Clark County Today News

The 47th GRO Parade of Homes kicks off Sept. 5 in Camas, showcasing six newly built homes with cutting-edge design and builder insights. Tickets on sale now. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/tickets-on-sale-for-47th-gro-parade-of-homes/ #ParadeOfHomes #CamasWA #HomeDesign #GROParade #ClarkCountyEvents #RealEstate #Homebuilders #VIPNight #BIAClarkCounty

Paddle for Life returns Aug. 2 in Ridgefield with dragon boat races, wellness events, and a powerful survivor tribute — all to support breast cancer survivors in Southwest Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/paddle-for-life-festival-brings-community-together-for-a-day-of-racing-wellness-support/ #PaddleForLife #RidgefieldWA #DragonBoatFestival #BreastCancerAwareness #CommunitySupport #Catch22Ospreys #LakeRiver #WellnessEvents #ClarkCountyEvents

WAGOP Chairman Jim Walsh says reforms to Medicaid are being distorted by political rhetoric and argues Washington's Apple Health program needs accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wagop-chair-sets-the-record-straight-on-dems-hyperbolic-rhetoric-on-medicaid-program/ #Opinion #JimWalsh #MedicaidReform #AppleHealth #WAGOP #HealthcarePolicy #FederalFunding #WashingtonPolitics #UnderservedCommunities

Leslie Lewallen argues that Washington's failure to tie homelessness programs to accountability could cost the state federal funding — including for major projects like the IBR. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-without-accountability-washington-risks-losing-the-fight-on-homelessness-and-federal-funding/ #Opinion #HomelessnessCrisis #LeslieLewallen #Accountability #AddictionTreatment #IBRProject #PublicSafety #FederalFunding #ClarkCounty #CamasWA

Anna Miller gives an energetic explanation of the Clark County Charter, its Freeholder roots, and the review process voters will face again in 2025. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-what-the-heck-is-a-county-charter-and-why-does-it-need-reviewing/ #ClarkCountyCharter #AnnaMiller #Opinion #Freeholders #CountyGovernment #2025Election #CharterReview

Drivers near Ridgefield should expect closures and delays July 31 as WSDOT installs a wrong-way detection system on the I-5 off-ramp to 179th Street. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-ahead-for-nighttime-ramp-closure-on-i-5-in-clark-county-july-31/ #WSDOT #I5Closure #ClarkCountyTraffic #RidgefieldWA #RoadSafety #TransportationAlert #179thStreet #WrongWayDetection

The Clark County Republican Party has unanimously opposed Philip Johnson's city council candidacy, accusing him of attacking fellow Republicans and violating party unity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-republican-party-unanimously-opposes-philip-johnsons-candidacy-for-battle-ground-city-council/ #ClarkCountyPolitics #CCRP #PhilipJohnson #BattleGroundWA #ConservativeValues #RepublicanUnity #CityCouncilRace #MatthewBumala

IBR leaders remain confident in $2.1B of secured federal funds for the I-5 bridge replacement project, even as debate continues over light rail and community impacts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ibr-official-remain-confident-in-2-1b-in-federal-funding-for-i-5-bridge-replacement/ #I5Bridge #IBRProgram #ClarkCounty #FederalFunding #Infrastructure #LightRailDebate #WSDOT #ODOT #TransportationNews

The Clark County Fair kicks off Aug. 1 with concerts, rodeos, carnival rides, farm animals, and the Budweiser Clydesdales — offering 10 days of family fun in Ridgefield. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/clark-county-fair-to-provide-10-best-days-of-summer-starting-friday-aug-1/ #ClarkCountyFair #RidgefieldWA #SummerFun #BudweiserClydesdales #ConcertSeries #MuttonBustin #IceAgeAdventures #CarnivalRides #CountyFair2025

Battle Ground Senior Citizens and Home Instead teamed up for a Christmas in July donation drive, collecting thousands of essentials and cookies for the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/battle-ground-senior-citizens-home-instead-team-up-to-help-clark-county-veterans-assistance-center/ #BattleGroundWA #VancouverWA #VeteransSupport #DonationDrive #CommunityCare #HomeInstead #SeniorCitizens #Walmart #GirlScouts

Elizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington's WA Cares and PFML programs, arguing they impose harmful payroll taxes and burden workers, especially the self-employed. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-harming-workers-one-payroll-tax-at-a-time-wa-cares-wants-wages-a-caregiver-needs-to-keep-caregiving/ #WACares #PayrollTax #Opinion #WorkerRights #PFML #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WAState

The Vancouver Fire Department responded to a brush fire early Monday morning near NW Erwin O. Rieger Memorial Highway. The blaze involved a 50-by-50-foot patch of blackberry bushes. Crews acted fast, extinguishing the fire in 10 minutes and monitoring for flare-ups. No injuries were reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-extinguishes-brush-fire/ #Vancouver #FireSafety #BrushFire #VancouverFireDepartment #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #ErwinORiegerMemorial

In a letter to the editor, Kim Hamlik advocates for expanding pedestrian and bicycle trails throughout Clark County. She emphasizes the health benefits, safety improvements, and equitable access such infrastructure can bring. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-clark-county-must-prioritize-the-expansion-of-pedestrian-and-bicycle-trails-to-promote-the-health-and-well-being-of-its-residents/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #ActiveLiving #BikeTrails #PedestrianSafety #KimHamlik #ADACompliance #InfrastructureMatters #MentalHealth

A letter to the editor from J. Ron Powers highlights an upcoming remembrance ceremony at Fort Vancouver to honor all 59 local service members lost in the Vietnam War. The public event takes place Aug. 2 and includes a flyover, guest speakers, and military tributes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-community-invited-to-honor-vietnam-war-fallen-heroes-at-fort-vancouver-ceremony/ #FortVancouver #VietnamWar #FallenHeroes #ClarkCountyWA #Remembrance #MilitaryTribute #NeverToBeForgotten #AMVETSPost16 #VancouverEvents #Opinion

Save Vancouver Streets isn't backing down. After a judge blocked its traffic-lane initiative, the group filed an appeal with the Washington State Court of Appeals. The measure would mandate a public vote before removing driving lanes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/save-vancouver-streets-appeals-court-ruling-still-hoping-to-get-initiative-on-a-future-ballot/ #VancouverWA #SaveVancouverStreets #InitiativeAppeal #TrafficPolicy #CompleteStreets #CivicEngagement #LaneReductions #WashingtonLaw #JacksonMaynard

Washington's congressional delegation is gearing up for 2026. Fundraising data show Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulling in $904K, Dan Newhouse padding reserves for a likely primary challenge, and heavy hauls from Adam Smith, Pramila Jayapal, and Kim Schrier. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/as-2026-midterms-loom-washingtons-congressional-lawmakers-rake-in-cash/ #CampaignFinance #Midterms2026 #WashingtonPolitics #GluesenkampPerez #DanNewhouse #FECFilings #PoliticalMoney

Washington could run out of money by 2027. While officials cite federal Medicaid cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Sen. Ron Muzzall argues unchecked state spending is the real culprit and warns the 2026 session “could be worse yet.” https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-2026-legislative-session-could-be-worse-yet/ #WashingtonBudget #FiscalCrisis #Medicaid #OneBigBeautifulBill #StateSpending #TaxIncrease #LegislativeSession

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created the nation's first federal tax-credit scholarship program. Washington Policy Center says a single signature from Governor Bob Ferguson could bring free school-choice scholarships to thousands of Washington students, at no cost to the state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-will-free-school-choice-come-to-washington-state/ #SchoolChoice #Scholarships #WashingtonPolicyCenter #EducationReform #TaxCredit #GovernorFerguson #PrivateSchools

Vancouver cleared two long-standing homeless camps along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail after a July 23 deadline, offering shelter beds to campers and citing environmental concerns. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/confirmed-homeless-camps-along-burnt-bridge-creek-trail-near-andresen-road-no-longer-there/ #VancouverWA #Homelessness #TrailCleanup #BurntBridgeCreek #EncampmentClosure #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalProtection

