2026 Faces of Kittitas County

Faces of Kittitas County 2026 STORIES OF YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS OF KITTITAS COUNTY 2026

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Index 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

HILINE HOMES

PEARL CARE DENTAL BROOKSIDE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY DAVIS GARAGE DOORS KITTITAS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM NICOLE PRIGGE-TAYLOR COLUMBIA PLATEAU ROOFING HEARTHSTONE SENIOR LIVING WARD RUGH INC.

DAILY RECORD NEWS PUBLISHER: REBECCA POYNTER

SALES: AMANDA BEQUETTE, SABRINA NUTT CONTACT US AT 509-925-1414 401 MAIN ST., ELLENSBURG, WA 98926 LAYOUT & DESIGN: DARLA ALLEN 2 • FACES OF KITTITAS COUNTY • 2026 • Daily Record

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Faces of Faces Kittitas Skagit OF

County County 2025 2026

Welcome Welcome

to the third edition of Faces of Skagit County, a magazine to promoting to the second edition ofdedicated Faces of Kittitas County, a magazine local businesses by showcasing the “Face” of dedicated to promoting local businesses by showcasing the “Face” of a specifi c business type. you’ll find a specific business type. Inside, storiesyou’ll aboutfiyour friends and your neighbors Inside, nd stories about friends and neighbors right here in Skagit County. right here in Kittitas County. Faces of Kittitas County is an Faces of Skagit County is an example term that means example of Native Advertising, a publishing of “Face NativeofAdvertising, publishingpage, termpaid for by the each ” feature is aasponsored that means each “Face of ” feature is a advertiser. sponsored page, paida for by the advertiser.for our community and subscribers to discover Th is magazine offers unique opportunity magazine offers a unique opportunity theThis behind local businesses, potentially connecting readers with companies they may not forpreviously our community have known.and subscribers to discover the faces behind local businesses, potentially connecting readers with companies they may Our for readersknown. to enjoy learning aboutto theenjoy people who make our community not goal haveispreviously Our goal is more for readers learning thrive. more about the people who make our community thrive. We hope We thisafosters greater of community and encourages thishope fosters greaterasense of sense community and encourages more of more us to of us to shop locally. d love to hear your thoughts on this first edition. shopWe’ locally.

We’d love hearofyour thoughts on2026 this third edition.

Selections Selections for to Faces Kittitas County are now underway. formore Facesinformation, of Skagit County are now underway. For more For email2026 advertising@kvnews.com. information, email ads@skagitads.com.

Rebecca Poynter Publisher SKAGIT PUBLISHING

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Faces of Kittitas County 2026

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Local Custom Home Building

BY ANNA TALLARICO

T

he HiLine Homes team has deep local roots.

“Many of us were born and raised here,” said sales specialist Rebecka Wilson, “raising our own families in the same communities where we helped others build.”

HiLine has been a trusted regional builder for more than 25 years. When its Yakima franchise opened in 2016, it expanded to serve customers across Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln and Okanogan counties.

“Over the last decade, the Yakima branch has become one of the company’s most consistent and dependable teams,” Wilson said. “Our Yakima team is driven by a love for helping families plant roots and a passion for transforming land into homes future generations will grow up in.”

HiLine specializes in customizable floor plans that allow families to personalize their home while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.

Its builds are known for smart, functional layouts; energyefficient materials; strong curb appeal; and durable craftsmanship suited for Central Washington weather.

“We incorporate homeowner-selected finishes to match each family’s personal style without compromising quality or budget,”

HiLine Homes local roots inspire passionate homebuilders Wilson said.

The Yakima team consistently ranks among the highest in homeowner satisfaction across the region.

“Any questions or problems were dealt with immediately,” one customer wrote.

“The communication, professionalism, and process were exceptional,” said another.

Many team members have 10-20 years of experience in the local building industry, Wilson noted. Manager Jared Wilshire oversees an enormous territory, yet remains “one of the most responsive PMs you’ll ever meet.”

“We support homeowners long before and long after the physical build: financing questions, inspections, move-in prep, county requirements, and more,” Wilson said. “Our team structure ensures each customer has multiple points of support, rather than being bounced between departments or left waiting.”

The business prioritizes communication; quality workmanship; team reliability; and customer satisfaction above all else.

“We are honored to be part of the growth across Central Washington,” Wilson said. “Watching raw lots transform into dream homes is still the best part of our job.

“And yes,” she added. “We truly celebrate every closing like it’s our first.”

HiLine Homes is located at 8301 Annalisa Lane in Yakima. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment on the weekends.

For more information, call 509-215-7853 or visit hilinehomes.com.

