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  • An Honest Note to Mason County and Belfair — From Will Tygart

    An Honest Note to Mason County and Belfair — From Will Tygart

    I owe Mason County and the Belfair community a straight answer.

    The Mason County Minute and Belfair Bugle have been publishing AI-generated content — and some of it has been wrong. Wrong names. Wrong locations. Posts that got called out in the comments because locals know the difference between a place that actually exists and one that an AI hallucinated.

    Someone asked if I was doing it on purpose to drive engagement. That made me cringe harder than anything has in a while. No. It is not intentional. It is a failure — mine — in building systems that can hold up to the standard those communities deserve. I want to explain what I’m actually doing, why Mason County specifically, and why I’m asking for your continued patience and frankly your continued criticism.

    Why Mason County

    I lived in Mason County while I was building my company. That place shaped a lot of who I am — not just as a businessperson but as a person. Hood Canal. The mountains. The way the geography fractures the county into pockets of community that barely know each other exist. Belfair feels completely different from Hoodsport which feels completely different from Union which feels completely different from Shelton, and yet they’re all Mason County.

    Some of my deepest convictions about environmental stewardship came from that place. I’ve since gone on to work on world-class environmental projects — including developing a new environmental standard for an entire industry around Scope 3 ESG emissions. The thinking behind that work traces back to standing on the shore of Hood Canal and understanding viscerally what it means for a place to be fragile and precious and worth protecting.

    So when I say these communities matter to me — it’s not a content strategy. It’s where some of the most important thinking I’ve done actually came from.

    What I’m Actually Building

    Tygart Media is an AI content operation. But the more accurate description is that I’m building AI systems — beat desks, newsroom publishers, automated content pipelines — that can serve fractured, spread-out communities the way a local journalist would if that journalist could work 24 hours a day and cover eight beats simultaneously.

    The honest problem with that is this: AI systems do not yet know the difference between a road that exists and one that sounds plausible. They do not know the texture of a community — which businesses are real, which waterways have names that locals actually use, which events are genuinely at the address listed. They can research. They can write. But they can be confidently wrong in ways that a local would catch immediately.

    I knew this going in. I chose Mason County and Belfair partly because I knew these communities would call me on it. People who live close to a place — literally and figuratively — notice when something is off. They have the receipts. And they care enough to say something.

    That feedback is not a nuisance to me. It is the signal that makes the system better. Every comment that says “that’s not what that place is called” or “that road doesn’t go there” is training data — not for the model, but for me and for the humans reviewing this output before it goes live. I have failed to build good enough gates. I am still building them.

    The Bigger Picture

    The systems I’m building here are not just for Mason County. The architecture — automated beat desks, overnight newsroom runs, quality gates, community feedback loops — is being designed to work anywhere. For any fractured, underserved, geography-challenged community where local news has quietly disappeared and nobody filled the gap.

    There are thousands of those communities. They’re not getting covered. The reporters moved on. The papers closed. The algorithms don’t prioritize them. And the people who live there — who know every inch of their watershed and their roads and their community organizations — are producing news in their own heads and sharing it on Nextdoor and Facebook and hoping someone compiles it into something coherent.

    I think AI can do that. Not perfectly. Not yet. But I think it’s one of the most important applications of this technology — using it to restore the information infrastructure of places that got left behind by the economics of modern media.

    Mason County and Belfair are where I’m proving it. Or failing to prove it. Either way — that’s what’s happening here.

    What I’m Asking From You

    Keep commenting. Keep correcting. If you see something wrong — a name, a location, an event detail, a road that doesn’t exist — say so. Tag me if you want. Drop it in the comments. DM the page. I am reading it.

    I will not pretend this is flawless. I will not hide behind “AI-generated” as an excuse. The output carries the name Mason County Minute and Belfair Bugle and those are communities I respect. The standard I’m holding myself to is: every factual error that gets surfaced by the community gets fixed in the system. Not eventually. As fast as I can get there.

    If you want to be more involved — if you have local knowledge you want to contribute, if you want to be the kind of editorial eyes on this that a small newsroom used to have — reach out. I mean that seriously. Some of the best feedback I’ve gotten has come from people who just knew something was wrong and cared enough to say it. That instinct is valuable. I’d rather work with it than around it.

