Vancouver, Wash. – The iconic wood bridge over the East Fork Lewis River at Moulton Falls Regional Park has reopened. The bridge, trail and portions of the park were closed beginning this summer for work to protect and restore the bridge. A contractor made minor repairs to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and refinished the bridge with wood stain to protect it from weathering.
More information about the park is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/moulton-falls-regional-park.
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. – When preparing to gather for a holiday meal consider this: Clark County generates an average 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. Tossing food in the garbage not only wastes money, but when food reaches landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that intensify climate change.
Small changes can have a big impact. By taking simple steps before and after holiday meals, residents can save money at the grocery store and reduce the consequences of wasted food.
- Simplify shopping: Food waste prevention starts at the grocery store. Avoid overbuying food by taking stock of what’s already available in the cupboards and using an online tool like “Guest-imator” to determine how much food is needed based on the number of expected guests.
- Celebrate leftovers: Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers. Use leftovers to create new culinary combinations, such as using mashed potatoes to make shepherd's pie, adopting cranberry sauce as a festive topping for oatmeal, or boiling bones to create nutrient-rich bone broth for winter soups and stews. Freezing leftovers in air-tight containers can preserve the flavors of the holiday season for months.
- Store properly: Properly store groceries to minimize spoilage. Store dry goods in labeled air-tight containers. Store onions and apples separate from other foods (they emit a gas that makes other foods spoil faster). And whenever possible, purchase local and in-season produce which often lasts longer since it requires less transportation time.
- Compost scraps: Composting food scraps prevents bad odors and messes in kitchen garbage, returns beneficial nutrients to the soil, replaces the use of synthetic fertilizers, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Compost at the curb: Waste Connections customers in the cities of Vancouver and Ridgefield who have curbside organics service can put food scraps into their carts.
- Compost drop-offs: All residents can drop off food waste for free at a We Compost Community Hub location. Find locations on the We Compost Community Hubs webpage.
For more food waste prevention tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Elections Office beginning Monday, Dec. 2, will update its office hours to 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The Elections Office is located at 1408 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver.
Find more information about Clark County Elections at clarkvotes.org.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team encourages the community to celebrate this holiday season by properly disposing of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts.
The holiday season often means more garbage and more types of waste. Community members can use the RecycleRight app and RecyclingA-Z.com to find local disposal options for hundreds of items, as well as view curbside collection schedules, sign up for service reminders, and receive information about holiday schedules and winter weather service alerts.
Follow these tips to ensure proper disposal of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts:
- Batteries: Take batteries to designated disposal sites; do not place them in garbage or recycling carts. Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode and pose a significant fire risk. Several retail stores across Clark County now offer free battery disposal for household batteries, including lithium-ion batteries and cell phones. Find locations at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
Household batteries can also be recycled by covering each battery terminal with tape, putting them in a clear sealable bag and placing them on top of curbside recycling carts. Batteries accepted for curbside recycling include single-use and rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, button batteries, hearing aid and watch batteries.
- Block foam: To recycle block foam, drop it off at Earth Friendly Recycling in Vancouver. Block foam can also be placed in curbside garbage carts, but it cannot go in curbside recycling carts.
- Air pillows, bubble wrap, bubble mailers and plastic packaging: These plastic film products can be placed in bins for recycling at many local grocery stores and all three Clark County transfer stations. Plastic film cannot go in curbside recycling carts because it can get tangled in the machinery that sorts recyclables.
- String lights: Holiday string lights can be taken to a specialty recycler or should be placed in the garbage. Holiday string lights cannot go in curbside recycling carts. Find specialty recyclers at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
- Gift wrap and ribbon: Gift wrap with non-paper decorations, such as glitter, foil and plastic elements, should be placed in the garbage because the decorative pieces are not recyclable. Plain gift wrap that does not have glitter, foil or other non-paper decorations can be placed in curbside recycling carts. Ribbon should always be placed in the garbage.
