The Observer

Review: Weedeater’s “Goliathan”

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
May 20, 2015

Weedeater has been a staple of the sludge metal scene for over a decade now. Sludge metal is often described as Sabbath meets Black Flag circa “My War,” only heavier and meaner. Throw in a few...

Washington state reaps enforcement benefits of legalization

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
May 20, 2015

When Initiative 502 passed, a gray area was written into the law. Possession of one ounce of marijuana was decriminalized, even before there were legal avenues for obtaining marijuana. The reasoning...

New Cannabis Patients Protection Act rewrites Washington’s medical marijuana laws

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
May 12, 2015

SB 5052, the Cannabis Patients Protection Act (CPPA), was passed by Gov. Inslee last month.

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Legal red-tape strangles domestic CBD, industrial hemp production

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
May 6, 2015

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been generating a lot of attention lately. CBD is a common cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis, and it has been credited as being one of the most medically beneficial compounds in marijuana.

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Marijuana prices may start to rise again

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
April 30, 2015

Since the recreational marijuana market was opened in Washington, consumers have seen volatile fluctuations in prices. Though these pricing inconsistencies were anticipated, they will still have lasting consequences for those involved in the production, processing and retail of marijuana.

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Central responds to comfort woman-deniers on campus

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
April 29, 2015

On Tuesday night, Central's SURC building was center stage for an ongoing political battle about sex slavery, and the legacy of Japanese Imperialism during the first half of the 20th century.

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Central scheduled to become flashpoint for international controversy

Tera Stenhouse and Aaron Kunkler
April 24, 2015

One film is causing quite the stir at Central; “Scottsboro Girls,” a film about the Japanese comfort women is scheduled to be viewed on April 28 and 29 at Central.

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Opinion: Do yourself a favor, take down that flag

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
April 20, 2015

Recently, the state of California approved a ban on the Confederate flag. It will no longer be sold in California by state agencies, and will no longer be allowed to be flown on any government building or entity. In my opinion, this is fantastic news.

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Assault on campus above Student Village stirs students

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
April 16, 2015

Students woke up to an automated alarm around 4 a.m. Monday morning from Central’s warning system concerning an assault that occurred on campus.

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Central approves two new minors

Aaron Kunkler, News Editor
April 8, 2015

Central could see a new minor emerge after the April 8 faculty senate meeting. A contentious library media minor was approved by a vote after deliberation between representatives of the advanced studies...

New dean, Stacey Robertson, brings fresh perspective to College of Arts and Humanities

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
March 12, 2015

Stacey Robertson assumed the role of dean of the College of Arts and Humanities on Feb. 1, 2015. Kirk Johnson, dean of the College of the Sciences, had been filling in as interim dean. Robertson...

Inslee’s current budget draft neglects reinvestment in higher education

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
March 4, 2015

Responsibility Centered Management gives profit to some, loss to others

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
March 4, 2015

While the College of Business has been hit particularly hard by the Responsibility Centered Management (RCM) model, other departments across campus are also feeling its effects. Departments such as biology,...

Civil engineer says bridge on D Street is projected to be finished April 1, road May 1

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
February 25, 2015

Construction began Feb. 9 on the bridge spanning the canal on North D Street. According to Josh Mattson, civil engineer with the city of Ellensburg, the bridge is projected to be finished by April 1,...

Central considers moving Public Relations to College of Business

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
February 11, 2015

Recently, there has been discussion about moving the public relations program from the communication department, a subset of the College of Arts and Humanities, into the College of Business. The idea...

Update from the Faculty Senate

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
February 5, 2015

The monthly faculty senate meeting today saw the passage of a two motions, and an in-depth explanation of the inner workings of Responsibility Centered Management (RCM). George Clark, vice president...

Central implements new budget model

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
January 29, 2015

Over the past year, the administration at Central has been attempting to meet budget shortfalls in various ways. One of the most prominent attempts has been the shift toward a Responsibility Centered Management...

Central to cut 56 positions

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
January 24, 2015

Budget restrictions are forcing Central to look for ways to cut costs and increase revenue. One way in which the administration hopes to do this is by cutting 56 positions across campus. According to...

Service animals help students in need

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
December 3, 2014

Some students at Central may require assistance from various animals to go about their day. According to Josh Jones, disability and accessibility coordinator at Central, there are two categories which...

CWU considers alternative heat production

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
November 20, 2014

Central, along with the city of Ellensburg is looking into the possibility of switching to a new biomass boiler. Central is a centrally heated university, with the heat supplied from a facility located...

Student government planning wildcat statue

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
November 13, 2014

If a proposal from the Student Government gains enough support, Central may boast a wildcat statue sometime soon. According to Rob Lane, vice president for Student Life and Facilities, this project...

Central Police cracks down on campus crime

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
November 7, 2014

Like most other college universities, Central deals with its share of student citations and complaints. According to Richard DeShields, associate dean of student living, his department receives around...

Dead Day may die

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
October 16, 2014

Recently, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee made a decision to allow individual departments the ability to decide whether or not to hold classes on dead day. Dead day was historically held the...

Moratorium set on individual studies

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
October 10, 2014

At the last Faculty Senate meeting, the Senate voted to place a moratorium on the individual studies program until it can be reviewed by Academic Affairs and the Curriculum Committee. Prompting this...

The EverGreen Scene: Marijuana tax revenue, prices, likely to vary

Aaron Kunkler, Staff Reporter
June 5, 2014

With around half of Washington under a state of moratorium or having outright banned the growth, processing or sale of recreational marijuana, it’s not clear how much tax revenue the state will take...