Residential campfires now banned in unincorporated Chelan County
With unseasonably hot and windy conditions headed this way, the Chelan County fire marshal is banning all residential campfires in the county’s unincorporated areas.
Chelan County News Archive
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee seeks 1 new member
Chelan County seeks people who are interested in filling a two-year term on the county’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, a voluntary board that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the allocation of tax dollars generated by overnight stays in the county’s unincorporated areas. Applications are due by June 30.
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.
Learn to spot noxious weeds in our foothills
The Chelan County Noxious Weed Board is partnering with the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust to offer a free, hands-on Noxious Weed Identification Workshop on June 12. Learn how to register.
County kicks off community meetings on Comprehensive Plan Update
Chelan County kicked off the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update with a series of three public meetings in May. Chelan County Community Development, which is leading the comprehensive plan update, anticipates a second set of public open house events or meetings following the release of the Comprehensive Plan in 2026.
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.
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!
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!