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- Kittitas County Covid-19 public information transitioning to more long-term response February 7, 2022Kittitas County COVID-19 Data Update Kittitas County, WA – 02/07/2022 – Moving forward some COVID-19 information may not be available or provide the full picture of ...Continue Reading...
- Record Number of Positive COVID-19 Cases in One Day in Kittitas County January 5, 2022
Kittitas County Public Health Department Receives Record Number of Positive COVID-19 Cases in One Day Kittitas County, WA – 01/05/2022 – The Kittitas County Public Health ...Continue Reading... - Census Bureau Data Reveal Decline in School Enrollment October 20, 2021U.S. school enrollment dropped by 2.9 million from 2019 to 2020, with enrollment among the under-35 population dipping to its lowest level (52.4% of the ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on coverage for COVID-19 counseling October 15, 2021Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extends his emergency order on coverage for counseling on the COVID-19 vaccine to Nov. 14, 2021. Read the Full Emergency Order HERE.Continue Reading...
- USDA Celebrates National School Lunch Week, School Meal Program Resiliency throughout the Pandemic October 12, 2021WASHINGTON – During a visit to Riverdale Elementary in Riverdale, Maryland today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ...Continue Reading...
- Public-Private partnership releases VACCS report as a guide for future collaboration, highlighting milestones October 11, 2021OLYMPIA – Recognized as a national leader and model during the national vaccine rollout, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Vaccine Action Command and ...Continue Reading...
- Rep. Schrier Urges President Biden to Use Executive Order to Make More Rapid COVID Tests Available October 8, 2021ISSAQUAH, WA – Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to issue an executive order to streamline ...Continue Reading...
- Vaccination Linked to the Reduction of 3,400 COVID-19 Cases, 1,300 Hospitalizations, and 500 Deaths Among Seniors in Washington October 5, 2021A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that COVID-19 vaccinations may have helped prevent roughly 3,400 new COVID-19 ...Continue Reading...
- New research confirms hospitalization risk higher with four COVID-19 variants October 4, 2021OLYMPIA — People in Washington state infected with Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants have a higher risk of hospitalization compared to those infected with ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Oct. 31 October 1, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for ...Continue Reading...
- Renewed tax credit can help employers hire workers; key certification requirement applies September 14, 2021WASHINGTON – With many businesses facing a tight job market, the Internal Revenue Service reminds employers to check out a valuable tax credit available to ...Continue Reading...
- Behavioral Health Resources for Back to School – New THINK Toolbox among resources to help address behavioral health impacts September 13, 2021OLYMPIA — As we see students and educators head back into the classroom and restart the in-person learning routine, the Department of Health (DOH) is ...Continue Reading...
- IRS highlights employer tax responsibilities and benefits during Small Business Week September 10, 2021WASHINGTON — In support of National Small Business Week, the Internal Revenue Service will issue numerous online materials that focus on getting small business owners ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Invests $700 million to Provide Relief to Small Producers, Processors, Distributors, Farmers Markets and Seafood Processing Vessels and Processors Impacted by COVID-19 September 9, 2021WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for new grant programs – the Pandemic ...Continue Reading...
- New Enhancements to SBA’s COVID EIDL program September 9, 2021WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends orders on coronavirus and surprise billing to Oct. 3 September 3, 2021OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for ...Continue Reading...
- Washington state receives $2 million SBA grant to boost small business exports September 1, 2021The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Washington State Department of Commerce a tenth year of funding to help small businesses grow through ...Continue Reading...
- Retail sales up 12% in first quarter 2021 September 1, 2021The first quarter of 2021 saw a rebound in taxable retail sales across the state over first quarter 2020, reaching $46 billion, thanks to strong ...Continue Reading...
- Rep. Schrier Pushes Biden Administration for Answers on Rapid Testing Procurement Plans and Plan for Testing at Schools August 27, 2021Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of ...Continue Reading...
- Testing remains critical tool in fight against COVID-19; Over the counter tests can now help state track positive cases August 24, 2021OLYMPIA – As the Delta variant spreads throughout every region in Washington, demand for COVID-19 testing increases. With that, many people are turning to various ...Continue Reading...
- Foreclosure moratorium ended July 31, free counseling available statewide for at-risk homeowners August 19, 2021Housing counselors will explain new federal protections for homeowners that start Aug. 31 OLYMPIA — After the federal foreclosure moratorium ended on July 31, Attorney General ...Continue Reading...
- SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness portal surpasses expectations August 18, 2021WASHINGTON – Since the opening of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal on August 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration has received ...Continue Reading...
- Initial regular claims increased the week of August 1, total claims continue to decrease August 12, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of August 1 to 7, there were 5,420 initial regular unemployment claims, up 10.2 percent from the prior week. Total ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Announces Plan to Open Supplemental Grants for Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applicants August 11, 2021WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration is announcing a call to all eligible Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)applicants seeking economic aid for live entertainment ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Sept. 5 August 9, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 August 9, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler will require the 243 employees at his agency to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18, 2021. ...Continue Reading...
- Initial and continued claims for regular benefits decreased during the week of July 18 – July 24 July 29, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of July 18 – July 24, there were 4,554 initial regular unemployment claims (down 10.0 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Announces Opening of Paycheck Protection Program Direct Forgiveness Portal July 28, 2021WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $150,000 or less ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Reaches New Milestone Awarding $7.5 Billion in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants to over 10,000 Venues July 28, 2021Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration reached a new milestone of successfully awarding over $7.5 billion in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOGs) to more than 10,000 ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers July 20, 2021Farm Service Agency Will Begin Accepting Applications on July 22 WASHINGTON, July 20, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $200 ...Continue Reading...
- Live Event: Mental Health Support for Washington Communities July 15, 2021More than a third of Americans have experienced high levels of psychological distress during the pandemic. As the state reopens, the weight of the past ...Continue Reading...
- Biden Administration Provides Washington $11,626,920 to Support Rural COVID Response Efforts July 13, 2021As part of the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through ...Continue Reading...
- Taxable retail sales dip in 2020 July 13, 2021Pandemic causes many industries to struggle, others to continue growth OLYMPIA, Wash. – With many major industries struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington’s taxable retail sales ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Aug. 8 July 9, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Administrator Announces Closure of Restaurant Revitalization Fund Program July 7, 2021Over 100k restaurants were awarded $28.6 billion; Average award was $283K WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Guzman announces the closure of the Restaurant ...Continue Reading...
- UTC extends COVID-19 energy customer protections July 6, 2021State regulators extended protections for electric and natural gas utility customers experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic, following an extension of Gov. Jay Inslee’s ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Announces Extension of $100 Million Grant ‘Community Navigator Pilot’ Program Proposals to July 23, 2021 July 2, 2021Grant program to strengthen outreach to businesses in underserved communities enacted through the American Rescue Plan WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the extended ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth to July 25 June 25, 2021OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler issues emergency order on COVID-19 vaccine counseling June 25, 2021Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order requiring coverage of provider consultations with their patients about COVID-19 vaccinations. The new order is in effect until August ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Extends Foreclosure Moratorium to July 31, 2021 June 24, 2021The U.S. Department of Agriculture today extended through July 31, 2021, the moratorium on foreclosures from properties financed by USDA Single-Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Extends Eviction Moratorium to July 31, 2021 June 24, 2021WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended through July 31, 2021, the moratorium on evictions of the hundreds-of-thousands of ...Continue Reading...
- FISHING PARTICIPATION JUMPS DURING PANDEMIC June 24, 2021The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) 2021 Special Report on Fishing has revealed fishing grew in popularity with nearly 55 million participants, including 4.4 ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Reconvenes the Council on Underserved Communities June 22, 2021Administrator Guzman restores Council to address the immediate needs and concerns of underserved and underrepresented communities hit hard by COVID-19 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business ...Continue Reading...
- Stafford Creek Correctional Officer Dies From COVID-19 June 18, 2021TUMWATER – The Washington State Department of Corrections was notified that Correctional Officer Gabriel Forrest, 42 years of age, passed away on Thursday, June 17, ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends orders on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to July 11 June 11, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing ...Continue Reading...
- AAA Adds Inspected Clean Enhancement to its Diamond Hotel Inspections June 10, 2021BELLEVUE, Wash. (June 10, 2021) – As the COVID-19 pandemic requires hotels to adapt cleaning procedures and housekeeping standards, AAA’s Diamond Program is evolving to ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth to June 27 May 28, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- REGISTER NOW for virtual 2021 ESD Economic Symposium: The Post-Pandemic Roadmap to Economic Recovery May 27, 2021The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is convening government, private sector, small business, non-profit and community leaders from across the state. We’ll address key ...Continue Reading...
- Initial and continued claims for regular benefits decreased during the week of May 16 – May 22 May 27, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of May 16 – May 22, there were 11,666 initial regular unemployment claims (down 40.5 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Utility bill assistance available now; Disconnection ban ends on July 31 May 26, 2021Customers should take action now to get help with overdue utility bills, before the ban on disconnections expires on July 31. To help struggling customers, the ...Continue Reading...
- Rep. Schrier Highlights Importance of Vaccines and Getting Children Vaccinated During Oversight Hearing May 26, 2021WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated in an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on building confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. During the ...Continue Reading...
- Washington State Department of Health Launches ‘A Mindful State’ May 25, 2021OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health, in partnership with Governor Inslee’s Social Supports Community Leaders Group, announces an innovative campaign to address the ...Continue Reading...
- Undocumented Local Community College Students Now Eligible for COVID-Related Financial Help May 20, 2021Both Yakima Valley College and Columbia Basin College have announced a major change to the availability of CARES Act emergency funding for students. As the colleges ...Continue Reading...
- IRS urges groups to share information to help those without permanent addresses get benefits including Economic Impact Payments, upcoming advance Child Tax Credit May 20, 2021WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today continued an ongoing effort to help those experiencing homelessness by reminding people who don’t have a permanent address ...Continue Reading...
- PSE continues bill assistance for customers impacted by COVID-19 May 18, 2021BELLEVUE, Wash. (May 18, 2021) – Recognizing that many families are still struggling financially due to COVID-19 and will likely continue to do so even ...Continue Reading...
- LCB Provides Liquor Licensees the Option to Purchase a Beer, Wine or Cocktail for Customers with Proof of Vaccination May 17, 2021OLYMPIA: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) today announces that at the request of industry representatives and in a mutual effort to encourage vaccinations, the ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends orders on coronavirus and surprise billing to June 13 May 14, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing ...Continue Reading...
- Initial and continued claims for regular benefits increased during the week of May 2 – May 8 May 13, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of May 2 – May 8, there were 16,605 initial regular unemployment claims (up 58.0 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Recovery for the Smallest Restaurants and Bars: Administrator Guzman Announces Latest Application Data Results for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund May 12, 2021WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, today is announcing the latest application data results for the $28.6 billion ...Continue Reading...
- FEMA Provides Funeral Assistance to Support Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones to COVID-19 May 12, 2021FEMA is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses from COVID-19 deaths, provided the expenses were incurred after January 20, 2020, and have not been reimbursed ...Continue Reading...
- The SBA Funds 16,000 Restaurant Revitalization Fund Awards May 10, 2021WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin delivering economic relief from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan and signed ...Continue Reading...
- Vaccine & Consumer Confidence Behind Expected Leap in Memorial Day Weekend Travel Plans May 10, 2021AAA Travel expects a significant rebound in the number of Americans and Washingtonians planning to travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend. From May 27 through ...Continue Reading...
- Emergency agriculture housing rules updated to reflect current COVID-19 conditions May 7, 2021TUMWATER — The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the state Department of Health (DOH) filed updated emergency rules today to protect farmworkers living in temporary worker housing ...Continue Reading...
- The SBA receives 186K applications; More than half of applications are from priority underserved business communities May 6, 2021WASHINGTON – Today Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the initial results of the successful May 3rd launch of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, showing more than ...Continue Reading...
- Initial and continued claims for regular benefits decreased during the week of April 25 – May 1 May 6, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of April 25 – May 1, there were 10,507 initial regular unemployment claims (down 9.6 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Vaccination moves from Mass Vaccination Sites to Community Distribution May 6, 2021KITTITAS- With vaccine supply widely available and open to anyone aged 16 and over, vaccination will change in Kittitas County from the use of mass ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth coverage April 30, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- Initial and continued claims for regular benefits decreased during the week of April 18 – 24 April 29, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of April 18 – April 24, there were 11,629 initial regular unemployment claims (down 12.0 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Payroll employment growth resumes in January March 16, 2021OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy added 4,400 jobs in January and the state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate decreased from 7.1 percent in December (revised) ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Extends Deferment Period for all COVID-19 EIDL and Other Disaster Loans until 2022 March 12, 2021WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until ...Continue Reading...
- American Rescue Plan Act Elevates Small Business Support in Response to COVID-19 PandemicStatement from SBA Senior Advisor Michael Roth March 11, 2021WASHINGTON – Upon President Biden signing the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Senior Advisor Michael Roth stated: “The American ...Continue Reading...
- Rep. Schrier Applauds Final House Passage of American Rescue Plan COVID-19 Relief Bill March 10, 2021WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today voted enthusiastically in support of the American Rescue Plan Act, based on President Joe Biden’s American ...Continue Reading...
- Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic March 10, 2021WASHINGTON — In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, ...Continue Reading...
- Only Three Weeks Left to Apply for a Forgivable PPP Loan March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 – The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), the National Development Council (NDC) and leaders of the Washington Small Business Recovery Working Group ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth to April 4 March 5, 2021OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- First Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Grant County March 5, 2021The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Grant County Health District are confirming the first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated ...Continue Reading...
- Initial and continued unemployment claims for regular benefits decreased during the week of February 21 – 27 March 4, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of February 21 – 27, there were 12,958 initial regular unemployment claims (down 7.7 percent from the prior week) and ...Continue Reading...
- FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic March 3, 2021WASHINGTON — In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, ...Continue Reading...
- McMorris Rodgers Calls for Improved COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Eastern Washington, Across America February 23, 2021WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today continued leading Congressional efforts to oversee vaccine distribution and highlighted the shortcomings of Washington ...Continue Reading...
- Utility regulators extend moratorium for COVID-19 disconnections through July 31 February 23, 2021WASHINGTON – The Utilities and Transportation Commission extended protections for electric and natural gas customers struggling to pay their bills due to the ongoing economic ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Prioritizes Smallest of Small Businesses in the Paycheck Protection Program February 22, 2021WASHINGTON – Building on a month of strong results, the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration are taking steps with the Paycheck Protection ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County moves into Phase 2 – now corrected reporting error from Walla Walla hospital source of the delay February 14, 2021South Central Region Moves to Phase 2 of Roadmap to Recovery Plan Kittitas County, WA – 02/14/2021 – In accordance with Washington State’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan, ...Continue Reading...
