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By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

Cassandra Hays, Online Editor

Online Editor - Spring 2020

Editor-in-Chief - Winter 2020

Editor-in-Chief - Fall 2019

Scene and Orientation Editor - Spring 2019

Scene Editor - Spring 2019

Scene Editor - Winter 2019

Staff Reporter - Fall 2018

Staff Reporter - Winter 2018

All content by Cassandra Hays
Téa Green

New park coming to downtown

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2020

After the City of Ellensburg acquired land in the center of downtown, plans have been in place for the construction of a new downtown park. The new park will be located on 4th Avenue and Pearl Street,...

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Nicholas Tucker

ASCWU proposes constitution changes

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2020

ASCWU is proposing changes to their constitution and bylaws. This is in order to increase student involvement with ASCWU, update their structure to align with peer institutions in the state and give the...

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Mariah Valles

ASCWU holds public meeting to discuss issues

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2020

APOYO CWU has recently made the decision not to renew its lease with APOYO, a non-profit food and clothing bank that serves students and the spanish-speaking community in the area. In response to this...

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Observation Deck Jan. 23

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
January 22, 2020

Hey Wildcats! Thanks for picking up this week's issue of The Observer! We’re excited to be printing our first 16-page issue of the quarter with a new group of staff reporters, photographers and copy...

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Updated: APOYO’s lease with CWU will not be renewed

Updated: APOYO’s lease with CWU will not be renewed

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
January 15, 2020

After CWU decided not to renew its lease with Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach (APOYO) food and clothing bank, students and community members rallied in support of the organization. APOYO is...

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Drive safe this winter

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2019

Before you leave: Load your car with winter travel gear: tire chains, ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables and road flares. Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle: flashlight, batteries,...

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Vary your veggie options

Cassandra Hays, Columnist
November 19, 2019

When I decided to become a vegetarian, I knew I had cut my options for accessible and convenient food in half. Most meals feature some sort of meat as the “star” of the dish, and it can be hard to...

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The Observer stands for a free and unregulated press

The Observer stands for a free and unregulated press

The Observer holds transparency between the publication and its readers as a top priority. We believe it’s our duty and a crucial factor in our pursuit of journalistic integrity. For these reasons,...

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The coolest ghoul in school

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2019

Most students have heard the classic story of Lola, the ghost that haunts Kamola Hall. Rumour has it that Lola was a student at CWU in the 1940s who lived in Kamola Hall, which was then an all-female...

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CWU student Ruby Nambo gets published

CWU student Ruby Nambo gets published

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2019

Ruby Nambo, a first-generation college student majoring in English education, will have her poetry published in the fall 2019 edition of the “New Directions for Student Leadership” literary journal.  She...

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Ellensburg film festival to showcase diverse films

Cassandra Hays, Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2019

The 15th annual Ellensburg Film Festival is returning to Ellensburg from October 4-6. According to Ginny Ann Blackson, who is on the board of directors for the Ellensburg Film Festival, over 26 films...

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True to the brew

True to the brew

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
May 31, 2019

Eastern Washington is known for its vast fields of hops, variety of craft breweries and unique types of beer. With new breweries popping up left and right, CWU’s Craft Brewing Program has created the...

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The 1891 Bistro stays open 24 hours a day to CWU students. The environment lets students relax while study-
ing or socializing.

1891 Bistro lets students study, relax any time

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
May 16, 2019

“Large mint chocolate smoothie for Allie,” a barista calls out to the room. The ponytailed girl walks up to the counter to retrieve her smoothie. She stops and looks around; where should she sit?...

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Students particpate in the Olmstead Place State Park cleanup, one of several cleanups planned this month. In addition to Earth Week, there will be several events focused on sustainability and eco-friendly habits around
campus during April, which is widely known as Earth Month. A downtown cleanup, Yakima River cleanup and an Earth Day Family Festival are among the events happening around the community.

Earth Week will focus on campus sustainability

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
April 17, 2019

Sponsored by the Environmental Club, CWU Sustainability Council and CWU Operations, Earth Week is being put on from April 15 to 19. The purpose of the week is to teach students how to live eco-friendly...

