Ellensburg Community Morning Show, Thursday, April 30th

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NEWS

Voters in the Kittitas School District passed their replacement levy on the second try Tuesday night, with about 57 percent in favor. The four-year levy is expected to bring in $1.9 million a year for the district from 2027 through 2030, and it covers about 19 percent of the district's annual budget. The first run at the levy in February failed by just 15 votes, so supporters spent the spring stepping up their outreach. For the average owner of a $500,000 home, the renewal works out to about $35 more a year on top of existing levies and bonds. County Auditor Bryan Elliott said turnout was 34.5 percent.

There's another leadership change at Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue. Interim Fire Chief Roy Palmer turned in his 30-day notice on April 15, less than a week before commissioners announced his departure at a special meeting. Palmer had been on the job a little over three months. In his letter, he pointed to "unresolved working conditions" and told the Daily Record afterward, "I wasn't the right fit for the organization." Deputy Chief Chris Moen has now been named interim chief, but he made one thing clear to the board — he will take the temporary job, but he doesn't want the permanent post in any way, shape, or form.

Central Washington University hosted leaders from nine Pacific Northwest tribes on campus Monday for what organizers called a "listening and learning" gathering. Representatives came in from the Yakama Nation, the Snoqualmie, Spokane, Colville, Umatilla, Nez Perce, Kalispel, Tulalip, and Nooksack tribes. The panel included state Senator Claudia Kauffman from the 47th District, Tim Reynon from the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs, and council members and trustees from several of the tribes. The day was meant to help the university build closer working relationships with tribal nations across the region.

Out in Kittitas, a local woman has turned her front porch into a small business. When Kylee Harris told her husband she was going to open a cottage bakery, he laughed. She did it anyway. Her new farm stand is now open on the front porch of her home, and the Daily Record visited this week to see how it's going.

In local events, Zen Meditation meets at noon at the Kittitas Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Toastmasters International gathers at 5:30 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Community Center. Up the canyon, country act Rusty Cage plays Mike's Tavern in Cle Elum at 7 p.m. And the Valley Theatre presents "Tuck Everlasting" at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Performing Arts Center.

SPORTS

The Wildcat baseball team finishes its regular season Thursday and Friday with four games at Northwest Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho. The first doubleheader starts at 2 p.m. Thursday, with game two at 5. The series wraps up Friday with another doubleheader at noon and 3. Central is 18 and 22 overall, 15 and 13 in conference play, and is still alive for a playoff spot.

CWU softball is also on the road at Northwest Nazarene this weekend, with doubleheaders Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Wildcats are 13 and 29 on the year.

And mark your calendar — the GNAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships come to Ellensburg on Monday and Tuesday, May 4 and 5, at the CWU Recreation Sports Complex.

WEATHER                                                                                          

The forecasted high tomorrow in Ellensburg is 74 degrees with a low of 41 degrees. Mostly sunny skies all day. Sunset is at 8:05 p.m. with winds out of the west around 8 miles an hour. Just a 2 percent chance of rain.

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT THE FISH OPEN TABLE?

The FISH Open Table lunch tomorrow is mac and cheese, with green beans and mixed fruit. The senior lunch is open to all seniors age 60-plus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ellensburg Open Table at 204 North Main Street, and noon to 1 p.m. at 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 Open Table.