Clark County Today News

In this reflective opinion piece, Clark County Today reporter Paul Valencia looks back on a year of reporting that stretched far beyond sports, covering major local controversies, community issues, and memorable moments across Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-year-in-review-of-news-stories-from-a-former-sports-guy/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #LocalJournalism #CommunityNews

State investigators have released new details in a deadly force investigation involving Vancouver police officers, including the identity of the deceased and the officers involved. The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations is leading the case. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/names-released-of-person-killed-and-vancouver-officers-involved-in-deadly-force-incident/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #OfficerInvolvedShooting #LawEnforcement #PublicSafety

A breakdown of new Washington state laws and tax changes taking effect Jan. 1, including unemployment benefits for striking workers, business tax surcharges, transportation fees, consumer regulations and other policy shifts approved by lawmakers in 2025. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/these-new-laws-and-taxes-take-effect-in-washington-state-on-jan-1/ #WashingtonState #StateLaws #NewLaws #StateTaxes #PublicPolicy #LegislativeUpdate #WashingtonPolitics #Jan1Laws

Opinion columnist Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program, arguing that the rising payroll tax functions as a regressive paycheck penalty that disproportionately impacts low-income workers as the rate increases again on Jan. 1. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ready-for-another-pay-decrease-from-the-state-it-happens-jan-1/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PFML #StateTaxes #WorkerPay

Beginning January 2026, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services will offer a new all-access community center membership providing full use of both Firstenburg and Marshall centers, expanding options for fitness, recreation, and group classes across the city. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-rolls-out-new-all-access-community-center-membership/ #VancouverWA #CommunityCenters #ParksAndRec #Fitness #Recreation

Four Western Washington counties are receiving $6.6 million in federal funding for road safety programs through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, including funding for Clark County to launch an EMS pilot program focused on post-crash emergency care. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/four-western-wa-counties-granted-6-6m-in-federal-funds-for-road-safety-programs/ #WashingtonState #RoadSafety #FederalFunding #Transportation #PublicSafety

Opinion columnist Nancy Churchill critiques a Washington Supreme Court order on public defense, arguing it creates sweeping mandates without funding and shifts costs onto rural cities, counties, and taxpayers, while calling on lawmakers to address the issue through legislation such as SB 5914. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-justice-for-none-court-hands-down-a-mandate-without-a-dime-to-fund-it/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolitics #PublicDefense #LocalGovernment #RuralWashington

Clark County native Jordan Boldt has been named president of the Columbia Economic Development Council after serving more than a decade as executive director of the Vancouver Farmers Market, with his new role beginning March 2, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/jordan-boldt-selected-as-new-credc-president/ #ClarkCounty #EconomicDevelopment #CREDC #VancouverWA #BusinessLeadership

The city of Washougal has opened applications to fill City Council Position 5, outlining eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the appointment timeline, with interviews scheduled later in January. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/application-period-now-open-to-fill-washougal-city-council-position-5/ #WashougalWA #CityCouncil #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement #ClarkCounty

RedDoor Gallery in Camas is launching Brush Strokes in Motion, a January series of live art demonstrations where visitors can watch artists create new works, engage directly with them, and enjoy complimentary art receptions throughout the month. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/reddoor-gallery-presents-brush-strokes-in-motion-with-january-live-art-demos/ #CamasArts #RedDoorGallery #LiveArt #ClarkCountyCulture #ArtEvents

The Dec. 30 episode of The Study of Sports Podcast features Paul Valencia with Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland discussing upcoming WIAA amendments, a year-in-review of high school sports, and reflections on the Seattle Mariners, with an additional closing segment recorded after the main podcast. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-dec-30-2025-a-look-ahead-to-2026-with-wiaa-amendments-a-year-in-review-in-high-school-sports-plus-remembering-the-mariners-magical-run/ #HighSchoolSports #StudyOfSports #WIAA #ClarkCountySports #Podcast #SeattleMariners

Battle Ground mother and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Virginia Rodeman captured first place finishes at the No-Gi World Championship in Las Vegas, adding to a growing list of medals earned since she began the sport eight years ago at Battle Ground Martial Arts Academy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/virginia-rodeman-defies-limits-and-wins-no-gi-world-championship-in-brazilian-jiu-jitsu/ #ClarkCounty #BattleGroundWA #BrazilianJiuJitsu #NoGi #LocalAthletes

This report reviews a historic year in Washington, D.C., marked by major immigration changes, sweeping tariffs, Supreme Court rulings, and a record-breaking federal government shutdown during President Donald Trump's second term. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/deportations-tariffs-court-clashes-record-shutdown-mark-a-historic-year-in-washington-d-c/ #WashingtonDC #USPolitics #TrumpAdministration #GovernmentShutdown #Policy

