KPTZ 91.9 FM Radio Port Townsend

Olympic Neighbors

(Airdate: June 28, 2022) Living Meaningful and Inclusive Lives. Executive Director Claudia Coppola and volunteer Al Latham share the inspiring story of the Olympic Neighbors, an organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join Missy Nielsen of Everybody Can as they discuss their mission to empower residents to discover what they want in their lives and to help them to achieve those goals. Learn about the inclusive activities within our larger community of Port Townsend that help these folks to connect and be in community.

#203 Richard Davies, Public Defender

(Airdate: June 28, 2020) Our Town host Maryanne McNellis interviews Richard Davies, senior public defender for Jefferson County. Richard and his team represent anyone in Jefferson County who needs state-funded legal representation after being arrested. He estimates that’s about 90% of all legal cases here. We actually have witnessed a drop in the crime rate here. Changing drug laws have helped reduce the overall number of felony charges. The pandemic also helped reduce crime numbers. Fewer people have been out and about and the police have been reluctant to pull over cars for things like broken tail lights. Still, Richard believes our legal system needs a thorough overhaul. Society is in the midst of change. For example, attitudes toward addiction have shifted. We now have a Drug Court which aims to “give people a hand up rather than a boot in the back.”

Local News for 6/28/22

June 28, 2022: Jim Burke – Power outage; fireworks safety. (TEXT)

County Public Health Report ~ 6/27/22

The following is a summary 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. Also Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management, gave a report. The summary below was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.

We are adding 18 new cases this week. The two-week case rate is 979 cases per 100,000 people. This week’s new cases are the total number of cases reported to us as of Friday, June 24, 2022. Future reports will have a full week’s total of new cases. Our current two-week case rate is within the high transmission risk range. At this level, it’s strongly recommended that everyone wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask while in public, indoor places.

Jefferson County Public Health is streamlining its COVID-19 case data reporting as it transitions from an emergency response to a more sustainable and long-term approach to monitoring the virus. The first-ever weekly report published on Monday, June 27 and will appear every subsequent Monday. In addition to shifting to weekly reporting, data will now appear on an interactive dashboard designed with new data presentation software.

Availability of pediatric vaccinations for those 6 months to 5 years has been delayed due to a shipping issue. Dr. Berry said Jefferson Healthcare/ Sheridan Clinic and Public Health will offer the shots the first week in July. Call 360-385-9400 to secure an appointment at Public Health.

The free Covid mask program coordinated though Emergency Management has been discontinued. Director Willie Bence said that demand has slowed “to a trickle.” Some grocery stores still have a supply, as does DEM.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Allison Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following BOCC meeting next Tuesday (due to the July 4 holiday).

Kayak Safety

(Airdate: June 27, 2022) This reprise show, produced by KPTZ DJ host and kayaker Chris Bricker on the subject of kayak safety, was motivated by the tragic deaths of two kayakers just off the Dungeness Spit in April of 2015, along with more recent incidents involving ill-fated kayakers. These are beautiful and spectacular waters, but it’s important to remember the essentials when venturing out in this region to enjoy this great sport. We speak with veteran kayaker and adventurer Chris Duff, Dr. Sam Baker on cold water immersion, leaders of the Olympic Peninsula Paddling Club, and rescue swimmers from the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Port Angeles. Experienced Kayaker, KPTZ’s Mermaid Keri introduces the show.

Local News for 6/24/22

June 24, 2022: Ann Katzenbach – Amanda Gorman poem; glamping update. (TEXT)

Washington Oil Spill Response

Coastal Café host Aaron Barnett chats with the head of Washington Dept. of Ecology’s Oils Spill and Preparedness division, Carlos Clements. Carlos describes how Washington is prepared to respond in the event of a catastrophic oil spill as well as prevention measures to avoid such an event.