Ellensburg Community Morning Show, Tuesday, July 21st

The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 97 degrees, with a low around 68 tonight. Expect mostly sunny skies with patchy smoke and light, calm winds. Sunset is at about 8:40 p.m. No rain in the forecast — just heat, so drink your water and check on your neighbors.

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NEWS

County commissioners meet today to decide whether to create a new taxing district that could pay for three big recreation projects. The commissioners are set to vote on a resolution establishing a Public Facilities District. Supporters want it to fund a proposed Upper County community recreation center, a new Kittitas Valley aquatic center to replace Ellensburg's 46-year-old pool, and a new community fieldhouse. The plan leans on a two-tenths of one percent sales tax, which voters would have the final say on at the ballot box. A state-commissioned study found the district would bring in between four-point-one and five-point-four million dollars a year and called it a workable way to pay for the projects. The resolution also creates an independent five-member board to run the district.

Kittitas County medical officials are moving to add another ambulance. The county's EMS and Trauma Care Council voted last week to support bringing in another advanced life support ambulance resource. The move follows Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue's decision to limit some overnight hospital transfers, which raised concerns about patients facing delays getting to specialized care.

If your street looks a little different this week, here's why. The city's annual chipseal program runs today through Thursday, from 5 in the morning to 5 in the evening, covering about nine miles of city streets. City crews are working alongside Kittitas County Public Works to get it done. If you live along one of the streets being treated, turn off your sprinklers and keep the pavement dry, and move your car off the road — no-parking signs go up at least a day ahead. Drivers should slow down and follow the flaggers, since loose oil and rock can damage vehicles. The full list of streets is at ellensburgwa.gov/chipseal.

And if you're planning on the rodeo, don't wait. Officials with the Ellensburg Rodeo say tickets are going fast for the Labor Day weekend shows, which run September 3rd through 7th.

For events, the WSU Master Gardeners hold their Plant Diagnostic Clinic today at 11:30 in the morning at The Armory — bring your sick plants and garden questions. Looking ahead, the City of Ellensburg hosts an open house on its draft Comprehensive Plan tomorrow, Wednesday, from 4 to 6 in the evening at the Foundry Building, 421 North Main Street, where you can review the plan and share your input on the town's future. And tomorrow night, Valo Cellars hosts Open Mic Night starting at 6.

WEATHER                                                                                          

The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 97 degrees, with a low around 68 tonight. Expect mostly sunny skies with patchy smoke and light, calm winds. Sunset is at about 8:40 p.m. No rain in the forecast — just heat, so drink your water and check on your neighbors.

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT THE FISH OPEN TABLE?

The Fish Open Table lunch is Tuna Salad Sandwich, Cucumber tomato salad and mixed fruit 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 from 11:30 to 1 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.