Community Invited To Two Events In March To Learn More About Upcoming Improvements To Hazel Dell Community Park (Photo) - 02/20/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks and Nature invites the community to learn about upcoming improvements to Hazel Dell Community Park. The updates, prioritizing increasing access, will be constructed this summer. The project includes paving the existing parking lot and providing pathways and parking that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design criteria.

At two upcoming events, the community can learn more about the project and meet with staff. 

Informational Open House
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 7

Clark County Food Bank Administrative Office

6502 NE 47th Ave, Vancouver

Residents are invited to attend any time during the open house hours to view project displays and meet with staff. Light refreshments and kid-friendly activities will be available. Though not required, attendees may bring non-perishable food to donate to the food bank.

Online Presentation and Q&A
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11

Via Webex

The meeting link is available on the park webpage.

Staff will share a presentation about the project, then host a Q&A session.

Questions and feedback about the project can be sent to pwparksprojects@clark.wa.gov between March 7 and 17.

Project information and materials from these events will be posted on the park webpage. Materials will also be available in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian. Material translation in other languages, meeting interpretation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting Lynde Wallick, parks and trails planner, at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882.

More information about the project and these upcoming events is available on the Hazel Dell Community Park webpage.

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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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County Seeks Applicants For Community Action Advisory Board - 02/19/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill the position of low-income representative from the county’s fourth district on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.

The term starts immediately and is three years, ending Dec. 31, 2028. 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 Friday, March 13.

Clark County Joint Lobby Closing March 9 To June For Remodeling Project - 02/17/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Safety and customer service upgrades are coming to the county’s Joint Lobby on the second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The Joint Lobby will be closed to in-person services in order to accommodate a remodeling project beginning Monday, March 9 to June 2026.

A more secure and comfortable experience will be available this summer. The exact re-opening date will be announced closer to June when the project is near completion.

The Joint Lobby is the front-facing customer service office for the Auditor, Assessor and Treasurer’s Offices.

Many services are available online or by phone. Customers with special circumstances who need assistance should contact the appropriate office directly. Contact information is available at https://clark.wa.gov/joint-lobby.

First half property taxes are due April 30, 2026, during the closure. There are several ways taxpayers can pay property tax including by mail and phone. A drop box on the first floor of the Public Service Center also is available. Learn more on the Treasurer’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options.

The Treasurer’s Office also will accept payments at a drive-through drop-off kiosk at the Public Service Center from 9 am to 4 pm on April 29-30. The drive through kiosk is at the entrance to the parking garage on the east side of the building on Franklin St. This service will be for pre-written checks only.

Work By Two Local Artists On Display At The Rebecca Anstine Gallery (Photo) - 02/12/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Artwork from local artists Nancy Casey and Abhisar Gupta is currently on display at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery. The show will run through the end of April 2026.

The gallery is on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

A reception for the artists will be held at the gallery 5-7 pm Friday, March 6. The event is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Artist statements:

Abhisar Gupta

Abhisar Gupta is a fine art photographer based out of Vancouver, WA. His artistic journey has been shaped by serendipity and curiosity. Battling depression and seeking purpose in life, he discovered solace and inspiration behind the camera. From the microscopic iridescence on soap bubbles to the magnificence of majestic mountains, the wonders of nature have become his muse.

His work is also a testament to the power of art to heal and transform. Through his evocative images, he invites viewers to join him in exploring the beauty, wonder, and hidden messages that exist within the natural world. His work has been recognized in numerous international photography competitions and exhibited at galleries and art festivals in many states. Learn more on Gupta’s website.

Nancy Casey

My art is inspired by nature, and I am especially fond of the exotic design and beauty of tropical foliage. Painting and gardening are my favorite pursuits, as they both allow me to create visions that are beautiful to the eye and feel good for the soul. I revel in using bright colors, as they can create a sense of joy and discovery.

I’ve been an artist my entire life, schooled in fine art, graphic design and photography. After a 30-year career as a graphic designer, illustrator and art director, I have returned to painting and other fine art pursuits, including lettering and mosaic. I hope you enjoy the show and I welcome your comments.

 I can be reached at: ncaseyartist@yahoo.com

County Manager Appoints April Furth As Deputy County Manager - 02/12/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Kathleen Otto, County Manager for Clark County has appointed April Furth as Deputy County Manager. Furth will begin on Monday, Feb. 23.

Furth recently served as Administrator for the Department of Parks and Outdoors for the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Previously, she was the Director of Community Development for Clark County for four years after serving as the county’s Permit Center Manager. She also has more than 17 years of experience in retail management.

“We are excited to have April back at Clark County as the Deputy County Manager,” said County Manager Kathleen Otto. “She has built partnerships with staff, external partners, and the residents; sharing a sincere commitment to exceptional customer service.”

“I am incredibly excited to be moving back to this community,” says Furth. “Clark County has a special place in my heart, and I am eager to begin contributing my time and energy to the place I call home. I look forward to reconnecting with neighbors and finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community and to our Clark County government.” 

