“Cram The Cruiser” To Benefit Battle Ground And Prairie High Schools (Photo) - 03/17/26

Last year, Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) School Resource Officer Phil Anderson used his personal funds to establish a small food pantry at Battle Ground High School (BGHS), initially stocking it with Cup ‘O Noodles and other light snacks.

When the Battle Ground Education Foundation (BGEF) learned of Officer Anderson’s efforts, it generously committed to providing a monthly stipend to help keep the pantry stocked. With the foundation’s support, the pantry’s offerings have expanded to include a wider variety of nutritious snacks.  Since the launch of the SRO food pantry program, students and staff creatively and affectionately named the pantry “The Tiger’s Table”, a tribute to the BGHS mascot.  

In addition, the collaborative partnership between BGPD and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has created opportunities for officers and deputies to connect and share ideas. Through that partnership, CCSO Deputy Chelsea Quiggle, the School Resource Officer assigned to Prairie High School, learned about “The Tiger’s Table” and launched a similar food pantry at her school, also with support from BGEF.

More Than a Pantry - A Bridge to Trust:

The food pantries established by Officer Anderson and Deputy Quiggle help ensure that no student goes without access to a snack during the school day. What began as a modest, officer-funded initiative has proven to be far more impactful than its founders originally imagined.

Each day, between 10 and 20 students visit the pantries at each school in search of a quick snack. For some, the visit meets a genuine nutritional need. For others, it becomes the starting point for a meaningful conversation; one that builds trust, offers support, and strengthens the connection between law enforcement and the next generation. These pantries have become one of the most effective relationship-building tools available to the School Resource Officers, yet demand continues to exceed available supplies.

A Community That Steps Up:

Community support for these pantry programs has been outstanding. As demand has grown beyond current supplies, Officer Anderson and Deputy Quiggle developed an innovative way to replenish their food pantries while also engaging the community.  The “Cram the Cruiser” event represents the next step in expanding a truly community-supported initiative, inviting residents to directly support the mission of the pantries and the students they serve.

The inaugural “Cram the Cruiser” community donation event will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Community members will have the opportunity to place donations of non-perishable snack items directly into a Battle Ground Police Department and/or a Clark County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle. All donated items will be used to restock the food pantries at both high schools.

 “The Tiger’s Table is a powerful example of what can happen when law enforcement meets students where they are; with consistency, compassion, and even something as simple as a quick snack,” shared Officer Anderson. “Every conversation that begins at that pantry is an opportunity to build a lasting relationship. We are deeply grateful to the Battle Ground Education Foundation and the broader community for helping us sustain this effort.”

Deputy Quiggle added, “We have seen firsthand how something as simple as a snack can open a door that might otherwise remain closed. Students who may never approach an officer in any other setting will stop by the pantry, and suddenly we are talking, really talking. It gives us the opportunity to show students that we are here for them.”

Event Details - Cram the Cruiser

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fred Meyer, 401 NW 12th Avenue, Battle Ground, WA 98604
 

What to Bring:  Non-perishable snack items, including individually packaged snacks, granola bars, instant noodles, crackers, trail mix, and similar items.

This event is sponsored by Battle Ground Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Battle Ground Education Foundation, Battle Ground High School, and Prairie High School.

The Battle Ground Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office are deeply grateful for their partnership with Battle Ground Public Schools and extend their sincere appreciation to the Battle Ground Education Foundation for its generosity in helping sustain this meaningful program. Together, they are making a difference; one conversation, one snack, and one relationship at a time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Details: Busy Bee Craft Fair

Saturday, March 21, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Battle Ground Event Center

912 E. Main Street     

Battle Ground, WA 98604

Admission is FREE  

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

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

Violations and Penalties

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

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

Public Assistance

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

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

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

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