The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This individual died on 12/10/2018 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Kiser, Gage Allan Age: 18 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Homicide
Manner of death: Multiple Gunshot Wounds
No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Media release issue date: Prepared 12/13/2018
Nikki Costa
Operations Manager
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.
The opening is for a resident who does not own or maintain domestic animals which generally refers to dogs, cats and some birds.
The term begins immediately and ends Oct. 31, 2019.
Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Public Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield.
Duties of the 10-member board include
- Reporting to the county council and Vancouver City Council at least once a year on general operations of the Animal Protection and Control Program.
- Recommending potential modifications to code.
- Acting as an appeals hearing board.
- Volunteering at outreach and fundraising events.
- Promoting the program and its licensing of all dogs and cats.
For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.
Applications and a résumé should be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, PO Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or dropped off at the department office on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – The public is invited to join local and state dignitaries for a ribbon cutting on Clark County’s 10th Avenue Bridge, south of the Clark County Fairgrounds.
The bridge, which carries Northeast 10th Avenue over Whipple Creek, will eliminate a transportation gap in the Salmon Creek-Fairgrounds area. Construction started in spring 2017, and the bridge is expected to open to traffic in late 2018 or early 2019.
The event will begin at 1 pm Tuesday, Dec. 18, and will feature remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting and light refreshments.
People can access the site by driving north on Northeast 10th Avenue from Northeast 139th Street or by driving south on Northeast Delfel Road from Northeast 179th Street. Please park along Northeast 10th Avenue on either side of the bridge and walk a short distance to the event.
The event will be held rain or shine. Although some tents and chairs will be provided, people should play it safe and dress for the weather.
More information on the 10th Avenue Bridge is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/ne-10th-avenue.
Clark County expects to begin construction in 2020 on a related project south of the new bridge: widening and improving Northeast 10th Avenue, from Northeast 149th Street to Northeast 154th Street.
The county also is working on plans for other road improvements at and near the Northeast 179th Street interchange on Interstate 5, a location where significant growth is expected in future years.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council has reappointed Steve Morasch to the Clark County Planning Commission for a six-year term and Karl Johnson for a four-year term. The council also appointed Rick Torres for a four-year term. All three terms begin Jan. 1, 2019.
Morasch is a local lawyer representing developers and land owners in land use permitting process. He has experience in land use, transportation planning, growth management and has served on the Planning Commission since 2007.
Johnson previously worked as a teacher at Battle Ground Public Schools. He is a past manager and owner of various construction companies and has served on the Planning Commission since 2013.
New to the Planning Commission, Torres is a Leadership Clark County graduate and currently serves on the Clark County Civil Service Commission. Torres works as a business development manager and has extensive military and police experience including working as a patrol sergeant for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
The Planning Commission consists of seven county residents who advise the county council on land-use issues.
The commission typically conducts a formal public hearing on the third Thursday of each month. Hearings and work sessions are held in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. Archived videos of the hearings can be viewed on CVTV Channel 23.
Other Planning Commission members are Ronald H. Barca, Richard Bender, Robin Grimwade and Matt Swindell.
Learn more about the Planning Commission on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission.
Vancouver, Wash. – On Dec. 6, 2018, the operator of the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad, PVJR, restricted the railroad tracks required for the operation of the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad BYCX holiday tree drive. The tree drive has been advertised in many local publications and historically has been a festive and popular community activity.
Clark County had been in discussions with PVJR regarding legal relationships that control aspects of the rail line operation when PVJR made the decision to restrict the tracks. Clark County’s position has been, and will continue to be, that PVJR and BYCX can continue operation of the railroad until a legal authority determines otherwise.
Clark County will continue to diligently pursue resolution with PVJR. The county will continue to be supportive of the volunteer Chelatchie Prairie Railroad organization.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Historic Preservation Commission has listed the Ridgefield City Hall building to the Clark County Heritage Register. The building is located at 230 Pioneer St., State Route 501.
Built in 1920, the Ridgefield City Hall building is one of the oldest structures remaining in Ridgefield’s traditional downtown core.
The building was originally used as a bank and it is historically known as the Ridgefield State Bank. It was an anchor of early commerce in the town. The building has been in use as the Ridgefield City Hall since 1975.
