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

RachelAnn Degnan, Scene Senior Reporter

Scene Senior Reporter - Winter 2021

Staff Reporter - Fall 2020

All content by RachelAnn Degnan
WandaVision review: Another game-changer for Disney

WandaVision review: Another game-changer for Disney

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
March 9, 2021

“WandaVision” is a nine-episode mini-series featured on Disney+ that follows Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) in the fictional Marvel world molded after the incredible blockbuster...

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A single tournament could lead to a big COVID-19 breakout

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
March 2, 2021

A basketball tournament held in Okanogan county has led to several COVID-19 cases that have affected some Kittitas County Residents. Gov. Jay Inslee's phase 1 and phase 2 to Washington's Roadmap to Recovery...

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Walla Walla hospital corrects data error, Kittitas County moves into phase 2

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
February 23, 2021

On Feb. 12, an error was discovered in a Walla Walla hospital, revealing there had been an incorrect number of reported new COVID-19 patients. This data, which was previously keeping Kittitas County and...

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Without animals, life would be “ruff”

Without animals, life would be “ruff”

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
February 16, 2021

In Ellensburg, some students have found that having a furry companion helps them better handle school and life stresses. Naomi Whiting, a junior studying French, has had her rabbit in the dorms with...

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It is not length of life, but depth of life

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
February 9, 2021

Today our world now more than ever is almost entirely shaped by famous people and celebrities that leave a lasting impression. CWU students recently shared some deceased celebrities who have left a lasting...

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Commencement to be virtual

Commencement to be virtual

Mitchell Roland and RachelAnn Degnan
February 2, 2021

On Jan. 21, students and families received confirmation that the 2021 commencement held at the end of spring quarter would be online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CWU Provost Michelle...

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Once marked by stop signs, the crossing of Walnut and 18th now has a new stoplight.

Ellensburg greenlights stoplights

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
January 26, 2021

For residents in the apartments on North Walnut Street and East 18 Avenue, the drive home is beginning to look a bit different. The intersection that once was a four-way stop has been upgraded to having...

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The pleasant lack of roommate-induced cabin fever

RachelAnn Degnan, Senior Reporter
January 20, 2021

With the stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic, some students worried that every morning they would have to wake up and do online schooling in a living space that they had to share with people they did...

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Maybe Christmas means a little bit more

Maybe Christmas means a little bit more

RachelAnn Degnan, Columnist
January 12, 2021

The holidays are the best time of the year because of the feeling in the air that brings happiness and warmth to even the grumpiest around us. I know this all too well because this year, I wanted to...

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The Rec Center is working to hold in-person events in the future. Safety precautions will be taken.

The Recreation Center doesn’t plan to drop the ball for the new year

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
November 12, 2020

The sound of the ball dropping to end 2020 will not only be a sign of a new year but will also be a metaphor for new hope.  Senior Spencer Dalzell has high hopes for this "fresh" new year. "As a...

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CWU’s unique location allows the aviation program, aviation majors and pilots to train year around. Pilots have gained experience from the winds of Ellensburg trying to fly and land safely.

Aviation isn’t for the faint of heart

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
November 3, 2020

His hands shakingly tightened on the control yoke as he took a deep breath.  He thought to himself, "It's just a little rougher today than normal."  His eyes glanced down at the bracelet that reminded...

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Straight from the horses mouth

Straight from the horse’s mouth

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
October 27, 2020

The smell of the hay, the whispers of the wind and the creaking of the barn doors are just a small part of a horse enthusiast’s day.  Washington's horse partisans come in all shapes and sizes, and...

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Virtual events took place during Homecoming along with other socailly distant experiences at the Student Union and Recreation Center.

Homecoming 2020: virtual and socially distant edition

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
October 20, 2020

Once every fall, high schools and colleges across the nation unite their student body to celebrate sports teams and school spirit, but thanks to COVID-19, 2020's homecoming celebrations were a lot quieter...

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Trivia brings together more than just students

Trivia brings together more than just students

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
October 13, 2020

What started as a “bootlegged” trivia night as an effort to keep student morale up has now become a collaboration between the Recreation Center and Student Activities.  Senior and Intramural Manager...

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The rec center is looking for new ways to get students involved, including skill competitions.

Are you up to the challenge?

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
October 7, 2020

To supplement the lack of sports opportunities offered this quarter, the Recreation Center is offering brand new skill challenges in soccer, basketball and flag football. Intramural Sports & Special...

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Can we start caring for the collective good?

RachelAnn Degnan, Columnist
October 1, 2020

In our society, we like to believe that if our lives were made into a movie, we would be the main character. We rarely consider the fact that our lives are not just about our growth and our strength but...

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The Nintendo Switch is among the many consoles students use to play electronic sports.

The rise of esports

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
October 1, 2020

Quarantine opened the door for online gaming to become one of the leading competitive events in the world. CWU Intramural Sports and Special Events Coordinator Shana Kessler defines the term electronic...

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Returning to the recreation facilities

Returning to the recreation facilities

RachelAnn Degnan, Staff Reporter
September 24, 2020

Recreation Center Director Matthew Boyer and his team have been working on a plan to bring back staff and students safely as students return to Ellensburg for fall quarter and begin classes online and...

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