Latest News

16 hours ago

We've missed some of our store and vending box customers during the quarantine, but we're back now!

Most businesses have re-opened, and we are stocking the news racks in nearly all of our usual locations across the county, including a return to Ellensburg vendors. See locations here nkctribune.com/newsstands/

Thank you for your patience during this wonky time. We look forward to re-expanding our service to our store and newspaper box customers. ... See MoreSee Less

18 hours ago

Heading into National Newspaper week, we bring you this friendly reminder that we're here for you. nkctribune.com/shop/product-category/newspapers/ ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

TAKE NOTE FOR 2021:Since 2010 we've been hard at work widening I-90 along Keechelus Lake. Doing a major project like that on an incredibly busy mountain pass highway with a limited favorable-weather window is a big challenge. Next year, the third phase of construction will start near Easton, including:
• Adding a new lane in each direction
• Replacing concrete pavement
• Stabilizing rock slopes
• Building wildlife crossings
• Improving sight distance and traffic safety
• Replacing truck climbing lanes
We have an online open house now live to share more information about what to expect for the next phase. Please take a look to learn more: engage.wsdot.wa.gov/i-90-snoqualmie-pass-east/ ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago

TAKE NOTE OF LOW TEMPS (9/27/2020):The first freeze for many of our northern valleys will occur Sunday morning. If you live in a colder valley, consider protecting your plants this weekend. ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago

TAKE NOTE AND BE CAREFUL:The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Lifts Campfire Ban

Wenatchee, WA (September 25, 2020) - Campfire restrictions have been lifted on national forest lands in Chelan, Kittitas and Yakima and Okanogan Counties. This means that forest visitors can once again enjoy campfires in all locations where campfires are normally allowed on the Methow Valley, Tonasket, Chelan, Entiat, Wenatchee River, Cle Elum, and Naches Ranger Districts.

Normal year-round restrictions remain in effect prohibiting campfires within a half mile of some Wilderness Area lakes. Campfires are not permitted in some higher elevation locations within the Wilderness. Please call individual ranger stations for specific information about these locations.

“Shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures and some precipitation in the Cascades prompted us to permit campfires again. Even though restrictions have been lessened, there is still a risk for wildland fires,” said Acting Forest Fire Management Officer Mike Davis.

“As we begin to receive these fall storms, there is often a sense that the fire danger has passed. However, as the warmer and drier temperatures return next week, it won’t take long for the lighter fuels to dry out. The heavier fuels won’t see good moisture recovery until we get significantly more precipitation, so we could still see increased fire activity. Please continue to be cautious,” said Davis.

Forest visitors should use an established fire pit or campfire ring in campgrounds, clear flammable materials from around the pit, keep the fire small. Do not leave campfires unattended and make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving.

Remember, fire danger remains high and every precaution should be taken to insure a campfire does not become a wildfire. If you find an unattended fire or spot smoke, call 911.

Beginning Saturday morning September 26, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) for zone 678W will drop to a 1. For additional IFPL information see the Washington State Department of Natural Resources page: fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/.

For more information, please see the forest web page or contact individual ranger district offices:
Methow Valley Ranger District, 509-996-4000
Tonasket Ranger District, 509-486-2186
Chelan Ranger District, 509-682-4900
Entiat Ranger District, 509-784-4700
Wenatchee River Ranger District, 509-548-2550
Cle Elum Ranger District, 509-852-1100
Naches Ranger District, 509-653-1401

Photo: Campers enjoy the warmth of a campfire. Credit: T.Iraci, USDA Forest Service ... See MoreSee Less

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5 days ago

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Burn Ban Lifted

Kittitas County, WA - The Kittitas County Fire Marshal has lifted the burn ban for unincorporated areas of Kittitas County for all zones, effective at 12:00AM 09/25/2020.

Lawful outdoor burning including campfires may resume at that time.

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Please remember that announcements like this are brought to you by your hometown news team, and supported by people who buy the Tribune newspaper. We continue to work hard to keep the community - including non-subscribers - up to date on local news. If you find our coverage helpful, if you haven’t already, please consider joining our supporters by taking out a subscription of your own. Thank you to all who make this possible. nkctribune.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less

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It’s your community, take ownership of it! Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved here, have property here, used to live here, have family and friends here, are thinking about moving here...

