Battle Ground To Celebrate Reopening Of Newly Remodeled Senior Center (Photo) -06/05/25

The City of Battle Ground is proud to announce the upcoming grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Battle Ground Senior Center.  This newly remodeled facility serves as a welcoming community space dedicated to serving local seniors with updated amenities and enhanced accessibility to support senior programming and provide additional facility rental space for the public.

The ribbon-cutting event will take place on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00am at the Senior Center, 116 NE 3^rd Avenue in Battle Ground.  The city is honored to be joined by members of the Battle Ground Senior Citizen, Inc., including President Sharon Wodtke, and other community leaders who supported the project.

“The newly renovated Battle Ground Senior Center represents our commitment to honoring and supporting our senior community,” said Mayor Troy McCoy.  “These improvements provide a more comfortable and functional space for programs, social connection, and lifelong learning.”

The remodel includes:

• Upgraded kitchen, featuring modern cabinetry, new countertops, and appliances.
• A new, spacious, covered outdoor patio, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• New roof, siding, and windows, for long-term durability and energy efficiency.
• Updated HVAC system for reliable, efficient climate control throughout the building.
• ADA-compliant retrofits ensuring accessibility for all visitors and guests.

The Senior Center will serve as the primary home for Battle Ground Senior Citizens, Inc., a non-profit organization that offers social, cultural, health, education and recreational activities for local seniors.  When the center is not hosting senior programming, it will be available to the public for private event rentals such as birthdays, celebrations, and more. 

This project was made possible through a combination of city funds and nearly $300,000 in grant funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce.  The City of Battle Ground is grateful for the support and leadership of former 18^th District Senator Ann Rivers, 18^th District Representative Stephanie McClintock, and former 18^th District Representative Greg Cheney who collectively worked to secure the state funding for this project.  Additionally, the city recognizes the dedicated staff and contractors whose hard work and commitment brought this renovation to life.

The brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be an opportunity for attendees to tour the updated facility and learn more about the facility rental program and the many senior programs, the Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc. organization has to offer.

To learn more about the newly renovated facility, including rental availability, please visit www.cityofbg.org/Facility_Rentals.  

UPDATE: BG Police Investigating Multiple Deaths, Public Safety Assured -06/04/25

UPDATE (6/4/2025, 5:37pm)

The Battle Ground Police Department continues to actively investigate the double homicide that occurred on June 3, 2025, on NE 2nd Avenue in Battle Ground.

Officers located two deceased individuals, a male and a female, both in their late 30s, inside the residence.  A third individual, identified as Evaristo “Junior” Vela, 40, was also located at the scene and transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives have served two search warrants. Based on evidence obtained, Evaristo “Junior” Vela has been identified as the suspect in both homicides.  The case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.  The suspect remains under medical care in an area hospital, no update on his condition.

There is no history of prior calls for police service to the residence where the crime occurred and there are no additional suspects wanted in connection with this case.

The identity of the deceased and the cause and manner of death can be requested through the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, following next of kin notification.

Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no additional details will be released at this time.

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UPDATE (6/3/2025, 8:04pm)

The Battle Ground Police Department is investigating the incident that occurred earlier today (6/3/2025) as a double homicide.  No outstanding suspects are believed to be involved.  

The official report from the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office is still pending, which will include the cause of death, and the identities of the victims involved.     

No additional information is available at this time.

### Original release below ###

On June 3, 2025, shortly before 10:00am, Battle Ground Police (BGPD) officers responded to a report of a medical emergency in the 2100 block of NE 2nd Avenue in Battle Ground.  The caller reported multiple people down inside a residence. 

Upon arrival BGPD officers located two individuals who confirmed deceased inside the home and a third person in critical condition.  The critical patient was immediately transported to a local hospital.  There are no updates on their condition.   

Based on the initial information, authorities believe there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

The Battle Ground Police has requested assistance from the Clark County Major Crimes Team for this investigation.  Due to the nature of this investigation, additional details cannot be released at this time. 

Now Enrolling - Battle Ground University “Class Of 2025” (Photo) -05/23/25

The City of Battle Ground is now accepting applications for the Battle Ground University (BGU) Class of 2025!  BGU is designed to Educate, Engage, and Empower our community; providing “students” with an in-depth look at how the City of Battle Ground operates. 

City staff will serve as the “faculty”, providing information on a wide range of topics including:

• City Administration – September 9
• Finance – September 23
• Public Works – September 30
• Community Development – October 14
• Public Safety – October 28

Classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 pm on alternating Tuesdays, starting September 9, 2025.  A graduation ceremony for BGU students will take place during the November 3, 2025, City Council Meeting. 

Battle Ground University is a free program that is open to the public, pre-registration required.  Participants should be at least 18 years old.  Registration is open until 5:00 pm (PST) on August 15, 2025.  Apply online at www.cityofbg.org/BGU.  There, you may also participate in a brief online survey that will help inform the program curriculum.  Share your insights about the city services and operations you are interested in learning more about.

For more information regarding Battle Ground University please contact Alisha Smith, Communications Manager, at 360-342-5004 or via email at pio.info@cityofbg.org.

Battle Ground To Host Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, May 26 (Photo) -05/16/25

A Memorial Day ceremony to honor the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives in service to our nation will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Battle Ground Veterans Memorial located in Kiwanis Park at 422 SW 2nd Avenue in Battle Ground.

The Battle Ground City Council invites members of the community to join them as we remember and pay tribute to the 31-Battle Ground-area men enshrined on walls of the memorial.  

“Each year, as we read the names of our local heroes aloud, we honor their courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to duty in defending our freedom,” shared Mayor Troy McCoy. “The Battle Ground Veterans Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the service members from our community—and a powerful reminder of the deep gratitude we owe them for their sacrifice.”

The ceremony will include the presentation of the flags by cadets from the Battle Ground High School Air Force Junior ROTC program.  The ceremony will also feature performances by Battle Ground High School Bandmember Rubyee MacPherson (Trumpet) and local musician Logan Gillespie (Bagpipes).

We invite the community to join us in remembering and honoring these heroes, as well as all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service.  Read about the Battle Ground Veterans Memorial, ​at www.cityofbg.org/veteransmemorial.