Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works is hosting an open house for residents to learn more about planned improvements to Northeast 179th Street between Northeast 15th and 26th avenues. The open house, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, will allow residents to learn more about the project and submit comments to project staff.
The project will reconstruct the existing roadway to meet current road standards. This involves modifying the road’s vertical alignment (i.e., hills), widening the roadway, and adding curbs, gutters and a separate joint-use bike/pedestrian path on both sides. The road will initially include one travel lane in each direction and a center left-turn lane, and right turn lanes in some locations. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2028.
At the open house, staff will share a presentation about the project from 6:30 to 7 p.m., with a question-and-answer session immediately following. The presentation and question session will also be streamed online via Webex. Before and after the presentation, attendees will be able to view informational displays and discuss the project with staff. Light refreshments will be provided.
The in-person open house will be in the media room of Pleasant Valley Middle School at 14320 NE 50th St. Handouts translated into Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish will be provided.
To participate online via Webex, residents can register on the project webpage. An email reminder with a one-click link to join the meeting will be sent to those who register. Registration is not required, and a link to join the meeting will be posted on the project webpage at least 10 minutes before the presentation begins. Presentation slides and handouts, and a recording of the presentation, will be posted to the project webpage within five business days after the open house.
Residents can contact the project manager, Scott Sawyer, by emailing 179thStreetProject@clark.wa.gov or calling 564.397.4364 to request interpretation or translation, or accommodations.
More information about the project can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-179th-street-northeast-15th-avenue-northeast-26th-avenue.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper will be re-opening the drive-through tax payment drop-off window for the last two days of the tax season.
The drive-through kiosk is located at the east parking structure entrance at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The kiosk will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30.
The drive-through option is meant as a convenience and is for pre-written checks only. The Treasurer’s Office will not accept any other forms of payment at the kiosk.
In addition, a secured drop box is located on the first floor of the Public Service Center at 1300 Franklin St. Taxpayers can seal their check payments into an envelope and leave them in the secured drop box during the hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Taxpayers may pay property taxes online using a credit or debit card or from their checking or savings account. E-Checks (from a savings or checking account) are free. Debit card transactions are a flat rate of $3.95 and credit card transactions are assessed a 2.39% vendor fee.
To make a payment, go to www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options, or call 1.833.440.8685. To register to receive your tax statement electronically and manage your property taxes online, go to www.paydici.com/clark-county-wa/search/landing.
Tax payments can be mailed to the Clark County Treasurer, PO Box 35150, Seattle, WA 98124-5150. Taxpayers are encouraged to use the return envelope and payment coupon provided with their statement to mail their payments.
If in-person service is desired, the Joint Lobby is open Monday – Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. The Treasurer’s office is available by phone and email Monday – Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm by visiting clark.wa.gov/treasurer or calling 564.397.2252. Tax payments must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 30, 2024, to avoid interest charges.
Vancouver, Wash. – Deputy County Manager Amber Emery today announced that the county has selected long-time public defense attorney Christopher Swaby as the county’s first Director of Public Defense and Chief Public Defender. Christopher will join the county on July 1.
“Christopher is a known and respected leader across the state of Washington with more than three decades of litigation experience,” said Deputy County Manger Amber Emery.
Swaby is on the board of the Washington Defender Association, a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington State Bar Association Council on Public Defense and the Washington State Bar Association Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.
Christopher began his career in 1990 as a staff attorney for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Christopher moved to eastern Washington in 2000, where he practiced on the felony defense panel in Benton County. He moved to the Seattle area and joined the Defender Association (TDA) as a staff attorney in the felony division and was later promoted to felony division supervisor. Christopher left TDA in 2012 and joined a small boutique criminal defense firm. In 2015, he left the firm to start a solo criminal defense practice. He has represented clients in matters in Benton, Cowlitz, Franklin, Gray’s Harbor, Island, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston and Yakima counties.
Christopher was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and a juris doctor from the Georgetown University of Law Center.
“The establishment of the new Public Defenders’ Office reflects Clark County’s ongoing commitment to fostering a justice system that is equitable and responsive to the needs of its residents,” said Swaby. “I am deeply committed to addressing the pressing issues facing public defense services in Clark County.”
