New rules coming our way for accessory dwelling units in rural areas
UPDATE: Chelan County will NOT be amending its ADU code provisions to state standards on July 1.
Chelan County News Archive
Sheriff's Statement on Senate Bill 5974
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, in a letter to the community, shares his feedback on SB 5974, which has passed the Washington State Senate and Legislature.
Chief deputy coroner completes state-required forensic investigative training
Faye Fetters, the chief deputy coroner for Chelan County, recently completed the Core Medicolegal Forensic Investigative Training through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Moderate Risk Waste Facility continues to see steady growth
In 2025, the Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility saw 2,270 visitors and collected 183,195 pounds of household hazardous waste for recycling, reuse and safe disposal.
2026 Point in Time Count shows decrease in homelessness from previous year
Results of the 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count, held on Jan. 29 across Chelan and Douglas counties, show decreases over last year in both people living unsheltered and in the number of people living in shelters or temporary housing.
SBA offers disaster assistance to businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by December storm
UPDATE: The SBA is opening a Business Recovery Center on March 9 at the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. The recovery center, for businesses and private nonprofits impacted by the December winter storms, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays until March 20. No appointments necessary.
Construction begins at Law and Justice Building
An $8.7 million construction project that will update the aging and failing plumbing in the Law & Justice Building is underway. The project is expected to take up to 12 months.
26C01364 Malicious mischief suspect arrested in Cashmere
On Feb. 18, at about 10:20 p.m., CCSO deputies responded to the 200 block of Riverside Drive in Cashmere for a suspect who was damaging vehicles.
Public Works driver plays a hand in saving injured eagle
A new driver with Chelan County Public Works recently came upon something surprising while out inspecting the roads in the Entiat District.
Burch Mountain Road seasonal closure in place
The annual seasonal closure of Burch Mountain Road near Wenatchee is now in place. It reopens on April 1.
26C00696 Ardenvoir man arrested
On Feb. 7, Chelan County deputies conducted a search warrant on a residence in the 200 block of Arden Road in Ardenvoir. The purpose of the search warrant was related to an ongoing investigation by deputies into recurring malicious mischief incidents.
Totem Pole Road improvement project to start in spring
Chelan County commissioners recently awarded a $2.1 million construction bid for Phase 1 of the Totem Pole Road improvement project in Manson.
CCSO no longer accepts cash, checks
Effective Feb. 9, 2026, payments for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) and DUI cost recovery fees will be accepted only by debit or credit card. This change applies to all new CPL applications, including on-time and/or late renewals as well as replacement licenses.
26C00695 Suspect arrested in Chelan shooting
On Jan. 23, deputies responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East Woodin Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies located a 22-year-old male on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. Someone has been arrested.
Chelan County included in state's disaster request
Chelan County is among 10 counties included in a request to President Trump from Governor Ferguson that a federal major disaster declaration be made following December’s historic storms.
Jail names 2025 Deputy & Employee of the Year
Corrections Deputy Skyler Silsby was named the 2025 Deputy of the Year and records clerk Donna McCrain was named 2025 Employee of the Year at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.
Vets Program hosts blood drive Feb. 6
The Chelan County Veterans Program is hosting a community blood drive on Feb. 6 with the American Red Cross. Participants are invited to register now.
Annual Point in Time Count is Jan. 29
Chelan County and community partners will conduct the annual Homeless Point-in-Time Count on Jan. 29 at the Salvation Army Social Services Office in Wenatchee. This is the fifth year the county is coordinating the event for the area.
Sheriff's Statement on SB5974
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, in a letter to the community, shares his feedback on SB 5974, which proposes the "modernization" of laws governing sheriffs in Washington state.
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.
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.