(Airdate: September 19, 2025) This week on County Connections, Betsy Carlson, chair of Jefferson Marine Resources Committee (MRC) and Citizen Science Coordinator for Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), and Neil Harrington, Environmental Biologist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and a member of MRC, speak with Jim Burke and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour about the MRC, and the committees work to protect and improve shoreline and marine habitat in Jefferson County. The next meeting of the MRC is Tuesday October 7 from 6 to 8pm at the WSU extension in Port Hadlock and is open to the public. More info at https://jeffersonmrc.org/.
Jim Burke and co-host Commissioner Greg Brotherton welcome Viet Nam combat vet John Hamilton. John is the chair of the County Veteran’s Advisory Committee, and Service officer for The Veteran’s Assistance Fund. John, Greg, and Jim discuss “The Wall That Heals,” a 3/4 replica of the Viet Nam Veteran’s Memorial which is on display 24 hours a day from Thursday afternoon 9/11/25 through 2pm Sunday 9/14/25 at The Jefferson County Airport. They also discuss the Veteran’s Advisory Board and the Veteran’s assistance fund. Tuesdays from 9am to noon John is at the Port Townsend Community Center to assist veterans signing up for benefits. For info on The Wall That Heals go to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial website. For veterans services, go to this link.
(Airdate: September 5, 2025) This week, Jim Burke and co-host Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette welcome Superior Court Judge Brandon Mack. Part of Heather’s County 101 series, we learn about how the superior Court is set up in Jefferson County and how it serves the people: all the people. We also learn a bit about Judge Mack’s journey to the bench.
(Airdate: August 29, 2025) Commissioner Greg Brotherton and co-host Jim Burke welcome David Baalif, Exeutive Director, and Phoebe Reid, Community Workforce Coordinator. Both with EDC Team Jefferson. The Economic Development Council (EDC) Team Jefferson focuses on high-leverage, place-based activities that improve the economic well-being and quality of life for people in Jefferson County, and the living systems in which we are embedded. They seek mentors and those looking to expand their businesses who might need guidance, training and other resources. The website is: https://www.edcteamjefferson.org/.
(Airdate: August 22, 2025) JIm Burke and co-host Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette welcome Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence and Danny Milholland, Head of The Production Alliance. They discuss the ways DEM and the PRODUCTION ALLIANCE work together to host events that build community involvement and resilience, such as Airport Day, The All-County Picnic (now PREPAREDNESS DAY – https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1067/Preparedness-Planning – neighborhood-preparedness/), The Connectivity Summit, The Farm Tour, Boatyard BBQ and Port Townsend Pride.
(Airdate: August 15, 2025) This week, Jim Burke and County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcome Jefferson County Public Works Director Monte Reinders and Jean Ball who heads the “YES” committee for the Transportatiion Benefit District (TBD) which will be on the ballot in November. County voters are being asked to increase sales tax 2/10ths of 1% to shore up the budget for county roads and trails.
(Airdate: August 8, 2025) This week, County Connections RETURNS with co-hosts Jim Burke and Commisssioner Heather Dudley-Nollette talking with Josh Peters, the new County Administrator. They discuss the role of the Administrator and their responsibilities, and the search they are conducting to hire someone for the important role of Director of Community Development as Josh just vacated that role when he started as County Administrator, July 1.
(Airdate: June 20, 2025) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and Jefferson County Commissioner Greg Brotherton welcomed Justin Matheson from the Halfway House Restaurant and the Chair of the Brinnon Fire Commission and they talked about the 2025 Shrimpfest which is happening Saturday, June 21 in Brinnon. Spot Prawns for all!
(Airdate: June 13, 2025) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcomed Olympic View Area Manager Brian Hagaman from Washington State Parks and Rob Birman, Executive Director of Centrum as we learned more about what is going on at Fort Worden and other area parks.
(Airdate: June 6, 2025) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and Jefferson County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette welcomed Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Hamilton as we learned more about what clerk’s office does for the residents of Jefferson County.