The county council in November 2023 approved using American Recovery Plan Act funding to create the new Public Defense office. The county is process of transitioning away from a contract model to provide county staffed indigent defense services.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Permit Center has a new home within the Public Service Center. The Permit Center is now located on the third floor of the building which is located at 1300 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver. The Permit Center had been located at the east end of the first floor since the opening of the PSC in 2003.
The move is one of several county office moves that are the result of recent space utilization planning efforts within the county.
The Permit Center handles permits for residential and commercial construction. All in-person services at the Permit Center require an appointment which can be scheduled by email at permitservicesappt@clark.wa.gov.
The Permit Center uses ePlan Review, an online permitting process. Learn more about the permitting process including average permit process times and contact information on the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-development/permit-center.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s offices will be closed on Tuesday, April 30 for an all-day staff training event. Online services will continue to be available.
Public Health’s online permitting portal enables people to submit new permit applications and renewals, upload required documents, review account activity, and make payments. Food worker testing continues to be available online. And people can place orders for birth and death certificates through the Public Health website.
Public Health offices will resume regular hours on Wednesday, May 1.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking community input to help plan for climate change through a series of activities throughout the year to inform the county’s new climate chapter for its comprehensive plan.
With the passage of HB 1181 during the 2023 Washington State legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a climate change element into its Comprehensive Plan. The new climate chapter will include actions the county can take over the next 20 years to improve community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit overburdened communities that will disproportionately suffer from the compounding environmental impacts and natural hazards due to climate change.
To start, members of the Clark County community are invited to complete a survey to share how they and their families have been affected by severe weather events and weather patterns.
- The survey is available in multiple languages.
- Responses are requested by 5pm Sunday, May 12.
- Surveys are available online at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.
- Print copies may be requested by contacting 564.397.4968.
Feedback provided through the survey will inform the development of the resilience component of the climate chapter and what actions the county can take to prepare for and cope with future severe weather events and weather patterns.
Community members will have additional opportunities to provide feedback on this project later in the year. The entire climate event series includes:
Resilience
- Spring 2024: Survey to collect community member experience and needs related to severe weather events and weather patterns. The survey will be available through May 12.
- Early summer 2024: Community workshop to seek ideas about how to address climate resilience in the unincorporated county.
Pollution Reduction
- Late summer 2024: Survey to collect community member priorities on reducing greenhouse gas pollution in Clark County.
- Fall 2024: Community workshop seeking ideas about how to address greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the unincorporated county.
Adoption Process
- 2025: Residents will have the opportunity to submit comments or testify to the Planning Commission and County Council about the county’s proposed climate chapter for the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, or submit a comment, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.
The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Vancouver, Wash. – The board of the Clark County Public Facilities District will hold a public meeting 4-5 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2024.
The meeting will be on the Teams platform. Anyone wishing to attend the meeting can Click here to join the meeting and use the meeting password cRytQv or call +1.213.262.7043 and use the access code 392 970 465#.
The Public Facilities District was formed in 2002 for the purpose of participating in the study, planning and development of one or more regional centers that would promote tourism, such as the convention center in downtown Vancouver and exhibition hall at the Clark County fairgrounds.
The five-member board is comprised of two people appointed by Clark County and two appointed by the city of Vancouver. Those four appoint the fifth member.
The board typically tries to meet on the first Monday of February, May, August and November.
Vancouver, Wash. – This Earth Day, Clark County Public Health is honoring environmental sustainability leaders in local K-12 schools and businesses with the 2024 Green Awards. The annual Green Awards highlight the accomplishments of individuals and organizations and celebrate their commitment to reducing harmful environmental impacts, educating others, and giving back to the community.
This year’s awards recognize two local educators and three Green Businesses for their commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable culture in their communities. Winners will receive unique trophies crafted by students at Washougal High School and made entirely from recycled materials.
The Clark County Green Schools and Green Business programs thank everyone who submitted an application for this year’s Green Awards and encourage applicants to apply again next year.