The building is a rare example of formal Classical Revival architecture in Ridgefield. In the state of Washington, the building is one of the few remaining smaller banks of the era and it has a high level of historic integrity.
For more information about the history of the Ridgefield City Hall building or the Clark County Historic Preservation program, please contact Community Planning at 564.397.4909. Information also is available on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/historic-preservation.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council will host an open house from 2:30 to 4:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 18 to honor Council Chair Marc Boldt and Councilor Jeanne E. Stewart for their many years of service to the residents of Clark County. The gathering will be in the sixth-floor hearing room in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Stewart was elected to the then board of county commissioners in 2014. Her title changed to councilor when Clark County moved to a home rule charter form of government. Before being elected to the county seat, Councilor Stewart served 12 years on the Vancouver City Council. She has served on many boards and commissions including the C-Tran and Columbia River Economic Development Council boards, the Regional Transportation Council and the Audit Oversight Committee.
Councilor Stewart has worked in various accounting, finance and auditing functions at US Bancorp and ran a family business with her husband for 29 years. Stewart earned an associate degree from Clark College, with honors and an emphasis on business. She co-founded the Carter Park Neighborhood Association, served as chair of the Vancouver Neighborhood Alliance, served five years on the Vancouver Planning Commission and held numerous volunteer positions with Vancouver Public Schools.
Councilor Boldt was elected chair of the council in 2015. In 2013, he was elected to the Board of Freeholders, which wrote the home rule charter approved by voters in 2014. The chair position was one of two new positions added when the charter was approved.
Previously, Boldt served as a member of the then board of county commissioners from 2005 through 2012 and as a 17th Legislative District representative from 1995 through 2004. A native of Vancouver and graduate of Evergreen High School, Boldt earned an associate degree in agriculture from Yakima Velley Community College. Boldt is a member of the Clark County Farm Bureau and has served as a local 4H Leader.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting nominations for the annual Green Awards, a Public Health program that recognizes excellence in environmental sustainability.
Clark County Public Health is seeking nominations of organizations and individuals who consider the environment in decision-making and practices. Self-nominations are accepted.
Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:
- Green Business Award for a business with at least 26 employees
- Green Business Award for a business with fewer than 26 employees
- Green Business Award for a nonprofit or government organization
- Green Apple Award for a local school district employee or volunteer who inspires environmental leadership in students
Online nomination forms can be found at www.clarkgreenneighbors.org/greenawards. Submission instructions are on the form. The nomination deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Jan. 15.
“The intent of the Green Awards is to shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations that are achieving positive environmental results and giving back to the community,” said Sarah Keirns, environmental outreach specialist at Clark County Public Health.
The 2018 Green Awards winners included Corwin Beverage, which recycled 100,000 pounds of material in 2017 and upgraded its warehouse to use energy-efficient lighting, and Bikram Yoga Hazel Dell, which has state-of-the-art insulation and uses Energy Star-rated heating for hot yoga classes. Ali Coker, who leads the Camas High School green team, received the Green Apple Award for inspiring students to serve at tree plantings and other community events.
The 2019 winners will be announced at the Green Awards event at 6 pm Wednesday, March 20 at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St.
For more information, contact Sarah Keirns at 564.397.7319 or ah.keirns@clark.wa.gov">sarah.keirns@clark.wa.gov.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This individual died on 11/28/2018 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Villagran, David Age: 33 Yrs
The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Kelso, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Homicide
Manner of death: Gunshot Wound of the Head
No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Vancouver Police Department.
Media release issue date: Prepared 11/29/2018
Nikki Costa
Operations Manager
Vancouver, Wash. – Annual parking passes for four of Clark County’s biggest, most popular parks will go on sale next week.
2019 passes cost $30 and will be valid at Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park, Lewisville Regional Park, Salmon Creek Regional Park/Klineline Pond and Vancouver Lake Regional Park.
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 5, passes can be purchased at:
- Clark County 78th Street Operations Center, Building A, 4700 NE 78th St., 7 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
- Clark County Permit Center, first floor, Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.
- Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E Main St., 8 am to 4 pm on Monday, and 8 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Friday.
