WILDCAT WELCOME
E v e r y t h i n g Yo u N e e d , C e n t r a l l y L o c a t e d
S PA C I O U S S U I T E S
F R E E H O T B R E A K FA S T
P E T F R I E N D LY
I N D O O R P O O L & GY M M i n u t e
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What’s Inside
Whether you are brand new to Central Washington University or a seasoned senior, your friends at the Daily Record want to make sure you’re tuned in to what’s happening in your local area. This publication will let you know how to get around, upcoming events for the rest of the year, a quick history of the creation of Wellington the Wildcat, and more!
Refer to this handy publication as your
semester progresses and stop by our downtown office at 401 N Main Street to find more helpful publications or sign up for a subscription to the Daily Record.
Did you know that we also have a robust tradition of mentoring aspiring journalists? Speak to our editor, Brian Kelly, to find out more.
Go Wildcats!
OUT & ABOUT
Knowing your way around town will help you navigate the transition to Wildcat Country smoothly. Whether you walk, bike, drive, use public transportation, or use a ride share, here are some tips on navigating campus and beyond
PARK IT
CWU Parking Permits are virtual, and your license plate is your permit.
Parking Services monitors campus and CWU apartment parking lots based on your license plate. You may only have one vehicle on campus at a time. Only the permit holder can use the permit. Permit sharing is prohibited and will result in a fine. Guest passes can also be purchased online at the same website.
There are 14 lots designated general parking, 13 general non-overnight lots, and four parking permit kiosks, among other offerings.
A Handy color-coded campus parking map – and all parking permit options – is available at CWU.edu/ Parking.
FREE FOR ALL
Central Transit is Ellensburg’s fare-free transit service, providing five distinct routes that serve 19,530 residents in the city limits. All buses are ADA accessible and equipped with bicycle racks.
Central Transit’s transfer locations allow connections to other ground transportation which include the Kittitas County Connector, Greyhound, Flixbus, the Yakima-Ellensburg Commuter, the Travel Washington Apple Line, and the Bellair Airporter Shuttle (which connects with the SeaTac International Airport and Amtrak).
(Please note that there are no fixed route or paratransit services provided on the following days: New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). Find route maps and everything transit at CentralTransit.org.
NEED A LIFT?
In addition to Uber and Lyft, a few local cab companies offer their own perks.
Rodeo Town Taxi, LLC provides 24/7 service, along with courier, deliveries, lockouts, and jump starts. According to their website, their drivers have passed background checks, fingerprinting, and are trained in CPR/First Aid, driving defense courses, blood borne pathogens, and safety seat training. Call 509.929.4222 to book a ride.
Ellensburg Taxi Service can be reached at 509.899.8340, and offers rides with pets, jump starting, lockout, and delivery services.
SPOKESPERSON
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Ellensburg as a bicycle Friendly Community.
In addition to numerous mountain and road bike trails in the area, biking is a great way to get around Ellensburg and the CWU campus. Just one block South of University Way, the Seventh Avenue Bike Boulevard is virtually stop sign and traffic-free, allowing for safe cycling in the East/West direction between the John Wayne Trail at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds and Wenas Street.
Just remember that bikes, skateboards, and other recreational wheels are walked on sidewalks in the downtown area to avoid pedestrian/wheel collisions.
TAKE FLIGHT
For those looking for longer out-of-town excursions, consider taking the Yakima-based Bellair Airport shuttle (Airporter.com).
With a pickup at the CWU Starbucks, you can book a ride to SeaTac or Paine Field.
The Yakima/Ellensburg Commuter line leaves from two locations in Ellensburg and gives a one-way ride to Yakima for $5. Learn more at YakimaTransit.org.
It’s 88.1
‘THE ’BURG’
DEVANEE LOPEZ STAFF WRITER
As you navigate your classes and their locations make sure not to miss the hidden gems Central Washington University has to offer.
Located on the first floor of the SURC, is CWU’s very own student-run radio station: 88.1 “The ’Burg.” The station staff ranges from a handful of students; some who are looking for a career in broadcasting, to others who simply want to share their opinions with the world.
“If they want to come in and hang out with their friends, they can. If they want to do it professionally. they can do that, too,” said Tommy Skaggs, the general manager of The Burg.
The station has a handful of alumnus who are
now working in broadcasting professionally. Skaggs was once a student navigating the same studio that students are using today.
An alumnus from 2004-2005, Skaggs worked in broadcasting in Seattle before taking the GM position in 2021.
In order to be a part of this group all you need to do is sign up for some on air training, Skaggs said, and they’ll teach you everything you need to know before you go on air.
The ’Burg holds a place for students to express themselves but also a place for a job opportunities.
Amy Bates, an alumnus from Central, was hired as their production coordinator without ever having any broadcasting experience.
Bates said she heard about the position on social media and decided to take a chance on it.
“The station is like a melting pot of different types of majors and backgrounds,” Bates said.
Bates has been with the station for two years and has handled recording, editing, uploading, skits and promotional advertisements.
“Being the voice of the studio, I’d have people coming up to me saying, ‘Oh my god, I heard your voice on the radio.’ That really boosted my confidence.”
By hosting your own show you get to reach target audiences from all over campus, including students you’ve never even met.
If you want to get the word out on a free event you are hosting, you can contact The ’Burg and they’ll advertise your event for free.
If you’re interested in working for the station or having your own radio show, make sure to visit them in the SURC or visit their page at 881theburg.com.
Amy Bates - The ‘Burg’s Production Coordinator broadcasting about recent campus events.
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The history of WELLINGTON
DEVANEE LOPEZ STAFF WRITER
It has been 10 years since the Wellington statue has been added to Central Washington University.
