Kittitas County issues masking directive
Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
May 22, 2020
Cloth face coverings that cover the nose and mouth will be required in Kittitas County beginning May 23. They will be required when indoors, in confined public settings and when unable to maintain six-foot distancing outdoors, as announced in a Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) press releas...
Update on Twin City Foods outbreak
Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
May 10, 2020
Note: This story was updated on May 11 after originally being posted on May 10. Kittitas County has 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of May 10, with that number subject to change as more test results come through. All who have tested positive are currently stable and none have required hospitalization. ...
County variance application put on hold in light of new cases
Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
May 8, 2020
Kittitas County’s variance application has been put on hold following a 16th confirmed case of COVID-19. A press release from the Kittitas County Public Health Department confirmed the 16th case as a Twin Cities Food employee, who is in stable condition. As of May 8 at 10 a.m., 15 of the 16 total ...
Kittitas County to request accelerated opening
Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
May 4, 2020
Kittitas County will be applying to immediately begin phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee’s phased reopening plan, county officials announced during a press conference. Called a variance, the application will allow the county to skip phase one of the recovery plan and enter immediately into phase two if i...
Protesters gather at county courthouse
Nicholas Tucker and Bailey Tomlinson
May 1, 2020
The Kittitas County Business Coalition held a protest against statewide health orders in front of the county courthouse on May 1. At the core of the protest was the concern that businesses, particularly small, local businesses, are being treated unfairly under the recent restrictions. “It's actual...
COVID-19 related changes in Kittitas County
Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
April 24, 2020
Several updates to changes related to COVID-19 in the county were announced via a series of press releases by the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD). Medical services available Residents of Kittitas County can access emergency services, such as calling 911 and going to the em...
Dining Services terminates majority of student employees
Nicholas Tucker and Bailey Tomlinson
April 15, 2020
CWU Dining Services has terminated the majority of its student employees, according to Director of Dining Services Dean Masuccio. This was announced via an email employees received from Assistant Director Denise Payton on April 9. “I am sending out this email to let you know we do not have any work avai...
Virtual health services offered during COVID-19
Abigail Duchow, Senior Reporter
April 15, 2020
Many of the health services provided to students during the usual school year will still be provided virtually. These services include Student Counseling Services, Student Health Services, Wellness Center services and Disability Services. These services aim to provide resources to students for their...
COVID-19 changes impact education majors
Abigail Duchow, Senior Reporter
April 15, 2020
Due to COVID-19, CWU made the decision for all classes to be taught online, and K-12 education is now closed for the rest of the school year. These changes impact education majors, as a lot of them need practicum, or field experience, to get their degrees. Ian Loverro is the chair of Curriculum, Supe...
Stay-at-home orders impact local businesses
Mitchell Roland, Senior Reporter
April 9, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Ellensburg businesses are learning to adjust to a new reality. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home proclamation for the state on March 23 in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. Under the proclamation, all nonessential businesses must temporarily close u...
Longtime Kittitas resident dies from COVID-19 complications
Mariah Valles, Orientation Editor
April 8, 2020
A longtime and respected Kittitas County resident has died from COVID-19 complications, according to the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD). This is the first COVID-19 related death for Kittitas County. The person tested positive on April 3 and died at the University of Washington Medica...
COVID-19 restrictions mandated but not enforced
Abigail Duchow, Senior Reporter
March 29, 2020
The “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order mandates that all people in Washington State must immediately cease leaving their home except to do essential activities like grocery shopping, getting medical services or for their job. The order, mandated by Gov. Inslee on March 23, also states that people can...
