Public Works has surplus equipment up for auction
Surplus equipment from Chelan County Public Works will be included in an online auction on Sept. 28.
Chelan County News Archive
County to join lawsuit against State for refusal to provide necessary mental health treatment
A new lawsuit against the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, filed by a coalition of 25 counties, holds the state accountable to fulfill its obligation to evaluate and treat patients with behavioral health conditions and would reduce further strain on a crumbling behavioral health system that the state legislature and local governments are actively working to restore.
County engineers win prestigious statewide honor
The Washington State County Road Administration Board announced recently that Paula Cox, PE, and Josh Patrick, PE, of Chelan County Public Works have been named co-recipients of the 2023 Project Manager of the Year award for their work on the West Cashmere Bridge replacement project.
Eagle Creek project among 23 salmon restoration projects to be awarded federal funding
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell announced a total of $58 million in funding for 23 projects that will remove fish passage barriers like small dams and culverts, to open up salmon migration routes. Among the projects is the Eagle Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project near Leavenworth.
Join Community Development for Sept. 13 outreach meeting
Among the discussions at Community Development's Sept. 13 outreach meeting will be accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, and recently passed state legislation that encourages their construction. The meeting is 6-8 p.m. at Wenatchee High School.
Call if you can, text if you can't
RiverCom 911, along with its partner law, fire and emergency responder agencies in Chelan and Douglas counties, is pleased to announce Text-to-911 is now available to Chelan and Douglas county residents and visitors.
Chelan County jail’s K9 Kait has passed away
K9 Kait, Chelan County’s narcotics-detecting canine, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 22, the Chelan County Regional Justice Center announced. Kait served the community for more than two years.
Goatheads! Learn how to identify them and get rid of them
Julie Sanderson, coordinator of the Chelan County Noxious Weed Control Board, talks about how you can identify and then eradicate goatheads (also called puncturevine) on your property.
How do you feel about tourism in Chelan County?
Visit Chelan County, a newly formed destination marketing and stewardship organization, is asking for the public's input as it develops a long-term Destination Stewardship Plan for tourism in the region. Please consider completing the online community survey.
$1.1 million awarded to mix of public, community housing projects
A mix of municipal projects and new affordable housing projects will share in $1.1 million from the Cascade Public Infrastructure Fund this year.
Chumstick Hwy projects starts August 7
Chumstick Highway Phase V, the road improvement project between Plain and Leavenworth, begins Monday, Aug. 7. Motorists are advised that two other road construction projects will be occurring in the Leavenworth area during the county's project. Read more to learn about traffic impacts.
Campfire ban takes effect Aug 4 in portions of Chelan County
Beginning Aug. 4, fire restrictions will raise to a Stage 2 level in the Valley Zone of Chelan County. This means campfires are banned in unincorporated Chelan County and target shooting is only allowed at a gun range.
Commissioner Overbay elected to lead WCRP in 2024
Beginning in October, Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay will serve as the vice president and president-elect of the Washington Counties Risk Pool, which supports its member counties with risk management programs.
Wenatchee River clean-up effort on Aug. 5 calls for volunteers
The Wenatchee River Clean-Up Community Float on Aug. 5 invites people who are interested in playing a hands-on role in keeping the local river healthy to join in the efforts, which will include a free community celebration at Cashmere Riverside Park. Volunteers will take to the river via guided rafts or walk the shoreline at the park.
Veteran's Advisory Board seeks 3 new members
The Chelan County Veteran’s Advisory Board, or VAB, seeks three new board members who can commit to six meetings a year and a three-year term. Learn more about how to apply for consideration.
Fundraising efforts underway to cover medical costs for jail’s canine
The annual community fundraising campaign for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center’s narcotics-detecting canine is kicking off early this year with a heavy focus on raising money to cover recent unexpected health costs for K-9 Kait. Learn more about how you can help.
Noxious weed surveys begin in Wenatchee area
The Chelan County Noxious Weed Control Board kicks off its annual weed surveying efforts in early July with a focus on puncturevine, or goatheads as most locals refer to the frustrating weed.
Changes coming Aug. 1 in Public Works payment processes
Beginning Aug. 1, Chelan County Public Works will no longer be able to accept payments on permits and fees after 1 p.m. on Fridays. Payment will continue to be taken during regular hours Monday through Thursday and before 1 p.m. on Fridays.
New family friendly event focuses on wildfire smoke, its impacts to health
On July 13, people are invited to an evening of community conversation and fun activities while learning how to better protect themselves from the impacts of wildfire smoke. Attend the live event 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Pybus Public Market or join the live-streaming event at the Chelan Fire Hall.
Respect county fireworks ban this July 4th
The Chelan County Fire Marshal's Office reminds the public that fireworks are banned throughout the county. We ask that you skip those backyard fireworks and take in a professional display at a community celebration.
Summer is road striping season
Roadway striping plays a valuable role in efforts to keep travelers safe on the roadway. The Traffic Safety crew of Chelan County Public Works re-stripes more than 800 miles of county roads and intersections annually.
Malaga Community Park receives $150,000 grant
A $150,000 grant as part of the Society for Ecological Restoration’s (SER) Standards-based Ecological Restoration in Action program will be used to make a variety of structural and environmental improvements to the 12-acre Malaga Community Park. Chelan County is providing a $160,000 match.
Fee changes coming July 1 for map recordings
Beginning July 1, the fee for map recordings will increase by $36, or to $100 per map recording.
Application period opening June 1 for Tier 2, Tier 3 short-term rentals
Beginning June 1, Community Development begins accepting applications for new short-term rentals looking to operate in areas of Chelan County that have not met the short-term rental cap. The application period opens annually from June 1 through July 31 and applies to Tier 2 and Tier 3 short-term rentals.