Clark County Today News

Lars Larson discusses the Supreme Court ruling that limits President Trump's tariff authority, the debate over the Emergency Economic Powers Act, potential refund claims by importers, and recent economic indicators cited in the aftermath of the decision. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-loss-at-the-supreme-court/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #SupremeCourt #Tariffs #PresidentTrump #EconomicPolicy #NationalSecurity

Michelle Belkot reminded fellow Clark County Council members that she is in active litigation as they discussed potential changes to the county's Rules of Procedure, including authority to remove members from boards and direct votes, alongside the reading of an immigration enforcement resolution. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/belkot-reminds-other-clark-county-councilors-that-there-is-active-litigation/ #ClarkCountyCouncil #VancouverWA #MichelleBelkot #CTRAN #InterstateBridge #LightRail #ClarkCountyPolitics

A standing-room-only Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries meeting, disruptive incidents at a Clark County Council session, and a Feb. 17 stabbing at Heritage High School headline the week, alongside postseason sports, a new Study of Sports Podcast episode, and multiple letters to the editor. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_february_20_2026 #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #FortVancouverRegionalLibraries #HeritageHighSchool #ClarkCountyCouncil #StudyOfSports #HighSchoolSports #LocalOpinion

The Study of Sports Podcast features Paul Valencia with Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland discussing Mat Classic and the hundreds of Clark County wrestlers, postseason basketball formats, and a look back at the Super Bowl, recorded Feb. 18. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-feb-20-2026-we-discuss-mat-classic-and-the-hundreds-of-wrestlers-from-clark-county-postseason-basketball-formats-and-a-look-back-at-the-super-bowl/#StudyOfSportsPodcast #ClarkCountySports #MatClassic #HighSchoolWrestling #PostseasonBasketball #SuperBowl #VancouverWA

Clark County Today's weekly poll asks whether Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries should prioritize stronger parental oversight for children's access to materials, following a packed meeting at Cascade Park Community Library and debate over strategic plan language, intellectual freedom, equity, and parental rights. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-fort-vancouver-regional-libraries-prioritize-stronger-parental-oversight-for-childrens-access-to-materials/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #FVRL #LibraryDebate #ParentalRights #IntellectualFreedom

Clark County Council members discussed possible policy changes after two disruptive incidents during public comment, with Glen Yung, Sue Marshall, Michelle Belkot, and Wil Fuentes weighing options that could include temporary bans, and County Manager Kathleen Otto planning talks with the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Prosecutor's Office. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-wants-to-come-up-with-a-plan-to-deal-with-unruly-behavior-at-meetings/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #CountyCouncil #PublicMeetings #LocalPolitics #FirstAmendment

Battle Ground Police, assisted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, are investigating a series of animal shootings involving blow darts, with evidence recovered from a residence on SE 17th Way and potential charges including reckless endangerment and animal cruelty as the investigation continues. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-investigate-series-of-animal-shootings-involving-blow-darts/ #BattleGroundWA #ClarkCounty #AnimalCruelty #BlowDarts #BGPD #WashingtonDFW #PublicSafety

Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal reopens March 7 after its winter closure, featuring more than 6,000 square feet of exhibits including a new Barbie doll display from the Barbara Heriford Estate, refreshed historical displays, and updated galleries operated by the Camas-Washougal Historical Society. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/two-rivers-heritage-museum-reopens-for-2026/ #Washougal #TwoRiversHeritageMuseum #Camas #LocalHistory #MuseumExhibit #BarbieCollection #ClarkCounty

The city of Vancouver will seal the Main Street Promise Time Capsule on February 20 at Main Street and West 13th Street in downtown Vancouver, with items collected by Vancouver's Downtown Association to reflect life in 2025 and a stainless steel capsule set to remain buried until 2125. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-to-seal-time-capsule-for-100-years-as-part-of-the-main-street-promise-project/ #VancouverWA #MainStreetPromise #DowntownVancouver #TimeCapsule #ClarkCounty #EconomicVitality #HistoricMainStreet

