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Rise and shine, Chelan County!
Before we get into today’s email… I’m excited to share that we quietly launched BaseLocal Business last week, and 400+ businesses have already signed up 🥹 If you own or manage a local business and want to see what the platform’s all about, you can sign up for free in less than five minutes (if you haven’t already).
We launched the platform to make it easier for the community to connect with local businesses in a meaningful way that benefits everyone… and so far it’s going great.
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here and helping us make this newsletter better every day.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
More counties now covered: IRS has extended tax filing and payment relief to May 1, 2026 for residents and businesses in Chelan County after December storms. Some estimated payments and IRA contributions are included — see who qualifies and when.
Developer files initial application: Plans for 288 East Wenatchee homes are under environmental review, and Ecology urges study of wetlands and drainage. The project would add streets, sidewalks, utilities and open space — learn what’s in the proposal.
Nonprofit expands housing access: The state has awarded $1.1 million to Columbia Valley Affordable Homeownership, funding 14 affordable units in Chelan and Douglas counties and adding more local down payment help for low-income homebuyers — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Exploring upcoming city work: Chelan introduced a new interactive map to track city infrastructure projects, making capital plans easier to follow and more transparent. Residents will soon be able to browse water, sewer, and pedestrian safety work, see costs and timelines, and link to ClearGov. It was presented to City Council with 2026-2027 updates. See what’s planned for 2026-2027.
Fresh lash energy: If your mascara is losing the fight, Viva Lash Lounge is a tidy Wenatchee spot where skilled artists craft extensions that look like you, just more awake. Natural to full sets, touch-ups to keep them fresh, and a quiet lash nap while they work.
Try-on hat therapy: Whether you’re after a cozy beanie, a sun-ready brim, or a Bavarian number you didn’t know you needed, The Hat Shop stocks a joyful mix of playful and practical lids, plus friendly folks to dial in your fit. A fast, no-fuss refresh for your look.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
❄ Lake Chelan Winterfest “Fire & Ice” @ Lake Chelan Winery | Wednesday (1/21) – If you’ve been waiting for a reason to leave the couch, Fire & Ice brings live ice carving, Washington’s largest beach bonfire, and fireworks to the lake, twice. It’s winter therapy, Chelan-style, with hot cocoa in one hand, bragging rights in the other.
🍸 Cocktail Class @ Manson Distilling | Wednesday (1/21) at 1:00 PM – Wednesdays and Sundays at Manson Distilling mean one thing, finally learning what a proper stir looks like. A hands-on cocktail class with real spirits, real technique, and zero snobbery. Ideal for date night, friend night, or retiring that neon-green sour mix.
🎭 Almost Famous @ Numerica Performing Arts Center | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:30 PM – Take a break from the grind and relive your mixtape era with Almost Famous on the big screen at Numerica PAC downtown, part of a monthly year-2000 series. Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, a killer soundtrack, and an R rating, so call a sitter.
🍸 Speakeasy Social Night @ Wenatchee Golf & Country Club | Thursday (1/22) at 5:00 PM – If you’re ready to swap shouting over bar noise for conversation, this speakeasy social delivers. Think laughs, well-made drinks, and good company with the Rotary crowd, all the charm and none of the password, just a solid night out with people you’d actually text back.
🍪 Cookie Decorating Class @ Host Wenatchee | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Trade spreadsheets for sprinkles at Host Wenatchee, where Liz from Wenatchee Cookie Co. teaches royal icing basics, piping, and oddly satisfying flooding. No experience needed, all supplies included, and you take home six beauties. Wine, beer, and NA drinks, plus snacks, are available for purchase.
🎨 Paint n Sip Snowboard @ Yonder Cider Co. – Yonder East Taproom | Thursday (1/22) at 7:00 PM – Give that retired snowboard a second act, not just more dust, at a paint and sip guided by beloved local artist Ali H at Yonder Cider. Upcycle it into wall art you’ll actually hang, sip something crisp, swap epic wipeout stories, and feel smugly sustainable.
😂 Laugh Your Glass Off @ The Lakeside Tavern | Friday (1/23) at 8:00 PM – Grab a seat and a civilized pour for national headliner Phil Kopczynski, with Marcus Moreno featuring. Expect tight sets, quick wit, and the kind of laughter that counts as cardio, and yes, you can still be in bed at a reasonable hour.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Chelan County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 39°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 0%
Areas of fog between 8am and 3pm. Mostly sunny. High near 39, with temperatures falling to around 36 in the afternoon. South wind around 2 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. East wind around 2 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 41°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny, with a high near 41. North wind around 2 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. North wind around 2 mph.
This house is wild
Updated daylight rambler in the Sunnyslope School District, offering 4 beds, 2.75 baths, an office, and 2,809 square feet across two generous living areas. The remodeled kitchen brings custom cabinetry, granite counters, and upgraded flooring. The main-level suite adds two walk-in closets, barn doors, and a spa-style bath with soaking tub and separate shower, joined by an additional bedroom and refreshed half bath. Two wood-burning fireplaces anchor the living spaces. A roomy lower level delivers built-ins and abundant storage.
Out back, an irrigated and landscaped .29 acre yard frames a hot tub and wraparound view deck, fully fenced for easy living. Attached two car garage and driveway parking, plus a quiet, central street complete the package.
Take a peek inside →
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Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
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