Ellensburg Community Morning Show, Tuesday, June 11th

Kittitas County 4-H is partnering with Be Crash Free to host a Dirt Bike Clinic on Friday, June 20th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The RideSafe Motorcycle Training Course is a hands-on four-hour program for youth ages 8 to 18 who want to learn safe dirt bike riding.

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NEWS

Kittitas County Commissioner Cory Wright announced his resignation yesterday to accept the position of Executive Director of the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership, a new countywide organization focused on strengthening economic opportunity across Kittitas County. Wright's resignation takes effect July 31, ending more than eight years on the Board of County Commissioners. Wright called the move "a continuation of public service, not a step away from it," and said economic development touches nearly every issue facing the county — from family-wage jobs and housing to broadband, childcare, and downtown revitalization. The process for filling the commissioner vacancy will proceed under Washington state law.

A Yakima County Superior Court judge set bail at $25,000 for Kittitas County Sheriff Deputy Nicholas Burson, who was arrested after allegedly pointing a pistol at people outside the Brick Saloon in Roslyn early Sunday morning. Burson, 40, faces three potential counts of second-degree assault with a firearm and official misconduct. Judge Jeffery Swan stressed Burson would receive no favoritism as a law enforcement officer and ordered him to have no alcohol and no contact with the alleged victims. His arraignment is set for June 18.

Kittitas County Public Works crews will begin the annual chip seal program on county roads starting the week of June 25th, continuing through the end of July depending on weather. Chip sealing involves applying hot asphalt oil covered with rock to extend the life of road surfaces. Drivers should expect delays and reduced speeds in work zones. The full schedule of locations is available on the Kittitas County Public Works website.

The City of Ellensburg has released its 2026 Annual Water Quality Report, which shows the city's drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards. The report covers monitoring results from 2023 through 2025. Residents with questions can contact the Water Division at 509-962-7230.

LOCAL EVENTS

Toastmasters International meets this evening at 5:30 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Community Center.

Kittitas County 4-H is partnering with Be Crash Free to host a Dirt Bike Clinic on Friday, June 20th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The RideSafe Motorcycle Training Course is a hands-on four-hour program for youth ages 8 to 18 who want to learn safe dirt bike riding. Certified instructors will cover basic controls, protective gear, balance exercises, starting and stopping, turning, and riding through obstacles. Cost is $150 per participant. Riders need to bring their own dirt bike — but if you don't have one, reach out to the organizers, as they may be able to help. Required safety gear includes a helmet, over-the-ankle boots, long durable pants, long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection like goggles or glasses. The clinic is open to all youth whether or not they live in Kittitas County or are enrolled in 4-H.

The Ellensburg Farmers Market opens for the weekend on Saturday at 9 a.m. in downtown Ellensburg.

Also Saturday, the UKCBC Triple Shot 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament tips off at 8 a.m. at Dru Bru in Cle Elum, and the Eastern Washington Brewfest starts at 2 p.m. at Iron Horse Brewery.

Mark your calendars for the Kittitas County Primary Candidate Forums coming up in July, presented by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters. The first forum is Tuesday, July 14th, at the Roslyn Masonic Lodge at 122 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Roslyn, and the second is Friday, July 17th, at the Hal Holmes Community Center in Ellensburg. Both evenings start with a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m. followed by the forum from 6 to 8 p.m. You can submit questions for the candidates early — check with the Chamber of Commerce or the League of Women Voters for details.

The Juneteenth Community Celebration returns to Unity Park in Ellensburg on Thursday, June 19th, from 4 to 9 p.m. The free, family-friendly event features live music, entertainment, and community connection. An opening program begins at 5 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening. The celebration is presented by Black Grenade Entertainment, the City of Ellensburg, CWU, the Kittitas County Historical Museum, the League of Women Voters, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Ellensburg Downtown Association.

WEATHER                                                                                          

The forecasted high tomorrow in Ellensburg is 78 degrees with a low of 51 degrees. Sunny skies all day. The sunset is at 8:57 p.m. with winds around 19 miles per hour. Just a 1 percent chance of precipitation — a perfect early summer day in the valley.

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT THE FISH OPEN TABLE?

The FISH Open Table lunch today is a Chopped Italian Sandwich — pepperoni, salami, onion, tomato, romaine, provolone, olives, and vinaigrette on an Italian roll, served with grapes. 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 in Ellensburg, 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 Open Table Kitchen in Ellensburg.