- All initial unemployment claims decreased during the week of January 31-February 6 February 11, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of January 31-February 6, there were 15,644 initial regular unemployment claims (down 2.8 percent from the prior week) and 489,442 ...Continue Reading...
- Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic February 10, 2021WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2021 — In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness (PDF, 24 MB). The plan ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and lenders take more steps to improve Paycheck Protection Program February 10, 2021WASHINGTON – – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration and lenders are taking more strides to improve the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so that small ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County COVID-19 Vaccine Wait List to Reopen February 8 February 8, 2021The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) will reopen the wait list for COVID-19 vaccine Monday, February 8. No one’s information was lost on the previous ...Continue Reading...
- Emergency order on telehealth coverage extended to March 7 February 5, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- Initial unemployment claims for week of January 24 – 30, 2021 February 4, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of January 24-30, there were 16,102 initial regular unemployment claims (down 2.2 percent from the prior week) and 489,741 total ...Continue Reading...
- Is Your Business Eligible for Another PPP Loan in 2021? January 28, 2021According to a recent release by the Small Business Administration (SBA), over 1.1 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans were issued in 2020, worth over $100 ...Continue Reading...
- Initial regular unemployment claims decreased while continued claims increased during week of January 17-23. January 28, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of January 17-23, there were 16,461 initial regular unemployment claims (down 14.3 percent from the prior week) and 482,158 total ...Continue Reading...
- More than $853 Million in PPP Loans Approved by SBA in Washington in Current Round of Funding That Re-Opened This Month January 27, 2021As part of ongoing transparency of economic aid programs, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released data summarizing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan approvals made through ...Continue Reading...
- New law extends COVID tax credit for employers who keep workers on payroll January 27, 2021WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service urges employers to take advantage of the newly-extended employee retention credit, designed to make it easier for businesses that, ...Continue Reading...
- The SBA Takes Steps to Improve First Draw January 26, 2021WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration is taking steps to improve the First Draw Paycheck Protection Program loan review so that small businesses have ...Continue Reading...
- Washington State Small Business Advocates & Economic Development Leaders Launch Resource Promoting PPP Availability & Other Resources January 26, 2021Seattle – The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), the National Development Council (NDC) and leaders of the Washington State Small Business Recovery Working Group today ...Continue Reading...
- Washington State Small Business Advocates & Economic Development Leaders Launch Resource Promoting PPP Availability & Other Resources January 22, 2021SEATTLE – January 22, 2021 – The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), the National Development Council (NDC) and leaders of the Washington State Small Business ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency orders on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Feb. 21, 2021 January 22, 2021OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for ...Continue Reading...
- Beware These COVID-Related Scams in 2021 January 21, 2021Since the onset of the pandemic, criminals have used tactics like identity theft and social engineering to defraud government and healthcare programs and illegally cash in—and ...Continue Reading...
- All initial unemployment claims and continued claims decreased during the week of January 10 – January 16 January 21, 2021OLYMPIA – During the week of January 10-16, there were 19,212 initial regular unemployment claims (down 29.2 percent from the prior week) and 468,801 total ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance January 11, 2021WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Re-Opens PPP to Community Financial Institutions January 11, 2021WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal today at 9 ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Extends Crucial Lifeline to Borrowers Impacted by COVID-19 with Debt Relief January 11, 2021WASHINGTON – As the U.S. Small Business Administration continues implementation of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, signed into law ...Continue Reading...
- Emergency order on telehealth coverage extended to Feb. 7 January 8, 2021OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- All initial unemployment claims and continued claims increased during the week of December 27 – January 2 January 7, 2021During the week of December 27- January 2, there were 29,651 initial regular unemployment claims (up 54.5 percent from the prior week) and 557,419 total ...Continue Reading...
- Corrections receives limited COVID-19 vaccine for prioritized patients and staff December 29, 2020TUMWATER – As of December 28, 2020, the Washington Department of Corrections has received limited COVID-19 vaccine doses and began vaccinating staff and a limited ...Continue Reading...
- Initial unemployment claims for the week of December 13 – 19 December 23, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of December 13 – December 19, there were 17,596 initial regular unemployment claims (down 10.0 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- CARES Act funding brings much needed assistance to the state cultural sector December 21, 2020OLYMPIA (December 21, 2020) – Nearly 390 nonprofit arts and culture organizations serving 32 Washington counties received funding in recent rounds of CARES Act funding ...Continue Reading...
- Corrections’ COVID-19 Bulletin December 18, 2020Current Status On December 18, 2020, an individual incarcerated at Airway Heights Corrections Center passed away at a local healthcare facility due to COVID-19 related ...Continue Reading...
- Initial unemployment claims decreased during the week of December 6 – 12 December 17, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of December 6 – December 12, there were 19,547 initial regular unemployment claims (down 20.5 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson issues guidance for third-party restaurant delivery services December 7, 2020OLYMPIA — In response to concerns raised by consumer complaints and news reports, Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued guidance today for third-party restaurant delivery services. ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 workplace safety violators cited and fined for mask violations November 20, 2020TUMWATER — As the number of COVID-19 cases grows in Washington, so does the number of complaints about workplaces violating state Safe Start and masking ...Continue Reading...
- Washington Service Corps needs members, partners to help combat food insecurity November 19, 2020OLYMPIA – Almost 100 Washington Service Corps members in the new Washington COVID Response Corps aim to reduce the dramatic increase in food insecurity caused ...Continue Reading...
- Unemployment insurance claims for week of November 8 – 14 , 2020 November 19, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of November 8- 14, there were 16,837 initial regular unemployment claims (down 33.2 percent from the prior week) and 434,114 ...Continue Reading...
- Nov. 21 deadline nears to register online for Economic Impact Payment November 19, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded anyone who doesn’t normally file a tax return that they have until 3 p.m. EST this Saturday, ...Continue Reading...
- Fall Child Care COVID-19 Grant Now Available November 18, 2020Earlier this month the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) announced the Fall Child Care COVID-19 Grant for licensed child care providers. ...Continue Reading...
- Initial regular unemployment increased while continued claims decreased during week of November 1 – 7 November 12, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of November 1–7, Washingtonians filed 25,201 initial regular unemployment claims. This is an increase of 71.7 percent compared to last ...Continue Reading...
- State passes $12 billion in unemployment benefits paid out during the crisis while new claims remain fairly steady November 5, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of October 25 – 31, there were 14,681 initial regular unemployment claims (up 3.4 percent from the prior week) and ...Continue Reading...
- More than $7 Billion Paid in Second Round of USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program October 26, 2020Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth to Nov. 13 October 15, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order again, directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the ...Continue Reading...
- Flu vs. COVID-19: Tips on prevention and telling the difference October 14, 2020By: Dr. Patricia Auerbach, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Washington As we head into the colder months, we also head toward flu season. Especially given the ...Continue Reading...
- Three Additional Grant County Resident Deaths Associated with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) October 12, 2020Grant County Health District is reporting three (3) additional COVID-19 associated deaths of Grant County residents. The residents are: A female in her 30s from Mattawa ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 or Less October 9, 2020WASHINGTON—The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of ...Continue Reading...
- Initial regular unemployment and continued claims decreased during week of September 27 – October 3 October 8, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of September 27 through October 3, there were 15,496 initial regular unemployment claims (down 12.6 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Phase 2 and Phase 3 Restaurant, Tavern, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries COVID-19 Requirements October 7, 2020Summary of October 6 changes: • Alcohol service, delivery, and consumption at all establishments must end at 11:00 p.m. until Phase 4. • In Phase 2 ...Continue Reading...
- Businesses face fines for coronavirus mask violations, but most are complying October 7, 2020TUMWATER — A handful of businesses are facing fines for violations related to lack of mask use by customers and staff. Yet thousands of others ...Continue Reading...
- State regulators extend protections for energy customers affected by COVID-19 October 6, 2020Olympia – Today, state regulators approved protections for electric and natural gas utility customers who are struggling to pay their bills due to financial impacts ...Continue Reading...
- Washington State Department of Health prepares to deploy new rapid COVID-19 tests September 30, 2020OLYMPIA – Within the next five to ten days the Washington State Department of Health will receive and distribute the first batch of Abbott BinaxNOW ...Continue Reading...
- State to provide $300K in emergency grants to Washington shellfish severely impacted by COVID-19 September 28, 2020State to provide $300K in emergency grants to Washington shellfish growersDepartments of Commerce and Agriculture partner with Impact Washington to create Shellfish Seed Bank, offering ...Continue Reading...
- DCYF Announces Additional COVID-19 Relief Funds for Child Care Stabilization September 25, 2020Olympia — Today, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) announces a second round of child care funding to help strengthen the ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency orders on coronavirus testing and surprise billing September 25, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for ...Continue Reading...
- IRS highlights employer credits for businesses during Small Business Week September 24, 2020WASHINGTON —During Small Business Week <https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/small-business-week>, the Internal Revenue Service reminds business owners and self-employed individuals of the employer credits available to them during COVID-19. These ...Continue Reading...
- State launches interactive data tool to help leaders plan and track recovery efforts across regions, sectors and demographics September 21, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – Leaders worldwide and locally are facing the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The trajectory for recovery will be very different ...Continue Reading...
- The Struggles Of Small Business Don’t Bode Well For The Overall Economy September 21, 2020The year 2020 can’t end quickly enough for most small business owners. Across the country, the pandemic forced many of them to close their operations temporarily ...Continue Reading...
- IRS releases breakdown of nearly 9 million non-filers who will be mailed letters about Economic Impact Payments September 18, 2020WASHINGTON –The Internal Revenue Service today released a state-by-state breakdown of the roughly nine million people receiving a special mailing this month encouraging them to ...Continue Reading...
- L&I issues COVID-19 Hazard Alert on hospital worker safety September 17, 2020TUMWATER – Concern over COVID-19 cases in hospital workers has prompted the Washington State Departments of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Health (DOH) to clarify and ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 vaccine update: Prioritization and pilot project plans September 17, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health provided an update on progress being made toward a COVID-19 vaccine. Five federal regions (four states and a city) ...Continue Reading...
- L&I issues COVID-19 Hazard Alert on hospital worker safety September 17, 2020TUMWATER – Concern over COVID-19 cases in hospital workers has prompted the Washington State Departments of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Health (DOH) to clarify and ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth to Oct. 14 September 14, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order again, directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during ...Continue Reading...
- Initial regular unemployment benefit claims increased while continued claims decreased during week of August 30-September 5 September 10, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of August 30 through September 5, there were 20,006 initial regular unemployment claims (up 10.1 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Two more COVID-19 deaths reported to Grant County Health Department totaling 17 September 9, 2020Grant County Health District (GCHD) is reporting the 16th and 17th deaths associated with severe complications due to COVID-19 infection in a Grant County resident. ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County to Move Forward with Recreational Youth Sports September 9, 2020Kittitas County, in coordination with local municipalities and local youth sports organizations, will move forward with youth sports this fall. The local Kittitas County Health ...Continue Reading...
- State announces new COVID relief funds to support nonprofits helping youth September 5, 2020Commerce joins forces with School’s Out Washington to fund nonprofits straining to provide after school and summer programs, mentoring and social-emotional supports OLYMPIA, WA – The ...Continue Reading...
- Corrections Secretary Outlines COVID-19 Response at Six Months September 3, 2020TUMWATER – As the Washington State Department of Corrections passes the six-month mark of its active emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Steve Sinclair ...Continue Reading...
- Sharp increases in UI taxes likely to slow hiring and more calls for special session to fix budget shortfall September 3, 2020Although there are signs the state economy is recovering faster than expected, unemployment remains high. Last June, the Employment Security Department warned that unemployment insurance taxes could increase ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Leadership Continues to Coordinate During Difficult Decisions Related to COVID September 3, 2020Kittitas County’s leadership continues to coordinate during difficult decisions related to COVID-19. This is a difficult time for everyone; this is a time when the ...Continue Reading...
- Schrier, Herrera Beutler Introduce Two Bills to Improve Child Nutrition, Access to Healthy Food During Pandemic September 3, 2020ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswomen Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) have introduced two bills that will provide children and families with better ...Continue Reading...
- What should Washington workers and employers know this week? September 2, 2020Virus Activity and Safe Start Phases COVID-19 cases hitting plateau in some areas of the state The Aug. 28 COVID-19 Situation Report published by the Department of Health offered ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Incident Rate Explained September 2, 2020The COVID-19 Incident rate in Kittitas County continues to be a source of confusion, frustration and anger within the county. Because the incident rate is ...Continue Reading...
- ‘Lost Wages Assistance’ unemployment funds to be available the week of Sept. 21 September 1, 2020OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department (ESD) announced today that they will start processing the payments for the Lost Wages Assistance program Mon., Sept. 21. ...Continue Reading...
- ‘Lost Wages Assistance’ unemployment funds to be available the week of Sept. 21 September 1, 2020OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department (ESD) announced today that they will start processing the payments for the Lost Wages Assistance program Mon., Sept. 21. ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends two emergency orders on coronavirus August 28, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for ...Continue Reading...
- All initial and continued unemployment benefit claims declined during week of August 16-22 August 27, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of August 16 through August 22, there were 18,389 initial regular unemployment claims (down 16.2 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Assessing Next Financial Steps When Coronavirus Relief Programs End August 27, 2020PHOENIX – As the government debates additional aid for Americans impacted by the pandemic, many of the initial relief programs have expired or will do ...Continue Reading...
- Newhouse Supports Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Benefits for Rural Communities August 27, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. –Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) and 48 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Centers for Medicare and ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 testing still advised for people with symptoms and close contacts of confirmed cases August 26, 2020OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health’s guidance around testing has not changed: if you have symptoms, you need to get tested. If you’re ...Continue Reading...
- As COVID-19 spikes among young adults, research shows vaping is associated with catching COVID August 26, 2020TUMWATER — Recent state data show adults ages 20 to 39 represent a higher percentage of coronavirus cases than any other age group in the ...Continue Reading...
- Live Telephone Town Hall – How to spot COVID-19 scams August 24, 2020SEATTLE – In the face of financial scams related to the coronavirus outbreak, AARP Washington is collaborating with state and federal experts to provide information ...Continue Reading...
- Prestige Post-Acute and Rehab Center Is Clear of Outbreak August 24, 2020KITTITAS – The Prestige Post-Acute and Rehab Center (Prestige Post-Acute) is clear of a COVID-19 outbreak. There are currently no active cases and the last ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Meals Waiver Critical to Provide Nutrition to Students Across Washington August 21, 2020OLYMPIA—August 21, 2020—This morning, OSPI learned that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not be extending the nationwide waiver that allows schools to ...Continue Reading...
- Judge blocks DeVos attempt to deprive Washington public schools of emergency funds August 21, 2020SEATTLE — A federal judge in Seattle today granted Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s request to immediately block a U.S. Department of Education rule that will ...Continue Reading...
- More than 1 million Washingtonians have received almost $10 billion in benefits since the start of the pandemic August 20, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of August 9 through August 15, there were 21,942 initial regular unemployment claims (down 0.9 percent from the prior week) ...Continue Reading...
- Washington economy recovers more jobs but unemployment rate rises August 19, 2020OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy added 44,500 jobs in July and the state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for July rose slightly from 10.0 percent ...Continue Reading...
- Masks available at Cle Elum Downtown Association August 18, 2020The Cle Elum Downtown association now has masks available for anyone who needs them. The masks are 100% cotton and can be washed up to ...Continue Reading...
- 13.9 million Americans to receive IRS tax refund interest August 18, 2020WASHINGTON – This week the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service will send interest payments to about 13.9 million individual taxpayers who timely filed ...Continue Reading...
- Clear Masks and Face Shields Available August 17, 2020Masks are now available for residents who may have a disability and prefer a clear mask or a clear face shield as a face covering. The ...Continue Reading...
- Small, Mid-size Businesses Moving Forward in Face of Unprecedented Economic Disruption August 17, 2020PORTLAND — Umpqua Bank, a West Coast regional bank, has released its “Business Resiliency” survey, a nationwide study gauging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth for 30 days August 14, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order again, directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the ...Continue Reading...
- Teen work hours limited during school days, even with remote learning August 13, 2020TUMWATER — The start of the school year soon means a return to limits on the number of hours teens can work, even with remote ...Continue Reading...
- Washington State COVID-19 Worker Safety and Health is Subject to Labor and Industry Enforcement August 13, 2020On July 24 and July 31, Washington State implemented changes to Phase 3 in response to COVID-19 and the worker safety and health requirements are ...Continue Reading...
- The Foundation at KVH helps protect healthcare workers in the COVID-19 response August 13, 2020Ellensburg, WA – August 13, 2020: Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) would like to thank, through assistance from The Foundation at KVH and its many donors’ ...Continue Reading...
- Funds to Connect 60,000 Students to Online Learning Released Through the CARES Act August 12, 2020Congress allocated funds to local school districts and to state education agencies to provide support in covering emergency COVID-19 costs OLYMPIA — August 12, 2020 —Last spring when Washington’s ...Continue Reading...
- PPP Forgiveness Process Underway, Other SBA Programs Continue to Serve Small Business Needs August 12, 2020SEATTLE – This week the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) begins accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness applications from lenders following the close of the ...Continue Reading...
- Wildland Firefighter Tests Positive for COVID-19, Highlights Need for Washingtonians to Take Precautions August 10, 2020OLYMPIA – Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, leader of Washington state’s wildfire fighting force, today is reiterating her message to residents: Please take seriously ...Continue Reading...
- Individual with COVID-19 Attended Recent Wedding at the Cattle Barn Ranch August 8, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) has learned of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 that was recently in attendance at a wedding ...Continue Reading...
- 11 cases of rare COVID-19 related condition in children in Washington state August 7, 2020OLYMPIA — Today the Department of Health (DOH) announced there are now 11 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 in ...Continue Reading...
- Eight Eastern Washington fitness centers cited for violating Safe Start order August 5, 2020EASTERN WASHINGTON — Operators of eight fitness centers in Eastern Washington face fines totaling more than $77,000 for being open in violation of the state’s ...Continue Reading...
- Eleventh Grant County Resident Death August 5, 2020GRANT COUNTY – Grant County Health District is reporting the 11th COVID-19 associated death of a Grant County resident. The Adult Family Home resident was ...Continue Reading...
- New Alternative Care Facility to provide additional support for recovering COVID-19 patients August 5, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) along with partners like Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), KVH Hospice, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Incident Management Team Recommends Online School for Fall 2020 August 5, 2020The recommendation for Kittitas County public and private schools at this time is to pursue online/remote education for students. The recommendation is based on current ...Continue Reading...
- PSE distributes $6 million in bill assistance to customers impacted by COVID August 4, 2020BELLEVUE, Wash. (Aug. 4, 2020) – As a provider of an essential service, PSE is providing relief for its customers and communities impacted by the ...Continue Reading...
- Commission weighs service reductions as a result of the state’s COVID-impacted funding projections August 3, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission spent their July 31-Aug. 1 meeting considering upcoming legislative issues – service cuts, legislative priorities, and new ...Continue Reading...
- Gov. Inslee, AG Ferguson announce update on challenges to Governor’s emergency powers August 3, 2020OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson provided an update today regarding the legal challenges to the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy orders. The ...Continue Reading...
- Initial unemployment backlog cleared as Employment Security Department meets “Operation 100%” targets August 3, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) announced on Monday it has resolved all claims included in the Operation 100% initiative. These include all ...Continue Reading...
- Additional Information on Safe Start Business Changes July 31, 2020WASHINGTON – The governor’s office has made a modification to their COVID business requirements related to taverns/breweries/etc. See a copy of the changes below.Continue Reading...
- Coronavirus Food Assistance Program expands eligible commodities July 30, 2020By Andrea Hartman, policy assistant, Center for Rural Affairs Input from producers and a review of the market-led the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to add ...Continue Reading...
- Commerce awards final 100 small business grants from initial Working Washington funds July 29, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced the final group of grants from the first round of the Governor’s Working Washington ...Continue Reading...
- L&I extends relief again for employers struggling to pay workers’ comp premiums due to pandemic July 29, 2020TUMWATER — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is again extending the deadline for employers who are finding it difficult to pay their ...Continue Reading...
- PSE Foundation launches new competitive grants to aid in response and recovery of COVID-19 pandemic July 29, 2020BELLEVUE – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our local communities, the Puget Sound Energy Foundation has revised its standard grant program to allow ...Continue Reading...
- Know When to Get Tested for COVID-19 July 29, 2020With an increase in COVID-19 cases in Kittitas County, we are seeing an increase in peoples’ concern and questions about when to get tested for ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on surprising billing and lab fees for coronavirus testing July 29, 2020OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically-necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19 ...Continue Reading...
- $30 Billion in PPP, EIDL Funds Approved for PNW Small Businesses July 28, 2020SEATTLE – As part of economic relief efforts related to the Coronavirus pandemic, nearly $30 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) ...Continue Reading...
- Clarification on the Updated Restrictions Related to Alcohol Service July 28, 2020On July 24, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced changes to the “Safe Start,” Washington’s phased approach to reopening. The ...Continue Reading...
- The Department of Health launches CORONA Survey July 28, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) launched the Community Recovery-Oriented Needs Assessment, or the CORONA survey. The survey is an effort to ...Continue Reading...
- Newhouse, Phillips Lead Bipartisan Letter to Protect Small Business Expenses in COVID-19 Package July 28, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Leader Kevin McCarthy, urging the ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson to Trump Administration: Coronavirus data must be reported to CDC July 28, 2020OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today partnered with a coalition of state attorneys general urging the Trump Administration to immediately withdraw its new reporting ...Continue Reading...
- Hearthstone COVID-19 Testing Results Come Back Negative (LTCF Outbreaks Update 4 of 4) July 28, 2020Kittitas County received all test results for Prestige Senior Living at Hearthstone (Hearthstone) and all results are negative. In addition, Meadows Place is no longer ...Continue Reading...
- Statement on statewide face-covering order expansion July 27, 2020Today, the secretary of health’s statewide face-covering order will expand to require face coverings in any indoor setting outside of your home (not just public buildings) ...Continue Reading...
- Governor Inslee Announced Upcoming Restrictions July 27, 2020Continue Reading...
- USDA Announces a Third Round of Farmers to Families Food Box Program Purchases July 27, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch a third round of Farmers to ...Continue Reading...
- State Parks asks visitors to avoid crowded parks this summer July 24, 2020OLYMPIA – July , 2020 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is asking the public to follow the Guidelines for Responsible Recreation when planning ...Continue Reading...
- Prosecutor’s Office in-person service July 24, 2020In-person service by appointment only Due to increased cases of COVID-19, the Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office has determined it is our responsibility to protect our community ...Continue Reading...
- Lifesaving awards honor workplace heroes – nominations open now through July 31 July 23, 2020TUMWATER — Real-life heroes and heroines sometimes work right alongside us and we don’t even know it. They might not wear capes and tights, but ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Outbreaks in Three Long Term Care Facilities – Update 3 July 23, 2020KITTITAS – At this time, Kittitas County is experiencing outbreaks in three different Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF). An outbreak is defined as two or more ...Continue Reading...
- State Parks Commission to meet online next week July 22, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its next regular meeting virtually on July 30. In accordance with the governor’s Safe Start ...Continue Reading...
- Superintendent Reykdal’s Statement on School District Plans for Reopening School Fully Online July 22, 2020OLYMPIA — In early June, my office, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), provided guidance ...Continue Reading...
- Ruling on High School Sports July 22, 2020The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Executive Board took action on Tuesday to modify the 2020-21 WIAA sports season calendar in light of the COVID-19 ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Persists in Prioritization of COVID-19 Efforts July 21, 2020The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) and the Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) will continue to prioritize efforts around long term care facilities ...Continue Reading...
- County unemployment numbers for June 2020 released today July 21, 2020OLYMPIA –County unemployment rates and employment data for June 2020 are now available online. Use the historical estimates report to view prior months’ data. Kittitas County ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson challenges DeVos attempt to deprive Washington’s public schools of emergency funds July 20, 2020SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a federal lawsuit in Seattle challenging an unlawful U.S. Department of Education rule that will deprive Washington’s public ...Continue Reading...
- New Limits on Social Gatherings Start Today July 20, 2020Governor orders go into effect today to limit the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the number of people who are allowed to gather together. Kittitas ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 is on a path to runaway growth in Washington state July 17, 2020OLYMPIA – Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report, which highlights alarming trends in transmission and hospitalization data. Report ...Continue Reading...
- Cle Elum Study Session for 7/20/20 cancelled July 17, 2020SPECIAL NOTICE FROM THE CITY OF CLE ELUM Due to a Cle Elum Public Safety Officer testing positive for COVID-19, the City of Cle Elum is ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Continues Response to Outbreaks in Three Long Term Care Facilities, Update 2 of 2 July 17, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues its response to the increase in cases associated with Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) in Ellensburg. As of ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth coverage for another 30 days July 17, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- Inslee announces steps to address COVID-19 spread July 17, 2020As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase across the state, Gov. Jay Inslee and Sec. of Health John Wiesman today announced a new limit on ...Continue Reading...
- Message from Kittitas County Fair Board on the 2020 Kittitas County Fair July 17, 2020Since March we’ve been working diligently with public health officials, 4-H/FFA representatives, the Livestock and Sale Committees and Board of County Commissioners to keep the ...Continue Reading...
- Chelan waterpark ordered to close immediately for violating Safe Start order July 16, 2020A Chelan waterpark has been ordered to close immediately to prevent workers from being exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This action comes after a similar order ...Continue Reading...
- Governor Inslee’s latest update on state’s COVID-19 efforts July 16, 2020Inslee announced a new 10-person limit on social gatherings for those counties in Phase 3 of reopening which takes effect on Monday, July 20. Those ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Meals to You Partnership Delivers Nearly 30 Million Meals July 16, 2020HOUSTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue lauded the achievement of its Meals to You partnership, which has now delivered more than ...Continue Reading...
- New unemployment insurance claims for week of July 5 – 11, 2020 July 16, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of July 5 through July 11, there were 40,466 initial regular unemployment claims (up 42.5% from the prior week) and ...Continue Reading...
- Newhouse, Kirkpatrick Introduce Local Journalism Sustainability Act July 16, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, a bipartisan bill that helps preserve community ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Outbreaks in Three Long Term Care Facilities, Update 1 of 1 July 16, 2020At this time, Kittitas County is experiencing outbreaks in three different Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF). An outbreak is defined as two or more non-household ...Continue Reading...
- All Access to Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park Closed Until Kittitas County Sees Decrease in COVID-19 Cases July 15, 2020Kittitas County Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson has directed the City of Ellensburg to close all access to Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, which includes ...Continue Reading...
- Did COVID-19 Force You Into A Career Change? Here Are 5 Tips July 15, 2020It’s the pandemic that brought more than illness. Across the United States, millions of people have lost jobs as COVID-19 shutdowns threw the economy into a ...Continue Reading...
- Additional Cases Associated with Long Term Care Facilities Identified in Kittitas County July 14, 2020COVID-19 has now touched three Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) in Kittitas County. The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) has been notified of two ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County among top ten counties in Washington that depend most on small business July 14, 2020In the United States, 99.9% of businesses are considered “small businesses.” The COVID-19 outbreak has had a massive impact on those small businesses, with many ...Continue Reading...
- How Does Fed Policy Because Of COVID-19 Affect Retirement Planning? July 14, 2020By Dennis Notchick, CFP The United States is mired in its worst unemployment since The Great Depression of 90 years ago. Indeed, COVID-19 has stunted our ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Provided $20 Billion to small businesses and non-profits through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program July 13, 2020WASHINGTON— Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the conclusion and success of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, which provided U.S. small ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson requests restraining order to stop Trump Administration’s arbitrary international student visa rule change July 13, 2020SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today asked a federal judge to put an immediate stop to a Trump Administration plan to revoke visas for ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Has Increase in Positive Cases Associated with Long Term Care Facilities July 13, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is responding to an increase in cases associated with Long Term Care Facilities (LTFC) in Ellensburg. Prestige Post-Acute ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Has COVID Cases Associated with a Second Long Term Care Facility July 10, 2020A second long term care facility in Kittitas County has COVID-19 cases associated with the facility. On July 8, Kittitas County was notified that two ...Continue Reading...
- The Stress Impact Of COVID-19: 5 Ways To Cope And Protect Your Health July 10, 2020The millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought globally are creating stress over everything from personal health ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Newhouse Applauds Addition of Apples, Potatoes to USDA COVID-19 Aid Program July 9, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) issued the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Perdue announced adjustments to the Coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Restaurant Guideline Clarification July 9, 2020The Kittitas County Health Department wants people to know that they understand these have been difficult times. Here they offer additional clarification on state requirements ...Continue Reading...
- Red Cross needs local volunteers due to COVID-19 as we head into wildfire season July 8, 2020WASHINGTON — Experts say we are in for a busy wildfire season this summer and the American Red Cross needs volunteers to help in our ...Continue Reading...
- Fred Hutch joins international COVID-19 vaccine effort July 8, 2020SEATTLE — July 8, 2020 — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has been named the coordinating center for vaccine clinical trials of the COVID-19 Prevention Network ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Has First Positive Patient Associated with a Long Term Care Facility July 8, 2020Kittitas County has the first positive COVID-19 case associated with a long term care facility (LTCF). On July 6, Kittitas County was notified that a ...Continue Reading...
- $120,000 grant enables bulk purchasing plan to supply child care centers statewide with face coverings, cleaning supplies and more July 7, 2020OLYMPIA — As cleaning products and other staples for fighting the COVID-19 infection disappeared from store shelves in mid-March, Child Care Aware of Washington (CCAWA) ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Community Impact Dashboard Data Change July 7, 2020The Kittitas County Community Impact Dashboard will be changing today. In addition to confirmed cases, recovered, and active cases, the dashboard will now include bubbles ...Continue Reading...
