MRWF now takes dangerous wastes from small businesses, organizations
Chelan County businesses and organizations that generate hazardous wastes in small quantities now have a year-round option for recycling and disposing of the material safely.
Chelan County News Archive
BOCC establishes C-PACER program in Chelan County
The Board of County Commissioners has established a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency program, or C-PACER, in Chelan County.
Make a Difference Day returns Oct. 25 to Ohme Gardens
Volunteers looking to participate in the national service day Make a Difference Day (Oct. 25) are encouraged to head up to Ohme Gardens for a day of clearing underbrush and reducing wildfire fuels around the historic garden.
Homeless Housing Task Force seeks board members who have experienced homelessness
The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force, which sets priorities for homeless services and programs in the two counties, seeks new members who have the personal experience of being without a home. Applications are due by Oct. 17.
Join us for fall community meetings!
Fall community meetings, when the commissioners and county staff come to you, are Oct. 14-16.
Comments open on Homeless Housing Strategic Plan; public hearing is Nov. 3
The Board of Chelan County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing Nov. 3 at the administration building in Wenatchee. Written comments are due by Nov. 3.
County extends burning ban, fire restrictions
The ban on outdoor burning in unincorporated Chelan County has been extended through Oct. 15 because of the dry conditions and current wildfires burning in the county.
Hearing examiner to review Helion’s proposed CUP on Oct. 1
An upcoming public hearing on a conditional use permit application submitted by the Everett-based company Helion has been moved to the Confluence Technology Center in Wenatchee. The hearing before the Chelan County hearing examiner is 9 a.m. on Oct. 1, at Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way.
Warning: Email scam targets Community Development customers
Chelan County Community Development is alerting the public to an email scam reported recently by a local resident. The department reminds customers that it will never send you an invoice via email.
Scrap metal yard at Dryden Transfer Station closing for a month
Beginning Sept. 24, the Dryden Transfer Station will not be taking any scrap metal loads because its recycling yard will be under construction. The yard will re-open Oct. 29.
Editorial: Regional port's TIA proposal is opportunistic, harmful
Read the editorial explaining why the Board of County Commissioners is concerned about the regional port's proposed tax increment area, or TIA, and its impacts on Chelan County taxpayers.
Commissioners taking comments on TIA moratorium
The Board of County Commissioners is taking comments on a six-month moratorium that prevents the creation of any tax increment areas in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County. Don't forget to attend, either in-person or online, the public hearing on the moratorium, which is 11 a.m. on Sept. 23.
Sept. 24 open house at newly renovated Veteran Services Office
The public is invited to stop in and tour the newly renovated Chelan County Veteran Services Office during an open house, 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 25 at 428 Orondo Ave. in Wenatchee.
Comments open for Mission Ridge expansion’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Chelan County is accepting comments until Oct. 21 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed expansion at Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort. A public workshop on the DEIS will be held Sept. 22 at Confluence Technology Center. No public comment will be taken at the workshop; however, people have three ways to submit written comments.
The late Cindy Fowler honored with renaming of rodeo arena
This fair season, the late Cindy Fowler will be honored both nights of the PRCA Pro Rodeo in the county’s rodeo arena, which has been renamed the Cindy Fowler Memorial Arena in her honor. Read more about Fowler and her lasting legacy on Chelan County.
Are you interested in serving on the Health Board? Apply by Oct. 6
Interested in serving your community on the Chelan-Douglas Health District's Board of Health? The Board of Health has a variety of openings, with terms starting in January 2026. Submit an application online no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 6.
25C08420 Chelan House Fire
On the morning of August 21, 2025, a devastating residential fire at 418 E. Woodin Ave. in Chelan resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and injuries to two others.
Commissioners disappointed by regional port’s plan to divert over $100 million from critical services
By submitting its project analysis to form a Tax Increment Area (TIA) to the Washington State Treasurer’s Office, the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority has not acted in good faith, making it clear that community partnerships and collaborations are not its priority. In fact, the regional port has a history of such selfish behavior, targeting already prospering areas to divert tax dollars from the community, first in Douglas County and now in Chelan County.
2026 Lodging Tax funding requests open Aug. 29; due Oct. 10
Chelan County has a total of $221,638 in funding available to assist in the promotion of tourism activities in 2026. Apply by Oct. 10.
Notice of Application & Environmental Review: Helion conditional use permit
An application for a Conditional Use Permit has been submitted for the construction of a High Impact Utility Facility for the generation of power through fusion. The subject property is located within the Rural Industrial zoning district in Malaga. Public comments are being taken until Sept. 4.
Fly on over to Cashmere-Dryden Airport Day on Sept. 6
The Cashmere-Dryden Airport will welcome visitors to the municipal airport on Sept. 6 for its annual celebration of aviation and its role in a rural community. Stop in on your way to the fair that day! Read more for details.
Local rescue dog is new narcotics-detecting canine at county jail
K9 Kato and his partner, Corrections Deputy Skyler Silsby, graduate today from the Washington State Department of Corrections K9 program. Silsby completed 200 hours of training over six weeks to become certified as a narcotics K9 handler; he’s only the second corrections deputy to earn the distinction at the county jail.
25C04728 - Chelan County Sheriff’s Office leads and coordinates the in-depth investigation into the death of three children, and search for the suspect.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office leads and coordinates the in-depth investigation into the death of three children, and search for the suspect.
Balsam Root Fire Arrest
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/4/2024 a fire was started in the area of Horse Lake Rd on the hillside west of Wenatchee, known as the Balsam Root Fire.