Here are the 2024 Green Awards winners:
Jennifer Baybado – Green Apple Award for an individual involved in school sustainability programs Jennifer Baybado is a third grade teacher at Sacajawea Elementary School in Vancouver who is a true sustainability champion in her school. She and her green team implement programs to help students reduce waste, properly recycle and compost their food scraps. She is taking the lead in creating an outdoor learning area with raised garden beds, work bin benches and outdoor seating for students to learn and grow.
Linda Kubes – Green Apple Award for an individual involved in school sustainability programs
Linda Kubes is a teaching assistant at the Washington State School for the Blind. Over the last few years, she has led the green team, otherwise known as the Green Beings, in completing sustainability projects around campus. Those projects include organizing litter clean ups, composting using worm bins, starting a school garden and improving recycling. Last year, Linda helped the Green Beings receive the 2023 Green Team of the Year Award. Student Charles Johnson perfectly describes Linda: “Ms. Linda sees the potential in all students who are part of the Green Beings and even though we may not all have perfect sight, she sees that we can all be part of a sustainable future.”
Kindred Homestead Supply – Small Green Business of the Year (fewer than 25 employees)
Kindred Homestead Supply is a beacon of sustainability for the Vancouver community. Offering more than just retail goods, it serves as a gathering point for those dedicated to conscious living. With thoughtfully stocked shelves full of eco-friendly home supplies and locally sourced products, Kindred echoes a commitment to reduce our collective environmental impact. They empower patrons with the tools and knowledge to embrace sustainable practices like waste reduction and composting through various community workshops and events. Inclusivity is at the core of their practices, inviting individuals from all walks of life to join the movement towards a greener, more connected world. Kindred Homestead Supply isn't just a store—it's a testament to the power of collective action in nurturing both the planet and the community.
Jacobs – Large Green Business of the Year (more than 25 employees)
In partnership with the city of Vancouver, Jacobs spearheads solutions in wastewater treatment and demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through a blend of operational excellence and engineering ingenuity, they deliver cost-effective and award-winning utility services, ensuring regulatory compliance while prioritizing employee and community well-being. Jacobs' initiatives span waste reduction, energy conservation and water reuse, underpinned by a company-wide culture of sustainability. Their community outreach efforts, including educational tours and beach cleanups, inspire environmental awareness and inclusivity. Jacobs' dedication to sustainability sets a benchmark for the industry.
Columbia Springs – Nonprofit Green Business of the Year
Columbia Springs, a nonprofit organization in Vancouver, offers a remarkable 100-acre urban natural site that serves as an expansive outdoor classroom, drawing in thousands of students and community members annually. Through diverse educational programs, walking trails and events, Columbia Springs fosters a community of lifelong learners and land stewards. From the Salmon in the Classroom initiative to public events like guided hikes and nature fun days, Columbia Springs engages diverse audiences, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Additionally, their Repair Program exemplifies sustainability by repairing broken household items, thus reducing waste and fostering a sense of community around reuse practices. Through education, outreach and active stewardship, Columbia Springs serves as a vital local resource, empowering individuals to connect with nature and embrace sustainable living practices.
Visit the Green Business and Green Schools websites to learn more about these Clark County Public Health programs.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Community Advisory Group will meet at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, April 24.
The Community Advisory Group (CAG) is made up of 20 county residents who were appointed by the county manager. The group is helping the county develop policy recommendations to implement new state climate change planning legislation for Planning Commission and County Council consideration to adopt for the county. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The CAG is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.
Community Advisory Group meetings are held at 5:30 pm the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Meetings are in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in Room 680 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join virtually through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/community-advisory-group.
The meeting is open to the public and includes a brief public comment period. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.
To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, submit a comment, review meeting recordings, or learn about future community advisory group meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.
The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to the officer-involved shooting on April 13, 2024 in Vancouver.