    This project matters to me in a way that goes beyond content marketing. It’s connected to the deepest things I care about — community, environment, the places that shaped me, and the question of whether technology can actually serve people rather than just optimize around them.

    Mason County taught me to care about those questions. The least I can do is be honest about where I’m falling short.

    — Will Tygart, Tygart Media

    Have a correction, a tip, or want to get involved? Reach out via the Mason County Minute or Belfair Bugle Facebook pages, or at tygartmedia.com.

  • Washington’s New E-Bike Rebate Program Is Open Now — Olympic Peninsula Residents Can Apply

    Washington’s New E-Bike Rebate Program Is Open Now — Olympic Peninsula Residents Can Apply

    Washington E-Bike Rebate: Washington state residents age 16 and older can apply for a $300 or $1,200 e-bike rebate. The program runs from March 30, 2026 through March 29, 2027. Monthly random selections began April 13, 2026. In Jefferson County, households earning at or below $59,238 qualify for the higher $1,200 rebate.

    Washington’s E-Bike Rebate Program Is Live — Here’s How to Apply

    If you’ve been thinking about getting an e-bike for exploring the Olympic Peninsula, Washington just made it a lot more affordable. The state’s new e-bike rebate program opened on March 30, 2026, and the first monthly drawing of applicants began today, April 13.

    Washington residents age 16 and older can apply for a $300 rebate toward the purchase of a qualifying e-bike. Lower-income households can receive a $1,200 rebate. Rebates are applied at participating bike shops at the time of purchase.

    How the Program Works

    You only need to submit one application to be considered for all monthly drawings through March 2027. Each month, the program randomly selects applicants from the pool. If selected, you receive a rebate to use at a participating bike shop toward a qualifying e-bike model.

    The rebates cover all three classes of e-bike and are designed to reduce — though not necessarily eliminate — the upfront cost. E-bikes typically range from around $1,000 to well over $5,000 depending on the model.

    Who Qualifies for the $1,200 Rebate?

    To qualify for the higher $1,200 rebate, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the median income for your county. In Jefferson County, that threshold is $59,238. Income thresholds differ by county — check the program’s application for your specific county’s limit.

    For the standard $300 rebate, you just need to be a Washington resident age 16 or older with a working email address. No income verification required.

    Why E-Bikes Make Sense on the Olympic Peninsula

    The Olympic Peninsula has no shortage of bike-friendly roads and trails, and e-bikes extend how far and how comfortably you can ride — especially on hilly terrain or longer routes. Port Townsend, Sequim, and the Dungeness Spit area all have established cycling infrastructure. For local commuters, e-bikes are an increasingly practical option given gas prices in the region.

    How to Apply

    The application is available through Washington state. You only need to submit once to be entered in all monthly drawings. The program runs through March 29, 2027. For details and to apply, search “Washington e-bike rebate” at the Washington State Department of Commerce or Transportation website.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Washington E-Bike Rebate 2026

    How much is Washington’s e-bike rebate?

    $300 for most Washington residents age 16+. $1,200 for households at or below 80% of county median income. In Jefferson County, that income threshold is $59,238.

    How do I apply for the Washington e-bike rebate?

    Submit one application through the Washington state program — you’ll be entered in monthly random drawings through March 2027. Search “Washington e-bike rebate” at the state commerce or transportation website.

    When do the monthly drawings happen?

    Monthly selections began April 13, 2026. The program runs through March 29, 2027.

    What types of e-bikes qualify?

    All three classes of e-bike qualify. The rebate is applied at participating bike shops at the time of purchase.

  • Planning a Trip Around the Olympic Loop This Summer? Here’s What WSDOT Has on US 101

    Planning a Trip Around the Olympic Loop This Summer? Here’s What WSDOT Has on US 101

    2026 construction season: WSDOT has multiple active work zones on US 101 and connecting state routes around the Olympic Peninsula this year. Most are part of a long-running fish barrier removal program. Expect reduced speeds, shifted lanes, and occasional one-way alternating traffic at several locations. Plan extra travel time.

    Driving the Olympic Loop in 2026? Here’s What WSDOT Wants You to Know

    If your summer plans include a drive around the Olympic Loop — or a trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, the coast, or Hood Canal — you’ll be navigating some construction zones this season. WSDOT has multiple active projects on US 101 and connecting routes across Jefferson, Clallam, and Grays Harbor counties in 2026.