6 days ago

TAKE NOTE (9/25/2020):Temperatures will continue to cool into this weekend with clear nights. This will set up the potential for frosty mornings with the best potential being across the mountain valleys in north-central and northeast Washington and the Northern Panhandle. Next week will be mild with a little bit of growing left still. Make sure to cover sensitive vegetation for frost damage if wanting to take advantage of the seasonably warm temperatures next week. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago

7 days ago

TAKE NOTE:We will have Voter’s Pamphlets available for pickup beginning Monday 9/28! Just give us a call at 509-674-2313, and we can leave one out for you during our regularly scheduled Curbside Pick Up hours.
For more information on hours and Curbside Pick Up, check out our website at www.carpenter.lib.wa.us/
And for links on how to access the voter's pamphlet online or for printable PDF's in multiple languages, go to www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters-guide/2020/presidential-primary-voters-guide.aspx ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Yes, it’s time to get prepared!Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. September is National Preparedness Month so it's a great time to be sure you and your vehicle are prepared for wet, cold weather. A few things we keep in our personal vehicles:
▪️ First aid kit
▪️ Flashlight
▪️ Cell phone charger
▪️ Water and snacks
▪️ Warm clothes
▪️ Ice scraper
▪️ Jumper cables
▪️ Chains
What do you keep in your vehicle so you're prepared for winter weather? Might be a good time to check and make sure you're ready. Check our winter travel website for more tips. www.wsdot.com/winter/ ... See MoreSee Less

WDFW hosts online digital open house for South-Central WA, Sept. 28 | Northern Kittitas County Tribune

1 week ago

PRESS RELEASE - WDFW hosts online digital open house for South-Central WA, Sept. 28

YAKIMA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) director Kelly Susewind and South-Central Regional Director Mike Livingston are hosting an online meeting to discuss the vital role of public lands for people and wildlife in Yakima, Kittitas, Franklin, and Benton counties from 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28.

Members of the public can participate in the discussion and ask questions from links on the department's website at wdfw.wa.gov or zoom.us/j/92362051075.

Read the full article at: nkctribune.com/wdfw-hosts-online-digital-open-house-for-south-central-wa-sept-28/

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Please remember that announcements like this are brought to you by your hometown news team, and supported by people who buy the Tribune newspaper. We continue to work hard to keep the community - including non-subscribers - up to date. If you find our coverage helpful, if you haven’t already, please consider joining our supporters by taking out a subscription of your own. Thank you to all who make this possible. nkctribune.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less

nkctribune.com

WDFW hosts online digital open house for South-Central WA, Sept. 28 Sep 23, 2020 Director Susewind, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Forterra to discuss public land stewardship YAKIMA – Washington ...

2020-21 Student & Athlete Champions Package | NKC Tribune Store

1 week ago

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for CLE ELUM-ROSLYN, THORP & EASTON SCHOOLS all year long!

As a champion of local schools, your name/business will appear in the Tribune newspaper on:
• Academic & Athletic Student of the Week
• “Class Act” Spotlight (honoring 2021 High School Seniors)
• High School Graduation Sections
• Student & School Provided Content and More!

As an added bonus, you’ll receive a #CERSDStrong sign to proudly display.

For more info, call the Tribune 509-674-2511.
Online Easy Pay at: nkctribune.com/shop/shop/2020-21-student-athlete-champions-package/ ... See MoreSee Less

www.nkctribune.com

You’ve seen the pages in the Tribune recognizing the efforts and achievements of local students, with a list of sponsors who made them possible. While some things may look different this year, one t...

1 week ago

READY OR NOT, HERE IT COMES!Fall starts at 6:31 AM PDT on Tuesday Sept 22nd. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE (9/18/2020): ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

FUN FACT: ... See MoreSee Less

Video

2 weeks ago

WILDFIRE UPDATE (9/18/2020):#ColdCreekFire #WAWildFire A perimeter fire map of Thursday, September 17, 2020 inciweb.nwcg.gov/inci #WaWILDFIRE
U.S. Forest Service - Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest ... See MoreSee Less

DNR to Reopen Eastern Washington Recreation Lands Friday, Sept. 18 | Northern Kittitas County Tribune

2 weeks ago

PRESS RELEASE - DNR to Reopen Eastern Washington Recreation Lands Friday, Sept. 18

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reopening all recreation lands east of the Cascades to recreation beginning Friday, Sept. 18. Eastside recreation was initially closed on Sept. 8 due to critical wildfire danger. While fire danger overall has decreased slightly, it is extremely important to stay diligent when it comes to fire safety.