- State launches Washington Listens program to support people affected by the stress of COVID-19 July 6, 2020OLYMPIA – In response to COVID-19, Washington has launched Washington Listens, a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Announce Release of Paycheck Protection Program Loan Data July 6, 2020WASHINGTON—The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today announced it was releasing detailed loan-level data regarding the loans made under the ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Supports Difficult Decisions to Keep our County Safe July 2, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) would like to show our support for the Ellensburg Rodeo Board who were tasked with the difficult decision ...Continue Reading...
- IRS releases latest Economic Impact Payment figures for Washington and other states July 2, 2020OLYMPIA — The Internal Revenue Service released updated state-by-state figures for Economic Impact Payments, with 159 million individuals receiving payments worth more than $266 billion. ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order again waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing July 2, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington state health insurers for an additional 30 days requiring them to waive copays and ...Continue Reading...
- YVC Cancels Fall Quarter Sports Programming July 1, 2020In response to the NWAC’s recent announcement of its Return to Play Guidelines for Fall Sports, Yakima Valley College has examined the effect of the ...Continue Reading...
- County phases & climbing cases should alter summer travel plans June 30, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health is encouraging people in our state to limit summer travel plans to help slow the spread of ...Continue Reading...
- Please Pay Attention to Symptoms of Illness and Take Action June 29, 2020With COVID-19, we are asking that everyone pay attention to signs of sickness and to take action. We say stay home when you are sick, ...Continue Reading...
- Washington DFW Announces Employee Furloughs to Aid State Budget June 29, 2020OLYMPIA – With Washington’s economy hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is planning agency-wide furloughs beginning next week. While ...Continue Reading...
- State Parks urges Fourth of July revelers to recreate responsibly June 29, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. The ...Continue Reading...
- Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates June 26, 2020Numbers For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. Mandatory ...Continue Reading...
- Statement on Hospitalization Data June 26, 2020The Department of Health is identifying an additional 88 hospitalizations statewide today, most of which have occurred in the past week but have gone unreported. ...Continue Reading...
- Lower District Court Phase 3 Plan – LOWER KITTITAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CONTINUES TO EXPAND OPERATIONS June 26, 2020Lower Kittitas County District Court has further expanded its operations in response to Kittitas County being moved to Phase 3 of the Safe Start Washington ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Assessor’s office Phase 3 reopening plan June 25, 2020On Monday June 29th, the Kittitas County Assessor’s office will resume in-person services by appointment. The Assessor’s office will continue to encourage patrons to conduct ...Continue Reading...
- State officials distribute millions of free face coverings to low-income Washingtonians June 25, 2020WASHINGTON — As counties begin to reopen, wearing a face-covering can help save lives and prevent the spread of COVID-19. But not everyone can easily ...Continue Reading...
- Statewide face-covering order goes into effect Friday June 25, 2020OLYMPIA — Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman signed Order 20-03 mandating the use of face coverings in any indoor or outdoor public ...Continue Reading...
- Sheriff’s Statement on Face Covering order June 25, 2020In response to many inquiries on the recent order regarding face coverings, the Sheriff’s Office wants to communicate that we will continue to prioritize our ...Continue Reading...
- Initial regular claims for unemployment benefits increased slightly from the previous week June 25, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of June 14 through June 20, there were 29,612 initial regular unemployment claims (up 2.0% from the prior week) and ...Continue Reading...
- Business & Worker Update: June 25, 2020 June 25, 2020The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is ...Continue Reading...
- Second Incarcerated Individual in Washington Dies of COVID-19 June 24, 2020CONNELL– At approximately 7 p.m., on Monday, June 22, 2020, incarcerated individual William Bryant, 72, passed away at a local medical facility due to COVID-19. ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County is Open to Customers with new Online Booking Feature June 24, 2020Now that Kittitas County has reached Phase 3, Kittitas County governmental offices will open to the public on Monday, June 29. There are new safety ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler directs health insurers in Washington state to protect transgender patients June 24, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent guidance to all health insurers in Washington state reminding them that it is against state law to discriminate against an enrollee ...Continue Reading...
- Now is the Time to Stabilize in Phase 3 June 23, 2020As of today, Kittitas County is in Phase 3 of the Washington State Phased Plan. We also have an increase of 7 active cases, which ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County’s Phase 3 Variance is Approved June 23, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is pleased to announce that we have been approved for Phase 3 of Washington’s Phased Reopening Plan! Phase ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County approved to move to Phase 3 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan June 23, 2020OLYMPIA — Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved Kittitas County to move to Phase 3 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. A ...Continue Reading...
- Bipartisan Effort to Include Apple Growers in Pandemic Relief June 23, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a bipartisan letter, signed by 25 Members of Congress, ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Awaiting Response from State on Phase 3 June 22, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is waiting to hear a response from the state regarding our application for Phase 3. As of today, ...Continue Reading...
- Attorney General wins refunds for victims of COVID-19 “vaccine” scam June 22, 2020SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that, as a result of his lawsuit, the maker of a so-called COVID-19 “vaccine” will repay his ...Continue Reading...
- Paycheck Protection Program News June 22, 2020There have been a few recent developments and updates related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). SBA Rolls Out Dedicated Tool for Small Businesses to Connect ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth coverage June 19, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Symptoms? Get Tested! June 19, 2020KITTITAS – Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested immediately. Symptoms or combinations of symptoms may include cough, shortness of breath or ...Continue Reading...
- First Incarcerated Individual in Washington Dies of COVID-19 June 18, 2020TUMWATER – On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, an incarcerated patient of the Washington state correctional system passed away due to COVID-19. Victor Bueno, 63, had ...Continue Reading...
- Corrections cancels contract to house women at Yakima County Jail June 18, 2020TUMWATER – Due to the state’s efforts to reduce correctional facility populations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, more than 150 women have transferred to ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Submits Phase 3 Application Today June 18, 2020As of today, Kittitas County submitted a variance application to enter Phase 3 of the Washington State Phased Approach to COVID-19. On June 17, Kittitas ...Continue Reading...
- Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to decrease from the previous week June 18, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of June 7 through June 13, there were 29,028 initial regular unemployment claims (down 2.3% from the prior week) and ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler: The times demand we ban insurers’ use of credit scoring June 17, 2020OLYMPIA – Citing the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to end racial discrimination in our institutions, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ...Continue Reading...
- IRS outlines changes to health care spending available under CARES Act June 17, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service has advised that new rules under the CARES Act provide flexibility for health care spending that may be helpful ...Continue Reading...
- Food Safety Phase 2 Updates June 17, 2020The Washington State governor’s office has confirmed an update to our Phase 2 Guidelines to include the following interpretive guidance regarding consumer self-service. Self-service Salad Bars ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Announce New EZ and Revised Full Forgiveness Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program June 17, 2020WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Newhouse Leads WA Members in Letter to Support Grant County International Airport during COVID-19 June 16, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led the Washington state congressional delegation in a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Stephen Dickson to ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Testing Costs June 16, 2020With the increase in COVID-19 testing availability, the Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) has seen questions regarding insurance cost and coverage for testing related ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update (6/15/2020) June 16, 2020Kittitas County currently has 92 individuals who tested positive for COVID and 90 people who have recovered, which means we currently have 2 active cases ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County’s Goal is to Attain Phase 3 Status June 16, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to work towards attaining Phase 3 status as safely as possible. If our county can continue to ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Announce New Guidance on PPP Regarding Past Felony Convictions June 15, 2020WASHINGTON—The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, issued new and revised guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). ...Continue Reading...
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic June 15, 2020WASHINGTON – To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) ...Continue Reading...
- Red Cross now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies June 15, 2020Beginning today and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Seattle business that marketed and sold a COVID-19 “vaccine” June 12, 2020SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit today against a Redmond business and its owner for advertising a so-called COVID-19 “vaccine.” ...Continue Reading...
- Spokane judge stops Department of Education decision blocking coronavirus aid for thousands of Washington students June 12, 2020SPOKANE — A federal judge in Spokane today agreed with Attorney General Bob Ferguson, blocking a U.S. Department of Education decision that deprives thousands of ...Continue Reading...
- Nursing home testing remains a continuous effort throughout month of June June 12, 2020OLYMPIA — More time is needed to achieve the state’s goal of testing every resident and staff member in nursing homes across the state by ...Continue Reading...
- Coyote Ridge Corrections Center Medium Security Complex on restricted movement to contain COVID-19 June 11, 2020CONNELL– The Department of Corrections has placed the Medium Security Complex at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center (CRCC) on restricted movement to contain the spread ...Continue Reading...
- New Guidance Provides Hopeful Outlook for Next School YearThe guidance provides schools with the health and safety guidelines needed to begin planning for a safe fall return June 11, 2020OLYMPIA – “Nothing we have been through these past three months was in the training manual,” begins the letter from Superintendent Chris Reykdal in new ...Continue Reading...
- Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to decrease from the previous week June 11, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of May 31 through June 6, there were 29,713 initial regular unemployment claims (down 4.8% from the prior week) and ...Continue Reading...
- Pandemic EBT available early July for children whose schools closed due to COVID-19 June 10, 2020OLYMPIA—June 20, 2020—Because schools have been closed due to COVID-19, families in Washington state will soon have food benefits available to them to help buy ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Announces $313,839,652 in Provider Relief Funds for Washington Safety Net Hospitals June 9, 2020Recognizing the incredibly thin margins safety net hospitals operate on, HHS is announcing the distribution of $313,839,652 in Provider Relief Funds to safety-net hospitals in ...Continue Reading...
- IRS reminder: Deadline postponed to July 15 for those who pay estimated taxes June 9, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that estimated tax payments for tax year 2020, originally due April 15 and June 15, are now ...Continue Reading...
- Department of Health highlights importance of face coverings, shares additional information June 8, 2020OLYMPIA – As counties across Washington state continue their progress on phased reopening, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) urges Washington residents to continue ...Continue Reading...
- Individual with COVID-19 Attended Recent Protests June 8, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) has learned of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 that was recently in attendance at the march ...Continue Reading...
- IRS warns against COVID-19 fraud; other financial schemes June 8, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to guard against tax fraud and other related financial scams related to COVID-19. In the last few ...Continue Reading...
- The BLM restores overnight camping at some sites in Washington State June 8, 2020SPOKANE – With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by Washington State officials, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced that ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin Regarding Enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act June 8, 2020WASHINGTON –SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin issued the following statement today following the enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program ...Continue Reading...
- Bond between humans and dogs strengthened by COVID-19 June 8, 2020PULLMAN – COVID-19 is bringing people together with their four-legged friends like never before, according to a survey led in part by a Washington State ...Continue Reading...
- Doctor’s Top Tips For Making Your Workplace Safe June 8, 2020The offices, warehouses, and manufacturing plants that America’s workers are starting to return to may look the same as they did months ago, but the ...Continue Reading...
- Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates June 5, 2020Numbers For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s website. JIC media briefing Today the JIC held a briefing ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County is Feeling Behavior Impacts of COVID-19 June 5, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team recognizes that Kittitas County is feeling the impacts of COVID-19, which has been referred to as an ...Continue Reading...
- Cancellation of the 2020 Annual Pioneer Days Parade June 5, 2020ELLENSBURG – The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to the health and well-being of our members and community. After much deliberation with our ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update (6/5/2020) June 5, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is happy to report that our numbers in Kittitas County remain low. As of today, we have no ...Continue Reading...
- New workplace mask guidance helps determine “Which Mask for Which Task” June 5, 2020TUMWATER — Most workers in Washington will have to wear a mask or face covering at work under new coronavirus workplace safety and health requirements ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update (6/4/2020) June 5, 2020Kittitas County continues to have low numbers of COVID-19 in our county. For the third day in a row during Phase 2, there are no ...Continue Reading...
- Washington State Library to help distribute CARES funds to libraries, museums June 4, 2020OLYMPIA — The Washington State Library (WSL), a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, has been tasked with distributing $688,000 to public ...Continue Reading...
- Some Forest Service campgrounds reopening near Cle Elum June 4, 2020CLE ELUM – Some U.S. Forest Service campgrounds on the Cle Elum Ranger District will reopen on Friday, June 5th. Campgrounds opening include Kachess, Salmon ...Continue Reading...
- Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to decrease from the previous week June 4, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of May 24-30, there were 31,224 initial regular unemployment claims (down 36% from the prior week) and 774,959 total claims ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Issues First Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Payments June 4, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in ...Continue Reading...
- Washington Talking Book & Braille Library to resume audio- and braille-book distribution June 4 June 3, 2020OLYMPIA — Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) will once again be able to fulfill audio- and braille-book orders starting Thursday, June 4 after Gov. ...Continue Reading...
- Business & Worker Update: June 3, 2020 June 3, 2020Safe Start Phased Reopening Announced New reopening approach establishes reopening criteria responsive to local conditions. The statewide Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, first announced on March 19, ...Continue Reading...
- Forest Service Extends Deadline for Applications for Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council June 3, 2020The USDA Forest Service has extended the deadline for volunteers interested in serving on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council to submit applications ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update (6/3/2020) June 3, 2020As of today, Kittitas County has no new positive cases of COVID-19 in our county. This is the second day without any new cases during ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order to July 3 for waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing June 3, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington state health insurers for an additional 30 days, requiring them to waive copays and ...Continue Reading...
- As Businesses Reopen, A Good Plan And Flexibility Are Key June 3, 2020With the economy trying to overcome the effects of COVID-19 and the nation’s political unrest, business leaders face a challenge like never before as stores ...Continue Reading...
- How to Prepare Your Finances For Life After Coronavirus June 3, 2020The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the financial lives of millions — and continues to do so. But as state economies slowly reopen, now is the ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Releases Updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ReportIncludes Loan Numbers and Volume by State Through May 30 June 2, 2020SEATTLE – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released an updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Report detailing total data from both rounds of PPP funding through ...Continue Reading...
- IRS reminder: June 15 tax deadline postponed to July 15 for taxpayers who live and work abroad June 2, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded people who live and work abroad that they have until Wednesday, July 15, 2020, to file their ...Continue Reading...
- Our Goal is to Keep People Healthy Who Have Tested Positive for COVID-19 June 1, 2020Our goal is to keep people healthy who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kittitas County. But what does that look like, especially with all ...Continue Reading...
- Washington wins second grant to support economic recovery from COVID-19 June 1, 2020OLYMPIA – Washington workers negatively affected by COVID-19 will gain employment and training for in-demand occupations that pay a living wage through a new $12 ...Continue Reading...
- FEMA Awards $31.9 Million to University of Washington for COVID-19 Response June 1, 2020BOTHELL – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded nearly $31.9 million to the University of Washington for expenses incurred during the first 163 ...Continue Reading...
