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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

Megan Rogers

Megan Rogers, News Editor

News Editor - Fall 2023

News Editor - Spring 2023

Assistant News Editor - Winter 2023

Senior Reporter - Fall 2022

Staff Reporter - Spring 2022

All content by Megan Rogers
Must try Christmas cookies

The best Christmas cookie recipes

Megan Rogers, Columnist
November 23, 2023

It's almost Christmas time! Snow, holiday movies, hot chocolate and cozy blankets—it is the best time of the year. And do you know what the best way to kick off the Christmas season is? Cookies! Here...

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Without accreditation the university would have to shut down

CWU has three areas of concern for reaccreditation

Megan Rogers, News Editor
November 23, 2023

During the accreditation kick-off meeting on Nov. 17, CWU President Jim Wolphart said there are three areas that they need to improve on before reaccreditation in 2026. According to Wolphart, those three...

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The North Academic Complex will be built where the flag plaza is Photo courtesy of cwu.edu

North Academic Complex will be built to be more sustainable

Megan Rogers, News Editor
November 17, 2023

The North Academic Complex, which is set to replace the Language and Literature building and Farrell Hall, will be built to be more sustainable by including geothermal heating and solar panels. The complex...

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Elvin Delgado goal is to help with student sucess photo courtesy of cwu.edu

Elvin Delgado appointed interim associate vice president of academic affairs

Megan Rogers, News Editor
November 8, 2023

Elvin Delgado, associate dean of faculty development, research and interdisciplinary initiative, was appointed interim associate vice president of academic affairs on Nov. 2. This was after Kurt Kirstein...

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Mortenson's safety and health management classroom is located in Houge Hall 226

Mortenson donates $50,000 to help enhance education in the Safety and Health management program

Megan Rogers, News Editor
November 2, 2023

Mortenson, a construction engineering company, donated $50,000 to the Safety and Health Management program. CWU alum and safety director for Mortenson, Nick Cordell, helped facilitate this donation.  According...

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 tuition will be raised 3% next fiscal year Photo Courtesy of CWU Flickr

Tuition to raise 3% next fiscal year

Megan Rogers, News Editor
October 30, 2023

Tuition will go up 3% next fiscal year (2024-2025). According to Chief Financial Officer Joel Klucking, tuition increases every year due to a 2015 state law called the College Affordability Act.  Klucking...

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Top five songs to add to your fall playlist

Top five songs to add to your fall playlist

Megan Rogers, Columnist
October 28, 2023

It's fall! The leaves are changing, the mornings are becoming crisper and the cozy vibes are stronger than ever. It's time to put on your headphones and walk down the streets, pretending you are in a movie....

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Map of Israel Courtest of University of Texas at Austin

Palestine and Israel conflict: What’s happening now

Megan Rogers, News Editor
October 19, 2023

Conflict has continued to escalate between Palestine and Israel since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Anne Cubilie, professor in the English department who used to work at the United Nations in humanitarian...

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Provost Michelle DenBeste
Photo courtesy Michelle DenBeste

Provost Michelle DenBeste stepping down from position

Morgana Carroll and Megan Rogers
October 12, 2023

Provost Michelle DenBeste has announced she has stepped down from her position as provost.  On Friday, Oct. 13 Wohlpart sent an email to the university officially announcing DenBeste’s decision to...

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McPherson (right) and Burson (left) on the summit of North Sister. Photo courtesy of Marc McPherson

CWU police lieutenant climbs 12 peaks this summer

Megan Rogers, News Editor
October 10, 2023

CWU’s police lieutenant Marc McPherson climbed 12 peaks from July 23 to Aug. 2. McPherson, accompanied by the Corporal for the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office Nick Burson, traveled through Oregon, California...

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Voices for change is now required for all new students.

Voices for Change program required for new students

Megan Rogers, News Editor
October 5, 2023

CWU students may see an online course titled Voices for Change popping up on their Canvas page. This course is meant to educate students on how to identify a bad situation and help in a safe way.  Voices...

