(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.
Jeffco Health Department
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County Public Health Report ~ 5/04/26
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.
KPTZ Performance Studio Debut with Sonny Flores
(Airdate: April 23, 2026) Sonny Flores (friend of the station) performs during Blues Journey as we try out our new performance studio. Excited barking at the start by Sage the Radio Dog.
Brewocracy Now ~ 4/30/26
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.
Local News for 4/30/26
#771 Wetland Delineation (part 2)
(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.
Local News for 4/29/26
Local News for 4/28/26
Reach Out
(Airdate: April 27, 2026) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark was joined by Michael McCutcheon, Director of Reach Out to learn more about his advocacy for people who have addiction issues and are homeless. Michael has a very compelling story to tell and it is well worth hearing. Reach Out serves over 180 hot meals to people in need every Friday and they also have a fundraising concert going on on Saturday May 2nd 2026. Michael was also interviewed by Maryanne McNellis for Our Town where we learned more about Michael’s background. This Attention Please interview is sort of a companion piece exploring what Michael is doing now in our community. The Our Town interview can be found here. Listen to Our Town first and then Attention Please.
County Connections
(Airdate: April 24, 2026) Commissioner Greg Brotherton joins co-host Jim Burke, remotely, from the PRTPO retreat. Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization (PRTPO) is responsible for ensuring on-going coordinated transportation planning amongst its members and identifying long-range issues or opportunities affecting the region. Guests include: From Kitsap Transit: Amna Parson, PRTPO Coordinator, and Edward Coviello, PRTPO Coordinator — Lead Planing Agency & Title VI Coordinator. Also joining in the convo: Thera Black, of 3P Transportation Services, and Marianna Hanefeld with Washington State Dept. of Transportation More info: https://www.prtpo.com/
