Vancouver, Wash. – Beginning this month, West Van for Youth and Children’s Home Society will offer a free, 18-week parenting course for up to 10 parents who live in the west-side 98660, 98661 and 98663 zip codes.

The evidence-based Incredible Years parenting classes are for parents and other caregivers of children ages 2-8.

Classes are held each Wednesday from Jan. 17, 2018 through May 23, 2018. Meals and child care will be provided. Each session runs 5:30-8 p.m. at Children’s Home Society, 309 W. 12th St.

Vancouver, Wash. - At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Clark County Elections Office will conduct a logic and accuracy test of the programming that will be used to tabulate ballots and the accessible voting units for the Feb. 13 special election.

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

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s newest Animal Protection and Control officer became qualified to investigate cases of equine neglect and cruelty by attending an investigative training in Colorado, thanks in part to a grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Vancouver, Wash.  - Under Washington law, the Clark County Treasurer’s Office cannot accept prepayment of 2018 property taxes before the end of 2017, Treasurer Doug Lasher said Wednesday.

Some tax experts and others are urging people to pay at least some of their 2018 property taxes before the end of the year, when new tax laws passed by Congress earlier this month go into effect. Lasher said his office has received a number of calls about paying 2018 property taxes early, but that the Treasurer’s Office is unable to accept early payments.

Vancouver, Wash. - Workforce/Artforce, a Clark County employees art exhibit, will be on display in the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery through Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. 

A reception honoring the artists is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at the gallery on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. Pete DuBois Song Circle will provide entertainment. The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission.

Vancouver, Wash. – During the holidays, Americans generate about 1 million extra tons of garbage each week. The waste is often gift packaging, wrapping paper and leftover food.

Fortunately, you can reduce, reuse and recycle during the holiday season without cutting back on holiday cheer, according to Sally Fisher, Outreach Program coordinator.

Follow these tips if you dream of a green Christmas:

Vancouver, Wash. – Thousands of Clark County residents soon will want to dispose of Christmas trees.

Waste Connections, Inc. will pick up trees with yard debris collection or regular garbage service. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into sections no longer than 5 feet, regardless of whether they will be collected with yard debris or garbage.

Before trees are put out, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and other non-tree materials must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees must be put in the garbage; they cannot be recycled with yard debris.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County, the Washington Counties Risk Pool and the parties of Spencer et. al v. Peters et. al have reached a settlement to fully and finally resolve all litigation and related claims. Under the settlement, Clark County and the risk pool jointly will pay Clyde Ray Spencer $6 million to resolve his claims and a related insurance coverage dispute.

Clark County has agreed to pay $5.25 million of the settlement, avoiding protracted and uncertain collection litigation arising from a 2014 jury verdict against two retired Clark County deputy sheriffs.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ The Clark County Auditor’s Office released its 2017 Review of Selected Internal Controls report Monday, providing a look at internal controls for receipting and cash and check handling in selected areas of the county. Overall, the office found cash handling and receipting well controlled. 

This year, Audit Services performed 22 reviews of cash accounts held by county departments and offices. The reviews included unannounced cash counts and examination of internal controls and other safeguards for processing and receipting of payments and cash funds.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Elections is seeking residents to write statements opposing two measures on the Feb. 13, 2018 special election ballot.