KMAS Radio

Oakland Bay Junior High has changed a lot in the last few years, and this extended conversation offers a clear look at what that transformation actually looks like day to day.Recorded on site at OBJH, Jeff Slakey sits down with Principal Marianne Marshall, seventh-grade ELA teacher Andrea Smith, and Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee for an in-depth roundtable discussion about how the school is creating a safer, more predictable, and more welcoming environment for students in grades 7 and 8.The conversation covers how consistent routines, shared expectations, and common language across classrooms help students know what’s expected of them — from the moment they walk into the building to the way they engage in learning throughout the day. You’ll hear how visual expectations, “Do Now” activities, and structured classroom entry and exit routines reduce distractions and increase instructional time.The group also talks candidly about why junior high is such a critical stage for students. Seventh and eighth graders are navigating identity, independence, social pressures, and growing academic demands, and the adults in the building emphasize relationships as the foundation for helping students succeed. There’s a thoughtful discussion about listening to students, meeting them where they are, and giving them space to find their voice while still maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.You’ll also hear details about:How the cell phone policy has improved focus and behaviorHow reading instruction works in a seventh-grade ELA classroomThe role of electives, clubs, band, and CTE classes in student engagementWhy extracurricular activities matter for social developmentHow data, assessments, and interventions guide instructionHow families can get involved and support the schoolHow levy funding supports programs that aren’t covered by basic education dollarsThis is part of an ongoing series of conversations highlighting schools across the Shelton School District, aimed at giving families and community members a clearer picture of what’s happening inside classrooms and hallways — beyond headlines or old reputations.#OaklandBayJuniorHigh #SheltonSchools #SheltonWA #PublicEducation #MiddleSchool #JuniorHigh #StudentSuccess #SchoolCulture #EducationMatters #CommunitySchools

Flight of the Blue Ox is an original Christmas radio play written by Rachel Hansen and performed by a full cast of local voices who bring Camp Grisdale to life. The show opens with Joel as the narrator, guiding listeners into a cold and stormy Christmas Eve deep in the Wynoochee Woods. Inside the logging camp, Paul Bunyan—voiced by Rich—and his steady partner Babe the Blue Ox—played by Will Stone—are settling in for a quiet night when the weather turns rough and talk turns to whether Santa - voiced by Jim, will make it through the storm.The camp children, voiced by Ilana and Gina as Ginny and Jimmy, worry that Christmas might not come at all. Tony plays Brody, their father, trying to keep spirits steady as the storm pushes in. Erin and Scooter appear as the cook and cook’s helper, filling the camp with simple comforts as everyone prepares for a long winter night.But everything changes when a streak of red light flashes over the Olympics and Santa’s sleigh crashes near Mount Ellinor. Jim steps in as Santa, while Fuzz voices Comet, the injured lead reindeer. With Comet unable to guide the team, Santa needs help fast. Paul Bunyan answers the call, and with Babe at his side, the two fight through wind, ice, and snow to reach the crash site.What follows is the turning point of the story: Santa gives Babe a spark of Christmas magic, allowing the blue ox to fly. Babe lifts the sleigh into the sky and takes the lead for a full night of travel around the world, delivering gifts while Comet recovers. The children of Camp Grisdale wake at dawn to see Santa return with Babe still glowing from the journey. The play closes with the camp gathered around the great Douglas fir as Paul and Babe take in the quiet morning after a long night.This local cast delivers a warm telling of how a blue ox stepped up when Christmas needed him most. The production blends familiar folklore, Mason County landmarks, and a classic holiday rescue story into one radio-style performance made for all ages.#FlightOfTheBlueOx #ChristmasRadioPlay #PaulBunyan #BabeTheBlueOx #KMASRadio #SheltonWA #ListenLocal #HolidayTradition #FamilyFriendly #ChristmasStory

