Press Releases and Public Service Announcements

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.
Kittitas County 2026 Small Capital - Distressed Sales and Use Tax Grants 06/30/2026
The Kittitas County Conference of Governments (COG) is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2026 Small Capital - Distressed Sales & Use Tax Grant Program, designed to support capital projects that support economic development related public infrastructure within Kittitas County.
Notice of Value corrections issued for Solar Panel assessment. 06/29/2026
The 2026 Notices of Value included, for the first time, an assessment for residential solar panels in Kittitas County.
County Chip Sealing of Roads Begins 06/10/2026
Kittitas County Public Works Department Crews will begin the Annual Chip Sealing Program.
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
2027 Kittitas County Law and Justice Council Grant Application 05/28/2026
The Kittitas County Law and Justice (L&J) Council offers grants to community and local governmental organizations in support of the law and justice system.
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.
Treasurer's Office in Upper County Tax Collection 04/01/2026
Treasurer's Office offers tax payment collection in Upper County
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.
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.
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.