2026 Spring In The Loop

IN THE

SPRING 2026

Stay Sharp. Stay Seasonal. Stay In The Loop

2 • IN THE LOOP • SPRING 2026

WELCOME TO IN THE LOOP

your curated guide to living well through the season and beyond.

In the Loop is an almanac style guide to life in Kittitas County. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are just moving to town, the information here will be useful. Inside this publication, you’ll find out how to contact your elected officials, ride the bus, license your dog or volunteer with a local nonprofit group. Kittitas County’s population was 47,935 in the 2020 census — population has grown 17.2% since the 2010 census. With more than 2,200 square miles, it’s one of the largest counties in Washington. It’s on the sunny side of the Cascades, with an average of 204

days of sunshine a year. Ellensburg is famous for its Timothy Hay, historic downtown and Labor Day weekend Fair and Rodeo. It is the home of Central Washington University, which provides educational and cultural opportunities for students and the community. In the Upper County, the communities of Thorp, Cle Elum, South Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald have deep historic roots and a strong focus on community, and tremendous year-round recreational opportunities.

Please make yourself at home.

We’re happy to have you as a neighbor

IN THE FALL 2025 | A Daily Record Publication: www.dailyrecordnews.com

QUICK REFERENCE INFO....................................4 HIKE, FISH, FLOAST OR EXPLORE THE YAKIMA RIVER CANYON.............................5 PASSING OF THE LAUREL CEREMONY.................6 GET INVOLVED..................................................7 HERITAGE LISTINGS..........................................8-9 KITTITAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES.....................10 EDUCATION......................................................11 EXPLORE..........................................................12 KITTITAS COUNTY PARKS.................................13 EVENTS PLANNED IN KITTITAS COUNTY FOR AMERICA 250TH CELEBRATION...................14 WHAT’S UP WITH ALL OF THIS ART?..................15 DAILY RECORD NEWS

Publisher: Rebecca Poynter Editor: Brian Kelly Sales: Amanda Bequette, Sabrina Nutt

Contact us at 509-925-1414 401 Main St., Ellensburg, WA 98926 Layout & Design: Darla Allen

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QUICK REFERENCE INFO BUILDING PERMITS

Kittitas County Development.......................................... 509-962-7506 City of Ellensburg ............................................................... 509-925-8663 City of Cle Elum....................................................................509-674-2262 City of Roslyn ....................................................................... 509-649-3105 City of Kittitas....................................................................... 509-852-7089

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Business Licenses...............................................................509-962-7204

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce...................... 509-925-2002

CLE ELUM/ROSLYN COURTHOUSE

District Court..........................................................................509-674-5533 Municipal Court....................................................................509-674-5533

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

Public Health Department..................................................509-962-7515 Kittitas Valley Hospital ....................................................... 509-962-9841 Children and Family Services..........................................509-925-0400 Kittitas County Health Network ...................................... 509-933-7544 Kittitas Valley Urgent Care Ellensburg..........................509-968-5273 Kittitas Valley Urgent Care Cle Elum..............................509-674-6944

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Worksource ............................................................................509-925-5311 Hopesource (Support Services........................................509-674-2251 Elmview Industries.............................................................. 509-925-6688 Aspen (Abuse Support...................................................... 509-925-9384 FISH Food Bank and Open Table.................................. 509-925-5990 Hearts and Hands of Kittitas County................................509-968-5117 Central Washington Disability Resources.................... 509-962-9620 Kittitas County Recovery Organization....................... .509-968-5224

FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue ............................................. 509-933-7231 Kittitas Fire Department ................................................... 509-968-0229 Kittitas County Fire Marshall............................................ 509-962-7000 Ellensburg Fire Department 21......................................... 509-933-7231 Cle Elum Fire Department.................................................. 509-674-1748 Roslyn Fire Department..................................................... 509-649-3105 Easton Fire Department...................................................... 509-656-0121 Snoqualmie Fire Department.............................................425-888-1551

FOREST SERVICES AND OTHERS

Cle Elum Ranger Station.................................................... 509-852-1100 Department of Fish & Wildlife..........................................509-575-2740 Department of Natural Resources.................................. 509-925-8510

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Bureau of Land Management.......................................... 509-665-2100 Washington Parks & Recreation.......................................509-962-7210

MAIL

Ellensburg Post Office....................................................... 509-962-4360 Cle Elum Post Office ............................................................509-674-2611 Roslyn Post Office................................................................ 509-649-2215 Thorp Post Office................................................................. 509-964-2281 South Cle Elum Post Office ................................................509-674-2611 Ronald Post Office.............................................................. 509-649-2668 Kittitas Post Office................................................................509-968-3577

PASSPORTS

Kittitas County Public Health.............................................509-962-7515 Ellensburg Post Office.........................................................800-257-8777 Wapati..................................................................................... 509-852-0300

PET REGISTRATION

Animal Control Ellensburg................................................509-962-7246 Animal Shelter.......................................................................509-925-7387 City of Kittitas.......................................................................509-968-0220 City of Roslyn ....................................................................... 509-649-3105 City of Cle Elum....................................................................509-674-2262

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Ellensburg ........................................................................... 509-962-7280 Cle Elum/Roslyn.....................................................................509-674-2991 Kittitas..................................................................................... 509-968-0222 Kittitas County Sheriff.........................................................509-962-7525