- First wave of supplies to ship as part of state’s plan for widespread testing within long term care facilities June 1, 2020OLYMPIA – Supply shipments start today as part of Washington state’s effort to test thousands of staffers and residents at long term care facilities across ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update (06/01/20) June 1, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is asking for the community’s help in reaching Phase 3 by June 17, 2020. We are ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler signs emergency order protecting consumers from surprise billing for lab charges June 1, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically-necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19. His ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Changing Local Health Order to Allow Vacation Rental Properties to be Rented Beginning Monday May 30, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Health Order: Stay at Home will be updated to allow vacation rental properties to be rented effective Monday, June 1, ...Continue Reading...
- Lower Kittitas County District Court Expands Operations in Phase 2 May 29, 2020KITTITAS – Effective Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Lower Kittitas County District Court has expanded its operations in response to Kittitas County being granted a ...Continue Reading...
- Corrections Hope Gardens to Help Fight Hunger in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic May 29, 2020TUMWATER – While parts of Washington move into Phase II of the Governor’s Safe Start plan, the state’s food banks are reporting greater needs — ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update (5/29/2020) – Business Plans Required May 29, 2020KITTITAS – Kittitas County is currently in Phase 2 of the Washington State Phased Plan. Our county will be required to stay in Phase 2 ...Continue Reading...
- Clarification on World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Masking Recommendations May 29, 2020There have been recent postings on social media in regard to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) masking information in response to COVID-19. The social media ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Is Delivering $28,699,293 from the Provider Relief Fund to Tribal Hospitals, Clinics, and Urban Health Centers in Washington May 29, 2020The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is delivering $28,699,293 from the Provider Relief Fund to support the tribal response to COVID-19 in Washington. ...Continue Reading...
- State public lands managers to reopen campgrounds in 22 counties May 29, 2020OLYMPIA – Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission(Parks), Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that camping ...Continue Reading...
- Inslee Announces Additional COVID-Related Requirements on Agriculture – Face Mask Resources Available May 28, 2020WASHINGTON – At a news conference this afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee announced new COVID-related requirements on agricultural employers. The intended purpose is to keep farmworkers ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Will See Modified Church Services Begin this Weekend May 28, 2020KITTITAS – Church services (in a modified format) will be available for in-person services starting this weekend. Churches will be required to follow the State ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Phase 2 Update May 28, 2020KITTITAS – Kittitas County is currently on day 2 of Phase 2. Per the Governor’s Phased Washington State Plan, we are required to stay in ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Department Announce $10 Billion for CDFIs to Participate in the Paycheck Protection Program May 28, 2020WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, announced that it is setting aside $10 billion of Round ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Awards $1,171,336 to Washington to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Tribal Communities May 28, 2020Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $1,171,336 to four organizations in Washington ...Continue Reading...
- Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates May 27, 2020Numbers For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s website. New definition of a close contact Today, the Washington ...Continue Reading...
- Phase 2 Guidelines: Reopening Dining Services May 27, 2020KITTITAS – Our variance for phase 2 has been accepted. Please see attached pdf for guidelines on reopening dining services. Here are some suggestions for reopening: Arrange ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County’s Phase 2 Variance is Approved May 27, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is pleased to announce that we have been approved for Phase 2 of Washington’s Phased Plan! Phase 2 ...Continue Reading...
- Event: Kittitas County Press Release – Phase 2 Variance is Approved May 27, 2020Event: Kittitas County Press Release – Phase 2 Variance is Approved Event address for attendees: https://kittitascounty.webex.com/kittitascounty/onstage/g.php?MTID=e37383707e1c2afdf5646526f88608aca Date and time: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:00 am Pacific Daylight Time (San ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 transmission increasing in eastern Washington, decreasing in western Washington May 26, 2020WASHINGTON — The latest statewide modeling report shows COVID-19 transmission trending downwards in western Washington and upwards in eastern Washington. The report estimates differences between counties ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Will Hear Tomorrow Morning from the State on our Variance May 26, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) reached out to Secretary of Health John Wiesman tonight to get an update on our variance ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Still Waiting to Hear on Variance May 26, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is still waiting to hear from the state regarding the status of our Phase 2 variance. ...Continue Reading...
- Some YSD Graduation Events Cannot Take Place Due to High Volume of COVID-19 Cases in Yakima County May 26, 2020YAKIMA – At this time, the Yakima School District regrets that we have canceled drive-in graduation events for Eisenhower, Davis, and Stanton. In recent communications ...Continue Reading...
- National Guard Supporting 2nd Harvest’s Food Distribution at FISH May 26, 2020KITTITAS – The National Guard will be in Kittitas County to support 2nd Harvest’s Food Distribution at FISH Food Bank on May 27, 2020. On ...Continue Reading...
- Businesses ignoring pandemic closure orders can be cited and fined under emergency rules filed today May 26, 2020TUMWATER — Washington businesses that decide to open or operate in direct violation of Gov. Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order may be cited and ...Continue Reading...
- Coronavirus and Veterans’ Global Virtual Forum to Address Solutions for U.S. Military Veterans Amidst The Pandemic May 26, 2020As U.S. military veterans experience devastating impacts from coronavirus, preeminent veteran affairs authority to host a global Virtual Town Hall forum on June 3 addressing ...Continue Reading...
- County unemployment numbers for April 2020 released today May 26, 2020OLYMPIA –County unemployment rates and employment data for April 2020 are now available online. Use the historical estimates report to view prior months’ data. Please keep in ...Continue Reading...
- To Mask is Still an Ask in Kittitas County May 23, 2020
FROM The Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 05/23/2020 – To mask is still an ask in Kittitas County. The directive is a ...Continue Reading... - Kittitas County Masking Directive Starts May 23, 2020 in Response to COVID-19 May 22, 2020KITTITAS – As of tomorrow, May 23rd, Kittitas County is directing everyone in Kittitas County to wear cloth face coverings in response to COVID-19. Individuals ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County’s Report to State Will Show Containment of Outbreak May 22, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) will be drafting a report to the state that includes information on how we have contained ...Continue Reading...
- 15 health insurers file plans for 2021 individual health insurance market May 22, 2020OLYMPIA – Fifteen health insurers filed 183 plans for Washington’s 2021 individual health insurance market — with two new insurers entering: UnitedHealthcare of Oregon and ...Continue Reading...
- Treasury, IRS release latest state Impact Payment figures May 22, 2020WASHINGTON –The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today released updated state-by-state figures for Economic Impact Payments reflecting the opening weeks of the program. “Economic ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order to health insurers expanding telehealth and other coverages May 22, 2020OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Announces $56,065,000 Distribution to Nursing Facilities Impacted by COVID-19 in Washington May 22, 2020Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it has begun distributing 191 payments totaling $56,065,000 to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in ...Continue Reading...
- Additional counties eligible to apply to move to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan May 21, 2020WASHINGTON — Cowlitz, Grant, and Pacific counties are now eligible to submit a variance application to move into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Please Prepare for Phase 2 to Start Next Week May 21, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is asking businesses along with residents to prepare for Phase 2 to begin as early as Wednesday of ...Continue Reading...
- FSA Expands Set-Aside Loan Provision for Customers Impacted by COVID-19 May 21, 2020WASHINGTON – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will broaden the use of the Disaster Set-Aside (DSA) loan provision, normally used in the wake of natural ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Must Mitigate COVID-19 Exposure Risk over Memorial Day Weekend May 21, 2020Kittitas County is asking everyone in Washington State to follow their county restrictions in response to COVID-19, especially in response to Memorial Day weekend. We ...Continue Reading...
- USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers May 21, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the Department is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to ...Continue Reading...
- Running A Business And A Household In The Age of Remote Working May 21, 2020The question of where work-life ends and home-life begins took on new meaning when COVID-19 forced people to work from home while simultaneously caring for ...Continue Reading...
- Increased Enforcement at Liquor-Licensed Establishments that Defy Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order May 20, 2020OLYMPIA – The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) wishes to extend its appreciation for the continued cooperation of the vast majority of liquor-licensed businesses statewide ...Continue Reading...
- Help Keep Firefighters Home This Holiday Weekend May 20, 2020OLYMPIA – Faced with what projects to be a significant wildfire season compounded by the added challenges and risks COVID-19 presents for first responders, Commissioner ...Continue Reading...
- More Access Opened in Ahtanum State Forest May 20, 2020YAKIMA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has expanded access to areas of the Ahtanum State Forest after temporary closures for repair ...Continue Reading...
- Business & Worker Update: May 20, 2020 May 20, 2020The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is ...Continue Reading...
- Washington state sees alarming increase in deadly motorcycle crashes this Spring May 20, 2020SEATTLE – A recent report by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) found an alarming increase in deadly motorcycle crashes this year in Washington, even while ...Continue Reading...
- Monthly Employment Report for April 2020 May 20, 2020OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy lost 527,000 jobs in April and the state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for April increased from 5.1 percent to ...Continue Reading...
- What A Trip To The Dentist Will Look Like Post COVID-19 May 20, 2020As the coronavirus pandemic swept the U.S., state governments mandated that dental offices open only for emergency procedures. But in the coming weeks, some dental ...Continue Reading...
- SNAP Online Purchasing to Cover 90% of Households May 20, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that households in 13 new states – Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, ...Continue Reading...
- Lawsuits filed against gyms violating Governor’s order May 19, 2020OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced consumer protection lawsuits against two gyms that continue to operate in violation of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay ...Continue Reading...
- Commerce awards first 500 Working Washington small business emergency grants in 20 counties May 19, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced the first group of grants approved for 501 very small businesses impacted by COVID-19 ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson challenges Department of Education decision blocking coronavirus aid for thousands of Washington students May 19, 2020SPOKANE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today challenged a U.S. Department of Education decision that deprives thousands of Washington college students from receiving critical aid included ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Outbreak Response Update 5/19/2020 May 19, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) has seen additional positive cases associated with the Twin City Foods Inc. outbreak. To date, Kittitas County has ...Continue Reading...
- Phased reopening of Forest Service recreation facilities May 19, 2020WENATCHEE– Recreating in the national forest is an activity loved by millions of people. Whether it be hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, camping, or just going ...Continue Reading...
- First Washington Corrections Line of Duty Death from COVID-19 May 18, 2020TUMWATER – The Washington State Department of Corrections was notified that Correctional Officer Berisford Anthony Morse, 65 years of age, passed away on Sunday, May ...Continue Reading...
- Update on imposter fraud from Commissioner Suzi LeVine May 18, 2020OLYMPIA – Since the beginning of May, the Employment Security Department (ESD) has been experiencing a dramatic rise in incidents of “imposter fraud,” where an ...Continue Reading...
- Steps Business Leaders Should Take As They Manage During A Crisis May 18, 2020As the nation’s economy continues to struggle because of the impact of COVID-19, small business owners and their leadership skills are being put to the ...Continue Reading...
- CARES Act Humanities Relief Grants: Two Weeks Left to Apply May 18, 2020WASHINGTON- Humanities Washington is continuing to accept applications for CARES Act Humanities Relief Grants. These grants support Washington State nonprofit cultural organizations that provide humanities ...Continue Reading...
- SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application May 18, 2020WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and ...Continue Reading...
- WDVA Commemorates Memorial Day May 16, 2020The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is unable to hold traditional Memorial Day observances this year, which includes traditional public ceremonies, due to gathering ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Joint Information Center Daily Bulletin for May 15, 2020 May 15, 2020Current numbers As of May 14, there are 17,951 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 178 cases in the last 24 hours. ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Extends Flexibilities, Paves the Way for Meals for Kids to Continue through Summer May 15, 2020U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the extension of three nationwide waivers, giving child nutrition program operators the flexibility they need to continue ...Continue Reading...
- Two Months In, COVID-19 Impacting Lives of People with Disabilities May 15, 2020Anthony Donatelli is a sports buff who enjoys going to events as a spectator and participating in them, too. He plays rec-league baseball, soccer and ...Continue Reading...
- Newhouse Introduces Bill to Provide Relief to Small Businesses Using PPP Funds May 15, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced H.R. 6884, the Fixing the Income Ramifications for Small Businesses and Tax Relief Act (FIRST Act) to ...Continue Reading...
- Distancing measures remain critical as COVID-19 transmission persists May 15, 2020WASHINGTON — A new statewide report shows COVID-19 transmission is persisting in western Washington and slowly increasing in eastern Washington. The measure of how many ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler, LeVine seek insurance industry help to process, investigate Washington unemployment claims May 14, 2020OLYMPIA – Commissioners for two Washington agencies have reached out to the insurance industry for assistance in processing and investigating the historic volume of claims for ...Continue Reading...
- Statement from Commissioner Suzi LeVine on the rise in unemployment imposter fraud attempts May 14, 2020OLYMPIA – Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine, released this statement regarding the rise in unemployment imposter fraud attempts. “Since the start of May – and ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas Valley Healthcare urges patients to continue seeking care May 14, 2020SEATTLE – Kittitas Valley Healthcare has teamed up with more than 100 hospitals across the state to urge our communities not to put their health ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County IMT Receiving Inquiries on Additional Business Exposures May 14, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is receiving multiple inquiries regarding the possibility of additional businesses in Kittitas County being affected by the recent ...Continue Reading...
- Strong Response Efforts Continue in Kittitas County May 14, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Kittitas County. To date, our county has 49 cases of ...Continue Reading...
- Additional Positive COVID-19 Cases Associated with Twin City Foods May 13, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is continuing to work on containing the spread of positive COVID-19 cases associated with Twin City Foods, Inc. ...Continue Reading...
- Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid COVID-19 outbreak May 13, 2020WASHINGTON – In times of need, people come together to support one another. The American Red Cross is asking for healthy individuals to step up ...Continue Reading...
- Update on Kittitas County’s Variance Application May 13, 2020Kittitas County submitted an application for variance, which would allow us to move into Phase 2 of Washington’s Phased Approach to Reopening, on May 4th. ...Continue Reading...
- Farmworker housing emergency rules increase worker safety during pandemic May 13, 2020TUMWATER — New emergency rules adopted today regarding temporary farmworker housing will help increase worker safety and reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The rules ...Continue Reading...
- Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make Local Media Outlets Eligible for Federal COVID-19 Support May 13, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as local newspapers and local broadcasters continue to struggle with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell ...Continue Reading...
- BLM Spokane District Restores Access to Some Recreation Sites for Day Use May 13, 2020SPOKANE – The Bureau of Land Management is restoring access to the below recreation sites for day use only, effective today. The health and safety ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Awards $343,222 to Support Telehealth Providers in Washington During the COVID-19 Pandemic May 13, 2020Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $343,222 to four organizations in Washington ...Continue Reading...
- Operation 100% aims to provide relief for all applicants waiting for unemployment benefits May 12, 2020OLYMPIA – Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine released this statement: “We are now more than two months into the COVID-19 crisis and have seen incredible ...Continue Reading...
