The layer of smoke that has settled over Kittitas County may lift as the week progresses.
NEWS
Smoke clouds county skies
Smoke from fires in the region inundated Kittitas County over the weekend, spiking air quality levels to unhealthy and dangerous levels, but there may be relief as the work week starts. According to the state Department of Ecology’s smoke forecast, air quality gradually improves from moderate today to good by Wednesday. The DOE smoke map indicates smoke is coming from fires in the north of the state and Canada.
Man missing after car crash found dead
A man who walked away from the scene of a hit-and-run collision on Golf Course Road on Aug. 13 was found dead in thick brush and tall grass near the location of the collision on Saturday, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office. Fernando Flores was found by deputies working with Kittitas County Search and Rescue dogs and handlers. Flores was a suspect in the hit-and-run collision on Aug. 13 on Golf Course Road that involved a stolen vehicle and left a young woman severely injured. The woman who was injured has since been released from Harborview Hospital’s Critical Care Unit. It is believed that Flores succumbed to injuries incurred during the collision, but the Coroner’s Office will investigate and determine the cause of death.
Work on Ruby starts today
Crews start working today to place a skim batch on Ruby Street from East Manitoba Avenue to East Fifth Avenue. The roadway will be closed in two-block lengths early in the week and during the night shift, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., in mid-week.
SPORTS
Central athletes in the spotlight
Over the past few days, Central Washington University athletes earned rewards for their excellence. Three members of Central’s men’s rugby team, Marques Fuala’au, Albert O’Shannessey and Noah Wright, were drafted by Major League Rugby teams on Thursday. Fuala’au was the third pick taken in the draft.
On Friday, Central volleyball star Tia Andaya was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s preseason player of the year. Teammates Emma Daoud-Hebert, Ashley Kaufman and Hannah Stires earned preseason all-conference team selections.
EVENTS City Council meets tonight
The Ellensburg City Council meets at 7 tonight at City Hall. The agenda includes the presentation by the Ellensburg Police Department of the 2022 crime report.
Fun for the family tonight
A Family Connection event sponsored by the Kittitas County Recovery Community Organization takes place from 6 to 7 tonight at Mountain View Park. This is a free event featuring family fellowship, food and fun.
Rodeo speaker series concludes
The concluding event of the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame’s Rodeo Night at the Museum speaker series celebrating 100 years of the Ellensburg Rodeo is at 7:23 p.m., Wednesday at the Hall of Fame. The final in the series is Famous Moments and Photos: Capturing the Action. The event is free of charge.
Teen event set for Friday
The 509 Teens Back to School Bash is at 6 p.m., Friday at West Ellensburg Park. The event is for 13 to 17-year-olds will feature games, music, food and raffle prizes. The Kittitas County Recovery Community Organization sponsors the bash.
LUNCH
The FISH Open Table lunch is a turkey sandwich, pea salad and peaches. The lunch is open to all seniors age 60-plus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Ellensburg, and noon to 1 p.m., in Cle Elum. Meal sites are the Ellensburg Open Table and the Cle Elum Seventh-day Adventist Church. The community lunch for anyone needing a hot meal is from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Ellensburg location.
WEATHER
The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 88 degrees. Sunset is at 8:02 p.m., and the expected nighttime low is 57 degrees. Winds will be from 10 to 20 mph.
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