Twas the Night Before Christmas
Listen to the Christmas classic as read by Chelan County first responders.
Chelan County News Archive
Commissioner Overbay decides to step down from RiverCom board; Commissioner Gering will fill the seat
Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay has decided to step down from the RiverCom Administrative Board, with Commissioner Tiffany Gering set to fill the seat beginning in January.
Commissioners pass 2022 budget
The Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 13 adopted a balanced budget for 2022.
New Behavioral Health Unit puts crisis care experts alongside law enforcement
Ana Gonzalez heads up the new Chelan County Behavioral Health Unit, started in September to address the increasing need for mental health intervention services in the community.
County sets limits on roosters outside UGA
Chelan County commissioners approved changes to the county code that sets limits on the livestock that residents can have in the county. The changes come from noise complaints about roosters.
Health District calls for applications for new board members
The Chelan-Douglas Health District, in anticipation of the restructuring of its governing board in the new year, is accepting new board member applications from the public. The Health Board seeks at least six new members -- community members living in Douglas and Chelan counties.
FCZD advertises RFQ for No. 2 Canyon project
The Chelan County Flood Control Zone District solicits interest from qualified consulting firms that wish to be considered for providing a comprehensive, basin-wide assessment for the No. 2 Canyon conveyance system near Wenatchee. SOQs are due at 4 p.m. on Jan. 7 to the FCZD.
Application period opens for new vacation rentals in Chelan County
Beginning Dec. 1, Chelan County Community Development will be accepting applications for new short-term rental operations for 2022. That’s on top of applications from existing businesses that have been slowly coming in since late September and are due by Dec. 31, 2021.
17 local nonprofits awarded county lodging tax grants
Chelan County commissioners recently approved the awarding of nearly $223,000 in lodging tax dollars to a variety of tourist-related organizations.
Post-wildfire safety measures being put in place at 25-Mile Creek
While the wildland firefighters are now gone, that doesn’t mean work on the Twenty-Five Mile Fire is over. Chelan County has been not only evaluating the wildfire damages to public infrastructure but also putting some safeguards in place for potential impacts that may last long into the future.
Turkey fryers increase risk of holiday fires
A local house fire over the weekend that was started from the hot oil of a turkey fryer has prompted the Chelan County fire marshal to remind residents that using the outdoor fryers this Thanksgiving can increase the risk of starting a fire.
In-custody death investigation is ongoing at Chelan County jail
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center reports an incarcerated woman was found deceased Sunday, Nov. 22, by corrections deputies while they were serving the dinner meal. The investigation of the incident has been turned over to the North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit.
Cook with caution this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is by far the leading day for home cooking fires, with more than three times as many cooking fires occurring on that day as a typical day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Stormwater project to impact South Wenatchee, Boodry Street
Update: This project is complete. Chelan County’s Surface and Stormwater Management Utility has completed on a project on South Wenatchee Avenue and Boodry Street.
Watch online meeting about post-wildfire impacts of Twenty-Five Mile Fire
Seven federal, state and local agencies recently held an online community meeting to discuss the findings of a federal report that assesses the damage caused by this summer's Twenty-Five Mile Fire. A recording of the meeting is now available.
Flooding After a Fire
You may be at even greater risk of flooding due to the recent wildfires that have burned across the region. Large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions. Download our two-page flyer that will help you better prepare before a flood impacts you and your family.
Jail’s K9 program kicks off month-long fundraising event
K9 Kait and her handler, Corrections Deputy Jacob Lewis, are about to celebrate their first anniversary as a team. Supporters of the drug-detecting duo have kicked off a fund-raising campaign for the month of November.
Nov. 3 meeting will discuss post-wildfire assessment of 25-Mile Fire
The community is invited to an online presentation on Nov. 3 that will go over the results of a recent federal report describing the post-wildfire conditions in the Twenty-Five Mile Creek Watershed near Lake Chelan, site of one of the largest wildfires this year in the state.
State Agencies Request Public’s Help in Tracking Tree-of-Heaven
State officials are seeking help from the public in reporting an invasive plant called tree-of-heaven throughout October in hopes of stopping the introduction of the invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly.
Keep It Blue campaign releases Lake Chelan water quality report
The Keep It Blue campaign, which is dedicated to the long-term protection of Lake Chelan’s water quality and supply, will release its first State of the Lake Report on Oct. 21.
Online open house Nov. 4 for Knowles Road Improvement Project
Chelan County Public Works will host an online open house on Nov. 4 for the Knowles Road improvement project, which is scheduled to begin construction this spring.
Community Development staff earns kudos from commissioners
Before a crowded room of Community Development employees, Chelan County commissioners on Oct. 5 praised the staff for catching up on its permit backlog in a year marred by staff shortages and big community issues.
County project receives governor’s Smart Communities Award
The Governor's Office recently announced the 11 Smart Communities Award winners for 2020-21. Among the winners are Chelan County and the cities of Chelan County, who are recognized for their partnership in building the Moderate Risk Waste Facility, a year-round community resource that safely disposes of household hazardous wastes.
Eviction Resolution Pilot Program
The goal of the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) is to bring all parties together with trained resolution specialists to explore solutions such as available state and local rental assistance, or achievable payment plans that could help tenants retain their housing and divert many situations from the legal eviction process.