Read full report at: nkctribune.com/dnr-to-reopen-eastern-washington-recreation-lands-friday-sept-18/

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Please remember that announcements like this are brought to you by your hometown news team, and supported by people who buy the Tribune newspaper. We continue to work hard to keep the community - including non-subscribers - up to date. If you find our coverage helpful, if you haven’t already, please consider joining our supporters by taking out a subscription of your own. Thank you to all who make this possible. nkctribune.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less

nkctribune.com

DNR to Reopen Eastern Washington Recreation Lands Friday, Sept. 18 Sep 17, 2020 OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reopening all recreation lands east of the Cas...

2 weeks ago

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE (9/17/2020): ... See MoreSee Less

Sept 17 rock blasting closure on Interstate 90 canceled | Northern Kittitas County Tribune

2 weeks ago

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCMENT: Sept 17 rock blasting closure on Interstate 90 cancelled

The rock blasting closure on Interstate 90, east of Snoqualmie Pass on Thursday Sept. 17 is cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Rock blasting is part of the next phase of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project to widen a six-mile stretch of highway from four to six lanes and improve reliability and safety between the Cabin Creek interchange and the West Easton interchange. This multi-year project is funded by the 2015 Connecting Washington funding package and is scheduled to be complete in 2025.

Travelers are encouraged to use the following tools to plan their trips over I-90. Notifications will be posted every Thursday to indicate the following week’s rock blasting closure schedule.

For more information regarding I-90 travel, use the following communications tools to help plan your trip:
• Visit the Snoqualmie Mountain Pass webpage for real-time travel information, traction tire requirements and to view traffic cameras
• Download WSDOT’s free smartphone app to check statewide travel information
• Receive text message alerts about closures and delays by texting the number 468311 with the words "WSDOT Snoqualmie"
• Tune into the Highway Advisory Radio at 1610 AM and 530 AM
• Call 5-1-1 from your hands-free device
• Sign up for email updates
• Follow us on Twitter @SnoqualmiePass
• For freight-related restrictions, please visit the Commercial Vehicle Services Road Restrictions website

nkctribune.com/sept-17-rock-blasting-closure-on-interstate-90-canceled/

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Please remember that announcements like this are brought to you by your hometown news team, and supported by people who buy the Tribune newspaper. We continue to work hard to keep the community - including non-subscribers - up to date. If you find our coverage helpful, if you haven’t already, please consider joining our supporters by taking out a subscription of your own. Thank you to all who make this possible. nkctribune.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less

nkctribune.com

Sept 17 rock blasting closure on Interstate 90 canceled Sep 17, 2020 The rock blasting closure on Interstate 90, east of Snoqualmie Pass on Thursday, Sept. 17 is canceled and will be rescheduled at a ...

2 weeks ago

TAKE NOTE (9/16/2020):The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of fraudulent phone calls involving Puget Sound Energy (PSE). We verified with PSE that these are scam calls targeting local utility customers in which the scammer demands immediate payment of an “overdue” bill.

The phone calls use “spoofing technology” that displays Puget Sound Energy’s name and phone number when they call to threaten disconnection of service—usually within 30 minutes—if immediate payment is not made with a prepaid debit or money card.

If you receive a call like this, please verify the information by contacting PSE directly before giving any personal information or discussing your account status. You can also contact local law enforcement if you suspect or experience fraudulent activity.

PSE’s website, www.pse.com/pages/scam-alerts, lists these helpful tips to protect yourself from fraud:

• PSE never asks or requires customers who have delinquent accounts to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.

• Customers who have delinquent accounts receive multiple notifications from us by mail and over the phone for several weeks prior to disconnection.

• Customers with concerns about a call to pay their bill should hang up and call us directly at 1-888-225-5773 by looking up the phone number on PSE.com or on their PSE bill.

• We encourage you to report suspicious, fraudulent calls and emails. These agencies have taken the lead on investigating utility scams:

Washington Attorney General’s Office
1-800-551-4636
www.atg.wa.gov/FileAComplaint.aspx#Online

Federal Trade Commission
1-877-FTC-HELP
www.ftc.gov/complaint ... See MoreSee Less