This individual died on 04/13/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Woods, Benjamin Steven Age: 41 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Prineville, OR
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple gunshot wounds
Manner of death: Homicide
How the injury occurred: Shot by other person(s)
Place of injury: Community hall
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: 04/17/2024
Vancouver, Wash. – Starting April 18, the intersection of Northeast 72nd Avenue and Northeast 239th Street will become an all-way stop-sign controlled intersection. Prior to the change, traffic on Northeast 239th Street has been controlled by stop signs as it approaches Northeast 72nd Avenue. This change will add stop signs to Northeast 72nd Avenue as it approaches Northeast 239th Street, creating an all-way stop-sign controlled intersection. This change will improve safety and mobility at this intersection. Requiring all vehicles to stop at the intersection will help reduce the risk of collisions and crash severity. This change will also help facilitate improved mobility by reducing delays at the Northeast 239th Street approaches.
Changes drivers should expect beginning Thursday, April 18 include:
- Stop signs with red flashing beacons for the Northeast 72nd Avenue approaches.
- “Stop ahead” warning signs approaching the new stop signs on Northeast 72nd Avenue.
- White stop-bar striping on all four legs of the intersection, indicating where drivers must stop.
- Yellow no-passing zone centerline striping on Northeast 72nd Avenue, leading up to the intersection.
Additional temporary measures to alert drivers to the change beginning Thursday, April 18 include:
- High visibility flags on all new stop and stop-ahead signs, for two months.
- Orange “Traffic revision ahead” signs, for two months.
- Portable electronic message signs on Northeast 72nd Avenue for two weeks.
Drivers may notice increased police presence in the area in the coming weeks as they assist with safe operation and traffic control.
Area residents were notified about the change several weeks ago, by mail.
More information is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-72nd-avenue-and-northeast-239th-street.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – The Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) has selected the Clark County Auditor’s 2023 Performance Audit of Public Works Project Management, Delivery, and Oversight for a Knighton Award.
The Knighton Awards recognize the best local government performance audit reports from across the United States and Canada. Audit reports are evaluated for clarity, conciseness, persuasive conclusions, and their potential to improve government efficiency and effectiveness or have other significant impacts. The reports are compared against those from peer audit organizations of similar sizes.
Clark County’s audit received the Distinguished Knighton Award in the small shop category. In making the award, judges commented that the report was highly effective in its use of graphics, making it both easy to understand and visually engaging. They also noted that the report demonstrated a firm grasp of strategic planning by employing a maturity model to help managers prioritize issues with insightful recommendations.
This is the sixth time that Clark County Audit Services has been recognized by ALGA for its audit reports. The previous honors included two Exemplary Audit Awards and with the addition of this year’s, four Distinguished Audit Awards.
“This award from the Association of Local Government Auditors highlights the quality of work and the impact of our Audit Services team,” said Auditor Greg Kimsey. “Their audit of Public Works has already improved transparency for the public and helped the department plan organizational development. Full implementation of the audit recommendations will result in more effective and efficient delivery of capital transportation projects and better services for citizens.”
Clark County performance auditor Michael Nash, who led the audit, will accept the award at the association’s national conference in Seattle in May.
This year’s Distinguished Award report, Performance Audit of Public Works Project Management, Delivery, and Oversight, and the other Knighton Award-winning audit reports can be viewed at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit-reports.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for two seats on the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. The three-year terms will begin on July 1, 2024. The seats will be appointed by the county council.
The seven-member volunteer commission is responsible for:
- Reviewing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
- Reviewing nominations and designating properties to the Clark County Heritage Register
- Conducting design review for changes to buildings and sites on the local register
- Reviewing and deciding applications for the Special Valuation Tax Incentive for historic properties
- Overseeing education and outreach.
The commission typically meets at 6 pm the first Wednesday of each month at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. Meetings are currently conducted in a hybrid format via Webex and in person.
The county is looking for people who can bring:
- Interest, experience, or knowledge in history; historic preservation, rehabilitation or restoration; architecture or related disciplines such as planning, American studies or cultural anthropology, archaeology, or geography
- Ethnic, cultural, social, and geographic diversity to the group; and
- Outstanding strategic communication and public speaking skills and experience meeting with a wide range of individuals and organizations
All applicants must be available for an interview with a committee of current Historic Preservation Commissioners. A follow-up interview with the county council may be required.
To apply, submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager's Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
The application deadline is 5 pm Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
For more information about the commission and the Historic Preservation program, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/planning/historic.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program invites the business community to learn about sustainability opportunities related to reuse and safe refill of consumer-owned food and beverage containers at a free educational event.