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El Safe Group  de CWU celebra un foro abierto

El Safe Group de CWU celebra un foro abierto

Megan Rogers and Morgana Carroll
June 2, 2023

El Safe Group de CWU realizó un foro abierto el 15 de mayo para que los miembros de la comunidad de CWU revisaran las recomendaciones creadas por el grupo. La reunión del foro abierto sirvió como oportunidad...

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Gail Mackin Photo by Megan Rogers

Saying goodbye: CWU faculty and administration reflect on their experience

Megan Rogers, News Editor
May 31, 2023

Gail Mackin: Associate Vice Provost How long have you been at CWU? It will be exactly six years when I leave. What is your favorite thing about your position? I'm behind the scenes, but...

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Annie, Photo by Megan Rogers

The top five advantages of owning a dog

Megan Rogers, Columnist
May 24, 2023

A built-in best friend (or child) According to the University of Sydney, “Researchers from the University’s Charles Perkins Centre and RSPCA NSW found new dog owners self-reported lower levels...

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Wildcat statue, Photo by Megan Rogers

CWU Safe Group holds open forum

Morgana Carroll and Megan Rogers
May 24, 2023

CWU’s Safe Group held an open forum on May 15 for CWU’s community members to review recommendations created by the group. The open forum meeting served as an opportunity to present the goals that the...

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CWU Police car Photo Courtesy of Samantha Cabeza

Mental health training required for law enforcement

Megan Rogers, News Editor
May 17, 2023

The Ellensburg Police Department (EPD) has seen an increase in calls related to mental health issues from 2015-2022, according to the Daily Record.  According to the Daily Record, “In 2015, EPD reported...

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Photo by Yohanes Goodell

National shortage of therapists affecting CWU’s Student Counseling Center staffing

Megan Rogers, News Editor
May 10, 2023

The Student Counseling Center, located in the CWU Ellensburg campus, is currently having hiring difficulties due to the national shortage of therapists, according to Director of Counseling Cindy Bruns. To...

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Wildcat Pantry is spending $1000 weekly on food, photo by Jaeda Nelson

Wildcat Pantry proposes new student fee to cover increasing student needs

Megan Rogers, News Editor
May 3, 2023

The Wildcat Pantry, located on the first floor of the James E. Brooks Library, offers free food to CWU students and has proposed a new student fee to help cover the pantry's costs.  According to Wildcat...

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Wendell Hall, Photo by Megan Rogers

CWU is still seeing low dorm occupancy after COVID

Megan Rogers, News Editor
April 26, 2023

Residence hall occupancy on the CWU Ellensburg campus towards the end of the academic year is still below administration expectations, impacting staff in both housing and dining. According to records...

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Front of Ellensburg High School.

Ellensburg High School students speak out against LGBTQIA+ bullying at board meeting

Megan Rogers, News Editor
April 19, 2023

Slashed tires, “f-slurs” and harassment; this is only a portion of what Ellensburg High School (EHS) students reported experiencing from their peers at the board meeting on March 29.  EHS students...

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Megan's bookshelf. Photo by Megan Rogers

Physical books are far superior to ebooks

Megan Rogers, Columnist
April 12, 2023

Readers are faced with one of the most complex decisions: to read a physical book or to read an ebook. Now, both probably have their pros and cons. But, I am here to tell you physical books are far superior...

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Jerry Dougherty has been volunteering with KCACTF for 15 years Photo by Frankie Benka, Spokane Falls Community College

CWU senior lecturer and production manager awarded The Gold Medallion

Megan Rogers, News Editor
April 11, 2023

Jerald (Jerry) Dougherty, senior lecturer and production manager at CWU, received the Gold Medallion Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) on Feb. 22 because of his volunteer...

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Milton Kuolt Professor of Business Andy Parks Photo Courtesy of Andy Parks

Milton Kuolt Professor of Business Andy Parks joins training taskforce for employees of color

Megan Rogers, News Editor
April 5, 2023

CWU’s Milton Kuolt Professor of Business Andy Parks was appointed the first co-chair for the Washington Employers for Racial Equity, Black Talent Development Task Force this year. Parks said his passion...

