
Local News for 5/04/23



(Airdate: May 2, 2023) Maryanne interviews Jamie Maciejewski, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson County. Jamie found her calling early. During her college years at UW she was already involved in non-profit organizations that helped runaway teens who had drifted to prostitution. She’s been running Habitat here since 2007 and has overseen an era of growth and outreach. Affordable housing is crucial for the region. Perhaps the most intriguing project on the horizon is the plans for the 17-acre parcel owned by Habitat in Hadlock. With the new Hadlock sewer line, up to 200 homes could ultimately be built there. It will likely be a mix of apartments, condos and even some single-family homes. This pioneering concept will be “permanently affordable” due to the fact Habitat will still own the land under the units and only lease to the owners. This workforce housing will be available to families with annual incomes under $110,000. As Jamie notes, people who work here — teachers, nurses, police, etc. – will be able afford to live here.



(Airdate: May 2, 2023) Located in Brinnon, the Emerald Towns Alliance focuses on coming alongside the needs of the community of Brinnon and surrounding area. Emerald Town Alliance embodies the often-overused term “it takes a village” as the proceeds from this festival benefits a wide range of community needs- from the volunteer fire department to the local schools. Join Missy Nielsen as she speaks with Belinda Graham, the president and dedicated organizer of the Fjord Fest-a regionally known music, arts and craft festival that benefits the “Emerald on the Hood Canal.”

The following is a recording of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. The summary below was provided by Jim Burke, producer of KPTZ’s Tuesday’s Local News.
On April 19, the levels of COVID-19 virus present in Port Townsend wastewater were 4 billion copies of the SARS-CoV-2 gene per person, per day. That data indicated an upward trend in the presence of COVID-19 in our community. Though that data was last updated on the Jefferson County Covid-19 page on April 19, Dr. Berry indicated that the Covid-19 detected by wastewater surveillance has dropped significantly. She said that there are little spikes in levels after every weekend, when there are more people visiting, but that the levels drop during the work week. When the levels rise and stay there is when we need to be more concerned.
Covid boosters are readily available at doctors offices and pharmacies. If you are over 65, or have one or more underlying health conditions, a second dose of the bi-valent booster is recommended for patients who are otherwise up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations. Patients who have had a recent case of Covid-19 should wait about two months before another booster, as the vaccine will not prompt an immune response so close to a recent infection.

For a compendium of upcoming featured programs, check KPTZ Spotlight for May 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.

Join Charlie Doyle, the Program Host and Manager of the KPTZ Musical Pub, for two hours of Celtic and Folk Music, Sunday afternoons from 3 until 5pm. Charlie explores Celtic music from all of the countries that make up the Seven Celtic Nations. Music may range from a Celtic harper playing an 18th Century tune written by Irishman Turlough O’Carolan, to over-the-top performances from shows like Celtic Woman or Riverdance. Folk singers from around the world are also spotlighted. During each show, there is a humorous interlude where Charlie must deal with a performer of dubious talent who wants to be on the show. Join Charlie for a fast-paced, eclectic afternoon of Celtic tunes. Fáilte go dtí an Teach Tábhairne! (Welcome to the Pub!)