Vancouver, Wash. – The construction of a new picnic shelter at Klineline Pond is ready to resume. Construction began earlier this year but was paused this spring due to bald eagles nesting near the project site. Now that the eagles have left the nest, construction will resume.
Irreparable damage to the former Pondview shelter from a winter storm required demolition of the structure, and a new structure is being built in its place. Construction of the new shelter should be complete by November.
During the week of October 7, the contractor will be pumping concrete to the construction site. Construction impacts should be minimal, however visitors to the park may encounter inconveniences during construction. Visitors are reminded for their safety to stay out of work zones.
Construction is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, contact program coordinator Jacob Huston at Jacob.huston@clark.wa.gov or 360.719.0756.
Updates to the construction timeline and impacts will be posted on Public Works’ social media profiles, and at clark.wa.gov/public-works.
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper reminds residents that second installment 2024 property taxes are due Oct. 31.
Tax statements will be mailed during the week of Sept.16. If taxpayers are expecting a mailed statement and don’t receive one or have questions, they should visit www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer or contact the Treasurer’s Office at 564.397.2252 for a duplicate statement.
“Tax statements are mailed to property owners who do not pay through an escrow company. If a homeowner has paid off their mortgage and does not receive a statement, they should contact our office,” Topper said.
The Treasurer’s Office is recommending taxpayers pay by mail or online. If in-person service is needed, the Treasurer’s Office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. The Treasurer’s Office is located in the second-floor Joint Lobby in the Public Service Center at 1300 Franklin St. A drop box for payments by check is located in the first floor lobby of the Public Service Center.
Topper will open a convenient drive-through drop-off location at the ground floor of the Public Service Center parking structure on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct 31.
Taxpayers may pay property taxes online from their checking or savings account or using a credit or debit card. Payments from electronic checking and savings accounts are free, while debit card payments incur a $3.95 vendor fee, and credit card payments are assessed a 2.39% vendor fee. Debit and credit card fees apply to payments processed in-person or online.
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 https://www.paydici.com/clark-county-wa/search/landing.
Payment transactions must be postmarked by midnight, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, to avoid interest charges.
Tax payments can be mailed to the Clark County Treasurer at 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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks will repair and restripe portions of the parking lots at Hockinson Meadows Community Park and Pacific Community Park.
Partial parking lot closures will occur during the following times:
Visitors to the parks may encounter inconveniences during construction. Visitors are reminded for their safety to stay out of work zones. Cars in the parking lots after the closures begin will be towed.
Construction is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, contact program coordinator Jacob Huston at Jacob.huston@clark.wa.gov or 360.719.0756
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Superior Court Adult Drug court will hold a 25-year anniversary celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Clark College Gaiser Hall located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.
The event, free and open to the public, consists of a buffet dinner beginning at 5 pm followed by a 6 pm presentation. Seating is limited. You must RSVP by Friday, Sept. 20. Submit your RSVP here or you can contact: shauna.mccloskey@clark.wa.gov / text or call: 360.605.3373.
The Clark County Adult Drug Court anniversary tribute coincides with National Recovery Month. Started in 1989, National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.
Adult Drug Court is a specialized sentencing alternative specifically designed to treat individuals suffering from substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders who are facing eligible felony criminal charges. This alternative to incarceration provides an opportunity for those enrolled in the program to live in the community and receive support and treatments services in a structured way. The program consists of a prescribed set of required treatment sessions, recovery support services and meetings, skill-building classes, random drug testing, office or home visits and frequent court hearings. Treatment courts are typically a minimum of a year or longer and studies have shown that these programs refer more people to treatment than any other interventions in the United States—people stay in treatment long enough to making lasting internal changes.
Clark County Superior Court Adult Drug Court has had 781 graduates successfully complete the program since its inception in 1999.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will hold its annual retreat on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 from 3:15 to 6 pm. The meeting will be held in-person. The retreat will not include provisions for virtual attendance but is open to the public. Topics at the retreat to include the 2025 work plan and selection of the 2024 Silver Citizen.
