Your trusted source for local Chelan, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Chelan County PUD initiates shoreline stabilization efforts at Chelan Falls Park, employing heavy machinery along the Columbia River for the next two months. This project aims to enhance the park's infrastructure and protect the shoreline from erosion. Visitors may encounter construction activity during this period.
Human remains believed to be those of Travis Decker were found in a wooded area south of Leavenworth. The discovery, made by the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement, has not yet been positively identified, pending DNA analysis. Authorities have requested privacy for the Decker family during the ongoing investigation.
The Lower Sugarloaf Fire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has reached 20 percent containment as of Thursday morning. The fire has burned approximately 20,000 acres, prompting significant firefighting efforts.
The Colville Confederated Tribes highlighted the urgent need for funding to maintain their 1,200-mile road network during a presentation to the Washington State Transportation Commission. With only $5.3 million in annual federal funding, the Tribes struggle to keep up with maintenance demands, as many roads require immediate repair.
Chelan County Community Development warns residents about an email scam targeting land-use applicants, with a fraudulent invoice for $5,000. The department clarifies it does not send invoices via email, urging residents to report suspicious messages.
Northwest Team 2 took command of the Lower Sugarloaf and Labor Mountain Fires on September 18, 2025, now covering 20,098 acres with 20% containment. Firefighters continue to implement burning operations and clear forest roads, while smoke impacts visibility in nearby communities. Evacuation advisories are in place, and the public is reminded that unauthorized drone use poses risks to aerial firefighting efforts.
The Chelan Douglas Regional Port will host its Partners in Economic Development event on September 24, 2025. Attendees can RSVP by September 19 for complimentary breakfast or lunch presentations featuring keynote speaker Jerry Johnson of Johnson Economics. This event aims to foster collaboration in local economic initiatives.
The Lake Chelan School District Board approved the formation of a Bond Oversight Committee to supervise expenditures if a bond measure passes in the November 4 election. This 10-member committee will ensure accountability and transparency in managing the bond program. Applications for committee membership are currently being accepted.
Increased fire activity has been reported in the Lower Sugarloaf Fire area due to warmer and drier weather conditions. Firefighters are conducting burn operations along Forest Road 5801 to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire intensity. Chelan County Emergency Management has raised evacuation levels in certain areas.
East Wenatchee police arrested a 42-year-old man suspected of robbing People’s Bank after he matched the description of a previous bank robbery suspect. The police had circulated his photo earlier that day, enabling bank employees to identify him as he exited the building. He surrendered without incident after realizing he was surrounded by officers.