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Ellensburg School District................................................509-925-8000 Damman School ................................................................. 509-962-9079 Kittitas School District ........................................................ 509-955-3120 Cle Elum-Roslyn School District..................................... 509-649-4850 Easton School District..........................................................509-656-2317 Thorp School District...........................................................509-964-2107 Central Washington University............................................509-963-1111

TRANSPORTATION

Airporter Shuttle...................................................................866-235-5247 Hopesource ...........................................................................509-925-1448 Rodeo Town Taxi ................................................................ 509-929-4222 Enterprise Rent A Car........................................................ 509-925-5040 Central Transit...................................................................... 509-925-8680 KC Cab .................................................................................. 509-929-3055

LOCAL NON-EMERGENCY

Kittcom................................................................................... 509-925-8534

Hike, fish, float or explore the

YAKIMA RIVER

CANYON BRIAN KELLY Daily Record

It’s pretty easy to start a hike through the Yakima River Canyon with a spring in your step.

Especially if you begin at the Umtanum Recreation Site. Hikers cross the Yakima River on the historic Umtanum Suspension Bridge, a 220-foot span that can bounce a wee bit under the feet of travelers.

There’s plenty of foot traffic across the bridge, to be sure, as visitors make their way to the pathways that stretch out through the canyon. The bridge attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year, and the structure — rehabilitated through a Bureau of Land Management project that wrapped up in 2021 — has been a local landmark since its original construction in the 1920s.

The bridge was first built for vehicles — drivers in Model Ts once used it to cross the Yakima River — and so Northern Pacific railroad tracks could reach homesteads in Umtanum Creek Canyon.

Several similar suspension bridges crossed the canyon many years ago, but the Umtanum bridge is the only one that remains.

The bridge was converted to pedestrian use in the mid-1980s and connects the BLM’s Umtanum Recreation Area to canyon trails, public lands and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wenas Wildlife Area.

The Umtanum Suspension Bridge is also the only access point to the west side of the Yakima River along the entire 27-mile canyon, linking visitors to routes that include the 8-mile Umtanum Creek Trail and the Skyline Trail from Ellensburg to Selah.

The canyon is a popular destination for those looking to get out on the water,

or to hike, fish and explore.

The area is also a favorite for campers. There are five campgrounds in the Yakima River Canyon next to the river, roughly 5 miles apart. All have easy access for fishers.

Making your way south from Ellensburg along Highway 821 (Canyon Road), visitors will first find Bighorn Recreation Site, a new recreation area that was acquired by the BLM in 2024.

As the newest, it has mainly temporary facilities.

It’s a popular spot for floaters on inner tubes or rafts to put in. (Red’s Fly Shop offers rentals; redsflyfishing. com). The site features 15 campsites connected via a loop; sites have accessible tables and standard, singlewalled fire rings.

At the Umtanum Recreation Site, there are six campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. On the south end of the site, there are 12 walk-in only campsites with picnic tables.

Farther south, Lmuma Creek Recreation Site has seven campsites with picnic tables and single-walled fire rings.

Big Pines Recreation Site is the largest camping area, with five paved parking areas with 38 accessible campsites, as well as several group and walk-in sites nearby. The recreation area has vault toilets and undeveloped hiking trails on its northern end. A paved path leads to the river, and there is a nonmotorized put in/takeout site.

Recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon are open year-round. Fees are $15 for overnight visitors, with the dayuse fee set at $5.

Campsite reservations are needed for May 1 through Sept. 30; camping is first-come, first-served from Oct. 1 through April 30.

MATT HESTER PHOTO / BLM

The historic Umtanum Suspension Bridge crosses the Yakima River in the Yakima River Canyon.

MATT HESTER PHOTO / BLM

The shrub-steppe landscape of the Yakima River Canyon.

BRIAN KELLY / DAILY RECORD

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Passing of the

LAUREL

CEREMONY

features 19 emerging artists, 10 emerging poets The creative community will come together for the time-honored tradition of the Passing of the Laurel as Ellensburg welcomes its newest Poet Laureate, Sarita Dasgupta, in an evening of art-inspired poetry in April.

Called “Emerging Ekphrastic Expressions,” the event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Gallery One in Ellensburg.

Ekphrastic poetry is poetry that takes its inspiration from art. The art and poems will be showcased in a slide/live presentation, and the event coincides with National Poetry Month. According to event organizers, the evening will feature 10 emerging poets and 10 emerging artists.

Dasgupta is Ellensburg’s second Poet Laureate, and will serve in the honorary role from 2026 through 2028.

Outgoing Poet Laureate Marie Marchand will also be honored as part of the “Passing of the Laurel” celebration.

Admission to the event is free.

Gallery One is located at 408 N. Pearl St. Dasgupta is a poet, author and educator who currently works as a library assistant at the Ellensburg Public Library.

Dasgupta is a well-known member of the literary and poetry community, and has contributed to poetry readings and events since she came to Kittitas County. She is 6 • IN THE LOOP • SPRING 2026

the author of “Seeds of Fate,” a collection of short stories that was published by Gekker Publishing earlier this year.

Ellensburg’s new Poet Laureate also wrote “Feathered Friends,” a collection of short stories for children that was published

by India Book Distributors in 2016. She is the author of a series of English Literature Ellensburg Poet Laureate Sarita Dasgupta. and Language textbooks and workbooks. Dasgupta currently publishes stories and poems on her Substack account, and “Outpourings,” a chapbook of original poems, was published by D Press in 2023. She is also a playwright, with original plays that include “Our Rights — Our Might!” and “A Whole New World.”

