The most significant change for Ellensburg residents this week is the start of I-5 lane closures for maintenance. Northbound I-5 lanes will close daily from 6-10 a.m. on August 15-16, with additional ramp closures also scheduled. One right lane of the I-5 on-ramp from East Grand Avenue will close daily until August 31 for utility work, and multiple I-5 and I-405 lanes will close nightly through mid-August for roadwork.
The Kittitas Valley Memorial Pool & Fitness Center reopens on August 14 after a brief closure due to poor air quality on August 13. The pool had been closed for maintenance earlier but resumed operations on August 14.
City Council meetings will shift to a remote format for the March 1, 2021, meeting due to pandemic restrictions, with new guidelines for public participation. Similar adjustments to public participation rules for the March 1 meeting were also announced.
Kittitas County is appointing a new commissioner for District 1, with finalists named for the seat vacated by Cory Wright's resignation. Commissioners will select the appointee later this month.
The Adult Activity Center is recruiting volunteers for a senior lounge at the Kittitas County Fair starting August 14. The Parks Commission also has vacancies open for residents to apply.
Central Transit updated its fixed route map and survey for Kittitas County residents. The agency released a new transportation survey and updated fixed-route brochure in July 2026 and November 2024, respectively.
Kittitas County Commissioners approved a six-month emergency ban on new data center projects amid community concerns. The county also launched a new online services portal for residents to access county services, including permits and property records.
What to watch next: The August 17 City Council meeting will address ongoing community concerns, and the I-5 lane closures will continue through mid-August, affecting daily commuters.