Clark County Today News

More than 127,000 Washington ballots were postmarked by Election Day yet counted after. A pending Supreme Court decision could end this practice, with party leaders and state officials clashing over election law, security, and voter access. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-vote-by-mail-rules-in-wa-at-risk-in-scotus-election-law-case/ #Washington #SCOTUS #ElectionLaw #VoteByMail #Politics

The federal halt to penny production left retailers in search of solutions. Washington's new law allows cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel, while card payments remain unaffected. Rep. April Berg led this policy response. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rounding-out-debate-gov-ferguson-signs-bill-addressing-retailers-penny-problem/ #Washington #penny #legislation #retail #BobFerguson #AprilBerg #Olympia #stategovernment #cash #economy

Sheri Sawyer from OFM supports a law ensuring state job applicants aren't denied opportunities over lacking postgraduate degrees unless legally required. Elizabeth New breaks down how this reform aids workforce mobility and retention in Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-state-is-rightly-emphasizing-experience-and-skills-not-degrees/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #PublicPolicy #SkillsBasedHiring #Workforce #WashingtonState #GovernmentReform

Idaho gained more than $1 billion and Washington lost $500 million in wealth as IRS data reveals Americans are relocating income. Chris Cargill of Mountain States Policy Center analyzes the policy factors driving these trends. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-wealth-migration-is-real-which-states-are-benefiting/ #Washington #Idaho #Montana #Wyoming #WealthMigration #Policy #Taxes #Opinion #ClarkCountyToday

WSDOT will close two eastbound lanes of SR 14 in Vancouver to repair guardrails, affecting traffic between mileposts 6.0 and 7.0. Morning travelers should expect delays and use real-time updates for planning. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-delays-on-sr-14-in-vancouver-for-guardrail-repairs-wednesday/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #Transportation #WSDOT #TrafficDelays #GuardrailRepair #SR14 #LaneClosures #RoadSafety #WashingtonState

Clark County Fire District 10 and multiple agencies responded to a deadly structure fire on NE Fargher Drive near Amboy. Two residents were rescued, but both succumbed to their injuries. This response was supported by new staffing enabled by the district's 2023 levy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/clark-county-fire-district-10-responds-to-fatal-structure-fire-on-ne-fargher-drive/ #ClarkCounty #Amboy #FireDistrict10 #FireMarshal #EmergencyResponse #StructureFire #PublicSafety #ClarkCountyNews

Lars Larson revisits election history and critiques vote by mail policies now debated before the Supreme Court, highlighting concerns over counting ballots after Election Day and partisan divisions. Supreme Court signals doubt over late ballot acceptance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-voting-with-the-democrat-party-back-to-the-future/ #PacificNorthwest #LarsLarson #SupremeCourt #Elections #Opinion #VoteByMail #ElectionLaw #NorthwestNonsense #Columns #DemocratParty

Applicants from Districts 2 and 4 can join Clark County's Community Action Advisory Board, which guides funding for basic needs, housing, and self-sufficiency programs. The county encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-two-positions-on-community-action-advisory-board/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityAction #LocalGovernment #Housing #Volunteer #Diversity #BoardService #CommunityNews #CivicEngagement

U.S. District Judge Tiffany Cartwright ruled that the Clark County Council acted within its authority when it removed Michelle Belkot from the C-TRAN board, rejecting claims of OPMA violations and rights infringements. The ruling centers on agenda language and council powers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/michelle-belkot-fired-up-over-judges-decision-to-dismiss-her-case-against-clark-county-council/ #ClarkCounty #MichelleBelkot #CTRAN #OPMA #LightRail #LocalPolitics #Vancouver #Government #BoardRemoval #PublicMeetings

More than a dozen teens from The Foundation joined residents at Vancouver's city hall for a forum where pre-planned questions encouraged candid discussions with councilors. Topics included civic engagement, city events, transportation barriers, and ways to build deeper connections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-leaders-appreciate-the-feedback-at-mondays-community-forum/ #VancouverWA #CommunityEngagement #CityCouncil #ClarkCounty #YouthVoices #CivicEvents #PublicForum

Anna Miller of Clark County Republican Women discusses the upcoming April 23 dinner, where members and guests will hear about setting clear boundaries in government. The event will focus on how unity and calm resilience can guide the community forward. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-stay-close-stay-informed-stay-the-course/ #ClarkCounty #RepublicanWomen #AnnaMiller #Community #Politics #LocalEvent #ClarkCountyToday