She was previously an editor, as well as an English teacher in Delhi Public School, Digboi, Assam, India. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s College in Shillong, India, and Indira Gandhi National Open University.

Ellensburg’s Poet Laureate program promotes literary arts in the community and gives a platform for a local poet to inspire and engage residents through the power of poetry.

The program is presented through the Ellensburg Arts Commission. The commission supports artists, creators, innovators and organizations throughout the community to create and enrich the arts in Ellensburg.

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BRIAN KELLY / DAILY RECORD

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GET INVOLVED Kittitas County has groups that offer a variety of services, from business development to social services. The county has three food banks, a cold weather shelter, two senior centers and various groups for veterans.

KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

All of Kittitas County is served by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber provides a variety of services for its members, from marketing and networking to sponsoring community events that attracted residents and visitors.

It operates co-working spaces in downtown Ellensburg and Cle Elum and has active tourism and economic development departments.

The Chamber’s staff is led by chief executive officer Amy McGuffin and has a board of directors for the business community.

The office is located in Ellensburg at 609 N. Main Street (The Driver House). Phone: 509-925-2002 Visit www.kittitascountychamber.com for more information

ELLENSBURG DOWTOWN ASSOCIATION

The EDA focuses its services on Ellensburg’s historic downtown core.

The scope of the EDA’s mission ranges from installing new planters and benches downtown, adding decorative lights to the buildings and helping businesses improve their storefronts to organizing multiple events including the season long Hometown Holidays, Buskers in the Burg in September and Hoedown in the Downtown.

The EDA’s office is located in Ellensburg at 109 E. 3rd Avenue, Suite 1. Phone: 509-962-6246 Visit www.ellensburgdowtown.org for more information

HOPESOURCE

HopeSource is a private, nonprofit organization that provides human services in Kittitas County. Its range of services include transportation, housing, Hope University, conservation services, energy assistance, programs, nutrition, weatherization and support services.

The purpose of this organization is to serve the needs of low-wealth households and to move people toward self-sufficiency.

HopeSource’s CEO is Susan Grindle.

It has offices located in Ellensburg at 606 W. 3rd Avenue, and in Cle Elum at 110

Pennsylvania Avenue. Phone: 509-925-1448 Visit www.hopesource.us for more information

ELMVIEW

Elkview’s’ purpose is to provide services to people with developmental disabilities.

The range of services includes staffed residential, in-school, employment, Ticket to Work (through the Social Security Administration), crisis services, senior nutrition and adult respite.

The main office is located in Ellensburg at 204 E 6th Avenue. Phone number: 509-925-6688 Visit www.elmview.org for more information

ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER

The Adult Activity Center is Ellensburg’s senior center. The facility is the location for senior meals, wellness programs, activities, a computer lab and holiday events. It is also the staging site for senior trips to destination around the state.

The facility is available for rent, located in Ellensburg at 506 S Pine Street. Phone: 509-962-7242 Visit https://ci.ellensburg.wa.us/823/AdultActivity-Center for more information

LARRY PUTNAM CENTENNIAL CENTER

Visit www.apoyofoodbank.org for more information

COLD WEATHER SHELTER

The Kittitas Valley Ministerial Association and local volunteers operate a cold weather shelter during the winter months in Ellensburg that rotates among local churches. The shelter operates from 7p.m. to 7a.m., and volunteers are always needed.

Email cws@kvfish.org for more information

VETERANS GROUPS There are various veterans’ groups in Kittitas County, including the American Legion and VFW. The Kittitas County Veterans Coalition is located in Ellensburg at 507 N. Naneum Street, Suite 117.

Central Washington University also has a Veterans Center located on campus.

Phone: 509-933-2932

The Putnam Centennial Center is Cle Elum’s senior center. It is also the location for numerous community functions and events. The center serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. It is also the place where people gather for a game of bridge, bingo, exercise classes and crafts.

The facility is located in Cle Elum at 719 E 3rd Street. Phone: 509-674-7530 Visit www.centennial-center.org for more information

FOOD BANKS

FISH (Friends in Service to Humanity) Food Bank has a food pantry and serves hot meals to those in need throughout Kittitas County. The Pantry is located in Ellensburg at 804 Elmview Road. Phone: 509-925-5990 Visit www.kvfish.org for more information HopeSource operates a food bank and mobile van that serves Upper County, located in Cle Elum at 110 Pennsylvania Avenue. Phone: 509-925-1448 Visit www.hopesource.us/nutrition-1 for more information APOYO (Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach) is a food bank that was founded in 1999. Located in Ellensburg at 1320 E. 18th Avenue. Phone: 509-201-1820 SPRING 2026 • IN THE LOOP •

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HERITAGE LISTINGS Since 1909

Since 1946

401 N. Main St., Ellensburg 509-925-1414 www.dailyrecordnews.com

512 N. Pearl St., Ellensburg 509-925-1475 www.shawsfurniture.com

Since 1961

Since 1964

114 E. 3rd Ave., Ellensburg 509-925-3778 www.kchm.org

603 S. Chestnut St., Ellensburg 509-962-9841 www.kvhealthcare.org

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Since 1968

Since 1990

1505 N. Water St., Ellensburg 509-925-5351 jimsglassinc.com

7820 US-97, Ellensburg 509-929-3675 www.facebook.com/7820mcintoshranch

Since 1997

Since 2000

416 N. Pearl St., Ellensburg 509-968-5019 erhof.org

206 W. 4th Ave., #C, Ellensburg, WA 509-899-3330 cproofing.com

Since 2004

Since 2007

808 E. University Way, Ellensburg 509-962-2599 waitwhile.com/locations/cwbarbershop/welcome

301 W.Umptanum Rd., Ellensburg 509-929-3276 davisgaragedoorscentralwa.com

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KITTITAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES Brought to you by the Kittitas Chamber of Commerce.

