Vancouver, Wash. - Advance care planning is not just about getting older. At any age, a medical crisis could leave you too ill to make your own healthcare decisions. Even if you are not sick now, planning for health care in the future is an important step to insure you receive the medical care you would want, if you are unable to speak for yourself and others are making the decisions for you.

Learn how to navigate the process of completing your Healthcare Directive and Durable Power of Attorney at the next meeting of the Commission on Aging, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21.

Vancouver, Wash. – Beginning in January 2020, Clark County residents will see major changes to the Property Tax Exemption Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. The Clark County Assessor’s Office administers the program which is designed to provide tax relief to qualifying homeowners. It is estimated an additional 16,000 people may qualify based on data received by the 2017 U.S. Census Bureau-American Community Survey.

The Washington State Legislature approved these changes when it passed Senate Bill 5160 during the last session.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is accepting nominations of businesses and individuals for the Disability Employment Awareness Community Awards.

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

Nominations are sought in the following categories:

The swim beach at Vancouver Lake will remain closed at least through the weekend after new test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water.

Clark County Public Health has been monitoring cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae, at Vancouver Lake since June 12. Public Health closed the swim beach on July 24 after test results revealed cyanotoxins above recommended threshold levels.

Vancouver, Wash. – Beginning at 8:30 am Wednesday, Aug. 7, elections officials will perform a hand count of approximately 600 ballots randomly selected as part of a manual comparison against machine results.

The selected ballots will be counted in the total returns on Election Day. But for this comparison, ballots with the city of Vancouver, Council Position 2 race also will be counted by hand, to check the accuracy of the ballot tabulation equipment.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking volunteers for two boards: the Building, Residential and Plumbing Board of Appeals and the Fire Code Board of Appeals.

The Building Code Board of Appeals will hear appeals relative to application and interpretation of the code. The Fire Code Board of Appeals will determine the suitability of alternate building materials, types of construction, and provide reasonable interpretations of the provisions of the Fire Code.

Terms for both boards will be three years.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ To ensure its ability to report preliminary election results on a timely basis, an update will be made this Friday, Aug. 2 to Clark County’s Hart InterCivic ballot tabulation system. Following implementation of the update, a logic and accuracy test of the 2019 August primary and special election will be conducted.

A logic and accuracy test is required before every election to make sure ballots are programmed properly and results are reporting properly.

Routine water quality testing at Vancouver Lake this week revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The swim beach at the lake is currently closed due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water.

The Vancouver Lake swim beach will remain closed until tests show cyanotoxins and E. coli bacteria levels do not exceed thresholds. Closure signs are currently posted at the swim beach and other public access points to the lake.

Vancouver, Wash. – With the warming weather and dry conditions, wildfire season is likely on its way and has already begun elsewhere in the state. Clark County Public Health is urging residents to take steps now to prepare for smoky days with unhealthy air quality.

Vancouver, Wash. – At the close of the regular candidate filing period on Friday, May 17, 2019, Clark County election officials had not received candidate filings for two elected offices: Town of Yacolt, council position number 2 and Washougal School District director, district 1.

Pursuant to Washington state law, an additional special three-day filing period must be held for these offices.