    The good news: WSDOT is keeping traffic moving through all work zones. The practical advice: leave early, check the WSDOT app before you go, and don’t count on maintaining highway speeds at every stretch.

    Active Work Zones on US 101 — What to Expect Where

    Near Port Angeles — Lees and Ennis Creeks

    On US 101 just outside Port Angeles, fish barrier removal work at Lees Creek and Ennis Creek is ongoing through summer 2026. The speed limit is reduced from 40 mph to 25 mph through both work zones. Travelers will see shifted lanes. No daytime lane reductions at these sites — nighttime lane closures happen between 7 PM and the early morning hours.

    Near Ruby Beach — Milepost 165

    One-way alternating traffic controlled by a signal is in place at milepost 165 near the Olympic National Park Ruby Beach entrance. This is an ongoing erosion repair on the highway shoulder following December 2025 winter storms. WSDOT is monitoring conditions and scheduling a permanent repair.

    South of Forks — Jefferson/Clallam County Line

    A fish passage work zone south of Forks at the Jefferson-Clallam county line remains in place through the end of 2026. This is part of the Coastal 29 fish barrier correction project that has been running on the peninsula since 2023.

    SR 116 — Chimacum Creek Closure Coming This Summer

    On State Route 116, a culvert replacement at Chimacum Creek is scheduled to begin after the July 4 holiday weekend in summer 2026. This will include a longer-term road closure with a signed detour via State Route 19, Irondale Road, and Chimacum Road. Travelers heading to Port Hadlock and beyond should plan accordingly.

    Hood Canal Bridge — SR 104

    In late spring and summer 2026, travelers using the Hood Canal Bridge (SR 104) will see overnight closures from 11 PM to 4 AM as preservation work continues on the bridge’s shock absorbers and center lock system. Short maintenance openings lasting 30–40 minutes may occur during daytime hours. Check the Hood Canal Bridge status page at wsdot.wa.gov before crossing.

    Tips for Driving the Peninsula This Summer

    • Download the WSDOT app for real-time traffic, closures, and ferry updates
    • Check engage.wsdot.wa.gov/olympic-peninsula-construction for the full project map
    • Build in extra time at known work zones, especially on US 101 near Port Angeles and south of Forks
    • For ferry planning, make reservations early on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route

    Frequently Asked Questions: US 101 Olympic Peninsula Construction 2026

    Where are the main construction zones on US 101 on the Olympic Peninsula in 2026?

    Key areas: Lees and Ennis Creeks near Port Angeles (25 mph reduced speed, shifted lanes); milepost 165 near Ruby Beach (one-way alternating traffic); south of Forks near the Jefferson-Clallam county line (ongoing through end of 2026).

    Is the Hood Canal Bridge open in 2026?

    Yes, but expect overnight closures from 11 PM to 4 AM in late spring and summer 2026 for preservation work. Check wsdot.wa.gov for current status before crossing.

    Why is WSDOT doing so much construction on US 101?

    Most projects are part of a court-ordered statewide fish barrier removal program, replacing outdated culverts under highways that block salmon migration. The “Coastal 29” project has been correcting 29 barrier sites along US 101 and SR 109 since 2023.

    Where can I check current Olympic Peninsula road conditions?

    Use the WSDOT app, visit wsdot.wa.gov, or check engage.wsdot.wa.gov/olympic-peninsula-construction for the full project map.

  • Four Olympic Peninsula Campgrounds Face Closure After State Budget Cuts

    Four Olympic Peninsula Campgrounds Face Closure After State Budget Cuts

    What’s happening: Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Washington’s new state operating budget on April 1, 2026. The budget cuts forced the Department of Natural Resources to plan closures or service reductions at up to 19 recreation sites statewide. Four Olympic Peninsula campgrounds are on the preliminary list. The DNR’s final closure list has not yet been released.

    Four Olympic Peninsula Campgrounds Are on the DNR Closure List

    If you’re planning a camping trip to the Olympic Peninsula this spring or summer, check ahead before you go. Washington’s new state budget, signed April 1 by Gov. Bob Ferguson, has triggered plans to close or reduce services at multiple campgrounds managed by the Department of Natural Resources — and four sites on the Olympic Peninsula are on the preliminary list.