The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to hear several major Second Amendment cases in 2026, including challenges tied to the Bruen decision, firearm restrictions, and Washington state gun laws, according to an interview with Second Amendment Foundation founder Alan Gottlieb. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-scotus-to-take-up-key-second-amendment-challenges-in-2026/ #SCOTUS #SecondAmendment #GunRights #USSupremeCourt #PublicPolicy

Clark County officials will hold a joint hearing on Jan. 8 to gather public testimony on a preferred land use alternative as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update, which guides growth and development for the next 20 years. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-planning-commission-to-hold-joint-hearing-on-preferred-land-alternative-for-comprehensive-plan-update/ #ClarkCounty #ComprehensivePlan #LandUse #PublicHearing #GrowthManagement

The Washougal School District Board of Directors is inviting community members to a Jan. 13 listening tour at Hathaway Elementary School to discuss renewal EP&O and Capital levies appearing on the Feb. 10 ballot and to hear questions and feedback from residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washougal-school-board-invites-community-to-jan-13-listening-tour/ #WashougalSchools #SchoolBoard #LevyInformation #EducationFunding #ClarkCounty

This letter to the editor from Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi critiques national and local news coverage that uses broad immigration language, arguing it blurs legal realities and replaces factual clarity with fear-driven narratives. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-when-headlines-gaslight-the-public/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #MediaCriticism #JournalismStandards #ClarkCounty

Opinion column by Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examining California's $21 billion unemployment insurance debt and Washington's Employment Security Department failures, arguing both states face higher taxes and economic strain without major reforms. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-californias-unemployment-debt-crisis-mirrors-washingtons-employment-security-department-failures/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #UnemploymentInsurance #SmallBusiness #GovernmentAccountability

Vancouver Police Department officers were involved in a late-night shooting near Northeast 46th Street after responding to a disturbance involving a firearm, with the incident now under investigation by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-officers-involved-in-shooting/ #VancouverPolice #OfficerInvolvedShooting #VancouverWA #PublicSafety #OII

Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a late-night apartment fire at the Alder Creek Apartments that displaced one resident and prompted assistance from the American Red Cross and the Trauma Intervention Team, with no reported injuries and the cause under investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/late-night-apartment-fire-displaces-one-resident-at-alder-creek-apartments/ #VancouverFire #ApartmentFire #VancouverWA #EmergencyResponse #FireInvestigation

Vancouver Police Department investigators are requesting the public's assistance in locating Reycardo Sentell Johnson, who was last seen on Nov. 28 and whose vehicle was towed near Vancouver Lake on Nov. 29. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vpd-seeking-publics-assistance-in-locating-missing-man/ #VancouverPolice #MissingPerson #VancouverWA #PublicAssistance #PoliceInvestigation

Clark County will host two major high school sports events next week, with more than 80 teams competing at the Pac Coast Wrestling Championships in Ridgefield and local teams taking part in holiday boys and girls basketball tournaments in Washington and Oregon. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-sports-pac-coast-wrestling-to-showcase-some-of-the-best-in-the-northwest-and-beyond/ #HighSchoolSports #Wrestling #Basketball #ClarkCounty #PacCoast #HolidayTournaments

Camas police arrested two suspects following a Christmas Eve burglary after coordinating with Vancouver police and recovering about $2,000 worth of stolen food from a disabled vehicle, according to the Camas Police Department. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/christmas-eve-burglars-arrested-property-recovered/ #Camas #Police #Burglary #CrimeNews #ClarkCounty #PublicSafety

Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Battle Ground Citizen of the Year Award, honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving others and strengthening the Battle Ground community, with submissions open through January 20, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/nominations-being-accepted-for-battle-ground-citizens-of-the-year/ #BattleGround #CommunityRecognition #CitizenOfTheYear #LocalLeaders #CommunityService #People

The city of Vancouver has hired John L. Drake II as its new fire chief following a nationwide search, bringing 38 years of leadership and operational experience from the Los Angeles City Fire Department to the role beginning Dec. 29. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-hires-former-los-angeles-city-fire-department-leader-as-its-new-fire-chief/ #Vancouver #FireChief #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices #CityGovernment #LocalNews

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington's push toward a universal, taxpayer-financed health care system would create new problems with cost, access, and rationing, and urges policymakers to pursue patient-centered reforms that emphasize competition and transparency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hard-work-is-being-done-to-try-to-trade-one-bad-health-care-system-for-another/ #Opinion #HealthCarePolicy #UniversalHealthCare #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonState #PublicPolicy

