As of this morning, Kittitas County is officially in phase two of Gov. Inslee’s phased reopening plan. Currently, the county has 79 confirmed COVID-19 cases, but according to Kittitas County Public Health...

Note: All candidates were asked the same questions. Answers are placed in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from audio interviews.  Candidates: Jacob Robles, Leilani Salu   What...

Note: Answers have been transcribed from audio interviews. Candidate: Edgar Espino   Even though you’re running unopposed, why should people still vote for you? Edgar: Well, the reason I'm...

Note: All candidates were asked the same questions. Answers are placed in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from audio interviews.  Candidates: Ashley-Sue Vizguerra, Nathan Rawson   What’s...

Note: All candidates were asked the same questions. Answers are placed in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from audio interviews.  Candidates: Josh McRae, Madeline Koval, Michael Fleagle   Why...

Note: All candidates were asked the same questions. Answers are placed in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from audio interviews.  Candidates: Brandon Wear-Grimm, Yunus Timurtas   What...

Note: All candidates were asked the same questions. Answers are placed in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from audio interviews.  Candidates: Cece Mortimer, Danny DeBock, Mickael Candelaria,...

Look, I know we’re in the middle of a pandemic, but please, for the love of God, stop hoarding the baking supplies. A few days ago I entered my kitchen (like I usually do), and realized I had three overripe...

During freshman convocation, students were told the university would be there for them when they needed it. No matter if it took four years, five years or more, the university would be so proud to announce...

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...

With growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Washington state and the U.S., measures are being taken to flatten the curve of the disease’s spread. For CWU seniors, this included the cancellation of spring’s...

Note: This story will be updated as information becomes available. March 20, 2 p.m. - CWU cancels in-person commencement CWU will not host an in-person graduation ceremony in spring due to COVID-19.  The...

COVID-19 test results came back negative for the Kittitas County resident who was tested on March 2, according to a Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) press release. The March 2 test makes...

A COVID-19 test was sent out today for a Kittitas County resident. The Kittitas County resident is being hospitalized in Western Washington and is in critical, but stable condition, according to a press...

A man died from COVID-19 at the Evergreen hospital in Kirkland, Washington, marking the first death by the virus in the U.S. Gov. Jay Inslee responded by declaring a state of emergency. “This will...

CWU President James L. Gaudino announced that he will be stepping down from his position on July 31, 2021.  “Serving you has been an honor. I look forward to our continued successes during the next...

CWU President James L. Gaudino announced that he will step down from his position as president. He will do so July 31, 2021. CWU officials sent out a press release this morning, saying Gaudino would...

Note: Story last updated at 9:20 a.m. on Feb. 7.  _________________________________________________________________________________ The CWU student who was tested for the novel coronavirus has negative...

Update: This story was updated on Feb. 2 after originally being posted on Jan. 30.  A CWU student being tested for the novel coronavirus is being held in isolation at the Kittitas Valley Healthcare...

Editor’s Note: This story was updated from its original form.  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ On June 24, a CWU Aviation...

On Monday at 11 a.m. the Ellensburg community gathered near Pearl Street to commemorate veterans for their service. People waved flags and cheered as veterans passed by on foot and in World War II-vintage...

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,...

In the event of an active shooter, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says you have three options: run, hide or fight. CWU’s new active shooter training video, which aligns with the “Run. Hide....

Today President James L. Gaudino sent an updated email regarding Katherine Frank, the now former provost. “To clarify my communication sent to the university community on June 10, 2019, Dr. Frank...

BREAKING: Katherine Frank is no longer CWU’s Provost. This goes into action immediately according to an email sent to employees by CWU President James L. Gaudino on June 10. “I will serve as the...

When I began my journey with The Observer in winter 2018, I never thought I’d become a section editor, let alone the Editor-in-Chief. This week, for the last time, I’m writing as the Editor-in-Chief....

With the current state of the national administration and the constant bashing of the press, it’s an inconvenient time to be a student journalist. It’s also the best time to be a student journalist. Despite...

Every spring families are invited to visit campus for a weekend and participate in the college experience. This year Family Weekend was hosted May 10-12 and over 700 people were registered to attend. For...

CWU Police completed a two-month long investigation after the active shooter false alarm on Feb. 6. Students can expect an after action report in the coming weeks and an active shooter training video early...

Being a member in a club on campus is something Pre-Medical Club President Marie-Helen Willis and club member Scott Engelhart say will lead to extended resources and opportunities. Ten members of the...

Patriot Prayer stood in front of Black Hall to voice their opinions on primarily First and Second Amendment rights. The group held American and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags. About 100 people attended...

Editor's note: This is an updated version of a story that was originally published 4/2/19. Matt Manweller, former CWU professor and state representative, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit against...

Well, friends. This is the last issue of winter quarter. It’s hard to believe it has already come and gone. This was my first quarter as The Observer’s Editor-in-Chief. Prior to this quarter,...

An emergency response update regarding the active shooter threat on Feb. 6 places the responsibility on “a student” who “overheard” a conversation in the CWU Case Management Services Office in...

CWU Ellensburg classes were held as usual on Thursday, Feb. 7 in what the university said was an attempt to help students cope with the stress caused by the active shooter false alarm that locked down...

Unfortunately for gullible Americans, Valentine’s Day is one big marketing scheme that  is predicted to cost each individual about 160 dollars this year (National Retail Federation). Teddy bears, candy...

Self-doubt, pushback from male peers and negative stereotypes often plague women in leadership roles. For Edith Rojas, the climb to the top of ASCWU Student Government has included these adversities. Following...

Freshman Luca Cruz shares their coming out story.

Sophomore Ryan Zetty shares his coming out story.

Ellensburg Downtown Association (EDA) is hosting the first Young Professionals Week or “YoPro”  May 15-17. The three-day event has a purpose of helping the younger generation of Ellensburg gain connections...

As of right now, high school student journalists can be forced to follow a “prior review” policy where school administrators have the right to request to see any student-bound media before it is sent...

As someone who personally struggles with anxiety, I am here to share my experiences with the intention of inspiring at least one person to reach out and get the help they need. Mental illnesses are extremely...