- Electronics: Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled and toxic chemicals that should be kept out of the landfill. Take electronics to a free E-Cycle drop-off location in Clark County. Find locations at RecyclingA-Z.com or on the RecycleRight app.
- Excess recycling and cardboard: Set out extra cardboard and other recyclables for free pickup on your regular curbside recycling collection day. Place extras in a cardboard box or paper bag; do not use plastic to bag extra recyclables. Extras can also be dropped off for free recycling at Clark County transfer stations.
For more holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Lacamas Lake. While there is still a bloom at the Heritage Park boat launch, water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated.
The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However as long as blooms of harmful algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Pets should not drink or have contact with water in areas of floating scum.
Public Health has concluded its routine monitoring of Lacamas Lake and other local waterbodies and swim beaches for this season. Routine monitoring will resume in the spring.
Public Health will continue to respond to public reports of algal blooms, which can be submitted on the Public Health website.
Vancouver, Wash. – The trail to the lower falls in Lacamas Regional Park has reopened after being closed since the beginning of the year.
An inspection last winter determined that there were major structural issues compromising the safety of the bridge along the trail. The bridge and trail were closed while parks staff applied for the environmental permits required for work near a stream in a forested area. The old bridge was demolished and removed, and a new bridge constructed in its place. The replacement bridge was constructed using weather-resistant materials to promote long-term durability and stability. This replacement enhances safety and restores a critical trail connection for park visitors.
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 Commission on Aging will wrap up its 2024 workplan on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The meeting will include discussion about the 2025 workplan and a proposed comment letter about upcoming housing code changes. The Commission will celebrate 2024 by presenting the 2024 Silver Citizen Award to recipients Bev Jones and Larry Smith.
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. – Whooping cough cases continue to soar in Clark County, with 168 cases reported in the first two months of the new school year. Through October, 406 Clark County residents, mostly children, have been diagnosed with whooping cough – the highest number of cases among all counties in Washington.
And Clark County Public Health is now also seeing a rise in chickenpox cases among children, with three schools experiencing outbreaks since late September. So far this year, 50 cases of chickenpox have been reported, with 23 of those cases tied to the school outbreaks.
Most of the whooping cough and chickenpox cases are among unvaccinated children.
“We have vaccines that are safe and can prevent these diseases,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “The best thing parents can do to keep their children healthy and prevent them from missing time in the classroom is to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations.”
Children who get whooping cough or chickenpox cannot return to school until they are no longer contagious, which means students can miss a week or more of school. When a school has a chickenpox outbreak, students without evidence of immunity – either from vaccination or previous infection – can be excluded for 21 days from the last date they were exposed.
Not only will children who get sick miss time at school, they can also bring the illness home to their younger siblings and others who are at higher risk for complications from these diseases. Infants are at the greatest risk for severe illness and hospitalization from whooping cough. Infants, pregnant people, adolescents, adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from chickenpox.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough – or pertussis – is a serious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold: runny or stuffy nose, a mild cough, and a low-grade fever. However, one to two weeks after symptoms begin, people can develop violent coughing fits that leave them gasping for air afterward. Babies with whooping cough may not cough but instead have life-threatening pauses in breathing, gagging or gasping
People with whooping cough are contagious as soon as their first cold-like symptoms begin, so they can spread the illness to others before realizing they are infected.
People who develop symptoms of whooping cough should contact their health care provider for testing and treatment. Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, which can help reduce the severity of illness and prevent spreading the illness to others. People who live with someone who has whooping cough can also get antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Whooping cough vaccination is recommended for all babies, children, preteens and pregnant women. And adults who have never received a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine should get one.
Babies need three doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine, given at 2, 4 and 6 months old, to build protection. They then receive two additional doses as young children – one at 15-18 months old, the second at 4-6 years – to maintain that protection.
Preteens should get one dose of Tdap when they’re 11-12 years old to boost their protection. And pregnant women should get a Tdap booster during the third trimester of every pregnancy. This helps to protect the baby from whooping cough in the first few months of life.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. Chickenpox is mainly spread through close contact with someone who has chickenpox.