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Local Dentistry

Pearly white smiles from Dr. Bender’s happy customers

BY ANNA TALLARICO

D

r. Cristina Bender was a patient of Pearl Care Dental as a child – now she works there as a dentist.

She cares strongly for her hometown.

“I’ve loved expanding my skills as a dentist and caregiver by studying how dentistry is related to other health issues, all to give the best care in my Hometown.” Bender said.

Dr. Mike Cole opened Pearl Care Dental in 1980. In 2005, he moved to the current Dolarway Road location, and Bender started as an associate in 2014. She took over as owner in 2018.

Dr. Cole’s mission was to bring state-of-the-art dentistry to Ellensburg, and Dr. Bender is continuing that tradition.

The general dentist office serves both adults and children with an emphasis on whole body health. It specializes in services including airway health; cosmetic dentistry; sedation support; oral surgery; and implants.

“We focus on being ahead of the curve with our services, and we utilize new equipment, practices and methods as research progresses,” Bender said.

Relationships are prioritized above all else.

“Many doctors can provide quality dentistry, but what sets Pearl Care apart is the focus on genuine relationships and patient education,” Bender said.

“One of our favorite compliments is hearing patients who have historically disliked the dentist realize that they now can get excited for their appointment at Pearl Care,” she said. “We truly love helping patients become the healthiest and most confident version of themselves, and we love hearing feedback that aligns with that goal.”

Opening a new office in Cle Elum in 2024 was a big step toward making their practice accessible to all of Kittitas County.

And to show local love, all of the art in the offices are done by local artists.

“We even feature the work of one of our own retired hygienists!”

Bender said. Their work includes magnified images of different parts of the body, including the cellular structure of bone and saliva.

Another thing to smile about? Pearl Care sponsors different local organizations such as club and recreational soccer teams, baseball and softball leagues, holiday drives, and the Ellensburg Rodeo and Kittitas County Fair.

Pearl Care Dental is located at 2401 Dolarway Rd. in Ellensburg and 206 West First St. in Cle Elum.

Offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 509-925-6553, or visit pearlcaredental.com.

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Local Funeral Service

‘The highest of priorities’: Brookside Funeral Home nears 25 years of compassionate excellence

BY ANNA TALLARICO

B

rookside Funeral Home & Crematory is not a historical funeral parlor.

Walk in, and you are not met with pews, but round tables and chairs, with displays of modern artwork adorning the walls.

“We are vibrant, warm, welcoming, flexible,” said owner and funeral director Jamin Mohler. “We are proud of our bright and home-like atmosphere.”

Mohler is the second owner of the authentically local funeral home; having grown up in Ellensburg and attended Kittitas High School, Mohler purchased Brookside in 2018 from its founders who established the business in 2001. It was important to keep the business family-owned.

“Our staff is deeply valued and appreciated by our community,” Mohler said.

Brookside served hundreds of families from a small office space behind the Ellensburg Post Office before beginning construction in 2020 on its current expanded, full-service facility on Mountain View Avenue.

“This changed our visibility, offerings, and allowed us to grow in service to our community,” Mohler said.

In 2023, after realizing there was a need in the Wenatchee Valley for another funeral service option, Brookside once again extended services,

this time to Wenatchee.

The Mohlers now operate three locations, including Moxee in Yakima County.

“We are uniquely gifted to care for families in crisis,” Mohler said.

“While we enjoy a mutual respect for the other funeral home in town, we are both proud to be individually unique. Brookside and our staff have a reputation for flexible and family-focused arrangements.”

Brookside “gladly” deals with expectations of law enforcement, the needs of the coroner’s office, can facilitate organ and tissue donation, and will accommodate the desires of each family they serve.

“We honor the values and opinions, and even the complexities that are unique to each family that calls on us,” Mohler said.

Brookside has its own in-house crematory and provides both preplanning and at-need services, as well as a full offering of urns, caskets, headstones and keepsake items.

“We will always build on our reputation for providing flexible and affordable funeral and cremation options for our community,” Mohler said.

“We are known throughout our profession as genuine, compassionate professionals who serve with award-winning excellence. We have a dedicated team who puts families’ needs at the highest of our priorities.”

Brookside is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its Kittitas County facility is located at 500 East Mountain View Ave., Ellensburg.

For more information, call 509-925-2902 or visit brooksidefuneral.com.

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Local Garage Doors

The Door IsXxxxx Always Open For Customers At Davis Garage Doors

BY ANNA TALLARICO

J

osh Davis started his business out of an old pick-up truck in 2007.

