Scrap metal yard at Dryden Transfer Station closing for a month
Beginning Sept. 24, the Dryden Transfer Station will not be taking any scrap metal loads because its recycling yard will be under construction. The yard will re-open Oct. 29.
Chelan County News Archive
Editorial: Regional port's TIA proposal is opportunistic, harmful
Read the editorial explaining why the Board of County Commissioners is concerned about the regional port's proposed tax increment area, or TIA, and its impacts on Chelan County taxpayers.
Commissioners taking comments on TIA moratorium
The Board of County Commissioners is taking comments on a six-month moratorium that prevents the creation of any tax increment areas in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County. Don't forget to attend, either in-person or online, the public hearing on the moratorium, which is 11 a.m. on Sept. 23.
Sept. 24 open house at newly renovated Veteran Services Office
The public is invited to stop in and tour the newly renovated Chelan County Veteran Services Office during an open house, 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 25 at 428 Orondo Ave. in Wenatchee.
Comments open for Mission Ridge expansion’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Chelan County is accepting comments until Oct. 21 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed expansion at Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort. A public workshop on the DEIS will be held Sept. 22 at Confluence Technology Center. No public comment will be taken at the workshop; however, people have three ways to submit written comments.
The late Cindy Fowler honored with renaming of rodeo arena
This fair season, the late Cindy Fowler will be honored both nights of the PRCA Pro Rodeo in the county’s rodeo arena, which has been renamed the Cindy Fowler Memorial Arena in her honor. Read more about Fowler and her lasting legacy on Chelan County.
Are you interested in serving on the Health Board? Apply by Oct. 6
Interested in serving your community on the Chelan-Douglas Health District's Board of Health? The Board of Health has a variety of openings, with terms starting in January 2026. Submit an application online no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 6.
25C08420 Chelan House Fire
On the morning of August 21, 2025, a devastating residential fire at 418 E. Woodin Ave. in Chelan resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and injuries to two others.
Commissioners disappointed by regional port’s plan to divert over $100 million from critical services
By submitting its project analysis to form a Tax Increment Area (TIA) to the Washington State Treasurer’s Office, the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority has not acted in good faith, making it clear that community partnerships and collaborations are not its priority. In fact, the regional port has a history of such selfish behavior, targeting already prospering areas to divert tax dollars from the community, first in Douglas County and now in Chelan County.
2026 Lodging Tax funding requests open Aug. 29; due Oct. 10
Chelan County has a total of $221,638 in funding available to assist in the promotion of tourism activities in 2026. Apply by Oct. 10.
Notice of Application & Environmental Review: Helion conditional use permit
An application for a Conditional Use Permit has been submitted for the construction of a High Impact Utility Facility for the generation of power through fusion. The subject property is located within the Rural Industrial zoning district in Malaga. Public comments are being taken until Sept. 4.
Fly on over to Cashmere-Dryden Airport Day on Sept. 6
The Cashmere-Dryden Airport will welcome visitors to the municipal airport on Sept. 6 for its annual celebration of aviation and its role in a rural community. Stop in on your way to the fair that day! Read more for details.
Local rescue dog is new narcotics-detecting canine at county jail
K9 Kato and his partner, Corrections Deputy Skyler Silsby, graduate today from the Washington State Department of Corrections K9 program. Silsby completed 200 hours of training over six weeks to become certified as a narcotics K9 handler; he’s only the second corrections deputy to earn the distinction at the county jail.
25C04728 - Chelan County Sheriff’s Office leads and coordinates the in-depth investigation into the death of three children, and search for the suspect.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office leads and coordinates the in-depth investigation into the death of three children, and search for the suspect.
Balsam Root Fire Arrest
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/4/2024 a fire was started in the area of Horse Lake Rd on the hillside west of Wenatchee, known as the Balsam Root Fire.
25C07973 - Aasgard Injured Hiker SAR
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on August 11th, 2025 at approximately 6:12 pm RiverCom Dispatch received a text-to-911 call from an unknown caller at Colchcuck Lake.
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.
Open house planned in Manson to talk transportation
Chelan County Public Works will be in Manson on Aug. 20 to host an open house on the transportation and safety plans underway as well as two Manson transportation projects.
25C07637 Colchuck Lake Drowning
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on Sunday August 3rd, at approximately 7:16 pm a satellite text-to-911 call was made to RiverCom dispatch. The person stated a person had been underwater for five minutes and they were not breathing.
First Blake Relief Day a success in Chelan County
The Blake Drug Possession Relief Day, held on July 18, was a big success. The first-time event, organized by Chelan County District Court, had 25 people sign up and an additional 15 walk-ins.
Bridge inspections week of August 11
During the week of August 11, you will see an Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) on a variety of bridges throughout Chelan County. The work requires one-lane, flagger-controlled traffic. See the map to learn what bridges we are inspecting.
25C07429 - Cashmere Plane Crash
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/30/25, at 5:30pm, a small plane crashed into a residence in the 300 block of Tigner Rd in Cashmere.
WASPC 2024 Crime In Washington Annual Report.
The Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs (WASPC) has released the 2024 Crime In Washington Annual Report.
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.