RedDoor Gallery and FEAST 316 present ART of the FEAST on February 22 from 2–6 p.m. in downtown Camas, featuring curated wines, charcuterie, appetizers, and original fine art by RedDoor Gallery artists, with tickets priced at $28 per person. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/see-works-created-by-the-artists-of-reddoor-gallery-exclusively-for-art-of-the-feast-event/ #CamasWA #RedDoorGallery #Feast316 #ArtOfTheFeast #DowntownCamas #FineArt #WineTasting #ClarkCountyEvents

Letter to the editor from Brad Benton announcing his candidacy for Clark County Council District 5, highlighting priorities including affordability, opposition to tax increases, transportation policy, Light Rail, public safety, and his role as a Clark County Charter Review Commissioner. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-brad-benton-announces-candidacy-for-county-council-district-5/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #BradBenton #CountyCouncil #District5 #Transportation #PublicSafety

Opinion column by Doug Dahl with The Wise Drive explores oversized tires that extend beyond fenders, the legal requirements for tire coverage, and how frequency illusion influences what drivers think they see on the road, including distracted driving data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-oversized-tires-and-the-frequency-illusion/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #TrafficSafety #OversizedTires #DougDahl #TheWiseDrive #Transportation

Clark County is accepting applications to fill a low-income representative position from the fourth district on the Community Action Advisory Board, a 15-member volunteer board that makes recommendations on funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs; the three-year term runs through Dec. 31, 2028, and applications are due March 13. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-14/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityActionAdvisoryBoard #VancouverWA #LocalGovernment #HousingPrograms #BasicNeeds #VolunteerBoard

A packed meeting at Cascade Park Community Library drew supporters and critics of new language in the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Strategic Plan, with public comment focusing on intellectual freedom, parental rights, equitable access, and calls for the Clark County Council to receive an update from library leadership. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/passionate-arguments-made-before-fort-vancouver-regional-libraries-board-of-trustees/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyWA #FVRL #LibraryBoard #PublicComment #StrategicPlan #LocalPolitics

The Center Square Washington reports that the Estate of Paul G. Allen has begun a formal sale process for the Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks, with investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins leading a process expected to continue through the 2026 off-season and analysts projecting a potential record-breaking sale price. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/seattle-seahawks-officially-up-for-sale/ #SeattleSeahawks #NFL #SuperBowlLX #WashingtonState #PaulAllen #SportsBusiness

Washington State Standard reports on growing tension between Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democratic lawmakers over how to spend revenue from the proposed 9.9% income tax on adjusted gross household income above $1 million, including debates over small business tax relief, sales tax holidays and the Working Families Tax Credit. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/tension-rising-over-how-to-spend-revenue-from-proposed-wa-income-tax/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #BobFerguson #SB6346 #StateBudget #TaxRelief #Politics

Opinion column by Elizabeth New with Washington Policy Center examines Senate Bill 6346, the proposed 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, the Senate's 27-22 vote, and the constitutional and legal questions that could follow if the House of Representatives approves it. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-senate-shenanigans-income-tax-debate-double-standards/ #WashingtonState #SB6346 #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ElizabethNew #TaxDebate #StateLegislature #Opinion

Battle Ground Public Schools is now accepting applications for its alternative learning and specialty programs for the 2026-27 school year, including Battle Ground Virtual Academy, CASEE, CAM Academy, Open Doors, River HomeLink and Summit View High School, with varying deadlines and enrollment requirements. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/battle-ground-public-schools-opens-2026-27-enrollment-for-alternative-specialty-programs-and-schools/ #BattleGroundWA #ClarkCountyWA #BattleGroundSchools #AlternativeLearning #SouthwestWashington

Clark County Sheriff's Office deputies responded at 2:47 p.m. Feb. 17 to an assault with a weapon at Heritage High School in Vancouver, where a 15-year-old student was stabbed in a bathroom and the suspect was taken into custody and booked into Juvenile Detention Hall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ccso-responds-to-assault-at-heritage-high-school/ #ClarkCountyWA #VancouverWA #CCSO #HeritageHighSchool #SchoolSafety

Vancouver Fire Department crews responded at 9:14 p.m. Feb. 17 to a cargo hold fire aboard a 656-foot break bulk carrier at the Port of Vancouver, working alongside the ship's crew and regional partners to stabilize the blaze in under four hours with no reported injuries. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/shipboard-fire-response-at-port-of-vancouver/ #VancouverWA #PortOfVancouver #VancouverFire #ShipboardFire #ColumbiaRiver #ClarkCountyWA

