Request for Proposals: Tourism Impact Study
Chelan County Economic Services seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide a comprehensive Tourism Impact Study. It is due by 5 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2024.
Chelan County News Archive
Deputy Lewis named NCW Fair's First Responder of the Year
The North Central Washington Fair announced its pick for 2024 First Responder of the Year is Deputy Jacob Lewis of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. Lewis as key in establishing the jail's narcotics detection K9 program.
Goathead surveys, control notices are underway
Weed-surveying efforts by the Chelan County Noxious Weed Control Board are in full swing with a current focus on those pesky goatheads, also known as puncturevine for their ability to puncture tires. Read more on how best to eradicate this noxious weed.
Share your thoughts on proposed bike, pedestrian pathways
The Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council is planning new bicycle and pedestrian pathways to better connect our communities. Give your thoughts by taking a five-minute survey and putting ideas on the interactive input map. Read more for links.
Aug. 7 ceremony to honor Purple Heart recipients
The community and local veterans will come together on Aug. 7 to pay tribute to recipients of the Purple Heart, a military service decoration that honors men and women who have been wounded or died in combat. The ceremony will be 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee.
Protecting Stehekin, its citizens our top priority in Pioneer Fire
In a message to Stehekin residents and others concerned about the Pioneer Fire, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office assures the public that emergency responders and Complex Incident Management Teams are united in one goal: Protect the community of Stehekin.
County continues hearing on proposed fee increases
A July 9 hearing on new proposed fee schedule for the Community Development and Fire Prevention and Investigation departments has been continued to 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The staff report, proposed resolution and Exhibit B have been modified. Read the proposed resolution and supporting documents here.
Homeless Housing Network opens at Columbia Station
The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Network, which operates the Coordinated Entry program, opened July 10 at Link Transit’s Columbia Station in Wenatchee.
Boating on Lake Chelan? Get your inspection sticker
New this year, the county-operated, voluntary boat inspection program at Lake Chelan offers local boaters a fast-track option through the inspection process that seeks to detect aquatic invasive species. After completing an inspection, boat owners are offered one of three types of stickers.
Request for Proposals: 2026 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
Chelan County and the City of Chelan request proposals from qualified consultants to provide assistance with the mandated 2026 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Updates. Get the full RFP here.
Fire danger ratings on the rise in Chelan County
With soaring temperatures anticipated this July 4th weekend, the county fire marshal is raising fire danger ratings and fire restrictions in Chelan County.
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.
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.
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.