Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Clean Energy Siting and Permitting (CESP) 11/05/2026
Kittitas County is evaluating the siting and permitting of solar, wind, battery storage systems (BESS), geothermal, and small modular reactors (SMRs) in the county.
Kittitas County Seeks Community Members to Serve on Public Facilities District Board 11/04/2026
The Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking interested community members to serve as County representatives on the newly established Kittitas County Public Facilities District (PFD) Board of Directors.
Second Backyard Flock Tests Positive for Avian Influenza 10/28/2026
A second backyard poultry flock in Kittitas County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. As fall migration continues, wild birds moving through Washington can carry and spread HPAI. Seasonal virus spread is expected, and residents should take precautions to protect backyard poultry and avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Avian Influenza Detected in Kittitas County 10/12/2026
On October 9th, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in a backyard poultry flock in Kittitas County.
Kittitas County Updates Jury System 10/05/2026
The Courts of Kittitas County seek to improve the jury experience and reduce costs by
leveraging technology to streamline the process for citizens and staff.
Kittitas County Burn Ban to End September 30 09/28/2026
Kittitas County Fire Marshal Dan Young announced that the county’s burn ban will be lifted at noon on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, when the Governor’s statewide burn ban ends.
Treasurer's Office in Upper County Tax Collection 10/01/2026
Treasurer's Office offers tax payment collection in Upper County
New Cle Elum Transfer Station Entrance Coming September 1st 08/21/2026
The Cle Elum Transfer Station located at 50 #5 Mine Road will have a new entrance location and one-way traffic pattern starting Tuesday, September 1st.
Level 1 “Get Ready” Evacuation Notice Expanded Along Salmon La Sac Road 08/21/2026
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 – “Get Ready” Evacuation Awareness notice for residences and communities along Salmon La Sac Road north of Davis Creek, on the west side of Lake Cle Elum.
GIS & Mapping Systems Maintenance Scheduled for Thursday, 7/30/2026 07/30/2026
The Kittitas County Information Technology Department will be conducting critical maintenance to our GIS System this afternoon, Thursday, July 30th, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM (PDT). We expect this to result in loss of service during the maintenance process and for those services to be fully restored by Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00 AM (PDT).
Public Input Sought on Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan and Annual Construction Program 07/15/2026
The public comment period for the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan will be conducted online from July 15th to August 5th,, 2026. The proposed plan will be available for public review on the Kittitas County Public Works website, where community members may also submit comments and suggestions regarding proposed transportation projects.
Kittitas County Burn Ban to Begin July 8, 2026 07/06/2026
A burn ban has been issued for unincorporated Kittitas County beginning at 00:01 AM on July 8, 2026. The burn ban prohibits open burning, also known as pile burning or debris burning. Open burning includes any ignition or burning of any combustible material outdoors. This includes garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, branches, litter, paper, vegetative matter, and other debris.

The use of propane or gas stoves, or of charcoal briquette grills or smokers, is not prohibited. Campfires are allowed in approved fire rings in officially designated campgrounds only. Users must exercise extreme caution disposing of burnt charcoal and ensure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.
New Lower County Transfer Station Ribbon Cutting Event & Opening Day Schedule 07/01/2026
To celebrate the completion of the New Lower County Transfer Station, Kittitas County Solid Waste Programs cordially invites the community to join us for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2603 W Green Ave in Ellensburg on Friday, July 10th from 2-3pm.
Commissioner Cory Wright Announces Resignation to Lead Countywide Economic Development Effort 06/10/2026
Kittitas County Commissioner Cory Wright today announced his resignation from the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners to accept the position of Executive Director of the Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership (KCEDP), a new countywide organization dedicated to strengthening economic opportunity and prosperity throughout Kittitas County. Wright's resignation will become effective on July 31, concluding more than eight years of service on the Board of County Commissioners and continuing a family tradition of public service in Kittitas County that spans more than 150 years
Potential Measles Exposure at Valley View Elementary School 04/23/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is working with Valley View Elementary school in response to potential measles exposures at the school. With 3 current confirmed measles cases, Kittitas County will be considered in outbreak status by the Washington State Department of Health.
Veterans Resource Fair Happening Tomorrow 04/17/2026
The Kittitas County Veterans Resource Fair is happening tomorrow, April 18, at the Central Washington University Student Union (SURC) from 9:00am to 2:00 pm. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
New Confirmed Case of Measles in Kittitas County 04/14/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) has a new confirmed case of measles as of today. The patient is an adult with an unknown vaccination status. Our total number of confirmed cases in Kittitas County since January 2026 is now 5. This confirmed case does not show any connection to the family that is currently isolated.
Kittitas County Has Had 4 Cases of Measles in 2026 04/13/2026
Kittitas County has now had 4 cases of measles in 2026. Kittitas County Public Health Department continues to work on this measles response. We want our community to be informed and safe.
Confirmed Case of Measles in Kittitas County 04/03/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is working with the Washington State Department of Health regarding an individual who has tested positive for measles. The individual is currently ill and staying home to heal. KCPHD is working closely with the individual and household members to monitor the situation.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month 03/31/2026
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the month, several buildings in Kittitas County will feature blue lighting to call attention to the effort. Participants include Central Washington University, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Kittitas (City), Kittitas County, Roslyn, and South Cle Elum.