Early symptoms of chickenpox include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and headache, followed by a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. People who have chickenpox are contagious one to two days before the rash begins and remain contagious until all blisters have scabbed.
Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are recommended for children: one dose at 12-15 months old and a second dose at 4-6 years old. Two doses of the vaccine are 90% effective at preventing chickenpox, and the chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a woman found deceased in a car on Nov. 1, 2024 in Vancouver.
This individual was found on 11/01/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Clinton, Courtney Valencia Age: 31 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Portland, OR
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Incised wounds of the neck
Manner of death: Homicide
How the injury occurred: Assaulted by other person
Place of injury: unknown
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: 11/07/2024
Vancouver, Wash. – Volunteers are needed to help with a restoration planting project from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Bosco Farm Neighborhood Park, located at 3601 Northeast 39th Street in Vancouver. The Public Works parks team and volunteer program are partnering with the community to add native plants to areas of natural landscaping n the park. Native plant communities reduce maintenance, provide nature spaces for park-goers to enjoy, and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Volunteers can sign up online at http://bit.ly/BoscoNP. Supplies will be provided. Volunteers should wear weather-appropriate clothing including long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves, though some will be available.
More information about the Public Works volunteer program can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer. Residents with questions can contact the department’s volunteer coordinator Cindy Gonzalez 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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UPDATE: The first release had an incorrect application deadline date.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking community members with expertise in or experience with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to serve on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
The 10-member advisory board makes recommendations to the county council relating to developmental disabilities services and issues. Members provide leadership to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community programs.
Three positions must be filled. The terms are for three years starting Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2027. Members appointed to the board include people knowledgeable about developmental disabilities or interested in services to persons with developmental disabilities in the community. Individuals with disabilities, family members, members of the business community or other interested individuals are encouraged to apply.
The Clark County Developmental Disability Advisory Board values diversity and the advisory board has adopted equity as a priority. People identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ2+ as well as other historically under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
The advisory board meets at 5:15 pm the first Wednesday of every month. Currently, these meetings are held in an in-person/virtual hybrid format.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, Clark County Council, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000, or email to Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.
Vancouver, Wash. – In 2025, Clark County Public Works will begin construction of a project to improve Northeast 152nd Avenue between Northeast Padden Parkway and Northeast 99th Street. The project includes installation of a new traffic-signal controlled intersection with left-turn lanes and widening Northeast 152nd Avenue to add continuous sidewalks and bike lanes in both directions. The project will also add a new left-turn lane at the north entrance to York Elementary School, and two pedestrian crosswalks with push-button activated flashing beacons. A stormwater infiltration system will also be installed. During the project, the city of Vancouver will install a new water line.
Residents are invited to learn more about the project including its design, approximate timeline, construction impacts and more, at an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. 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-and-answer session will also be streamed online via Webex. Residents viewing via Webex will be able to submit questions for the presenters using the “chat” feature. Before and after the presentation, in-person attendees will be able to view project information and discuss the project with staff. Refreshments will be provided.
The in-person open house will be in the commons area of Prairie High School at 11311 NE 119th Street. 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.
Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting Sara Hansen, project manager, at sara.hansen@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4810.
More information about the project can be found on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-152nd-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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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a shooting at Vancouver Mall on Oct. 31, 2024.
This individual died on 10/31/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Perez, James A Age: 26 years
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): unknown
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
Place of injury: Shopping mall food court
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: 11/05/2024
Vancouver, Wash. – The next Clark County Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 9:30 am Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Room 243.
Pursuant to RCW 42.30.030(2), which encourages public agencies to provide for public access to meetings, this meeting can also be viewed via Teams or joined telephonically.
- Dial-in number: 1-213-262-7043
- Phone ID: 306 674 060#
- Meeting ID: 268 860 541 345
- Passcode: GWKEGg
- Join online here.
