Local News for 1/07/26
#277 Sam Harper, Sewer Magic
(Airdate: January 6, 2026) Maryanne interviews Sam Harper, construction boss for the new Hadlock Sewer System. It’s literally taken decades to get a sewer system underway in the tri-area (Hadlock, Chimacum & Irondale). As 2026 gets underway, the first couple of dozen businesses and residences are finally free from their septic systems. The waste water treatment plant was constructed first. But you need “waste” to run through the plant before you can even begin to hook people up. So the city of PT graciously provided truckloads of untreated waste. Sam (aka Samantha) explains that it’s sort of like starter for sourdough bread. She says fourth graders really get the concept of the big “farts” — gases being expelled in the process. The underlying economics of the peninsula will be changed dramatically with the new sewer system and the changes in zoning it will allow.
Local News for 1/06/26
Silk
(Airdate: December 30, 2025) We’re in Xinjiang province in the town of Hami, the melon capital of China. After spending a day pedaling around town and seeing the sights, we finally boarded the 8 o’clock evening express to Turfan. And lo and behold, the conductor sold us a couple of berths in the soft sleeper section. The train line doesn’t go to Turfan but runs about 60 kilometers to the north, where travelers can catch the bus into town.
County Public Health Report ~ 1/05/26
This is the January 2026 Jefferson County Health and Emergency Management Report to the Board Of County Commissioners with Dr. Allison Berry and Willy Bence, which was broadcast live on KPTZ.
County Connections
(Airdate: January 2, 2026) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and Jefferson County Commissioner Greg Brotherton were joined by Thera Black, the former coordinator of the PRTPO (Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization, www.prtpo.org) and much of the discussion was about the Hood Canal Bridge.
(Airdate: January 1, 2026) In our January episode, Dianna and Mary Beth talk about favorite alliums and getting onions ready to transplant in the spring for a fine harvest in summer and fall. Julia and Barbara advise on the benefits of winter weeding before weeds have a chance to flower. January is also a time for new seed starting, and Julia shares a method to start seeds without equipment like heat mats or a greenhouse. The show airs Thursday from 6-6:30 pm.
To learn more about seed starting, visit: All the Dirt on Winter Sowing
Local News for 1/01/26
Booklovers’ Cafe – Florence Caplow, Tend to Your Spirit
(Airdate: January 4, 2026) Cris Wilson is delighted to welcome Florence Caplow to discuss her latest book Tend to your Spirit. Living with chronic illness has many challenges, and the journey is not just a physical one. Tend to Your Spirit is a companion for this emotional and spiritual journey, offering tools to help readers practice self-compassion and self-care. With candor and vulnerability, spiritual leaders Julianne Lepp and Florence Caplow, themselves living with long-term illness, offer insights and practices that can benefit anyone facing the emotional impact of a new or ongoing condition. Structured metaphorically around the four seasons, each chapter is devoted to a particular aspect of life with chronic illness, such as grief, hope, perseverance, anger, comfort, and finding connection. Interviews and quotes from people with chronic illness of all ages and backgrounds help readers feel less alone. Spiritual resources, including poetry, practices, meditations, playlists, journaling exercises, and discussion questions, offer additional guidance. Small groups can explore these resources together to help foster supportive relationships and community.
Local News for 12/31/25
