Chelan County News Archive

Planning Commission seeks 1 new member; apply by Jan. 15

Planning Commission seeks 1 new member; apply by Jan. 15

Chelan County seeks people interested in filling an unexpired term on the county’s Planning Commission, a voluntary board that makes recommendations on long-range planning matters and development regulations to the Board of County Commissioners. Applications are due by Jan. 15.

County, partners to conduct Point-in-Time Count on Jan. 30

County, partners to conduct Point-in-Time Count on Jan. 30

Chelan County and community partners will conduct the annual Homeless Point in Time Count from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Jan. 30. New this year, there will be three locations where the Point in Time Count will be hosted to better identify people living unhoused in the more rural communities and parts of Chelan and Douglas counties.

Chelan County, its partners clean up large encampment in Malaga

Chelan County, its partners clean up large encampment in Malaga

On Dec. 20, Chelan County and its partners completed the final day of cleanup on a large homeless encampment in Malaga. The camp’s condition caused concerns for the people living there as well as the crew working. This story has been updated with the total amount of refuse removed from the site.

Traffic restrictions in place during Leavenworth Christmas festival

Traffic restrictions in place during Leavenworth Christmas festival

This story has been updated! To enhance public safety and ensure clear routes for emergency vehicles, temporary parking and traffic restrictions will be enforced during the Village of Lights: Christmastown festival, which begins Nov. 29 and runs on weekends (Friday through Sunday) through Dec. 28.

Renovations begin Nov. 12 on Veteran Services Office

Renovations begin Nov. 12 on Veteran Services Office

The Veteran Services Office will be closed on Nov. 8 so county staff can pack up the office in preparation for a renovation project. On Nov. 12, the VSO will re-open at 400 Washington St., the Administrative Office for the Chelan County commissioners and the program's new home for four months.

Public invited to comment on short-term rental code

Public invited to comment on short-term rental code

The Chelan County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Nov. 13 to take comments on proposed updates to the county’s short-term rental code. Written comments are being taken now. Read more for details on how to comment.

$30 million available for farmers who paid carbon fees on fuel

$30 million available for farmers who paid carbon fees on fuel

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) has issued an application for partial payment for ag producers or transporters of agricultural products who paid carbon fees related to the state’s cap and trade program on fuel purchases. Qualifying purchases are between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 1, 2023.

Are you interested in serving on the Housing Authority?

Are you interested in serving on the Housing Authority?

The county seeks people interested in an open commissioners seat on the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee. The Board of County Commissioners makes the appointment to the Housing Authority's board. Apply by Nov. 14. Read more for details about the position.

5 tips to help out your county snowplow driver

5 tips to help out your county snowplow driver

It's never too early to start thinking snow in Chelan County! While snowplow operators work hard to keep people safe on county roads, they need a little help from the traveling public. We’re passing along reminders how you can do your part to travel safely alongside the county snowplows.

Are you a motorized trail user? We want to hear from you!

Are you a motorized trail user? We want to hear from you!

Chelan County Natural Resources is asking motorized recreational trail users to complete a 10-minute survey that will help with the drafting of the county’s first motorized trails plan. The public also is invited to an in-person workshop on Oct. 30 to give input into the plan.

County seeks public input on updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

County seeks public input on updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

The public is invited to comment on the update to the Chelan County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. You can do that through a variety of ways, from attending an upcoming open house on Oct. 3 to exploring and participating in an online survey and storymap.

Commissioners to host bear conflict expert at September meetings

Commissioners to host bear conflict expert at September meetings

At three separate public meetings in September, county commissioners will host guest speaker Trina Jo Bradley, chairwoman of the Montana Conflict Reduction Consortium, for a community discussion about living with bears and other apex predators. Full details, including meeting agendas, are in the story.

Take our homeless housing survey!

Take our homeless housing survey!

How concerned are you about homelessness in Chelan and Douglas counties? Would you know where to get help if you or someone you loved needed it? And where do you get information about local homelessness? We want to hear from you! Take our 3- to 5-minute survey -- in English or Spanish -- to help us plan for the future.

Chelan County, partners launch first Forest Resilience Bond in the state

Chelan County, partners launch first Forest Resilience Bond in the state

Chelan County and its partners in Washington state are taking a pioneering step in wildfire risk mitigation by launching the first Forest Resilience Bond (FRB) in state history. The historic effort aims to safeguard communities north of Leavenworth from the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires.

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 23
    Jul 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - July 23, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 12
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - July 12, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is July 12.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 09
    Jul 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on July 9, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 25
    Jun 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - June 25, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 11
    Jun 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on June 11, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1