See the agenda for the meeting on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/investment-reports-meetings.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Jail Services on Monday, Oct. 28, erroneously released an inmate who was supposed to be transported back to the state of Oregon to serve his remaining time in that state. The inmate was released after time served on his Clark County case for Theft II which was adjudicated before Superior Court Judge David Gregerson.
The inmate, Maurice Xavier Haynes is still at large, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued. Local law enforcement agencies including Oregon State Department of Corrections have been notified.
Haynes is a 27-year-old black male, 6’01” inches tall, approximately 170 pounds with a tattoo on his right forearm that reads, “Markisha.” (See attached photo.) Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to notify local law enforcement.
Haynes was serving a 15-month sentence in Oregon for Criminal Mischief 1 with a maximum expiration date of Sept. 17, 2025.
Jail Services is conducting an internal affairs investigation to determine how this release occurred.
No further information is available at this time.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is extending the deadline to submit applications for a Public Health Advisory Council position representing the educational community. The term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2027.
The Public Health Advisory Council meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members may also join council committees that meet periodically throughout the year depending on committee scope and priorities.
The Public Health Advisory Council reviews priority public health needs and makes periodic recommendations to the Board of Health to enhance community health and wellbeing. The council may provide community forums or establish community task forces, as assigned by the Board of Health. And the council reviews and makes recommendations to Clark County Public Health and the Board of Health for the annual budget and fees.
Clark County Public Health promotes healthy communities and environments, health equity, and disease and injury prevention. With community partners, Public Health works to promote healthier choices; ensure the safety of food and water; reduce environmental waste and contamination; and protect people from disease outbreaks through monitoring, early detection and swift response.
Those interested in an appointment to the advisory council should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. For questions about council participation and what to expect as a member, email PHACAdmin@clark.wa.gov.
The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Nov. 29.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill up to five seats on a fifteen-person board that advises the county on matters related to the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.
Applicants with railroad or railroad-related experience, or business experience using freight-rail service desired.
Board members serve three-year terms. Terms are anticipated to begin after Jan. 1, 2025.
People interested in serving should submit a letter of interest and/or resume to PWRailAdvisoryBoard@Clark.wa.gov or by mail at 4700 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665.
More information about the Railroad Advisory Board is available at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/railroad-advisory-board-39.
Application deadline is 3 pm Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.
Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill several positions on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.
Positions include an elected official from the county’s second district and low-income representatives from the county’s first and second districts.
Term periods start Jan. 1, 2025, and are three years, ending Dec. 31, 2027. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms.
The fifteen-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons at local, state and federal levels.
Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially people of color and from historically oppressed or under-resourced communities.
Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Abby Molloy, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or abby.molloy@clark.wa.gov.
Application information can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/caab-community-action-advisory-board or by calling Abby Molloy at 564.397.7832.
Deadline is 5 pm Friday, Nov. 22.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey has released photos of the ballots burned in a fire in the ballot drop box located at the Fisher’s Landing C-Tran Transit Center at 3510 SE 164th Ave. during the early morning hours on Monday, Oct. 28.
Elections staff have been able to identify 488 damaged ballots retrieved from the ballot box. As of Tuesday evening, Oct. 29, 345 of those identified voters had already contacted the Elections Office to request a replacement ballot. Elections staff will mail 143 ballots to the additional identified voters tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 31.
Elections personnel were unable to identify 6 of the ballots. Other ballots may have been completely burned to ash, and therefore, unidentifiable.
“I appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we work through this unprecedented event,” said County Auditor Greg Kimsey. “We have taken action that I hope will increase voters’ confidence in using the county’s ballot drop boxes.”
Election workers updated their retrieval schedule for the drop boxes and now pick up ballots prior to 5:30 pm each day. Ballots deposited prior to that time will be received at the Elections Office that same day.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department have increased patrols around ballot drop box locations as their calls for service allow.
In addition to an increased law enforcement presence, Clark County Elections Office employees now serve as ballot box observers 24 hours a day, seven days a week at each of the 22 drop boxes throughout the county. Employees will not confront anyone. They are there to observe and report any suspicious activities to the proper authorities.