“I saw a need when coming to Ellensburg 20 years ago,” the owner of Davis Garage Doors recalled. “I noticed a lot of companies did not take pride in their installs or respond in a timely manner.”

His company specializes in selling, servicing and installing sectional garage doors and operating devices, motors and operators. He prioritizes contractors, homeowners, and commercial accounts.

Even through hardships such as the recession in 2008, supply chain issues, inflation, and the housing market crisis, and closing down from 2015 to 2018 for personal reasons, the company has continued to grow.

“We expect to see more growth in 2026,” Davis promised.

When other businesses suffered during COVID-19, Davis came on a uniquely beneficial opportunity.

“We were extended incredible credit terms with multiple suppliers and opened a commercial shop with a lot of inventory and a place to show our customers products and professionalism,”

he said.

Davis Garage Doors is set apart by friendly communication, cosmetics and operational quality work, Davis said.

Davis takes pride in the fact that it is veteran-owned, as well as family-owned.

“We prioritize quality over quantity,” he said, noting that he has kept the staff fairly small on purpose to ensure quality work for their customers.

Davis wanted to acknowledge one of his long-term employees – and wife –Jenni.

“She quit her job in 2020 and has worked for me as a reliable employee going on six years now,” he said. “She is a true dedicated worker, not to mention a female in a traditionally male career field,” he said.

“She is extremely impressive with her strength, dedication and ability to solve problems,” Davis continued. “She needs to be recognizes as she has made this company more solid and reliable than it ever has been, and that is the honest truth.”

Davis said Jenni has motivated him to a level he never reached on his own.

“She is also highly liked by our customers,” he added.

Davis Garage Doors is located at 301 West Umptanum Rd. #7406, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit davisgaragedoorscentralwa.com, call 509-929-3276 or 509-925-1837.

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Local History

Kittitas County Historical Museum Keeps Local History Safe

BY ANNA TALLARICO

A

quick thumb-through last year’s guestbook reveals pages brimming with adoration of the Kittitas County Historical Museum: “Thanks for saving the history of this area.”

“I loved the neon signs, and getting to look and touch all the cool rocks!”

“So much great local history and American history!”

“Will come back to see again for sure!”

Executive Director Sadie Thayer knows this is because the museum is rooted in the belief that “local history belongs to everyone.”

“It collects, preserves, and shares the history, heritage and culture of the entire county – from Snoqualmie Pass to the Columbia River – highlighting the people, places, and everyday experiences that shape community life,” Thayer said.

Established in 1961, the museum officially opened to the public in the historic Cadwell Building in 1975.

“The museum was inspired by community members who recognized the importance of protecting Kittitas County’s history,” Thayer explained.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, local residents came together to form the Kittitas County Historical Society. That grassroots effort led to the creation of a permanent museum.

In 1999, it expanded to its current footprint of nearly 9,000

square feet of exhibit space.

It features more than 50 exhibits, prioritizing high quality.

Many people are surprised to learn, Thayer said, that the museum operates with just two staff members (herself one of them), supported by a dedicated group of volunteers.

“Despite the small team, the museum is constantly active – updating exhibits, caring for collections, welcoming new donations, and refreshing spaces,” Thayer said.

Visitors expect a small stop and instead, discover a space filled with unexpected details, hands-on elements, and stories that connect directly to everyday life in Kittitas County.

The collections include everything from personal family photographs to industrial artifacts and natural history specimens, creating moments of discovery for all ages.

The building itself – constructed after the Great Ellensburgh Fire of 1889 – is its own piece of history. Over the years, the ground floor housed a range of businesses, including rug and carpet shops, dry goods and grocery stores, auto repair, and even car dealerships.

The upper floor has always served as apartment housing (even today), though it once also contained a speakeasy and a “house of ill repute,” Thayer said, These surprises, Thayer said, paired with the historic setting and constantly changing exhibits, make each visit feel a little different and encourage people to return, look closer, and keep asking questions.

The museum is located at 114 East Third Ave, Ellensburg. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 509-925-3778 or visit kchm.org.

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Local Realty To my dearest family, friends, and beloved community members:

H

ow lovely it is to end up in your line of sight! Unlike some of the others within this publication, I wanted to write you a letter and welcome you into some of my winter musings.

October of 2025 marked my fifth anniversary as Nicole Prigge-Taylor of Coldwell Banker Central. As I reminisced over the journey, I found myself reflecting on a handful of my amazing mentors.

