23 local groups awarded county lodging tax grants
Chelan County commissioners approved the awarding of nearly $320,000 in lodging tax dollars to a variety of tourist-related organizations. Read the story to learn who those groups are.
Chelan County News Archive
County passes 2024 budget
Chelan County commissioners passed the 2024 budget, which projects $56.9 million in expenditures. The 2024 budget allows for the creation of seven new positions in a variety of departments, including three additional deputies for the Sheriff's Office.
Parts of STR code to be sent to Planning Commission for review in 2024
Sections of Chelan County’s short-term rental code, now more than a year old, are headed back to the Planning Commission for its input. The Planning Commission could address the proposed changes by mid-year in 2024.
Dec. 15 is Volleyball State Champions Day in Chelan County
County commissioners signed a proclamation, declaring Dec. 15, 2023, be recognized as Volleyball State Champions Day in Chelan County. The proclamation honors the Manson, Chelan and Wenatchee high school volleyball teams, each of which earned the title of state champion in their divisions in the WIAA.
Public invited to help in updating of Hazard Mitigation, Community Wildfire Protection plans
Chelan County and its partners seek volunteers to serve on a new steering committee that will help guide next year’s updating process to the Chelan County Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection plans, two important plans used to identify natural hazards and their risks to the area.
Public invited to help in updating of Hazard Mitigation, Community Wildfire Protection plans
Chelan County and its partners seek volunteers to serve on a new steering committee that will help guide next year’s updating process to the Chelan County Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection plans, two important plans used to identify natural hazards and their risks to the area.
County hires consultant to identify noncompliant short-term rentals
Community Development has hired a consultant to begin identifying all short-term rentals in Chelan County, both those operating legally and illegally.
Nov. 30 summit to discuss feasibility of forest products campus
The public is invited to join in the Chelan County Forest Products Campus Summit, to be held 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 30 at Wenatchee Valley College's Mish ee twie building. People can also listen in via Zoom.
BOCC passes preliminary budget -- What's next?
On Nov. 1, the Board of County Commissioners approved a 2024 preliminary budget for all Chelan County budgeted funds. Commissioners will continue budget workshops in November, with the 2024 budget hearing set for Dec. 11.
$100 recording fee increase effective Jan. 1
Effective Jan. 1, the fee to record most documents in Washington will increase by $100 effective. The first-page recording fee for most documents will be $303.50. Learn which documents are exempt from the increase.
Horselake Road closes early for winter season
Horselake Road in Wenatchee closes for the winter on Wednesday, Nov. 14 – two weeks ahead of its scheduled annual seasonal closure.
Commissioners submit comments to federal government on grizzly bear restoration plan
The Board of Chelan County Commissioners submitted its comments to the federal government on an Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates options for restoring grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Commissioners have repeatedly expressed their opposition to the plan.
New rodeo queen will reign over 2024 Chelan County Fair and Rodeo
New in 2024, a rodeo queen will reign over the Chelan County Fair and Rodeo. Applications are being taken until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Meet Gambit of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center!
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center is introducing the community to its newest team member – super sniffer K9 Gambit, a 3-year-old border collie mix.
Join Make a Difference Day at Ohme Gardens
Ohme Gardens will be donating wood from trees that needed to be removed to the Wenatchee Rescue Mission, which in turn uses the wood to keep its shelter warm during the winter. Gardens and mission staff need help collecting, cutting and loading the firewood on Oct. 22.
Consider helping Ohme Gardens with wildfire protection this Make a Difference Day
Ohme Gardens is asking anyone interested in giving back to the community this Make a Difference Day to consider joining its efforts on Oct. 28 to make the gardens less prone to wildfire destruction.
Emergency repair work to begin on Yaksum Canyon Road
On Oct. 19, construction will begin on a portion of Yaksum Canyon Road that is failing. The road is south of Cashmere, and work is expected to take about two weeks.
Blake Refund Bureau assists with refunds of court fines
Washington state has created an online reimbursement center for court-ordered fines or costs paid in connection with drug possession convictions, found to be unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court in State v. Blake.
Commissioner Overbay to host community meeting
Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay will host a District 1 community meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, at Mission View Elementary School in Wenatchee. Joining him will be several directors of county departments.
Task Force seeks board members who have experienced homelessness
The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force, which sets priorities for homeless services and programs in the two counties, seeks new members who have the personal experience of being without a home. Applications are due Oct. 17.
Public comments sought on options for restoring grizzly bears to North Cascades
The National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service seek public input on a draft Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates options for restoring grizzly bears to the North Cascades Ecosystem. Comments also are being taken on the proposed 10(j) rule.
Memorial service planned for Oct. 7 for K9 Kait
On Oct. 7, the Chelan County Regional Justice Center will host a memorial service for its narcotics-detecting canine, K9 Kait. The public is invited to the service.
Community meeting planned to talk about Peshastin Bridge repairs
Join Chelan County Public Works on Oct. 12 for a meeting about repairs coming in 2024 to the Peshastin Bridge. The construction is expected to cause a temporary closure of the bridge.
Stehekin community invited to Sept. 26 meeting
In September, Chelan County is hosting two in-person opportunities for Stehekin residents to share their ideas and comments on a draft request for proposals that seeks a consultant to guide the community in creating a sustainable plan for the future.