Sherry Parker takes oath
as Clark County Clerk

Sherry Parker, who has worked with the Clark County court system for the past 15 years, today was sworn in as county clerk. A Democrat, Parker succeeds Jo Anne McBride, also a Democrat, who has retired after serving five terms in that office. For the past seven years Parker has been a county court clerk.

Parker is a member of the board of trustees at Clark College, former president of the Salmon Creek Lions Club, the chair of the Clark County Lions Hearing Committee, and a member of the Operating Budget Task Force for the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.

Parker earned a bachelors degree at the University of South Florida.

The following, who were re-elected in November, were sworn into office today: assessor, Linda Franklin; auditor, Greg Kimsey; county commissioner, Steve Stuart; prosecuting attorney, Art Curtis; sheriff, Garry Lucas; treasurer, Doug Lasher; Clark County Public Utilities’ commissioner, Carol Curtis; and Clark County district court judges, Kenneth R. Eiesland, John P. Hagensen, Richard A. Melnick, Vernon I. Schreiber, James Swanger and Darvin J. Zimmerman. 

Expanded county permit center
opens in Battle Ground

The Clark County Permit Center officials opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 at 1808 SW 9th Avenue, according to permit services manager Shari Jensen.

Center personnel are available to answer questions about property and get those seeking permits started on the appropriate application process, according to Jensen. She says the center will assist in determining the permits needed to begin a project and will provide information that will help you meet application requirements. Applications will be coordinated with other county offices. Permits will be issued at the permit center.

The office has been enlarged and there is free parking.

Vancouver Symphony features
pianist Yukiko Akagi

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra opens the second half of its season featuring pianist Yukiko Akagi performing Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor. Led by conductor and music director Salvador Brotons, concerts are at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, and 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, in the concert hall in Skyview High School, 1300 NE 139th Street. The program also includes Finlandia by Sibelius and Symphony No. 1 by Nielsen.

Each concert is preceded an hour before by an "Opening Notes," presentation by Travis Hatton, conductor and music director of the Vancouver Children's Opera.

Ticket prices are $35 for reserved seating, $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $5 for students. For further information, call 735-7278.

The January concert is sponsored by Pacific Lifestyle Homes.

News brief

In honoring former president Gerald R. Ford, all federal offices were closed today. There were no mail deliveries. The major stock exchanges were also closed.

People

Deena Pierott has been appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to a three-year term on the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs. Pierott, Vancouver, is a human resources liaison for the Portland Bureau of Housing and Community Development and is the bureau's equal opportunity representative. She is also a member of the board of the Northwest Equal Employment Opportunity Association and the African American Health Coalition Consortium. n Leadership Clark County graduates in the news: Sharon Crouch (2005) was elected vice-chair of the Clark County Fair Association. Michelle Missfeldt (2007) was named to the executive board of the Police Activities League. Gail S. Bauhs (1996) has been elected a Washington as state delegate to the Community Transportation Association of America.

Calendar

Clark County commissioners meet in an informal session at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, in the Hearing Room in the Public Service Center. n The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council meets at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, in the Hearing Room in the Public Service Center.

Tuesday, Jan 2, headlines

Mary Granger's 'dream' producing results--Columbian, Tom Vogt

Zany watery send off to new year attracts six stalwart adherents--Columbian, Don Hamilton

New Year's eve house explosion that injured several so far unresolved--Columbian, Don Hamilton

Widening I-5 at Delta Park gets environmental approval, but results but construction at least 18 months away--Columbian

Tram man goes back and forth and back--Oregonian, Spencer Heinz

Solar powered apartment complex in Affordable Community Developments' sights--Columbian, Michael Andersen

Current, former presidents pay their respects to Gerald Ford--Washington Post, Peter Baker and Hamil R. Harris

Congressional Democrats to start without GOP input--Washington Post, Lindsey Layton and Juliet Eilperin

Seattle-area highway projects going up by one-third--Seattle Times, Mike Lindblom

New storm causing power outages in Puget Sound--Seattle P-I, Brad Wong

Iraq plans inquiry into Hussein execution--New York Times, John F. Burns