The Observer

Trump’s missile attack was a valid response in Syria

Ray Payne
April 16, 2017

Over the past week, I’ve sat back rather quietly and watched as everyone and their mom voiced an opinion on the recent U.S. military military action in Syria. For those of you who don’t know, or...

CWU works to combat hate

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
February 16, 2017

A coordinating member of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) brought anti-hate messages to CWU last Monday as part of a Not In Our Kittitas County (NIOKC) event. SPLC’s outreach director Lecia...

‘You are welcome here’

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
February 2, 2017

Anxiety and fearfulness sums up the feelings of some CWU students on the current political climate. On Monday, Central Washington University president, James Gaudino released a statement addressing...

Bike Theft Doubles at CWU

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
November 16, 2016

A stolen bike is an increasingly common problem on CWU’s campus. “Obviously we’ve got real concerns when it comes to bike theft being doubled in the same time frame...

‘Grab a Kleenex…because everything will be okay’

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
November 10, 2016

Take a deep breath. Grab a Kleenex a dry your tears because everything will be okay. As I watched one of the most stunning political upsets that have ever happened. First off, to all you Hilary supporters,...

“We’re still students.”

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
October 24, 2016

Editor’s note: The names of several former resident assistants (RAs) have been changed to protect their identity, as it is part of their contract not to speak to the press. Those who wished to remain...

Predator in 2005, President in 2016?

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
October 13, 2016

I don’t even know where to start, what even is this election anymore? I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t been following politics as closely as I should. So, when my newsfeed began to fill up with...

President Gaudino and ASCWU condemn local KKK activities

Ray Payne, Senior News Reporter
October 6, 2016

The Ellensburg community has recently become concerned about the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) fliers that have been found throughout town. Tomorrow, Oct. 7, there will be a meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the SURC...

OPINION: Insults don’t count as arguments

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
August 4, 2016

Seriously, I’m tired of reading articles or posts where the author can’t find better ways to explain why Donald Trump shouldn’t be president without referencing something about his appearance or...

Students caught between convenience and challenge

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
July 20, 2016

Over the past five years, Central has seen a rise in the number of students taking online classes, especially in the summer. According to data provided by Central’s Public Affairs office, this summer...

OPINION: ‘This was true profiling’

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
July 14, 2016

Think of the most preppy, non-threatening, looking black person possible and that was me. On this day I went to a scholarship interview, from there I picked up my older sister and took her to her dentist...

Breathe easy; the trees are here to stay

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
June 3, 2016

Recently, concerns have been raised about the fate of several trees that may be threatened by the Samuelson renovation project, but Central Washington University administration is assuring the public that...

Central Students for Trump

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
April 28, 2016

The recent instances of pro-Donald Trump chalk drawings appearing on campus have brought attention to the newly formed Students for Trump (SFT) club, led by Isaiah Ammon, who is also the director of the...

Chalking it up in support of The Donald

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
April 21, 2016

A recent wave of Donald Drumpf related chalk drawings have been appearing on campus, leading some to question who is behind it, and whether or not chalk drawings are allowed. “Facilities does not...

ASCWU campaigns underway

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
April 14, 2016

On Monday, approximately 15 candidates for ASCWU met to go over campaign rules and officially kick off their campaigns. Over the next month, these candidates will be making their case to the student...

Ellensburg Bernie supporters come together, organize march

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
March 10, 2016

On Friday, March 4, 200 to 300 supporters are expected to march in support of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. The march will begin near Central’s campus and head into town. According to...

Primaries and caucuses

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
March 3, 2016

Last Saturday, while most media outlets were focused on the South Carolina primary and the Nevada caucus, the Washington GOP caucuses were being held in counties across the state. Unlike the South...

“Free to finish” could help students

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
February 18, 2016

A new prospective bill could possibly give students who had to drop out of school close to their graduation the opportunity to return and finish their degrees for free. House Bill 2955 (HB 2955) would...

Response to last week’s letter to the editor

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
February 11, 2016

Oberlin College students have made it clear that they’re tired of feeling the way they do; nobody can argue that they’re not upset. However, what the original opinion was trying to convey...

Civil Rights exhibit educates Central students

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
February 11, 2016

This past week the Center for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ) created a Civil Rights Exhibit in the SURC to educate students on the civil rights movement and its connection with today. “It’s...

Fifth-year promise coming to Central

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
February 4, 2016

On Jan. 27, President Gaudino went to Olympia to testify in front of the House Committee on Higher Education in support of a funding request for the creation of a new software system for scheduling and...

State of the University address

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
February 3, 2016

Microsoft’s chairman and corporate vice president of emerging businesses, Orlando Ayala, joined Central President James Gaudino in his State of the University address last Monday. This was the first...

Ellensburg Police Department considering body cameras for its officers

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
January 28, 2016

The Ellensburg Police Department (EPD) is looking to implement the use of body cameras, depending on whether the privacy issues associated with body camera use are addressed by the state. According...

ATM skimmer still at large

Ray Payne, Staff Reporter
January 23, 2016

According to the Ellensburg Police Department (EPD), a man allegedly placed a skimmer on an ATM at Cashmere Valley Bank on Dec. 31. The EPD has recovered the device along with the collected information. The...