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KMAS 1030 AM | 103.3 FM MASON COUNTY
35th District Lawmakers on Budget, Taxes, and the 2026 Legislative Session
As Washington’s legislative session gets underway, 35th District Representatives Dan Griffey and Travis Couture sit down to discuss what lawmakers and residents can expect in the weeks ahead. The conversation covers the State of the State address, a projected multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, tax policy debates, and how rising costs are impacting families and small businesses across Washington. The lawmakers also talk about trust in tax promises, long-term fiscal sustainability, and the challenges of affordability in one of the nation’s most expensive states. The discussion closes with public safety concerns, including DUI enforcement, toxicology lab backlogs, and why enforcing existing laws matters for community safety. A wide-ranging look at the issues shaping the 2026 legislative session and what they mean for the 35th District and Washington State.
Forest Festival Expands Scholarships for Mason County Students | Deadlines & Coronation Details
Forest Festival is coming up sooner than many people realize, and this year brings expanded opportunities for students across Mason County to get involved while earning scholarship support. In this conversation, Jeff talks with Anna Liljas about the 2026 Forest Festival theme, Legends of the Timber, and the expanded royalty and ambassador programs now available to students in grades 6 through 12. For the first time, freshmen and sophomores can participate as ambassadors, opening the door earlier for students who want to represent their schools, build leadership skills, and stay connected to community traditions.
State Senator Drew MacEwen on Taxes, Education, and Public Safety in the 2026 Legislative Session
As the 2026 Washington State legislative session gets underway, Jeff Slakey checks in with Drew MacEwen, State Senator for the 35th District and Deputy Leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. MacEwen shares his reaction to the Governor’s State of the State address, raising concerns about continued tax increases, rising costs for families, and what he describes as a growing disconnect between Olympia and working-class Washingtonians. The conversation digs into property taxes, labor and fuel costs, and how those pressures are showing up at kitchen tables across Mason and Thurston counties. The discussion also covers education funding and local school levies, including unfunded mandates placed on districts, declining test scores despite high per-pupil spending, and what MacEwen believes needs to change to stabilize K-12 education.
Beyond the Superintendent’s Office: A Parent-to-Parent Conversation with Wyeth Jessee
This conversation steps away from policy and meetings and focuses on the person behind the title. Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey and parent Shiloh Littlesun for a candid discussion about fatherhood, growing up with an IEP, working in special education, and how those experiences shape the way he leads today. From raising his own children to supporting students with disabilities, this is a parent-to-parent conversation about trust, growth, and doing right by kids.
Mary M. Knight EP&O Levy Explained | Superintendent Matt Mallery on February 10 Ballot
Mary M. Knight Superintendent Matt Mallery explains the district’s upcoming EP&O levy on the February 10 ballot. The conversation covers how levy funds support staffing, career and technical education programs, athletics, and student growth, why the proposal is a replacement levy at the same rate as before, and how passing the levy would unlock additional state funding for the district. A detailed look at how local support continues to shape education in the Mary M. Knight School District.
Flight Of The Blue Ox - 2025 KMAS Christmas Radio Play
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.
2026 Legislative Send-Off: Mason County Chambers & EDC Talk Priorities with Lawmakers
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.
Jim Dunithan – The Art of Curiosity
Mason County artist Jim Dunithan has spent a lifetime turning curiosity into creativity — painting, sculpting, carving, and experimenting with light, color, and texture. From his very first childhood canvas to today’s color-shifting creations, Jim’s work captures the joy of making art simply because he loves it.
Long Form Audio Interviews on the KMAS Podcast
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Jeff Slakey
Weekday Mornings 6-9 AM.
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Rachel Hansen
Weekday Afternoons 2-6
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Will Stone
Overnights 12-6 AM
KMAS are proud broadcast partners of the Seattle Seahwks, Kraken and Mariners. The Game’s on KMAS!
KMAS is a proud partner of the Kraken Radio Network. Pregames start 30 minutes before the puck drops
KMAS Radio is the 2024 Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year!
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Support Local Radio
What does your local radio station mean to you? Apart from the fact that its great to have a 24/hour local emergency channel – we are excited to rekindle local love for KMAS.
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Tracing our area's stories for seven years
The summer issue highlights opportunities around the canal to simply get away and also encourages folks to shop local and support our small businesses.
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We love our local events – let's do all we can.
Volunteering and supporting legacy festivals foster strong relationships and connected healthy communities.