The meeting will be held in Room 678 at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street.
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.
Media Advisory
NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST
WHEN: 2 pm Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
WHERE: Clark County Public Service Center Plaza, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA
WHAT: Gov. Jay Inslee will present the Governor’s Smart Communities Awards from the Washington State Department of Commerce to three local recipients − Clark County Community Planning, the Port of Camas-Washougal and Clark Public Utilities.
The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards recognize the outstanding work of local governments whose exceptional planning efforts create vibrant and livable communities by achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act.
Learn more at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/growth-management/smart-communities/.
WHY: Three local jurisdictions are being recognized for exceptional land use planning and development after being nominated by a panel of judges from across the state and approved by the Governor’s Office.
#
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its algae advisory at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from the lake show 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 swimming and 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.
The warning advisory at Lacamas Lake remains in place. Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Tuesday, Sept. 3 indicate toxin levels remain elevated.
Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes and take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health website.
Vancouver, Wash. – All comments are welcomed and encouraged regarding the draft Clark County 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER details the accomplishments that were completed between July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, through funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The full draft report can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-documents.
In accordance with Consolidated Plan performance report requirements at 24 CFR Part 91.520, Citizen Participation requirements at 24 CFR Part 91 Subpart B, and the county’s Citizen Participation Plan, draft performance reports are advertised to provide opportunity for public comment.
A public hearing will be held Sept. 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. before the Clark County Council. Information about how to access this meeting is available at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/council-meeting-information.
Comments about the proposed changes may be submitted by email to Rebecca.Royce@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564.397.7863.
Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works has reopened the intersection at Northeast 119th Street and Northeast 152nd Avenue as the construction of the single-lane roundabout nears completion. The intersection is still an active construction zone as landscaping, permanent stripping and illumination work continues. Drivers are reminded to slow down for construction workers.
The intersection has been the site of several severe crashes in the last 10 years, resulting in multiple serious injuries and two fatalities. Due to the number and severity of crashes, the intersection was identified as a high priority for reconstruction to minimize crash risk and severity. Changing the intersection to a roundabout requires all vehicles to slow down and also reduces the risk of head-on and T-bone (side-impact) collisions.
The project was supported by County Road Funds and partners, including the Federal Highway Administration. The total project cost is approximately $4.5 million.
More information about the project can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/ne-119th-st-and-ne-152nd-ave.
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is accepting 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 Monday, Sept. 30.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is looking for local retail and community sites to help support proper battery disposal by becoming a drop-off location for household battery recycling.
Improper disposal of batteries can pose significant fire risks and cause harm to sanitation workers and damage to equipment at Clark County transfer stations. Last year, Public Health and Waste Connections of Washington launched a new battery disposal program that provides residents with convenient locations to dispose of household batteries for free.
Several drop-off sites are available across Clark County. Public Health is looking to expand the program to more locations, making battery recycling even more convenient for community members and retail customers.
Participation is free for eligible sites, which include retail stores, campuses, community centers and other locations accessible to residents with on-site staff. After completing a 10-minute training, participating sites receive battery recycling kits that include instructions, signage and pre-paid shipping labels. Full collection boxes are picked up by UPS for recycling.
Participating battery drop-off sites are listed on the Public Health website and the local RecycleRight A-Z directory.
Retail and community sites interested in joining the program can contact the Clark County Solid Waste team at solidwaste@clark.wa.gov.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works Clean Water Division is hosting three community listening sessions to hear which services are most important to residents of Clark County. The listening sessions will offer residents small-group forums to share their comments prior to the Clean Water Division publishing a final Stormwater Rate Study for Clark County.
Clark County is required to implement a wide variety of projects and programs to protect and restore water quality under a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit that went into effect in August. The Clean Water Division is updating the services it will provide through 2029 to comply with the new federal and state permit requirements.