VANTAGE, WA

In 1910, Willard Van Slyke set forth the design for a community and in 1914, platted an 80-acre in a community for 120 lots, with a 20-acre central easement, on the edge of the Columbia River. He called this community Vantage, which was a play on his last name. Van Slyke operated a car ferry service for those wanting to cross the Columbia River beginning in 1914 and deeded the right-of-way over to Washington State in September 1917. The state began operating the ferry in October 1917 until it was replaced with a 1,640-foot cantilever bridge on September 8, 1927. The town moved north around the base of the bridge. This bridge was dismantled in 1962, and reassembled at Lyons Ferry crossing on the Snake River, where it is still in use. In 1933, the town site of Vantage with a reduced population of five was sold to entrepreneur TJ Stockdale.

He first built a Chevron Gas Station, where his wife sold sandwiches to passing travelers. In all, they added a repair garage, Standard Oil Bulk plant, two motels, two cafés, a Richfield Station with a museum and gift shop, a horse ranch, cherry, peach and apricot orchards and alfalfa fields. The population grew to 100. In 1959 plans moved forward to create the Wanapum dam; the town was forced to move, as the current location would be inundated with the new reservoir.

Residents had until 1963 to move to the present location on higher ground. When the dam gates closed, the reservoir filled in 41 hours, and the few remnants of the town were lost to the water.

KITTITAS, WA

The City of Kittitas was platted originally on April 28, 1908, as “Kittitas City ‘’ by the Milwaukee Land Company, a division of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. It had been named such for the K’ti’tas band of Indigenous peoples who had lived – and continue – to live in the Kittitas Valley, stewarding the land and sharing the histories passed down from their ancestors. The first businesses established were agriculture warehouses along with a post office, general store, and church around the small depot, which put Kittitas on the map. Kittitas was officially incorporated as a city in 1931. In June 1932, Kittitas suffered a major fire in which many of the businesses along South Main Street were lost, but many later rebuilt. The railroad ended its service in 1977, and the railroad right-of-way in Washington was acquired by the state and converted into what is known today as the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.

ELLENSBURG, WA

At the heart of Kittitas Valley and located on the historic homelands of the K’ti’tas and Pshwánapam bands of Indigenous people still steward the lands presently and share the stories of their ancestors. The City of Ellensburg was first platted in 1875 by Mary Ellen Stewart Shoudy and her husband John Alden Shoudy. As the city grew and expanded,

it was incorporated in 1882, and on July 4, 1889, suffered a major fire that destroyed ten downtown blocks and 200 homes.

The Washington State Normal School was established in 1891, and today still provides first class educational opportunities as Central Washington University. In 1894, the “h” was removed from the original spelling of Ellensburg.

Agricultural bounty has always been part of the Kittitas Valley presence, including Ellensburg, with the first major hay exports occurring right after 1900. In 1885, the Kittitas County Fair was established for the community to share the best products grown and made, and in 1923, the Ellensburg Rodeo was established after a long tradition of Sunday rodeos.

THORP, WA

The community of Thorp was named for Fielden Mortimer Thorp, one of the first permanent settlers of Kittitas Valley. While the community has been known as Oren and Milton over time, records identify that the first plat for Thorp was filed on July 9, 1895, by John M. Newman and his wife Sarah Isabel Newman.

The community has been a small, quiet farming town, serviced by the Northern Pacific Railroad.

It also had a small manufacturing center, of which the Thorp Flour Mill was established in 1883 and continued operation until 1946.

The Northern Pacific Railroad depot closed in the 1950s, and a series of fires affected the industrial areas, causing a decline of the small community.

LIBERTY, WA

The area known as Liberty began in the Swauk Basin. In 1873, the Swauk Mining District was formed after the discovery of gold in Swauk Creek. The few miners who began Liberty named their find Discovery Bar. Despite efforts to keep their finding secret, the secret was told, and many people came to seek fortunes. The resulting mining camp on the Swauk developed into one of the earliest communities in Kittitas County. It was complete with a post office, school, stage lines, stores, and a community center. It was a place that became famous for its Saturday night dances. Unlike the traditional rough bachelors mining camp, this community grew into a welcome place for families. Liberty became known as Liberty in 1892 with the establishment of the post office; the miners requested Swauk as the name of their office, but it was too close to existing names. The story goes that the postmaster, “Bull” Nelson (Gustaf Nilson), had invited some of the miners into the new post office and told them, “You’re at liberty here boys, so sit down, lay down or do as you please.” Later, when the postal inspector asked for a name different from Swauk, “Liberty” was suggested; thus, Liberty became the name of their camp. A second mining camp developed in the Swauk Basin, first called Williams Creek Camp, later changed to Meaghersville. By 1895 most of the successful mining had moved to this location, and in 1912, the last of the buildings including the post office were disassembled and taken to Meaghersville. At this time the name of

10 • IN THE LOOP • SPRING 2026

Meaghersville officially changed to Liberty. The modern Historic Liberty site is actually at the location of the original Meaghersville. The name Liberty remains affixed to both locations often causing Confusion.

which was filmed from 1990-1995. The Roslyn Cemetery was originally established as 25 separate ethnic or fraternal lodge affiliated Cemeteries.