The Morning Blend event is 8:30-10 am Wednesday, May 1 at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 101, in Vancouver. Morning Blend is a monthly event hosted by Clark County Green Business to encourage businesses to network, discuss green business efforts at their workplaces and learn about solutions for reducing their impact on the environment.
The May Morning Blend event will feature presentations by Bold Reuse and Okapi Reusables, two companies working with local businesses to reduce the amount of single-use products that end up in the landfill. A member of Clark County Public Health’s Food Safety program will also discuss how businesses can create a plan for refilling consumer-owned food and beverage containers that meets regulatory standards and safety guidelines.
“Both businesses and consumers are looking for solutions to reduce waste by avoiding single-use packaging and disposables,” said Celina Montgomery, senior environmental outreach specialist with Clark County Green Business. “This event will be a great opportunity for local businesses to learn how they can potentially save money on their garbage costs by strategically reducing their waste.”
To attend the May Morning Blend event, please register at www.clarkgreenbiz.com/morning-blend.
The Green Business program represents a growing community of businesses committed to making a positive impact on the environment. To learn more, visit www.clarkgreenbiz.com.
Clark County is joining forces with several community partners to host a resource fair for young adults with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood.
The resource fair will be 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, April 27, at Educational Service District 112, 2500 NE 65th Ave. Free lunch is provided. Students, families and educators can register here.
Vendors and community partners will share information about employment, education, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, and how to build a whole new life as an adult. Students are encouraged to join this learning event.
Spanish and ASL interpreters will be available. For questions or additional accommodations, contact Emily@gowise.org. See a full list of exhibitors at Resource Fair – Family Training Series (clarkfamilyresources.org)
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging continues the “Prepare in a Year” discussion series. This month’s topic is all about sharing emergency kits. Experts from CRESA, Clark County’s regional emergency services agency, will discuss the topic and answer questions from the audience.
The meeting will be 4:30 pm Wednesday, April 17.
Sharing an emergency kit is more than just having extra water and some additional food. It’s bringing others into your kit creation and planning. So, how can you include your friends and family members in your emergency kit? Along with the five basic priorities that go into your emergency kit, how do you share the key item: a positive mind set?
Thinking ahead to what you might need, who you might need, and how you can help others is part of sharing our kits.
The “Prepare in a Year” series continues on May 15 with a session on how to create an emergency plan.
Commission on Aging meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Training Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.
Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works invites residents to an open house to learn more about the wetland restoration project planned for the 78th Street Heritage Farm. The open house, 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 22, will allow residents and farm partners to learn more about the project and provide feedback.
The project will restore approximately two acres of wetlands and establish approximately three acres of vegetated buffer along Cougar Creek’s headwaters. The farm is used for various activities including agricultural research, community gardens, WSU Clark County Extension programs, plant sales, education and more.
At the open house, staff will share a presentation about the project from 6:30 to 7 p.m., with a question-and-answer session to follow. The presentation and question-and-answer session will also be streamed online via WebEx. Before and after the presentation, attendees will be able to view informational displays and discuss the project with staff. Light refreshments will be provided.
The in-person open house will be held in the commons of Minnehaha Elementary School, located at 2800 NE 54th St. Signage will direct attendees to enter through the school’s north entrance. In addition to the school’s ADA parking spaces, additional spaces will be reserved for attendees with limited mobility. Meeting interpretation, additional translated materials and other accommodations can be requested by contacting the project manager, Scott Fakler, at scott.fakler@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4648.
To participate online via WebEx, residents can register on the project webpage. An email reminder with a one-click link to join the meeting will be sent to those who register. Registration is not required, and a link to join the meeting will be posted on the project webpage and available to join ten minutes before the presentation begins. Presentation slides and handouts, and a recording of the presentation, will be posted to the project webpage within five business days after the open house.
More information about the project can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/heritage-farm-wetland-restoration.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a bow and arrow shooting on April 2, 2024 in Vancouver.
