The city of Battle Ground’s State of the City address will be presented by Mayor Michael J. Ciraulo at 5:30 p.m.on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St. in Battle Ground. Entertainment will be provided by the Battle Ground High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

The event is free and open to the public. The North County Community Food Bank will collect food donations.

RSVP by calling 360-342-5008, or via e-mail to claire.lider@ci.battle-ground.wa.us.

Many state agencies will be closed in Washington today, Friday, Jan. 28, one of the ten layoff days mandated as a cost-cutting measure.

Services provided by child protection workers, community corrections officers, emergency public health and patient safety workers, and State Patrol will be in full operation. The legislation exempts the Office of the Governor and Office of Financial Management from temporary layoffs during the legislative session.

The closures will save more than $70 million in all funds in 2010–11. 

For more information on state agency closures, visit http://ofm.wa.gov/layoff/.

Carter Park and Shumway kitchens cooking for Team Hovde.

Burkmans being trained by Tazzy.

Leadership Clark County class returns from Olympia pilgrimage.

Tickets are now on sale for the Salmon Creek Kiwanis Club’s seventh consecutive winter fundraising concert, featuring the four-woman Misty River Band.

The concert is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, at the Skyview High School auditorium, 1300 N.W. 139th St. in Vancouver. They will be joined by guitarist Doug Smith.

Tickets are available at all Columbia Credit Union branches and these retailers: Music World, 502 E. Main St., Battle Ground; Music World in Hazel Dell across from JM Plaza; Garside Florist, 6610 E. Mill Plain Blvd.; River City Music, 13215 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd.; and Beacock’s Music, 1420 S.E. 163rd Ave.

Advance-purchase price is $18; two for $35; or at the door for $20. The proceeds will benefit organizations that serve children.