- Fraudulent Unemployment Compensation Claims May 12, 2020This is a public service announcement from the Kittitas County Prosecutors. Criminals do not stop during a Pandemic and they are hoping that they can get ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler welcomes premium forgiveness for some health insurance policies May 12, 2020OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said he welcomes the effort of two health insurers doing business in Washington to provide short-term premium forgiveness to ...Continue Reading...
- Variance Continues to be on Hold as Kittitas County Responds to COVID-19 May 12, 2020Kittitas County continues to be on hold for the variance application with the state to enter Phase 2 as the Kittitas County Incident Management Team ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Outbreak Response at Twin City Foods – Continued May 11, 2020ELLENSBURG – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to respond to the outbreak associated with Twin City Foods Inc. To date, Kittitas County ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Releases Updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Report, Includes Loans by State Through May 8 May 11, 2020SEATTLE – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released an updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Report detailing data from the second round of PPP funding through ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Outbreak Response at Twin City Foods in Ellensburg May 11, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to respond to the outbreak associated with Twin City Foods Inc. At this time, all of the ...Continue Reading...
- Why the Economic Impact Payment amount could be different than anticipated May 11, 2020WASHINGTON −The IRS and Treasury have successfully delivered nearly 130 million Economic Impact Payments to Americans in less than a month, and more are on ...Continue Reading...
- HHS distributes $102,505,694 to Washington hospitals heavily impacted by COVID-19 pandemic May 8, 2020The Department of Health and Human Services is distributing $12 billion allocated for targeted distribution to hospitals in areas that have been particularly impacted by ...Continue Reading...
- DCYF Announces Child Care COVID-19 Grants May 8, 2020Olympia – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is grateful for the continued commitment and dedication that child care providers have ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Outbreak Response Explained May 8, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) is currently responding to a potential outbreak in Kittitas County and is working closely with Twin City Foods, ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Responds to Potential Outbreak at Twin City Foods in Ellensburg May 8, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) has been notified that Kittitas County has a new positive COVID-19 case. The patient is stable ...Continue Reading...
- Local governments poised to receive nearly $300 million in coronavirus relief May 8, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced local governments will soon receive their portion of nearly $300 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, ...Continue Reading...
- McMorris Rodgers, Schrier Introduce “Farmers Feeding Families Act” to Connect Farms and Food Banks May 8, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) have introduced the Farmers Feeding Families Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6725). This ...Continue Reading...
- How to Stay Safe if our County Enters Phase 2 of Washington’s Phased Approach May 7, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team has not received a response regarding our county’s application for a variance to enter Phase 2 at this time. ...Continue Reading...
- Drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots launch statewide push for universal public access broadband May 7, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Broadband Office estimates over 300 new drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots are coming online statewide through an initiative to bring free public ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Awards $20,701,398 to Expand COVID-19 Testing in Washington May 7, 2020On May 7, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded $20,701,398 to 27 health ...Continue Reading...
- Award ceremony for public employees recognized during Public Service Recognition Week Postponed May 6, 2020OLYMPIA — During Public Service Recognition Week May 4 through 8, Secretary of State Kim Wyman joined the Office of Financial Management (OFM), among others, to ...Continue Reading...
- Military Members Can Now File to Naturalize Online May 6, 2020WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that U.S. service members and veterans can now file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, online. Online filing allows aliens ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson urges Congress to fix Paycheck Protection Program May 6, 2020OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working with a coalition of 24 attorneys general who are calling for key changes to the Paycheck Protection ...Continue Reading...
- Business & workers update: May 6, 2020 May 6, 2020The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is ...Continue Reading...
- Making deliveries during the COVID-19 crisis for income? Make sure you have insurance coverage May 6, 2020SEATTLE – Many businesses classified as “non-essential” have started home delivery options for customers while executive orders which limit access are in place during the ...Continue Reading...
- National Forests in Washington plan for late May phased opening May 5, 2020The USDA Forest Service will maintain its alignment with state “Stay at Home” orders and the first phase of Washington state’s “Reopening of America” plan ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County’s Application Sent for Variance – Still Under Review May 5, 2020The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) submitted the variance application to begin Phase 2 of the Phased Approach to Reopening Washington Plan. Kittitas County ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler alerts consumers to new credit scoring protections during coronavirus pandemic May 5, 2020OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is reminding consumers of a new federal protection that applies to how insurance companies use a consumer’s credit history. The ...Continue Reading...
- World Migratory Bird Day is May 9 – Here’s How You Can Celebrate and Help Birds Right from Home May 5, 2020Migratory birds are now flooding across the continent, as they return to their nesting grounds this spring. World Migratory Bird Day is on May 9, ...Continue Reading...
- Meals to You to Serve 5 Million Meals a Week to Rural Children May 5, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a major expansion of Meals to You, USDA’s innovative partnership with the Baylor University ...Continue Reading...
- Census Bureau to Resume Some 2020 Census Field Operations in Select Locations May 4, 2020The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with Federal, State and local health officials, will begin a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations in ...Continue Reading...
- Press Conference to Address Kittitas County Variance Application May 4, 2020KITTITAS – Kittitas County will host a press conference today May 4th, 2020, at 3:30 pm and will be available to view live online via ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: New report projects Above Normal wildfire season – Cantwell, colleagues press Forest Service on preparations amidst COVID-19 May 4, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined Senator Ron Wyden ...Continue Reading...
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Applications Opened for Agriculture Producers May 4, 2020The U.S. Small Business Administration began accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications today at 12:00 PM EDT on a limited ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: AG Ferguson urges Senate to reauthorize Violence Against Women Act May 4, 2020OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson is leading a coalition of 24 attorneys general urging the U.S. Senate to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, ...Continue Reading...
- Joint Statement by Administrator Jovita Carranza and Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin on the Success of the Paycheck Protection Program May 4, 2020WASHINGTON— U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin today issued the following statement on the success ...Continue Reading...
- May 4, 2020: COVID-19 Joint Information Center Daily Bulletin May 4, 2020Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on May 3, there are 15,462 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an ...Continue Reading...
- Ocean beach and Columbia River Gorge parks to remain closed May 2, 2020OLYMPIA– Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced the list of state parks that will open on Tuesday, May 5, for day use ...Continue Reading...
- The Kittitas County building inspection message line and the web portal are coming back online May 1, 2020KITTITAS – Per the Governor’s April 29th Addendum and clarification, we can continue to provide building inspection per these instructions: 1. Inspection requests will only be ...Continue Reading...
- Business Plan Worksheets and Technical Assistance is Now Available May 1, 2020KITTITAS – Per the local Kittitas County Health Order, all businesses must prepare safety protocols for the protection of employees and the public they serve. ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends emergency order 30 days for waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing May 1, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington state health insurers for 30 days, requiring them to waive copays and deductibles for ...Continue Reading...
- Treehouse Survey Shows Youth in Foster Care Need Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic May 1, 2020SEATTLE – Treehouse staff completed 1,307 surveys for youth in foster care statewide during April, and nearly half (49%) expressed an immediate resource need during the ...Continue Reading...
- Economic Impact Payments continue to be sent, check IRS.gov for answers to common questions April 30, 2020WASHINGTON – As Economic Impact Payments continue to be successfully delivered, the Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that IRS.gov includes answers to many common questions, ...Continue Reading...
- Superior Court Live Streaming Audio for All Hearings April 30, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Superior Court is now live streaming audio for all hearings. The audio for hearings in the Kittitas County Superior Court is ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler extends deadline for property insurance claims with building repairs April 30, 2020OLYMPIA – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler filed an emergency order that requires insurers to extend deadlines relating to withheld depreciation for policyholders who are in the ...Continue Reading...
- Employment Security Commissioner Statement: “We’ll work night and day until everyone receives their benefits” April 30, 2020OLYMPIA – Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine released this statement today about Washingtonians awaiting unemployment benefits: “While the team at the Employment Security Department has ...Continue Reading...
- Business & Workers Update: April 29, 2020 April 29, 2020The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is ...Continue Reading...
- Get Ready Now as Washington State Continues to Release Restriction April 29, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) wants residents to get ready now in anticipation of the state releasing restrictions in response to ...Continue Reading...
- Use IRS Non-Filers tool to get Economic Impact Payment; many low-income, homeless qualify and new Spanish language version unveiled April 28, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminds low-income Americans to use the free, online tool Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to quickly and easily register ...Continue Reading...
- Commerce provides $9 million in rent and energy assistance to serve estimated 5,000 low-income households April 28, 2020OLYMPIA, WA — The Department of Commerce last week provided up to $1,000 in rental assistance and up to $500 in energy assistance for households ...Continue Reading...
- Agency develops COVID-19 wildfire response plans to provide for fire personnel safety April 28, 2020WASHINGTON – While taking active measures to protect the public and employees and minimize exposure to COVID-19, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson sends cease and desist letter to Seattle business selling COVID-19 “vaccine” April 28, 2020OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson is warning a Seattle-based business to stop selling and administering a so-called COVID-19 “vaccine.” Ferguson warns that if the company, ...Continue Reading...
- DNR Recreation Sites and Public Lands to Reopen May 5 April 27, 2020OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that DNR-managed lands will reopen for public recreation on May 5. This will ...Continue Reading...
- All Kittitas County Businesses Must Prepare COVID-19 Safety Plans April 27, 2020KITTITAS – All Kittitas County businesses, regardless of Governor Inslee’s designation of essential status, are required to prepare safety protocols for the protection of their ...Continue Reading...
- Ecology sees increase in illegal dumping amid COVID-19 Department urges safe disposal of household waste April 27, 2020OLYMPIA – The Department of Ecology’s spill responders are seeing an increase in the number of illegal dumpings of chemicals and other waste. While many ...Continue Reading...
- ECEAP Continues Making Positive Differences in the Lives of the Families DCYF Serves April 27, 2020In support of Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) at the Washington State Department of ...Continue Reading...
- Special alert for VA, SSI recipients who don’t file a tax return and have dependents April 27, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today issued a special alert for Supplemental Security Income and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries to act by May ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Community Development Services To Resume Inspections 4/28/20 April 24, 2020On Friday, April 24, 2020 Governor Inslee modified his stay at home order to allow certain construction to resume. That same day, Kittitas County Health ...Continue Reading...
- Continue Preparations for Reopening in Kittitas County April 24, 2020KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team is asking that everyone continue to prepare for reopening. Everyone, locally, is working hard for the people ...Continue Reading...
- IRS deliver 88 million Economic Impact Payments in first three weeks, releases state Economic Impact Payment figures April 24, 2020WASHINGTON –The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today released state-by-state figures for Economic Impact Payments, with 88 million individuals receiving payments worth nearly ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson to telecom companies: Protect consumers struggling financially during the pandemic April 24, 2020OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson and a bipartisan group of 27 attorneys general are calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to join them in ...Continue Reading...
- NEW LOCAL VIDEO RELEASED – Kittitas County Continues to Work Together to Respond to COVID-19 April 22, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 04/20/2020 – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) showed appreciation toward partner agencies and elected officials for continuing to work ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Increases Monthly SNAP Benefits by 40% Emergency Benefits Prompted by COVID-19 April 22, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced emergency benefit increases have reached $2.0 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Awards $3,709,948 to Washington to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Communities April 22, 2020Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $3,709,948 to Washington to combat the ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Legally Bound to Follow Governor’s Stay-at-Home Orders April 21, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 04/21/2020 – Kittitas County is legally bound to follow the Governor’s orders to Stay Home, Stay Healthy until May 4, 2020. ...Continue Reading...
- Veterans Affairs recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments; Step follows work between Treasury, IRS, VA April 17, 2020WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service, working in partnership with the Treasury Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs, announced today that recipients of VA ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Announces Coronavirus Food Assistance Program April 17, 2020(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of ...Continue Reading...
- Applications for rapid response funding for arts organizations now available through ArtsWA April 17, 2020April 17, 2020 The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) is now accepting applications from non-profit and fiscally sponsored arts groups and organizations that are facing ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson to gyms and fitness centers: Allow members to cancel memberships or face legal consequences April 17, 2020Open letter responds to Washington consumer complaints during Stay Home, Stay Healthy order OLYMPIA — In response to dozens of consumer complaints, Attorney General Bob Ferguson ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Incident Management Team Working on Reopening Local Businesses April 17, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 04/17/2020 – As the Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to respond to COVID-19, ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler finds most business insurance policies in state exclude pandemic, virus coverage April 17, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – April 17, 2020. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler polled Washington state insurers to get a thorough picture of business interruption insurance. He ...Continue Reading...
- Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments; step follows work between Treasury, IRS, Social Security Administration April 16, 2020WASHINGTON – April 16, 2020 – The Internal Revenue Service, working in partnership with the Treasury Department and the Social Security Administration, announced today that ...Continue Reading...
- DHS and USDA Move to Protect American Farmers and Ensure Continued Flow of America’s Food Supply April 15, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has announced a temporary final rule to change ...Continue Reading...
- 106,000 Jobs in Clean Energy Lost in March Due to COVID-19 Economic Crisis April 15, 2020WASHINGTON, DC – More than 106,000 clean energy workers lost their jobs in the month of March, and hundreds of thousands more clean energy job ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Incident Management Team Focuses Prevention Efforts on Long Term Care Facilities April 14, 2020From the Kittitas County Incident Management Team: Kittitas County, WA – 04/14/2020 – The Kittitas County Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to prioritize our Long Term ...Continue Reading...
- Attend the Cle Elum City Council meeting scheduled for Monday April 13 at 6:00 p.m. by computer or by phone April 10, 2020By Computer: join.me/CityGovernment – Conference ID 378-316-174# By Telephone: 1-206-636-0011 – Conference ID 378-316-174#Continue Reading...
- Student contest highlighting individuals who are ‘ahead of the curve’ in Washington communities extended to May 31 April 10, 2020OLYMPIA — Legacy Washington’s “Ahead of the Curve” student contest submission deadline has been extended to May 31. Washington students in grades 6-12 wishing to ...Continue Reading...
- Stay home, stay healthy – choose not to burn this year April 10, 2020UNION GAP – The Department of Ecology asks you to be a good neighbor and not burn this spring. Burning yard waste is illegal in Urban ...Continue Reading...
- Don’t let sunshine and holidays distract you: Now more than ever – stay home, stay healthy April 10, 2020Camp Murray, WA — Recent data indicates Washingtonians are starting to see the positive effects of the stay home, stay healthy order. This means we’re all ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas Valley Healthcare Continues Preparation for COVID-19 Surge in Medical Needs April 10, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 04/10/2020 – Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) continues to prepare for a COVID-19 medical surge in our county. The most recent effort ...Continue Reading...
- State Parks will reschedule April free days April 10, 2020Parks postpones April 11, 22 free days due to coronavirus-related closures OLYMPIA – April 9, 2020 – Washington State Parks is postponing its two scheduled free ...Continue Reading...