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Sundays Unplugged features local artists

Sundays Unplugged features local artists

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
April 3, 2019

Ellensburg is home to several local artists, many of whom have garnered a following within the community after performing at various venues downtown. One venue is Cornerstone Pie, located at 307 E 5th...

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“Gondoliers” is an operetta written by Gilbert and Sullivan and features a cast of 45-50 students. High quality costumes were rented from a professional theater
company for the show.

‘Gondoliers’ to showcase student talent

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
April 3, 2019

“Opera is for everyone.” If you’ve been in the music building, you may have heard the phrase echo throughout the halls. The saying is used within the department to bring awareness to opera as...

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Kelly King is the owner of Ace Body Piercing, located at 310 N Main St. After 19 years of business, King will
be moving on from Ellensburg to pursue other endeavors.

Ace to close after 19 years of business

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
April 3, 2019

Kelly King, owner of Ace Body Piercing, is leaving the community after 19 years of business in downtown Ellensburg. Within the next three months, King is moving on from Ellensburg and will be closing the...

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Washington State measles outbreak update

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
March 20, 2019

Dr. Jerome Adams, 20th Surgeon General of the United States, visited the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic in Seattle on March 7 to discuss the current measles outbreak in Washington state. Since Jan....

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Fixing climate change begins with you

Fixing climate change begins with you

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
February 28, 2019

Climate change is real, and it’s a problem. While there are still plenty of climate change deniers, including the President of the United States, it’s difficult to dispute concrete facts and evidence....

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Students had the opportunity to voice their thoughts, opinions and experiences at the public event, “Being Black in Ellensburg.” The event created a safe space for students,
faculty, staff and community members to share their stories.

Students voice opinions about diversity

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
February 28, 2019

On Feb. 19, black students, faculty, staff and community members had the opportunity to come together to share their stories, thoughts and experiences about life on campus and in the Ellensburg community. The...

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Sonya Renee Taylor advocates for radical self love

Sonya Renee Taylor advocates for radical self love

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
February 21, 2019

Where did you get the inspiration to write your book, “The Body is Not an Apology?” I got the inspiration from someone saying “hey, you should write a book!” I was approached by a publisher...

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Elaine Glenn stands in the atrium in front of the Geography Department. She looks forward to teaching Geography of Russia in the Fall of 2019.

Professor Elaine Glenn teaches by experience

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
February 21, 2019

Professor Elaine Glenn is well known within the geography department for traveling to different countries and bringing her experiences back to the classroom. Glenn teaches multiple sections of World Geography...

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with events and specials

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with events and specials

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
February 6, 2019

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many people are still looking to make plans with their loved ones. While it may seem like there is nothing romantic to do in town, there are plenty of activities...

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Using paper straws instead of plastic is one simple way you can reduce your impact on the environment.
D&M Coffee is one of the first businesses in Ellensburg to offer paper straws.

Sustainability Café reduces environmental impact

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
January 30, 2019

Environmental conservation is a topic that has gained traction worldwide in recent years. College campuses around the country have taken steps to become more “green,” and CWU is no different. The Sustainability...

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Upcoming Condom Fashion Show teaches students about safe sex

Upcoming Condom Fashion Show teaches students about safe sex

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
January 23, 2019

Have you ever wondered what a dress would look like if it were made completely out of condoms? Look no further than CWU’s annual Condom Fashion Show, which will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Designers...

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Civil rights activist Shaun King to speak at CWU

Civil rights activist Shaun King to speak at CWU

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
January 16, 2019

Civil rights activist and journalist Shaun King will be speaking at CWU on Feb. 25, with tickets available to students now. King is best known for his advocacy within the Black Lives Matter Movement...

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How to: get the parking spot

How to: get the parking spot

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
January 10, 2019

This is a story nearly every student at CWU has told. Class starts in ten minutes and you’re still circling the parking lot looking for a spot, you think you see one up ahead, but alas, someone drives...

