News

• Community Development

Fireworks go on sale in Clark County beginning Tuesday, June 28. For the Independence Day holiday, residents can use fireworks in unincorporated Clark County from 9 am to midnight Monday, July 4.

“Even though fireworks are offered for sale starting on June 28, remember that they are not allowed to be used until July 4,” said Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young. Illegal use of fireworks such as curfew or device type violation is subject to a $500 civil fine for first time offenders. 


• Public Health

Clark County Public Health has lifted the closure at Vancouver Lake but has issued a warning for the swim beach. Health officials continue to advise against swimming or wading at the Vancouver Lake swim beach. Public Health has also lifted the warning for the Battle Ground Lake swim beach.

Vancouver Lake


• County

The Clark County Arts Commission is seeking nominations for its Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an artist, arts educator, or arts advocate who lives or works in the county and has made a significant contribution to local arts and culture. Individuals or groups may be nominated.

To be eligible, a nominee must be:


• County Manager

The Clark County Council approved placing a Public Safety Sales Tax on the August primary ballot. If approved by the voters, sales tax in Clark County would increase by one-tenth of 1%, or one penny for every $10 spent. The tax will be used to fund law and justice expenses, including, but not limited to, body worn and dash camera programs, staffing for the Sheriff’s Office needed for jail bed expansion and other expenses.


• Auditor
Report indicates effective management during recessions; expenses will continue to increase

The Clark County Auditor’s Office this week released an Overtime Performance Audit available on the county’s website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit-reports.


• Public Health

Clark County Public Health has issued a swim beach warning at Battle Ground Lake after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.

Test results for one of five water samples collected at Battle Ground Lake on Monday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards.


• Public Works

Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach is closed effective immediately. Excessive rain has caused flooding on the Columbia River. The river has reached the steps of the park’s south trailhead making it unusable for trail users.

Once the water starts to recede, Public Works will inspect the park to determine when the beach can reopen.

Dike Trail and assets to the north of it remain open.


• Elections

At 2 pm on Wednesday, June 15, the Clark County Elections Office will conduct a logic and accuracy test of the programming to be used to tabulate ballots and the accessible voting units for the Aug. 2 primary and special election.

The test will be held at the Elections Office, 1408 Franklin St. Members of the news media, candidates and jurisdictions with measures on the ballot, and the public are invited to attend this test, which is required under Washington law.

Ballots will be mailed Friday, July 15.


• Public Health

Clark County Public Health is reopening its Environmental Public Health and Vital Records offices to in-person services. Both offices will offer in-person services by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning June 14. The Vital Records office will also be open to customers without an appointment during limited hours.


• Public Health

Clark County Public Health is closing the Vancouver Lake swim beach due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Some E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if water is accidentally swallowed.