The Clark County Green Neighbors program is turning 10 and inviting the community to its batty birthday party!

Celebrate at the Green Neighbors “Beneficial Bats” birthday party 2-3:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 8 in the Vancouver Community Library Columbia Room, 901 C St. in Vancouver. Advance registration for the event is requested, but not required. Register on the Green Neighbors website.

On Oct. 3, construction will begin on a water quality retrofit project along Northeast Hazel Dell Avenue from Northeast 83rd Street to Northeast 86th Street. The project includes installation of stormwater treatment basins and vaults to improve water quality in Cougar Creek, and downstream improvements to the stormwater collection and treatment system.

Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands is hosting a public meeting to discuss the addition of four pickleball courts at Pacific Community Park and gather the community’s input.

Residents can participate in-person at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Bud Van Cleve Meeting Room at Luke Jensen Sports Park, 4000 NE 78th Street. Comments about the project can be submitted via mail, email or at the public meeting.

Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free online workshops for those interested in a sustainable lifestyle. The six-part series will teach participants how to reduce their impact on the planet through composting, waste reduction, and green living.

Here are the webinars offered this fall:

The Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young has extended the open burning and recreational fire ban indefinitely. The ban will be in place until the county gets a significant rain event. The county will put out notice when the bans are ended.

According to Fire Marshal Dan Young this is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires in Clark County. 

This action is in-line with DNR and the other counties in Southwest Washington.

On Oct. 3 construction will begin on Northeast Hazel Dell Avenue, between Northeast 99th Street and Northeast 117th Street, to construct and repair sidewalks on both sides of the road. Construction is scheduled to be complete by late February 2023. Impacts to local access traffic and brief delays are possible during construction. Flaggers and signage will direct travelers through the construction area.

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identity of a man whose body was discovered 20 years ago.

The Medical Examiner’s Office recently identified James Orin Johnson Sr. as the unidentified person found in Ridgefield on Jan. 13, 2002. Johnson was 32 years old at the time of his death.

The community is invited to join Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands at 5 p.m. on Oct. 19 to celebrate the opening of the new Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area. The new 118-acre natural area is adjacent to the Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural Area and supports open space, regional water quality and salmon recovery goals. The property will also increase recreational opportunities in the area.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Manager Kathleen Otto today announced the executive leadership team that will lead the recently established Jail Services department. David Shook will be the Director of Jail Services, Joe Barnett will be the Manager of Jail Administration and Bryan Pilakowski will be the Manager of Jail Operations. The team will begin on Monday, Oct. 17. Shook will report to Deputy County Manager Amber Emery.

This Septic Smart Week, Clark County Public Health is reminding homeowners of the importance of keeping onsite septic systems up to date on inspections and maintenance.

By ensuring systems are in good condition, owners can protect their property’s value and avoid needing costly emergency system replacements. Public Health recommends homeowners work with county-certified professionals to complete system inspections and get advice about maintenance, repairs, or onsite septic system replacement.