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Two arrested, six kilograms of cocaine seized in Wenatchee operation

Packages of suspected cocaine seized during an Oct. 28 operation in Wenatchee are displayed alongside a Homeland Security Investigations emblem. Authorities reported seizing approximately six kilograms and arresting two men.
WENATCHEE — Two men suspected of transporting cocaine from the Seattle area to Wenatchee for sale were arrested Oct. 28 during a joint operation involving federal investigators, Chelan County …

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New state laws require Chelan to update housing and development rules

CHELAN — Chelan will need to revise portions of its municipal development code to comply with a dozen state housing and land-use laws passed since 2021, including several that already override existing city regulations.
Community members gather around a donated Ford Expedition stocked with blankets, snacks and other supplies during an Oct. 24 surprise presentation in Chelan. Two anonymous donors provided the vehicle.

Donated SUV helps Twisp police chief’s family reach cancer care

CHELAN — A procession of emergency vehicles brought a surprise to Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow and his family Oct. 24: a donated SUV to help them travel to cancer treatment.
Councilmember Tim Hollingsworth, who sits on the board for one of the two groups under consideration for grant money, recused himself from the entire discussion on Oct. 27.

Chelan weighs $77,480 in housing grant requests with just $50,000 available

CHELAN — Two local organizations seeking to expand affordable housing have requested a combined $77,480 from a city grant program with just $50,000 available, leaving the Chelan City Council to determine how much assistance each should receive.

Chelan considers rules for AI use, public records and data privacy

CHELAN — City employees could use artificial intelligence to draft reports, research projects and streamline daily work under a proposed policy that would also require them to verify AI-generated information, protect confidential records and disclose when publicly distributed images or videos were created using the technology.
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Residents can use an online tool to determine whether their own property is affected by new flood maps required by the federal government.
CHELAN — Dozens of buildings in Chelan could see their flood-risk classifications change under preliminary federal maps that would replace boundaries established nearly 50 years ago, potentially affecting property owners' insurance requirements and future construction plans.
After a deeper inspection revealed less work would be required, the Chelan Library repair project is coming in much closer to budget, and could possibly be back open by spring.
CHELAN — Repairs to the Chelan Public Library building are moving forward after exploratory construction work revealed that moisture damage could be addressed for nearly $95,000 less than originally proposed, bringing the project close to its $150,000 budget and raising hopes that library services could return to the building by spring.
Chelan City Administrator Laura McAloon, who also serves as the city’s airport manager, discusses the need for more communication with the Port at an Oct. 27 meeting.
CHELAN — Plans to bring more business and potentially commercial air service to Lake Chelan Airport prompted a broader discussion Oct. 27 about how the city and Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority coordinate their work, with officials identifying different expectations over airport planning and development around it.

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Community Calendar
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Local Features
Edd and Sharon La Mar opened Lake Chelan Building and Supply in 1979 in Manson.

Lake Chelan Building Supply, where customers become friends

CHELAN - When it came time for Brett La Mar to hand over the reins to his family business, Lake Chelan Building and Supply, he wanted a buyer who would embody his parents’ motto – where …
Chelan Scout Master Mark Carroll and Eagle Scout Cameron Willoughby open and refold the first United States flag, featuring only 13 stars, at Willoughby’s Eagle Scout ceremony.

Manson teen soars to Eagle Scout rank

MANSON – Cameron Willoughby, a 2024 Manson High School grad, celebrated a major milestone in December when he was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Earning the Eagle …

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Chelan County Sheriff's Report

Chelan County Sheriff's Report

This report is compiled from records provided by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and RiverCom. The publisher cannot certify the complete accuracy of the information provided.
State News

WA officials urge leaders not to spend $51 million Meta fine yet

Meta has paid Washington state a record-setting fine of more than $51 million for violating campaign finance laws, but lawmakers are being cautioned not to get too excited about the money.

As immigrant Medicaid cuts take effect, some in WA can keep their coverage

OLYMPIA – Roughly 10,000 immigrants in Washington are losing their Medicaid health coverage due to federal cuts Republicans in Congress approved last year.

Judge permanently blocks WA sheriff standards law

OLYMPIA – A judge on Friday threw out tough new job standards for county sheriffs approved by Washington lawmakers this year that critics argued would force some out of office.

