Chelan County News Archive

Call if you can, text if you can't

Call if you can, text if you can't

RiverCom 911, along with its partner law, fire and emergency responder agencies in Chelan and Douglas counties, is pleased to announce Text-to-911 is now available to Chelan and Douglas county residents and visitors.

Chelan County jail’s K9 Kait has passed away

Chelan County jail’s K9 Kait has passed away

K9 Kait, Chelan County’s narcotics-detecting canine, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 22, the Chelan County Regional Justice Center announced. Kait served the community for more than two years.

How do you feel about tourism in Chelan County?

How do you feel about tourism in Chelan County?

Visit Chelan County, a newly formed destination marketing and stewardship organization, is asking for the public's input as it develops a long-term Destination Stewardship Plan for tourism in the region. Please consider completing the online community survey.

Chumstick Hwy projects starts August 7

Chumstick Hwy projects starts August 7

Chumstick Highway Phase V, the road improvement project between Plain and Leavenworth, begins Monday, Aug. 7. Motorists are advised that two other road construction projects will be occurring in the Leavenworth area during the county's project. Read more to learn about traffic impacts.

Commissioner Overbay elected to lead WCRP in 2024

Commissioner Overbay elected to lead WCRP in 2024

Beginning in October, Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay will serve as the vice president and president-elect of the Washington Counties Risk Pool, which supports its member counties with risk management programs.

Wenatchee River clean-up effort on Aug. 5 calls for volunteers

Wenatchee River clean-up effort on Aug. 5 calls for volunteers

The Wenatchee River Clean-Up Community Float on Aug. 5 invites people who are interested in playing a hands-on role in keeping the local river healthy to join in the efforts, which will include a free community celebration at Cashmere Riverside Park. Volunteers will take to the river via guided rafts or walk the shoreline at the park.

Veteran's Advisory Board seeks 3 new members

Veteran's Advisory Board seeks 3 new members

The Chelan County Veteran’s Advisory Board, or VAB, seeks three new board members who can commit to six meetings a year and a three-year term. Learn more about how to apply for consideration.

Noxious weed surveys begin in Wenatchee area

Noxious weed surveys begin in Wenatchee area

The Chelan County Noxious Weed Control Board kicks off its annual weed surveying efforts in early July with a focus on puncturevine, or goatheads as most locals refer to the frustrating weed.

Changes coming Aug. 1 in Public Works payment processes

Changes coming Aug. 1 in Public Works payment processes

Beginning Aug. 1, Chelan County Public Works will no longer be able to accept payments on permits and fees after 1 p.m. on Fridays. Payment will continue to be taken during regular hours Monday through Thursday and before 1 p.m. on Fridays.

Respect county fireworks ban this July 4th

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.

Summer is road striping season

Summer is road striping season

Roadway striping plays a valuable role in efforts to keep travelers safe on the roadway. The Traffic Safety crew of Chelan County Public Works re-stripes more than 800 miles of county roads and intersections annually.

Malaga Community Park receives $150,000 grant

Malaga Community Park receives $150,000 grant

A $150,000 grant as part of the Society for Ecological Restoration’s (SER) Standards-based Ecological Restoration in Action program will be used to make a variety of structural and environmental improvements to the 12-acre Malaga Community Park. Chelan County is providing a $160,000 match.

Application period opening June 1 for Tier 2, Tier 3 short-term rentals

Application period opening June 1 for Tier 2, Tier 3 short-term rentals

Beginning June 1, Community Development begins accepting applications for new short-term rentals looking to operate in areas of Chelan County that have not met the short-term rental cap. The application period opens annually from June 1 through July 31 and applies to Tier 2 and Tier 3 short-term rentals.

WSU Master Gardeners celebrate program's 50th anniversary

WSU Master Gardeners celebrate program's 50th anniversary

Chelan/Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners invite all to join them in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Extension Master Gardener Program. A Garden Fairewill be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 10 at the Community Education Garden in Wenatchee.

11 agencies awarded lodging tax grants for capital projects

11 agencies awarded lodging tax grants for capital projects

Chelan County commissioners awarded $776,436 in lodging tax dollars to a variety of local agencies that will use the money for capital projects that support tourist-related activities. Read more for a list of those successful agencies and their projects.

Commissioner Gering to host May 18 community meeting

Commissioner Gering to host May 18 community meeting

Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering, who represents District 3, will host a community meeting on May 18 in Chelan. The event will be 5 to 7 p.m. at Chelan City Hall, 135 E. Johnson Ave. Joining her will be the directors of Community Development, Public Works and Natural Resources.

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 14
    Jan 2026
    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 January 14, 2026.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 09
    Jan 2026
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots mailed for military, overseas and out of state voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots mailed for Military, Overseas and Out of State voters

  • 03
    Jan 2026
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Jan. 3, 2026

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-Off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Jan. 3

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility