News

• Public Health

Vancouver, Wash. – An online narcotics dealer pled guilty on Thursday to charges related to the distribution of fentanyl analogues and synthetic opioids. Through the guilty plea, Chukwuemeka Okparaeke admitted to selling a synthetic opioid to an 18-year-old Vancouver man who died from an overdose after using the drug.

Okparaeke pled guilty to distributing U-47700, a controlled substance analogue of AH-7921, and other charges in U.S. District Court in White Plains N.Y. Through the guilty plea, Okparaeke admitted to selling U-47700 to Tim N. Teklinski of Vancouver.


• Public Health

Vancouver, Wash. – Many traditional Halloween celebrations could increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. But residents can help keep themselves, their loved ones and the community healthy by making small changes to how they celebrate.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Clark County. The safest way to celebrate Halloween is at home with the people you live with. Do a scavenger hunt with treats hidden around the house or outside. Decorate your living space or patio. Dress up in costumes and watch scary movies. Or host a virtual costume contest with friends.


• Community Services

The 20th Annual Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration was held on Oct. 7. The event honored individuals and businesses for their commitment to employment and services for individuals with development/intellectual disabilities.

The following award winners were honored at the virtual celebration:


• Elections

Beginning Friday, Oct. 16, ballots will be in the mail to all registered voters in Clark County. If a voter does not receive a ballot by Wednesday, Oct. 21, please contact the Elections Office at (564) 397-2345 to request a replacement ballot.


• Public Health

Clark County Public Health’s Green Neighbors program is turning 8 this year, and the public is invited to celebrate in the program’s live virtual event!

Green Neighbors is throwing an online birthday party 3-4:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 on Zoom. Register to attend the free party on the Green Neighbors website.


• County Manager

The county manager is seeking applicants with an interest in government and educational access television and cable television franchising to fill a position on the volunteer city/county Telecommunications Commission. 

The position is for an unexpired three-year term that ends April 30, 2023. Applicants must be Clark County residents.


• Community Planning

The Commission on Aging will hear from local community resource organizations that assist and/or provide older adults with their everyday needs, such as food, supplies and medications. The commission wants to hear how COVID-19 has impacted the older adults they serve and how they have modified their services during the pandemic.

The presentations will take place during the Commission on Aging’s monthly meeting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.


• Community Services

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County residents are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual forums: A Portrait of Clark County – Needs of a Community.

Clark County Community Services has scheduled four virtual feedback forums to discuss and hear thoughts from residents about its community needs survey conducted late last year.

The forums will be in three languages and registration is required.


• Public Health

Clark County Public Health has issued a danger advisory for Lacamas Lake after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water.


• Public Health

Flu season is approaching, and this year it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. While we don’t yet have a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, we do have a vaccine to prevent influenza.

“Flu shots are the best way to prevent influenza illness and hospitalizations,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “By getting a flu shot, we will all do our part to ensure our health care system isn’t overburdened while influenza and COVID-19 are circulating in our community.”