Operation Scrooge is coming to Mason County with a full 24-hour telethon featuring 24 local bands helping raise money for families in the Hood Canal School District and across the county. Chris Eaks joins Jeff to talk about how the idea started, what the need looks like in the schools, and how people can stream the event live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. They also dig into the fundraising goals, the bands donating their time, and how folks near and far can share the event and support the cause.#OperationScrooge #MasonCounty #UnionWA #HoodCanal #LocalMusic #CommunitySupport #Telethon #PNWMusic #HolidayGiving #KMAS

Toys for Tots in Mason County is gearing up for a busy December, and the need is higher than usual. Jeff talks with Marcus Kennedy, one of the local coordinators, about how many kids rely on the program each year, how the donations stay local, and why teens are often the most overlooked age group when it comes to gifts.Marcus shares how he and his wife got involved back in 2017–18, how the program has grown, and what the donation process looks like from collection day to distribution at Mountain View.This Saturday, Toys for Tots volunteers will be downtown at First and Railroad from 10–2 during the Christmastown events, taking toy and cash donations. They’ll also appear in the parade, and drop-boxes are available at many Mason County businesses including OCCU and Walmart.If you’re able, consider adding an extra toy to your shopping list this weekend—especially something suited for teens. Every donation stays in Mason County and goes straight to local families.Links and ways to donate or request assistance are in the show notes.https://shelton-wa.toysfortots.org/#MasonCounty #SheltonWA #ToysForTots #HolidayGiving #ChristmastownWA #SupportLocalKids #CommunityMatters #KMASRadio #MasonCountyStrong

This is the full uncut recording of the 2026 Legislative Send-Off hosted jointly by the Shelton-Mason County Chamber, the North Mason Chamber, and the EDC of Mason County. Senator Drew MacEwen, Representative Travis Couture, and Representative Dan Griffey sit down with moderator Jeff Slakey to walk through the issues that will shape the upcoming short session in Olympia.The conversation covers taxes, the regulatory environment, business competitiveness, housing pressures, permitting timelines, infrastructure investments, public safety, apprenticeships, and how state-level decisions land on Mason County employers.You’ll hear direct remarks from the Chambers and EDC, a breakdown of the unified 2026 legislative priorities, and a wide-ranging Q&A that touches on workforce, inflation, public safety staffing, copper theft, and challenges local governments face with shrinking revenue and rising costs.If you’re a business leader, local government partner, or anyone trying to understand how the 2026 session could affect Mason County, this conversation gives useful context straight from your elected officials.Image: “LD 35 – 2024” by Washington State Redistricting Commission, used under CC BY 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#MasonCounty #WALeg #WA35th #OlympiaSession #SheltonWA #NorthMason #MasonEDC #PublicPolicy #BusinessCommunity #InfrastructureWA #HousingWA #WorkforceDevelopment #CTE #LocalGovernment

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff for a Thanksgiving-week check-in on what’s happening across the Shelton School District. They talk about the installation of new board member Andrew Wilford, how the district brings a new director up to speed, and ongoing community feedback around the Mountain View situation.Wyeth also digs into how the district stays focused heading into winter break — from strategic plan priorities like literacy and safe, welcoming schools to keeping politics out of the classroom.Jeff and Wyeth spend time on the value of the community forums, what families really want to know about their schools, and why gratitude has been a big theme for Wyeth this year. He also shares a couple great stories — including students reading Everest stories at OBJH and a fun exchange about cufflinks at Olympic Middle School.#SheltonSchoolDistrict #SheltonWA #MasonCountyWA #SheltonSchools #EducationUpdate #SchoolBoard #CommunityForum #SheltonCommunity #ThanksgivingWeek #PublicSchools #OBJH #OlympicMiddleSchool #SheltonHighclimbers