To financially support these new services, the Clean Water Division is conducting a Stormwater Rate Study to determine if Clark County’s existing rates need to change. Clark County’s stormwater rates have not increased since 2015.
Community listening sessions will provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about the Stormwater Rate Study. Three listening sessions will be offered: two in-person sessions and one online session. Residents are invited to attend any of the following sessions:
RSVP for in-person sessions is appreciated but not required and can be sent to cleanwater@clark.wa.gov. Signs will be posted to help direct attendees at the in-person sessions.
The Clark County Council will consider adoption of 2025-2029 stormwater rates during a public meeting on Oct. 1. The council will consider the Clean Water Commission’s recommendation to adopt results from the Stormwater Rate Study. Community members can provide testimony during the public comment portion of the meeting; comments will be limited to the time allotted and must be about the Stormwater Rate Study.
About the Clean Water Division
The Clean Water Division is responsible for protecting and restoring water quality in streams, rivers and lakes throughout Clark County. To achieve this, the Clean Water Division builds, operates, and maintains public drainage infrastructure to prevent flooding on roads and to remove harmful pollution before it enters rivers and lakes.
The division also collects water quality data, provides education and outreach opportunities for schools and residents, and offers technical assistance to businesses and homeowners associations to prevent pollution from privately-owned stormwater facilities.
To receive information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.
Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “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 y haga clic en “Noticias” 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 и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks will replace Field 4-5 at Luke Jensen Sports Park in September.
Work on the multiuse field will begin in the beginning of September and is expected to be completed by early November. Field 4-5 and a portion of the east parking lot will be closed during this time. Fields 1, 2 and 3 will remain open.
Visitors to the park may encounter inconveniences, such as temporarily closed sidewalks, construction noise, and construction vehicles utilizing the entrance on Northeast 41st Avenue. Visitors are reminded for their safety to stay out of work zones.
Construction is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, contact capital program specialist Justin Morgan at justin.morgan@clark.wa.gov.
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.
The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to an incident that occurred Aug. 28, 2024 on Northeast 66th Avenue in Vancouver.
This individual died on 08/28/2024 in Vancouver, WA.
The name of the decedent: Phetchitvathanalay, Keomany Age: 39 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(s)
Place of injury: City street
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: 08/30/2024
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.
Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday, Aug. 26 revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.
Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. While the warning advisory is in place, health officials recommend:
Public Health previously issued a warning advisory for Lacamas Lake due to harmful algae on July 3. That advisory was removed Aug. 22 after two consecutive weeks of toxin levels below state thresholds. However, conditions at the lake changed in the last week and toxin levels have since increased, prompting Public Health to issue a new warning advisory for Lacamas Lake.
Advisories at Vancouver and Round lakes
The warning advisory at Vancouver Lake remains in place. Public Health issued the advisory on Aug. 22 due to elevated toxin levels due to harmful algae at the swim beach and flushing channel.
Public Health is removing the warning advisory at Round Lake in Camas. Water samples collected from the lake show 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 swimming and 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 will continue to monitor Lacamas, Vancouver and Round lakes and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Advisories will be updated as conditions change.
Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are posted on the Public Health website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Millions of vaping devices and cartridges are sold in the US each month, and a growing number of vapes are designed to be disposable, single-use devices. In one month, more than 13 million disposable devices are sold in the US. With the rise in popularity of disposable vapes comes a rise in electronic and hazardous wastes.
Vaping devices often contain batteries and hazardous substances that should never be thrown in garbage or recycling carts. Batteries disposed of in household garbage or recycling carts can ignite, posing significant fire risks during transportation and at transfer stations. And the liquid nicotine in vapes is highly toxic and can cause serious harm if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team is committed to ensuring the proper disposal of nicotine vapes and offers the following guidance for Clark County residents to dispose of the devices, batteries and cartridges for free:
Whole device, including cartridges (with or without liquid) and batteries
Device battery
Empty liquid cartridges, tanks, bottles or vials
Device without battery
Vape devices collected for disposal by businesses, schools, government agencies and nonprofit organizations must be managed as business dangerous waste and are not accepted at the residential drop-off locations listed above. Learn more about business dangerous waste on the Public Health website.
