Ellensburg Community Morning Show, Thursday, June 18th

The 23rd annual Dachshunds and Friends on Parade returns to Unity Park this Saturday, June 20. Check-in and vendor shopping start at 9 a.m., the dogs march down Fourth Avenue through the farmers market at 10, and races and contests run until 2 p.m. New categories this year include best kisser and best smile. All breeds are welcome, and registration is required to compete.

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NEWS

The race to replace Congressman Dan Newhouse is crowded. Eleven candidates are running for Washington's 4th Congressional District seat, which Newhouse is giving up after a dozen years. Democrats have lined up behind one candidate, retired Air Force Major John Duresky, while three Republicans — Jerrod Sessler, Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney, and state Senator Matt Boehnke — are fighting for position. Central Washington University political science chair Todd Schaefer says the split on the Republican side makes the primary look almost like a partisan one. Ballots are due August 4.

The City of Ellensburg is looking for a few volunteers. The city wants about five community members to serve on a short-term committee reviewing possible updates to its taxi code. People with an interest in local transportation, or who hold a current taxi license, are encouraged to apply. It's a commitment of up to five meetings. If you're interested, call the City Manager's office at 962-7221, and get your name in before this Saturday, June 20.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Lower Kittitas County today. A Red Flag warning indicates a combination of wind, warm temperatures, and low humidity that has the potential to cause fire to spread rapidly.

Fire season is coming. The county Fire Marshal has set a burn ban and a fireworks ban for unincorporated Kittitas County starting July 1. If you live outside city limits, that means no outdoor burning and no fireworks until the ban lifts, so plan your Fourth of July accordingly.

And the dogs are back. The 23rd annual Dachshunds and Friends on Parade returns to Unity Park this Saturday, June 20. Check-in and vendor shopping start at 9 a.m., the dogs march down Fourth Avenue through the farmers market at 10, and races and contests run until 2 p.m. New categories this year include best kisser and best smile. All breeds are welcome, and registration is required to compete.

LOCAL EVENTS

The Roslyn Vintage Trailer Rally is underway today at Roslyn Pioneer Park, starting at 8 a.m. and running through Sunday.

Toastmasters International meets today at 5:30 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Community Center if you're looking to sharpen your public speaking.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the Juneteenth Community Celebration takes over Unity Park from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, with live music, family entertainment, and a short opening program at 5. Bring a lawn chair.

Friday is also a Discover Pass free day on state lands in honor of Juneteenth.

WEATHER                                                                                          

The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 86 degrees with a low of 57. Expect mostly sunny skies and a light west wind around 8 miles an hour, with no rain in sight. The sun sets just before 9 p.m. Heads up that it stays hot and dry through the weekend, with highs near 90 on Friday.

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT THE FISH OPEN TABLE?

The FISH Open Table today is Sloppy Joes, Garlic Green Beans and Pears for all seniors age 60 and up, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Open Table in Ellensburg at 204 North Main Street, and from 11:30 to 1 at the Upper County Senior Center in Cle Elum. The community lunch, open to anyone needing a hot meal, runs from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Ellensburg Open Table. For today's menu, check the Open Table Facebook page.