Shelton’s beloved Mistletoe Mile is back! Jeff talks with organizer Matt Lowe about bringing this community fun run back to downtown Shelton right before the Christmastown parade. It’s one mile, all ages, tons of holiday spirit, costumes, dogs, strollers — and yes, hot chocolate at the finish.Matt also shares the race history, how to register online, and a little about his new coaching business, PPRC Running.Event Details: • Saturday, December 6 • Day-of registration: 3:00–3:45 PM • Kids 100m dash: 3:50 PM • Mile race: 4:00 PM • Route: Railroad Ave — the full Christmastown parade route lit up for the seasonRegister: RunSignUp → Shelton Mistletoe Mile Coaching Info: PPRCRunning.com#SheltonWA #Christmastown #MistletoeMile #MasonCounty #FunRun #HolidayRun #SheltonParade #RunWA #CommunityRun #ExploreHoodCanal

In this episode, we’re at Mountain View Elementary for another community forum in the Shelton School District. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Principal Lysandra Ness, kindergarten teacher JoAnna Bielec, and school board director James Dale for an open conversation about what’s happening on campus, how students are learning, and how the school supports families.We cover a wide range of topics: how Mountain View builds strong reading foundations starting in kindergarten, why the staff leans heavily on data to understand student needs, and how attendance plays a big role in student growth. You’ll hear stories about student leadership, day-to-day moments in classrooms, and how simple routines help build a positive school culture.The team also talks about parent volunteers, student jobs, literacy events, and the push to build independence and confidence across grade levels. Wyeth breaks down levy dollars and the impact they have on the basics like staffing, athletics, utilities, and classroom support. Listeners get a look at how academic goals are set, why consistency across elementary schools matters, and how early skills carry students through middle school and beyond.Community questions touch on everything from teachers managing multiple responsibilities to how testing can feel less stressful, and even how groups like Shelton FC can partner with schools to keep kids active.If you want a clear picture of the work happening inside Mountain View Elementary and the direction the district is moving, this conversation gives you that view straight from the people doing the work every day.#SheltonSchools #MountainViewElementary #SheltonWA #EducationPodcast #CTE #SheltonCommunity #PublicSchools #StudentSuccess #EarlyLearning #SchoolCulture

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff in his office for a wide-ranging sit-down on youth outreach, crime trends, and what’s new at the sheriff’s office. They talk about the return of the DARE program in local schools, how it’s been updated for today’s kids, and why decision-making and mental health are at the center of the curriculum.Sheriff Spurling explains how a donated 2024 Mustang GT is about to become the new DARE patrol car, why community partners stepped up to make it happen, and how students will see it at parades and events across Mason County. He also breaks down the sheriff’s new enforcement team (SET), recent felony arrests, work around local encampments, and how state law guides the office’s response to immigration and ICE concerns.The conversation wraps up with an update on jail staffing, the hiring of a new jail chief, and what it means to build a culture of service in a rural county that covers more than a thousand square miles.#MasonCounty#SheltonWA#MasonCountySheriff#DAREProgram#YouthSafety#CommunityPolicing#PublicSafety#FentanylAwareness#KMASRadio#OurCommunityCreditUnion

Shelton, Washington turns into Christmas Town every December, and this year brings even more ways to celebrate. Amy Cooper joins Jeff to talk through everything happening downtown — Shop Shelton First, Best Friends Friday, tree lighting night, the return of the Mistletoe Mile, and the annual nighttime Christmas Parade.They also cover the expanded Festival of the Firs, the 12 Ways of Christmas across Mason County, and the third annual Cookie Stroll featuring local bakers and the Shelton High School culinary program.If you’re planning a visit to Shelton, Union, Hoodsport, or Belfair this holiday season, this conversation is your roadmap for events, shopping, live music, downtown lights, and family traditions that make Christmas Town Washington a destination.#SheltonWA#ChristmasTownWA#MasonCountyWA#HolidayEvents#ShopLocalShelton#FestivalOfTheFirs#12WaysOfChristmas#CookieStroll#SheltonParade#HoodsportWA#UnionWA

