(Airdate: March 21, 2025) This week on County Connections Jim Burke and co-host County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcomed guests Mel Rose, PsyD, LICSW, Executive Director/Clinic Director and Mary Sepler, President of the Board, from Jumping Mouse Children’s Center, which provides mental health services for children in Jefferson County based on play therapy. Play therapy is used to help children address trauma of various kinds that make up their ACE score (Adverse Childhood Events). Go to jumpingmouse.org to find out more and to donate.
(Airdate: March 14, 2025) This week on County Connections Jim Burke and co-host Heather Dudley-Nollette welcome the new Jefferson County Sheriff (since January of this year) Andy Pernsteiner. They talk about how his elevation to sheriff came about, some of the things the sheriffs department does and an especially interesting look at a virtual reality (VR) training tool the department uses to train deputies to defuse and help someone find services; or if the scenario escalates, when non-lethal and deadly force is warranted. The public can join in dialog with the Sheriffs Department by going to a Citizen’s Advisory Committee meeting (more info at https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1210/Citizens-Advisory-Committee).
(Airdate: March 7, 2025) This week on A SPECIAL KPTZ March Gladness Fundraiser edition of County Connections Jim Burke spoke with his co-host Commissioner Greg Brotherton who was beaming in remotely from the Connectivity Summit at Chimacum High School. They talked about the many ways in which KPTZ is a vibrant conduit between the County and the community. They also spoke with Danny Milholland of the Production Alliance who are producing this 3-day event. Friday is 80 employers recruiting youth, Saturday there are 120 organizations from around the county looking for connection and support from the community, and there are IGNITE TALKS, 5-minute inspirational speeches on a range of thought provoking topics. For more information, go to www.theproductionalliance.org/events/connectivity.
To donate to KPTZ, press the blue button on the KPTZ website or TEXT KPTZ to 44321!(Airdate: February 28, 2025) This week, County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nolette and co-host Jim Burke welcome Jefferson County Tax Assessor Jeff Chapman to discuss how tax assessments are made, the difference between regressive taxes like sales tax and property taxes which are actually more fair, plus the fact that Jeff is in “the middle” between the County Commission and the citizens who pay the taxes. The song outro is from the band Trampled By Turtles, The Middle.
(Airdate: February 21, 2025) This week on County Connections, Jim Burke and his co-host Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcome Richard Davies, Director of Jefferson Associated Council, contracted by the county to provide public defense, and Derek Young, Interim Executive Director Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC). Derek is advocating for HB-1592 which would increase state funding for public defenders across the sate so there might be PARITY. Currently the public defense here in Jefferson County is over 95% paid by the county. Listen below for more alarming stats as well for as ways in which agencies in the county are working to intervene before people commit crimes, or are ever charged with a crime, to lessen the case load of attorneys, and keep vulnerable members of society out of the criminal justice system if possible. HB-1805 is another bill which aims to fund programs to help youth across the state stay out of trouble.
This week on County Connections, co-hosts Jim Burke and Commissioner Greg Brotherton spoke with Scott Mauk, Superintendent of Chimacum Schools , about the potential Jeffco Aquatic Center being planned in the county potentially to be located in Port Hadlock near the county library, Chimacum Creek Primary School, and Habitat for Humanity’s new Mason Street Neighborhood project. Last week Diane McDade, was on the show, and talked about the history of The JeffCo Aquatic Coalition and efforts to create this new facility. This week Scott Mauk talks about the synergies possible between the Aquatic Center and the School, both benefiting from the connection to the new Port Hadlock sewer. Residents and non-residents alike can help shape the design of the facility by participating in a county-wide recreation survey. Information from this survey will help identify what county residents want to see in a new pool and recreation center. After February and March, the survey will also be open to visitors of Jefferson County to gauge interest. The survey should take only about five minutes.
(Airdate: February 7, 2025) This week on County Connections, co-hosts Jim Burke and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour spoke with Diane McDade, president of the JeffCo Aquatic Coalition, about a new facility being planned in the county. It would potentially be located in Port Hadlock near the county library, Chimacum Creek Primary School, and Habitat for Humanity’s new Mason Street Neighborhood project. Residents and non-residents alike can help shape the development of this new public aquatic facility by participating in a county-wide recreation survey. Information from this survey will help identify what county taxpayers want (and don’t want) in a new pool and recreation center. After February and March, the survey will also be open to visitors of Jefferson County to gauge interest. The survey should take only about five minutes.
(Airdate: January 31, 2025) Co-hosts Jim Burke and Dist. 1 Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette welcome Jefferson County Treasurer Stacie Prada. They discuss what it is that the Treasurer’s Office and the treasurer do with revenue, investments, and debts. and how funds are collected (revenue sources) and disbursed (districts and stakeholders in Jefferson County.) Jim also makes mention of the Fire Aid Concert that happened Thursday, January 30 to help survivors of the LA area fires this month. (see fireaidla.org and World Central Kitchen.
(Airdate: January 24, 2025) This week on County Connections, cohosts Jim Burke and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcome Public Works Director Monte Reinders, P.E., County Engineer. They discuss progress on the Port Hadlock Sewer project, and roads in Jefferson County, especially the recent washout of the Hoh Road and the financial obstacles that stand in the way of that repair.
(Airdate: January 17, 2025) This week Jim Burke welcomes a new co-host County Commissioner for District 1 Heather Dudley-Nollette! They welcome Judy Shepherd, Finance Manager for Jefferson County. Topics include the various revenue streams that contribute to the general fund, and PILT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes).
