Application period for lodging tax-funded events, marketing grants now open
Chelan County is accepting applications for lodging tax event and marketing grants for 2027. The application period closes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 1.
Chelan County News Archive
Coroner to hold Sept. 2 graveside service for unclaimed remains
The Chelan County Coroner’s Office invites the community to attend a graveside service that will lay to rest the unclaimed cremated remains of people currently in the care of the office. The service is 2 p.m. Sept. 2 at Evergreen Memorial Park and Mausoleum in East Wenatchee.
Horse Lake Road closes out of concerns for wildfires
Out of concern for potential new wildfires and limited firefighting resources, Chelan County has closed Horse Lake Road in Wenatchee, which leads to the popular Horse Lake Reserve. No date for reopening has been determined.
County, city of Wenatchee reach agreement on jail
The city of Wenatchee and Chelan County have reached a settlement that resolves the ongoing litigation between the two jurisdictions and re-establishes a framework for housing city inmates at the county jail.
26C08212, Chelan County Law Enforcement Respond to Dangerous Driving Incident
On August 17, 2026, at approximately 9:40 pm, a Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop a vehicle observed traveling at an estimated 80-100 mph on East Woodin Avenue in Chelan. The vehicle failed to yield and continued southbound on SR150 before entering US Hwy 97 and crossing into Douglas County.
26C08197, Silver Alert - Missing Man Found
Missing person who had been reported missing from Wenatchee, found near Lake Wenatchee.
Short-term rental renewal window opens Sept. 1
The annual renewal window for existing short-term rentals in Chelan County is Sept. 1 through Oct. 31.
Call for Bids: Tree removal
Chelan County Economic Services seeks proposals for tree removal services to remove 107 black poplars at Wenatchee River County Park. Bids are due by Sept. 14.
What you need to know about a potential veterans offices merger
There is a proposal before the Chelan and Douglas County commissioners to merge the Chelan County Veteran Services Office and the Douglas County Veteran Services Office through an interlocal agreement. Please read the proposal and take an online survey hosted by Douglas County Veteran Services.
Commissioners pen letter to governor
The Board of County Commissioners has sent a letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson, requesting a funding partnership be formed between Chelan County and the state to pay for repairs to Company Creek Road in Stehekin. Read the letter.
11 honorees inducted into Chelan County Hall of Honor
Eleven recipients of the Purple Heart were honored on Aug. 7 at the region’s third annual Purple Heart Community Ceremony. Read who they are and what was said about each at the emotional ceremony.
Auditor seeks citizens to serve on “For” and “Against” committee for local ballot measures appearing in the November General Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
Auditor seeks citizens to serve on “For” and “Against” committee for local ballot measures appearing in the November General Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
Little Giant Fire - Entiat Upper Valley
On the evening of Friday, August 7, the Little Giant Fire became highly active in the upper Entiat Valley under Red Flag Warning conditions. Despite the best efforts of firefighters, there were structures destroyed.
Little Giant Fire prompts emergency declaration in Chelan County
A state of emergency has been declared by the Board of County Commissioners in response to the Little Giant Fire that was initially ignited in northwestern Chelan County.
Annual Purple Heart ceremony set for Aug. 7
For the third consecutive year, the North Central Washington community will gather on National Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7 to honor local Purple Heart recipients throughout the region.
RFP: NCW Regional Crisis Response Center
Chelan County is requesting proposals from qualified organizations to support the development and operation of a four-county, regional 24/7 Crisis Response Center serving adults experiencing behavioral health crises. RFPs are due by 5 p.m. on Sept. 18.
How to use the Emergency Incidents Map
If you are under evacuation orders in Chelan County -- or don't know if you are -- use our online Emergency Incidents Map. We offer some tips on how to use the tool.
3-week closure coming to Beaver Hill in late September
The project at Chumstick Highway at Beaver Hill near Plain has been delayed out of an abundance of caution and wildfire concerns. Start date is Sept. 28, with a full closure through Oct. 17.
26C06763 Aircraft Accident at Cashmere Airport
On July 15, 2026 at approximately 10:30 am, RiverCom received a report of an aircraft accident at the Cashmere Airport in Cashmere, WA. The aircraft, a autogyro appeared to have veered off the runway while still on the ground and impacted a hangar on the airport grounds.
26C06148 Lake Chelan Drowning, victim recovered
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on July 17th, 2026 the body of the man who drowned in Lake Chelan on July 4th was recovered.
Lake Chelan Swim Donation
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is honored to announce the receipt of a $14,061.75 donation from the Lake Chelan Swim Foundation to support the Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Program.
We need 2 BOE board members
The Chelan County Board of Equalization, whose primary responsibility is to hear appeals of assessment values determined by the county assessor, seeks two new board members to fill three-year terms. Send in your application by Aug. 17.
County purchases property for new Plain park
The Board of County Commissioners recently purchased 18 acres of open green space in Plain for $1.2 million.
Bring your fluorscents to Moderate Risk Waste Facility
The Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility is taking fluorescent bulbs again. Bring them in for safe disposal.