- Online at www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/parking-fees.
All three locations accept cash, checks, credit cards and debit cards. The Permit Center and Battle Ground Community Center charge a service fee for debit and credit card transactions. Online purchasers can use either Visa or Mastercard.
Annual passes also can be purchased at the four parks when fee booths are staffed. Attendants will accept cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard. They will not accept checks or Discover or American Express cards.
Daily parking fees are $2 for motorcycles, $3 for vehicles, $6 for vehicles with trailers and $8 for buses or motor homes. Pass holders will save money if they visit just one of the four parks once a month during 2019.
Parking passes are valid from the date of purchase through the end of 2019. Passes are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred. Customers who lose their parking pass must provide valid identification and proof of purchase and pay $10 for a replacement pass. A replacement pass should be obtained at the original purchase site.
Under Clark County Code, parking a vehicle without paying the required daily fee or displaying a valid parking pass could result in a $40 fine.
Vancouver, Wash. ??' Clark County Treasurer Doug Lasher invites the community to celebrate his retirement 4:30-6:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes St.
Doug Lasher has held the position of county Treasurer since 1984. His 34 years in office makes him the longest serving treasurer in Clark County.
Doug has championed many innovative changes to the Treasurer’s Office over the years. Most notably was the collaborative project undertaken with the auditor and assessor’s offices to establish the Joint Lobby, a “one-stop customer service center” where Clark County citizens can pay taxes, process property sales, learn about tax relief and more.
“Over the years, I have been very impressed with my fellow county employees and their efforts in doing the best they can during some very trying times,” Doug said.
Doug will continue to stay active in the community during his retirement with community service and political activities. In addition, he hopes to enjoy traveling with his newfound free time.
Vancouver, Wash. – American household waste increases by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, contributing an additional 1 million tons per week to landfills.
But by taking a few simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle, you can make the holiday season a little greener without losing any holiday cheer.
Before the holiday parties and gift-giving begins:
- Send holiday e-cards rather than mailing paper cards. Or make sure the paper cards you buy have recycled content and are recyclable. Recycle holiday cards you receive.
- Give experiences, time or talent as gifts. Consider gift cards to restaurants or tickets to a sporting event. Take someone to a play or teach them how to play an instrument. Make a charitable donation in the recipient’s name or give a museum membership.
- Give home-baked goodies in reusable containers, such as holiday tins or jars.
- Take reusable bags on your shopping trips.
- Reuse holiday decorations or trade decor with a friend. Shop at thrift stores for new-to-you decorations.
- Wrap gifts in reusable bags or use old maps, fabric scraps or newspaper rather than purchasing wrapping paper.
- Plan your holiday meals to avoid over-buying food. Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers, and compost your food scraps.
After the holiday gatherings:
- Save gift bags, tissue paper, bows and ribbons to reuse next year. Recycle wrapping paper (not foil-covered paper) and tissue paper that cannot be reused.
- Take inventory of things you no longer use and donate old toys and clothing to thrift stores.
- E-cycle your old electronic devices. Search www.recyclingA-Z.com for electronic recycling drop-off locations.
- Take block foam to a drop-off site for recycling. Search www.recyclingA-Z.com for locations.
- Use rechargeable batteries to power new toys. They greatly reduce the number of batteries thrown into the landfill. Search www.recyclingA-Z.com for household battery disposal options.
For more holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.
“Waste-reduction efforts don’t need to end with the holiday season,” said Sally Fisher, program coordinator with Clark County Public Health. “Make your New Year’s resolution to practice the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle – every day.”
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking volunteers to fill two positions on the Fairgrounds Site Management Group.
Both terms begin Jan. 1, 2019, and end Dec. 31, 2020.
The Fairgrounds Site Management Group manages, operates, and markets the Clark County Fairgrounds facilities. The group consists of five directors. Two directors are appointed by the Clark County Fair Association, and three directors are appointed by Clark County. One of the county appointments is a senior county staff member who serves as chair and votes only in the event of a tie.
The Fairgrounds Site Management Group meets 8-9:30 am on the third Thursday of the month at the Clark County Event Center conference room, 17402 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield.
Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be submitted by email to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Dec. 21, 2018.