Anna Miller of Clark County Republican Women discusses the upcoming April 23 dinner, where members and guests will hear about setting clear boundaries in government. The event will focus on how unity and calm resilience can guide the community forward. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-stay-close-stay-informed-stay-the-course/ #ClarkCounty #RepublicanWomen #AnnaMiller #Community #Politics #LocalEvent #ClarkCountyToday

WSDOT crews will temporarily close westbound SR 14 at Camas's Exit 14 to collect samples from the Camas Slough Bridge deck, planning needed paving work for summer. Learn about detours and travel updates for Clark County infrastructure projects. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/overnight-closure-planned-on-westbound-sr-14-camas-slough-bridge-tuesday/ #ClarkCounty #Camas #Transportation #WSDOT #SR14 #Bridge #Roadwork #Traffic #Detour #Infrastructure

Deputy Bryson Layton used deadly force on Marc Fogle after a DUI arrest in Ridgefield. The Washington State OII has finished its independent review. Prosecutors now evaluate the findings to determine if charges are warranted. Details on the case, process, and report. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/oii-completes-investigation-of-clark-county-sheriffs-office-use-of-deadly-force/ #ClarkCounty #Ridgefield #OII #LawEnforcement #Prosecutor #UseOfForce #DUI #Washington #Investigation

Building Industry Association of Washington's Jan Himebaugh highlights a report showing that if Washington builds 20,000 more homes each year, it could create over $600M in new state revenue—partly replacing income tax proposals like SB 6346. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-can-accelerated-home-construction-replace-need-for-wa-income-tax/ #politics #WashingtonState #housing #taxpolicy #BIAW #SB6346 #TheCenterSquare #affordability #legislation #housingshortage

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson plans a private meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as the league considers opening bids for teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. Ownership costs, local tax concerns, and arena updates all play a role in Seattle's bid. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/wa-gov-ferguson-to-meet-with-nba-commissioner-as-hopes-rise-for-sonics-return/ #NBA #Seattle #Sonics #BobFerguson #AdamSilver #probasketball #Washington #NBAExpansion #SeattleKraken #sportsbusiness

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's move to Florida highlights concerns that Washington's new 9.9% income tax may drive wealthy donors out of state, limiting gifts to local nonprofits. Mark Harmsworth explains why a $100,000 deduction might not counteract the loss. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-will-the-income-tax-cause-a-drop-in-charitable-giving/ #Washington #IncomeTax #CharitableGiving #Policy #Nonprofits #Opinion #Migration #Philanthropy #EconomicPolicy #MarkHarmsworth

AAA Washington's John Bundy shares how spring maintenance—washing off winter grime, checking tire pressure, and inspecting wipers—keeps vehicles safe for travel. Members get free car inspections at approved auto repair shops statewide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/spring-car-care-tips-to-get-your-vehicle-road-trip-ready/ #carcare #ClarkCounty #AAA #springmaintenance #vehiclemaintenance #NAPA #roadtrip #GaynorsAutomotive #CarCareMonth

Washougal High School students pitched renewable energy plans and storage solutions to Clark Public Utilities experts, addressing future electricity needs, grid reliability, and state clean energy targets. Students debated trade-offs, modeled outcomes, and learned about utility management. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/washougal-high-school-students-pitch-energy-ideas-to-clark-pud/ #Washougal #ClarkCounty #EnergyEducation #StudentInnovation #CleanEnergy #PublicUtilities #STEM #OpenSciEd #YouthVoice

Doug Dahl uses a two-car turning example to break down Washington's intersection laws, stressing driver duty and details like lane choice and yielding on green. He highlights increased risk for left turns, urging readers to prevent accidents by following the law. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-stay-in-your-lane-seriously-its-the-law/ #WashingtonState #TrafficLaw #DougDahl #IntersectionSafety #RoadSafety #TurnSafely #DriverResponsibility #TheWiseDrive #TrafficSignal #RightOfWay

Clark County is recruiting a low-income representative for the Community Action Advisory Board. This volunteer panel makes funding recommendations for vital programs supporting low-income residents. Residents of District 4 are encouraged to apply, especially those from diverse backgrounds. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-15/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityAction #Housing #Diversity #LocalGovernment #VancouverWA #Inclusion #PublicService #Volunteer #BoardOpportunity