In her latest “Dangerous Rhetoric” column, Nancy Churchill contends Spokane's homeless surge is driven by lenient policies, not rent, and urges leaders to embrace enforcement and treatment-first models now backed by a Trump executive order. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-does-spokane-have-a-homeless-problem/ #SpokaneHomelessness #HousingFirst #TreatmentFirst #NancyChurchill #PublicPolicy #DangerousRhetoric

A 52-year-old man vanished in the Columbia River at Wintler Park after entering deep water Sunday evening. Vancouver Fire led an extensive search with rescue swimmers, fire boats, and the US Coast Guard. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-water-rescue-at-wintler-park/ #VancouverFire #WaterRescue #WintlerPark #ColumbiaRiver #EmergencyResponse #ClarkCounty #USCoastGuard

President Trump's latest executive order jeopardizes Housing First programs in Washington by tying federal dollars to treatment-focused homelessness plans and bans on open drug use. King County could lose $25 million unless it pivots. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/trump-targets-housing-first-policies-in-wa-with-new-federal-funding-mandate/ #Homelessness #HousingFirst #TrumpOrder #WashingtonState #KCRHA #FederalFunding #TreatmentFirst #PublicPolicy

Over 300 Washington laws kick in July 27, covering everything from police-hiring grants and parking-minimum rollbacks to medical-debt credit bans and diaper-station requirements. Here's what changes today. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/these-new-washington-laws-take-effect-july-27/ #WashingtonLaws #StateLegislation #PublicPolicy #HousingReform #PoliceFunding #CleanFuels #SpecialEducation #MedicalDebt

Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center breaks down Washington's latest CO2 tax spending, arguing most dollars expand government rather than cut emissions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-climate-commitment-act-spending-expands-government-but-does-little-for-tangible-environmental-benefits/ #ClimateCommitmentAct #CO2Tax #ToddMyers #StateBudget #EnvironmentalSpending #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion

Camas and Washougal councils need residents to write ballot-pamphlet statements on a proposed Regional Fire Authority. Volunteers must email interest by 5 p.m. July 31. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/cities-of-camas-washougal-seeking-committee-members-for-for-and-against-ballot-statements-for-rfa/ #Camas #Washougal #RFA #CivicEngagement #BallotCommittees #LocalGovernment

Nominations are open for Clark County's 6th annual Silver Citizen Award, which honors residents 60 and older for exceptional community service. Forms are due by Aug. 29 at clark.wa.gov/aging. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/call-for-nominations-commission-on-agings-6th-annual-silver-citizen-award/ #SilverCitizenAward #ClarkCounty #CommunityService #OlderAdults #Volunteerism #CommissionOnAging

Vancouver Fire arrived within four minutes to battle two burning homes and a nearby brush fire on NE 121st Ave. Crews contained the blaze in about 40 minutes, with no injuries but five people displaced. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-multiple-house-fires/ #VancouverFire #HouseFire #ClarkCounty #EmergencyResponse #OakCreekMobileHomePark #PublicSafety

Clark County Republicans host a July 27 meet-and-greet in Battle Ground, featuring Charter Review Commission candidates and WAGOP Chair Jim Walsh. Doors open 4:30 p.m. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/sunday-event-offers-opportunity-for-area-voters-to-meet-and-greet-ccrp-endorsed-charter-review-commission-candidates/ #ClarkCounty #CCRP #CharterReview #BattleGround #CommunityEvent #JimWalsh #LocalPolitics #MeetAndGreet #Election2025

The USOPC quietly updated its athlete safety policy to block transgender competitors from women's sports, citing Executive Order 14201. Supporters say it protects fairness; critics call it discrimination. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/u-s-olympic-and-paralympic-committee-bans-transgender-athletes-from-womens-sports/ #USOPC #TransgenderPolicy #WomensSports #TitleIX #Olympics #NCAA #PublicDebate

Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center critiques how Washington state spends its CO2 tax revenue, saying the bulk goes to government planning rather than tangible environmental gains. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-where-does-washington-state-spend-the-co2-tax-revenue-more-government/ #Opinion #CO2Tax #ToddMyers #ClimatePolicy #WashingtonSpending #EnvironmentalFunding #CCA #CarbonEmissions #StateBudget #WashingtonPolitics

