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Chelan County News Archive
Comprehensive Plan surveys
Comprehensive Plan update opens up opportunities for your input!
Skip the Sparks this July 4th
Local fire personnel are urging the public to obey fireworks bans in Chelan and Douglas counties to avoid sparking a fire under already wildfire-prone conditions.
County seeks local Purple Heart recipients for 2025 Hall of Honor induction
Are you a Purple Heart recipient? Or do you know someone who is? Fill out our Hall of Honor Inductee form so we can honor the bravery and sacrifice of our military service members. The form is available online.
New road superintendent takes the wheel at Public Works
After 13 years, there’s about to be a change in leadership at Chelan County Public Works’ road maintenance department. Brad Harn, the road maintenance superintendent, retires at the end of the month after 36 years at the county. Replacing him is Ed Grant, who has been with the county nearly 27 years.
County jail honored for taking innovative efforts in fight against opioid crisis
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center was recently honored with the 2025 Detention Facility Innovation Award by the National Institute for Jail Operations. The jail has been utilizing a variety of technologies to combat the opioid crisis. Learn more.
Tollackson named Healthcare Professional of the Year
On June 11, Billye Tollackson, health care manager for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, was honored with the Healthcare Professional of the Year Award at the National Institute for Jail Operations' JAILCON25 Western Regional Conference. Read more about Tollackson and why she has chosen to make a career out of caring for the incarcerated at the county jail.
Horse Lake, Burch Mountain roads to close July 2-9
The Board of County Commissioners recently passed a resolution closing the dirt portions of Horse Lake and Burch Mountain roads on July 2-9.
Commissioners considering building, planning fee schedule adjustment
The Board of County Commissioners continued a public hearing on the new proposed building and planning fees to 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17.
How does the Assessor's Office determine the value of your property?
With Notices of Value coming out June 20 in Chelan County, Chief Deputy Assessor Erin Fonville gives us a quick education in how the Chelan County Assessor's Office assesses your property.
NCW Region develops strategic plan to address substance use, mental health disorders
Leaders from Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties recently came together for a one-day workshop to create a comprehensive, community-wide strategic plan focused on addressing substance use and mental health conditions, particularly among people involved in the criminal justice system.
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.
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.