Visits to county’s MRWF continue to grow
A new record was set in 2023 at the Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility. The facility took in its greatest amount of household hazardous waste yet – more than 74.3 tons.
Chelan County News Archive
Jail to install high-tech medical sensors in some cells
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center will install new medical sensors in a dozen intake and holding cells that will monitor an incarcerated person’s vital signs, alerting staff to any rapid deteriorations in health.
County to conduct Point in Time Count on Jan. 25
Chelan County and community partners will conduct the annual Homeless Point in Time Count from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, at Lighthouse Christian Ministries in Wenatchee, 410 Columbia St.
Wenatchee Heights Road to see road construction, improvements come spring
Beginning April 8, a contractor for Chelan County Public Works will begin rehabilitating a portion of Wenatchee Heights Road, from milepost 1.32 (near Wheeler Hill Road) to milepost 2.10 (near Edgemont Drive).
Jan. 30 public workshop looks at potential park in Peshastin
Peshastin residents are invited to a Jan. 30 workshop that kicks off a public envisioning process for a potential new community park there. The meeting is 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Peshastin Memorial Hall.
County adds $15,000 to diversion program
At its Jan. 2 board meeting, Chelan County commissioners gave a burst of additional diversion dollars to the Wenatchee Rescue Mission after the nonprofit depleted its one-time financial assistance funds it provides to people teetering on a housing crisis.
Natural Resources awarded nearly $770,000 for Peshastin Creek project
Chelan County Natural Resources was awarded nearly $770,000 to complete the study and design of a restoration project that will not only relocate and reconnect the Peshastin Creek channel with its historic floodplain but also eventually build two highway bridges across the rerouted creek.
County’s Secure Crisis Residential Center is 1 of 2 in state
Operating out of one of the four secure units at the Chelan County Juvenile Center, the SCRC has been serving the local community since 1999. Law enforcement placements are the most common reason a child stays at the SCRC. Read more to learn about the unique center and how it helps children and families.
23 local groups awarded county lodging tax grants
Chelan County commissioners approved the awarding of nearly $320,000 in lodging tax dollars to a variety of tourist-related organizations. Read the story to learn who those groups are.
County passes 2024 budget
Chelan County commissioners passed the 2024 budget, which projects $56.9 million in expenditures. The 2024 budget allows for the creation of seven new positions in a variety of departments, including three additional deputies for the Sheriff's Office.
Parts of STR code to be sent to Planning Commission for review in 2024
Sections of Chelan County’s short-term rental code, now more than a year old, are headed back to the Planning Commission for its input. The Planning Commission could address the proposed changes by mid-year in 2024.
Dec. 15 is Volleyball State Champions Day in Chelan County
County commissioners signed a proclamation, declaring Dec. 15, 2023, be recognized as Volleyball State Champions Day in Chelan County. The proclamation honors the Manson, Chelan and Wenatchee high school volleyball teams, each of which earned the title of state champion in their divisions in the WIAA.
Public invited to help in updating of Hazard Mitigation, Community Wildfire Protection plans
Chelan County and its partners seek volunteers to serve on a new steering committee that will help guide next year’s updating process to the Chelan County Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection plans, two important plans used to identify natural hazards and their risks to the area.
Public invited to help in updating of Hazard Mitigation, Community Wildfire Protection plans
Chelan County and its partners seek volunteers to serve on a new steering committee that will help guide next year’s updating process to the Chelan County Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection plans, two important plans used to identify natural hazards and their risks to the area.
County hires consultant to identify noncompliant short-term rentals
Community Development has hired a consultant to begin identifying all short-term rentals in Chelan County, both those operating legally and illegally.
Nov. 30 summit to discuss feasibility of forest products campus
The public is invited to join in the Chelan County Forest Products Campus Summit, to be held 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 30 at Wenatchee Valley College's Mish ee twie building. People can also listen in via Zoom.
BOCC passes preliminary budget -- What's next?
On Nov. 1, the Board of County Commissioners approved a 2024 preliminary budget for all Chelan County budgeted funds. Commissioners will continue budget workshops in November, with the 2024 budget hearing set for Dec. 11.
$100 recording fee increase effective Jan. 1
Effective Jan. 1, the fee to record most documents in Washington will increase by $100 effective. The first-page recording fee for most documents will be $303.50. Learn which documents are exempt from the increase.
Horselake Road closes early for winter season
Horselake Road in Wenatchee closes for the winter on Wednesday, Nov. 14 – two weeks ahead of its scheduled annual seasonal closure.
Commissioners submit comments to federal government on grizzly bear restoration plan
The Board of Chelan County Commissioners submitted its comments to the federal government on an Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates options for restoring grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Commissioners have repeatedly expressed their opposition to the plan.
New rodeo queen will reign over 2024 Chelan County Fair and Rodeo
New in 2024, a rodeo queen will reign over the Chelan County Fair and Rodeo. Applications are being taken until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Meet Gambit of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center!
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center is introducing the community to its newest team member – super sniffer K9 Gambit, a 3-year-old border collie mix.
Join Make a Difference Day at Ohme Gardens
Ohme Gardens will be donating wood from trees that needed to be removed to the Wenatchee Rescue Mission, which in turn uses the wood to keep its shelter warm during the winter. Gardens and mission staff need help collecting, cutting and loading the firewood on Oct. 22.
Consider helping Ohme Gardens with wildfire protection this Make a Difference Day
Ohme Gardens is asking anyone interested in giving back to the community this Make a Difference Day to consider joining its efforts on Oct. 28 to make the gardens less prone to wildfire destruction.