    The four Olympic Peninsula campgrounds identified for potential closure are:

    • Anderson Lake — Jefferson County
    • Bear Creek — along the Sol Duc River, Clallam County
    • Hoh Oxbow — on the Hoh River
    • Lyre River — near Joyce, Clallam County

    These are DNR-managed sites, not Olympic National Park campgrounds. The DNR’s Courtney James told local media that the final list of impacted sites will be released in the near future. Some sites may see full closures while others face partial or seasonal service reductions.

    What the Budget Cuts Mean on the Ground

    The DNR, Washington State Parks, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife all took significant hits in the new budget. Beyond full campground closures, the DNR has warned that even sites that remain open will feel the effects: slower storm damage recovery, less trail and bathroom maintenance, reduced staffing, and more trash on trails.

    The DNR’s statement put it plainly: “Visitors to Washington public lands should expect less trail and bathroom maintenance and slower response to things like storm damage and downed trees.”

    What This Means for Olympic Peninsula Visitors

    The Olympic Peninsula draws visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond each summer. DNR campgrounds at sites like Bear Creek and Lyre River provide lower-cost, first-come first-served camping that complements the Olympic National Park campground system — which operates separately and is not affected by these state budget decisions.

    Before heading out, check the DNR’s recreation alerts page at dnr.wa.gov/OlympicPeninsula for the latest updates on site status. The final closure list is expected before summer season begins.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Olympic Peninsula DNR Campground Closures

    Which Olympic Peninsula campgrounds might close in 2026?

    Four DNR-managed sites are on the preliminary list: Anderson Lake (Jefferson County), Bear Creek (Sol Duc River, Clallam County), Hoh Oxbow (Hoh River), and Lyre River (near Joyce, Clallam County). The final list has not yet been released.

    Are Olympic National Park campgrounds affected?

    No. These closures affect DNR-managed campgrounds only, not campgrounds inside Olympic National Park, which operates under the National Park Service.

    When will the final DNR closure list be released?

    The DNR has said the final list of impacted sites will be released “in the near future.” Check dnr.wa.gov/OlympicPeninsula for updates.

    Why are the campgrounds closing?

    Washington’s new state operating budget, signed April 1, 2026, significantly cut funding for the DNR, Washington State Parks, and Department of Fish and Wildlife recreation programs.

  • Harstine Island Theatre Club Holding Auditions for ‘1776’ on April 26 — No Experience Required

    Harstine Island Theatre Club Holding Auditions for ‘1776’ on April 26 — No Experience Required

    Auditions: The Harstine Island Theatre Club is holding auditions for the musical “1776” at 6:30 PM on Sunday, April 26 at Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N. People ages 16–80 are welcome. No singing experience required — just bring a piece of music to perform.

    Want to Be in a Musical? Harstine Island Theatre Club Is Auditioning April 26

    If you’ve ever thought about performing on stage, the Harstine Island Theatre Club has an open invitation. The group is holding auditions for the musical 1776 at 6:30 PM on Sunday, April 26 at Harstine Island Community Hall.

    No prior singing experience is required — just bring a piece of music to perform at the audition. The club is welcoming anyone between the ages of 16 and 80.

    About the Show

    1776 is a Tony Award-winning musical about the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. The show follows the delegates to the Second Continental Congress as they debate, argue, and ultimately vote for American independence. It’s a drama, a comedy, and a piece of history — all in one production.

    The production has roles for 13 main characters — 11 male and 2 female — plus chorus members. Casting for most roles will be gender blind. The play is scheduled to run June 26–28 and July 3–5.

    Audition Details

    • Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
    • Time: 6:30 PM
    • Location: Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N.
    • Directions: Turn left after the Harstine Island bridge and drive 3 miles
    • Ages: 16–80 welcome
    • What to bring: A piece of music to sing

    Contact Information

    The musical is directed by Barb Hubbard. Music directors are James Coventry and P.J. Hopkins. For questions, call Coventry at 559-681-1884 or Hubbard at 360-463-6358.

    Frequently Asked Questions: 1776 Auditions on Harstine Island

    When are auditions for 1776 on Harstine Island?

    Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N.

    Do I need singing experience to audition?

    No. The Harstine Island Theatre Club welcomes people of all experience levels, ages 16 to 80. Just bring a piece of music to sing.

    When does the show run?

    June 26–28 and July 3–5, 2026.

