Clark County Today News

The city of Vancouver and the Dream Center of Activate Church are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Christmas at the Park on Dec. 5 at Esther Short Park, offering free trees, cocoa, cookie decorating, Santa photos, and caroling under snowfall for families and neighbors. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/come-celebrate-10th-anniversary-of-christmas-at-the-park-dec-5/ #VancouverWA #ChristmasAtThePark #HolidayEvent #EstherShortPark #CommunityCelebration #WinterWonderland

Alysha Evelyn Chandra is hosting the official launch of her Clark County prosecuting attorney campaign on Jan. 15 at The Cove on the Vancouver waterfront, offering residents a full presentation of her platform, priorities, and background in prosecutorial and military service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/alysha-chandra-to-host-official-launch-event-for-clark-county-prosecuting-attorney-campaign/ #ClarkCounty #AlyshaChandra #PublicSafety #ProsecutorRace #CampaignLaunch #VancouverWA

Clark County Public Works is presenting updated concepts for public access improvements at the 78th Street Heritage Farm, with an in-person and virtual open house scheduled for Dec. 11 and an online survey opening the same day to gather community feedback. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-hosting-open-house-dec-11-and-on-plan-for-public-access-improvements-at-78th-street-heritage-farm/ #ClarkCounty #HeritageFarm #PublicWorks #CommunityInput #OpenHouse #ParksAndNature

Walk & Knock is now Drive & Drop, inviting Clark County residents to bring non-perishable food and toiletries to 16 drop sites on Dec. 6 as volunteer shortages reshape one of the region's largest food drives; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/walk-knock-becomes-drive-drop-with-this-years-food-drive-scheduled-for-dec-6/ #ClarkCounty #FoodDrive #DriveAndDrop #WalkAndKnock #CommunitySupport #HungerRelief #ClarkCountyFoodBank

A Center Square investigation details how states continued expanding budgets after the COVID emergency, leaving places like Washington facing major shortfalls as federal funds dry up; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-states-continue-to-increase-budgets-despite-end-of-covid-emergency/ #StateBudgets #WashingtonState #FiscalCrisis #TheCenterSquare #GovernmentSpending #BudgetShortfall #COVIDImpact

President Donald Trump claimed he will void any laws, pardons, or executive orders signed by Joe Biden with an autopen, reviving a dispute that legal experts have previously dismissed as unfounded; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/trump-social-media-post-claims-to-void-biden-orders/ #Trump #Biden #Politics #Autopen #ExecutiveOrders #WashingtonStateStandard #FederalLaw #PresidentialPower

Washington lawmakers will convene in Olympia for annual committee days to preview major 2026 session topics, including a budget shortfall, data centers, vaccine safety, transportation issues, and new tax impacts; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-lawmakers-will-gather-in-olympia-to-gear-up-for-2026-session/ #WashingtonState #Olympia #Politics #Legislature #CommitteeDays #BudgetShortfall #DataCenters

Vancouver Police are investigating a hit and run after a woman in a crosswalk on E. Mill Plain Blvd. was struck by a white full-size Chevrolet van that fled the scene; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-hit-and-run-collision/ #VancouverWA #HitAndRun #VancouverPolice #PublicSafety #CommunityAlert #PedestrianSafety

Vancouver welcomed the holiday season with a lively Community Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park, celebrated the revival of the Salmon Run Bell Tower, and raised its new city flag in front of thousands of attendees; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-lights-up-the-holidays-at-esther-short-park/ #VancouverWA #HolidayCelebration #CommunityTreeLighting #EstherShortPark #CityFlag #SalmonRunBellTower #CommunityEvents

Michael Terry of Brush Prairie shares his family's deep historical roots as a 12th-generation American descended from Mayflower Compact signer Stephen Hopkins, reflecting on heritage, the first Thanksgiving, and the legacy passed to his children; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/family-history-clark-county-man-can-trace-lineage-back-to-first-thanksgiving/ #FamilyHistory #Mayflower #Thanksgiving #BrushPrairie #AmericanHeritage #StephenHopkins #Pilgrims

The Battle Ground Police Department delivered more than 75 prepared Thanksgiving meals to local families through its Serving Beyond the Badge initiative, supported by community volunteers and local businesses; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/beyond-the-badge-battle-ground-police-serves-thanksgiving-meals-to-local-families/ #BattleGround #CommunitySupport #ThanksgivingMeals #PoliceOutreach #HolidayGiving #ServingBeyondTheBadge