My first job ever was at The Gym. Israel Valencia took a chance on me as a very young, shy teenager. Under the tutelage of Israel and the managers, first Danielle Koss and later Dania Cochran, I learned how to apply my work ethic, break out of my shy shell (yes, I was shy – as hard as that may be to believe), and how to harness the magic that happens with sustained eye contact and meaningful conversation. Both Israel and Dania have a way of inspiring those around them and lighting up the rooms they are in, and I was lucky enough to witness this magic first hand day in and day out. Over the course of a decade, I went from the shy front desk worker, to the general manager who presided over every facet of the business. My journey to that point was filled with invaluable lessons taught to me by incredible mentors.

Next, I found myself under the wing of Richelle Winegar-Higdon at Winegar’s Coffee and Ice Cream. If you can find someone with a better work ethic than Richelle, well, then I owe you a coffee. I thought I had a good work ethic and was generally organized when I started my five-year stint with Winegar’s. I had lots to learn, and learn I did! I came away with a love for systems, knowing how to dig

deeper (and then deeper still), a true sense of urgency, and with an understanding of the passion that fuels a small business. During my time at Winegar’s I was also fortunate enough to work with a local legend; Rolf Williams of Jerrol’s. He pushed my mind in ways no mentor was able to prior, and I’ll always owe him a debt of gratitude.

My business and its guiding goal (donating $90K to local nonprofits by Jan. 1, 2032) wasn’t crafted in a fancy conference room or over cocktails in a lounge, but during the middle of the pandemic in my 1980s unfinished garage over the course of two hot summer days. Rolf stood on one side of the garage with a large white board propped against dust covered who-knows-what (boxes, old cabinets, etc. You know…garage things) and an assortment of dry erase markers. I sat on the other side of the garage. Together we perspired and beat up, broke down, and rebuilt my business vision, mission, and goals that guide everything I do to this day.

If we jump forward in time to now, I’m happy to say my business is centered around education, professionalism, clearly communicated expectations, and vulnerability. While many home buying and selling milestones are to welcome new life (think marriage, a growing family, etc.), just as many are marked by a shadow of grief (aging, divorce, relocation for work, empty nesting). Wherever you fall on this spectrum, thanks to some of the best mentors this valley has to offer, you’ll be held with great care.

Until we meet again, all my best, Nicole Prigge-Taylor

The business is located at 508 Main St. in Ellensburg. Prigge-Taylor is available at 509-859-3458 and can be found on both Facebook and Instagram @nicoleptrealty. ellensburghomeforsale.com | nicoleptrealty@gmail.com 10 • FACES OF KITTITAS COUNTY • 2026 • Daily Record

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Local Roofing

Columbia Plateau Roofing building roots and roofs in Kittitas County

BY ANNA TALLARICO

C

olumbia Plateau Roofing began as a small remodeling business in 2000. Although breaking into a new trade and a close-knit community like Kittitas County seemed challenging, owner Dan Schilperoort felt welcomed.

“Early on, a roofing crew I knew was looking for a new place to work and proposed a simple partnership: If I could sell the roofs, they would handle the work with minimal involvement from me, allowing me to continue remodeling,” he explained.

Over time, demand grew, and roofing became the focus, evolving into the full-service roofing company Columbia Plateau is today.

Above all else, Schilperoort built the business up with the dream to provide for his family in Ellensburg. After earning his degree in Construction Management from Central Washington University in 1990, he said he knew this is where he wanted to put down roots and build a life.

“Rather than getting lost in the crowded general contractor market, I looked for a way to serve a local need and started by offering tile work, an area with little competition at the time,” Schilperoort recalled. “By doing quality work and treating customers right, word spread, neighbors began calling, and the business grew naturally from there.”

Schilperoort prioritizes quality workmanship and customer service.

“Roofing is hard, dirty work, but we take pride in making the overall experience as smooth and positive as possible,” he said. “Our goal is not just satisfied customers, but genuine fans.”

After more than 25 years, Columbia Plateau Roofing is wellaccustomed to “The Windy City.”

“We know shingle blow-offs are a common issue, and many homeowners are surprised to learn that manufacturer wind warranties are limited to just 15 years, despite longer claims on the packaging,” Schilperoort said.

To address this, he and his team developed the Gust Guard Installation System, which guarantees against shingle blow-offs for as long as the homeowner owns and lives in the home.

They also offer a similar solution for metal roofs to protect against damage from sliding snow and ice: the Glacier Guard System.

The company has invested a lot in training and certification, Schilperoort said – something customers might not realize.

“We are the most credentialed and awarded roofing company in Kittitas County, holding the highest credentials from CertainTeed and Malarkey Roofing,” he said. “These certifications allow us to offer the longest manufacturer-backed labor warranties in the area.”

Columbia Plateau Roofing is also certified with GAF and Duro-Last for commercial roofing, and specialize in metal roofing, supported by its own small fabrication shop where they can create custom flashing.

