Vancouver, Wash. – In observance of national Septic Smart Week, Sept. 18-22, Clark County Public Health reminds 35,000 Clark County homes and businesses with septic systems to be sure they are effectively treating wastewater.

Good siting, design, installation and ongoing maintenance are essential for treating wastewater, protecting the property owner’s investment and safeguarding the county’s drinking water.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for an opening on the Clean Water Commission.

Term for the open position begins in January 2018 and ends in December 2020.

The nine-member advisory group makes recommendations to the Board of County Councilors about services, policies and financing needed to meet federal and state requirements for water quality and improve local stormwater management.

Vancouver, Wash. – A free document shredding event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Whole Foods Market, 815 SE 160th Ave.

Clark County residents are invited to bring financial statements, invoices, personal documents, medical bills, pay stubs and tax records for shredding and recycling.

“This event is intended only for documents with sensitive information, such as your phone number, Social Security number or bank account information,” said Jill Krumlauf, an outreach specialist with Clark County Public Health.

Vancouver, Wash.  ̶  The Clark County Arts Commission is seeking nominations for its fifth 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 can be nominated. To be eligible, a nominee must be:

Vancouver, Wash. – Robert Michael Pyle will discuss the updated version of his celebrated account of the Bigfoot legend, Where Bigfoot Walks, from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Vintage Books, 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd.

A lifelong ecologist from Grays River, Wash., Pyle updated the book with new information about the environment that’s said to be home to the hairy beast. He’ll describe his explorations into the Dark Divide, a large, intact wilderness area in Washington’s southern Cascade Mountains.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ As wildfire smoke and ash blanket the region, the Clark County Fire Marshal reminds residents that a ban on most all recreational fires remains in place countywide until further notice.

Also, the state Department of Natural Resources Tuesday banned all burning ‒ including campfires in fire pits and the use of charcoal briquettes ‒ on all DNR lands statewide through the end of September.

In the unincorporated area, recreational fires and outdoor burning of any kind are prohibited. Charcoal or gas-fueled cooking devices continue to be allowed.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Board of County Councilors is seeking applicants to fill a volunteer position representing the business community on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

Commission members provide recommendations to the county on issues such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings are at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Vancouver, Wash. – The toll depression can take on an older adult’s health can be severe. Depression can complicate treatment of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer and make taking care of yourself or seeking treatment more difficult. Learn how to recognize the signs of depression and importance of seeing a health practitioner for treatment at the Tuesday, Sept. 19, meeting of the Commission on Aging.

The 4:30 p.m. meeting will be in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open to the public.

Vancouver, Wash. – A rabid bat being found outside a Camas home recently is a reminder to stay away from wild animals, especially bats, and keep pets vaccinated against rabies. Fortunately, no people were exposed to rabies carried by the bat.

Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. All warm-blooded mammals – including humans – are susceptible to rabies. After exposure, prompt medical attention can prevent the disease. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Vancouver, Wash. – Wildfires are creating unhealthy air quality for much of the region, and residents are urged to take steps to limit their exposure to outdoor air and be alert to local fire danger from excessively dry conditions, wind and heat.

All people in a smoky area, except emergency personnel, should avoid strenuous work, exercise outdoors or driving whenever possible. If driving is necessary, run the air conditioner on the “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the vehicle.