Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

County to Request Taxpayers to Pay Exact Change for Cash Transactions 02/20/2026
In 2025, the US Treasury Department ceased minting new pennies for circulation.
Active Response to Measles Case in Kittitas County Ends 02/02/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is no longer actively responding to the case of measles identified in Kittitas County last month. All close contacts who were being monitored have passed the quarantine date and no longer need to stay home. There have been no additional reports of individuals with symptoms. As a result, KCPHD is also closing the measles call center. We want to thank students, staff, faculty, and partners like Central Washington University and Kittitas Valley Healthcare.
Influenza Related Death in Kittitas County 01/27/2026
The Washington State Department of Health notified Kittitas County Public Health (KCPHD) of a possible influenza death. Sadly, KCPHD has confirmed that an individual has died from an influenza related death.
Sheriff's Office Public Information Survey Results 01/23/2026
WHAT WE HEARD FROM THE PUBLIC: 2026 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY. At the start of this year, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office invited the public to share feedback on how we communicate about public safety, emergencies, and our work in the community. More than 470 people took the time to respond. We appreciate that engagement and want to share what we learned—and how we plan to use it.
2026 Kittitas County Tax Roll Certified 01/15/2026
On January 15, 2026, the 2026 Kittitas County Tax Roll was certified. The process for printing tax statements will begin soon and mailing of the statements is expected in mid-February.
Confirmed Case of Measles in Kittitas County 01/15/2026
The Kittitas County Public Health Department is working with Central Washington University (CWU) and the Washington State Department of Health regarding a CWU student who has tested positive for measles. The individual is doing OK and is receiving medical attention.
Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for local voters' pamphlet 12/15/2025
Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for local voters’ pamphlet
Flood Waters Can Be Harmful to Health 12/09/2025
Certain parts of Kittitas County are currently experiencing flooding. Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) and the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office want people in those areas to be aware that flood water can be harmful to your health, including the risks of exposure to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.
Public Hearing to Consider 1/10th tax funding for mental health and substance use disorder prevention 11/25/2025
Kittitas County will host a public hearing on December 2, 2025, in the Commissioners’ Auditorium at 205 West 5th Avenue, Room 109, in the courthouse to consider the 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax. This public hearing will address the 2027 sunset clause.
Celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Operation Green Light 11/05/2025
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) are celebrating the fifth anniversary of Operation Green Light to show support for veterans by lighting up their buildings in green from November 5-11, 2025.
Kittitas County Announces the Passing of Nicholas (Nick) Henderson 10/22/2025
Kittitas County Government announces with sadness the passing of Kittitas County Coroner Nicholas (Nick) Henderson.
Kittitas County Invites Volunteers to Serve on Boards, Committees, and Commissions 10/14/2025
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Kittitas County is currently seeking volunteers to serve on a wide range of Boards, Committees, and Commissions. These groups either have current vacancies or will have seats opening as terms expire at the end of 2025.

By volunteering, residents have the opportunity to actively contribute to the decisions that shape our region. Whether your passion lies in public health, land use, veterans’ affairs, environmental stewardship, or community planning, there’s a place for your voice.
2025 Annual Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic & Emergency Exercise is October 24, from 7 am to 4 pm 10/13/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) will be holding our annual drive-thru flu vaccination clinic and emergency preparedness exercise on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 7 am to 4 pm.
KITTITAS COUNTY AND CITIES ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT AMID HISTORIC WATER RESTRICTIONS 10/2/2025
Kittitas County, WA – Kittitas County and the communities of Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas, South Cle Elum, and Ronald are jointly alerting all residents, businesses, and water users of a historic emergency restriction on surface water use beginning October 6.

The restrictions, shared Wednesday Afternoon October 1, 2025 by the Department of Ecology, result from three consecutive years of drought, leading to critically low river flows and reservoir levels in the Yakima River Basin. Water supplies are now insufficient to meet the needs of both junior and senior water rights holders, triggering curtailments with unprecedented reach.
Passport Services Now Available at the Kittitas County Public Health Department 09/30/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) has started providing passport services. Passport processing services are available in English or Spanish. We accept walk-ins during the passport services hours:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:30am to 12:00pm

Tuesday, Thursday
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Please Be Aware of Changing Air Quality Conditions 09/24/2025
Kittitas County is currently under an air quality alert, which has been issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). Growing fires like the Lower Sugarloaf and Labor Mountain have resulted in smoke and air quality alert, according to the Washington Smoke Blog. The alert for Kittitas expires at midnight with conditions expected to improve.
Possible Changing Air Conditions in Kittitas County from Wildfire Smoke 09/03/2025
Kittitas County is currently under an air quality alert, which has been issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). Smoke from the Wildcat Fire may affect the air quality in Kittitas County and the alert issued by Ecology is effective until further notice.
Public Health Provides Free Vaccines at Back-to-School Clinics 08/19/2025
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) will be providing free back to school vaccinations for children and teens ages 4 through 18 years old. Two vaccine clinics will be available for local school district students:

Serving students in the Ellensburg School District at:
• Ellensburg High School (1203 E Capital Ave, Ellensburg)
Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 10am to 2pm

Serving students in the Cle Elum – Roslyn School District at:
• Walter Strom Middle School (2694 WA-93, Cle Elum)
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5pm to 7pm
Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan 08/18/2025
Seeking public comment on the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan and Annual Construction Program.
Kittitas County Now Accepting Lodging Tax Grant Applications for Projects 08/01/2025
Kittitas County, WA – 08-01-2025-Kittitas County is now accepting applications for 2026 Lodging Tax Fund Grants for Special Events and Projects. This call for applications is county-wide.

The application is posted online on the County’s website and can be easily accessed at the following link:
https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/auditor/accounting/lodging-tax/cltac-guide.aspx

The application process is only available digitally and must be completed and submitted exclusively online