Ellensburg Community Morning Show, Thursday, March 19th

The City of Ellensburg and the Ellensburg Arts Commission have announced the selection of Sarita Dasgupta as the city's Poet Laureate for the 2026 to 2028 term. Dasgupta is a library assistant at Ellensburg Public Library who has published several chapbooks of poetry, co-founded the Midweek Musings literary series, and contributes writing to regional and international outlets.

LISTEN TO THE NEWS HERE

NEWS

A federal bankruptcy judge has agreed to hold a hearing to determine whether the City of Cle Elum is eligible for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection. The city filed for bankruptcy over a $26 million debt stemming from a legal dispute with a housing developer over a delayed 962-home project. Attorneys for the developer, City Heights Holdings, are challenging the city's eligibility, arguing Cle Elum failed to cut spending or explore new revenue before seeking bankruptcy protection.

The City of Ellensburg and the Ellensburg Arts Commission have announced the selection of Sarita Dasgupta as the city's Poet Laureate for the 2026 to 2028 term. Dasgupta is a library assistant at Ellensburg Public Library who has published several chapbooks of poetry, co-founded the Midweek Musings literary series, and contributes writing to regional and international outlets.

The Ellensburg City Council earlier this month authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of intent conditionally selecting Central Paving as the developer for the Ellensburg Fieldhouse project. The new recreation facility would replace the Ellensburg Racquet and Recreation Center that was destroyed by an arsonist in December 2022. Construction is not expected to begin until spring 2027.

Tonight, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce hosts its 118th Annual Awards Dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. The event includes dinner, an awards ceremony, and speeches celebrating Chamber members.

SPORTS

The CWU Wildcats Women's Basketball team saw their season come to an end this week, falling 57 to 51 to Cal Poly Pomona in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II National Championships. It's the second consecutive year the Wildcats have been eliminated in the Sweet 16. Senior Capri Sims led the way with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds.

The CWU Track and Field team competes at the PLU Open on Friday and Saturday in Tacoma.

The CWU Men's Baseball team opens a series at Saint Martin's on Friday with a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. in Lacey. The series continues Saturday with doubleheaders at noon and 3 p.m.

The Central Washington University Softball team hosts Western Oregon on Friday at 2 p.m. for a doubleheader at Gary and Bobbi Frederick Field. The series continues Saturday with games at noon and 2 p.m.

WEATHER                                                                                          

The forecasted high tomorrow in Ellensburg is 66 degrees with a low of 46 degrees. The sunset is at 7:13 p.m. with winds at 6 to 15 miles per hour. 

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT THE FISH OPEN TABLE?

The FISH Open Table lunch is Pork Verde Stew with seasonal vegetables, beans, tomatoes, tortilla strips and 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, 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.