Play areas at Hazel Dell Community Park will be closed January through March while old equipment is removed and new, castle-themed play structures are installed, with other park areas remaining open during construction. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/play-area-at-hazel-dell-community-park-closed-january-through-march-for-installation-of-new-play-equipment/ #ClarkCounty #HazelDell #ParksAndRecreation #PublicWorks #CommunityProjects #Playground

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill contends that proposed legislation in Washington state would weaken local control by expanding state authority over elected county sheriffs, raising constitutional concerns about voter choice, law enforcement independence, and centralized power. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-progressive-attack-on-washingtons-sheriffs/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #LawEnforcement #LocalControl #StatePolitics #PublicPolicy

In this letter to the editor, Camas resident Rick Vermeers argues that the secretary of state's refusal to comply with a U.S. Department of Justice request for voter roll data is inconsistent with existing data-sharing practices and raises concerns about election integrity and transparency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/letter-is-secretary-of-state-hobbs-really-just-protecting-your-voter-information/ #Opinion #ElectionIntegrity #VoterRolls #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #LetterToTheEditor

Washington Republicans criticized Gov. Bob Ferguson's proposed $79 billion supplemental budget, arguing it abandons four-year budget balance requirements while relying on rainy day funds, agency cuts, and new revenue proposals, including a potential income tax on high earners. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-wa-gop-budget-lead-blasts-fergusons-fiscal-plan-as-a-complete-joke/ #WashingtonState #StateBudget #BobFerguson #TaxPolicy #Legislature #TheCenterSquare

Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District have introduced House Bill 2180, which would require background checks for youth sports coaches and supervisors and mandate child abuse reporting training developed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/18th-district-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-protect-kids-in-youth-sports-from-predators/ #WashingtonState #YouthSports #ChildSafety #HB2180 #PublicPolicy #StateLegislature

In this opinion column, Paul Valencia shares reflections from his annual Christmas-time visit to Vancouver Mall, highlighting holiday decorations, last-minute shoppers, Santa Claus, and the enduring sense of joy and nostalgia found in malls during the holiday season. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-in-search-of-joy-at-vancouver-mall-during-christmas-time/ #Opinion #VancouverMall #HolidayShopping #LocalBusiness #ChristmasSeason #Community

Washington and Oregon lawmakers voiced bipartisan frustration after planners could not provide updated cost estimates for the I-5 Bridge replacement, citing ongoing design questions involving light rail, bridge height, and Coast Guard requirements during a recent oversight committee meeting. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-wa-and-or-lawmakers-irked-as-update-on-i-5-bridge-costs-still-missing/ #I5Bridge #TransportationPolicy #WashingtonLegislature #OregonLegislature #Infrastructure #TheCenterSquare

In this opinion column, Neighbors for a Better Crossing urges the U.S. Coast Guard to reject the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program's proposed 116-foot fixed-span bridge, arguing that atmospheric river events and rising river levels further reduce vessel clearance and permanently restrict navigation on the Columbia River. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-atmospheric-river-events-mean-even-less-clearance-for-vessels-crossing-under-the-proposed-interstate-bridge-plan/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #ColumbiaRiver #TransportationPolicy #NavigationSafety #PacificNorthwest

Applications are now open for artists, performers, and vendors to take part in the 2026 Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival, a free three-day event returning to downtown Vancouver in August with music, visual art, food, and community programming. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-usa-arts-music-festival-opens-applications-for-2026-performers-artists-and-more/ #Vancouver #ArtsAndMusic #VAMF #CommunityEvents #PacificNorthwest #ArtsFestival

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center explains why she supports the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, arguing that repeated extensions hide rising health care costs instead of addressing affordability through transparency, competition, and structural reform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-i-wont-mourn-the-end-of-enhanced-aca-subsidies/ #Opinion #ACA #HealthCareCosts #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthPolicy #Insurance

A new Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement takes effect Jan. 1 for anglers fishing in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries, with fees dedicated exclusively to supporting recreational salmon and steelhead fisheries. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/columbia-river-salmon-and-steelhead-endorsement-goes-into-effect-jan-1/ #WashingtonState #Fishing #ColumbiaRiver #SalmonFishing #Steelhead #WDFW

The city of Washougal has unveiled a new Strategic Plan Dashboard alongside a year-end update highlighting progress on its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, including economic indicators, infrastructure projects, community initiatives, and priorities for 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-washougal-launches-strategic-plan-dashboard-and-shares-year-end-update/ #Washougal #StrategicPlan #LocalGovernment #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityPlanning #CityUpdates

In this letter to the editor, Sharon Nasset outlines historical studies, inspections, and unresolved questions related to the I-5 bridges and Columbia River Crossing plans, urging public records requests to clarify inspection findings and replacement decisions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-worried-about-a-replacement-bridge/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #ColumbiaRiver #TransportationPolicy #PacificNorthwest #InfrastructureDebate