Senate Bill 5973, which would have added new restrictions on paying signature gatherers and required 1,000 signatures at filing, failed to advance in the Washington Legislature after drawing opposition from Let's Go Washington and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/foes-called-it-the-initiative-killer-now-its-dead-in-the-wa-legislature/ #WashingtonState #Politics #InitiativeProcess #LetsGoWashington #StateLegislature #WAStateStandard

In this letter to the editor, Washougal resident Mike Johnson argues that a proposed Clark County Council resolution condemns federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and urges support for federal immigration laws. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-intent-of-the-proposed-county-council-resolution-appears-to-be-a-general-condemnation-of-our-federal-immigration-enforcement-officers/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Washougal #ICE #ImmigrationPolicy #LetterToTheEditor

The Washington State House approved House Bill 2034 to terminate LEOFF 1, create a new plan and transfer $4.5 billion, prompting sharp criticism from House Republicans and warnings from the LEOFF 1 Coalition about future pension impacts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-house-bill-raids-billions-from-pension-plan-while-lawmakers-also-pass-record-tax-hikes/ #WashingtonState #Politics #LEOFF1 #HouseBill2034 #StatePensions #TheCenterSquare

Prairie High School in Brush Prairie will present Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, the Tony Award-winning stage adaptation, with performances from Feb. 27 through March 7 and tickets currently on sale. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/prairie-high-school-presents-roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical/ #BrushPrairie #PrairieHighSchool #MatildaTheMusical #BattleGroundSchoolDistrict #HighSchoolTheater #YouthArts

Clark County's Joint Lobby at the Public Service Center in Vancouver will close March 9 through June 2026 for safety and customer service upgrades, with property taxes still due April 30 and alternative payment options available. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-joint-lobby-closing-march-9-to-june-for-remodeling-project/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #PropertyTaxes #PublicServiceCenter #TreasurersOffice #LocalGovernment

Nancy Churchill outlines her concerns about a Department of Ecology lawsuit in Whatcom County Superior Court and House Bill 2544, arguing that private well owners in Washington state face reductions in water rights and expanded state control. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ecologys-war-on-private-wells/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #WaterRights #PrivateWells #DepartmentOfEcology #POWWRA #HouseBill2544

After hours of heated debate, the Washington Senate passed Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax on personal income over $1 million, with amendments on diapers, the marriage penalty, and constitutional changes rejected before a 27-22 final vote. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-income-tax-bill-passes-wa-senate-after-hours-of-heated-debate/ #WashingtonState #SB6346 #MillionairesTax #WALegislature #JohnBraun #IncomeTax #StatePolitics

This letter to the editor from Rob Anderson and a concerned Ridgefield parent details alleged redaction failures by Ridgefield School District in public records releases connected to a Ridgefield High School cheer coach investigation, raising concerns about student privacy and accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-after-ignoring-the-students-ridgefield-school-district-outed-them/ #Opinion #Ridgefield #RidgefieldSchoolDistrict #StudentPrivacy #PublicRecords #ClarkCounty

Washington state lawmakers received updated revenue projections showing an $827 million increase in the current two-year budget, as budget writers work to finalize a supplemental plan amid debate over income taxes, estate taxes, and other fiscal changes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/absolutely-good-news-wa-financial-outlook-brightens-as-budget-talks-heat-up/ #WashingtonState #BudgetForecast #BobFerguson #JuneRobinson #IncomeTax #EstateTax #SupplementalBudget

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center writes that recent discussion around Senate Bill 6347 and other tax proposals signals concern over high-net-worth individuals and businesses leaving Washington state amid cumulative tax burdens including estate, capital gains, and payroll taxes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-signal-retreat-on-the-death-tax-as-exodus-fears-mount/ #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #DeathTax #MillionairesTax #EstateTax #SmallBusiness #WashingtonState

Jackson Bumala, a 14-year-old middle school student from Vancouver, recently served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives with sponsorship from Rep. John Ley, attending Legislative Page School and assisting with daily duties during his week in Olympia. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-middle-school-student-joins-rep-john-ley-in-olympia-as-a-house-page/ #JohnLey #JacksonBumala #HousePageProgram #WashingtonLegislature #ClarkCounty #YouthInGovernment #18thLegislativeDistrict

