LAST CHANCE REMINDER - we're just $685 shy of our goal of raising $2,000 for ARRF Animal Rescue this holiday season through the NKC Tribune's "Buddy's Buddies Pet Giving Tree" in our lobby. Help us "Paw It Forward" in memory of our beloved previous orange tabby office cat, Buddy. You can make it on behalf of current pet(s) or in memory of pet(s) that have joined Buddy across the Rainbow Bridge. 100% of donations are given to ARRF Animal Rescue to use to help local pets in need with food, spays & neuters, veterinary care and shelter expenses. Donations can be dropped off through Jan. 9, 2025 at the Tribune office at 807 W. Davis St., by Safeway in Cle Elum, or mailed to "Buddy's Buddies, c/o NKC Tribune, PO Box 308, Cle Elum, WA 98922.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PSE:

Puget Sound Energy preparing for more storms during the holidays
PSE encourages customers to prepare for potential power outages

BELLEVUE, Wash. (Dec. 23, 2025) – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) urges customers to prepare for potential power outages this holiday week as a significant windstorm approaches our region Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

This storm comes on the heels of over a week of severe weather, including heavy rain and flooding. Heavily saturated ground increases the risk of trees falling over, which can cause damage to both underground and overhead power lines.

PSE’s meteorologist is watching the incoming storm, which they say has the potential to push wind speeds past 50 mph in some areas of western Washington.

"We know how important the holidays are for spending time with loved ones, and how disruptive it is to be without power, especially after recent outages caused by high winds and heavy rain. We are proactively staffing first responders and crews to prepare and are encouraging our customers to prepare their homes and emergency kits now," said a company representative.

Storm Safety Info:

As PSE works to safely restore your power, please follow these tips to keep your home and business safe.
- Assume all wires on the ground are energized. Never touch or go within 35 feet of any wire on the ground. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report any wire on the ground.
- If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies, and other flammable materials.
- Always use flashlights instead of candles.
- Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Never install or use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those that are ventilated. When using your generator outdoors during a power outage, avoid placing it near windows, doors and vents. More generator safety tips: pse.com/en/pages/generator-safety
- Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source.
- Additional carbon monoxide safety information: pse.com/en/pages/carbon-monoxide
- Never charge your phone or other devices in a running vehicle with the garage door closed.
- Make sure that natural gas appliances are maintained and operated according to manufacturer's recommendations.

In the event of a flood:
- If your gas meter becomes partially or fully submerged in flood waters, report it by calling PSE at 1-888-225-5773.
- Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or electrical outlets below the water line may pose a hazard.
- Know the signs of a possible gas leak: a “rotten egg” smell, bubbling in standing water, or a hissing sound near the damaged equipment. If you notice any of these signs, leave the area right away. Avoid anything that might spark, then call 911 and PSE at 1-888-225-5773 once you're safe. Learn more at PSE.com/GasSafety.

Report, track outages
http://pse.com/storm
Online outage reporting: pse.com/outage
Outage map: pse.com/outagemap
myPSE mobile app: pse.com/app

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Weather Advisory 12/17/25
(see details below)

COMMUNITY SERVICE - ARRF PETS OF THE WEEK

We're sharing this full article from the Dec. 11, 2025 NKC Tribune in the holiday spirit of our Buddy's Buddies Pet Giving Tree benefiting ARRF Animal Rescue as an example of the kind of work ARRF does for pets in our community.

While we usually ask that our articles not be shared digitally, and instead please share a link for others to buy their own copy of the paper (so peeps will help support our sustainablilty by buying our work!) feel free to share this particular story with our blessing.

Article by Terry Hamberg with help from our friends at ARRF:

‘The Spice Girls’ felines looking to turn sad story into joyful song this holiday season

by Terry Hamberg

"So tell me what you want, what you really really want ...”

Three cats dubbed “The Spice Girls,” Cinnamon, Pepper and Sugar came to ARRF Animal Rescue under particularly sad circumstances, but they really really “Wannabe” hooked up with happy new digs this holiday season.

Back in early November, the Cle Elum, Roslyn Police Department and local EMT’s were called out regarding a suspected medical emergency with an unresponsive woman in a car stopped at an unusual angle in a local parking lot.

Sadly they were unable to revive the woman, and a further search of the vehicle revealed that three cats were also inside with her. The animals were taken to the ARRF Foster Care shelter in Roslyn. ARRF Director Lori Clemente reported, “While we don’t know how long they had been there, we’re relieved to say they are now safe and comfortable.

