Your trusted source for local Chelan, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Manson Fire District 5's Junior Firefighters program has educated and engaged local youth for over 20 years. Recently, junior firefighters taught fire safety to 250 Manson Elementary students, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in emergency preparedness.
The U.S. Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources will burn hand piles of forest debris over the next two weeks near Plain and Lake Wenatchee. This project aims to reduce wildfire risk across 5,000 acres and marks a significant step in the ongoing forest health initiative.
The City Council of Lake Chelan will host a Zoom meeting from October 24 to October 28, 2025, to discuss aviation and finance matters. This event will allow participants to engage in discussions relevant to the aviation industry and local business initiatives.
Chelan County now offers year-round hazardous waste disposal services for small quantity generators (SQGs) at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility. Businesses generating less than 220 pounds of dangerous waste monthly can schedule appointments to safely recycle and dispose of materials. This initiative aims to better serve local businesses and organizations, reducing the need to wait for annual disposal events.
Link Transit plans to expand evening and weekend services while introducing four new battery-electric buses to accommodate rising demand in Wenatchee. The agency's 10-year transit development plan emphasizes targeted service growth, including community van partnerships in rural areas.
U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier toured Washington State University’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center and the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council to assess the local impact of federal funding cuts and pauses. At the center, researchers discussed promising biopesticides for Codling Moth, while CDCAC reported a surge in demand for food and housing support amid budget cuts.
Fire closures in the Lower Sugarloaf Fire area are lifting as conditions improve, but officials urge caution due to potential hazards. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has reopened several roads and areas, while the Lower Sugarloaf Fire remains 99 percent contained. Visitors should stay informed about closures and be wary of risks like flash floods and falling debris.
Authorities arrested Yahui Wu, 51, during a raid on illegal cannabis grow operations in Douglas County on October 22, 2025. The Columbia River Drug Task Force seized over 3,000 illegal cannabis plants and cleared hazardous materials from the properties. Multiple individuals were detained as part of the operation.
Chelan County PUD staff unveiled new metrics in their Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) to enhance equity and affordability in energy access. The plan, required by Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act, aims to assist vulnerable households through various programs, including bill assistance and home weatherization.
Chelan County PUD commissioners approved joining Markets+, a centralized energy market operated by the Southwest Power Pool. This decision allows the utility to participate in a broader regional energy network. The move aims to enhance energy efficiency and reliability for local consumers.