The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual survey shows a continued decline in Thanksgiving dinner costs for 2025, with turkey prices falling and overall meal costs down 5% from last year; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/annual-survey-shows-drop-in-thanksgiving-dinner-costs-for-2025/ #Thanksgiving #AFBF #TurkeyPrices #HolidayCosts #WashingtonState #GroceryInflation #FoodEconomy

Elizabeth New shares personal experiences from her father's final week of life and her own hospital stay, highlighting the compassion and skill of caregivers and the healthcare challenges facing hospitals today; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-thankful-for-caregivers-providers/ #Opinion #HealthCare #Caregivers #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PatientCare #HospitalWorkers

The Christmas Ships Parade marks its 71st year with more than 70 illuminated boats traveling 15 nights on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, featuring multiple routes, special events, toy drives, and shoreline viewing opportunities; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/christmas-ships-parade-celebrates-71st-year-with-15-nights-of-holiday-magic-on-pacific-northwest-waters/ #PacificNorthwest #ChristmasShips #HolidayEvents #BoatParade #ColumbiaRiver #WillametteRiver #CommunityTradition

The Washougal School District Board has approved placing renewal EP&O and Capital levies on the Feb. 10, 2026 ballot, with funding supporting student programs, technology, maintenance, and anticipated lower levy rates for homeowners; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washougal-school-district-board-votes-to-place-renewal-levies-on-feb-2026-ballot/ #Washougal #SchoolDistrict #Levy #EducationFunding #StudentPrograms #LocalLevies #SchoolSafety

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched for Kyle Eck, his fiance, and their children after they were struck by a vehicle in Vancouver, with funds supporting medical and household expenses during Eck's recovery; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/gofundme-spotlight-fundraiser-started-for-man-children-hit-by-car-last-week-in-vancouver/ #VancouverWA #GoFundMe #CommunitySupport #PedestrianInjury #MedicalBills #FamilySupport

The Liberty Theatre of Camas-Washougal marks Small Business Saturday by inviting residents to shop local and enjoy a movie, offering free small popcorn with a ticket purchase for guests who show a same-day receipt from a Camas or Washougal business; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/liberty-theatre-celebrates-small-business-saturday-with-community-partnerships-and-big-screen-experiences/ #Camas #SmallBusinessSaturday #LibertyTheatre #LocalBusiness #Community #Washougal #EconomicImpact

Nancy Churchill describes how a small rural Republican committee, generational change, and renewed engagement among younger conservatives all point to the need for direct local political involvement now, highlighting examples from Ferry County and beyond; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-plant-the-flag-faith-family-and-freedom-begin-at-home/ #Opinion #NancyChurchill #WashingtonState #LocalPolitics #CommunityInvolvement #FerryCounty #DangerousRhetoric

In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth outlines how Washington's extensive and costly license and permit fees create barriers for entrepreneurs, highlighting examples that burden small businesses and calling for streamlined processes and reduced fees. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-is-it-so-expensive-to-do-business-in-washington/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #SmallBusiness #WashingtonState #LicenseFees #Regulation

A free community dental clinic at Cascade Park Dental Office in Vancouver brought together Kaiser Permanente Dental teams and volunteer dentists to provide essential care for 39 patients, delivering more than $28,000 in services to support community health. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/dentists-deliver-free-dental-care-in-clark-county/ #ClarkCounty #DentalCare #CommunityHealth #KaiserPermanente #FreeClinic #VancouverWA

This opinion column details TriMet's mounting financial problems, citing steep losses, reduced ridership, rising labor costs, tax increases, and major cuts that still fall short of stabilizing the agency, while urging Clark County residents to avoid financial entanglements with TriMet. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-trimets-fiscal-cliff-continues-to-be-a-warning-to-clark-county-and-oregon-residents/ #TriMet #TransitCrisis #ClarkCounty #Transportation #Opinion #IBR #LightRail

Bob Ortblad examines the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program's latest shared use path ramp design, describing steep grades, long distances, multiple turns, and concerns about cost and practicality raised during recent presentations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-interstate-bridge-replacement-programs-ridiculous-ramp/ #Opinion #InterstateBridgeReplacement #IBR #Transportation #ClarkCounty #Infrastructure #RampDesign

The Building Industry Association of Clark County installed Alexa Lee as its 2026 president and honored industry members with a wide range of President's Awards celebrating leadership, craftsmanship, and service across the region. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/building-industry-association-installs-alexa-lee-as-2026-president/ #BIA #ClarkCounty #Homebuilding #ConstructionIndustry #PresidentsAwards #BusinessNews #IndustryLeadership