“All three are incredibly sweet, social cats who have adjusted well and now have full run of our cat room. They don’t appear to be strongly bonded to one another, but each has a wonderful personality and plenty of love to give. We’re simply grateful we could provide them with a safe and caring place to land until they can get vetted and be placed for adoption.” The fact that they are not strongly bonded opens up the possibility of being adopted out individually if someone is looking for a single cat or two.

Lucky Cinnamon

In fact, one lucky girl out of the trio, Cinnamon, the tortoise shell colored one, just landed her dream home this week. “She warmed up to her new family right away and even strutted into her carrier, ready for her next adventure,” Clemente said, “Cinnamon is a sweet, chatty girl who loves to share her thoughts and show off her playful side. She adores her toys and absolutely melts for a good brushing session. We’re absolutely thrilled for her and know she’ll bring her new family the same joy and sweetness she shared with us. Congratulations, Cinnamon!”

Sugar and Pepper ready for THEIR furever homes

The white and black cats are still waiting for their turn to be welcomed into a new home. “Say You’ll Be There,” another Spice Girls hit seems to be an appropriate plea from these affectionate felines. They offer an opportunity to “Spice Up Your Life”!

Sweet as Sugar

So sweet she had to be called Sugar, the 5 year old all-white spayed female domestic short hair loves making biscuits in her blankets, which is as adorable as it sounds. ARRF foster Deanne Cook said, "She really is sweeter than sugar, she loves attention."

“Sugar is an absolute sweetheart,” Lori confirms, “While she can be a bit timid in new situations, a little time and patience will help her confidence blossom. She loves curling up in your lap, enjoys being brushed, and will make a truly wonderful companion. She is a wonderfully sweet girl with a heartbreaking past, and she is now ready to find the loving forever home she deserves.”

Pepper the Stomper

At the other end of the spectrum, the 5 year old all-black kitty has a more peppery personality to go with it. “This sweet girl is full of personality. She can be a bit bossy at times and isn’t afraid to ‘stomp’ her feelings, but that’s all part of her quirky, lovable character,” said Clemente. “Pepper may be carrying a little extra love around the middle, but she’s working on her fitness—and her charm more than makes up for it! “Pepper adores being brushed, enjoys exploring her surroundings, and would be over the moon to have a family of her own for Christmas.

“Pepper is truly the queen of her domain and would love the chance to reign over a family of her own. Despite her heartbreaking past, she is incredibly sweet and full of personality. Pepper is ready to find a loving home where she can shine and be cherished as she deserves.” Cook added, "She is so funny with her stomping silly walk and chasing toys!"

Home for Christmas?

ARRF is actively seeking loving homes for the remaining two cats, but in the meantime the volunteers have brought a bit of holiday fun into their lives. The cat room at the shelter has been decked out with holiday cheer. In addition, Lori said with a laugh, “We had a fun photo shoot in the cat room. Pepper was quite the little star, Sugar seemed convinced the photographer had lost her mind, and Cinnamon… well, her expression suggested ‘murder, death, kill.’ Despite their opinions on modeling, they all looked absolutely adorable.”

The Spice Girls recorded their own rendition of a favorite holiday classic,“Sleigh Ride” which reminds us of the joyful time of year we are currently celebrating. In the spirit of the season, now through Christmas the adoption fee is sponsored for these two, so this is an excellent time to bring a Spice Girl into your life. Just keep in mind that pets are longterm commitments, and it’s best to make a family decision together rather than springing them as surprise “gifts”. To learn more about Sugar, Pepper and all adoptable pets being offered by ARRF, visit https://www.arrfanimalrescue.org/adopt .

All pets are only seen by appointment. To ensure safe, loving and forever homes for their pets, prospective adopters will be asked to fill out an application, pay an adoption fee (currently sponsored for Pepper and Sugar) and a home check will be done prior to placement.

As The Spice Girls sing, “Viva Forever, I’ll be waiting ...”

Want your own copy of this story and more local news? This entire issue of the NKC Tribune available digitally at https://nkctribune.com/sales/december-11-2025-issue-digital-single-copy-purchase/ or print copies at the Tribune office, or order mailed copies at https://nkctribune.com/sales/single-copy-purchase/ and select the 12/11/25 issue.

Be advised (12/15/25):