BG Deputy Mayor Vaile And Councilmember Ferrer Awarded Certificate Of Municipal Leadership (Photo) - 03/09/26

City of Battle Ground Deputy Mayor Aimee Vaile and Councilmember Victoria Ferrer recently earned their Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in five core areas:

• Legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, and ethics (Legal)
• Budgeting and financial management (Budget)
• Infrastructure, transportation, and land use (Land use)
• Building safe, healthy, and thriving communities (Community)
• Effective local leadership (Leadership)

“Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Through our CML program we are providing our elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities.”

Both members of council completed more than 30 hours of training to earn this distinction.

Vaile was elected to the Battle Ground City Council in November 2025.  She currently represents the City of Battle Ground as a member of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Plan 1 Board (LEOFF), Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Budget Advisory Committee, Legislative Committee, and as the alternate for the Ending Community Homelessness Organization (ECHO). 

Ferrer was elected to the Battle Ground City Council in November 2023.  She currently represents the City of Battle Ground as a member of the Ending Community Homeless Organization (ECHO), Clark County Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees, Legislative Committee, and as the alternate for the C-Tran Board of Directors, C-Tran Composition Review Committee, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Regional Parks/Sustainable Future Task Team, and the Urban County Policy Board. 

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education, and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. AWC also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.

Battle Ground Announces Busy Bee Craft Fair – March 21 (Photo) - 03/05/26

The City of Battle Ground invites residents and visitors to join us for a new event, the Busy Bee Craft Fair, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  This free, family-friendly event will bring together local crafters and artisans offering a wide variety of handmade goods, unique gifts, home-grown products, and delicious treats. 

The Busy Bee Craft Fair is a great opportunity to support small businesses, discover one-of-a-kind artisan work, and enjoy a fun day out in the community. From handcrafted décor and specialty foods to creative artwork and custom gifts, attendees will find something for everyone. 

“We’re excited to welcome the community to this special event celebrating local makers and creators,” said Joanna Martin, Recreation & Facilities Manager.  “Whether you’re doing some early spring shopping or just looking to spend a delightful day with family and friends, the Busy Bee Craft Fair offers something for all ages.”

The event will feature 45 local crafters and artisans showcasing their unique handcrafted products.

Event Details: Busy Bee Craft Fair

Saturday, March 21, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Battle Ground Event Center

912 E. Main Street     

Battle Ground, WA 98604

Admission is FREE  

For vendor information or to learn more about the Busy Bee Craft Fair, visit the City of Battle Ground Parks & Recreation event page at www.cityofbg.org/Annual-Events.

Battle Ground Police Investigate Series Of Animal Shootings Involving Blow Darts (Photo) - 02/19/26

On February 17, 2026, Battle Ground Police (BGPD) detectives, assisted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, served a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of SE 17th Way following a months-long investigation into a series of animal shootings reported throughout Battle Ground.

Items consistent with this case, including two blowguns, were recovered from the residence and taken as evidence.  Detectives are working toward identifying suspects in this case, and the investigation is still ongoing. 

Background

On November 1, 2025, BGPD Officers responded to a residential neighborhood near South Parkway Avenue and SE 17th Way after residents reported observing multiple young men, described as 18 to 25 years of age, shooting raccoons and squirrels with a blow dart gun.  Several razor-tipped darts were located at the scene, some embedded in the siding of nearby homes, on rooftops, and in surrounding trees.

Over the course of the investigation, investigators received additional reports of similar incidents in the same area. Residents described seeing injured raccoons, squirrels, and an adult deer, pierced by blow darts. Additionally, residents reportedly observed unknown subjects discharging pellet guns and possibly a .22-caliber rifle in the general area where these incidents occurred.

Reports of injured animals seen around Florence Robison Park, located near NW 9th Street and NW 20th Avenue, less than two miles from the original incidents, were also received.  There, four ducks were discovered, still alive, each with blow darts lodged in their breast or body.  BGPD’s Community Services Officers (CSO) were able to capture one duck and transport it for medical evaluation and treatment. The remaining three ducks have not yet been recovered.

Violations and Penalties

It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm within the city limits of Battle Ground (BGMC 9.24.010). This includes the discharge of BB guns, air compression rifles or guns, blow darts, or similar devices.  Any person who is found in violation of this municipal code may face gross misdemeanor charges.

Given the volume and seriousness of this case, the suspect(s) may also face charges of Reckless Endangerment (9A.36.050) and 1^st/2^nd Degree Animal Cruelty (16.52.205/207).  Additional wildlife violations, including potential hunting or permitting infractions, may apply, as determined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.  

Public Assistance

The Battle Ground Police Department urges anyone with information on this case to contact Detective Josh Phelps by emailing joshua.phelps@cityofbg.org.

To report injured wildlife, please contact the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or submit a report through their online reporting tool, available at www.wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations.

The Battle Ground Police Department extends its appreciation to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for its valuable assistance throughout this investigation.

Due to the ongoing investigation, no additional information is available at this time.

City Of Battle Ground Receives Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting - 02/11/26

The City of Battle Ground is proud to announce that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2024.

The award recognizes the City for demonstrating a spirit of transparency and full disclosure in its 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, an honor the City of Battle Ground has received each year, since 2002.

“Sustained financial excellence doesn’t happen by accident,” said City Manager Kris Swanson.  “This recognition highlights the expertise and diligence of our Finance team, led by Finance Director Meagan Lowery, and their ongoing work to safeguard the City’s financial health.”

The City’s 2024 ACFR is available online at www.cityofbg.org/165/Financial-Reports.