Officials in Ellensburg are downplaying the recent discovery of brochures promoting the Klu Klux Klan.  The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that three residents reported finding the brochures, prompting the city to post a statement on Facebook rejecting such extreme messaging and reaffirming that it values inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance.  Officials say the brochures do not appear to reflect a growing presence of the white supremacist group in the area.  Capt. Dan Hansberry of the Ellensburg Police Department said the source of the fliers has not been identified.  He said they appear to have been deposited randomly, rather than targeting certain homes.  While noting a city ordinance that prohibits unwanted distribution of handbills, Hansberry said the city recognizes the importance of free speech.

Mark Potok, a senior fellow with the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, said the brochures may have been spread by a single sympathizer.  Similar reports of leaflets being distributed have popped up across the country over the past two years, including in the Spokane area.

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