Voluntary boat inspections re-start at Lake Chelan this Memorial Day weekend
With the Memorial Day weekend, Chelan County Natural Resources kicks off its voluntary boat inspection program at Lake Chelan for the third season.
Chelan County News Archive
County signs property purchase agreement for new riverfront park
The Board of County Commissioners has signed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire 30.84 acres of property in Malaga that may be used for a future riverfront park.
If your tires are in the road, prepare to be towed
The spring flower bloom in the Cashmere and Dryden area is attracting hundreds of hikers from around the state, causing parking issues on narrow canyon roads and potentially impacting emergency response to the areas. No parking is allowed on the pavement in Olalla and Nahahum canyons.
Join us in May to learn about comprehensive planning process
We want to know your vision of the future of Chelan County. Join us for one of three open house events, to be held May 19-21, to learn about the Chelan County Comprehensive Plan, which is being updated now.
Jail’s K-9 handler headed to new career
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center is saying goodbye this summer to its canine handler who not only played a key role in building the narcotics-detecting program in the local facility but also inspired other counties around the state to add canine programs in their own jails.
Take our survey to join local conversation on climate resilience
We’ve posted a survey on our website that seeks your thoughts on such topics as what natural hazards in Chelan County you are concerned about and what projects you would prioritize to build upon climate resilience. Take the survey and join the community conversation.
Free wood chips available at county brush sites
We have FREE woodchips available at Chelan County’s brush yards during regular business hours. All you need is a shovel and gloves to self-load and haul away your new chips! Read more for details.
A good meal goes a long way in a county jail
The kitchen crew at the Regional Justice Center was honored last week with the 2024 Department of the Year Award. What are the favorite recipes at the jail? Who are the tight-knit bunch with a statewide reputation? Learn more in the story.
A history lesson about your first county courthouse and jail
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center recently published a story about the first Chelan County Courthouse in its spring 2025 edition of The Confluence. The museum gave us permission to post it here. Enjoy this fun read -- and the photos!
County assessor to host four spring community meetings
Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested citizens to attend a community meetings scheduled throughout the county this spring. The first meeting is March 26 at the Entiat Grange Hall.
Housing Task Force opens new grant application process March 31
Beginning March 31, the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force will seek applications for funding from local homeless housing programs. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 2. Read more for details.
District court, probation offer account-relief program
Do you have account balances for unpaid fines and fees ordered by Chelan County District Court or Chelan County District Court Probation? You may be eligible for a limited-time, debt-relief program that begins April 14 and ends June 14. Read more for details about who to contact.
5-year homeless housing plan update underway
For the past year, the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force has been actively updating the five-year homeless housing plan, which will serve as a guide to prioritizing and creating future housing programs or services for the two counties. Watch for the draft plan in early May.
Leavenworth drop-off brush site permanently closed
The county-operated, drop-off brush site in Leavenworth will not re-open this spring. Read more to learn where you can bring your yard waste in Chelan County.
Helicopter to be used to remove hazardous trees at Ohme Gardens
Cleanup from damages at Ohme Gardens that were caused by a recent windstorm will require a helicopter to remove trees blown onto the rocky cliffs just below the popular tourist attraction. The work will bring traffic impacts on March 3. Read more for details.
Commissioners, county directors plan March community meetings
In March, Chelan County commissioners and a variety of department directors will hold a series of community-led discussions in each of the three districts commissioners represent. Watch for the county to be in Wenatchee on March 4, Chelan on March 5 and Leavenworth on March 6. Details are in the story.
It’s time to start watching for weight restrictions on county roads
Warming temperatures bring temporary weight restrictions on county roads every year. Do you know when you need a Special Motor Vehicle Permit? Read more.
Icicle Creek Work Group to hold Feb. 26 open house
The Icicle Creek Work Group invites the public to an open house on Feb. 26 to learn about ongoing progress on a variety of projects in the Icicle Creek watershed. The event is 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chelan County Fire District No. 3 firehall. The event will follow an open house format, with a 30-minute presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Point in Time Count shows decrease in unsheltered, increase in sheltered homeless population
Results from the 2025 homeless Point in Time Count, held last month, indicate a decrease in people living unsheltered – out of doors or in a place not meant for habitation – and an increase in the number of people living in shelters or temporary housing over last year. Get all the results here.
Take our survey to give your input on Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The planning team updating the Chelan County Community Wildfire Protection Plan invites the public to review the draft plan and provide feedback on it through an online community survey. Read more and take the survey!
Vehicle licensing services down while state upgrades its system
The vehicle licensing system of the Washington State Department of Licensing will be unavailable Feb. 14-17 because it is being upgraded. This impacts both online and in-office services until Feb. 18. Read more.
County allocates nearly $525,000 to programs fighting opioid abuse
Chelan County will distribute $524,745 in grants in the first round of its allocation of opioid settlement funding. The money will be shared by the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, Chelan County Superior Court and the Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Wenatchee.
BOCC to pass short-term rental code updates on Feb. 11
UPDATE: The Board of County Commissioners has continued the hearing about short-term rental code updates to Feb. 18, when the board is expected to pass the resolution approving suggested updates to the code.
MRWF recycles, disposes of 76.4 tons of household hazardous wastes in 2024
The Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility continues to see growth in the amount of household hazardous waste it is safely disposing of or recycling. Learn more about how to dispose of your household hazardous wastes safely.