Clark County Today News

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

This week's Clark County Today newsletter highlights storm impacts and power restoration across the county, renewed debate over the I-5 Bridge replacement, community tributes, transportation-focused opinions, and Santa's Posse delivering holiday help to 1,500 families. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_december_19_2025 #ClarkCounty #Transportation #CommunityNews #I5Bridge #PublicSafety #LocalNews

In this opinion column, Rep. John Ley outlines his criticism of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, arguing that the proposal is unaffordable, widely unpreferred, and unsupported by updated cost estimates while raising concerns about congestion, tolling, light rail, and marine clearance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-unpreferred-and-unaffordable-interstate-bridge-replacement-proposal/ #I5Bridge #IBRProgram #TransportationPolicy #PublicSpending #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Washington #Oregon

This week's poll focuses on the future of the I-5 Bridge replacement as lawmakers continue to face rising costs, unresolved design questions, and funding uncertainty tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-if-project-costs-continue-to-rise-what-should-lawmakers-do-with-the-i-5-bridge-replacement-plan/ #I5Bridge #IBRProgram #TransportationPolicy #ClarkCounty #Washington #Oregon #Opinion

Clark County reflects on the life and legacy of NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, a Camas High School graduate whose post-racing years were defined by large-scale humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts before his death in a plane crash with his family. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/clark-county-mourns-loss-of-hometown-hero-and-humanitarian-greg-biffle/ #GregBiffle #NASCAR #ClarkCounty #Camas #Humanitarian #Motorsports

In this opinion column, Joe Cortright details repeated delays, conflicting testimony, and shifting explanations from Interstate Bridge Replacement officials over the project's long-awaited updated cost estimate, which he argues is being withheld as costs climb toward the $9–$10 billion range. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-still-holding-and-lying-about-coming-billions-in-cost-overruns/ #IBR #I5Bridge #TransportationPolicy #CostOverruns #PacificNorthwest #Infrastructure #Opinion

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) outlines how Senate Bill 5041 could lead to unemployment insurance overpayments for striking workers and added strain on Washington's UI fund, calling for clear disclosure at the point of application. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-another-problem-with-strike-pay-from-the-ui-fund-potential-double-dipping-overpayments/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #UnemploymentInsurance #SB5041 #WashingtonState #LaborPolicy

Vancouver firefighters wrapped up their second annual toy drive by delivering more than 650 donated toys to students at six elementary schools, highlighting community generosity and partnerships with local fire crews and schools. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-firefighters-spread-christmas-cheer-through-2nd-annual-toy-drive/ #Vancouver #VancouverFire #ToyDrive #CommunitySupport #HolidayGiving #EvergreenSchools

Vancouver fire crews and a Port of Portland rescue boat responded to an emergency on the Columbia River after a man jumped from the I-205 Bridge and was pulled from the water and transported for medical care. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/person-rescued-after-jumping-from-i-205-bridge/ #Vancouver #I205Bridge #WaterRescue #VancouverFire #EmergencyResponse #ColumbiaRiver

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to impact Southwest Washington as officials monitor power restoration, flood risks, and wind advisories through Thursday night. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/weather-update-heavy-rains-and-strong-wind-gusts-expected-for-the-rest-of-thursday/ #ClarkCounty #WeatherUpdate #WindAdvisory #FloodRisk #PublicUtilities #NationalWeatherService

Bonneville Power Administration is responding to more than 40 transmission outages after extreme weather brought strong winds and saturated soils across the Northwest, impacting lower-voltage lines and multiple communities in Oregon and southwestern Washington as crews work to identify causes and restore service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/bpa-responding-to-widespread-weather-related-outages/ #BonnevillePowerAdministration #PowerOutages #SevereWeather #ElectricGrid #PacificNorthwest #ClarkCounty

In this letter to the editor, engineer Rick Vermeers outlines why he believes the Interstate Bridge Replacement project is failing under expanding scope, escalating costs, and timeline risks, and urges leaders to remove light rail to salvage a more affordable bridge plan. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-a-call-for-competent-interstate-bridge-project-management/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #I5Bridge #LightRail #TriMet #ClarkCounty #Transportation

CRESA officials are reminding the public that 911 should be used only for life-threatening emergencies during weather events, as power outages and storm conditions continue to impact the region and emergency call volume increases. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/cresa-officials-ask-public-to-call-911-only-for-emergencies-during-weather-events/ #CRESA #EmergencyServices #WeatherAlert #PowerOutages #ClarkCounty

Rep. John Ley has introduced House Bill 2143, a measure aimed at changing state law governing representation on transportation boards by limiting population-based seat allocation and removing WSDOT's ability to withhold funding over board composition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-introduces-bill-to-balance-representation-on-washington-transportation-boards/ #WashingtonState #StateLegislature #TransportationPolicy #CTRAN #HouseBill2143

A Woodland man is in custody after Cowlitz County deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances and located a deceased man hidden on the suspect's property, leading to charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/woodland-man-arrested-charged-with-murder/ #Woodland #CowlitzCounty #MurderInvestigation #SheriffsOffice #CrimeNews

A severe windstorm swept across Clark County, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers, closing roads, and forcing school districts across the region to cancel classes as crews worked to clear debris and restore service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wild-windstorm-knocks-out-power-closes-roads-and-cancels-school-throughout-clark-county/ #ClarkCounty #Windstorm #PowerOutages #SchoolClosures #DownedTrees #SouthwestWashington #WeatherAlert

Scientists say the Pacific Northwest just recorded its warmest fall on record, with unusually warm storms and rain limiting snowpack that many communities rely on during dry summer months, raising concerns about drought conditions heading into the year ahead. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/northwest-just-finished-warmest-fall-on-record-scientists-report/ #PacificNorthwest #Climate #Snowpack #Drought #NOAA #WeatherTrends

Elizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington lawmakers for responding to health care challenges with repeated tax proposals rather than prioritizing spending restraint and cost containment, warning that new payroll and excise taxes could further strain the state's economy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-more-taxes-sadly-the-washington-way/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonTaxes #HealthCarePolicy #StateLegislature #FiscalPolicy

C-TRAN will provide free service across its entire system starting at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with several routes operating extended late-night hours into early Jan. 1, as part of a regional effort to support safe holiday travel. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-offering-free-service-extended-hours-this-new-years-eve-2/ #CTRAN #NewYearsEve #PublicTransit #ClarkCounty #Transportation #SafeTravel

Clark County Public Works is seeking applicants for three live-in volunteer park host positions for the 2026 season, with opportunities at Klineline Pond, Prairie Fields and Curtin Creek Community Park, and Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-public-works-is-seeking-three-new-live-in-volunteer-park-hosts-for-the-2026-season/ #ClarkCounty #Volunteer #CountyParks #PublicWorks #ParkHosts

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance critiques the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program after Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure amid continued delays in releasing updated cost estimates, unresolved design decisions, and ongoing concerns about light rail funding and project oversight. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-administrator-receives-generous-christmas-gift-on-his-way-out-the-door/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #IBR #Transportation #Infrastructure #ClarkCounty

The Christmas Ships Parade has entered its final week with six remaining nights in its 71st season, as more than 70 illuminated boats continue visiting shoreline locations along the Columbia and Willamette rivers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/christmas-ships-parade-enters-final-week-with-six-nights-of-holiday-magic-remaining/ #ChristmasShips #VancouverWA #HolidayEvents #PacificNorthwest #ColumbiaRiver #WillametteRiver