25W19566 NCWSIU investigation ongoing
The North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit continues its investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Okanogan County, outside the city of Tonasket.
Chelan County News Archive
Speed limit temporarily lowered on portion of Beaver Valley Road
The speed limit on a portion of Beaver Valley Road has been temporarily lowered to 35 mph to accommodate an increase in traffic resulting from closures on US 2. The speed reduction is from approximately Pobst Place to the Wenatchee River bridge near Plain.
Free voucher program for flood-damaged debris disposal extended through Jan. 13
If your household experienced damage from the December windstorm and flood, the Chelan County Solid Waste program is offering a free flood disposal voucher program for residents to get rid of blown-down trees and flood-damaged debris. The program has been extended through Jan. 13 with some changes.
25C08420 Chelan House Fire Update
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has determined there is probable cause that 41-year-old Jason W Glandon committed Murder in the First Degree and Arson in the First Degree related to the intentional ignition of the occupied residence located at 418 E. Woodin Ave.
Have you suffered property damages from the recent flooding, windstorm?
An online form is available on the Chelan County Emergency Management website to help residents report damage from the windstorm and flooding that occurred on our local river systems on Dec. 10.
Auditor seeks citizens to serve on “Against” committee for local ballot measure appearing in the February Special Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
Auditor seeks citizens to serve on “Against” committee for local ballot measure appearing in the February Special Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
Chelan County declares state of emergency following flooding, wind storm
In response to the recent rain and windstorms that caused damage across the county on Dec. 10, a state of emergency has been declared in Chelan County.
Flood warning in effect through Saturday
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management alerts residents to the National Weather Service’s recently issued Flood Warnings. Of special concern are burn scar areas from recent wildfires and the county’s steep hillsides and canyons.
Sandbags available at county public works shops
Sandbag materials are available for Chelan County residents at county-owned public works maintenance shops. Residents who need sandbags due to high runoff or snowmelt issues can visit the county maintenance district where they reside to fill and pick up sandbags.
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.
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.