CLE ELUM, WA

The community of Ronald was established around 1888 as a smaller coal mining town northwest of Roslyn, set at the mouth of Mine No. 3, in the Roslyn Coal District. It was named in honor of Alexander Ronald, one of the early superintendents of the Roslyn mines. The town had a series of businesses throughout it, but it became most remembered for Falcon Pool and Dance Hall, which was owned and operated by Bert Pellegrini in 1928. On August 18, 1928, the 250-gallon moonshine still located in a hidden room below the Falcon Pool and Dance Hall exploded, spewing burning alcohol across several buildings and the town itself was engulfed in flames within minutes. The fire gutted the business district, with the exception of Modern Bakery, and destroyed 32 homes.

The first known land claims for the land presently known as the City of Cle Elum were in 1883, first by Thomas Gamble and later by Walter J. Reed. The community took its name from the K’ti’tas word meaning “swift water,” a reference to the currents of the Cle Elum River.

When the Northern Pacific Railway entered the region in 1886, Cle Elum became important to the railroad not only as a depot location but in utilizing the existing logging industry and sawmills, such as those around Lake Keechelus, Lake Kachess, and Lake Cle Elum. Early timber was logged and turned into railroad ties, necessary for expanding the railroad across the Cascade Mountains. Farms were established throughout the region as well. In both 1891 and 1918, Cle Elum suffered a fire that destroyed the growing community, but the community persevered and rebounded. The City of Cle Elum was officially incorporated in 1902.

SOUTH CLE ELUM, WA

When the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railway was preparing the rail line, it established the area of Cle Elum as the division point between the Coast and Columbia divisions. South Cle Elum was identified as a community site when it was determined that the rail line would end up running one mile south of Cle Elum. The Milwaukee Land Company platted the first plat, and offered the community land for sale in November 1908 as the last division town. A post office was opened in July 1910, and other businesses were identified as opening in that time period as well, such as a branch of the Johnson Brothers store from Easton. The town was officially incorporated on August 28, 1911.

ROSLYN, WA

The City of Roslyn was named by Logan M. Bullitt for his hometown in August 1886. Bullitt platted the community in September 1886 on behalf of the Northern Pacific Railway, after the coal fields were discovered earlier that year and opened for commercial operation through the Northern Pacific Coal Company.

Immigrants were the first to come to work in the mines, mostly being of Slavic, Italian, and English descent; but as workers started to strike to improve the working conditions and wages, black workers were brought in from the Eastern and Southern United States to serve as strikebreakers. By the time the regional coal mines shut down in 1963, more than 50 million tons of coal had been shopped out of them.

In 1975, William Craven was selected to fill the vacant mayoral slot in Roslyn and became the first Black mayor in Washington State history.

Not only is Roslyn known for being a coal mining hotspot and home to the first black mayor of Washington State; it was also the setting for the beloved TV Show, Northern Exposure,

RONALD, WA

EASTON, WA

Easton was platted by brothers Albert O. Johnson and William W. Johnson on June 24, 1902, and was known for many years as a sawmill point. It was named Easton as the last station of the Northern Pacific Railroad on the east side of the Cascade Mountains before it crossed through Stampede Pass. It also offered a stop for the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad before it crossed Snoqualmie Pass to Puget Sound. Early residents of the community were engaged in the lumbering, railroad, or similar businesses. Easton is primarily known for its scenic and recreational opportunities today.

SNOQUALMIE PASS, WA

The community of Snoqualmie Pass traces back to the history of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railway as it became the main line construction from Seattle to Chicago beginning in 1906. A community called Laconia was developed to house the mountain helper engines, which assisted trains across the pass.

The railroad had a turntable, engine house, depot, water tank, passing tracks, while the community had a hotel, bunkhouse, and houses for those living there. Freight and passenger service began in June 1909, and additional services were added in May 1911. The historic Indigenous trail turned wagon road was designated a state road in 1905 and improved upon, becoming the Sunset Highway in 1913.

It was upgraded and dedicated in July 1915 becoming part of the Yellowstone Trail Road.

In 1928, the highway was shifted slightly from running through downtown Snoqualmie Pass to the existing route of Interstate 90. Information provided by Sadie Thayer, Museum Director of the Kittitas County Historical Museum in Ellensburg, Washington.

EDUCATION Kittitas County offers educational opportunities for students of all ages, from preschool to college.

Central Washington University has long been a cornerstone of the community and is Ellensburg’s biggest employer. The school is known for its internationally accredited college of business, education programs and music department. A new science building for the geology and physics programs opened in fall 2016, and a recent remodel of the Hogue Technology building made it one of the nation’s most advanced facilities for industrial and engineering technology.

On the K-12 level, the Ellensburg School District is the county’s largest, with three elementary schools, a middle school and Ellensburg High School.

School districts in Kittitas, Cle ElumRoslyn, Thorp and Easton also provide high-quality education to the county’s students.

Adult Ed Learning Center in Ellensburg at 509-201-1269. The center is on Mountain View Avenue.

ALL CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Morgan Middle School serves sixth through eighth grade students in our community with a variety of opportunities for students to explore a variety of interests through a rich elective program, advanced courses, and an increasing number of courses available for credit at EHS. Students are encouraged to participate in range of extra curricular programs including athletics and clubs.