- Property Tax Relief Offered With Payment Plan Options April 10, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 04/09/2020 – Kittitas County property tax relief is available for citizens financially impacted by the COVID 19 crisis. Kittitas County Treasurer, Amy ...Continue Reading...
- Initial claims for unemployment benefits remained at historical highs for third week in a row April 10, 2020OLYMPIA – Initial claims for unemployment benefits remained at historical highs for the week of March 29-April 4, with over 170,063 initial claims filed during the ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler encourages health insurers to work with employers who want to maintain employee coverage April 10, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – April 9, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is encouraging all health insurers to work with employers who want to keep their ...Continue Reading...
- Commerce announces $5 million emergency response grant for tribes April 10, 2020Tribal communities across the state will have access to funding to help address increased demand and costs associated with COVID-19 response OLYMPIA, WA – April 9, ...Continue Reading...
- IRS extends more tax deadlines to cover individuals, trusts, estates corporations and others April 9, 2020WASHINGTON — To help taxpayers, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced today that Notice 2020-23 extends additional key tax deadlines for ...Continue Reading...
- Secretary of State’s Office offers educational resources for students, parents, and teachers April 9, 2020OLYMPIA — With schools closed for the remainder of the school year due to COVID-19, parents and teachers are seeking alternative learning opportunities for students. ...Continue Reading...
- Flexibility for graduating seniors approved by State Board April 8, 2020The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) approved emergency rules Wednesday, April 8 that allow flexibility and local-approval following extensive school building closures due to ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler urges insurers to consider refunds of auto premiums to Washington drivers April 7, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – April 7, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today urged all insurers doing business in Washington to consider refunding auto insurance premiums ...Continue Reading...
- M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces first round of COVID-19 emergency support grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $5.4 million April 7, 2020From: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust: Grants include nearly $3 million for Washington nonprofits Vancovuer, WA – April 1, 2020 – Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announced our first ...Continue Reading...
- Communities look for heroes to help house the vulnerable April 7, 2020$30 million grant allows counties to work with hotels to provide housing during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Healthy order OLYMPIA, WA – Hotel owners across Washington ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson launches “See It, Snap It, Send It” campaign encouraging Washingtonians to report price gouging April 7, 2020Awareness campaign encourages Washingtonians to provide photos with their complaints OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today launched an awareness campaign encouraging Washingtonians to report price ...Continue Reading...
- Unprecedented rise in initial unemployment claims continues for second week in a row April 7, 2020OLYMPIA – April 2, 2020 – New claims for unemployment benefits soared to a record 181,975 for the week of March 22-28, according to the Employment Security ...Continue Reading...
- AAA Offers Free Emergency Road Service to all Healthcare Workers and First Responders April 7, 2020BELLEVUE (April 2, 2020) – AAA is now offering free emergency road service to the men and women on the frontlines of fighting the COVID-19 ...Continue Reading...
- IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams; watch out for schemes tied to economic impact payments April 7, 2020WASHINGTON — April 2, 2020 – The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email ...Continue Reading...
- Northwest Ag Commodities Experiencing Varied Impacts of Coronavirus Pandemic April 7, 2020SPOKANE, WA – (April 2, 2020) – Northwest Farm Credit Services, the Northwest’s leading agricultural lending cooperative, has released its quarterly Market Snapshot reports covering ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Announces Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding April 7, 2020FROM: USDA $72 Million Available to Help Rural Residents Gain Access to Health Care and Educational Opportunities WASHINGTON D.C., April 3, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler’s office on alert for insurance scams during pandemic April 7, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – April 3, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is warning people in Washington state to beware of coronavirus scams and attempts to ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Secretary of State Kim Wyman urges governor, legislative leaders to appropriate emergency funds for 2020 elections April 7, 2020OLYMPIA — Amid rising concerns that the upcoming 2020 elections may be cancelled due to COVID-19, Secretary of State Kim Wyman asked Governor Jay Inslee ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler issues emergency order on dental insurance and clarifying grace period payments April 7, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – April 3, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order (PDF, 229KB) requiring a grace period of at least 60 days for ...Continue Reading...
- BLM Spokane District temporarily closes additional recreation sites April 7, 2020FROM: Bureau of Land Management, Spokane District Spokane, WA – April 6, 2020 – The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the first ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Essential Residential Construction Will Meet Needs of Communities April 6, 2020By Congressman Dan Newhouse April 6, 2020 Life has temporarily changed for many during this pandemic, and as we adjust our schedules, work environments, and daily activities ...Continue Reading...
- L&I offering struggling employers grace period to pay workers’ comp premiums in response to pandemic April 6, 2020TUMWATER — April 6, 2020 – The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is providing emergency relief to help employers struggling to pay their workers’ ...Continue Reading...
- Statewide Stay-at-Home Order Extended to May 4th April 3, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 04/03/2020 – With the continued need for social distancing, Governor Jay Inslee announced yesterday, April ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Bipartisan letter to support local agriculture producers through COVID-19 Pandemic April 2, 2020From the office of Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) ...Continue Reading...
- Unemployment insurance applications increased 843 percent over previous week April 1, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of March 15-21, 133,464 new claims for unemployment benefits were filed with the Employment Security Department (ESD) which was an ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson sends cease and desist letters to price-gouging Washington-based online businesses April 1, 2020Letters warn sellers they risk consumer protection lawsuit if price gouging continuesOLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson is warning Amazon sellers who significantly raised prices ...Continue Reading...
- BLM Spokane District temporarily closes recreation facilities, suspends services April 1, 2020From BLM: Spokane, WA – March 31, 2020 – The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau ...Continue Reading...
- IRS: Employee Retention Credit available for many businesses financially impacted by COVID-19 April 1, 2020WASHINGTON D.C. – MARCH 31, 2020 — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler urges auto insurers to extend coverage to delivery drivers’ personal vehicles March 30, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – March 27, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today urged all insurers doing business in Washington to immediately extend automobile insurance coverage ...Continue Reading...
- U.S. Chamber creates Coronavirus Loan Guide March 30, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mar. 30, 2020 – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a guide to help small businesses, independent contractors, and gig economy ...Continue Reading...
- Businesses – you have extra time to make arrangements for mail delivery March 30, 2020Getting Your Mail under COVID-19 emergency policy Many businesses in local communities were forced to shut down abruptly without having time to think about their mail ...Continue Reading...
- Child Care Resources & Recommendations March 30, 2020Check Source for Updates – Washington State Dept. of Health Download page as PDF Many parents are trying to find child care options for their children since ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson launches campaign to raise awareness of National Guard members’ legal rights and protections if mobilized March 30, 2020Employment and consumer protections exist so service members can focus on the mission at hand OLYMPIA — As Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen face potential ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Testing Parameters in Kittitas County Explained March 30, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/30/2020 – In Kittitas County, testing eligibility for COVID-19 is based on the parameters currently ...Continue Reading...
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Temporarily Closing all Developed Recreation Sites March 27, 2020Closure to address Governor’s statewide COVID-19 “stay home” order Wenatchee, WA – March 27, 2020 – To be in alignment with State and federal guidelines relating ...Continue Reading...
- Construction is not Considered Essential during the Stay-At-Home Health Order March 26, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/26/2020 – Most construction is not considered essential and personnel in the construction field should stay at home. On March 25, ...Continue Reading...
- Gov. Inslee signs proclamation on telehealth March 26, 2020OLYMPIA, WA – Mar 26, 2020 – Governor Inslee signed a proclamation today that provides payment parity between health care services provided in-person and those ...Continue Reading...
- Commerce announces $1.8 million to rural counties for COVID-19 pandemic response March 26, 2020Food, rental assistance, small business support, health services among eligible uses of funding to 17 rural Washington counties OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce ...Continue Reading...
- Secretary Perdue Applauds State Department’s H-2 Decision March 26, 2020(Washington, D.C. – March 26, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in response to the Department of State and ...Continue Reading...
- Bipartisan Coronavirus Letter to the Editor March 26, 2020Unified call for all Washingtonians to help stop the spread of coronavirus by abiding by the Governor’s guidelines An open letter to the people of Washington ...Continue Reading...
- Statement from Commissioner LeVine on federal stimulus proposal March 26, 2020OLYMPIA – Washington State Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine, released this statement on Thursday, following the vote in the U.S. Senate to provide sweeping ...Continue Reading...
- WDFW closes recreational fishing statewide March 25, 2020… in wake of governor’s order to ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ in response to COVID-19 OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler orders property insurers to give grace periods, halt cancelations until May 9 March 25, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – March 25, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered all property and casualty insurers in Washington state to take steps to make sure ...Continue Reading...
- DNR Closing Public Lands to Recreation Activities March 25, 2020In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, all public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources (nearly 6 million acres) will be closed ...Continue Reading...
- Vacation Rentals and Homes in Violation of Stay-at-Home Health Order March 25, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/25/2020 – Under the stay-at-home health order from March 24 to April 3rd, property owners of vacation rentals and homes are ...Continue Reading...
- State Parks offers fun (and educational) at-home activities for junior rangers March 25, 2020OLYMPIA – March 25, 2020 – Now that Gov. Inslee has issued the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” orderto help combat the spread of COVID-19, many ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler orders health insurers to expand telehealth, testing coverage, extend premium grace periods March 24, 2020Order includes waiving or expediting prior authorization for hospital discharges OLYMPIA, WA – March 24, 2020 – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a second emergency order (PDF, ...Continue Reading...
- Forest Service pauses prescribed fire across Pacific Northwest March 24, 2020Community, firefighter safety top concerns Portland, Ore. – The USDA Forest Service is pausing all spring prescribed fire efforts on national forest lands across the states ...Continue Reading...
- Community Corrections Division reduces some supervision in response to COVID-19 March 24, 2020TUMWATER – The Department of Corrections (DOC) has been working closely with Department of Health (DOH), the Office of Financial Management, State Human Resources Division, the ...Continue Reading...
- HHS Awards $2,415,491 to Washington to Boost their COVID-19 Response March 24, 2020OLYMPIA – March 24, 2020 – Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded ...Continue Reading...
- Washington state parks and wildlife areas to close following governor’s order March 24, 2020OLYMPIA – March 24, 2020 – Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) ...Continue Reading...
- Message from the LCB: Temporary Expansion of Curbside Sales and Delivery of Alcohol to Accompany “To-Go Food Sales” March 24, 2020From the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board: Guidance for Spirits, Beer, Wine Restaurants Dear Spirits/Beer/Wine Licensee, To ensure effective social distancing, and to reduce the ...Continue Reading...
- Courts Closed to Public Access Until Further Notice March 24, 2020From the Kittitas County Clerk, Superior Court, Lower District Court: Kittitas County, WA – 03/24/2020 – In accordance with Kittitas County Resolution 2020-060: A Resolution Related to ...Continue Reading...
- Message from Cle Elum Public Works Director – Avoid flushing sanitation wipes March 24, 2020From City of Cle Elum Public Works Director Mike Engelhart: A MESSAGE ECHOED FROM ALL CITIES: Cle Elum, WA – 3/23/2020 – The City of Cle Elum ...Continue Reading...
- WSDA closes offices to the public, but remains fully operational March 24, 2020OLYMPIA — Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020 the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will close all offices statewide to the public. This move is ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Closes Public Access to U.S. National Arboretum March 24, 2020(WASHINGTON, D.C., March 24, 2020) – In a continued effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County MANDATORY STAY-AT-HOME Health Order Effective Today March 24, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/24/2020 – The Kittitas County Health Order requiring residents of Kittitas County to stay at home is effective beginning today and ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Impacts on Juvenile Rehabilitation – in-person visitation halted March 23, 2020Olympia – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is exercising universal precautions in response to the national and statewide concerns related ...Continue Reading...
- Commissioner Franz on ‘Stay at Home’ Order March 23, 2020OLYMPIA – Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, the elected official who leads the state Department of Natural Resources, tonight offered praise for Gov. Jay ...Continue Reading...
- Inslee announces “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order March 23, 2020March 23, 2020 – Tonight, Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians to announce he will sign a statewide order that requires everyone in the ...Continue Reading...
- BREAKING NEWS: Kittitas County issues MANDATORY STAY AT HOME Health Order March 23, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department Kittitas County Health Order: Stay-at-Home According to RCW 70.05.070(3), the Health officer will control and prevent the spread ...Continue Reading...
- Ecology Youth Corps suspends summer litter crews for teens March 23, 2020Roadside litter removal will shift to adult crews for 2020 season OLYMPIA –The Department of Ecology has canceled its 2020 Ecology Youth Corps (EYC) summer litter ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County has Additional Positive COVID-19 Patient March 23, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/23/2020 – The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of a fifth patient who tested positive for COVID-19. The ...Continue Reading...
- President Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Washington March 22, 2020WASHINGTON D.C. — FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available for the state of Washington to supplement the state, tribes and local ...Continue Reading...
- Department of Corrections working to assist in protective hospital gown shortage March 21, 2020TUMWATER – The Department of Corrections’ Correctional Industries (CI) will begin producing protective gowns in response to the nationwide shortage. CI has developed an approved ...Continue Reading...
- Message from Fair Board President – Kittitas County Fair Livestock Event cancellations March 20, 2020From Kittitas County Fair Board President Becky Sherley: Kittitas County, WA – 03/20/2020 – Dear 4-H and FFA Members, Families and Volunteers: As we learn more about COVID-19 ...Continue Reading...
- Studded tire removal deadline extended to April 30 March 20, 2020OLYMPIA – March 20, 2020 – The arrival of spring typically means drivers in Washington have until March 31 to remove studded tires. However, this ...Continue Reading...
- Heritage Distilling Co. to Produce 15,000 Gallons of Hand and Surface Sanitizer per Month for Customers and Hospitals March 20, 2020Customers will be able to purchase in-store where it is available “on-tap,” online, in select retailers GIG HARBOR, March 20, 2020 – In an effort to ...Continue Reading...
- USDA Rural Development Now in Enterprise-Wide Remote Operational Status March 20, 2020Remote Status Protects the Health of Employees, Customers and the Greater Community (Washington, D.C., March 20, 2020) – Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand announced today that USDA ...Continue Reading...
- Secretary Perdue Salutes the Heroes in the US Food Supply Chain March 20, 2020(You may click HERE or on the image above to view Secretary Perdue’s message) Script: Good morning, I’m Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture for the United States ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: Newhouse Urges Congressional Leadership to Strengthen Rural Hospitals During COVID-19 Outbreak March 20, 2020WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse joined his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader ...Continue Reading...
- AG and Secretary of State warn donors to be wary of charity scams during COVID-19 March 20, 2020SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman warn Washingtonians looking to make charitable donations during the COVID-19 crisis to be ...Continue Reading...
- New unemployment claims increased over 116 percent during week of March 8-14 March 20, 2020OLYMPIA – During the week of March 8-14, 2020 14,154 new claims for unemployment benefits were filed with the Employment Security Department (ESD) which was ...Continue Reading...