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Spirit TRC offers healing through horses Photo courtesy of Spirit TRC

Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center offers healing through horses

Megan Rogers, News Editor
April 3, 2023

Horses, healing and hope take the reins at Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center (Spirit TRC), located on Sorenson Road in Ellensburg. Spirit TRC was founded by Evelyn Pederson in 2006, after she went through...

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CWDR built a ramp to help a person in the PAS Program. Photo courtesy of Mayra Colazo

Central Washington Disability Resources is creating more accessibility with new PAS Program

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
March 8, 2023

Central Washington Disability Resources, (CWDR), is located in Ellensburg and services the disabled members of the community. Within the last month, they created the power, action and system (PAS) program...

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Susan Kaspari doing research on Svalbard. 
Photo Courtesy of Susan Kaspari

CWU faculty members share their Fulbright experiences

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
March 1, 2023

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program allows faculty members “teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world,” according to the website. On Feb. 10. CWU was named a Fulbright...

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Former dining service employees say training was rushed.

Students raise concerns for lack of dining services training

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
February 22, 2023

Student employees in dining services continue to raise concerns about communication and training shortcomings as they have for over a year, as reported by The Observer last winter. Lack of training...

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The Gender-Based Violence workgroup has met twice since its formation.

CWU’s workgroup aims to address gender-based violence

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
February 15, 2023

CWU’s Gender-Based Violence Work Group has enhanced communication with students and student leaders, and worked to search for a new Deputy Title IX Coordinator, according to the CWU Safe website. The...

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CWU police responding to false active shooter threat in 2019. Photo Courtesy of The Observer

Gun violence impacts American students

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
February 6, 2023

According to the Mass Shooting Tracker, as of Feb. 6 there have been 69 mass shootings in 2023. These shootings resulted in the death of 116 and the wounding of 262 people. The Mass Shooting Tracker defines...

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Jeff Bousson is CWU's new sustainability officer. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Bousson

Jeffery Bousson joins CWU as new sustainability officer

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
February 1, 2023

Jeffery (Jeff) Bousson joined CWU in December as the university’s new sustainability officer. As the sustainability officer, Bousson said he is developing projects, programs and initiatives related to...

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Photo of Black Hall.

CWU forms the joint governance sense making group

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
January 25, 2023

CWU’s Joint Governance Sensemaking Group met for the first time on Nov. 22 and will continue to meet throughout the course of the academic year. The group is composed of Amy Claridge, Walter Szeliga,...

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APOYO will continue to stay at their CWU Campus location until 2024. Photo Courtesy of APOYO on Facebook

CWU signs two-year contract allowing APOYO to remain on campus

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
January 18, 2023

CWU signed a contract with Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach (APOYO) on Oct. 18, which will allow APOYO to remain in their on-campus facility until Oct. 31, 2024. Associate Professor and Director...

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Wildcat Pantry hosts Pack the Pantry to support student needs

Wildcat Pantry hosts Pack the Pantry to support student needs

Megan Rogers, Assistant News Editor
January 11, 2023

The Wildcat Pantry, located on the ground floor of the James E. Brooks Library, is hosting Pack the Pantry throughout the month of January, a drive to help bring in food donations and other essential items...

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Photo courtesy of CWU Flickr

New Gender-Based Violence Prevention workgroup to review policies, practices and programs

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
November 22, 2022

CWU announced on Nov. 10 its plans for a new gender-based violence prevention workgroup. The workgroup will be meeting on a regular basis shortly after Nov. 30. The workgroup will be made up of a total...

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Sign at the entrance of the Education Abroad Fair in SURC 137.

CWU’s education abroad fair allows students to learn about options for studying abroad

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
November 22, 2022

CWU hosted the Education Abroad Fair in the SURC on Nov. 16. The purpose of this fair was to introduce students to the different options available through CWU and partnering organizations for studying...

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Kittitas Public Safety Building located in Ellensburg, Washington.

