PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Kittitas County Public Health Notified of Influenza Related Death

Kittitas County, WA - 03/14/2025 - The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) received notice of a death related to influenza in Kittitas County. “We realize that Kittitas County is still a small community; we want to acknowledge the loss of this individual and provide the appropriate information to the community,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson.

Individual cases of influenza are not notifiable conditions to health jurisdictions. KCPHD is only notified of influenza related incidents when there is an outbreak or a death. In this case, the death was caused by influenza A.

Influenza is best prevented by an annual vaccine. If individuals are interested, you can still get a vaccine to protect against this year’s strains. Other ways to prevent influenza are staying home when you are sick, frequently washing your hands, good hygiene around covering your cough, and properly disposing of tissue.

If you are sick with influenza like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue) you should contact your provider. By contacting your provider, you can prevent a severe infection and there may be antiviral medication available.

People who are the most at risk for severe illness or death from influenza are young children and older adults or individuals who are immunocompromised. By staying home when you are sick, washing hands frequently, and considering getting a vaccine this year and next year, you can help to prevent the spread of influenza in our county.

More information can be found at www.doh.wa.gov about symptoms and flu activity. Currently, KCPHD has influenza vaccines available for anyone 18 and under. There is no fee associated and parents or caregivers just need to call KCPHD to schedule an appointment at 509-962-7515. Anyone 19 and over can contact their pharmacy or ask their provider for a flu vaccine.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can contact KCPHD at 509-962-7515.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

FISHING RULE CHANGE ON CLE ELUM RIVER
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
March 13, 2025

Portion of Cle Elum River to close to all fishing
Action: Closes all fishing immediately downstream of Cle Elum Dam.

Species affected: All species.

Effective dates: Immediately, until further notice.

Location: Cle Elum River from the base of Cle Elum Dam downstream to the “Green Bridge” located approximately 2,000 feet downstream near the salmon viewing trailhead.

Reason for action: Ongoing construction of fish passage facilities near the dam, including planned in-channel work is impacting both banks of the river. To reduce impact on fish-life during construction, this reach of the river must be closed to angling until work is completed.

Additional information: The Cle Elum River below the closure area remains open under selective gear rules with catch and release required for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.

Information contact: South Central Region, 509-575-2740, or Trevor Hutton, Region 3 Fish Program Manager, 564-200-2094.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit https://wdfw.wa.gov to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

WSDOT TRAVEL ALERT (3/10/25):
New Alert 12:39 pm
Collision I-90 Eastbound at milepost 81 near Cle Elum. Traffic is experiencing backups and delays to due to a collision blocking the right lane.

The Tribune office is now open. If you tried to come in earlier today and found it closed, we apologize for the inconvenience as we had an unexpected staffing issue. We will be open until 5pm like usual today. Thank you for your understanding.