Gary Payton joins the Seattle SuperHawks coaching staff and faces Robert Pack and the undefeated Vancouver Bears in a headline USBL matchup at Fort Vancouver High School. Jontay Porter returns to pro basketball in this star-studded weekend doubleheader. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/plenty-of-nba-connections-expected-in-town-sunday-for-vancouver-bears-game/ #VancouverBears #SeattleSuperHawks #GaryPayton #USBL #ClarkCounty #NBA #RobertPack #JontayPorter #ProBasketball #LocalSports

John Ley and Stephanie McClintock will take questions from residents at Battle Ground City Hall, covering the 18th District session recap, new state income tax, and the $80 billion operating budget. Town hall is set for March 28, 10 a.m. Learn what's next for Clark County and Washington state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/18th-district-lawmakers-to-host-town-hall-meeting-on-saturday-march-28-in-battle-ground/ #ClarkCounty #BattleGround #WALeg #WashingtonState #TownHall #StateBudget #JohnLey #StephanieMcClintock #Politics #Community

Tim Stevens, Washington's top high school umpire, is working games in all 22 state associations during his final season. He aims to recruit younger officials, address the umpire shortage, and pass leadership to Mark Allen of EBUA. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/states-umpire-in-chief-goes-on-recruiting-trip-in-his-final-season-as-a-baseball-umpire/ #baseball #sports #Ridgefield #umpire #Washington #youthsports #leadership #recruitment #Vancouver #community

The Interstate Bridge Replacement's cost ballooned to $14.4 billion, with new warnings about earthquake risks and questions on funding. Joe Kent resigned over U.S.-Iran policy. Local heroes—from Jennifer English to Zander Earl—were recognized for service. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_march_20_2026 #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #InterstateBridge #JoeKent #BobFerguson #PublicSafety #Community #Opinion #FoodDrive #BattleGround

Gov. Bob Ferguson and Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle call the I-5 Bridge vulnerable to earthquakes yet tell drivers to keep using it. Clark County residents weigh in through a new poll as replacement plans tied to light rail spark debate. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-after-hearing-state-leaders-describe-the-i-5-bridge-as-vulnerable-in-an-earthquake-what-is-your-reaction/ #ClarkCounty #I5Bridge #Opinion #PublicInput #Infrastructure #Transportation #EarthquakeSafety

Rep. John Ley explains the impact of Washington's first state income tax, a record-high operating budget, and over $10 million in new capital projects for the 18th District. He also shares concerns about bridge costs and invites constituents to a March 28 town hall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-historical-state-income-tax-and-another-massive-operating-budget-highlight-the-end-of-the-2026-legislative-session/ #Washington #ClarkCounty #JohnLey #StateLegislature #StateIncomeTax #Budget #Infrastructure #BridgeReplacement #Opinion #Politics

Sen. John Braun foresees quick legal action once Gov. Ferguson signs SB 6346, imposing an income tax on those earning over $1 million. Chris Gildon warns of impacts on NBA prospects in Seattle. Get details on the law, potential court battles, and state tax policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-legal-challenges-certain-as-gov-ferguson-prepares-to-sign-new-income-tax/ #Washington #IncomeTax #SB6346 #SupremeCourt #NBA #Seattle #Business #Law #Politics #TheCenterSquare

Jennifer English earned top honors for a daring water rescue at Lacamas Lake, while Vancouver Fire awarded 36 recognitions for outstanding service and citizen courage. This episode explores how city employees and residents contributed to public safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-fire-department-honors-firefighters-community-members-at-annual-awards-ceremony/ #Vancouver #EmergencyServices #ClarkCounty #FirstResponders #WaterRescue #Community #Honors #Heroes

Officer Phil Anderson started a food pantry at Battle Ground High, now supported by community donations through “Cram the Cruiser.” Prairie High joined the effort, creating trusted spaces for students. Learn how these partnerships are making a difference. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/cram-the-cruiser-to-benefit-battle-ground-and-prairie-high-schools/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #SchoolSafety #FoodPantry #Community

The Washington Court of Appeals granted state legislators sweeping privilege to withhold internal records, heightening concerns from open government advocates like Mike Fancher and WashCOG over diminishing transparency. More than forty legislative bills threatened public access in the latest session. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fighting-for-transparency-in-washington-government/ #WashingtonState #OpenGovernment #Transparency #LegislativeRecords #PublicAccess #WashCOG #SunshineWeek #CourtRuling #Accountability #Opinion