Kimsey stressed that voters have options in addition to using ballot drop boxes for making sure their ballots are delivered to Elections by 8 pm on Election Day, Nov. 5.
- Voters can mail ballots via USPS, postage free using the envelope that came with their ballot. Ballots delivered via USPS must be postmarked no later than Nov. 5.
- Voters also can deliver their ballots directly to the Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St.
Voters are reminded to only use official ballot drop off locations or USPS. Official locations are those listed on the Elections website.
Auditor Kimsey also reassures the community that the procedure for processing ballots does not allow for duplicate ballots to be counted for the same voter.
More information is available in an Oct. 28 news release.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Environmental Justice Coalition will meet at 3:30 pm on Monday, Nov. 4.
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 held at 3:30 pm the first Monday of each month. While EJC members typically attend virtually, meetings are held 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, review meeting recordings, 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.
UPDATE: Enhanced security presence will be provided at Clark County ballot drop boxes
5 PM UPDATE: The Clark County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols around ballot drop box locations in the unincorporated area in Clark County as calls for service allow. The Vancouver Police Department also will have increased patrols around ballot boxes in the city of Vancouver as calls for service allow.
In addition to an increased law enforcement presence, Clark County Elections Office employees will serve as ballot box observers 24 hours a day, seven days a week at each of the 22 drop boxes throughout the county. Employees will not confront anyone. They are there to observe and report any suspicious activities to the proper authorities.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey is addressing concerns regarding ballots damaged or destroyed after being burned in the ballot box located at the Fisher’s Landing C-Tran Transit Center located at 3510 SE 164th Ave.
Ballots deposited in that box after 11 am on Saturday, Oct. 26, may have been damaged or destroyed. Elections officials have gathered the ballots from the box and processed those that were still able to go through the sorting machine. Some ballots were either destroyed or too damaged to be processed.
Voters can check online to see if their ballot was received by going to votewa.gov. If a voter does not see their ballot as being received by Oct. 28, they can get a new ballot by visiting the Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver or contacting Elections at 564.397.2345 or elections@clark.wa.gov.
Ballots deposited prior to 11 am on Oct. 26 were collected by election officials and not damaged by the fire.
“I’m very saddened by this incident,” said County Auditor Greg Kimsey. “This action is an attack on American democracy.”
Kimsey urges residents to report suspicious activity surrounding ballot boxes by contacting 911 for immediate emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.
The drop box at the C-Tran Transit Center has been replaced.
Ballots are due on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 pm. Voters can mail ballots via USPS in the postage-paid envelope that came with their ballots. Voters also can drop their ballots in ballot boxes throughout the county. A list of locations is available on the Elections website clarkvotes.org.
Ballots deposited in drop boxes by 5:30 pm are picked up by elections workers and brought back to the Elections Office on the same day.
Voters also can take their ballots directly to the Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St. The elections office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm and will be open Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 am until 4 pm. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Elections Office is open from 7 am until 8 pm.
Find more information on the Elections website, clarkvotes.org.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Manager Kathleen Otto is seeking applicants for three open positions on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board. All the openings are for terms that begin immediately and end Oct. 31, 2027.
The positions are for Clark County residents that represent:
- Veterinarian or veterinary technician
- No domestic animals
- Animal Welfare
Currently, advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month. Meetings are currently being held in person or virtually using the Microsoft Teams platform.
Functions of the 10-member board include:
- Reporting to the County Council at least once a year on general operations of the Animal Protection and Control Program
- Recommending potential changes to services modifications to code that will promote animal welfare and the most efficient animal services possible
- Promoting the program, including its licensing of all dogs and cats.
Applications and a résumé can be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or emailed to jacqueline.hoffman@clark.wa.gov.
For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
Vancouver, Wash. – Members of the Clark County community are invited to participate in a Clark County Climate Project Community Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Reduction. This event is part of a series of activities throughout the project that will inform the county’s new climate chapter for its comprehensive plan. An online survey is also being launched for those who cannot attend the in-person event.
