For a compendium of upcoming featured programs, check KPTZ Spotlight for March 1-15. Many of our program hosts provide specifics about what’s planned for this half month. If you’re not already a Spotlight subscriber, you’re invited to join our Mailing List. See KPTZ’s current Weekly On-Air Schedule and Daily Program Schedule.
(Airdate: May 4, 2026) Do you know everything that Jefferson County Public Health does? Find out on Monday, May 4 when KPTZ’s Taylor Clark sits down with Apple Martine, Director of our public health department.
This month Dr. Allison Berry said that we are seeing ‘minimal activity” with respiratory illnesses (RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19.) She noted concern about Measles in Washington state and elsewhere. But there are no documented cases in Jefferson, Clallam, or Kitsap Counties. She describes symptoms and best prevention, 97% of cases in the US currently are in unvaccinated individuals. In terms of reproductive health, the Supreme Court stayed an order from a lower court that temporarily stopped shipment of mifepristone.
There were questions from the Commissioners about May being Mental Health Awareness month. Questions from listeners about LONG COVID, tapeworm. wildfire smoke, and increases in violence, and a Port Townsend Free Press article and some potential misinformation, and how to navigate information found in the news media and social media.
Willie Bence said little, because he had no listener questions, and little time. He spoke of warmer than “normal” weather this summer and evacuation and fire safety.
And ALL COUNTY PREPAREDNESS DAY is on June 27 at 10 am at Finn River. The Department of Emergency Management is looking for someone to hire a Program Coordinator. See https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/950/Dept-of-Emergency-Management and https://www.ejfr.org/.
It was determined by Dr. Berry, Willie Bence, and the Commission, that these reports will continue through the summer.
(Airdate: May 1, 2026) JIm Burke and Commissioner Greg Brotherton speak with two members – board members of the JeffCo chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health. Director Val Phiminster joined NAMI 15 years ago, and President of the Board, Patrick Johnson joined NAMI 30 years ago. They both spoke about the advocacy and services that NAMI provides as well as removing stigma which can be a barrier to seeking help.
Learn more at: https://namijeffcowa.org/.
DIAL 9-1-1 IF YOU ARE IN AN EMERGENCY.
Seek help: call 988
Mental healthline Salish Regional 24 HR Hotline: 1-888-910-0416
Discovery Behavioral Health (360) 385-0321 online: www.iamhurting.org.
KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro were joined by Port Townsend Mayor Amy Howard. Taylor asked her about the Big Scissors and council email, as well as chairing council meetings. We learned about the upcoming council workshop meeting on May 11, which will be at Salish School, and will give the public a chance to interact with council and staff and to learn about the 2026 Work Plan. We also found out that Advisory Board openings are available and the public is encouraged to join in.
(Airdate: April 29, 2026) Please join Nature Now as we continue our field exploration of our local Winona Wetland with wetland specialist Donna Frostholm. Come along with us as host Debaran Kelso learns more about digging soil pits and determining soil type, as well as learning about the other key features that define a wetland habitat type. This is part 2 of a two-part program.
(Airdate: April 28, 2026) The rubble that remains of Jiahe dates back a thousand years to the Tang and Sang Dynasties, before the city was put to the sword by the Mongols in the 13th century. Though limited in size, it was one of the most prosperous cities along this part of the Silk Road, and its ruins are in far better shape than it’s larger neighbor to the east As we walked around the island, we were surprised by the number of temples and stupas that covered the island’s summit….
