Chelan County News Archive

Tollackson named Healthcare Professional of the Year

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.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee seeks 1 new member

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

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

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

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.

If your tires are in the road, prepare to be towed

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.

Jail’s K-9 handler headed to new career

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

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

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

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.

District court, probation offer account-relief program

District court, probation offer account-relief program

Do you have account balances for unpaid fines and fees ordered by Chelan County District Court or Chelan County District Court Probation? You may be eligible for a limited-time, debt-relief program that begins April 14 and ends June 14. Read more for details about who to contact.

5-year homeless housing plan update underway

5-year homeless housing plan update underway

For the past year, the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force has been actively updating the five-year homeless housing plan, which will serve as a guide to prioritizing and creating future housing programs or services for the two counties. Watch for the draft plan in early May.

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!