County's jail director earns national honors
Chris Sharp, director of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, was honored in June by the National Institute for Jail Operations with the Dedication to Excellence Award.
Chelan County News Archive
County declares state of emergency in response to Lake Chelan area wildfire
In response to a wildfire burning on Lake Chelan's north shore, a state of emergency has been declared in Chelan County. The declaration affords county commissioners the ability to use local resources without going through typical government bidding processes.
Chip sealing starts June 1; watch for flaggers, plan for delays
Summer chip sealing is underway in Chelan County's unincorporated areas. If you come upon the crew, lower your speeds and obey flaggers. Read more for a list of roads scheduled for chip sealing.
Construction underway on the Upper Wenatchee Habitat Restoration Project
Upland construction work has begun on the Upper Wenatchee Habitat Restoration Project, and public is being asked to avoid travel through the project area (on land or in the river) between June 10 and Sept. 12. Please limit recreational use of the river to areas well away from the project area during this period.
Jail staff honored at May recognition event
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center’s 2023 Deputy of the Year and 2023 Support Staff of the Year were among those honored in May at the Wenatchee Valley Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony. From the left are Deputy Marco Urrutia, Vetta Inabnit and Greg Bull.
Month-long closure coming to Peshastin Bridge
The Peshastin Bridge, located off of Highway 2, will temporarily close beginning June 17 so a county contractor can make some repairs to the bridge. The detour route is via North Road, Chumstick Highway and Highway 2.
Reduced hours at Leavenworth brush site
The county-owned, drop-off brush site on Icicle and East Leavenworth roads will be open two Fridays a month for the foreseeable future. It will be open the second and fourth Friday of each month through October.
2023 Crime In Washington Annual Report.
The Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs have released the 2023 Crime In Washington Annual Report.
Current fire hazard designation and restrictions
Chelan County uses a system of fire danger ratings and fire restrictions to inform the public of both conditions and restrictions during fire season, which is typically June 1 to Oct. 1. Read more to learn what rating has been designated and what restrictions are being enforced.
Open burning prohibited beginning June 1
Beginning June 1, open burning of brush and yard waste is prohibited in all of unincorporated Chelan County. Read more about the additional restrictions under a moderate fire hazard level.
Construction underway on Icicle Creek irrigation project
Construction is underway on a $9 million irrigation project that, when completed next year, will upgrade a more than 100-year-old system while restoring instream flows to the fragile Icicle Creek in Leavenworth.
Did you miss the UWPP open house? Get the presentation now
A community open house in April attracted about 100 people interested in the start of the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project this month. Download the presentation.
County awards $481,000 in lodging taxes to 11 tourism projects
Chelan County commissioners awarded $481,000 in lodging tax dollars to a variety of capital projects that focus on generating more overnight visits from tourists.
NPS, USFW announce decision to restore grizzlies to North Cascades
The National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have announced a decision to actively restore grizzly bears to the North Cascades.
Project implementation for the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project begins this spring
Natural resource specialists with the U.S. Forest Service and Chelan County Natural Resources will host a community open house on April 25 that will provide an update on implementation plans for the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project.
Commissioner Overbay appointed president of WCRP
Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay was recently appointed to serve as president of the Washington Counties Risk Pool, which supports its member counties with risk management programs.
Ohme Gardens opens on April 15
Chelan County's Ohme Gardens is open for the 2024 season. The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with the last admission at 5:15 p.m.
Chelan County buys property for $1.8 million
Chelan County commissioners approved the purchase of 2.75 acres on Ohme Garden Road in Wenatchee for the future relocation of several county departments, including Emergency Management, the coroner and the county's motor pool.
Major earth-moving in a project may trigger state processes, county regulations
With more development occurring in the county’s foothills, Chelan County Community Development is also seeing more county regulations triggered by the movement of large amounts of soils and rock.
New fire marshal to start April 15
Christina Pedersen, formerly of the Yakima County Fire Marshal’s Office, is the new fire marshal for Chelan County.
Chelan, Douglas counties switching to new emergency alert system on April 1
Beginning April 1, Chelan and Douglas counties will switch to a new emergency alert system called Everbridge. Residents of both counties are encouraged to sign up for the alert system.
Commissioners bring Coordinated Entry in-house starting July 1
The Coordinated Entry program – the access point for local services for people experiencing homelessness – will be overseen by Chelan County beginning July 1.
March 27 town hall will introduce new community-driven detection program
Do you live on Lake Chelan? Join us on March 27 to learn how you can play a role in keeping aquatic invasive species out of Lake Chelan. The town hall event is 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Hall, 232 E. Wapato Ave. in Chelan.
County's firefighting project awarded $893,250 in federal funds
Chelan County will receive $893,250 in federal funds for a one-of-a-kind firefighting project that will place large water storage tanks around some of Chelan County’s most wildfire-prone areas. The funding comes at the support of Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Community Project Funding dollars.