Chelan County News Archive

County passes moratorium on creation of TIFs in unincorporated areas

County passes moratorium on creation of TIFs in unincorporated areas

The Board of County Commissioners has passed a six-month moratorium on the creation of any tax increment financing (TIF) areas or projects in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County. The action is a result of concerns by the BOCC that the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority is moving too quickly on the creation of a 3,326-acre TIF in Malaga without considering the full impacts on county taxpayers, state-mandated services and programs, land use zoning, transportation infrastructure and comprehensive planning.

17 Purple Heart recipients to be honored this year

17 Purple Heart recipients to be honored this year

For the second consecutive year, the community will come together on Aug. 7 to pay tribute to 17 local recipients of the Purple Heart. This year’s honorees served in U.S. military conflicts ranging from World War I to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

25C06036 - Residential Burglars Caught and Arrested

25C06036 - Residential Burglars Caught and Arrested

Burglars Caught - Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/2/25, at 11:50 AM Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a burglary in progress in the 6700 block of Forest Ridge Rd in Wenatchee.

25C06666 - Sinister Peak Search and Rescue

25C06666 - Sinister Peak Search and Rescue

Sheriff Morrison reports that on July 14, 2025, at approximately 1:38 PM, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies received a call from the Washington State Emergency Operations Center regarding a Garmin inReach activation near the Chickamin Glacier, located north of Glacier Peak.

County adds more medical sensors to jail cells

County adds more medical sensors to jail cells

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center recently completed the installation of 44 additional medical sensors, bringing its total to 68 sensors now installed in single-occupancy cells at the facility.

County launches tourism perception survey

County launches tourism perception survey

SURVEY: Chelan County has commissioned a comprehensive study on the impacts of tourism. Join us in gathering information for the study by completing a brief online survey.

Skip the Sparks this July 4th

Skip the Sparks this July 4th

Local fire personnel are urging the public to obey fireworks bans in Chelan and Douglas counties to avoid sparking a fire under already wildfire-prone conditions.

New road superintendent takes the wheel at Public Works

New road superintendent takes the wheel at Public Works

After 13 years, there’s about to be a change in leadership at Chelan County Public Works’ road maintenance department. Brad Harn, the road maintenance superintendent, retires at the end of the month after 36 years at the county. Replacing him is Ed Grant, who has been with the county nearly 27 years.

Tollackson named Healthcare Professional of the Year

Tollackson named Healthcare Professional of the Year

On June 11, Billye Tollackson, health care manager for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, was honored with the Healthcare Professional of the Year Award at the National Institute for Jail Operations' JAILCON25 Western Regional Conference. Read more about Tollackson and why she has chosen to make a career out of caring for the incarcerated at the county jail.

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 27
    Aug 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - August 27, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 19
    Aug 2025
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 19
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 13
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 13
    Aug 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on August 13, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1