The idea for a Wildcat statue came to be when the 2014-2015 student government decided that they wanted a campus attraction, they felt that CWU was lacking in school spirit and architecture tradition, compared to our sister colleges. Many of the university’s in Washington have specific monuments, statues or buildings that tie them to the school.
By seeing it you can immediately point out what school that is. But Central didn’t have that, so the student government took action.
Rob Lane, the student government vice president at the time, was given a whopping estimate of $160,000.
Thankfully they were able to bring the price down: The Daily Record stated that CWU paid $55,800 for it.
The statue is a 9-foot long, bronze wildcat that’s estimated to weigh around 1,300 pounds, with a concrete base of 12,000 pounds.
The statute was made by Matthew Palmer, a sculptor from Friday Harbor.
Although the statue is now an iconic attraction on the CWU campus, it prompted mixed opinions when it was installed.
The Observer, the college’s student newspaper, reported that students were worried about the cost of the statue, and if they could’ve used the money for a more urgent need.
How did CWU pay for the statue? Students.
Students tuition fees were tapped to help pay off the loans used for the Wellington statue.
According to the Observer, students also thought the statue looked like a bobcat — and not a wildcat.
It wasn’t much of a stretch. Photos on the artist’s website showcased other sculptures that Palmer had completed for other university’s, including bobcat replicas that bear a striking resemblance to the Wellington statue.
Was it worth it?
During your time at CWU you will more than likely see students taking photos with Wellington as a memory of the start of the school year, or graduating students documenting their senior year of college.
This statue has been a meeting place for students, as the mascot stands as a monumental reminder of their school spirit and tradition.
Remember to take a picture with Wellington on your first day to capture the next chapter in your life!
DAVANEE LOPEZ / DAILY RECORD
The Wellington statue on the Central Washington University campus.
What’s Going On OFF CAMPUS
Ellensburg and the surrounding communities offer a range of entertaining options for students and their families. Here are some events happening during the remainder of the year!
BITE OF THE ‘BURG STREET FESTIVAL
WHEN: Sept. 23, 2025, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: 4th Avenue between Pearl Street and Ruby Street
WHAT: Ellensburg’s Bite of the ‘Burg is a street festival that happens the day before CWU classes begin! Vendors line the street to hand out great food, amazing swag and hours of fun.
CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE FAIR
WHEN: Sept. 19 - 28, 2025
WHERE: State Park Fair and Event Center, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Yakima
WHAT: Nine days of state fair events and activities, including carnival rides, rodeo, concerts, and so much more. Event tickets and wristband information available at statefairpark.org
BUSKERS IN THE BURG
WHEN: Sept. 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
WHERE: 417 N Pearl St, Ellensburg
WHAT: Experience the wacky, funky, and eclectic at Ellensburg’s annual Buskers in the Burg Festival. Experience larger-than-life puppets, live street performers, live music and theater performances, and more at this annual ode to performance art at Ellensburg’s Unity Park.
COWBOY CROSS 2025
WHEN: Sept. 27, 2025
WHERE: Ellensburg Rodeo Arena,1010 E 8th Ave.
WHAT: Cowboy Cross is a premier Endurocross event that fuses high-octane racing with Western tradition like never before. Held at the world-famous Ellensburg Rodeo Arena, riders face a grueling obstacle course of dirt, jumps, and adrenaline. Between races, fans are treated to heart-pounding bull riding, showcasing the raw power and courage of both riders and bulls. This one-of-a-kind event captures the spirit of the American West while delivering non-stop excitement for all ages.
CWU VS TEXAS A&MKINGSVILLE HOMECOMING GAME
WHEN: Oct. 18, 2025, at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Tomlinson Stadium, Ellensburg
WHAT: Second home game of the season and official Senior Day at CWU! Check out cwu.edu for more information on the day’s activities.
DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT HARVEST FESTIVAL
WHEN: Oct. 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Businesses, Unity Park
WHAT: Bring your goblins and witches downtown for our annual trick or treat event! Downtown businesses will hand out free candy, and there will be live entertainment at Unity Park and throughout the downtown core.
DAILY RECORD’S GHOUL GALLERY
WHEN: Oct. 31, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: 401 N Main Street, Ellensburg
WHAT: Attention all ghouls, ghosts, witches, and warlocks! The Daily Record is hosting our annual Ghoul Gallery photo booth. Get your photo taken and be on the lookout for it to be published in the Saturday, November 8 edition of the Daily Record. Free to all ages and species, so bring your family, friends, and/or pet(s)! Call 509-204-8236 for more information or with questions.
DOWNTOWN FALL CLEAN UP
WHEN:
Nov. 8, 2025, from 10 a.m.– 1 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Ellensburg
WHAT: Get our downtown prepped for the fall and winter months! Join us in cleaning out downtown planters, pulling weeds, raking leaves, and more.
ELLENSBURG HOLIDAY MARKET
WHEN: Nov. 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: 901 E 7th Ave #1, Ellensburg
WHAT: Get ready to do some holiday shopping. Located in Teanaway and Umtanum Halls at the Kittitas Valley Event Center from 9am to 2pm. There will be over 50 vendors to shop from, including food and drinks!
MOMENTS TO REMEMBER TREE LIGHTING
WHEN: Nov. 28, 2025, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: 417 N Pearl St, Ellensburg
WHAT: Celebrate the season with our annual tree lighting, featuring a variety of performances, activities, and special sightings from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Comprehensive Healthcare delivers evidence-based therapy for individuals, families, and groups, Aspen Victim Advocacy Services, along with crisis response with local law enforcement, including Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. Our compassionate team of therapists, case managers, and substance use professionals are here to help.
Together with Central Washington University, we’re reviving the Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program to prepare the next generation of mental health professionals.