Singer-songwriter Mel Dalton is back on KMAS after more than a decade, and she’s got a lot of stories to tell. In this conversation from the North Mason Chamber of Commerce office, Mel shares how she went from growing up in Bremerton to playing full-time in Coeur d’Alene, why she keeps coming back every year for the Healing Hearts Fund fundraiser, and how everyday moments—a lottery billboard, a long drive, a season of grief—turn into songs.Mel talks about her new single “Chameleon,” a song about dropping the disguise and finally being yourself, and gives a powerful live performance in the room. She also opens up about “Key of H,” written years after losing her fiancé, and the moment another musician quietly recognized the loss hidden in the lyrics.We wrap with where to find Mel online, details on her upcoming love-songs EP, and how fans can catch her weekly Monday morning livestream. If you love heartfelt Americana, honest storytelling, and supporting music that gives back to the community, this one’s for you.https://meldaltonmusic.com/https://www.patreon.com/MelDaltonMusichttps://www.youtube.com/MelDaltonMusichttps://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightJuliets#MelDaltonMusic#AmericanaMusic#CountryFolk#CoeurDAlene#PNWMusic#IndependentArtist#WomenInMusic#SupportLiveMusic

Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) joins Jeff to talk about the 44-day federal government shutdown, its impact on workers across the Sixth District, and why she voted no on the reopening bill. She shares what she heard from Shipyard employees, small business owners, and families facing rising healthcare premiums.They also dig into rural hospital challenges, small business loans, bipartisan possibilities in Congress, and concerns about blurred lines between the legislative and executive branches.It’s a full breakdown of how national decisions hit home in Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Grays Harbor counties — and what comes next for Washington’s Sixth District.

As food insecurity rises, one Mason County resident turned concern into community. Angela Leander founded Together We Eat — a grassroots group helping local families through shared meals, cooking classes, and fresh-food partnerships with organizations like Salish Roots and Community Lifeline. In this conversation with Jeff Slakey, Angela shares how small acts of love and action are bringing Shelton closer together.#TogetherWeEat #MasonCounty #SheltonWA #CommunityLifeline #FoodSecurity #LocalLove #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #VolunteerMasonCounty #ExploreHoodCanal #KMASRadio

Evergreen Elementary’s community forum dives deep into the district’s 50/50 Dual Language model (Spanish/English), early-literacy gains, and how families, staff, and students are teaming up for success. Hosted by KMAS’s Jeff Slakey with Principal Paula Canady, Academic Assistant Principal & Multilingual Coordinator Cat Kelly, and Superintendent Wyeth Jessee.What you’ll hearHow Evergreen’s 50/50 dual language works (half-day Spanish, half-day English by content area), and why it’s open district-wide via lottery and parent transport.Real growth data: third-grade reading moving from 15.4% to 21.4%, with a 30% near-term goal—and momentum building across all grades.Classroom culture: daily morning meetings, integrated supports, and how staff build confidence so students can take academic risks in both languages.Secondary pathways: World Languages, STAMP testing, and students earning the Seal of Biliteracy.Staffing realities: recruiting bilingual/bi-literate educators and supporting visas/certification to maintain program continuity.Levy basics (February ballot): what local dollars cover at Evergreen—after-school sports, paraeducators, the assistant principal role, integrated supports, custodial/maintenance, and utilities.Family engagement: literacy nights, classroom writing shares, acceleration team celebrations, PTSO, and volunteer opportunities.Upcoming forum: Mountain View Elementary — Nov. 18 @ 5:00 PM (Shelton School District). Bring questions; replays are posted for those who can’t attend.#SheltonSchools #EvergreenElementary #DualLanguage #EarlyLiteracy #FamilyEngagement #MasonCountyWA #SheltonWA