Morgan Middle School currently houses 750 students. Contact Morgan at 509-925-8200 or visit www.esd401.org/middleschool LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Located across the street from the middle school, Lincoln Elementary School was built in 1949 and remains a school with a central downtown location. The school has about 520 students. Contact Lincoln at 509-9258050 or visit www.esd401.org/lincoln.

Central Washington University offers bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees for more than 135 majors and graduates about 3,000 students a year. The public, four year university has eight campuses statewide, with the main campus in Ellensburg. CWU has an average class size of 20 students and a student-faculty ratio of 18-to-1. Students can take advantage of more than 125 clubs, organizations and associations and 13 varsity athletic teams, cheered on by CWU mascot Wellington the Wildcat. Contact CWU at 509-963-1111 or visit www.cwu.edu.

CWU CONTINUING EDUCATION

Central Washington University offers a learning extension program for people within the CWU community. The program offers classes for career training and professional development, certificated fields, and manages the high school Running Start program. Contact CWU Continuing Education at 509-963-1712 or visit www.cwu. edu/ce.

YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADULT EDUCATION

Yakima Valley Community College’s adult education program in Ellensburg offers high school diploma and GED programs to adults looking to finish high school. Contact YVCC

ELLENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Ellensburg High School offers rigorous academics with several Advanced Placement and Running Start classes.

Extra-curricular activities include Bulldogs athletics, fall plays and winter musicals, the Alutant student newspaper, band, choir and orchestra, academic clubs, the Associated Student Body and the National Honor Society. EHS has about 900 students.

Contact EHS at 509-925-8300 or visit www. esd401.org/ehs. The principal is Beau Snow.

EXCEL HIGH SCHOOL

Excel High School is an alternative high school program for the Ellensburg School District on the campus of Central Washington University. Students pursue high school curriculum adapted to individual students. Contact Excel through Ellensburg High School at 509-925-8300 or visit www. esd401.org/.

MORGAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

MOUNT STUART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Located in northwest Ellensburg, Mount Stuart Elementary School was torn down and rebuilt new. The school opened in 2021 and has about 500 students. Contact Mount Stuart at 509-925-8400 or visit www.esd401. org/mount-stuart.

VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ellensburg’s newest elementary school, Valley View Elementary School was completed in 1994. The school is near

Ellensburg High School and has about 520 students. Contact Valley View at 509-9257316 or visit www.esd401.org/valley-view.

The principal is Rob Moffat.

combined school district offers a high standard of learning to about 890 students at four schools: Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary School, Walter Strom Middle School, Cle Elum-Roslyn High School and Swiftwater Learning Center. Walter Strom was named a “School of Distinction” by the state in 2017.

Contact Cle Elum-Roslyn schools at 509649-4850 or visit www.cersd.org.

IDA NASON-ARONICA ELEMENTARY

Ellensburg’s newest grade school is located adjacent to Mount Stuart Elementary.

DAMMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

SWIFTWATER LEARNING CENTER

Damman School District has one school, a historic twoclassroom building nestled in rural Ellensburg. Damman School houses almost 35 students in grades K-5. Classes are divided into grades K-2 and 3-5, allowing children to learn at their own pace and move easily between academic levels.

Students attend Ellensburg schools after leaving Damman. Contact Damman School at 509-962-9079.

ELLENSBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL The Ellensburg Christian School offers grades K-8education with Christian worldview. The private, nondenominational school draws support from more than a dozen Christian churches. It provides a faithincreasing, standards-focused academic instruction. Contact the school at 509-9252411or visit www.ellensburgchristian.org.

KITTITAS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Kittitas Elementary and Kittitas Secondary schools, consistently win high praise from national ranking groups. Between both schools, Kittitas serves about 630 students.

The close-knit community supports the schools’ athletics, community service and college-in-the-classroom programs. Contact Kittitas schools at 509-955-3120 or visit www.ksd403.org.

CLE ELUM-ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

The cities of Cle Elum and Roslyn

Swiftwater offers students in Cle ElumRoslyn schools an alternative path to graduation. Contact Swiftwater at 509-6494990 or visit www.cersd.org/swiftwater. The school is at 4244 Bullfrog Road.

THORP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thorp School is a K-12 facility in the small town of Thorp with about 140 students.

Thorp Elementary School was named a “School of Distinction” by the state in 2017.

The award goes to the top 5 percent of the schools in the state with the highest rate of improvement in reading and math scores during a five-year period. Contact Thorp School at 509-964-2107 or visit www. thorpschools.org.

EASTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Easton School, near the border of King and Kittitas counties, is a one-building, grades pre-K to 12 school with about 120 students. Located close to Snoqualmie Summit, Easton incorporates the outdoors into students’ learning and is known for its archery program. Contact Easton School at 509-656-2317 or visit www.easton.wednet. edu.

CHILD CARE HOT LINE

Child Care Aware of Central Washington helps connect parents with available childcare providers. Providers regularly call the center to update vacancies in the database. Parents can call 1-800-446-1114 to learn what options are available nearby.

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EXPLORE Kittitas County offers a range of environments and unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking trails spread throughout the county offer challenging elevation climbs and flat walks through the shrub-steppe. West of Ellensburg lies the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a protected area with nearly 700 mountain lakes, valleys thick with trees and snow-covered peaks. In the middle of the county, the Teanaway is packed with trails, some of which give hikers a spectacular view of Mount Stuart. A local favorite in Ellensburg is the Manastash Ridge, which has several paths to the top and logbooks for people to sign when they reach the top. The Coal Miners Trail in the Upper County connects Cle Elum to Roslyn and Ronald as it follows old coal mining slag piles and a former rail line path. In the summer months, floating the Yakima River, biking through Ellensburg’s foothills, camping at Salmon la Sac, fishing, or boating in the Columbia River are all popular ways to spend a sunny day.

