Crews will begin trimming trees that interfere with overhead lines this week.
NEWS
City starts seasonal tree trimming
Contractors employed by the city of Ellensburg’s Light Division will start tree trimming throughout the city today. The work is to trim trees and vegetation that could interfere with overhead lines. The contractor will focus on “walk-in areas” that are mostly in backyards and will leave door hangers at least 24 hours before the work is to be done. They will knock on all doors before entering private property. There is no charge to customers for this service. If you have any questions or concerns about this work, call 509-962-7124. The project will wrap up at the end of January.
No electronic payments until Tuesday
The city of Ellensburg is accepting electronic payments until Tuesday as the city installs its new online utility customer portal. The utility counter is staffed today but will be closed on Monday.
Final rehearsal for Christmas caroling
The final rehearsal for Christmas Caroling with Valley Voices is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ellensburg Presbyterian Church. The caroling will take place throughout neighborhoods on Dec. 17 and 19.
Special Christmas storytime
The Ellensburg Library is offering a special Merry Christmas Storytime at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at Hal Holmes Community Center. There will be songs, stories and a special guest.
Night Market is Wednesday
The Ellensburg Downtown Association’s Holiday Night Market series continues from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Gard Vintners and the Ridge Encore at 404 N. Pine St. The event features vendors with handmade goods, sweet treats and more.
Chance to chat with Santa
Children has a chance to chat with Santa thanks to a cooperative effort between KITTCOM and the Kittitas County Auxiliary Community Service. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 20, children in Ellensburg and Cle Elum will be able to access Santa Net — communications with Santa in the North Pole via radio. This will take place at the KITTCOM facility in Ellensburg and the Cle Elum Fire Department. A total of 36 kids can participate each night. To register, email chanelle.albo@kittcom.org
Legislative Day is Friday
The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Day is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the Elk Ballroom at the Hotel Windrow. State Sen. Judy Warnick and State Reps. Tom Dent and Alex Ybarra will be in attendance to discuss the upcoming session. Registration is open for the event. For more information, call Chelsea Cramer at 509-925-2002 or email Chelsea@kittitascountychamber.com
Dancing the Polar Express
The Ellensgurg Dance Ensemble is performing “The Polar Express” at 7 p.m., Friday and 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, at the Morgan Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18.50 for adults and $15.50 for students and seniors.
Plan ahead for beer fest
Tickets are now on sale for Winterhop Brewfest on Feb. 17 in downtown Ellensburg. The brewfest has a limited number of tickets and usually sells out well in advance of the event. Ticketing information is available on the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce website. The event is also in need of volunteers, must be 21.
SPORTS
CWU football player honored
CWU safety Tanner Volk has accumulated multiple honors since the end of the football season last week. Volk earned the Super Region 4 and Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year awards, was named first-team American Football Coaches Association All-American and is a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, given to the top player in NCAA Division 2 football.
LUNCH
The FISH Open Table Lunch is split pea and ham soup, garlic toast and peaches. The lunch is open to all seniors age 60-plus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Ellensburg, and noon to 1 p.m., in Cle Elum. Meal sites are the Ellensburg Open Table and the Cle Elum Seventh-day Adventist Church. The community lunch for anyone needing a hot meal is from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Ellensburg location.
WEATHER
The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 39 degrees. Sunset is at 4:12 p.m., and the expected nighttime low is 31 degrees. Winds will be light and variable.