    How do I get to Harstine Island Community Hall?

    Cross the Harstine Island bridge, turn left, and drive 3 miles. The hall is at 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N.

  • Mason County Forest Festival 2026 Is June 5–7 in Shelton — Here’s What to Expect

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026 Is June 5–7 in Shelton — Here’s What to Expect

    Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 81st annual Mason County Forest Festival takes place June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The multi-day event includes the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, a logging show and vendor showcase at Loop Field, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and the Goldsborough Creek Run.

    Mason County Forest Festival Returns June 5–7 — Mark Your Calendar

    One of Mason County’s most beloved annual traditions is coming back this summer. The Mason County Forest Festival — in its 81st year — runs Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Shelton.

    The festival celebrates Mason County’s rich timber heritage and has been a community cornerstone since 1945. It draws visitors from across the South Puget Sound region each year for a packed weekend of events.

    What’s at the Forest Festival

    The weekend centers around the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade — a Shelton tradition featuring floats, marching bands, community organizations, equestrian groups, and local businesses winding through downtown. A Family and Pet Parade traditionally precedes the main parade for younger participants.

    Other festival highlights include a Logging Show and Vendor Showcase at Loop Field featuring demonstrations of traditional forestry skills including log rolling and axe throwing. The Manke Fireworks Show caps off the main festival day with a spectacular evening display. Live music at the Rockin’ the Forest concert keeps the energy going before the fireworks.

    A carnival runs throughout the festival weekend with rides, games, and food vendors. The Shelton Car Show-Off, which benefits the Shelton High School NJROTC program, takes place Sunday.

    Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30

    The festival weekend officially kicks off early with the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30 — a Forest Festival tradition that starts on Shelton Valley Road and finishes on West Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton. The run benefits the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Multiple distance options are available.

    About the Mason County Forest Festival

    The first Mason County Forest Festival was held in 1945 to celebrate and promote the county’s timber industry. Mason County has deep roots in logging — from Michael T. Simmons’ first sawmill on Mill Creek in 1853 to the Simpson Logging Company’s growth in the 1890s. The festival has honored that heritage every year since.

    For more information and updates, visit masoncountyforestfestival.com.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival 2026

    When is the Mason County Forest Festival 2026?

    June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival on May 30.

    Where is the Mason County Forest Festival held?

    In downtown Shelton, WA, with the parade on Railroad Avenue and the logging show and vendors at Loop Field.

    Is the Mason County Forest Festival free?

    Most festival events are free to attend. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Car Show-Off is free to spectators.

    How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?

    Since 1945 — the 2026 event is the 81st annual Forest Festival.


    Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide

  • Mason County April 28 Special Election: What’s on the Ballot and How to Return Your Ballot

    Mason County April 28 Special Election: What’s on the Ballot and How to Return Your Ballot

    April 28 Special Election: Mason County ballots were mailed April 7. Ballot processing begins April 13. Results will be available after 8 PM on April 28. The North Mason School District replacement levy is among the measures on the ballot.

    Mason County’s April 28 Special Election Is Underway — Here’s What You Need to Know

    If you’re a registered voter in Mason County, your April 28 Special Election ballot should already be in your hands. Ballots were mailed out on April 7, and Mason County began processing them today, April 13.

    Results will be available after 8 PM on Election Day, April 28. The Mason County Auditor’s office is handling all ballot questions — you can reach them at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours, or 360-968-4131 after hours.

    North Mason School District Replacement Levy

    The most consequential item for many Mason County residents is the North Mason School District’s replacement levy — the district’s third attempt to pass the measure after failures in February and November 2025.

    The levy would renew an expiring four-year measure, collecting up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs and operations not covered by state basic education funding. That includes athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, and classroom support. The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026.

    Prior levy failures have already resulted in roughly $4.5 million in district budget cuts and staff reductions. A third failure would likely trigger further reductions for the 2026–2027 school year.

    Key Dates

    • April 7 — Ballots mailed to registered voters
    • April 13 — Ballot processing begins
    • April 20 — Last day to register to vote by mail or online
    • April 28 — Election Day; vote centers open until 8 PM; results after 8 PM

    How to Return Your Ballot

    Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28. You can drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box — locations are listed at masoncountywa.gov. To track your ballot status, visit VoteWA.gov and select “Your Ballot and Voting Materials.”