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 be disproportionately affected by the compounding environmental impacts and natural hazards due to climate change.
Community Workshop
This workshop will feature a community report on greenhouse gas emissions data and community input to date, an expert guest speaker, and interactive discussions. Together, we will explore strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally and create a healthier Clark County.
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
- Time: 9-11 am. Doors open at 8:30 am.
- Location: Sarah J Anderson Elementary School, 2215 NE 104th St.
- Spanish language interpretation available by request by 5 pm on Nov. 10. Please note interest when you register.
- Please register by 5 pm, Nov. 10 at: https://bit.ly/ghg-reduction-clark-co-wkshp.
Additional event details, presenter information, and agenda are included in the above link.
Survey
If you cannot attend the in-person workshop, you can still share feedback on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the unincorporated county. Provide input through the following survey by 5 pm, Nov. 16, 2024: https://bit.ly/ghg-reduction-clark-co-svy. The survey is available in multiple languages. Print copies may be requested by contacting 564.397.4968. It should take about 15-minutes to complete.
What will you do with my feedback?
Feedback provided through the workshop and survey will inform development of the county’s climate chapter and what actions the county can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The workshop and survey are key opportunities for community members to provide feedback on this project prior to the county adoption process. The entire climate event series includes:
Resilience
- Spring 2024: A survey was conducted to collect community member experience and needs related to severe weather events and weather patterns.
- Early Summer 2024: A community workshop was held to seek public ideas about how to address climate resilience in the unincorporated county. A survey was also conducted as an alternate engagement opportunity for those who could not attend the event.
Pollution Reduction
- Late Summer 2024: A survey was conducted to collect community member priorities on reducing greenhouse gas pollution in Clark County.
- Fall 2024: This event! Community workshop seeking public ideas about how to address greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the unincorporated county. The survey linked above is also being offered as an alternate engagement opportunity for those who cannot attend the in-person event.
Adoption Process
- 2025: Members of the public 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 Parks division of Clark County Public Works invites residents to an open house to view three draft concepts for a new neighborhood park. The property becoming a new neighborhood park is located along Northeast 27th Avenue and Northeast 162nd Street in the Mount Vista neighborhood (near Northeast 29th Avenue and Northeast 159th Street). The open house, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7th, will allow residents to view the draft concepts and provide feedback to project staff. An online survey to gather community input is also available on the project webpage from Nov. 7 to Dec. 6. The survey is open to all residents, including but not limited to those who attend the open house.
This past June, Parks hosted an open house and an online survey to gather community input about the creation of the future neighborhood park. Staff and consultants have reviewed the community input and created three draft concepts for the park’s development. Residents are also invited to vote on a name for the new park, from among three chosen from community suggestions.
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-and-answer session will also be streamed online via Webex. Residents viewing via Webex will be able to submit questions for the presenters using the “chat” feature. Before and after the presentation, in-person attendees will be able to view the draft concepts and discuss them with staff. Refreshments will be provided.
The in-person open house will be in the cafeteria of iTech Preparatory School at 16100 NE 50th Ave. 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 Evelyn Ives by emailing evelyn.ives@clark.wa.gov or calling 564.397.5885 to request interpretation or translation, or accommodations.
More information about the project can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/mt-vista-neighborhood-park.
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 Council recently updated its meeting calendar for the rest of 2024.
Council’s Tuesday hearings will be held:
- Nov. 5 at 10 am
- Nov. 12 at 1 pm
- Nov. 19 at 6 pm
- Dec. 3 at 10 am
It is anticipated that Dec. 3 will be the council’s last hearing in 2024.
The council will not meet the weeks of Nov. 25, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, and Dec. 30.
Council meetings that take place on Wednesdays will be scheduled as follows: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, and 13. Council work sessions will begin at 9 am and council time will begin at 1 pm.
The Board of Health meetings for November and December have been cancelled; however, there will be a work session to receive a brief update from Public Health on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 9 am.
Information on council agendas and how to participate in county meetings is on the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings.
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 Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 31.
