakey

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to talk about the excitement of a new school year, how the district is helping students with everything from backpacks to career readiness, and what parents can do to support their kids at every stage — from kindergarten drop-offs to high school transitions.

#SheltonSchools #BackToSchool #MasonCounty #EducationMatters #ParentTips #StudentSuccess #KMAS #localradio #jeffslakey

After seven years as Shelton’s City Clerk, Donna Nault is retiring — but not before sharing a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most important (and least understood) jobs. In this "exit interview", Donna explains what a city clerk really does, how Shelton transitioned from a three-person commission to a seven-member council, and the challenges of keeping government transparent and neutral. She talks about Veterans Village, roundabouts, public engagement, and her advice to successor Mary Ricker. Plus, what’s next in retirement: travel, family, and a new kitten.

#SheltonWA #LocalGovernment #Podcast #DonnaNault #CityClerk #CommunityVoices #VeteransVillage

This year marks the 9th Annual Mason County Overdose Awareness Marches and Fairs. Jeff Slakey sits down with organizers Jamie Ellertson and Abe Gardner to talk about the two-day event in Belfair and Shelton, the growth of resources and sponsors, and why community support and conversations around recovery matter more than ever.
Hear about new locations, the importance of Narcan, and how these marches bring hope, prevention, and healing to Mason County.
https://www.facebook.com/events/297242293203819

#MasonCounty #OverdoseAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #NarcanSavesLives #Belfair #SheltonWA #AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #EndOverdose #HopeAndHealing

School budgets can seem complicated; they affect every family, taxpayer, and student in the community. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Shelton School District’s new Executive Director of Finance, Clinton Sherman, for a candid, plain-spoken conversation about how education funding works in Washington state.

Clinton shares his journey from small-town Eastern Washington to Shelton and why he was drawn to the sense of community here. He explains how districts receive money from the state through “apportionment,” why it isn’t as simple as balancing a household checkbook, and how costs like utilities, transportation, and even elevator...

Hoodstock was electric—and local favorite Chris Eakes tells us why. Fresh off a buzzworthy set with the “Union supergroup,” 5 Guys & A Flute, Chris breaks down the band’s chemistry, what makes the Hood Canal audience different, and how that energy shapes the sound you’ll hear at his solo performance during Shuck & Strum this Thursday, August 21,  at 6 pm on the Finch Creek Stage (plus live on KMAS and our streams).

We also get personal: the moment a shy student found his voice in Chris’s guitar class, how Hoodstock funding is fueling music education, and why Chris shifted...

Shelton School District is starting the year with momentum—and a headline win: No. 1 in Washington for early-literacy growth. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee walks through what that means for third-grade readers, how attendance climbed from 81% to 86%, that’s about 215 fewer chronically absent students, and why suspensions dropped from 865 to 200 by focusing on relationships, routines, and engaging instruction. 

We also preview the year’s culture shifts—a no-cell-phone district, targeted teacher mentoring, and a three-day Summer Summit—and invite families to the Back-to-School Celebration, Friday, Aug 22 at 4:00 PM, Olympic Middle School. Need a backpack, medical check, food support, or transportat...

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 wild adventures that took him from the Pacific Northwest to California, Mexico, and back again.

F...

🏌️‍♂️ 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 changing lives—one tee shot (and one dropped golf ball) at a time. Learn how to register, sponsor, or just show up and ha...

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...

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...

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 tour...

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...

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...

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 pr...

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...

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...

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...

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:

They cover everything you need to know before you lace up:

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:

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 brain dance and your heart smile.

From festival-ready originals to blissed-out improv jams, Aaron’s performance is an immersive trip that l...

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.

Backed by special guest Carlos Santos on rhythm guitar (goodbye looper pedal!), Adam rolls through originals slated for his upcoming EP, fan-favorite bar-room anthems f...

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, Brewer Park’s homelessness debate, and why every vote in August’s top-two primary matters. Mobley also opens up about balancing family, fitness, and communit...

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:

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.