    Questions? Contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County April 2026 Election

    When is the Mason County Special Election?

    April 28, 2026. Results will be available after 8 PM. Ballot processing began April 13.

    What is on the Mason County April 28 ballot?

    The North Mason School District replacement levy is among the measures on the ballot. Check your specific ballot for all items in your district.

    How do I return my Mason County ballot?

    Drop it at any official Mason County drop box or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.

    What is the last day to register to vote in the April 28 election?

    April 20, 2026, by mail or online. Same-day registration is available in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.


    Related: North Mason Levy Voter Guide: Full Analysis

  • North Mason Firefighters Pancake Breakfast Is April 26 at Station 81 in Tahuya

    North Mason Firefighters Pancake Breakfast Is April 26 at Station 81 in Tahuya

    Pancake Breakfast: The North Mason Regional Fire Authority is hosting a pancake breakfast from 6 to 11 AM on Saturday, April 26 at Station 81, located at 14880 NE North Shore Road in Tahuya. The event is open to the public.

    North Mason Firefighters Are Hosting a Pancake Breakfast in Tahuya on April 26

    Grab the family and head out to Tahuya the morning of Saturday, April 26 — the North Mason Regional Fire Authority is putting on a pancake breakfast at Station 81 and everyone’s welcome.

    The breakfast runs from 6 to 11 AM at Station 81, 14880 NE North Shore Road, Tahuya, WA 98588. It’s a classic community fundraiser and a chance to meet the firefighters who serve Belfair, Tahuya, and the surrounding North Mason area.

    About Station 81

    Station 81 is the North Mason Regional Fire Authority’s Tahuya station, serving the Tahuya area on the Hood Canal side of North Mason County. The station has been a community fixture since the 1960s. It’s staffed during daytime hours seven days a week as part of the Fire Authority’s coverage across the region.

    The North Mason Regional Fire Authority was formed in 2014 when Mason County Fire Districts 2 and 8 merged. It serves Belfair, Tahuya, Dewatto, and surrounding communities — roughly 24,000 residents across 136 square miles of Mason and western Kitsap counties.

    Event Details

    • Date: Saturday, April 26, 2026
    • Time: 6 AM – 11 AM
    • Location: Station 81 — 14880 NE North Shore Road, Tahuya, WA 98588
    • Open to: The public

    Frequently Asked Questions: Pancake Breakfast at Station 81

    When is the North Mason firefighters pancake breakfast?

    Saturday, April 26, 2026 from 6 to 11 AM at Station 81, 14880 NE North Shore Road, Tahuya, WA 98588.

    Is the pancake breakfast open to everyone?

    Yes. The event is open to the public.

    Where is North Mason Fire Station 81?

    Station 81 is located at 14880 NE North Shore Road in Tahuya, WA 98588. Phone: 360-275-6478.

    What is the North Mason Regional Fire Authority?

    The North Mason Regional Fire Authority serves Belfair, Tahuya, Dewatto, and surrounding communities in northeastern Mason County and western Kitsap County. It was formed in 2014 from the merger of Mason County Fire Districts 2 and 8.

  • The Hoppening Is April 19 — The HUB in Belfair Needs Egg Stuffers and Donations

    The Hoppening Is April 19 — The HUB in Belfair Needs Egg Stuffers and Donations

    The Hoppening: The HUB Center for Seniors in Belfair is hosting its annual Easter egg event on Saturday, April 19. The HUB needs candy and small toy donations to fill 50,000 eggs, plus volunteers to help stuff them before the event. The HUB is located at 111 NE Old Belfair Highway in Belfair.

    The Hoppening Is April 19 — The HUB Needs Egg Stuffers and Donations Now

    The HUB Center for Seniors in Belfair is putting on its annual Easter egg event — The Hoppening — on Saturday, April 19, and they need the community’s help to pull it off.

    The goal: stuff 50,000 eggs with candy and small toys. That takes a lot of hands and a lot of supplies, and the HUB is actively looking for both donations and volunteers before the event.

    How to Help

    The HUB is accepting candy and small toy donations at their location at 111 NE Old Belfair Highway, Belfair. Volunteers are also needed to help fill the eggs before April 19.

    To sign up to volunteer, visit the HUB between 10 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Stop by, let them know you want to help, and they’ll get you set up with a shift.

