Vancouver, Wash. – Elder abuse and neglect is a significant public health and criminal justice issue. Nationally, at least 5 percent of older adults are subjected to abuse, neglect or exploitation each year. Our community’s response to the problem was greatly enhanced when the Clark County Elder Justice Center opened in 2011. Learn about the Elder Justice Center and how to help prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults at the Tuesday, Aug. 15, meeting of the Commission on Aging.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ Effective immediately, all recreational burning is banned in unincorporated Clark County and within Battle Ground and Yacolt due to extreme fire danger caused by dry conditions, high temperatures and wind.

Camas, Vancouver and Washougal banned recreational burning Wednesday. All bans are in effect for the foreseeable future, given weather forecasts for continued hot and dry conditions. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is forming an Agricultural Advisory Committee and seeking applicants interested in serving on the volunteer panel. Membership is open to Clark County residents who have knowledge of, experience in or a connection to agriculture in the county.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce are accepting nominations of businesses and individuals for the Disability Employment Awareness Community Awards.

The awards honor the role people with intellectual or developmental disabilities have in a dynamic, productive workforce and recognize leadership in the business community.

Nominations are sought in these categories:

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ Each year, the Clark County Auditor’s Office and state publish a voters’ pamphlet for the general election and mail it to all Clark County households. It includes candidate statements and photographs and local ballot measures with supporting and opposing statements written by citizens.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ During this week’s extreme temperatures, the best way to keep your dog safe and healthy is to leave him or her at home when you go out, even briefly, Clark County Animal Control and Protection reminds pet owners.

Dogs and cats have no sweat glands to cool them, so leaving a pet alone in a vehicle for even a short time can be life-threatening. Temperatures inside a car can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit on a mildly warm day, even when the car is parked in the shade and the windows are open slightly.

Vancouver, Wash. – With temperatures expected to reach and exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday through Friday, Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions.

“We encourage people to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned buildings, and drink plenty of fluids,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “Elderly people and the very young are especially vulnerable during periods of intense or prolonged heat. Don’t forget your pets.”

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for two positions on the volunteer Clark County Public Health Advisory Council. The positions are open to Clark County residents who are consumers of public health services.

Both openings are for three-year terms that begin Oct. 1, 2017.

The council meets 6-8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. The meeting is in the second-floor main conference room at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded Clark County Superior Court’s Family Treatment Court a five-year grant totaling nearly $2 million.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ Starting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, Clark County Elections officials will conduct a hand count of approximately 600 randomly selected ballots as part of a manual comparison against machine results.

The 600 ballots will be counted in the total Aug. 1 election returns, but in this comparison, the Vancouver mayoral race also will be counted by hand to help prove the accuracy of the ballot tabulation equipment.

The procedure was recommended by Washington Secretary of State’s Office, and is now standard procedure in Clark County.