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 in 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 Joint Lobby is on the second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. 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 Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, to avoid interest charges.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County has agreed to settle a lawsuit arising from the October 29, 2020, deputy-involved shooting of Kevin Peterson, Jr. The county and its insurers have agreed to pay Mr. Peterson’s family a sum of $1.25 million.
Three Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies shot Mr. Peterson during a Clark-Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force drug “buy-bust” operation. Mr. Peterson had armed himself with a Glock .40 handgun and fled on foot in an attempt to avoid arrest. Over the course of several minutes, deputies ordered Mr. Peterson to drop the gun and gave him numerous opportunities to surrender, but Mr. Peterson instead pointed his handgun at deputies.
Clark County Prosecuting Attorney, Tony Golik, requested the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team to conduct an independent investigation, and they agreed to do so. Once that investigation was complete, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for an independent prosecutor review. They conducted an independent review and determined the shooting was justified and lawful as, “There was no legal requirement for the officers to allow Mr. Peterson to fire first before defending themselves… ‘similarly situated reasonable’ police officers would uniformly ‘have believed that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious physical harm to the officer or another individual.’”
“While the loss of life is always tragic, I fully support the actions of my deputies, who acted in accordance with their training and the law to protect themselves and our community, said Sheriff John Horch. “We will continue to focus on our mission to serve and protect. I stand firmly behind the men and women of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.”
This settlement allows the parties to move on from this unfortunate event.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions, the Clark County Commission on Aging established a program to recognize older adults who go above and beyond in service.
The co-recipients of the 2024 Silver Citizen Award are Bev Jones and Larry Smith. Bev is known for not only giving selflessly of her time, but joyfully as well. She served the community professionally for 43-years as a nurse, retiring in 2021. Since then, Bev has been an active member of the Battle Ground Lions Club, and in 2016 was honored as the Battle Ground Citizen of the Year. In addition to her work for the Lions Club, Bev has given her time and energies to many organizations including the North Clark County Community Food Bank, Battle Ground Education Foundation, Battle Ground Police Department Shop with a Cop, and Friends of the Library, to name a few.
Larry’s resume spans public sector service and volunteer posts that include innumerable boards, committees and commissions. Among those are the SW Chapter of the American Red Cross, Clark County Pride Committee, Clark County Parks Foundation, the Clark County Historic Society and Museum, and Meals on Wheels. Larry is perhaps best known for co-founding CMAC (Community Military Appreciation Committee) and for serving the City of Vancouver as both a Councilor and as Mayor Pro Tem. Larry is described as having a great love and loyalty for this community. He has received several awards including the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s First Citizen award (2017) which is given annually to a Clark County resident who models the attributes of good citizenship through leadership, action, civic pride, and cultivates inclusive civic engagement practices. Recipients of this award are individuals who, through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first.
The award presentation will take place at the commission’s Wednesday, Nov. 20 meeting at 4:30 p.m. The event will use a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Hearing 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.
The award recognizes the valuable contributions older adults make to the vitality of the community and is open to any county resident 60 years or older who has enhanced the community through their life’s work, engagement of others, volunteerism and or other impactful acts of service to the community for any age group. The next nomination period will begin in summer 2025.
The Commission on Aging, supported by 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.
For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Planning Commission has rescheduled its Oct. 31 hearing to Thursday, Nov. 7.
The purpose of the hearing is for the Planning Commission to take public testimony and make a recommendation to County Council on proposed alternatives for the environmental review needed to update the county’s Comprehensive Growth Management plan.
Planning Commission hearings are held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options for the commission, staff and the public. Participants can join in person in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. or virtually via WebEx.
- Meeting link
- Meeting number: 2481 044 1494
- Password: 1234a
- Join by phone: 1.408.418.9388
Clark-Vancouver TV (CVTV) airs Planning Commission meetings live on channel 23/323 and cvtv.org. CVTV also keeps recordings of the meetings on their website.
More information including a staff report and presentation are available on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission-hearings-and-meeting-notes.