Annual call for proposed map amendments to Comp Plan
Community Development is accepting proposed map amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan for 2026 processing. Proposed map amendments are due to the department by 5 p.m. on March 2.
Chelan County News Archive
5 tips to help out your county snowplow driver
While snowplow operators work hard to keep people safe on county roads, they need a little help from the traveling public. We’re passing along reminders how you can do your part to travel safely alongside the county snowplows.
Warning: Email scam targets Public Works customers
Chelan County Public Works is alerting the public to an email scam reported by two local residents.
Coordinated Entry program program receives Projects of Impact award
Coordinated Entry, a local program that serves as the access point to services for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness, was recently recognized by the Washington State Association of Counties. Read more about this unique two-county program.
State Treasurer’s report points out flaws, inadequacies of port-proposed TIA
In a recently released report, the Washington State Treasurer’s Office encourages the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority to revise its proposal to create a tax increment area (TIA) in Malaga and to work more closely with the impacted taxing districts before moving forward on its plans. Chelan County commissioners believe the state’s recommendations are another clear sign it’s time the regional port put aside its TIA.
County seeks people interested in serving on committees for upcoming voters pamphlet
Chelan County seeks people to serve on “for” and “against” committees for a local proposition that will ask voters for an increase in the sales-and-use tax to fund critical emergency communication systems and facilities at RiverCom. If you are interested, send us your name by Dec. 4.
Report: Wildfires the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Chelan County
The massive plumes of smoke created by large wildfires contain enough carbon pollution to dwarf all other sources of greenhouse gases generated in the county, according to a recently completed Chelan County greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Get the full report here.
Chelan County Fair director honored with statewide award
Karen Welch, director of the Chelan County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, recently was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Washington State Fairs Association. She received the award last month at the association’s conference in Wenatchee.
Join Commissioner Hawkins at Nov. 18 Manson meeting
Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins will be the guest speaker at the Manson Community Council meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Manson Grange, 157 E. Wapato Way.
BOCC awards 2026 lodging tax grants
Chelan County commissioners have awarded nearly $222,000 in lodging tax grants to 35 tourism-related groups.
Old Blewett Pass Highway closed through winter
A section of Old Blewett Pass Highway, from milepost 0.11 to 6.08, is closed because of hazardous trees left behind by the Labor Mountain Fire. We will re-evaluate in the spring.
County passes 2026 preliminary budget
The Board of County Commissioners recently passed the 2026 preliminary budget, a procedural step in the annual budgeting process. You can see the preliminary budget online.
Horse Lake Road closes early for winter season
Because of recent rains, Horse Lake Road in Wenatchee has been closed early for the winter season.
Regional port rejects Chelan County’s $37.5 million offer
Chelan County commissioners this week reached out to the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority with an offer to pay the port $1.5 million a year for 25 years if it would put aside the tax increment area (TIA) it proposes for Malaga. The port replied with a letter that rejected the offer and suggested county commissioners and the junior taxing districts instead raise taxes to meet the shortfalls a TIA will cause.
Do your part: Remove vehicles parked along shoulder of county roads
Please do your part in keeping motorists – and snowplow drivers – safe this winter season by removing vehicles parked along the shoulder of the county road now -- before the snow flies.
Public may see hand piles burning over next 2 weeks near Plain, Lake Wenatchee
The burning of hand piles on 640 acres in the Plain and Lake Wenatchee area began Oct. 27 and is expected to take two weeks. The hand piles are accumulated forest debris created over the past year on the Upper Wenatchee Forest Health Project.
Repairs on Stemilt Creek Bridge No. 103 should not impact traffic
Repairs begin Oct. 22 on Stemilt Creek Bridge No. 103, at upper Stemilt Creek Road. The work will take about 30 days and is not expected to impact traffic. People in the area may see an increase in truck traffic.
MRWF now takes dangerous wastes from small businesses, organizations
Chelan County businesses and organizations that generate hazardous wastes in small quantities now have a year-round option for recycling and disposing of the material safely.
BOCC establishes C-PACER program in Chelan County
The Board of County Commissioners has established a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency program, or C-PACER, in Chelan County.
Make a Difference Day returns Oct. 25 to Ohme Gardens
Volunteers looking to participate in the national service day Make a Difference Day (Oct. 25) are encouraged to head up to Ohme Gardens for a day of clearing underbrush and reducing wildfire fuels around the historic garden.
Homeless Housing Task Force seeks board members who have experienced homelessness
The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force, which sets priorities for homeless services and programs in the two counties, seeks new members who have the personal experience of being without a home. Applications are due by Oct. 17.
Join us for fall community meetings!
Fall community meetings, when the commissioners and county staff come to you, are Oct. 14-16.
Comments open on Homeless Housing Strategic Plan; public hearing is Nov. 3
The Board of Chelan County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing Nov. 3 at the administration building in Wenatchee. Written comments are due by Nov. 3.
County extends burning ban, fire restrictions
The ban on outdoor burning in unincorporated Chelan County has been extended through Oct. 15 because of the dry conditions and current wildfires burning in the county.