This individual died on 04/02/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Collins Sr., David Joseph Age: 42 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Hunting arrow wound of chest
Manner of death: Homicide
How the injury occurred: Shot with hunting arrow
Place of injury: Residential driveway
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Media release issue date: 04/05/2024
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Youth Commission is recruiting youths from all walks of life to fill at least 10 positions for the 2024-2025 program year.
The commission is a group of 30 people ages 11-19 which serves as a voice for Clark County youth. It advises the Clark County Council, county departments and community organizations about how their work can affect young people. It identifies and takes action on youth concerns, educates the community about building strong youth-adult partnerships, and provides leadership opportunities for youth.
All open positions are available for youth who live in Clark County. Additionally, new leader positions are available for youth with no previous leadership experience, and some positions are open to students living in the geographical boundaries of specific school districts as the Youth Commission uses school district boundaries to ensure broad representation of youth from all areas of the county. Woodland applicants must live in the section of the city within Clark County.
Members serve a one-year term but can recommit to serve multiple terms. The Youth Commission requires six to 12 hours of work each month. Meetings are 6:45-8:45 pm the first and third Thursdays of each month, except July and August. These meetings will be in person. Special projects, assignments and subcommittee work add another two to eight hours per month.
The Youth Commission is accepting applications until Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Please find the application at www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/youth-commission. Finalists must participate in an in-person interview. If selected, they must be available to attend a mandatory orientation in August.
Youth commissioners work together on various projects and assignments, voicing ideas and contributing their skills and strengths. The commission is continuously striving to be more representative of the county’s diverse population.
For more information about the Clark County Youth Commission, please contact Elizabeth Houston-Hill, program coordinator, at 564.397.5133 or elizabeth.hill@clark.wa.gov.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Assessor’s office property tax exemption specialists will be available to answer questions and enroll property owners in the county’s property tax relief program at an upcoming Washougal event.
The Tax Exemption Program for senior citizens and people with disabilities can reduce property tax liability for qualifying homeowners. Eligibility is based on age or disability, home ownership, residency, and income. Participants are not required to repay the taxes, and their homes are not subject to property liens.
Exemption specialists will be on hand at the Washougal Community Center to enroll applicants from 9 am to 1:30 pm Friday, April 12. The community center is located at 1681 C St. It is in between Washougal City Hall and the Washougal Library.
To schedule an appointment for the event, call 564.397.2391 or email taxreduction@clark.wa.gov. Walk-ins also are welcome. Homeowners interested in attending should bring photo ID, federal tax return, W-2 and/or 1099, and any deduction documentation.
Learn more about the program and apply online at https://assessor-property-tax-exemption-program-clarkcountywa.hub.arcgis.com/.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Arts announced recently that it has selected Washougal resident Susan Dingle as Clark County Poet Laureate. Dingle will serve 2024-2026 promoting the art of poetry and literature throughout Clark County. Her term began April 1.
The Arts Commission in March held a “passing of the pen” celebration with Dingle’s predecessor, Armin Tolentino presenting her with a traditional laurel wreath.
Dingle earned a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her poetry has been published in several periodicals, and she is the author of two books: In Pilgram Drag, published by Finishing Line Press and Parting Gifts, published by Local Gems. Dingle earned a master of social work degree at SUNY Stony Brook University and is a licensed clinical social worker and alcohol and substance abuse counselor.
Susan Dingle hosts Poetry Street PNW, an open mic event held monthly at the Camas Library. She also has led poetry workshops at the Attic Gallery in Camas and Discover Recovery also in Camas. Prior to moving to Clark County, Dingle created a public arts project called Poetry Street, an open mic event to foster diversity and inclusion in the Town of Riverhead, New York, a historically segregated community. Dingle and a poet from the town’s African American community created monthly reading events. For her efforts, Dingle was awarded the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meritorious Award from First Baptist Church in Riverhead in addition to being recognized by the Town of Riverhead.
“My mission is to bring the community to poetry and poetry to the community, benefitting the community by fostering diversity,” says Dingle.
