Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Arts Commission has named Gwendolyn Morgan as Clark County Poet Laureate. Morgan takes over for the county’s inaugural Poet Laureate Christopher Luna, who served from 2013 to 2017.

The Arts Commission invites community members to a “passing of the pen” ceremony for Morgan Sunday, Sept. 30, 2–4 pm in the Columbia Room at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St.

The event will feature readings and performances demonstrating the creative energy of collaboration among art forms including poetry, song, dance and more.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill two seats on a five-person board that advises the Clark County Council on controlling noxious weeds.

The Noxious Weed Control Board meets four times a year. Two board positions will be open, beginning in January 2019, in the following districts:

Routine monitoring of swim beaches has concluded for the season

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is lifting all advisories for Vancouver Lake. Cyanobacteria blooms are no longer present at any areas of the lake that are easily accessible to the public.

Vancouver, Wash.  ̶  The Clark County Arts Commission is seeking nominations for its annual Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an artist who lives or works in the county and has made a significant contribution to local, national or international arts and culture. Individuals or groups may be nominated.

To be eligible, a nominee must be:

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Manager Shawn Henessee has named Ahmad Qayoumi interim director of the county’s Public Works department.

Qayoumi will take over the position on Wednesday, Sept. 12, after current Director Heath Henderson leaves for a new job with Clark Regional Wastewater District.

Qayoumi last month was hired as Public Works deputy director. Tuesday was his first day at the county.

Vancouver, Wash. – Most suburbs are not designed with aging residents in mind. Homes are separated from other buildings, goods and services, increasing dependence on driving. The distances between residential and commercial areas, combined with the absence of sidewalks, discourage walking as a mode of transportation or physical activity.  

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

The position represents the local business community. The three-year term will begin once the position is filled.

The commission advises the county council on solid waste issues, such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is issuing a warning for Vancouver Lake after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water. The elevated toxin levels were detected at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet to the lake where Public Health identified a bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, in July.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey will conduct a coin flip to determine the winner of the primary election for Precinct 692 Precinct Committee Officer.

The coin flip will be 9 am Wednesday, Sept. 5, in the Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St. It will be open to the public.

The original electronic ballot count for candidates Carolyn Simpson and Sean Emerson resulted in a tie.

Vancouver, Wash. – All Clark County auto licensing subagents will be closed Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1 to accommodate an update to the state licensing system. Subagents also will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day.

Licensing offices will reopen at their normal times Tuesday, Sept. 4.