For indoor exercise, stop by the Ellensburg Memorial Pool and Fitness Center for a swim. Winter months provide a chance to play in the powdery snow and explore parts of the county on snowmobiles.

Elum Firemen Park, Kiwanis Park, McElroy Park, Reed Park, Ellensburg Memorial Park, Lake Easton State Park, Rotary Park and Irene Rinehart Park.

ELLENSBURG MEMORIAL POOL AND FITNESS CENTER

FISHING

A 25-meter indoor pool for swimming lessons, training and recreational swimming.

The pool also features a hot tub, wet and dry sauna and 1-meter diving board. The fitness center is equipped with weight machines, rowing machines, treadmills, elliptical trainers and a recumbent bike. Visit the City of Ellensburg’s website for hours and location.

PARKS

Parks are abundant in Kittitas County.

Wanapum State Park and Gingko Petrified Forest State Park near Vantage offer views of the Columbia River, along with displays of petrified wood and Native American petroglyphs. Olmstead Place State Park near Kittitas is a working pioneer farm and is one of the first homesteads in the valley complete with a dairy barn, granary, wagon shed, hay barn and a log cabin built in 1875.Helen McCabe State Park is at the entrance of the Yakima River Canyon south of Ellensburg. The Palouse tot the Cascade State Parks Trail (formerly the Iron Horse/John Wayne Pioneer Trail) is a 1,612-acre park that was part of the ChicagoMilwaukee-St. Paul Pacific Railroad. Other parks include Cle Elum City Park, South Cle

CWU OPR AND CLIMBING

OPR offers equipment rentals for outdoor needs like floating the Yakima River or snowshoeing in the winter, instructional classes and guided trips, and public events like films and clinics. Students and community members can sign up for a day on the challenge course or try out the 50-foot-tall recreation climbing wall. For more information, visit www.cwu.edu/opr/ welcomeoutdoor-pursuits-and-rentals. Visit cwu.edu/rec/opr

TENNIS COURTS

Central Washington University’s tennis courts are open to students and members of the public. The Fred and Valerie Lister Tennis Facility features 10 courts with a practice hitting wall. Many of the local schools also have tennis courts that can be used by the public.

BOATING

Popular areas include Lake Cle Elum, Kachess Lake and the Columbia River near Vantage.

Whether you prefer fly fishing in the Yakima River or casting and leaving a line in the water of a pond or lake, there’s a place for every angler in Kittitas County.

Lakes and ponds are stocked with trout every year by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Columbia River is the place to go for salmon and steelhead.

Information about licenses and acceptable fishing practices can be found by visiting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at wdfw.wa.gov. For information about what’s biting where, talk to an expert at a local fly-fishing shop.

CAMPING

Popular state campgrounds include Lake Easton in the Upper County and Wanapum near Vantage. The BLM operates several campgrounds in the Yakima River Canyon, and the Cle Elum Ranger District has campgrounds in Upper Kittitas County.

GOLF

Suncadia has two golf courses, Prospector and Rope Rider, open to the public, with additional selections for members. Cle Elum provides the Sun Country Golf Resort and Ellensburg offers tee times at the Ellensburg Golf and Country Club.

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HIKING

Kittitas County includes a range of environments from the elevation in the Cascades to the desert in the Yakima Canyon. A popular trail just outside of Ellensburg in the Yakima Canyon is Umptanum Falls, which takes hikers to a small hidden waterfall. Salmon la Sac, Cle Elum Ridge and Manastash Ridge are other popular hiking spots. For more information about hikes in the county, visit Washington Trails Association at www.wta.org.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Ellensburg’s foothills and trails in the Upper County offer lots of terrain for mountain bike enthusiasts to explore. A mountain

bike skills park is located in Rotary Park, and there’s a BMX course next to Mount Stuart School in Ellensburg. The ReCycle Shop in Ellensburg and Ride Roslyn in Roslyn have a wealth of information and expertise.

There’s also a local chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

HORSEBACK RIDING Kittitas County is horse country, and there a numerous opportunities for horseback riding in Kittitas County. The Alpine Lakes Trail Riders, the Roslyn Riders and the Back Country Horsemen are all good resources for trail riding. The Washington State Horse Park in Cle Elum puts on a variety of events throughout the summer.

SNOWMOBILING

Kittitas County is a mecca for snowmobilers all over the state. Ronald, the Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass areas are all hotspots during the winter months. A number of sno-parks are open for use, and more information can be found on the Washington State Parks website or at the Cle Elum Ranger District office. Check the state’s avalanche hotline at 206-526-6677 before heading out. Information on local clubs is available at wssa.us.

SNOW SPORTS

The Summit at Snoqualmie offers lessons and rentals for all skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, along with tubing rentals.

Suncadia has miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and has a tubing area. Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass also offer popular Nordic trails and snowshoeing spots. Stop by the U.S.

Forest Service stations in Cle Elum or at Snoqualmie Pass for maps and additional information. Sno-park permits may be needed for some locations.

safety information, contact the Kittitas County Sheriff ’s Office Marine Patrol at 509-925-8534.