Furry Friends Cat Rescue is asking the community to support its mission this Giving Tuesday, with donations helping provide food, medical care, spay and neuter procedures, and safe shelter for stray and feral cats in Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/furry-friends-to-participate-in-giving-tuesday-dec-2/ #FurryFriends #GivingTuesday #CatRescue #ClarkCounty #Nonprofit #StrayCats #FeralCats #CommunitySupport

A virtual service for Phyllis M. Hann is set for December 6, with the community invited to share memories and upload photos on the memorial page. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/obit-virtual-service-to-be-held-for-phyllis-hann-dec-6/ #PhyllisHann #MemorialService #VirtualService #ClarkCounty #Community #Remembrance

Journey Theater brings a musical presentation of Narnia to Washougal High School in December, featuring characters from the classic story, performances by young actors, and show dates spanning Dec. 5 to 13. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/journey-theater-presents-narnia/ #JourneyTheater #Narnia #Washougal #Theater #ClarkCounty #YouthArts #PerformingArts

The Battle Ground City Council has approved a 0.1% public safety sales tax that will raise dedicated revenue for police staffing, reflecting community survey priorities and adjusting the city's total sales tax rate to 8.7% beginning April 1, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-approves-new-funding-for-public-safety/ #BattleGround #PublicSafety #PoliceStaffing #SalesTax #CommunitySafety #LocalGovernment

Joe Cortright outlines why the Coast Guard is unlikely to approve the IBR's proposed low fixed span, citing navigation requirements, a century of legal precedent, past disputes over Columbia River clearance, and concerns about ignoring future river uses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-you-cant-bribe-your-way-to-a-low-fixed-span-bridge/ #Opinion #IBR #CoastGuard #ColumbiaRiver #Transportation #Infrastructure #PacificNorthwest

John Deeder has been elected to the ESD 112 Board of Directors, bringing more than 40 years of public education experience, including his time as Evergreen Public Schools superintendent and his leadership across academic, financial, and community initiatives in Southwest Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/john-deeder-elected-to-esd-112-board-of-directors/ #ClarkCounty #ESD112 #Education #EvergreenSchools #CommunityLeadership #PublicSchools #SouthwestWashington

The Clark County Council has appointed Ron Barca and Alicia LeDuc Montgomery to new terms on the county's volunteer Planning Commission, outlining their backgrounds, qualifications, and the scope of the commission's work in advising on land development matters in unincorporated areas. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-appoints-ron-barca-and-alicia-leduc-montgomery-to-the-planning-commission/ #ClarkCounty #PlanningCommission #CommunityPlanning #LocalGovernment #LandUse

Southwest Washington teams delivered strong performances across state tournaments, with Columbia River finishing second in 2A girls soccer and Seton Catholic taking second in 1A. Skyview and Hockinson earned fourth-place trophies, Prairie placed third in 3A volleyball, and Camas secured fifth in 4A. Seton Catholic football also reached the 1A quarterfinals as the fall sports season came to a close. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-sports-columbia-river-2a-seton-catholic-1a-settle-for-second-in-state-soccer/ #HighSchoolSports #WIAA #ColumbiaRiver #SetonCatholic #SoccerFinals #VolleyballState #Camas #PrairieFalcons #SkyviewStorm #HockinsonHawks

A 17-year-old suspect turned himself in following a hit-and-run collision that injured four pedestrians, including a 30-year-old man who remains in critical condition. Vancouver Police say the teen arrived at the East Precinct with his mother and was booked on multiple counts of Vehicular Assault and Felony Hit and Run. The investigation continues with the VPD Traffic Unit. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/teen-suspect-in-hit-and-run-collision-turns-himself-in-to-vancouver-police/ #Vancouver #VPD #PublicSafety #HitAndRun #TrafficInvestigation #PedestrianInjury #CrimeUpdate #ClarkCounty #LawEnforcement #EmergencyResponse

The Vancouver Fire Department responded to a house fire on NE 4th Circle after neighbors saw flames coming from the roof and warned residents, who escaped safely. Fire crews arrived within minutes, stretched hose lines inside, cut roof ventilation holes, and extinguished flames that had spread into the attic. Two adults and two children were displaced and the American Red Cross was called to assist. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-responds-to-house-fire/ #Vancouver #FireResponse #VancouverFireDepartment #PublicSafety #HouseFire #EmergencyCall #FireMarshal #ClarkCounty #CommunityUpdate #FirstResponders