Vape devices containing cannabis can only be disposed by sites authorized to handle controlled substances, such as pharmacies and police departments, and are not accepted at residential drop-off locations.
For more information about disposal options for vapes and other battery-containing items, download the RecycleRight app or go to www.recyclingdoneright.com.
Nicotine is highly addictive and has known negative health effects. For help quitting vaping, call the Washington State Quitline at 1.800.QUIT.NOW or visit www.quitline.com, or download the 2Morrow Health app.
UPDATE: The news release sent earlier today had a broken link. This version has the correct link.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works in late August will begin reconstructing the intersection of Northeast 179th Street and Northeast 50th Avenue. The addition of a left-turn lane on the East and West legs of the intersection will serve as an interim project until such time as a roundabout is warranted at this intersection to handle increased traffic associated with residential and commercial development. With anticipated growth in the area over the next 20 years, these upgrades aim to accommodate future traffic volumes while ensuring safety and mobility.
Travelers in the area can expect occasional lane closures, traffic impacts, and delays. Construction is weather dependent, but the project is anticipated to be complete by the end of November. Schedule updates and additional information is available at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-179th-street-and-northeast-50th-avenue-intersection-improvements
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Whooping cough has continued to spread throughout Clark County this summer, with 183 cases reported since June 1. So far this year, 229 cases have been identified in Clark County – that’s more than the total number of cases over the last five years combined.
With students beginning to return to classrooms, Clark County Public Health is concerned case numbers will continue to rise and students will miss learning time in school.
“Not only will children who get sick miss time at school, but they can also bring the illness home to their younger siblings,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “Young children who aren’t yet old enough to complete their whooping cough vaccinations are less protected against illness. And infants are at the greatest risk of severe illness and hospitalization from 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
In Clark County, 30 infants are among the cases of whooping cough so far this year, and more than 100 of the cases are children younger than 5 years old. One person younger than 18 has been hospitalized due to whooping cough.
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. The best way to prevent getting whooping cough and spreading it to others is to get vaccinated. People who are vaccinated may still be able to get whooping cough, but their illness is usually less severe.
Of the 229 cases identified so far this year, 65% have never been vaccinated against whooping cough.
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.
Children who get whooping cough are excluded from school until they are no longer contagious. A person is no longer contagious after completing five days of antibiotics. Without antibiotics, a person with whooping cough is considered contagious for three weeks after the cough begins.
Whooping cough vaccination
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Construction will begin towards the end of August to install a median along Northeast 78th Street between Northeast 30th and Northeast 39th avenues. The construction of a median is a requirement following the installation of the traffic signal at Northeast 39th Avenue, near Luke Jensen Sports Park. The median will improve the safety of the roadway and help prevent collisions.
Travelers in the area can expect occasional lane closures, traffic impacts and delays. Access to local businesses will remain open. Construction is scheduled for 45 working days and is weather-dependent. Schedule updates and additional information is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/northeast-78th-street.
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Lacamas Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria at the lake dissipated and is no longer present.
The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However, harmful algal blooms may return as conditions change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.
The warning advisory at Round Lake in Camas remains in place. Results from water samples taken from Round Lake on Monday, Aug. 19 indicate toxin levels are decreasing. If toxin levels continue to decrease, the warning advisory will be lifted. Public Health issued a warning advisory at Vancouver Lake earlier today due to elevated toxin levels. Public Health will continue to monitor the blooms at Round and Vancouver lakes and take weekly water samples to test toxin levels.
The public can report algal blooms on the Public Health website. Information about swim beach monitoring and advisories are available on the Public Health website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Vancouver Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.
Results from water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday, Aug. 19 revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.
Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. While the warning advisory is in place, health officials recommend:
Public Health will continue to monitor Vancouver Lake and, while a bloom is present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.
Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins could cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact could lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.
If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness.
Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are posted on the Public Health website. To report algal blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Climate Project Community Advisory Group will meet at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
The Community Advisory Group (CAG) is made up of 20 county residents who were appointed by the county manager. The group is helping the county develop policy recommendations to implement new state climate change planning legislation for the Planning Commission and County Council to consider. The legislation emphasizes that planning and policy decisions related to climate change do not impact us all in the same way. The CAG is one of three advisory groups supporting the county’s Climate Project.
Community Advisory Group meetings are held at 5:30 pm the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Meetings are 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/community-advisory-group.
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 community advisory group 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.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill one of three Clark County-recommended positions on the seven-member Fort Vancouver Regional Library District board of trustees.
The at-large position is designated for a Clark County resident living outside the Vancouver and Camas city limits. The opening is for an unexpired term beginning immediately and ending Dec. 31, 2024.
The board meets at 6 pm every third Monday. Meetings currently are held in a hybrid format. A schedule of public meetings is online at http://www.fvrl.org/about-us/trustees.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRL) serves residents of southwest Washington in rural, suburban, and urban settings in Klickitat and Skamania Counties, all of Clark County except for the City of Camas and the City of Woodland. FVRL also serves the City of Woodland and the Yale Valley Library District in Cowlitz County.
Library trustees are responsible for policies regarding the district's multiple library locations, bookmobiles, self-serve locations, and online services at www.fvrl.org.
The district operates community libraries in Battle Ground, Goldendale, La Center, North Bonneville,
Ridgefield, Stevenson, Washougal, White Salmon Valley and Woodland, as well as four outlets in the
Vancouver urban area including downtown, Cascade Park, Three Creeks and the Vancouver Mall. FVRL also provides books-by-mail services to those living far from established library locations.
People interested in serving should send a letter and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager's Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000 or email to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Applicants should discuss their understanding of current challenges for public libraries; perspectives concerning public library services, facilities and materials such as print and electronic books and magazines, CDs, DVDs and digital resources; and the district’s funding as a junior taxing district.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks is upgrading the existing play area at Sifton Neighborhood Park located at 7090 NE 131st Ave.
Work will begin towards the beginning of September and is expected to be completed in October. Visitors may encounter inconveniences such as temporarily closed sidewalks and construction noise. Visitors are reminded for their safety to stay out of work zones.
Construction is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For more information, contact Capital Program Specialist, Justin Morgan at justin.morgan@clark.wa.gov.
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.
Vancouver, Wash. – Local leaders last week celebrated the new location of the Clark County Community Court with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. After a successful first year, Community Court moved to its new location at 5107 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. after outgrowing its original location at The Recovery Café also located on Fourth Plain Blvd.
Community Court is a joint effort between Clark County District Court and the city of Vancouver to connect individuals cited for certain offenses with resources and set them on a path to avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system. Eligible offenses are often associated with being homeless such as unlawful camping, urinating in public, criminal trespass, park curfew violations and others.
Unlike a traditional court process, Community Court is a more informal setting where the defense and prosecuting attorneys and the judge work together with social services providers to provide needed services to the defendant while still holding them accountable for their citations. Often, Community Court participants need services such as housing, healthcare, valid identification, and mental health therapy. Participants who successfully complete the conditions of the program will have their original charges dropped. Those who are unsuccessful are required to return to a regular court process.
“Community court offers the best of community resources to turn lives around and represents hope for those brought before it,” said Clark County Council Chair Gary Medvigy who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. “These collaborative efforts are an invaluable investment in public safety for the community as recidivism will be directly reduced, while helping to return participants to productive citizens.”
“Community Court – a part of Clark County District Court – started just last year and has already made a big impact,” said Court Commissioner Todd George. “We’ve seen people go from hopelessness to treatment and housing. It’s not magic, and some people need more help than others, but it has been an undeniable success.”
Learn more about Community Court on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/district-court/community-court.