A Lewis County court case led to lawmakers clarifying that “election” covers any general, primary, or special vote on the same day in Washington. Senate Bill 6084 aims to block double voting and preserve statewide ballot integrity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/new-washington-law-clarifies-what-is-an-election/ #Washington #Elections #VoterFraud #Legislation #BattleGround #DoubleVoting #WashingtonLaw #SenAdrianCortes #SteveHobbs #BobFerguson

Ryan Frost names legislative actions he argues erode local accountability and public input, including a millionaire income tax with referendum restrictions, removal of elected sheriffs by unelected boards, expanded AG subpoena powers, and pension fund shifts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-attacking-democracy-in-the-name-of-democracy/ #WashingtonState #Olympia #Legislature #Opinion #PublicPolicy #RyanFrost #Democracy #Pensions #AttorneyGeneral

Amy Drews, Doug Kabel, Gesine Kratzner, and Levent Karayalım have joined Gallery 408 in Camas, expanding its range with abstract paintings, expressive sculpture, and mixed-media works. Their art now adds new energy and diversity to the gallery's exhibits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/gallery-408-announces-four-new-artists/ #Camas #Gallery408 #contemporaryart #artists #PacificNorthwest #artscene #painting #sculpture #mixedmedia

Lawmakers face a $14.4B estimate for the I-5 bridge overhaul between Oregon and Washington, with key upgrades postponed and new tolls planned. Gov. Bob Ferguson, Tina Kotek, and critics like John Ley debate risk, funding, and timelines. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-and-or-scale-back-i-5-bridge-ambitions-as-cost-balloons/ #bridge #Washington #Oregon #infrastructure #ColumbiaRiver #transportation #publictransit #politics #federalfunding #construction

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen led passage of Washington's new income tax, intended to fund schools, but the same lawmakers soon cut over $1 billion from education and ignored $700M in available federal aid. Clark County Today examines the full consequences. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-passed-an-income-tax-to-fund-education-then-the-same-majority-cut-education-and-left-700-million-on-the-table/ #Washington #legislature #education #schoolfunding #taxes #opinion #Politics #budget #scholarships #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Ozzie Gonzalez, a Camas resident, details his experience working with Joe Kent and his reasons for supporting Kent's principled resignation. The letter covers military service, American foreign policy, and reflections on recent conflicts in the Middle East. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-in-defense-of-joe-kent-a-war-hero/ #ClarkCounty #JoeKent #Opinion #ForeignPolicy #Military #MiddleEast #Iran #Resignation #Israel #LetterToTheEditor

Democrats hold every lever in Olympia, but Nancy Churchill spotlighted how a rush of bills—income tax grabs, sheriff powers, and agency expansions—are fueling growing grassroots backlash. Rural and independent voters see the frenzy as overreach. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-majority-party-is-panicking/ #WashingtonPolitics #Olympia #NancyChurchill #Opinion #Trump #WashingtonState #Democrats #OlympiaControl #Grassroots #LocalElections

Thomas Schenk from Amboy challenges Gov. Bob Ferguson's remarks on the I-5 Bridge, calls out Democrat policies on taxes and light rail, and urges stronger Republican turnout in Washington politics. The letter questions both legislative actions and voter participation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-now-we-have-engineer-bob-telling-us-the-i-5-bridge-needs-replacing-because-it-is-built-on-shifting-sand-with-wooden-structures/ #ClarkCounty #Opinion #WashingtonPolitics #I5Bridge #TaxPolicy #Olympia #VoterTurnout #BobFerguson #Republicans #Democrats

Thirty-six high school teams, including champions Lake Washington and Mount Vernon, gather for the Baseballism Kickoff Classic in Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield. Local diamonds will host 12 brackets honoring pro players from the region and offer free admission. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/clark-county-baseball-presents-baseballism-kickoff-this-week-with-action-all-over-the-region/ #ClarkCounty #Baseball #YouthSports #VancouverWA #CamasWA #RidgefieldWA

Gov. Bob Ferguson said the I-5 Bridge is at risk of collapse in an earthquake because timber support piles sit in loose sand, while Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle likened the structure to “pretzels in chocolate pudding.” Even so, both insisted there is no immediate danger to the roughly 140,000 vehicles that cross the bridge each day as officials continue pushing a costly replacement plan that includes light rail despite ongoing opposition in Clark County.https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/the-i-5-bridge-is-vulnerable-to-collapse-but-apparently-not-that-vulnerable/ #ClarkCounty #I5Bridge #Vancouver #Transportation #Politics #Washington #LightRail #News #Infrastructure #Oregon

