Local News for 2/04/26
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Community Tides ~ 2/03/26
On alternate weeks each month, KPTZ’s Chris Bricker joins co-host Siobhan Canty, President & CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, to explore new developments and paradigms with our vibrant community of creative and innovative citizens who do good work. Following increased Border Patrol activity on the Olympic Peninsula in 2007, when several people in Forks were suddenly deported, and when Trump’s election in 2016 led to a vast increase in the number of people concerned with the broader issue of immigration, activists Katie Franco, Libby Palmer, and Jim Buckley founded a small group of concerned citizens now known as Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates, or JCIRA. Joining us are two of JCIRA’s Co-founders Katie Franco and Libby Palmer, along with Francisca Velasquez, board member of Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers, who are committed to ensuring access to justice for low-income residents by providing civil legal aid through volunteer attorneys.
#279 Michael McCutcheon: Fighting Addiction
(Airdate: February 3, 2026) Maryanne interviews Michael McCutcheon, founder of Reach Out, a non-profit that helps feed those in need of food. Michael’s a recovering addict who wants to help others who have decided to free themselves from drugs. No one knows how difficult it is to end years of addiction than someone who is doing it himself. At times Michael works closely with law enforcement or city officials to find housing or medical assistance. He believes that there’s a fine line between compassion and enabling and he’s definitely against enabling. His volunteers take weekly truckloads of food to certain known locations, such as the bus station or skate park. He’s there — sharing his own story and offering help to those who actually listen.
Local News for 2/03/26
County Public Health Report ~ 2/02/26
On the BOCC Public Health (and Safety) Report for February, Dr. Allison Berry outlined what is going on with Flu, RSV, and Covid. She also answered questions about shingles and Avian Flu among other questions from the Commissioners. Willie Bence was not in attendance this month. Measles has come to western Washington, and Dr. Berry recommends MASKS in crowded public settings, and vaccinations every virus that is available. If you are an adult who doesn’t know if you have had measles, or if you were vaccinated in childhood, there is a test. The MMR vaccine is up to 97% effective at preventing measles, she said. She answered a listener question about incidents of ICE picking up people going to medical appointments. The Next BOCC Public Health Report is on Monday, March 2 at 9:45 am. Listeners can send questions for Dr. Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected] before NOON on Friday February 27.
Northwind Art
(Airdate: February 2, 2026) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark learned more about Northwind Art’s class offerings. He also had a field trip to the Acrylic Boot Camp taught by Whidbey based visiting teaching artist Beth Herrild (bethherrild.com). In-studio guests were Leila Block, Education Manager and Diane Urbani, Communications Manager. Learn more about connecting with Art at NorthwindArt.org.
International Clash Day: Know Your Rights!
Join KPTZ as we celebrate International Clash Day: Know Your Rights. We’ll be observing this exciting event from Thursday night, February 5 through Friday the 6th – the official day – and on to Saturday, February 7. We’ll honor the legacy of The Clash with deep cuts, covers, and of course your favorite Clash tracks, while also celebrating the rights we all hold as human beings. At a time when some of those rights feel under attack, it’s time for a mega public service announcement – with guitar! It’s a three-day extravaganza, right here on KPTZ. Listen live on the radio at 91.9 FM and streaming at KPTZ.org.
International Clash Day DJ Lineup includes:
- DJ Rachel, Dudebabe Radio Hour, Thursday 10 to midnight
- DJ Mark, Floating Bridge, Friday 7:30-9:30am
- Knowing Your Rights, discussions and other special programming, Friday, approx. 11:30-Noon
- DJ Christine, Mixtape, Friday 3-5pm
- Ron McElroy “Your Good Rockin’ Daddy” – Freespin, Friday 5-7pm
- DJ Mars, Inna Fine Style, Saturday 8-9:30am
- DJ Lizzz, Musical Chairs, Saturday 6-8pm
Booklovers’ Cafe – Ricardo Gomez, Tides of Freedom
(Airdate: February 1, 2026) Cris invites local author and retired professor of Information Science, Ricardo Gomez to talk about his novel, The Tides of Freedom: The Slow Drowning of Democracy This is political fiction examining how democratic institutions erode and how individual choices can make a difference. This is truly a book about our current time. We also dip into AI and how it can help without taking over the writing process.
February 1-15 KPTZ Programming Highlights
For a compendium of upcoming featured programs, check KPTZ Spotlight for February 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.
County Connections
(Airdate: January 30, 2026) This week co-hosts Jim Burke and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcome County Administrator Josh Peters. Discussion centers on State Senate Bill 6239 which aims to make it possible for any civil suit faced by the County go through binding arbitration before going to trial. This could potentially save the county time and money, and possibly compensate victims faster than a long court process. Some time is devoted to other legislation in which the county has an interest,
Please note: the monthly BOCC Public Health (and safety) Report is Monday, February 2 at 9:45am during the Jim B. Show