Dream for Life and Living Hope Church welcomed thousands for an annual community Thanksgiving meal, offering hot food, support resources, volunteer services, and a message of unity led by founder Donnie Vercher and partner organizations including OnPoint Community Credit Union. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/dream-for-life-feeds-thousands-at-living-hope-church/ #Vancouver #CommunitySupport #ThanksgivingMeal #DreamForLife #LivingHopeChurch #HolidayOutreach #FreeMeals #ClarkCounty #NonprofitEvent #CommunityResources

Washington state Sen. John Braun kicked off his campaign for Washington's Third Congressional District with a Vancouver event where he highlighted his military and legislative experience and criticized incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez on policy, voting records, and leadership. Braun discussed federal spending, border security, schools, crime, and what he says are failures during the government shutdown, contrasting them with his focus on fiscal discipline and local values. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/john-braun-says-mgp-gets-an-a-in-publicity-and-an-f-in-accomplishments-as-he-kicks-off-campaign/ #ClarkCounty #PoliticalNews #JohnBraun #CongressionalRace #WashingtonState #MGP #TheChronicle #Elections2026 #ThirdDistrict #CampaignKickoff

In an interview with the Washington State Standard, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez discusses forcing a reprimand vote opposed by Democratic leadership, her colleagues' reactions, and why she believes accountability within the party is essential. She reflects on constituent support, fallout within the caucus, and why the episode reaffirmed rather than challenged her identity as a Democrat. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/mgp-thinks-democratic-party-needs-to-change-not-her/ #WashingtonState #MGP #Congress #PoliticalNews #DemocraticParty #WashingtonStateStandard #HouseDebate #SouthwestWashington #PartyLeadership #USHouse

Amy Harris of Clark County Matters argues that Portland's enforcement of its public camping ban — including dozens of arrests of individuals with open warrants — demonstrates the importance of pairing compassion with accountability. She warns that stricter rules in Portland may push more campers into Vancouver and urges the mayor and city council to pass and enforce stronger limits on public camping. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-portland-homeless-ban-equals-more-trouble-for-vancouver/ #Vancouver #Opinion #HomelessnessPolicy #PublicCamping #PortlandBan #ClarkCountyMatters #CityCouncil #CommunityIssues #PublicSafety #LocalGovernment

The city of Vancouver will host a Nov. 28 program to raise the new City flag at City Hall, followed by prize presentations during the Rotary tree lighting event. The celebration also marks the return of the Salmon Run Bell Tower glockenspiel, a 25-bell installation weighing up to 400 pounds each, with scheduled recognitions for flag designers Brooke Nugent and Nathan Hunter and an evening of community festivities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/new-flag-to-be-raised-at-vancouver-city-hall-on-nov-28/ #Vancouver #CityHall #FlagRaising #SalmonRunBellTower #Glockenspiel #CommunityEvent #RotaryTreeLighting #EstherShortPark #VisitVancouver #CityCelebration

Clark County Public Works highlights simple ways residents can reduce food waste during holiday meal planning, including buying only what is needed, storing foods properly, using leftovers creatively, and exploring composting options such as organics carts or We Compost Community Hub sites. The county notes that food waste contributes to financial loss and methane emissions and offers additional resources through the Clark County Green Neighbors webpage. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-public-works-solid-waste-shares-tips-to-help-residents-reduce-food-waste-this-holiday-season/ #ClarkCounty #FoodWaste #PublicWorks #GreenNeighbors #Composting #HolidayMeals #Sustainability #SolidWaste #WasteConnections #EnvironmentalImpact

WSU Vancouver is hosting Cougar Cheer and Gift Gear on Dec. 3 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, offering early holiday shopping through the CougarWear pop-up, a family-friendly evening celebration, photos with Butch T. Cougar, prize drawings including Alaska Airlines vouchers, and opportunities to support the Cougar Food Pantry. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/kick-off-the-holiday-season-cougar-style-at-cougar-cheer-and-gift-gear/ #Vancouver #WSUVancouver #CougarEvent #ButchTCougar #HolidaySeason #CommunityEvent #CougarWear #AlaskaAirlines #CougarFoodPantry

Firefighters responded to 8300 NE 137th Ave. after callers reported a large drop box style dumpster burning near loading docks, a fire visible from Padden Parkway during the morning commute. Crews stopped the fire from entering the building, leaving only exterior damage while the Clark County Fire Marshals office investigates. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-extinguishes-large-drop-box-style-dumpster-on-fire/ #Vancouver #VancouverFireDepartment #ClarkCounty #FireResponse #PublicSafety #BreakingFireNews