The Washington State House has approved House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, updating Washington's alcohol warehousing statutes to allow licensed warehouses to store and handle beer under the same framework used for wine and spirits, a change aimed at improving efficiency and flexibility for breweries and other producers statewide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/pro-business-bipartisan-legislation-from-rep-stephanie-mcclintock-receives-house-approval/ #StephanieMcClintock #HB2207 #WashingtonLegislature #CraftBrewing #SmallBusiness #AlcoholPolicy #WashingtonState

The Washington State House has passed House Bill 2605, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, updating regulations on naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in construction products such as aggregates, asphalt, and concrete, with supporters saying the change will help manage construction costs and support infrastructure and housing projects statewide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislation-from-rep-john-ley-to-support-construction-and-infrastructure-projects-in-washington-is-passed-by-the-house/ #JohnLey #HB2605 #WashingtonLegislature #ConstructionPolicy #Infrastructure #HousingCosts #AsbestosLaw #SupplyChain

Sally Snyder of Vancouver details disruptive and alarming behavior she says she witnessed during the Feb. 11 Clark County Council meeting, raising concerns about public safety, enforcement of council rules, and the decision to place an ICE Resolution on the agenda. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-as-a-lifetime-resident-of-clark-county-i-am-disturbed-regarding-what-i-witnessed/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyCouncil #SueMarshall #ICEResolution #LetterToTheEditor #PublicSafety #Opinion

Ethan Harris of Camas and Brooklynn Haywood of Union are chasing state titles in their final high school seasons, with bi-district wins already secured and more playoff games ahead as both prepare to move on to the Big Ten at Iowa and Oregon. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/camas-union-senior-stars-ready-for-playoff-push-in-their-final-high-school-basketball-seasons/ #CamasPapermakers #UnionTitans #HighSchoolBasketball #Class4A #StateTournament #ClarkCountySports

Anna Miller, a Clark County resident and taxpayer, questions why the Clark County Council is spending time on a resolution regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing that law enforcement operations fall under the independently elected Sheriff and outlining what she believes should be the council's true responsibilities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-are-we-being-punked/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #ClarkCountyCouncil #ICE #LocalGovernment #LetterToTheEditor

The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into the Puyallup School District over its handling of a sexual assault allegation by 16-year-old wrestler Kallie Keeler following a Dec. 6, 2025 match, with parallel inquiries confirmed by Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank and district officials. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/u-s-ed-dept-investigates-puyallup-wrestlers-sexual-assault-allegation-by-trans-athlete/ #WashingtonState #TitleIX #Puyallup #EducationNews #SexualAssault #TheCenterSquare

This letter to the editor from Debra Kalz of Vancouver argues that the Clark County Council should not issue immigration-related resolutions, contends that people who enter illegally must face consequences under existing laws, and emphasizes the importance of following or formally changing immigration statutes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-people-who-have-entered-illegally-must-face-the-consequences-of-their-actions/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #LetterToTheEditor #ImmigrationLaws #Opinion #CountyCouncil

The Enspire Extravaganza returns to the Joyce Garver Theater in Camas on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., featuring more than 150 local artists, guest performances by Clay Giberson, Owen Kortz, Zachary Lenox, and the world premiere of Nicole Buetti's The Dreamer's Potential while supporting Enspire Arts youth scholarships and arts outreach. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/the-enspire-extravaganza-advancing-art-and-community-engagement-for-a-brighter-future/ #ClarkCounty #Camas #EnspireArts #YouthArts #ArtsEducation #LivePerformance #JoyceGarverTheater #CommunityEvents

Neighbors for a Better Crossing released a five-page summary challenging the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program's seismic claims and financial assumptions, promoting reuse and seismic retrofits of the existing Interstate Bridge paired with an immersed tunnel alternative they say would reduce congestion and cost billions less. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibrs-systematic-disinformation-campaign-its-demise/ #PacificNorthwest #IBR #InterstateBridge #Transportation #ColumbiaRiver #Opinion