Doug Dahl tracks the history of turn signal requirements and argues that Washington's laws fall short of what good driving demands. He urges drivers to communicate more clearly than the minimum required. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-brief-history-of-turn-signals/ #TurnSignals #TrafficLaw #DougDahl #TheWiseDrive #SafeDriving #WashingtonDrivers #Opinion #RoadSafety #DrivingTips

Expect delays on northbound I-205 in Vancouver July 28–29 as WSDOT closes the NE Padden Parkway on-ramp for brush and tree clearing work. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-delays-on-i-205-in-clark-county-july-28-29/ #I205 #ClarkCountyTraffic #RoadClosures #WSDOT #VancouverWA #HighwayMaintenance #TreeClearing #TransportationUpdate

This week's Clark County Today poll asks where you stand on Kaiser Permanente's decision to stop gender-related surgeries for minors by August 29. Cast your vote now. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-support-kaiser-permanentes-decision-to-stop-gender-related-surgeries-for-minors/ #WeeklyPoll #ClarkCountyVoices #KaiserPermanente #YouthCare #MedicalEthics #GenderPolicy #PublicOpinion #HealthcareDebate

Vancouver Police say there was no known connection between victims and the suspect in Wednesday's fatal shooting. One woman died from a gunshot wound, two men were injured, and the suspect was later found deceased. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-continuing-shooting-investigation/ #VancouverWA #VPD #PublicSafety #ShootingInvestigation #CrimeNews #ClarkCounty

This weekend's 49th Annual Camas Days Festival promises music, games, parades, and more. With expanded Kids Street activities, new bands in the Beer Garden, and a downtown shuttle option, it's shaping up to be a packed celebration. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/broadway-comes-to-camas-its-showtime/ #CamasDays #CamasWA #CommunityFestival #KidsStreet #Parades #BathtubRace #LiveMusic #FamilyFun #ClarkCountyEvents

Lars Larson praises Kaiser Permanente's decision to stop gender-related surgeries on minors, effective August 29. He argues the move is overdue and driven more by financial pressure than moral conviction, pointing to mounting legal and political opposition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-kaiser-orders-the-medical-mengeles-to-stop-cutting-on-kids/ #LarsLarson #NorthwestNonsense #KaiserPermanente #TransgenderPolicy #GenderAffirmingCare #Minors #Opinion #Trump #LGBTQDebate #MedicalEthics

The Vote Before Tolls campaign is building momentum across Oregon. Led by Dean Suhr, the initiative would require public approval of all tolling proposals, past and present. That includes tolls tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement and the Rose Quarter. Supporters say IP-31 is about transparency, not opposition to tolling itself. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vote-before-tolls-initiative-gains-momentum-across-oregon/ #VoteBeforeTolls #DeanSuhr #OregonPolitics #Tolling #IP31 #InterstateBridge #HaydenIsland #TransportationFunding #ODOT #TinaKotek

The Washington State Republican Party is doubling the size of its school board candidate support program, expanding from 36 to 61 districts. Chairman Jim Walsh says the effort is aimed at reforming K-12 education by helping conservative candidates win local school board races. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wagop-expands-program-for-supporting-conservative-school-board-candidates-across-wa/ #WAGOP #JimWalsh #SchoolBoardElections #WashingtonPolitics #K12Education #PublicSchools #CampaignSupport #EducationReform

Clark County is seeking applicants for four open seats on its Parks Advisory Board. Members advise on parks planning and development. Applications are due Sept. 1. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-parks-advisory-board-3/ #ClarkCounty #ParksAdvisoryBoard #PublicParks #CommunityEngagement #VolunteerOpportunity #BoardService #EquityAndInclusion #ParksPlanning

The Clark County Board of Health is accepting applications for three open seats on its Public Health Advisory Council. Positions include a nurse, medical doctor, and aging community representative. Applications are due Aug. 29. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/board-of-health-seeks-applicants-for-three-public-health-advisory-council-positions/ #ClarkCounty #PublicHealth #PHAC #HealthAdvisory #CommunityHealth #BoardOfHealth #VolunteerOpportunity #HealthyCommunities