- CWU cancelling all in-person classes and labs, further measures implemented March 20, 2020Health Order Requires Central Washington University to Implement Measures to Curtail the Spread of COVID-19 Kittitas County, WA – 03/20/2020 – The Kittitas County Public Health ...Continue Reading...
- Department of Corrections negotiates free calls and reduced digital costs for incarcerated population March 20, 2020As of March 20 at 11 a.m., the Department of Corrections has three confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by its employees, one reported by a ...Continue Reading...
- WDFW has announced a series of responses to how it will do business over the next several weeks March 19, 2020The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a series of responses to how it will do business over the next several weeks. North ...Continue Reading...
- CANCELLED – Public Hearing – Marian Meadows Development Agreement March 19, 2020From Kittitas County Community Development Services CANCELLED – Notice of Public Hearing Kittitas County, WA – 03/19/2020 – Marian Meadows Development Agreement (DV-19-00001) NOTICE IS HEREBY given that ...Continue Reading...
- USDA and DOL Announce Information Sharing to Assist H-2A Employers March 19, 2020(Washington, D.C., March 19, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the ...Continue Reading...
- OPINION: AG Ferguson to Trump Admin: Stop discouraging people from accessing health coverage during pandemic March 19, 2020Government statement “utterly fails” to encourage coverage, testing OLYMPIA — While the COVID-19 public health crisis continues, the Trump Administration refuses to confirm that accessing ...Continue Reading...
- National Park Service to Temporarily Suspend Park Entrance Fees March 19, 2020WASHINGTON D.C. – March 18, 2020 – After careful consideration, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt directed the National Park Service (NPS) to temporarily suspend the collection ...Continue Reading...
- DNR Closing Offices to the Public, but Agency Functions Remain Operational March 19, 2020OLYMPIA – Effective tomorrow, Friday, March 20, the Department of Natural Resources’ offices across the state will be closed to the public. These closures are ...Continue Reading...
- Commerce announces new emergency housing grant for counties – including $286,486 for Kittitas County March 19, 2020Funds are available immediately OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce is making $30 million in funding immediately accessible to every county under a ...Continue Reading...
- AG Ferguson warns of scams related to COVID-19 March 19, 2020Washingtonians should be skeptical of claims about virus OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a new warning to Washingtonians about scammers looking to capitalize on ...Continue Reading...
- U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham on Operational Updates March 18, 2020MARCH 18, 2020 — Less than one week ago, the 2020 Census fully kicked off, and invitations continue to arrive in mailboxes across the nation. As of this ...Continue Reading...
- A message from Washington State Employment Security Dept. Commissioner LeVine on demand for agency’s services March 18, 2020From Washington State Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine OLYMPIA – The Washington State Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine, released the following statement on Wednesday ...Continue Reading...
- Message from Lucy Garcia at KCPHD to Corporate Food Safety Partners March 18, 2020From Lucy Garcia, Kittitas County Public Health Department Environmental Health Specialist II Corporate Food Safety Partners: Governor’s Proclamation to limit dining in food establishments Hello, We recognize that ...Continue Reading...
- Lower Kittitas District Court Modified Closure March 18, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/18/2020 – Lower Kittitas District Court issues modified closure Lower Kittitas County District Court has issued a second emergency order which further ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Community Development Services Closed to the Public March 18, 2020From the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners: Kittitas County, WA – 03/18/2020 – On March 17, 2020, the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners adopted ...Continue Reading...
- COVID-19 Community Spread is Occurring in Kittitas County March 18, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/18/2020 – Kittitas County is experiencing community spread. Community spread means people have been infected ...Continue Reading...
- The Best Thing You Can Do right now is Self-Quarantine March 18, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/18/2020 – The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is fielding many questions about whether ...Continue Reading...
- In Person Services Temporarily Closed at the Kittitas County Public Health Department March 18, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/18/2020 – In an effort to respond to concerns regarding COVID-19, the Kittitas County Public ...Continue Reading...
- ‘Birds Can Be Beacons of Hope’ – Message from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Director March 18, 2020Birds Can Be Beacons of Hope A Message from Our Director Dear Friend, March is normally the month when my wife Molly and I head to central Florida where, every year ...Continue Reading...
- Fourth Kittitas County positive COVID-19 patient worked at Lincoln Elementary March 18, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/18/2020 – The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of a fourth positive ...Continue Reading...
- State-Fish Art Contest Deadline Extended Due to COVID-19 March 18, 2020From the State-Fish Art Contest organizers: WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN – March 18, 2020– With thousands of students and families impacted by COVID-19, Wildlife Forever and our ...Continue Reading...
- WorkSource offices temporarily converting to all-virtual service March 18, 2020OLYMPIA – Starting Wed., March 18, 2020 the WorkSource offices across Washington State (American Job Centers) will be closed for in-person customer service and will ...Continue Reading...
- Message from Washington State Parks regarding COVID-19 March 17, 2020From Washington State Parks: March 16, 2020 – State parks and camping remain open. In response to Gov. Inslee’s mandate, we are making the following changes ...Continue Reading...
- Northwest Multiple Listing Service temporarily suspends in-person public and broker open houses March 17, 2020KIRKLAND, Washington (March 17, 2020) – On Sunday (March 15), Governor Jay Inslee signed an emergency declaration temporarily shutting down bars, restaurants and places of ...Continue Reading...
- DCYF Statement on COVID-19 Impacts on Child Welfare March 17, 2020Olympia — In response to national and statewide concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is ...Continue Reading...
- Safeway reserves shopping hours for senior citizens and other at-risk shoppers March 17, 2020In a company press release, representatives said, “The situation around Coronavirus continues to unfold. Across Albertsons Companies 2,200+ stores nation-wide, we know that some of ...Continue Reading...
- Department of Revenue temporarily closes public offices to limit the spread of novel coronavirus March 17, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash. – March 17, 2020 – The Department of Revenue will temporarily close its offices to the public starting March 18 to support the ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Sheriff’s Update March 17, 2020 March 17, 2020From the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office: Kittitas County, WA – 03/17/2020 – As we learn more about COVID-19 and the implications of it’s spread among us, ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Reduces In-Person Customer Service to Minimize Public Health Risk March 17, 2020From the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners: Kittitas County, WA – 03/17/2020 – To minimize public health risk, Kittitas County has decided to reduce in-person customer ...Continue Reading...
- Message from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board March 17, 2020From the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board Help for Licensees During COVID-19 Restrictions As stated in yesterday’s message, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has been ...Continue Reading...
- Secretary Wyman and county election officials call on Gov. Inslee to cancel April Special Election March 17, 2020OLYMPIA — Due to risks associated with the continued impact of COVID-19, Secretary of State Wyman Kim Wyman and Washington’s county election officials called on ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Superior Court temporarily closed to the public by Emergency Administrative Order March 17, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/17/2020 – Due to public health concerns the Kittitas County Superior Court is temporarily closed to the general public. Although the ...Continue Reading...
- Lower Kittitas County District Court issues emergency order March 17, 2020In response to the public health emergency declared by the Washington State Governor and the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners, the Lower Kittitas County District ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Treasurer’s Office Outlines Services During Closure March 17, 2020From the Kittitas County Treasurer’s office: In accordance with Kittitas County Resolution 2020-060: A Resolution Related to Temporarily Limiting Access to County Buildings and Offices, the ...Continue Reading...
- WSU Veterinary College modifies operations for Covid-19 pandemic March 16, 2020WSU Veterinary College modifies operations for Covid-19 pandemicContinue Reading...
- Changes at the Kittitas County Clerk’s Office March 16, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/16/2020 – The Superior Court Clerk’s Office is encouraging the use of technology and is providing expanded options. The two major changes ...Continue Reading...
- SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Washington Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 16, 2020SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Washington small businesses suffering substantial economic injury ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas Valley Event Center (fairgrounds) closure March 16, 2020From the Kittitas Valley Event Center: Kittitas County, WA – 03/16/2020 – Gov. Jay Inslee released statement last night as follows: “Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Superior Court Suspends Jury Service March 17-April 7, 2020 March 16, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 03/16/2020 – Kittitas County Superior Court suspends jury service through April 10, 2020. In response to the public health emergency in the ...Continue Reading...
- Message from the Commissioners: Kittitas County Departments are Open to the Public at this Time March 16, 2020From the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners: Kittitas County is Open to the Public at this Time Kittitas County, WA – 03/16/2020 – With the recent closures ...Continue Reading...
- Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19 March 15, 2020The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. It can be ...Continue Reading...
- Cle Elum Roslyn School District Superintendent gives school closure update March 15, 2020From the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District (https://www.cersd.org/updates): March 15, 2020 Closure Update from the Superintendent Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members of the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, I ...Continue Reading...
- Statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars, recreational facilities and gatherings of over 50 people March 15, 2020UPDATE March 16, 2020 – Inslee makes it official Gov. Jay Inslee announced today an emergency proclamation that mandates the immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, ...Continue Reading...
- A priest with the Catholic Church in Mattawa, WA confirmed positive of COVID-19 March 15, 2020From the Grant County Health Department: Grant County Now Has THREE Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Additional cases likely. Grant County, WA – GCHD was notified of a third ...Continue Reading...
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife switches to online format for future public meetings due to COVID-19 recommendations March 14, 2020Salmon season-setting process meetings will continue digitally OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today that it will shift public meetings to ...Continue Reading...
- Legends Casino Hotel hours change effective immediately March 14, 2020TOPPENISH, WA (March 12, 2020) – Beginning Monday, March 16, at 4:00 am, Legends Casino Hotel will be closed from 4:00am – 9:00am on Mondays, ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Jury Service Temporary Policy March 14, 2020Kittitas County, WA – 04/01/2020 – Kittitas County Superior Court and District Court Judges’ additional jury excusal reasons in response to Corona Virus (Covid-19) Effective Friday, ...Continue Reading...
- Message to Food Establishments from the WA Dept of Health – Continued COVID-19 Prevention Recommendations March 14, 2020The Kittitas County Public Health Department shared the following: “If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please contact the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at509-933-8315. We ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Resident with Definitive Exposure to COVID-19 March 14, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/13/2020 – A King County resident who was tested in Kittitas County has tested positive ...Continue Reading...
- Office of the Secretary of State to suspend most in-person services starting Monday, March 16 March 14, 2020OLYMPIA — Effective Monday, March 16, divisions of the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) will suspend public access to critical in-person services until ...Continue Reading...
- ELLENSBURG CITY FACILITIES CLOSED, PROGRAMS CANCELED March 13, 2020FROM THE CITY OF ELLENSBURG: “At the direction of City Manager John Akers, effective immediately (2:30 PM, March 13, 2020), the following city facilities and related ...Continue Reading...
- YVC President announces transition of all courses and exams to online format in response to Governor’s orders March 13, 2020The following message was delivered to the campus community by Yakima Valley College President Linda Kaminski Friday, March 13, 2020. To YVC Students, Faculty, and Staff: Today, ...Continue Reading...
- DCYF Statement on Child Care Closures March 13, 2020Olympia – (March 13, 2020) —The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) are working ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Treasurer recommends paying property taxes by mail or online March 13, 2020Property Tax Payments Requested by Mail or Online Kittitas County, WA – 03/13/2020 – Kittitas County Treasurer recommends paying property taxes by mail or online and ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Sheriff addresses questions on how COVID-19 emergency will affect local government March 13, 2020Public Service Announcement Message from the Sheriff Kittitas County, WA – 03/13/2020 – “As it is with all emergencies and disasters, we begin with more questions than ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County Now Included in Governor’s Prohibition of Gatherings of more than 250 and school closures March 13, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department Governor Inslee Expands Prohibition and School Closures Kittitas County, WA – 03/13/2020 – At a press conference today, Governor Jay ...Continue Reading...
- Voluntary cancellation of events with more than 250 people recommended for Kittitas County March 12, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Updated Recommendations for Kittitas County Residents Kittitas County, WA – 03/12/2020 – “Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced on Wednesday ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County now has Three Positive COVID-19 Patients March 11, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/11/2020 – “The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of a third positive ...Continue Reading...
- Kreidler calls on commercial labs to price fairly for coronavirus testing March 11, 2020March 11, 2020 OLYMPIA, Wash. – Last week, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered all health plans he regulates to waive copays and deductibles for testing for the coronavirus, ...Continue Reading...
- Kittitas County now has Two Positive COVID-19 Patients March 11, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/11/2020 – “This morning, the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of an ...Continue Reading...
- Presumptive Positive COVID-19 is now Confirmed Positive March 9, 2020PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: From the Kittitas County Public Health Department Kittitas County, WA – 03/09/2020 – “The presumptive positive COVID-19 in Kittitas County is now a confirmed ...Continue Reading...
- Positive COVID-19 Contact Investigation is Underway 3 of 3 March 7, 2020PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/07/2020 – “New information to share with the public is: • Three people employed ...Continue Reading...
- Positive COVID-19 Contact Investigation is Underway 2 of 2 March 7, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/07/2020 – “As the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) conducts the current COVID-19 disease ...Continue Reading...
- Positive COVID-19 Contact Investigation is Underway 1 of 1 March 7, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department: Kittitas County, WA – 03/07/2020 – “The Kittitas County Public Health Department is currently working with the individual who ...Continue Reading...
- KCPHD Notified of Positive COVID-19 Patient in Kittitas County March 7, 2020From the Kittitas County Public Health Department Kittitas County, WA – 03/07/2020 – “The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) has been notified of a positive ...Continue Reading...
- Fragile elderly at the hub of Washington’s COVID-19 crisis March 5, 2020By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service A week into the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus at a facility caring for frail and elderly people, John Weisman, secretary ...Continue Reading...
- Vice President arrives with federal health experts to ‘epicenter’ of U.S. coronavirus outbreak March 5, 2020“We’re all in this together,” Mike Pence told Washington state officials Announced Washington will receive tens of thousands of face masks, respirators and other medical supplies By ...Continue Reading...
- Death toll rises in Washington coronavirus outbreak March 3, 2020By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service The coronavirus death count in Washington reached nine on Tuesday, March 3, including two people whose test results were released posthumously. On ...Continue Reading...
- State steps up response to coronavirus outbreak March 2, 2020Six reported in-state deaths from the virus in less than a week Washington is first state in the nation to confirm fatalities from virus By Cameron Sheppard WNPA ...Continue Reading...
- Coronavirus in Washington March 2, 2020Six deaths were reported in the state over the weekend. 18 Confirmed cases in King and Snohomish counties The first death occurred in King County, a man ...Continue Reading...
- Senate Democrats propose $5 million to assist businesses disrupted by coronavirus pandemic fears February 27, 2020Overseas ports closing hit companies that depend on international shipping By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service A last minute amendment to the senate Democratic Caucus supplemental operating budget ...Continue Reading...