Customers frequently commend the company’s thorough inspection process, which often includes drone footage and a detailed attic evaluation to check ventilation, insulation, potential leaks, and signs of mold.

They also appreciate clear, easy-to-understand proposals and a simple tiered roof system option menu: Most Trusted, Trusted, and Basic.

Columbia Plateau Roofing has an office located at 206 West Fourth Ave. Suite C. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, by appointment only. For more information, call 509-899-3330 or visit cproofing.com.

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Local Senior Living

BY ANNA TALLARICO

A

lot of people may not realize just how active and full of life senior living can be, said Hearthstone Senior Living Executive Director Kayla McCarthy. It’s full of laughter and connection – not a place where life slows down, but rather a place where people continue to grow.

Hearthstone Senior Living supports older adults in their day-today lives while allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity. This includes comfortable living spaces, daily assistance when needed, engaging activities, and a supportive environment where residents feel safe and connected.

“My focus is on helping people live well at every stage, with the right balance of care, community and choice,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy’s top priority is making sure every resident feels respected, heard and genuinely cared for.

“It’s not just about providing services; it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable, safe and truly at home,” she said. “I care deeply about the quality of care we provide and the compassion of the people delivering it.”

Hearthstone is set apart from other senior living facilities because of the relationships it builds.

“I see our team take the time to really get to know residents,

Hearthstone Senior Living is for the young at heart their stories, their routines, and what matters most to them,” McCarthy said.

That personal connection, she explained, makes all the difference and helps our community feel less like a facility and more like a family.

“Families often tell me how relieved they feel once their loved one settles in and they see the level of care and attention we provide,” McCarthy said.

In turn, residents frequently mentioned how welcoming the staff is and how comfortable they feel.

“Our community was thoughtfully designed to feel warm and inviting rather than clinical,” McCarthy said. The shared spaces encourage conversation and connection, while still allowing residents to have privacy when they want it.

“It’s important to me that the environment feels comfortable and familiar, a place people can truly call home,” she said.

But Hearthstone doesn’t just focus on excellence for its customers; it strives to be a workplace where people feel supported and valued.

“Each team member brings their own story,” McCarthy said.

“Some come because they love working with seniors, while others find this to be a stepping stone in a healthcare we’re proud to help nurture.”

Hearthstone is located at 802 East Mountain View Ave. For more information, call 509-925-3099 or visit hearthstone-sl.com.

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Timothy Hay

Local hay company committed to providing dependable quality and service-built on honesty, trust and respect

BY ANNA TALLARICO

W

ard Rugh, Inc. is proud of the fact they have the same customer today as in 1934, when they sent their first shipment of timothy hay to a horse track in Southern California.

“This generational transition is important to us both domestically and internationally,” said Owner/President Corey Rogers. “It shows if you treat your trading partners with honesty, trust and respect, you will benefit and prosper from multiple generations going forward.” “In our company, trust is built on a handshake,” Rogers said – a practice he thinks has gone by the wayside in many industries. “We don’t write contracts because our word is everything,” he said. “This goes from purchasing our devoted grower’s hay to our loyal customers both domestically and overseas. We pride ourselves on this trust that has been built, and it makes us an exception to the entire industry.”

Ward Rugh is the industry leader for supplying the highest quality timothy hay to the thoroughbred racehorse industry.

“While the dairy industry is very important to us and remains the largest market for timothy and alfalfa, it is the racehorse industry that separates Ward Rugh from its competitors,” Rogers said.

“Our customers support and stand by our quality and strict grading standards,” Rogers said. “They trust and know that [Ward Rugh] has the necessary quality control systems in place to provide the hay required to satisfy many markets.”

Over the past five years or so, the hay industry has been going through some serious challenges, specifically on the export side of things.

“The strength of the U.S. dollar to foreign currencies has created an overall slowdown and reduced customer demand to our markets,” Rogers explained. But thanks to a conservative business philosophy at Ward Rugh, the company is in a financially stable position.

The facility you see in Ellensburg today is the only plant it operates. Ward Rugh has reduced the overall labor force to a level which can be managed through tough times while at the same time meeting customer demands.

“As with any industry, there will always be challenges. To overcome these challenges, you must always be true to yourself while trusting, respecting, and being honest with your trading partners – the growers and customers. It’s the most important part of the business,” Rogers said.

Ward Rugh is located at 610 W. University Way in Ellensburg For any inquiries or questions contact Christi Anderson at 509-925-2827 or visit wardrugh.com.

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proudly supports Kittitas County businesses, people and organizations

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