The most significant change for Ellensburg residents this week is the implementation of an appointment-only system for concealed pistol license (CPL) applications, effective September 11, as announced by the Ellensburg Police Department. This update, detailed in two articles (1 and 2), requires applicants to schedule appointments rather than walk in, with fees outlined in the new policy.
Multiple infrastructure projects began this week, including Vantage Bridge and US 2 work starting September 8-9, which will involve single-lane closures and detours. Chumstick Highway repaving and SR 410 ditching work with pilot car traffic control (ending at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday) also commenced. Reecer Creek Road guardrail repairs begin September 9, with expected detours.
The city opened public comment periods for two key documents: the draft Urban Forest Management Plan and Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan, both due September 14. These comment periods were highlighted in multiple articles (3, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22), with the Urban Forest Plan available for feedback through the same deadline.
Ellensburg Parks will close for maintenance, and the City Council will hold a remote meeting with online comment options on September 8, per state health orders. Central Transit released a new transportation survey and updated fixed route brochure on July 7, 2026, though this is not a new development for the week.
A 33-year-old man was arrested for a hate crime against a 13-year-old during a pizza delivery attempt, as reported in Article 5, though this is a standalone incident rather than a systemic change.
What to watch next: The September 14 deadline for public comments on the Urban Forest and Comprehensive Plan updates, along with ongoing road projects affecting travel patterns near Ellensburg through the fall.