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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 11/23/2020 - Kittitas County Superior Court Presiding Judge, Scott R. Sparks, suspends jury trials until at least January 4, 2020.
On November 15, 2020, Governor Inslee anounnced a new set of restrictions for the State of Washington based on the rising number of COVIC-19 cases. Governor Inslee established new restrictions for indoor social gathers, decreased capacity in restaurants and retailers, and other crowd-limiting measures. The rising number of COVID-19 cases in our state and local community causes concern to our court. Therefore, effective immediately, the Kittitas County Superior Court will suspend jury trials through January 4, 2021. While this has been a very difficult decision to make, it is the right decision based on the extraordinary circumstances that we currently face. Changes in behaviors are needed to combat the current spike in COVID-19 cases. The Kittitas County Superior Court is not exempt from the need to take steps to push the curve down and keep people safe. Temporarily suspending jury trials is the most responsible course of action for our court to take at this moment. The safety and well-being of our community demands it. The Court has made significant modifications to jury trial operations in order to keep jurors safe, however holding trials still requires the Court to gather large groups together indoors. At this time, it is simply not worth the risk. The COurt will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases this winter and will continue to keep our community informed of any other modifications that are necessary to keep our residents safe, while also providing access to justice.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Sarah H. KeithSuperior Court Administrator509-962-7533sarah.keith.sc@co.kittitas.wa.us