Chelan County has purchased 18 acres of land from G&B Properties for $1.2 million to create Plain's first community park, funded by lodging tax and state sales tax credit. The park will preserve existing ski trails and add year-round amenities.
The Chelan Hills Fire, burning over 9,700 acres in Douglas County, is now 75% contained, according to officials. State resources remain mobilized for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage, which has burned 600 acres and threatens homes and power lines.
Link Transit has named Don Billen as its new CEO, replacing Nick Covey after his 32-year tenure. Billen's appointment takes effect June 1, 2026. The agency will also provide free shuttles from East Wenatchee locations to Walla Walla Park for the July 4, 2026, fireworks event.
Wenatchee School District avoided a $433,000 state clean energy fine through its Student Energy Managers program, which helped meet state requirements.
Chelan County Health District confirmed a Sin Nombre virus (hantavirus) case in a Chelan County resident with no connection to cruise ship cases. The county continues to monitor the situation.
Chelan County Sheriff's Office assisted hikers with injuries on Sauer Mountain Trail and located a lost group near Colchuck Lake in April 2026. A search and rescue operation remains active in Wenatchee as of July 9, 2026.
The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans to Wenatchee residents and businesses affected by December 2025 winter storms. Applications are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.