Learn more about Susan Dingle at www.thepoetryofwellbeing.com.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works is seeking applicants for an open volunteer park host position at Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park. Frenchman’s Bar is a popular, cherished, long-time riverfront park close to the hearts of many Clark County residents. With several reservable picnic shelters, a playground, sand volleyball courts and a multi-use trail, it is an iconic representation of outdoor fun in Clark County. The next park host will help care for this cherished park and its visitors.
Volunteer park hosts live at their assigned park and assist with creating a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Host duties include (but are not limited to):
- Cleaning park restrooms daily and as needed in response to messes.
- Opening park gates by 7 a.m. and closing gates at dusk (one half-hour after sunset) daily.
- Notifying park users when the park is closing.
- Emptying park garbage cans at least once daily, and as needed.
- Picking up litter daily.
- Notifying staff of emergencies, urgent maintenance needs or impacts of severe weather.
- Helping to identify and respond to safety and security concerns in the park.
The park host at Frenchman’s Bar must provide their own recreational vehicle to reside in at the park during their term as the park host. Clark County provides basic utilities for the host including electricity, water, sewer and garbage/recycling.
All park host service terms are through Dec. 31. A host may be offered a term for the next calendar year based on results of a performance evaluation performed in the late summer, early fall. There is no maximum to the number of terms a host may serve.
Applicants offered positions must submit to state and federal background checks and fingerprinting, provide a rental history and proof of renter’s insurance. Successful applicants will not be able to move into the park and begin service until all required documents have been submitted, they’ve been cleared through the background check and fingerprinting process, and their agreement has been signed by the county manager. Due to the variable amount of time required for these processes, successful applicants must be prepared to not be able to move into their assigned site for several weeks.
More information about these positions, the volunteer park host program policies, requirements, minimum qualifications, duties, and more can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#host. Additional host positions for Frenchman’s Bar (second position), Salmon Creek Regional Park and Lucia Falls Regional Park will be posted later this year.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer#host. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. First review of applications will be April 10. Paper applications, translated application materials and interpretation services available upon request to Cindy Gonzalez, volunteer program coordinator, at cindy.gonzalez@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.1679.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a single-vehicle collision March 30, 2024 on North Andresen Road.
This individual died on 03/30/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Montes, Victor Celedonio Age: 22 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple blunt trauma
Manner of death: Accident
How the injury occurred: Motor vehicle driver that left roadway and struck tree
Place of injury: Roadway
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: 04/03/2024
Several events planned for April, an awareness walk scheduled for June
Vancouver, Wash. – The Arthur D. Curtis Justice Center will partner with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries to host a series of events recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
FVRLibraries will have displays and children’s book lists to provide parents with resources to get kids more aware of their own safety. CJC employees will be on hand during story time sessions at several libraries to answer questions and provide resources regarding child safety. A complete list of the sessions is available on the FVRLibraries website.
Officer Rob Givens with the Vancouver Police Department on April 15 will give a presentation for parents on the reality of cybercrimes against children and will provide tips on keeping children safe online. The presentation will be 6:30-7:30 pm at the Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave. Officer Givens has been attached to VPD’s Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit for almost 10 years. Parents can attend in person or online. More information is available here.
To further awareness, CJC encourages everyone to Wear Blue 4 Kids on April 5 in recognition of the month and post pictures or selfies on social media using the hashtag #wearblue4kids.
“We want everyone to save the date for CJC’s Awareness Walk and Learn on Saturday, June 23 at Fort Vancouver,” said Amy Russell, Director of the Children’s Justice Center. “The walk will be 9-11 am and will be a free, family friendly event with activities designed to help keep kids safe.”
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands invites residents to an open house to learn more about the parking lot and safety improvement project coming to Harmony Sports Complex. The open house, 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, will allow residents and facility users to learn more about the upcoming project and provide feedback.
The parking lot and safety improvement project at Harmony Sports Complex will create about 200 paved parking stalls, pave parking lot drive lanes, and create a new access point to Northeast 192nd Avenue at the Northeast 13th Street intersection. The project includes a phased site plan for future improvements proposed by Harmony Sports Association. The complex, located at 1500 NE 192nd Ave., is leased, managed and operated by the Harmony Sports Association in partnership with Clark County. The facility operates year-round and provides facilities for baseball and soccer. In 2018, the county and Harmony Sports Association were awarded a grant for $1,141,690 from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the project.
