Coroner: Man in county jail died of drug overdose
A 53-year-old Entiat man who was found dead in April by corrections deputies at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center died of a drug overdose, the Chelan County coroner recently announced.
Chelan County News Archive
Respect county fireworks ban this July 4th
The Chelan County Fire Marshal's Office reminds the public that fireworks are banned throughout the county. We ask that you skip those backyard fireworks and take in a professional display at a community celebration.
Clerk’s Office processing backlog of documents
Staff at the Chelan County Clerk’s Office are busy processing a backlog of more than 6,000 documents that accumulated during a recent system-wide disruption of the county’s online systems.
County continues to make progress in restoring systems
Chelan County has made significant progress in restoring operations across its departments and offices following a three-week, system-wide disruption.
New fee schedule coming Aug. 1
A new fee schedule for land use permit applications goes into effect on Aug. 1.
Request for Qualifications for engineering service
Chelan County seeks statements of qualifications, or RFQs, for engineering services to assist with its Expo Center Domestic Water Project. Responses are due by 10 a.m. on July 6.
Call for Bids: Roof replacement at Ohme caretaker residence
Chelan County Economic Services seeks proposals for roofing contractor services to put a new single-slope roof on the Ohme Garden’s caretaker’s residence. Bids are due July 6.
Cappell appointed by BOCC to fill vacant auditor seat
The Board of County Commissioners has appointed Brandt Cappell, chief deputy auditor, to fill the vacated position of Chelan County auditor through November.
Horse Lake, Burch Mountain roads to close July 1-8
The Board of County Commissioners recently passed a resolution closing the dirt portions of Horse Lake and Burch Mountain roads on July 1-8 because of concerns for drought conditions and illegal fireworks.
Department, office updates on system-wide failure
Individual county offices and departments share updates here as Chelan County restores its systems following a system-wide failure on May 24.
Come talk about Malaga's future on May 21
Community Development will host a community meeting on May 21 to discuss the new urban growth area proposed for Malaga. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and is at Mission View Elementary School, 60 Terminal Ave.
Community Development hires new building official
Learn about our new building official, Josh Cavallo. Cavallo has been with the county since February. As building official, he aims to strike a balance between efficiency and safety.
Coroner's Office releases 2025 Annual Report
The Chelan County Coroner's Office released its 2025 Annual Report, which shows the office investigated 240 cases last year and completed 77 scene investigations.
Sign up for June 19 blood drive
The Chelan County Veterans Program is hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on June 19. Sign up now!
Disaster Assistance Center opening for 2 weeks in May
A disaster assistance team will be in Leavenworth May 11-15 and May 18-22 to help people and families applying for individual and household assistance related to the December 2025 flooding and windstorm.
Incarcerated man found deceased at county jail; autopsy scheduled
A 53-year-old man who was incarcerated in the Chelan County Regional Justice Center was discovered dead in a general population cell. The man’s body is now in the care of the Chelan County Coroner’s Office; an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Coroner's New Office Opens
The Chelan County Coroner's new office has officially opened at 425-B Ohme Garden Road in Wenatchee.
26C03168 Search and Rescue
On April 19, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue assisted a group of hikers on Sauer Mountain Trail after a visitor sustained a serious knee laceration. Later than evening, a deputy navigated challenging nighttime terrain near Colchuck Lake to assist a lost hiking party and guide them safely to safety.
26C00493 Failure to Report/Criminal Mistreatment Arrest Made
Chelan County Detectives developed probable cause and made an arrest of the manager of the Coyote House.
County launches DocAccess to make public documents searchable, translatable and more accessible
New platform helps Chelan County meet federal accessibility requirements while improving transparency for residents across the county.
Comp Plan community meetings are week of April 20
Interested in the 2026-2046 Chelan County Comprehensive Plan Community Development is holding public meetings throughout the county on three days during the week of April 20. Come learn about the draft update.
Join us April 23 to talk about boat inspection program at Lake Chelan
At an April 23 community meeting, Chelan County Natural Resources is seeking public comments on its existing voluntary boat inspection program at Lake Chelan and how you feel about potentially transitioning the program to mandatory inspections.
Voluntary boat inspections return to Lake Chelan
Chelan County Natural Resources is restarting its voluntary boat inspection program on April 16 at Lake Chelan with additional inspection days planned for the 2026 boating season.
Chelan County, partners plan prescribed burn this week
Update: Because of weather conditions, the Upper Wheeler X-Bound Rx Burn has been delayed to April 20.