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D&D club rolls to the top of club attendance

D&D club rolls to the top of club attendance

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
January 10, 2019

While the Dungeons and Dragons Club may seem like a niche, it is one of the fastest growing clubs at CWU and has completed more volunteer hours than any other club on campus. The Dungeons and Dragons...

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Shawnté Elbert hired as Dean of Health and Wellness

Shawnté Elbert hired as Dean of Health and Wellness

Cassandra Hays, Scene Editor
January 10, 2019

Correction 1/10/19: Elbert was officially hired as the Associate Dean of Health and Wellness.   CWU has hired a Dean of Health and Wellness, a new position at the university. The position was...

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The Mule is a Cocktail Bar that is owned by Sarah Schneider Beauchamp and Russell Colmore which is soon to come to downtown Ellensburg.

The Mule set to open in early 2019

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
November 30, 2018

Ellensburg’s newest bar and eatery, The Mule, is set to open after the new year. If residents go on 4th Avenue they ’ll see the space where the bar will be located. The windows have been painted with...

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Air Force ROTC Eddie Marx holds his position in silence as as he honors those MIA and the POW during the 24-hour vigil on Sunday night. A candle burns as the cadets hold a position of honor for the veterans before them.

A service never forgotten

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
November 15, 2018

The night is cold and silent as the clock strikes midnight on Veteran’s Day. A lone soldier stands motionless in front of Lind Hall. Behind him is a table bearing objects such as an overturned wine glass...

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Sam Gutierrez leads Brother to Brother meetings in SURC 301 every Thursday at 5 p.m.

Gutierrez steps into leadership role

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
November 10, 2018

Senior and first-generation college student Samuel Gutierrez is the president of Brother 2 Brother, a club at CWU that focuses on leadership and community engagement committed to success for men of color....

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Music albums are watered down

Music albums are watered down

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
November 1, 2018

If you have been keeping up with the music scene, you may have noticed that some artists are releasing albums that are over 20 tracks, and as long as a movie. Drake’s “Scorpion” (2018) was 25 songs...

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Dr. Lewis to retire after decades of math and travel

Dr. Lewis to retire after decades of math and travel

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
October 25, 2018

CWU math professor Dr. Scott Lewis is retiring as a full time professor  at the end of the school year. Dr. Lewis will be transitioning into phased retirement. According to Dr. Lewis  he will be teaching...

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Sexual assault reports rising at CWU

Cassandra Hays and Grey Caoili
October 18, 2018

The number of reported sexual assaults at CWU has more than doubled between 2016 and 2017. According to campus police, there were 25 reported rape offenses in 2017.  There were 13 rape offenses in...

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Pumpkins at Huffman Farms

Harvest season

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
October 11, 2018

The leaves are changing colors, and there is a crispness in the air. Harvest season is finally upon us, and Ellensburg has plenty of events and activities this month to celebrate the autumn season. Huffman...

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New and improved tasting counter at BRIX.

BRIX Restaurant under new management

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
October 3, 2018

The sounds of clinking wine glasses and conversation fills the room. Friendly faces greet you as the smell of homemade food hits your nose. Located on 3rd Street, BRIX Wine Bar & Restaurant has been...

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wristbands were one of the things given out in the SURC that said words of encouragement such as "Be kind and pass it on."

Treat yo’self with kindness this week

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
February 15, 2018

Random Acts of Kindness is a four-day event put on by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement (CLCE) and the Happiness Club. The Random Acts of Kindness events is part of Kindness Week, a worldwide...

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How to grab that last parking spot

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
February 15, 2018

This is a story nearly every student at CWU has told. Class starts in ten minutes and you’re still circling the parking lot looking for a spot, you think you see one up ahead, but alas, someone drives...

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Ellensburg Swing Out

Ellensburg Swing Out

Cassandra Hays, Staff Reporter
February 1, 2018

The Events Hall in downtown Ellensburg  is packed to the brim with people of all ages. A full jazz big band sits on the stage, filling the room with upbeat jazz music as couples swing around the dance...

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