New agreements with four river users have advanced the 116-foot fixed-span I-5 Bridge proposal to Coast Guard review, raising questions about safety, river access, and long-term costs as voters weigh in on this week's poll. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-is-a-116-foot-fixed-span-bridge-the-right-choice-for-the-i-5-replacement/ #I5BridgeReplacement #Transportation #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #FixedSpanBridge #RiverAccess #Infrastructure #PublicInput #Poll #CoastGuardReview

Eden Health Hospice volunteer coordinator Natalie Summerville explains how volunteers support patients with companionship, music, crafts, and compassionate presence, highlighting the growing community need for hospice support across the Vancouver region. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/volunteer-coordinator-from-eden-health-hospice-highlights-the-benefits-of-serving-patients/ #EdenHealthHospice #HospiceCare #VancouverWA #EndOfLifeCare #VolunteerSupport #CommunityCare #PatientSupport #PaulValencia #HospiceVolunteers #EmotionalSupport

Washington State University's review of WSDOT's $4 million dam breaching study says the work has not met expectations, citing concerns with modeling routes, transportation impacts, energy replacement costs, and ripple effects to agriculture and state infrastructure while federal, state, and congressional actions continue to shape the debate. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsu-review-flags-4m-wsdot-study-on-dam-breaching-for-not-meeting-expectations/ #WashingtonState #SnakeRiverDams #WSDOT #WSU #Hydropower #EnergyCosts #Transportation #Agriculture #CenterSquare #LocalNews

Vancouver Fire Department celebrated the arrival of its new KME-built Fire Engine 6 with a traditional push-in ceremony at Station 6, recognizing the engine's modern capabilities, the historic roots of the ritual, and the contributions of firefighters and fleet mechanics who maintain the city's emergency vehicles. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-holds-push-in-ceremony-for-new-fire-engine-6/ #VancouverFireDepartment #VancouverWA #FireEngine6 #PublicSafety #EmergencyResponse #FirefightingTradition #PushInCeremony #KME #REVGroup #LocalNews

Washington State Parks reports a decline in Discover Pass sales following the October price increase from $30 to $45, even as revenue rose 16%, with officials noting the drop was expected and that overall funding remains on track for the current budget cycle. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/discover-pass-sales-dip-after-price-increase/ #WashingtonStateParks #DiscoverPass #WashingtonStateStandard #PublicLands #Recreation #StateBudget #OutdoorAccess #WSParks #WashingtonState #LocalNews

The Vancouver Fire Department reports a garage fire on NE 55th St that was quickly contained by responding crews, with two residents displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross and no injuries reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-responds-to-garage-fire/ #VancouverFireDepartment #VancouverWA #FireResponse #GarageFire #FirstResponders #PublicSafety #AmericanRedCross #ClarkCounty #EmergencyResponse #LocalNews

Doug Dahl explores safety differences across transportation options, noting the exceptionally low fatality rates for trains and buses, the higher risks associated with cars, and how driving behaviors, distractions, and unfamiliar rental vehicles influence personal safety when deciding between renting a car or using a rideshare. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-rental-vs-rideshare/ #Opinion #TransportationSafety #RentalCars #Rideshare #TrainSafety #BusSafety #DrivingRisks #PedestrianSafety #CyclingSafety #TheWiseDrive

Ken Vance outlines the Battle Ground School District's findings about teacher Amanda Gonzales, including student reports of inappropriate political comments and the district's determination of probable cause for discharge, while noting the ongoing administrative leave and union response. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-even-when-school-districts-try-to-do-the-right-thing-they-are-often-precluded-from-doing-so-by-their-teachers-and-unions/ #Opinion #BattleGroundSchoolDistrict #AmandaGonzales #CharlieKirk #AngusLee #ShellyWhitten #PublicSchools #ClarkCounty #EducationPolicy #SchoolInvestigation

Lars Larson argues that the Interstate Bridge replacement is a costly failure in the making, pointing to low bridge clearance, $140 million in payments to upriver users, vanishing federal funding, and deepening public opposition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-boondoggle-bridge-blocks-waterway-bribes-required/ #LarsLarson #InterstateBridge #Transportation #PacificNorthwest #ODOT #Boondoggle #LightRail #PublicOpposition #NorthwestNonsense #InfrastructureCosts

Sen. Jim McCune voiced strong support for SB 5097, saying the bill is needed to safeguard fairness in girls' sports, protect young female athletes from physical risks, and uphold privacy in female-only spaces across Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-state-senator-champions-legislation-to-protect-fairness-and-safety-in-girls-sports-and-private-spaces/ #SB5097 #WashingtonLegislature #JimMcCune #GirlsSports #TitleIX #FemaleAthleteSafety #PrivacyRights #PublicPolicy #WASenate #SchoolAthletics