WA wildfire home damage totals at least $188M, Ferguson says

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday asked President Donald Trump for tens of millions of dollars in federal aid to help communities recover from devastating wildfires this summer. Across the …

It’s primary election day in WA. Here’s what you need to know

Washington voters on Tuesday will start to winnow the competition in hundreds of local, state and federal races in this busy election cycle. All 98 seats in the state House and 24 in the Senate …

Ferguson proposes statewide school cellphone ban

SEATTLE — Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday that he will seek a statewide ban on student cellphone use during school hours in Washington public K-12 schools. The proposed “Away for the …

DOJ moves to vacate Jan. 6 conviction for Proud Boys leader from WA

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to erase the conviction of a prominent leader of the Proud Boys from Washington state for his actions during the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. …

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Obituaries
Kathryn passed away surrounded by friends and family in her home October 26th, 2026. Celebration of Life details to come.
Mary Rosaleen “Rosalee” Clark, 81 Rosalee passed away at Fieldstone Memory Care on October 5, 2026. Rosalee’s ashes will be spread in a few of the places that brought her happiness …
Doyle Eugene “Gene” Starcher was born to Doyle and Thela Starcher on August 8th, 1939 and died peacefully on September 21st, 2026. Many in Chelan remember him as the jeweler, alongside his …
Genevieve Elaine Smith
Genevieve Elaine Smith, age 87, passed away on August 30, 2026, wrapped in the loving arms of her namesake granddaughter, Genevieve Stephens. This Amazing Woman is now in the arms of Jesus, her …
Kathryn Ann Wiley, age 73, died Monday, September 21, 2026 at Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born September 9, 1953 to Virgil Rudolph Hanford and Ellen Louise Southwick Hanford. …
Roy McCulley – 1931 – 2026. It’s been said that few people die at 100 years old or more. Roy almost made it, passing at 95. Born in the family home of Fred and Fern McCulley, in Okanogan, …

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October 28, 2026

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Opinion
From the Publisher
Terry Ward, Publisher

The day after the election

A week from today, the election will be over.

Manson’s Old Swim Hole: An Opportunity We Can’t Afford to Lose

Thank you for bringing attention to the urgent funding challenge facing Manson’s Old Swim Hole restoration project. With the November 15 deadline approaching and approximately $375,000 still needed, I hope this coverage will be a catalyst for action across our valley.
Terry Ward, Publisher

When outrage masquerades as journalism

There is a difference between journalism that makes people uncomfortable and content that is designed to make people angry.

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Features
An artist's rendering shows the plans for the new Hub Center which will be housed in the old Chelan Hospital building.

Former Chelan hospital to transform into 'Hub Center' with offices, coworking space

CHELAN – The former hospital building in Chelan is being repurposed into a mixed-use business building called the Hub Center. Managed by Coldwell Banker Cascade, the property will provide …

During selection festivities, the 2024 Manson Apple Blossom Festival royalty were crowned Saturday evening, January 27, at Manson High School. Left to right, Princess Liliana Narvaez, Queen Isabelle Harris, and Princess Natalee Reyna. This year’s festival, ‘Into the Wilderness,’ will be held Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, in downtown Manson.

Manson Apple Blossom Royalty crowned

MANSON - During selection festivities, the 2024 Manson Apple Blossom Festival royalty were crowned Saturday evening, January 27, at Manson High School. Left to right, Princess Liliana Narvaez, Queen …

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Sports

Chelan football pulls away from Quincy 52-27

CHELAN — Chelan's defense shut Quincy out in the first quarter, and the Goats' offense took over from there in a 52-27 nonleague football win Friday, Oct. 16.

Entiat football rolls past Soap Lake 63-24

ENTIAT — Entiat led 19-0 after the first quarter and beat Soap Lake 63-24 in a 1B Central Washington 8-man football game Friday, Oct. 16.

Manson football rolls past Waterville/Mansfield 62-14

MANSON — Manson football beat visiting Waterville/Mansfield 62-14 on Saturday.

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Web Extra content

Plans with cheaper premiums are risky business for Americans seeking lower healthcare costs

If you

Some options that might look like health insurance actually aren’t – and they may leave you stranded with large, unexpected medical expenses.

Why are school mornings so stressful? A psychologist explains, and organizers share what works

Closets by Design reports that school mornings are stressful due to time constraints and disorganization. 

Are you mentally healthy? 15 signs to look for

Rula reports that good mental health involves coping skills, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose. 

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