Commission On Aging Schedules Four-part Discussion On Mobility - 02/11/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will begin a four-part series on mobility at the February meeting.  The meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Have you ever wanted to better understand the transportation planning and development process? In February, the COA welcomes Ryan Lopossa, Transportation Manager for the City of Vancouver, and Mike Sallis, Transportation Planner for Clark County, for a high-level discussion about these processes.

Commission on Aging meetings are held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend on the sixth-floor 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 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.

Clark County Finance Committee Meeting Scheduled For Feb. 17 - 02/10/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The next Clark County Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 9:30 am Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 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: 283 716 215#
• Meeting ID: 234 693 436 949
• Passcode: Z5Yo7U65
• Join online here

See the agenda for the meeting on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/investment-reports-meetings.

Clark County Seeks Volunteer For Law And Justice Council - 02/09/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Council is seeking applicants for an open seat on the Clark County Law and Justice council.

The open position is for a resident living in the unincorporated area of the county.

The Law and Justice Council is established by state law to help coordinate activities of the local criminal justice and develop a community corrections plan for local and state corrections services in the county.

Meetings are currently held at 8 am on the second Thursday of each month in person at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., sixth floor, suite 680 and online via WebEx.

To apply, 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.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, March 6, 2026.

Media Invited To Celebration Event Of Clark County’s We Compost Program’s Record-setting Year, Diverting 186,000 Pounds Of Food Waste From The Landfill - 02/06/26

Media Advisory

NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST

When: 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2025       

Where: Please RSVP to Kaley McLachlan-Burton, Clark County Public Works PIO, to receive location information.

What: The media is invited to join Clark County Public Works in celebrating the residents and community partners who worked together to divert 186,000 pounds of food waste in 2025, through the We Compost program. The program diverts residents’ household food waste from the landfill, sending it to make nutrient-rich compost instead. Through community hub locations throughout the county, the program provides access to composting, especially for residents with limited ability to compost at home, such as those living in apartments and residents outside residential curbside organics service areas. Community hub food scrap drop-off locations are hosted by churches, businesses and educational facilities.  

Event agenda

• 11:15: Presentation by Clark County Solid Waste Operations staff about the county’s innovative strategies to divert food waste from the landfill, data about the program’s record-breaking success and plans for the future of the program
• 11:30: Presentation from commercial compost facility Dirt Hugger’s co-founder, Pierce Louis; Dirt Hugger, located in Dallesport, WA, is the facility where food and yard debris from Clark County is sent to be commercially composted
• 12: Video featuring a Waste Connections of Washington organics service route driver
• 12:15: Guided roundtable discussion with community hub site leaders

Clark County staff and community hub site leaders will be available for interviews after the scheduled activities conclude at 1 p.m. Media are invited to record videos and take photos at the community hub site where the celebration takes place.

Why: Now in its fourth year, the We Compost program increases access to composting in Clark County. There are currently 17 community hub locations in the county, where any resident can compost their household food waste for free. The program inspires residents to reduce waste and compost food scraps, in support of Clark County’s efforts to meet Washington’s organics management goals. By composting food scraps, nutrients in food are recycled back into the soil. Composting food scraps also reduces landfilled organic matter, which reduces emissions that contribute to climate change.

Learn more about the program at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clark-county-we-compost-community-hubs.

Read the program’s 2025 report here. 

Additional Measles Cases Reported In Clark County, No New Public Exposure Sites - 02/03/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Six additional cases of measles have been reported in Clark County. The new cases are connected to the measles case announced by Clark County Public Health on Jan. 23. The new cases were exposed to measles in non-public locations. No additional public exposure locations have been identified for any of the cases in Clark County.

“We do not currently have any evidence that measles is spreading in public locations in Clark County,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Here is additional information about the six new cases:

• Age
  • Younger than 18 years: five cases
  • 18 years and older: one case
• Vaccination status
  • Unvaccinated: five cases
  • Unverified: one case

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. People who are not vaccinated or have not had measles in the past are at risk of getting sick if they are exposed to measles.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.

For more information about the local measles investigation, visit the Clark County Public Health measles investigation webpage.

Additional Measles Exposure Site Identified In Ridgefield - 01/30/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has identified an additional location where a person with measles visited while contagious last week. Public Health announced the case on Jan. 23, 2026. No additional confirmed cases of measles have been identified to date.

People who visited The Vancouver Clinic’s Ridgefield clinic, 5515 Pioneer St., from 4 to 9 pm Wednesday, Jan. 21 may have been exposed to measles. People who were at the medical office and who have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick.

The person who tested positive for measles was also at Ridgefield High School while they were contagious on Jan. 14, 15 and 16.

Anyone who may have been exposed and believes they have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.

About measles
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.

After someone is exposed to measles, they begin to get sick in about one to three weeks. Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. People are contagious with measles up to four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, including infants younger than 12 months. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. One dose of the vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective.

