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Washington's Drone Deployment to Monitor Drought Effects on Endangered Bull Trout in Yakima Basin
In response to drought conditions in Washington State's Kittitas and Yakima counties, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is taking to the skies. Starting July 9, WDFW staff will execute a series of drone flights aimed at observing how depleted water flows are impacting bull trout, a species currently deemed threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. As water levels diminish with the progression of summer, drones will be assessing the emergence of potential barriers hindering fish migration.
Kittitas County imposes burn ban as dry conditions continue
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash.- Officials have banned open burning starting Tuesday, July 9, citing public safety concerns. According to the Kittitas County Fire Marshall, the ban will be in effect in lower Kittitas County, which includes Elk Heights east to the Columbia River. This also includes the Thorp and Elk Heights areas, the surrounding Ellensburg and Kittitas areas, and Vantage jurisdictions.
Hotter for the 4th. Dangerous heatwave arrives Friday, likely peaking next week.
Today: Happy 4th! The holiday will feature plenty of sunshine with highs about 5 degrees above average. It’ll be in the mid-70s in the mountains, with low to mid-90s in the Kittitas/Yakima valleys, Lower Columbia Basin, and Blue Foothills. Fire fuels won’t necessarily be the driest we’ve seen thus far this year, but that’s no reason to let your guard down. Please exercise extreme fire safety today–especially if you decide to shoot off fireworks!
Drones to be Used to Monitor Effects of Low Water Flows on Threatened Bull Trout
YAKIMA – Starting July 9 and continuing into the fall, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff will use a series of drone flights to assess the effects of low water flows on bull trout movement and migration in Kittitas and Yakima counties. This work is particularly important this year as these counties are experiencing drought conditions.
Weather Alert...Long-lasting heat wave and increased fire danger
WEATHER ALERT- Long-duration heat wave with record breaking temperatures. WHEN: Friday July 5 at 12 p.m. Until Saturday July 13 at 10 p.m. Excessive heat for temperatures 95° to 110°. High risk of heat related illness. Drink lots of water and take immediate action if symptoms of heat exhaustion appear.
Christmastime rescue on Taneum Ridge prompts theft charge
An Ellensburg man who was rescued from Taneum Ridge on Christmas Eve 2023 has been charged with theft and vehicle prowling. Giovanni G. Munguia Magana, 31, was arraigned Monday in Kittitas County Superior Court on the criminal accusations. During a brief hearing, Munguia Magana pleaded not guilty to second-degree theft and second-degree vehicle prowling. His trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 17. ...
Cabin crasher chased off by property owner with AR-15
A 46-year-old Ellensburg man was arrested Sunday for burglary and possession of a controlled substance after a property owner armed with an AR-15 rifle found the man inside one of his cabins near Teanaway Junction. Jathan Lee Van Weerdhuizen made his first appearance in Kittitas County Superior Court on Monday. Deputy Prosecutor Patricia Todd asked that the bail set during his arrest over the weekend stay at the same amount. ...
City & County to Establish Temporary Seasonal Overnight Cold Weather Shelter
ELLENSBURG, Wash. — At their Joint City/County meeting on June 13, the Ellensburg City Council and the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners agreed to work together to establish a temporary Cold Weather Shelter for the upcoming winter season. This temporary shelter would replace the services formerly provided by the local faith community. City and County staff will be working collaboratively to establish a facility to serve as a temporary location for this wintertime overnight shelter from mid-November through March.
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