Multiple county staff and community members used the Nov. 25 meeting to announce programs and raise local concerns.

Historic Preservation: Luke Fisk, on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission, announced the 2026 Mason County Heritage Grant cycle. The program has $16,000 available in reimbursement grants (up to $4,000 each) for projects that promote public access to county history, funded by a portion of document-recording fees authorized under RCW 36.22.170. Applications are due by 12 p.m. Jan. 16, 2026 and can be found on the Mason County website.

Parks and Trails: County staff sought applications for openings on the Mason County Parks and Trails Advisory Board, describing the seven-member board’s appointment process and meeting schedule (fourth Thursday at 4 p.m.).

Solid Waste: Kevin Gihoz, solid-waste manager, announced free Christmas tree recycling from Dec. 26 through Jan. 10 at specified county facilities and listed curbside instructions; he also noted early closures at two transfer/drop-box stations on Dec. 18 for staff events and asked the public to plan accordingly.

Public comments and proclamations: Kelly Frazier (Mason County Schools manager) introduced Operation Greenlight for Veterans and recognized county buildings lit green for the month; Dan Cameron read a proclamation honoring veterans and cited outreach work and local assistance events. Other public speakers urged county action on school dismissal safety (Paul Wenneke, Southside School District superintendent), homeless services and veteran support (Bill Hyatt), and affordable housing and parks maintenance (Michael Siptrough). Several speakers asked the commission to prioritize infrastructure and housing strategies that reduce homelessness and support tourism and environmental quality.

The board took the announcements into its consent and action agendas; no formal policy changes were adopted from the announcements alone.