This letter to the editor from Kimberlee Goheen Elbon of La Center recounts recent Clark County Council meetings on immigration enforcement, describes public comment incidents and council votes, and urges residents to review agendas and stand up against what she calls a self-proclaimed sanctuary County Council. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-our-forefathers-warned-us-to-assemble-when-government-rules-over-we-the-people/ #ClarkCounty #LetterToTheEditor #ImmigrationEnforcement #CountyCouncil #PublicComment #Opinion

The Washington State House unanimously passed House Bill 2531 from Rep. David Stuebe to update the ambulance quality assurance fee program, increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for emergency transports, and maintain federal compliance without relying on the state general fund. The measure now moves to the Senate. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislation-from-rep-david-stuebe-to-strengthen-medicaid-support-for-emergency-ambulance-services-receives-full-support-from-the-house/ #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #DavidStuebe #HB2531 #Medicaid #EmergencyServices

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance calls recent Clark County Council meetings an embarrassment to the community, criticizing meeting decorum, a protest stunt during public comment, and Chair Sue Marshall's leadership while urging increased security and stronger enforcement of rules. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-county-council-meetings-have-become-an-embarrassment-to-our-community/ #ClarkCounty #CountyCouncil #SueMarshall #PublicSafety #Opinion #LocalPolitics

In this week's newsletter: A divided council vote on immigration-related language, C-TRAN's action on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program SEIS, Battle Ground and Washougal levy results, and opinion on Senate Bill 6346 and the I-5 Bridge highlight a week spanning politics, education, transportation, business, and community life. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_february_13_2026 #ClarkCounty #InterstateBridgeReplacement #SchoolLevies #CTran #WashingtonPolitics #CommunityNews

The Clark County Council voted 3-2 to move forward with a modified resolution addressing federal immigration enforcement, following intense public comment and debate over jurisdiction, racial profiling language and support for local law enforcement. The resolution is expected to be read Feb. 17. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-did-the-councils-debate-and-resolution-help-unite-or-divide-the-community/ #ClarkCountyWA #ICE #CountyCouncil #PublicComment #LocalGovernment

The Washington State Senate approved Senate Bill 5974 to impose stricter eligibility standards on sheriffs and police chiefs and restrict volunteer posses, advancing the legislation to the House after party-line debate. This report was first published by the Washington State Standard. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/stricter-standards-for-wa-sheriffs-approved-in-state-senate/ #WashingtonState #WALeg #SB5974 #Sheriffs #PoliceAccountability #WashingtonStateStandard

Journey Theater will present A Year with Frog and Toad at Manor Evangelical Church in Battle Ground, with performances scheduled from Feb. 19 through Feb. 28 featuring local youth performers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/journey-theater-presents-a-year-with-frog-and-toad/ #BattleGround #VancouverWA #JourneyTheater #YouthTheater #ClarkCountyWA #FrogAndToad

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center warns that SB 5292 could set the stage for higher Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll taxes by changing the rate-setting formula and adding new reserve requirements. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-sb-5292-pfml-tax-bill-looks-like-a-trap/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PFML #SB5292 #WashingtonState #PayrollTax

Clark County Manager Kathleen Otto has appointed April Furth as deputy county manager, with Furth returning to Clark County after serving in Chattanooga and previously leading Community Development and the Permit Center. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-manager-appoints-april-furth-as-deputy-county-manager/ #ClarkCountyWA #VancouverWA #LocalGovernment #AprilFurth #KathleenOtto

In this opinion column, Rep. John Ley provides a legislative update on Senate Bill 6346 and a proposed state income tax, developments in the Interstate-5 Bridge Replacement Program, efforts to open the Brockmann Campus, and House Bill 2605 on fibrous silicate materials. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-is-a-state-income-tax-coming-and-the-latest-on-the-i-5-bridge-project/ #Opinion #JohnLey #WashingtonState #I5Bridge #StateIncomeTax #ClarkCountyWA

WSU Vancouver is hosting four free A – Z of Paying for College workshops this spring, offering guidance on grants, scholarships, savings, loans and required financial aid forms, with sessions scheduled from Feb. 24 through May 20. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsu-vancouver-offers-public-workshop-on-how-to-pay-for-college-8/ #WSUVancouver #ClarkCountyWA #FinancialAid #Scholarships #CollegePlanning #SouthwestWashington