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.
Chelan County News Archive
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.
25C07973 - Aasgard Injured Hiker SAR
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on August 11th, 2025 at approximately 6:12 pm RiverCom Dispatch received a text-to-911 call from an unknown caller at Colchcuck Lake.
Auditor seeks citizens to serve on “Against” committee for local ballot measure appearing in the November General Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
Auditor seeks citizens to serve on “Against” committee for local ballot measure appearing in the November General Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet.
County launches tourism perception survey
SURVEY: Chelan County has commissioned a comprehensive study on the impacts of tourism. Join us in gathering information for the study by completing a brief online survey.
Open house planned in Manson to talk transportation
Chelan County Public Works will be in Manson on Aug. 20 to host an open house on the transportation and safety plans underway as well as two Manson transportation projects.
25C07637 Colchuck Lake Drowning
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on Sunday August 3rd, at approximately 7:16 pm a satellite text-to-911 call was made to RiverCom dispatch. The person stated a person had been underwater for five minutes and they were not breathing.
First Blake Relief Day a success in Chelan County
The Blake Drug Possession Relief Day, held on July 18, was a big success. The first-time event, organized by Chelan County District Court, had 25 people sign up and an additional 15 walk-ins.
Bridge inspections week of August 11
During the week of August 11, you will see an Under Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) on a variety of bridges throughout Chelan County. The work requires one-lane, flagger-controlled traffic. See the map to learn what bridges we are inspecting.
25C07429 - Cashmere Plane Crash
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/30/25, at 5:30pm, a small plane crashed into a residence in the 300 block of Tigner Rd in Cashmere.
WASPC 2024 Crime In Washington Annual Report.
The Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs (WASPC) has released the 2024 Crime In Washington Annual Report.
County passes moratorium on creation of TIFs in unincorporated areas
The Board of County Commissioners has passed a six-month moratorium on the creation of any tax increment financing (TIF) areas or projects in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County. The action is a result of concerns by the BOCC that the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority is moving too quickly on the creation of a 3,326-acre TIF in Malaga without considering the full impacts on county taxpayers, state-mandated services and programs, land use zoning, transportation infrastructure and comprehensive planning.
Enchantments Search & Rescue
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/25/25 the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 15-year old female near Colchuck Lake, who was sick and not able to get out on her own.
Chelan County Expo Center - Invitation to Bid
Chelan County Expo Center: New Roof 4-H Building and New Roof Creative Arts Building
17 Purple Heart recipients to be honored this year
For the second consecutive year, the community will come together on Aug. 7 to pay tribute to 17 local recipients of the Purple Heart. This year’s honorees served in U.S. military conflicts ranging from World War I to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
New fee schedule goes into effect Aug. 1 at Community Development
A new fee schedule for land use permit applications goes into effect on Aug. 1. Read more to see the new fee schedule.
25C06036 - Residential Burglars Caught and Arrested
Burglars Caught - Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/2/25, at 11:50 AM Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a burglary in progress in the 6700 block of Forest Ridge Rd in Wenatchee.
25C06666 - Sinister Peak Search and Rescue
Sheriff Morrison reports that on July 14, 2025, at approximately 1:38 PM, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies received a call from the Washington State Emergency Operations Center regarding a Garmin inReach activation near the Chickamin Glacier, located north of Glacier Peak.
County adds more medical sensors to jail cells
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center recently completed the installation of 44 additional medical sensors, bringing its total to 68 sensors now installed in single-occupancy cells at the facility.
Blake Relief Day for unconstitutional drug possession convictions is July 18
People with Washington state Blake-related drug possession convictions can apply for financial and record-clearing relief at the first Blake Drug Possession Relief Day on July 18 at the Chelan County Courthouse. Read more to learn how to apply.