Happy weekend, Kittitas County! In today’s happening-today edition: Fire response updates, dachshunds on parade, and top hand competition + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Fire response continues: Evacuations were lifted and roads reopened as the 3,900-acre Roza Fire reached 20% containment between Ellensburg and Selah, and firefighters continued working along I-82 in the area -- see the fire update.
Fire response updates: Travel returned to normal between Selah and Ellensburg after the Roza Fire closed Yakima River Canyon. Burbank Creek evacuation was lifted, and containment stood at 20% on 3,923 acres -- read the full story.
Students offer fresh hotel ideas: WSU Carson College students helped Ellensburg’s TownePlace Suites and a Redmond hotel streamline operations and boost guest satisfaction, with recommendations including dinner service staff and stronger digital marketing, under consideration -- explore the student ideas.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local sips, happy bites: Kittitas Cafe is the spot this week when you want real-deal Whidbey Coffee, house-made syrups, and a seasonal coffee flight, plus breakfast and lunch that feels like brunch with friends. Proudly woman-owned, and their Summer Concert Series out back hits just right if you like tunes with your latte.
Quick mountain reset: Whether you want an easy unplug or a simple first-night-out warmup, Lion Rock Spring Campground sits up on Table Mountain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a low-key perch of pines, cool breezes, and wide-open skies. Close enough for a weeknight, still feels a world away.
Swing, rain or shine: The Ponderosa Club is Ellensburg’s indoorsy excuse to keep your game sharp, with full‑course golf simulators, comfy hangout vibes, and the kind of data that tells you exactly why that fade won’t fade. Grab a buddy, book a bay, and call it your practice night this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏃 Palouse to Cascades Marathon + Relay @ Historic Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (Ellensburg) | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 AM – Round up three friends and tackle a leg each on the Palouse to Cascades relay, winding through Kittitas County tunnels, bridges, small towns, and backcountry on the old railbed. Apparently relays are trendy now, Discovery Pass is required, and the no-booze rule means celebrate after.
🐶 Dachshunds & Friends on Parade @ Unity Park (Ellensburg) | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Think your pup has the best wiggle butt, or a prizeworthy kisser? Unity Park hosts our long-running dog parade for all breeds, with wiener dog races, costume and trick contests, new Best Smile and Best Kisser, and athletes we can all actually root for.
🤠 2026 Top Hand Competition @ Operating Engineers Regional Training Program (Ellensburg) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Think you only operate heavy equipment in the garden? At IUOE Local 302/612’s Top Hand Competition, union pros show off on cranes and excavators, you can try simulators, the kids go wild in bounce houses and sand pits, and lunch comes from local vendors.
📚 Tulip's Book Barn Sale @ Hal Holmes Community Center (Ellensburg) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:30 AM – Think your TBR pile is scary? Swing by Tulip's Book Barn on the first and third Saturday for nearly all $1 books, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs, a bargain that beats latte money, and benefits Ellensburg Public Library and Hal Holmes Community Center.
🍦 2nd Annual Free Father’s Day Ice Cream Social @ Dusty's Nursery & Company (Ellensburg) | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to celebrate Dad without a crowded brunch, try free Winegars sundaes the day before Father’s Day. Bring Dad, borrow a Grandpa, or come solo, and keep scooping until the tubs are tapped. Beats buying another necktie.
🥾 Teanaway Trail Fest @ Dru Bru (Cle Elum) | Saturday (6/20) at 3:00 PM – Give your trail shoes a purpose and your wallet a workout at this annual fundraiser for Towns to Teanaway, keeping our Teanaway Community Forest paths loved, legal, and open. Expect community vibes, trail know-how, and the warm glow of earned trail karma, not just selfies.
🎶 Classics+Rock - 4th Annual Community Choir Concert & Silent Auction @ Ellensburg United Methodist Church | Saturday (6/20) at 6:00 PM – Think a church can’t handle a rock band and a community choir? Ellensburg’s Valley Voices return with the 4th annual Classics+Rock, mixing harmonies, a rock band, the Poet Laureate, and MME Kids Pop Choir, plus a silent auction to keep the music local, and lovable. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Kittitas County report Weather forecastToday — High: 82°F — Low: 50°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 82. Northwest wind 16 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northwest wind 6 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 85°F — Low: 53°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 85. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. This house is wildThis fully remodeled 33-plus-acre farm and ranch pairs Badger Creek frontage with serious country infrastructure. The home has new foundations, systems, finishes, and a primary suite addition, while heated travertine and ceramic floors add a polished touch. Outside, barns, a shop, orchard, vineyard, greenhouse, and fenced pastures make this property equal parts practical and picturesque.
Take a peek inside → |
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