Clark County has extended the application deadline for a land developer position on the Development and Engineering Advisory Board, which reviews policy, county code changes, fees, and process improvements for Community Development and Public Works, with recommendations forwarded to the Clark County Council. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-extends-application-deadline-for-development-and-engineering-advisory-board-opening/ #ClarkCounty #DEAB #LandDevelopment #PublicWorks #CommunityDevelopment #LocalGovernment

The Union Titans traveled to Anchorage for a special two-game trip that doubled as a hometown celebration for senior Brooklynn Haywood, giving Alaska fans a chance to watch her play before she heads to the University of Oregon while the team faced new challenges and built chemistry together. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-girls-basketball-union-titans-give-brooklynn-haywood-a-homecoming-in-alaska/ #UnionTitans #HighSchoolBasketball #GirlsBasketball #BrooklynnHaywood #AlaskaBasketball #ClarkCountySports

Detransitioner Soren Aldaco speaks with The Center Square about her medical transition as a minor and voices support for new HHS actions aimed at restricting federal funding for gender-related drugs and surgeries for children, as Washington officials and advocacy groups respond. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/watch-detransitioner-to-providers-please-just-stop-gender-surgeries-on-minors/ #WashingtonState #HHS #GenderCare #PublicPolicy #HealthcareDebate #TheCenterSquare

With pennies vanishing from circulation, retailers and state lawmakers are debating whether cash transactions should be rounded up or down and how to protect consumers without federal guidance, as states like New York move to set their own rules. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/without-pennies-should-retailers-round-up-or-down/ #CashTransactions #ConsumerProtection #RetailPolicy #Pennies #StateLegislation #UnitedStates

Neighbors for a Better Crossing criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program for promoting the idea of “giving away” the historic Interstate Bridges while failing to provide lawmakers and the public with updated cost estimates or modern seismic studies, arguing retrofit and preservation remain viable options. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-promotes-giving-away-historic-interstate-bridges-while-withholding-cost-estimate-for-replacement/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #IBR #TransportationPolicy #PacificNorthwest #HistoricPreservation #Infrastructure

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center outlines why he believes Washington's projected budget deficit is the result of historic spending increases rather than a lack of revenue, and explains how the House Republicans' Affordability First framework proposes limiting spending growth and avoiding new taxes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-solving-washingtons-deficit-without-tax-increases/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #RyanFrost #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #WashingtonState #PublicSpending #Opinion

The Washington State Patrol confirmed the death of Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was struck by a vehicle while investigating a collision on State Route 509 in Tacoma, becoming the 34th trooper lost in the line of duty in the agency's 105-year history. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-state-patrol-loses-34th-trooper-in-the-line-of-duty/ #WashingtonStatePatrol #WSP #LineOfDuty #LawEnforcement #Tacoma #PublicSafety #TrafficSafety

Doug Dahl of The Wise Drive examines whether cyclists should walk or ride their bikes through crosswalks, explaining how Washington law treats bicycles differently depending on whether they are on the roadway, sidewalk, or crosswalk, and why predictability matters for safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-bikes-in-crosswalks/ #Opinion #DougDahl #TheWiseDrive #BikeSafety #TrafficLaw #WashingtonState

Clark County is seeking applicants to serve on the Railroad Advisory Board, a 15-member group that advises the county on issues involving the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, with experience in rail operations or freight-rail business especially encouraged. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-volunteers-to-serve-on-railroad-advisory-board/ #ClarkCounty #RailroadAdvisoryBoard #ChelatchiePrairieRailroad #PublicWorks #FreightRail #LocalGovernment

Vancouver man Cameron Murray is using a GoFundMe campaign to purchase jackets and socks for people experiencing homelessness, inspired by his late brother Shelby and aiming to provide warmth and dignity during the coldest months of winter. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/gofundme-spotlight-vancouver-man-raising-money-to-buy-warm-clothing-for-the-homeless/ #VancouverWA #CommunitySupport #Homelessness #WinterWeather #GoFundMe

Clark County residents are encouraged to recycle natural Christmas trees after the holidays through curbside pickup, drop-off locations, and a Scouting America collection scheduled for Jan. 4, helping reduce landfill waste and methane emissions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/residents-encouraged-to-reduce-holiday-waste-by-recycling-natural-christmas-trees/ #ClarkCounty #Recycling #HolidayWaste #ChristmasTrees #PublicWorks

The Clark County Elections Office will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 and will reopen Friday, Dec. 26, with regular weekday hours at its Franklin Street location. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-elections-office-closed-dec-24-25/ #ClarkCounty #Elections #PublicServices #LocalGovernment #VancouverWA