Fireworks are legal in Ellensburg on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Discount Fireworks
NEWS
Fireworks are legal on New Year’s Eve
Fireworks are legal in the city of Ellensburg on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks can be set off between 6 p.m., Dec. 31 and 1 a.m., Jan. 1. Fireworks can be sold in Ellensburg between Dec. 27 and Dec. 31. The Ellensburg Police Department cautions people to use fireworks safely and notes that each year in the U.S. more than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to the emergency room with injuries caused by fireworks.
Tree recycling season is here
Christmas trees can be discarded for free at Kittitas County transfer stations in Ellensburg and Cle Elum through Jan. 31. The trees must be free of all lights and decorations.
Ultimate jigsaw showdown
The 2023 Jigsaw Puzzle Championship Showdown is 6 p.m., today, at the Hal Holmes Community Center. Teams advanced through a series of competitions over the course of the year to reach the title tilt. Spectators are welcome.
A send-off for Jay McGowan
There will be a retirement party for Cle Elum Mayor Jay McGowan from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., today at the Upper Kittitas County Senior Center. McGowan did not seek reelection during this part election and leaves office at the end of the year. McGowan’s service to the city as a council member and mayor stretches back decades. The festivities will include an open mic at 1 p.m.
Have talent? Head to Thorp
Punch Projects hosts “Thorps Got Talent” — a talent show and karaoke — on Saturday. Punch Projects opens at noon with talent show sign-up at 2 p.m., the talent show at 4 p.m. and karaoke at 6 p.m. This is a free, all-ages event.
Planning for New Year’s Eve
For those looking to make New Year’s Eve plans, Cobrahawk plays at Hotel Windrow Ballroom. The show starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $10. The Flat Rocks play at Hot Rod’s Care and Bar in Kittitas. The show starts at 9 p.m. The Time Out Saloon in Kittitas will feature DJ Kenny. The Murder Hornets play at the Cle Elum Eagles New Year’s Eve Party starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. Micah Jabez Heflin performs at the Coal Chute Café and Pub starting at 7 p.m. Hairstorm headlines The Brick’s New Year’s Eve Party starting at 9 p.m.
Holiday closures
All city facilities, Central Transit and FISH Open Table are closed on Jan. 1. The Stan Bassett Youth Center reopens on Jan. 2 after being closed since Dec. 21. Ellensburg schools return from the break on Jan. 3.
SPORTS
Bulldog girls to travel to tourney
Over the holiday break, the Ellensburg High School girls basketball team are playing in the Desert Holiday Classic in Yucca Valley, California. The girls are scheduled to play San Dimas of California today. The girls opened the tournament with a 70-30 win over Yucca Valley.
High school teams keep busy over break
Ellensburg, Kittitas and Cle Elum-Roslyn high school basketball teams will keep busy over the holiday break. The Cle Elum-Roslyn boys and girls teams travel to Chelan today. The girls play at 5:45 p.m. and the boys take the court at 7:15 p.m. The Kittitas boys and girls host Cascade today with the girls’ game at 6 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m. The EHS boys play in the Yakima Sundome Shutout, against W.F. West at 2 p.m., today, and versus La Center, at 9 a.m., Friday.
LUNCH
The FISH Open Table Lunch ham and bean soup, a dinner roll 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 42 degrees. Sunset is at 4:19 p.m., and the expected nighttime low is 35 degrees. Winds will be light and variable.
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