For more information about the local measles investigation, visit the Clark County Public Health measles investigation webpage.

Clark County Launches New Equitable Park Access Programs In 2026, Including Free-parking Days (Photo) - 01/30/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Daily parking fees are charged year-round at four county regional parks – Frenchman’s Bar, Lewisville, Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek and Vancouver Lake. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the parking fee changed to $5 per day, regardless of vehicle type.

Parking fees help provide funding to support parks maintenance and impacts of use such as garbage/waste management, restroom cleaning and facilities upkeep. In fall 2025, the Clark County Council approved updated rates for parking fees and facility rentals, to be implemented in 2026.

New for 2026: Improving access with fee-free days and Check Out Washington
 

Parking fee-free days
Twelve parking fee-free days, including some weekdays, some weekend days, some federal holidays and other observances. The goal is to offer fee-free days that differ from those for state parks, increasing the number of free days on public lands in the county. In 2026, the parking fee-free dates are:

• Monday, Feb. 2: Groundhog Day
• Monday, March 30: National Take a Walk in the Park Day
• Friday, April 24: Arbor Day
• Saturday, May 9: National Bird Day
• Sunday, May 17: Kids to Parks Day
• Sunday, June 21: Summer Solstice
• Saturday, July 11: National Wildlife Day
• Saturday, Aug. 15: National Relaxation Day
• Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day
• Saturday, Oct. 17: National Take a Hike Day
• Friday, Nov. 27: Green Friday
• Saturday, Dec. 5: International Volunteer Day
   

Borrow a parking pass for free
In collaboration with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, Public Works will add county regional parks parking passes to the library’s free Check Out Washington backpacks. Patrons can place holds online at fvrl.org and check out backpacks at district library locations beginning in early 2026.  

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. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.

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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County Manager Seeks Volunteer For Open Seat On Arts Commission - 01/27/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill an open position on the Clark County Arts Commission.

The opening is for an at-large representative living in unincorporated Clark County. The term is for two years and begins immediately.

The Arts Commission is made up of 11 volunteers. Each participating city appoints one member, and the county manager appoints three members representing the arts, arts education and business communities. The commission meets at 5 pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

The commission advises and collaborates with the county council and city councils and reports accomplishments to the community. Members advocate for the arts in the community, at public hearings, budget hearings and other public forums.

Anyone wishing to apply should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Jake Goodwin, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to jake.goodwin@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm, Friday, Feb. 13.

Learn more about the Clark County Arts Commission at https://clark.wa.gov/county-manager/overview-0.

County Charter Review Commission Sets Meeting Schedule, Selects Officers - 01/26/26

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Charter Review Commission has established its regular meeting schedule and appointed several members to leadership roles.

Commission members voted to appoint Brandon Erickson from District 2 as the chair and Duncan Hoss from District 5 as the vice chair. Commissioner Cathie Garber from District 2 was selected to serve as secretary.

The Commission will hold weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 5-7 pm beginning Feb. 4. Meetings will be held in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual options for attending. In-person meetings will be held in the sixth-floor hearing room in the county’s Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. A virtual option is available via WebEx.

The Commission will not hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 1.

The Charter Review Commission held two meetings in January. Video recordings and agendas for the meetings are on the county’s’ website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/charter-review-commission-2026-2027.

The Charter Review Commission is tasked with reviewing the county's charter and potentially making recommendations for amendments. Fifteen commissioners were elected in the November 2025 general election; three commissioners for each of the five County Councilor districts. Commissioner terms began Jan. 1, 2026, and end Dec. 31, 2027. 

Any proposed amendments to the county charter must be approved by Clark County voters in a general election.

Public Health Investigating Confirmed Measles Case In Clark County - 01/23/26

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a Clark County adult. The person, whose vaccination status is unverified, traveled recently to an area experiencing a measles outbreak.

The person who tested positive for measles was at Ridgefield High School while they were contagious on Jan. 14, 15 and 16. People who were at Ridgefield High School those days and who have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick.

Clark County Public Health is working with Ridgefield School District to identify students and staff who are not protected against measles. Those individuals will be excluded from school, child care and other public settings for 21 days.

No other public locations have been identified as possible exposure sites.

Clark County Public Health urges people who are not protected against measles to get vaccinated. Residents who have questions about the vaccine or are unsure whether they are protected should talk to their health care provider. Vaccination records are also available through the state’s MyIR Mobile system.

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus before they show symptoms. The virus also can linger in the air after someone who is infectious has left.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, including infants younger than 12 months. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. One dose of the vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective.

After someone is exposed to measles, they begin to get sick in about one to three weeks. Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. People are contagious with measles up to four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears.

Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than 5 years and adults older than 20 years are more likely to suffer from measles complications. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. Measles may cause pregnant people to give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby. For every 1,000 children with measles, one or two will die from the disease.

To learn more about measles, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.