Battle Ground Police Arrest Suspect In Jan. 11 Hit-and-Run (Photo) -01/16/25

Battle Ground Police Detectives have made an arrest in connection with the January 11th hit-and-run incident that occurred in the 3300 block of West Main Street.

Investigators received tips from the public that led them to a residence in Woodland, WA, where they arrested Clarence “Butch” Holt II (59), on charges of Hit-and-Run, Injury (a class C felony).  Holt was transported and booked into the Clark County jail.

A 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 truck, believed to have been involved in the incident, was also located at the Woodland home.

“We are grateful to the public for their help in sending in tips and sharing information about this case on social media.  Without their help, and assistance we received from the Woodland Police Department, this case would not have been solved so quickly.  We hope this arrest brings a sense of justice to the victim and her family,” said Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn.

The victim remains in critical condition.

The Battle Ground Police Department would like to share a reminder that the suspect in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  The investigation is still ongoing, and no additional information is being released at this time.

Battle Ground Police Investigate Hit-and-Run Accident Involving Pedestrian (Photo) -01/15/25

UPDATE (1/14/2025 - 7:30PM)

Battle Ground Detectives continue to investigate the January 11^th Hit-and-Run case that occurred at the 3300 block of West Main Street.

The victim has been identified and is described as a 45-year-old African American female.  Her actual identity is not being released; she remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

Investigators believe the victim was struck sometime before 8:00 AM, while walking on the north side of West Main Street, heading westbound, near the entrance of the former VCA Animal Hospital office.

The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2020–2025 Chevrolet Silverado truck, model 2500 or 3500.  While the exact color of the vehicle is unknown, it is likely to have damage to its passenger-side mirror.  A stock image of the suspected vehicle type is included with this release for reference.  It is NOT a photograph of the actual suspect vehicle involved in this case.

The Battle Ground Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information about the case to please contact Detective Poki at 360-342-5244.  Tips can also be provided anonymously.

No further information is available at this time.

On January 11, 2025, at approximately 9:09 AM, officers from the Battle Ground Police Department responded to an apparent traffic accident near the 3300 block of W. Main Street.  A concerned motorist called 9-1-1 to report seeing a person lying on the north side of the road.  

Battle Ground patrol officers arrived and found an unconscious female with significant injuries. The patient was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she remains in serious condition.  Due to the severity of the patient’s injuries, Washington State Patrol responded to assist with the investigation.

Initial information indicates the victim was walking westbound, on or near the roadway, when she was struck by a passing vehicle that did not remain at the scene.  Investigators are actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences to identify the vehicle and driver involved in this hit-and-run.

The Battle Ground Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have relevant information about this case to please call 3-1-1.

No additional information is available at this time.

City Of Battle Ground Seeks Community Members For Climate Policy Advisory Team -01/14/25

Interested in shaping Battle Ground’s future growth and climate strategies? Apply to join the advisory team by January 24. 

The City of Battle Ground is embarking on a major update to its 2045 Comprehensive Plan and is calling on community members to help shape the city’s future growth and climate strategies for the next 20 years.

As part of this periodic review, the city is required to incorporate a climate goal into its Comprehensive Plan under a new Washington state law.  This climate goal will focus on enhancing resilience to improve climate preparedness, response, and recovery, while also addressing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.  

To guide this critical work, the city is forming a Climate Policy Advisory Team (CPAT).  The CPAT will play a vital role in ensuring the city’s growth aligns with community values and reflects the diverse perspectives of Battle Ground’s residents.  Members will review climate data, assess risks and community assets and collaboratively develop recommendations for the city’s Comprehensive Plan update, particularly the new climate element.

"Our community members are the key to the creation of an impactful climate resiliency plan," shared Planning Supervisor Sam Crummett.  "Their firsthand knowledge and understanding of our local environmental needs and challenges will profoundly influence our creation of a sustainable plan." 

The city is seeking 10-15 community members to join the CPAT.  Candidates should, ideally:

• Live, work or represent organizations in the City of Battle Ground.

• Bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• Are committed to fostering a prosperous and vibrant future for all Battle Ground residents.

• Can attend monthly meetings from February to June 2025

CPAT Responsibilities:

• Establishing a shared vision for equitable community engagement and advising in outreach activities.

• Reviewing findings from Clark County’s climate work to inform Battle Ground’s Climate Sub-Elements.

• Identifying vulnerabilities and risks related to projected climate impacts.

• Evaluating hazards and community assets for analysis.

• Providing feedback on a draft Vulnerability Assessment and reviewing the final version.

• Offering input on draft policies related to climate resiliency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, transportation and more.

The CPAT will also serve as ambassadors, connecting with key community groups to ensure the city’s plans align with the shared vision outlined in the Battle Ground Roadmap.  Complete the application form by Friday, January 24, 2025, to join this impactful team.

Battle Ground City Council Seeks Applications For Vacated Council Position (Photo) -01/08/25

The Battle Ground City Council is seeking applications from citizens interested in serving in the recently vacated Council Position #4.  The position’s current 4-year term of office expires on December 31, 2025.

The position was vacated by Adrian Cortes who resigned, effective January 8, follow his recent election to the State Senate in Legislative District 18.  During former Councilmember Cortes’ final City Council meeting on January 6, he fondly reflected on his years as a City Councilmember and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue to represent Battle Ground at the State level.

Applicants interested in the position must be registered to vote in Clark County, Washington, and be a resident of the City of Battle Ground for at least one-year preceding appointment to the council.

A detailed announcement and application for the position is available online at www.cityofbg.org/council-application and at Battle Ground City Hall located at 109 SW 1st Street in Battle Ground.  

Applications must be received by the City no later than 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 

To request additional information about the vacancy or the application process, please contact City Clerk Elizabeth Halili at 360-342-5008 or at cityclerk.info@cityofbg.org.

City Of Battle Ground Receives Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting -01/02/25

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, 2023.

The award recognizes the City for demonstrating a spirit of transparency and full disclosure in its 2023 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.

"This award exemplifies Battle Ground’s commitment to ensuring long-term stability and financial resiliency for our community,” said City Manager Kris Swanson.  “I would like to congratulate our Finance Department, led by Finance Director Meagan Lowery, on this significant achievement.”

The City’s 2023 ACFR is available online at www.cityofbg.org/165/Financial-Reports.