Clark County Today News

River HomeLink theater students in Battle Ground are preparing Descendants: The Musical while balancing limited rehearsal days, no dedicated stage, and an atypical school schedule, supported by director Sandy Sparks and dedicated parents who help the department thrive. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/theater-students-overcome-challenges-for-the-love-of-their-art-at-river-homelink/ #BattleGround #Vancouver #Theater #People #RiverHomeLink #DescendantsTheMusical #PerformingArts #CommunitySupport #StudentLife

Tix for Tots will host a free Dec. 20 Nativity performance in Battle Ground featuring local performers, treats, a raffle, and collection drives supporting Church in the Streets and Love in Action, all tied to the nonprofit’s mission of helping local youth. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/tix-for-tots-hosting-original-nativity-performance/ #ClarkCounty #BattleGround #Youth #CommunityEvent #Nativity #TixForTots #HomelessOutreach #LoveInAction #HolidayEvent #SupportLocal

Doug Dahl explains how Washington law guides drivers making simultaneous left turns, noting that the correct approach is turning to the left of the intersection’s center while acknowledging how easily driving rules can be misremembered. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-simultaneous-left-turns/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #DrivingRules #TrafficSafety #LeftTurns #Intersections #TargetZero #WashingtonLaw

This opinion from Let’s Go Washington details a leaked Washington Education Association meeting about opposing LGW’s initiatives, raising sharp questions about girls’ sports fairness, school transparency with parents, and the union’s funding and internal communications. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wea-secret-meeting-about-opposing-the-initiatives-gets-leaked/ #WashingtonState #WEA #LetsGoWashington #GirlsSports #ParentalRights

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his upcoming budget proposal will rely on spending cuts rather than tax increases to address a multi-billion dollar shortfall. He emphasized vetoing any sales or property tax hikes and highlighted the challenges of further budget reductions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-gov-bob-ferguson-says-his-budget-will-rely-on-cuts-not-taxes-to-balance/ #WashingtonState #Budget2026 #TaxPolicy

Battle Ground introduces eReview, a paperless electronic plan review system that allows customers to submit permits and applications online, track progress in real time, and communicate with city staff, enhancing convenience and efficiency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-implements-electronic-plan-review/ #BattleGround #eReview #CityServices

State Rep. Peter Abbarno visited the YWCA Clark County domestic violence shelter to learn about housing and service gaps for survivors. He called for increased legislative support for shelter expansion and restoring financial accountability for offenders under House Bill 1169. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-peter-abbarno-tours-ywca-clark-county-domestic-violence-shelter-calls-for-stronger-support-services-and-accountability-for-offenders/ #ClarkCounty #DomesticViolence #Legislation

The Clark County Council adopted the 2026 budget including a 1 percent property tax increase across multiple funds to maintain services despite rising costs. Councilors discussed fiscal challenges, electric vehicle tax impacts, and strategic financial planning. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-votes-to-increase-property-tax-by-1-percent/ #ClarkCounty #PropertyTax #Budget2026

Nancy Churchill, writer and educator from rural Washington, shares practical steps for citizens to influence the 2026 legislative session from home, emphasizing committee advocacy, focused engagement, and positive communication. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-kitchen-table-advocacy-influence-the-legislature-from-home/ #WashingtonState #Advocacy #Opinion

Paul Guppy of the Washington Policy Center clarifies common misconceptions about property taxes in Washington state, explaining how elected officials set tax amounts and the role of county assessors, and calls for accountability to restore trust and fiscal responsibility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-elected-officials-raise-your-property-taxes-dont-blame-the-assessor/ #WashingtonState #PropertyTax #Opinion

Clark County Public Works is sharing detailed tips for how residents should safely handle holiday waste, from batteries and electronics to block foam, plastic packaging and string lights, and is directing people to the RecycleRight app, RecyclingA-Z.com and local transfer stations for proper disposal options. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-works-offers-tips-for-properly-managing-holiday-waste/ #ClarkCounty #HolidayWaste #Recycling

Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has created the Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award to honor the legacy of longtime city recreation leader Dave Miletich, naming youth basketball coach Karon Lewis as the first recipient for the 2024–2025 season for his impact on young athletes and community spirit. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/city-of-vancouver-honors-first-recipient-of-new-dave-miletich-volunteer-coach-of-the-year-award/ #VancouverWA #YouthSports #VolunteerCoaches

Clark County Jail Services is asking residents to weigh in on proposed updates to its Keep Washington Working policy, a state-mandated framework meant to protect the privacy of all Washingtonians in local jails, with public comments due by noon on Dec. 10. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/jail-services-seeks-public-comment-on-updates-to-keep-washington-working-policy/ #ClarkCounty #JailServices #KeepWashingtonWorking

Clark Public Utilities commissioners have approved 2026 budgets for the utility’s electric, generating and water systems, keeping electric rates unchanged while water rates increase January 1 to help pay for major infrastructure projects and long-term system upgrades. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-public-utilities-adopts-2026-budget-for-electric-generating-and-water-systems/ #ClarkCounty #PublicPower #Utilities

The Vancouver City Council has unanimously voted to bring back open public comment at council meetings in 2026, allowing residents to speak on any subject rather than only agenda items, while keeping four community forums each year. Hear what council members say about making City Hall more accessible and how the new format is expected to work. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-votes-to-bring-back-public-comment-on-any-subject-at-council-meetings/ #VancouverWA #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement

Vancouver police have arrested 21-year-old Nathan Howard Allen in connection with the October assault of a woman jogging on SE 99th Avenue, booking him into the Clark County Jail for indecent liberties and unlawful imprisonment while additional charges are being referred. Hear how detectives tied him to the case and what investigators recovered. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/arrest-made-in-assault-of-jogger-investigation/ #VancouverWA #VPD #PublicSafety

An investigative report found Washington State School for the Blind superintendent Scott McCallum sexually harassed a colleague before his August resignation, despite his claim that he was the target of harassment. Hear what investigators uncovered and who is now leading the school. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-school-for-the-blind-leader-resigned-after-misconduct-probe/ #VancouverWA #EducationNews #WorkplaceMisconduct

A new Department of Ecology report finds that more than half of 2025 Climate Commitment Act project spending went to electrifying the Washington State Ferries fleet, including hundreds of millions of dollars for new hybrid vessels and terminal charging infrastructure, while Ecology touts an estimated nine million metric tons of carbon reductions over the last two fiscal years. Critics such as Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers are questioning whether some projects’ reported reductions and cost-per-ton figures are realistic, pointing to examples like an Ellensburg home electrification program that Ecology credits with 3.5 million metric tons of reductions at just one dollar per ton. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/half-of-2025-cca-spending-went-toward-wsf-fleet-electrification/ #WashingtonState #ClimateCommitmentAct #WSFerries #CarbonPolicy #Ecology #WAleg #ClimateSpending #EmissionReductions

Holiday cheer is shining in Battle Ground, where the city and a group of generous community partners have come together to add festive lighting at the Battle Ground Event Center ahead of the upcoming Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5. Led by primary sponsor Luke Rogers of Clean Choice Professional Services, and supported by several local businesses and donors, the project adds bright new displays on the building, trees and light poles to create a warm, welcoming setting for residents and visitors throughout the Christmas season. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-partners-come-together-to-brighten-battle-ground-for-the-christmas-season/ #BattleGround #HolidayLights #ChristmasInClarkCounty #CommunityPartners #HolidayEvents #TreeLighting

Battle Ground Public Schools is placing a replacement educational programs and operations levy on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot, saying state and federal funding no longer cover the rising costs of educating more than 13,000 students in 19 schools. If approved, the levy would help pay for student safety, smaller class sizes, special education, teachers, nursing, mental health support, sports and extracurricular activities, as well as career and technical education and college preparation programs, with collections scheduled from 2027 through 2030 at one of the lowest projected local school tax rates in Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/replacement-of-expired-battle-ground-student-educational-programs-and-operations-levy-to-appear-on-ballot-in-february-2026/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #SchoolLevy #EducationFunding #BGPSchools #StudentSupport #CTE #SpecialEducation #SchoolFinance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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