(Airdate: September 9, 2025) Cris welcomes back Thor Hanson. In an era of global environmental challenges, Close to Home argues that hyper-local, hands-on efforts to connect with nature have never been more important. Hanson shows readers the myriad, simple ways to improve biodiversity. Moving and reverent, Close to Home provides a much-needed lesson in curiosity and community, one that reminds us to slow down and invest in the world waiting for us just outside our doors.
(Airdate: September 8, 2025) The Vietnam Memorial Wall is here in town for a visit from today until Sunday at 2pm. The Wall, a 300-foot-long three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is a traveling exhibit that honors the more than three million Americans who served in the Vietnam War. The Wall That Heals is hosted by the Port Townsend American Legion, Marvin G. Shields Memorial Post 26, and Port Hadlock VFW Post 7498.
(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: September 3, 2025) KPTZ’s Buzzy Donahue welcomed Jill McAnally and Kevin McConnell (Jill & Kevin). Check out their Facebook page. BTW, there was yodeling!!
KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and cohost Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro were joined by Director of Public Works Steve King and Police Chief Tom Olson. We talked through the recent chip seal repaving, planned traffic calming measures, and the importance of driving slowly and carefully around town.
(Airdate: September 4, 2025) Join us for the September episode of our newest show, In the Garden. Dianna and Mary Beth talk about overwintering a garden — growing without a greenhouse, transplanting starts, and the many possibilities for cloches, cover crops, and mulch. Barbara and Julia share tips for beautiful and beneficial lawn alternatives and fall planting of spring-blooming bulbs. The show airs Thursday from 6 to 6:30pm. You can learn more about the “Ask a Master Gardener” clinic here.
(Airdate: September 3, 2025) Nan Evans talks with Lynda Mapes, longtime environmental
reporter for The Seattle Times, about how culture, economics and science have
fundamentally changed how we use the timber resources and perceive our relationship
with forests. Much of the conversation is driven by Mapes’ most recent book, The Trees
are Speaking: Dispaches from the Salmon Forest.
This month, Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry is back from maternity leave and for her first BOCC Public Health Report in three months gave a virus and vaccine update to the Commissioners, answered KPTZ listener questions (quite a few), and talked about the confusion due to the disconnect between the two Washingtons. She also offered hope and reassurance that there are many organizations across the country and in WA State who are trying to get out science-based vaccine recommendations. Director of Emergency Management, Willie Bence offered insights about local and state wildfires too, and a few words about wildland firefighters who are now under more stress because of the increased scrutiny of ICE agents.