ICE SKATING

Kittitas County has several community gardens. St. Andrew’s Church Community Garden, the Ellensburg Downtown Community Garden, the Central Washington University Community Garden and the Upper Kittitas County Rotary Community Garden all offer plots to the public and often donate extra food to local food banks. To get more information about the gardens, look them up on Facebook.

Suncadia’s Village Ice Rink is offered during the winter months and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Lazy F Camp on Manastash Road also is planning to offer ice skating on Sundays in January on an outdoor hand-made rink. For more information, call 509-962-2780.

FLOATING THE YAKIMA RIVER

Floating the river is a great way to spend a hot sunny summer day. On certain days, hundreds and even thousands of people can be found floating the river. People are encouraged to consider safety when floating and pay attention to warning signs when launching. For more information about river conditions, group events or

COMMUNITY GARDENS

ELLENSBURG PARKS AND RECREATION

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of adult and youth sports opportunities like indoor soccer, adult softball, and youth basketball

and volleyball. Camps and special events are also offered, along with Tiny Tots sports for those 3 to 5 years old. For schedules and more information, check out the city’s website.

SKATEBOARDING Skateboarding on ramps is available at the Ellensburg Skate Park on the corner of Second Avenue and Pearl Street and at the skate park in Cle Elum. Skating on sidewalks in the city is not permitted.

FARMERS MARKETS

Kittitas County has two farmers markets during the summer — one in Ellensburg and one in Roslyn. The Ellensburg Farmers Market is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays from May through October on Fourth Avenue downtown. The Roslyn Farmers Market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sundays from June through September on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Ellensburg

PARKS Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park

Wippel Park & Pollinator Garden

Skate Park

North Alder Street Park

Kiwanis Park

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EVENTS PLANNED in Kittitas County for

America 250th Celebration Kittitas County will join with the country in celebrating America 250 this year.

Organizers are preparing a slate of activities as part of the county’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.

As part of the preparations, local officials have set up an America 250 Committee, which includes representatives from Kittitas County, Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas, Easton and the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce.

Celebration events are being planned, as well as educational and civic programs.

ELLENSBURG

PET LODGE

The calendar of events so far is:

APRIL 18: Day of Service JUNE 14:

Flag Day in Kittitas County

JULY 4: Independence Day, with

community celebrations that include a community picnic from 2: to 6 p.m. at Unity Park in Ellensburg and a live fireworks show starting at 7 p.m. in Cle Elum.

AUG. 8: Museum Day SEPT. 17:

Day of Civic Engagement

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BOARDING AND DAYCARE (509) 899-6134

2111 Tjossem Rd, Ellensburg www.ellensburgpetlodge.com

WHAT’S UP with all this DEVANEE LOPEZ

ART?

Daily Record

Residents strolling through downtown Ellensburg will take notice of one thing — the murals — that decorate the sides of buildings, and alleyways.

Many of them are chipping and fading but some have been freshly restored. Who is keeping the art alive?

Renee Fyall joined the Ellensburg Downton Association in 2019 when she brought her business “Collective Interiors” downtown.

“I knew that I wanted to give back the community and at the same time make a lasting impact,” Fyall said. “As a designer I know how much art can make or break a space. I also recognized how little public art Ellensburg actually had.”

Fyall had no idea what she would end up doing. After a successful mural and fundraiser events she launched the Ellensburg Mural Society.

Her first mural project was the Postcard Mural on Fourth Avenue in 2024.

“My passion only grew from there as well as the recognition from other community members and organizations,” Fyall said.

In 2025 she held the first Annual Black Canvas Party in the alley behind Gallery One and more than $20,000 was raised for public art.

“So with growing community and volunteer support, we saw a need for something dedicated strictly to public art,” she said.

The Ellensburg Mural Society is guided by its mission statement: ”It brings color, creativity, and connection to downtown by creating new murals,

restoring historic public art, and proactively addressing graffiti. By transforming overlooked spaces into meaningful works of art, we strengthen community pride, increase safety, celebrate our shared identity, and create vibrant spaces that inspire.”

The hardest thing to manage when it comes to fixing old murals or creating new ones is funding.

“Bottom line, it’s expensive,” Fyall said.

“Artists deserve good pay and because of the historical brick that is much of our downtown, there are specific requirements needed to preserve the brick. And that requires expensive products that must be used. Plus lift rentals, supplies, permits and much more,” Fyall said.

The society applies for grants throughout the year and hosts multiple fundraisers across Ellensburg.

The Ellensburg Mural Society will host its first Mural Festival at the end of June. The hope is to cover as much space in the alley behind Gallery One as they possibly can.

Recent additions to downtown not only include the Postcard Mural but also the restoration of The Hub mural, which is believed to have been created between 1939 and 1943.

There’s more work to be done, Fyall said.

“We also hope to see a positive change in how graffiti is handled, covering it with art versus just some mismatched paint,” she said.

“Change is inevitable but those who care take the time and energy to make that change positive,” Fyall said.

Members from the downtown association pose for a photo in front of a new mural.

ELLENSBURG MURAL SOCIETY

ELLENSBURG MURAL SOCIETY

Jason Clifton spray paints a mural in the alley during Black Canvas Party.

ELLENSBURG MURAL SOCIETY

Community members gather for a Black Canvas event in a downtown alleyway.

BRIAN KELLY / DAILY RECORD

Artist Lynne McCowin works on restoring the “Ross’ the Hub” mural in Ellensburg.

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