Clark County Today editor Ken Vance spotlights Rob Anderson's message urging voter engagement in the Charter Review Commission election. Anderson outlines priorities like public safety, tax restraint, and transparency while warning about past amendments and nonpartisan labeling. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-reform-clark-county-founder-encourages-voters-to-get-engaged-in-charter-review-commission-voting/ #ClarkCounty #RobAnderson #CharterReview #PublicSafety #TaxPolicy #RankedChoiceVoting #VoterEngagement #Opinion

Clark County is seeking applicants to fill two upcoming District Court vacancies. Judges Sonya Langsdorf and Kelli E. Osler are set to retire later this year. Applications are due by Aug. 8. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-to-fill-two-open-district-court-seats/ #ClarkCounty #DistrictCourt #JudicialVacancy #LegalAppointments #JudgeRetirement #CountyCouncil #WashingtonLaw

Phase 2 of the Vancouver Lake Management Plan is complete. The county addressed harmful algae, beach access, and water circulation, though future efforts may be delayed without new funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/second-phase-of-vancouver-lake-management-plan-completed/ #VancouverLake #LakeManagement #ClarkCounty #WaterQuality #CleanWater #AlgaeBlooms #PublicWorks #InvasiveSpecies

Vancouver Police responded to a home invasion on NE 22nd Street that left one woman dead, two people injured, and the suspected gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Major Crimes detectives are investigating. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-shooting-18/ #VancouverPolice #ShootingInvestigation #HomeInvasion #CrimeNews #ClarkCounty #PoliceUpdate #PublicSafety

Washington is facing its worst budget crisis ever, with billions in Medicaid funding at risk due to federal changes and surging state spending. Officials warn of major impacts to coverage and health systems. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-washington-in-the-worst-budget-crisis-weve-ever-had/ #WashingtonBudget #MedicaidCuts #AppleHealth #HR1 #BobFerguson #HealthCareCrisis #WAleg #TaxIncrease

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill argues that Washington's shipbuilding industry is being sunk by political neglect, unfair taxes, and out-of-state outsourcing. She calls for reforms in tax policy, procurement, and workforce development. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-going-down-with-the-ship/ #NancyChurchill #Opinion #Shipbuilding #FerryContracts #WashingtonState #MaritimeJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #IndustrialPolicy

In this opinion piece, Charter Review Commission candidate John Jay analyzes the executive structure under the County Charter, arguing the County Manager holds disproportionate power without direct electoral accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-charterist-iv-the-real-character-of-the-executive/ #ClarkCounty #CountyCharter #Opinion #ExecutivePower #JohnJay #GovernmentOversight #LocalPolitics #LetterToTheEditor

Clark County Public Health issued a danger advisory for Vancouver Lake due to elevated cyanotoxin levels from harmful algae. Swimming, boating, and fishing are discouraged. The Lacamas Lake advisory has been lifted. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-health-issues-danger-advisory-for-vancouver-lake-due-to-harmful-algae/ #VancouverLake #ClarkCounty #WaterSafety #AlgaeBloom #LacamasLake #PublicHealth #RecreationWarning #LakeClosure

Suliaman Abdul-Hadi, a level 3 sex offender, was arrested by Vancouver Police after allegedly raping a 12-year-old. Detectives executed a search warrant with support from multiple units and believe more child victims may be involved. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-arrest-sex-offender-for-rape-of-12-year-old/ #Vancouver #PoliceArrest #ChildProtection #SexOffender #ClarkCounty #CrimeNews #LawEnforcement

Vancouver Fire crews responded to a house fire on NE 51st Street early July 23. One man and his dog were displaced, and a firefighter suffered minor injuries during the response. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-house-fire-6/ #VancouverFire #HouseFire #ClarkCounty #FireResponse #FirefighterInjury #AmericanRedCross #ResidentialFire #EmergencyResponse #FireDistrict6 #BreakingNews