Mental health grant introduced for wellness at Kittitas County Jail

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
November 16, 2022

Kittitas County Jail received a $483,552 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. These grants are designed to create mental health support programs for inmates in the...

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CWU's voting center in the SURC.

CWU voting center encouraged student involvement

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
November 16, 2022

CWU helped to engage students in the voting process on Nov. 8 through a voting center located in the SURC. “If they haven't received their ballot from whatever county they're from, from wherever they...

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Learning Commons organized protest against Title IX violations on Nov. 1

Learning Commons organized protest against Title IX violations on Nov. 1

Andrew Ulstad and Megan Rogers
November 9, 2022

Chants of “Stop protecting rapists!” rang through the walkways between the SURC and Brooks Library on Tuesday, Nov. 1 as students aired their grievances over alleged Title IX violations by campus staff. According...

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Shane Johnson (right) discussing his piece “Gallery of the Gamer Overwatch Tournament.”

Sarah Spurgeon Art Gallery features work by faculty

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
November 9, 2022

2,000 pounds of solid ice filled the Sarah Spurgeon Art Gallery in Randall Hall for the Department of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition on Nov. 3. The gallery features the recent work of full-time and...

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Photo of CWU police department. Photo by Megan Rogers

Ellensburg’s noise ordinance

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
November 2, 2022

The City of Ellensburg has a noise ordinance that is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “24 hours a day, any [of] what could be considered unreasonable noise that can be heard from over 100...

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Photo of CWU campus. Photo Courtesy of CWU Flickr

CWU enrollment on a decline

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
October 28, 2022

Enrollment numbers at CWU have been down for over a decade, according to Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration, Joel Klucking. The Board of Trustees (BoT) met on Oct....

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ASCWU Board of Directors at a public meeting. Photo by Megan Rogers

ASCWU stresses the need for a new vice president

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporters
October 21, 2022

“Transitioning into my role [as president]  has been increasingly difficult…because I have to play a game of what is worth more of my time,” Luis Reyes, ASCWU President said, in the ASCWU BOD meeting...

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Photo of CWU Wildcat Neighborhood Farm. Photo courtesy of Carina Gaz

CWU awarded silver STARS in sustainability

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
October 19, 2022

CWU received silver STARS in sustainability from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) on Sept. 16.  The Sustainability Tracking, Rating and Assessment &...

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WAM mentors (left to right): Chloe Cairns, Madeline Bjorn, Olivia Zavala, Natalie Amos, Anna Richardson, Sidney
Grimm, Maggie Gatlin, Kiara Zmiarovich Sadaya, Tiffany Ochoa, Jacque Ramirez. Photo courtesy of Julia James

Wildcat Academic Mentoring program began this fall

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
October 12, 2022

Wildcats Academic Mentoring (WAM) launched this fall, which is an all-new peer mentoring program created and directed by Julia James. James said WAM is an academic success program that also balances...

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Beacon the therapy dog. Photo courtesy of @beacon_therapydog Instagram

Brookside Funeral Home Got a New Furry Team Member

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
October 5, 2022

Brookside Funeral Home got its newest team member, Beacon, a nine-month-old hypoallergenic labradoodle and newly certified therapy dog trained by Ultimate Canine.  Jamin Mohler, owner of Beacon and...

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Apoyo window decal in the sunshine.

APOYO struggles to find food donations

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
October 5, 2022

Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach (APOYO), a local food bank, is struggling to find meat donations.  “Northwest Harvest hasn't been sending the usual chicken that we usually get on our Wednesday...

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Science building on a sunny day.

CWU STEM Program receives National Science Foundation grant to help teachers

Megan Rogers, Senior Reporter
September 28, 2022

Science building on a sunny day.

Preserving the Arts in Ellensburg

Preserving the Arts in Ellensburg

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
June 1, 2022

The City of Ellensburg has partnered with the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, CWU, Ellensburg Downtown Association, Laughing Horse Art Foundation and CenterFuse to create the Ellensburg Community...