The Shelton School District’s Career and Technical Education team is redefining how students prepare for life after graduation. Director Gretchen Maliska, Academy Coach Wendy Burr, and Business & Hospitality Lead Tye Ramos join Jeff Slakey to talk about the district’s academy model, hands-on learning, and internships connecting students directly to Mason County employers like Mason Health and Sierra Pacific. From 7th-grade career exploration to industry-recognized certifications, this behind-the-scenes look at CTE shows how Shelton is building confident, work-ready graduates.https://www.sheltonschools.org/departments/college___career_readiness/career___technical_education___c_t_e_#SheltonSchoolDistrict #CTE #CareerEducation #MasonCountyWA #SheltonHighSchool #WorkforceReady #HandsOnLearning #EducationMatters #FutureReadyStudents #SheltonCommunity

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to explain how each school sets measurable goals for student growth, reading achievement, and attendance. They also discuss the district’s upcoming levy renewal, how those funds sustain classrooms, and why consistent attendance makes such a difference after COVID. A transparent look inside the plans guiding Shelton’s schools—and the community teamwork that makes them succeed.#SheltonSchoolDistrict #SheltonWA #EducationMatters #StudentSuccess #AttendanceMatters #MasonCounty #PublicEducation #KMASRadio #VoiceOfMasonCounty #SchoolImprovement #CommunityStrong

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a conversation on building a love of reading — both in the classroom and at home. From “stretch” reading levels to family book clubs and spooky Halloween reads, the two talk about helping students find books they enjoy while improving comprehension. Plus, an update on Shelton’s leading early literacy growth and what it means for local students.#SheltonSchools #MasonCounty #Education #ReadingGoals #ParentTips #Superintendent #KMASRadio #LocalLearning #EarlyLiteracy #BookClub #FamilyReading

Halloween is back in full swing in Mason County! 🎃 Jeff Slakey talks with Jen Capps from Mason Health and Chala Gray from WellPoint about the 6th Annual Mason Health Trunk or Treat — happening Friday, October 24th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mason General Hospital.Families can park at Olympic Middle School and walk over for a fun, safe, and candy-filled afternoon featuring themed booths from local partners like Hood Canal Communications, Our Community Credit Union, Ecto-360, Mason Transit, and more. Plus, WellPoint is offering free flu shots, and SweetLee’s Ice Cream will be there for an extra treat!From Minions and Disney Princesses to Ghostbusters and pirates, this is one community event you won’t want to miss.#MasonHealth #TrunkOrTreat #SheltonWA #MasonCounty #HalloweenEvent #FamilyFun #CommunityEvent #KidsActivities #WellPoint #SweetLeesIceCream #ExploreHoodCanal #HoodCanalCommunications #OurCommunityCreditUnion #MasonTransit #Ecto360 #SheltonSchoolDistrict

North Mason School District Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael, joins Jeff Slakey for an in-depth conversation on her first few months leading the district, connecting with community groups, and preparing for November’s levy vote. She shares how levy funding supports essential programs like safety, technology, athletics, and early learning — plus a celebration of North Mason Olympian CJ Allen.A timely, insightful discussion about education, community, and Bulldog pride in Mason County.#NorthMasonSchools #MasonCountyWA #SchoolLevy2025 #EducationMatters #BulldogPride #KMASRadio #CTE #MasonCounty #BelfairWA #CommunityFirst #OlympianCJAllen

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a deep dive into what’s new in Shelton schools — from recognizing student athletes and improving graduation readiness to major gains in student behavior and engagement. They discuss how career and technical education programs, internships with Mason County and Mason Health, and strong community partnerships are shaping the next generation. Plus, Wyeth explains how local levy funding keeps athletics, electives, and enrichment programs alive, why attendance matters more than ever, and how Shelton’s alternative schools are changing lives. A candid, insightful look at local education — and the people making it work.#SheltonSchools #MasonCountyWA #PublicEducation #CTE #SheltonHighclimbers #StudentSuccess #SchoolLevy #EducationMatters #CommunityPartnerships #SheltonPodcast #KMASRadio #WyethJessee