Clark County Community Development is working on a project to implement an electronic plan review program. The projected go live date for the program is Sept. 19.

Once ePlans review is implemented, the county will only receive electronic applications and plans. Hard copies will no longer be accepted. This will apply to new applications. Paper applications currently in the system will continue to be processed as is.

Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Health officials recommend:

Clark County has implemented and currently operates eviction prevention rent assistance programs to assist people who are low-income impacted by the pandemic. These programs have provided an unprecedented $53 million in financial assistance to 6,416 households, paying for 57,081 months of rent and utilities since August 2020. Approximately $550,000 in financial assistance for rent and utilities is going out to 80 additional households each week.

The 24-hour ballot drop boxes located at Battle Ground City Hall and I-5 at the Ridgefield exit have been moved to new locations.

The Battle Ground ballot drop box is now located at the Battle Ground Post Office at 418 W. Main Street  next to the blue USPS mailboxes.

The Ridgefield ballot drop box is now located at the Ridgefield Junction Park and Ride at 125 N. 65th Ave. on the north side of the parking lot.

Mosquito season is in full swing. And after a mild season in 2021, this year’s mosquito population is bigger than usual. Clark County Mosquito Control District has been working to reduce the mosquito population since April and continues to treat areas with high numbers of mosquitoes across the county. As crews work to control the mosquito population, Public Health is encouraging everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito habitats on their property.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges of connecting older adults to resources, information and each other. These connection challenges existed before the pandemic and will continue into the future. Learn how faith communities are creatively conducting outreach with older residents, families, friends, and neighbors at the next meeting of the Commission on Aging, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Meeting guests include:

Beginning Friday, July 15, Clark County Elections will mail ballots to all registered voters in Clark County.

If a voter does not receive a ballot by Thursday, July 21, they should contact the Elections Office at 564. 397.2345 to request a replacement ballot. Although replacement ballots may be requested in person at the Elections Office, staff encourages voters to request a replacement by email or by phone. After July 18, replacement ballots may also be requested or accessed electronically at VoteWA.gov to print out and return by mail or drop box.

Regular drivers along Northeast Munch Road from Northeast 414th Street to Northeast Cedar Creek Road will need to take an alternate route while crews work on a road safety project. Work will begin Monday, July 18.

Drivers should take an alternate route during the closure and adhere to posted detour signage while in the project area. During construction, local access will be maintained for residences and emergency vehicles.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 15, all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County will be restricted until further notice.

The Fire Marshal also is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

“Along with DNR and neighboring counties (Pacific, Cowlitz, Lewis, Wahkiakum and Skamania) open burning in Clark County will be closed until Sept. 30,” said Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young.

Clark County residents looking for natural gardening inspiration can explore nine local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques during this month’s Natural Garden Tour. After two years of virtual events, the annual event will once again invite visitors to take self-guided tours of urban and rural gardens across the county.