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Community member gather in Unity Park in Downtown Ellensburg to bike to the Renslow Trestle.

Ellensburg anfitriona “Ride to Renslow”

Megan Rogers, Reportero del personal
May 26, 2022

La liga de ciclistas americanos proclamó Mayo como el mes de la bicicleta y para ayudar a celebrar por primera vez, la ciudad de Ellensburg y la cámara de comercio fueron anfitriones de “Ride to Renslow”. Miembros...

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Community member gather in Unity Park in Downtown Ellensburg to bike to the Renslow Trestle.

Ellensburg hosts Ride to Renslow

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
May 25, 2022

The League of American Bicyclists proclaimed May as bike month and to help celebrate, for the first time ever, the Ellensburg City and the Chamber of Commerce hosted Ride To Renslow.  Members of the...

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Courtesy of CWU

El jefe de la policía de CWU es admitido al salón de fama de RAD

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
May 19, 2022

El jefe Jason Berthon-Koch con el departamento de policía de CWU fue admitido al salón de la fama de la defensa en contra de la agresión de violación (o RAD por sus siglas en Ingles). Berthon-Koch...

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Courtesy of CWU

CWU Chief of Police inducted to RAD Hall of Fame

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
May 18, 2022

Chief Jason Berthon-Koch with the CWU Police Department was inducted into the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) hall of fame. Berthon-Koch has been teaching RAD classes for 18 years.  “I was very honored...

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Courtesy of Pexels.com

4-H is an extremely beneficial program for children to join

Megan Rogers, Columnist
May 11, 2022

4-H is one of the most beneficial programs that a child can join. 4-H works with youth 5-18 years old and strives to bring out the potential in them and make them strong leaders.  According to uwyo.com,...

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Tishra Beeson appointed new department chair for Health Sciences

Tishra Beeson appointed new department chair for Health Sciences

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
May 11, 2022

Tishra Beeson has been appointed the new department chair for Health Sciences. Beeson will begin this new position on Sep 1.  Beeson shared her gratitude to her colleagues who elected her into this...

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El edificio de Ciencias de la Salud reúne a los departamentos

El edificio de Ciencias de la Salud reúne a los departamentos

Megan Rogers, Reportero del personal
May 5, 2022

Los programas de Fisiología Clínica, de Nutrición y Salud Pública, de Servicios Médicos de Emergencia Paramédicos y de Ciencias de la Alimentación se encuentran ahora en el mismo edificio de Ciencias...

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Photo courtesy of Dr. Ernest

Students monitor animal activity across I-90 crossing structures

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
May 4, 2022

Student researchers at CWU took part in a study where they observed small mammals in the I-90 project area to see which species are using the wildlife crossing structures.  Wildlife crossing structures...

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Health Sciences building brings department together

Health Sciences building brings department together

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
May 4, 2022

Clinical Physiology, Nutrition and Public Health, EMS Paramedicine and Food Science programs are now housed in the same building. The 81,395 square-foot Health Sciences building had its grand opening on...

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Photo from inside The Botany Shop

Una tienda local de Ellensburg gana el premio del Mejor Nuevo Negocio

Megan Rogers, Reportero del personal
April 20, 2022

Después de abrir sus puertas como negocio el 28 de mayo de 2021, The Botany Shop, una tienda local de plantas y productos botánicos, ganó el premio del Mejor Nuevo Negocio del condado de Kittitas. La...

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Photo from inside The Botany Shop

Local Ellensburg botany shop wins best new business

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
April 20, 2022

The Botany Shop, a local plant and botanical goods store, won Kittitas County's Best New Business award.  After opening her doors for business on May 28, 2021, owner April Rohrbach shared her excitement...

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Orpheus in the Underworld

Orpheus in the Underworld

Megan Rogers, Staff Reporter
April 14, 2022

Orpheus and Eurydice was a story of music, love and tragedy, but that all changed when the CWU Opera performed an adaptation of “Orpheus in the Underworld” by Anthony T. Buck. The adaptation is based...

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