    About the HUB Center for Seniors

    The HUB Center for Seniors serves the North Mason community with programs, activities, and support for older adults in the Belfair area. It’s a genuine community anchor — and events like The Hoppening show how the HUB connects generations and brings the neighborhood together around something fun.

    If you have leftover Easter candy, individually wrapped treats, or small toys that would fit in a plastic egg, bring them by before the event. Every donation helps.

    Frequently Asked Questions: The Hoppening 2026

    When is The Hoppening at the HUB in Belfair?

    Saturday, April 19, 2026 at the HUB Center for Seniors, 111 NE Old Belfair Highway, Belfair, WA.

    How do I volunteer to stuff eggs for The Hoppening?

    Visit the HUB at 111 NE Old Belfair Highway between 10 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Thursday, to sign up for a volunteer shift before April 19.

    What donations does the HUB need?

    Candy and small toys suitable for stuffing into plastic Easter eggs. Drop off donations at the HUB during regular hours (10 AM–4 PM, Monday–Thursday).

    What is the HUB Center for Seniors?

    The HUB Center for Seniors is a community center in Belfair that provides programs and activities for older adults in the North Mason area.

  • North Mason School District Levy Is on the April 28 Ballot — What Belfair Voters Need to Know

    North Mason School District Levy Is on the April 28 Ballot — What Belfair Voters Need to Know

    What’s on the ballot: North Mason School District voters are deciding on a four-year replacement levy in the April 28, 2026 Special Election. Ballots were mailed April 7. This is the district’s third attempt after levy failures in February and November 2025.

    North Mason School District Is Asking Voters to Try Again — Here’s What’s at Stake on April 28

    If you live in the North Mason School District — which includes Belfair and surrounding areas — there’s a ballot on its way to your mailbox right now. The April 28, 2026 Special Election includes a replacement levy for the North Mason School District, and it’s the third time in about a year that the community has been asked to vote on it.

    Ballots were mailed out April 7. Mason County’s ballot processing begins April 13, with results expected after 8 PM on April 28.

    What the Levy Does

    This is a replacement levy — not a new tax. It renews a levy that voters originally approved in 2022 and that expired at the end of 2025. The district is asking to collect up to $5,577,446 per year from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs and operations that state funding doesn’t cover.

    The estimated tax rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026, declining slightly in subsequent years. For a home assessed at $400,000, that works out to roughly $512 per year.

    Levy dollars pay for things the state’s basic education formula doesn’t fund: extracurricular activities, athletics, arts and music programs, counseling, security staff, transportation support, and classroom materials beyond the minimum required by the state.

    What Happened After the Levy Failed

    The February 2025 failure triggered immediate consequences. North Mason cut roughly $4.5 million from its budget and began staff reductions. The district passed resolutions authorizing layoffs and reductions in hours. Superintendent Kristine Michael described the district as “squeezing every dollar” to maintain essential services.

    A November 2025 renewal attempt also fell short — finishing at approximately 48.5% support, just under the 50% plus one vote required for passage. Without levy funding restored, further reductions remain on the table for the 2026-2027 school year.

    Schools in the North Mason District

    The North Mason School District serves students across Belfair and the surrounding North Mason area. District schools include North Mason High School, Hawkins Middle School, Belfair Elementary, and Sand Hill Elementary — all located on or near the district campus in Belfair.

    How to Return Your Ballot

    Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28, 2026. Drop boxes are available across Mason County. For drop box locations and ballot tracking, visit the Mason County Auditor’s website at masoncountywa.gov or call 360-427-9670.

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy April 2026

    What is the North Mason School District levy vote date?

    April 28, 2026. It’s part of Mason County’s Special Election. Ballots were mailed April 7.

    Is this a new tax or a replacement of an existing levy?

    It’s a replacement levy — a renewal of the levy voters approved in 2022 that expired at the end of 2025. It is not a new tax.

    What happens if the levy fails again?

    The district would continue operating without levy funding, which covers roughly 10% of its budget. Further budget cuts and program reductions beyond those already made would likely follow for the 2026-2027 school year.

    How much does the levy cost property owners?

    The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026. For a home assessed at $400,000, that’s approximately $512 per year.

    Where can I drop off my ballot?

    Drop box locations are available on the Mason County Auditor’s website at masoncountywa.gov. Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28.