Vancouver Police are searching for a van driver who struck a woman in a crosswalk at C Street and Evergreen Blvd, briefly assisted her, and then fled. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male; investigators released footage of the vehicle. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-seek-assistance-from-the-public-to-locate-hit-and-run-driver/ #Vancouver #Police #HitAndRun #PublicSafety #ClarkCountyToday #Crime #Incident #Community #Investigation #FordVan

Vancouver City Council's upcoming community forum will invite residents to discuss connections, barriers, and ideas to improve belonging and opportunity. Attendees can share perspectives and help shape the city's inclusive future. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-to-host-community-forum-on-belonging-march-23/ #Vancouver #CommunityForum #Belonging #LocalGov #ClarkCounty #Events #Inclusion #PublicEngagement

Twelve retired band directors will serve as Grand Marshals when Hazel Dell welcomes back its annual Parade of Bands. With 120 entries and 25 marching bands, organizers expect a crowd of up to 20,000 along the new route. Details on registration, traffic, and what to expect. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/60th-annual-hazel-dell-parade-of-bands-returns-this-may/ #HazelDell #ClarkCounty #ParadeOfBands #CommunityEvent #MarchingBands #GrandMarshals #LocalTradition #YouthPrograms #SalmonCreek #FamilyFriendly

Rye Dilley and other students in Battle Ground started Youth4PS to amplify student perspectives in funding and policy decisions. Their independent group aims to foster understanding between students, voters, and the district. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/battle-ground-students-launch-youth-led-group-to-elevate-student-voices-in-school-funding-conversations/ #BattleGround #Youth4PS #StudentVoices #PublicEducation #SchoolFunding #EducationPolicy #ClarkCounty #Washington #YouthAdvocacy

Gov. Bob Ferguson unveiled a steep $14.4 billion price for the I-5 Bridge replacement, sparking editor Ken Vance's concern over light rail costs, funding shortfalls, lack of congestion relief, and state transparency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-this-is-not-the-best-and-most-efficient-use-of-the-taxpayers-funds/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #I5Bridge #Transportation #Opinion #KenVance #LightRail #TaxpayerFunds #BridgeReplacement #Washington

Governor Bob Ferguson pledges a new Vancouver-Portland bridge with light rail despite a $14.4 billion full project estimate. He says the first phase will cost $7.65 billion, targeting a 2028 construction start and federal funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/cost-for-ibrs-total-project-most-likely-to-be-14-4-billion/ #Vancouver #IBR #Politics #LightRail #Oregon #Portland #Washington #Infrastructure

Firefighters evacuated about 20 homes near NE 60th Avenue in Vancouver after workers struck a 2-inch natural gas line. Responders isolated the area, monitored air, and coordinated with C-TRAN and Northwest Natural Gas. All residents have returned home. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/natural-gas-leak-forces-evacuation-in-restricted-area-in-vancouver/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #EmergencyResponse #NaturalGas #VancouverFire #CTNews #PublicSafety #CTRAN #NorthwestNaturalGas #Evacuation

A major industrial project left Longview for the Gulf of America, with energy uncertainty cited as the deciding factor. Mayor Erik Halvorson argues Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act is costing jobs and urges leaders to support natural gas as a critical bridge. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-dont-leave-longview-in-the-dark/ #Longview #CleanEnergy #NaturalGas #WashingtonState #EnergyPolicy #EconomicDevelopment #SmallModularReactors #Manufacturing #PortOfLongview #Opinion

Lisa White, with over 20 years of finance experience and a background in nonprofit service, joins OnPoint Community Credit Union as its new CFO. She succeeds Jim Hunt, who led the credit union through major expansion and growth. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/onpoint-community-credit-union-welcomes-lisa-white-as-cfo/ #ClarkCounty #OnPointCommunityCreditUnion #Banking #Leadership #Oregon #CFO #CreditUnions #FinancialStrategy #Nonprofit #GirlsOnTheRun

Zander Earl, an AP student and athlete at Ridgefield High, will serve as youth ambassador to central Mexico through the Greater Clark County Rotary Club. He'll study, volunteer, and live with host families, while local clubs seek new applicants for future exchanges. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/ridgefield-student-to-serve-as-rotary-clubs-youth-ambassador-to-central-mexico/ #Ridgefield #Rotary #YouthExchange #ClarkCounty #StudentAmbassador #Mexico #RotaryClub #HostFamily #Education #Leadership