Ellensburg Community Morning Show, Thursday, July 23rd

Kittitas County has a new tool for growing the local economy. The Conference of Governments has launched the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership, a countywide group built to carry out the shared economic strategic plan. County Commissioner Cory Wright has been named its first executive director and steps into the job August 1st.

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NEWS

Kittitas County has a new tool for growing the local economy. The Conference of Governments has launched the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership, a countywide group built to carry out the shared economic strategic plan. County Commissioner Cory Wright has been named its first executive director and steps into the job August 1st. The partnership pulls together the county, Ellensburg, Kittitas, Roslyn, Cle Elum, and South Cle Elum, along with the Chamber, downtown associations, and Central Washington University. As one partner put it, the idea is that the success of one community benefits all of them.

Kittitas County commissioners have given the green light to a public facilities district. Supporters have pushed for the district as a way to fund community projects, and after the vote one of them said the hard work is just beginning.

Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue has picked its next leader. Fire commissioners have chosen Greg Rightmier, currently a fire chief in Idaho, to take over the department.

There's a new face leading the Kittitas School District. John Farley is settling into his job as the district's new superintendent as staff and families get ready for the coming school year.

And in Ellensburg, the City Council has unanimously approved a resolution it's calling a Commitment to Community. The statement lays out five commitments around listening, civil discourse, inclusion, and moving forward together. Councilmembers described it as both a vision statement and an invitation to residents to help build that kind of community. One more note from the city: today is the deadline to apply for the citizen advisory committee that will help shape the 2027-2028 budget. Applications are due to the City Manager's office by end of day.

LOCAL EVENTS

The city's Summer Concert Series kicks off tonight. Free live music runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at North Alder Street Park, 2400 North Alder. Tonight is the Rod Giles Band. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and your dancing shoes. The concerts continue every Thursday through August 20th.

Look up this afternoon at Central Washington University. The Lydig Planetarium Summer Series runs at 3 p.m. at the planetarium on campus.

Up in Roslyn, the summer reading program continues this morning with "Unearth a Story" at 11 a.m. at the Roslyn Public Library.

And Toastmasters International meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Community Center for anyone looking to sharpen their public speaking.

WEATHER                                                                                          

The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 92 degrees with a low of 63 degrees. Look for mostly sunny skies. The sunset is at 8:45 p.m. with northwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour. No rain in the forecast.

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT THE FISH OPEN TABLE?

The Fish Open Table Lunch today is Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup, with a side of garlic bread and green onions with pears. 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 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Upper County Senior Center in Cle Elum. The community lunch for anyone needing a hot meal is from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Ellensburg Open Table. For today's specific menu, check the Open Table Facebook page.