At the open house, staff will share a presentation about the project from 6:30 to 7 p.m. with a question-and-answer session to follow. The presentation and question-and-answer session will also be streamed online via WebEx. Before and after the presentation, residents are invited to review project information, discuss the project with staff and provide feedback.
The in person open house will be in the Bud Van Cleve community room at Luke Jensen Sports Park, located at 4000 NE 78th Street in Vancouver. To participate online via WebEx, residents can register on the project webpage. An email reminder with a one-click link to join the meeting will be sent to those who register. Registration is not required, and a link to join the meeting will be posted on the project webpage and available to join by 6:20 p.m. on April 10. Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting the project manager, Paul Morin, at paul.morin@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4394.
A recording of the presentation, presentation slides and handouts will be posted on the project webpage within seven business days of the open house.
More information can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/harmony-sports-complex.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County has joined a national movement to prevent food waste. The Clark County Council on Tuesday proclaimed April 1-7 to be Food Waste Prevention Week, joining the international sustainability campaign with more than 600 organizations working to implement and amplify food waste prevention education.
Washington generates an estimated 1.1 million tons of food waste each year, including 400,000 tons of edible food that is disposed of in landfills. Nationally, up to 35% of all food produced is thrown away rather than eaten.
Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team aims to keep nourishing food out of the landfill by teaching residents how to prevent food waste and recover edible food.
In celebration of Food Waste Prevention Week, the Solid Waste Education and Outreach team is launching a podcast series, produced in partnership with Washington State University Vancouver’s student-run radio station, KougRadio. The five-episode series will feature discussions of hot topics around food waste and offer tips for how families can save money and prevent food waste. The podcast features local food waste experts, including Pete DuBois from Clark County Composter Recycler and Stacey Tigner-Loy from WSU Clark County Extension SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program.
The complete podcast series will be released on Monday, April 1 on the Clark County Green Neighbors website, as well as on the Green Neighbors YouTube channel and the KougRadio website.
In addition to the podcast series, the Solid Waste Education and Outreach team – in collaboration with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries and WSU Clark County Extension SNAP-Ed – will host an interactive workshop, “Cooking with Leftovers on a Budget,” featuring Tigner-Loy. The free workshop is 6-7:30 pm Wednesday, April 3 at the Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Advanced registration on the Composter Recycler website is requested.
Tigner-Loy’s innovative approach to cooking with leftovers draws inspiration from many different cuisines and incorporates waste-saving tips from cultures across the globe. Participants will learn about mindful food purchasing, storing and cooking. This family-friendly event will also feature a live cooking demonstration.
Learn more about food waste prevention on the Clark County Green Neighbors website.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Public Works Clean Water division is asking residents for input about which programs, activities and services are most important to them via a survey opening March 25. This information will be used to guide planning efforts to update the division’s service offerings. The survey asks residents why rivers and lakes are important to them and how we should protect and improve water quality. It also asks how much they value various services provided by Clean Water, like street sweeping and leaf disposal coupons.
The survey is open March 26 through April 22 and is available online on the Public Works website. Residents can also take the survey over the phone or request a paper copy by contacting Alice Millward at alice.millward@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5267, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and every other Friday. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian. The survey is anonymous, but those who participate can choose to provide their name and contact information to be entered into a prize raffle.
The survey and additional information can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/stormwater.
For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language.
Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.
Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.
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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Environmental Justice Coalition will meet at 3:30 pm on Monday, April 1.
The Environmental Justice Coalition (EJC) consists of 15 community-based organizations. The group is helping the county meet the public engagement and environmental justice requirements of new state Climate Change Planning legislation, in which the county is now required to add a Climate Element to its Comprehensive Plan. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The EJC is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.
EJC meetings are typically held at 3:30 pm the first Monday of each month. Meetings are in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in Room 698 of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join virtually through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/environmental-justice-coalition.
The meeting is open to the public and includes a brief public comment period. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.
To learn more about county climate planning, sign up for project updates, submit a comment, or learn about future environmental justice coalition meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.
The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.