Clark County Today News

Rep. John Ley says the I-5 Bridge replacement meeting offered “lots of questions and very few complete answers,” with no cost update and concerns over tolling, mitigation, and rising project expenses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-says-ibr-meeting-leaves-lots-of-questions-and-very-few-complete-answers/ #JohnLey #IBR #I5Bridge #Transportation #ClarkCounty #Tolling #Transit #TriMet #GregJohnson #ColumbiaRiverCrossing

Clark County officials were questioned for not lowering flags promptly after Trump’s proclamation honoring Charlie Kirk. Some councilors and the county manager also declined to condemn the assassination, drawing calls for a resolution. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-response-to-charlie-kirk-assassination-scrutinized/ #ClarkCounty #CharlieKirk #Politics #SueMarshall #MichelleBelkot #AngusLee #PoliticalViolence #DonaldTrump #CountyCouncil

In a letter to the editor, Julia Dawn Seaver of Vancouver reflects on the murder of Charlie Kirk, condemning celebrations of political violence and urging faith, love, and the ballot box as a response. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-murder-of-charlie-kirk-makes-clear-were-not-that-country-anymore/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #JuliaDawnSeaver #CharlieKirk #TurningPointUSA #PoliticalViolence #FirstAmendment #Faith #BallotBox

The “17th District Rising” event takes place Sept. 27 in Washougal, offering a chance to meet Republican candidates and elected officials, enjoy food and live music, and participate in a fundraiser. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/clarkcountytalk/17th-district-rising-event-set-for-sept-27/ #ClarkCounty #Politics #Fundraiser #Republicans #Washougal #17thDistrict #JohnLey #GlenMorgan #BobSonger

In a letter to the editor, Vancouver resident Debra Kalz questions the C-TRAN Board’s unanimous decisions, warning against groupthink and calling for respectful disagreement in governance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-time-to-replace-c-tran-board/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #DebraKalz #CTRAN #Governance #Groupthink #Vancouver #Accountability #PublicBoards

A government shutdown looms Oct. 1 as Congress struggles with a stopgap bill. With lawmakers out until Sept. 29, disputes over ACA tax credits, Medicaid, and partisan divides leave just hours to act. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/government-shutdown-looms-oct-1-as-congress-struggles-with-stopgap-spending-plan/ #GovernmentShutdown #Congress #StopgapBill #ACA #Medicaid #MikeJohnson #ChuckSchumer #PattyMurray #FederalFunding

Joe Cortright argues the I-5 Bridge replacement project is years behind schedule, with the Record of Decision now delayed to at least April 2026. He points to repeated missed deadlines and rising taxpayer costs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-i-5-bridge-replacement-falling-further-behind/ #Opinion #I5Bridge #IBR #JoeCortright #Transportation #ODOT #WSDOT #PacificNorthwest

C-TRAN has expanded The Current, its on-demand rideshare service, into Battle Ground. Residents now have seven-day access to door-to-door rides within city limits and connections to Route 7. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-launches-the-current-on-demand-service-in-battle-ground/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #CTRAN #TheCurrent #PublicTransit #OnDemandRideshare #LeannCaver #TransportationAccess

In a letter to the editor, Peter Bracchi argues Vancouver’s membership in ICLEI shifts decision-making away from residents and toward international frameworks, urging transparency and local sovereignty. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vancouver-deserves-self-determination-vancouver-deserves-leaders-who-answer-to-its-people-not-to-international-networks/ #Opinion #Vancouver #ICLEI #PeterBracchi #LetterToTheEditor #LocalGovernment #HeightsDistrict #JustinForsman

The city of Vancouver will celebrate the reopening of Oakbrook Park on Sept. 20, marking completion of Phase 1 of its master plan. Additions include inclusive playgrounds, pickleball courts, ADA parking, and more. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-opens-new-pickleball-courts-and-inclusive-playground-at-oakbrook-park-on-sept-20/ #VancouverWA #OakbrookPark #Pickleball #InclusivePlayground #CommunityParks #LocalEvents #RomanGutierrez #AnneMcEnernyOgle

Charlotte Barnes founded the Ridgefield Youth Orchestra to bring string music opportunities to Ridgefield students. The growing program will perform Nov. 20 at View Ridge Middle School and Dec. 6 at the Hometown Celebration. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/ridgefield-youth-orchestra-brings-strings-to-local-students/ #Ridgefield #YouthOrchestra #MusicEducation #CharlotteBarnes #StudentMusicians #CommunityEducation #Violin #Cello #Bass

Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper reminds residents the second-installment 2025 property taxes are due Oct. 31; statements mail Sept. 12; pay online, by mail, or at the drive-through drop-off at the Public Service Center. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/second-installment-2025-property-tax-payments-due-friday-oct-31/ #ClarkCounty #PropertyTaxes #TaxDeadline #WashingtonState #Treasurer #Payments #LocalGovernment

Strikes at Evergreen and La Center schools have ended after nearly three weeks, sending students back to class but raising new questions about the legality of school strikes in Washington. Leaders approved adjusted calendars, parents voiced frustration, and Washington Policy Center’s Elizabeth New said the law is toothless without penalties. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/uncategorized/video-sw-washington-school-strikes-end-as-strike-legality-concerns-resurface/ #SchoolStrikes #EvergreenSchools #LaCenterSchools #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #Unions #Education #ElizabethNew #WashingtonPolicyCenter

David Boze of the Washington Policy Center reflects on Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the warning signs it exposes for free speech in America, arguing his death highlights a dangerous intolerance that threatens civil discourse and the First Amendment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-charlie-kirk-and-warning-signs-for-free-speech/ #Opinion #CharlieKirk #FreeSpeech #WashingtonPolicyCenter #FirstAmendment #PoliticalViolence #CivicDiscourse #DavidBoze

Vincent Cavaleri of the Silent Majority Foundation reflects on the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Charlie Kirk, noting their shared commitment to dialogue, faith, and unity despite hostile opposition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-killing-gods-gifts-to-humanity/ #Opinion #CharlieKirk #SilentMajorityFoundation #VincentCavaleri #MartinLutherKingJr #TPUSA #Faith #FreeSpeech #CivilRights #Unity

Comcast has filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court challenging Washington’s new sales tax on advertising services, arguing it discriminates against internet-based ads in violation of federal law. The tax, part of Senate Bill 5814 signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is projected to raise billions but could be struck down, imperiling state budget plans. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/comcast-lawsuit-argues-new-washington-tax-on-advertising-is-illegal/ #Comcast #WashingtonState #AdvertisingTax #StreamingServices #InternetTaxFreedomAct #SenateBill5814 #DigitalAdvertising #StateBudget

In a letter to the editor, Clark County resident Bob Zak shares reflections on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, his ministry through Turning Point USA, and how the tragedy sparked a stronger nationwide response for youth. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-killer-did-not-silence-tpusa-he-ignited-a-nationwide-response-to-this-ministry-for-the-youth-of-our-usa/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #CharlieKirk #TPUSA #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #ChristianFaith #YouthMinistry

WSU Vancouver will host four free A–Z of Paying for College Workshops this fall, offering students and families practical guidance on financial aid, scholarships, and strategies to make tuition more affordable. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsu-vancouver-offers-public-workshop-on-how-to-pay-for-college-7/ #WSUVancouver #HigherEducation #FinancialAid #Scholarships #PayingForCollege #StudentSupport #CollegeAccess #TuitionHelp

Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila shares his perspective on strikes, unions, and biblical principles in a letter to the editor, recalling his time as a union electrician and advocating for living by God’s Word. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-strikes-strikes-and-more-strikes/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #Strikes #IBEWLocal48 #ClarkCounty #BrushPrairie

The Greater Vancouver Chamber announced finalists for the 2025 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank, with a Facebook Live ceremony and an in-person VIP Social at The Heathman Lodge on Oct. 9; categories include Start-Up to Watch, Small Business, Large Business, Statesperson, and Manufacturer of the Year, with First Citizen honorees David and Patricia Nierenberg also recognized. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/greater-vancouver-chamber-announces-finalists-for-2025-business-leadership-awards/ #VancouverWA #BusinessAwards #GreaterVancouverChamber #SouthwestWashington #Leadership #SmallBusiness #ManufacturerOfTheYear #VIPSocial

Vancouver City Council will host its next Community Forum on Sept. 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Educational Service District 112, giving residents a chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and share ideas in small-group discussions with council members. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/quarterly-community-forum-set-for-sept-29/ #VancouverWA #VancouverCityCouncil #CommunityForum #PublicEngagement #CommunityDiscussion #EducationalServiceDistrict112 #CivicParticipation

Vancouver Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 responded around 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 13 to a triplex fire at 3412 NE 53rd Street after neighbors reported several explosions; crews found heavy black smoke and first-floor fire that extended into the attic, called a second alarm, protected the other two units, and seven residents were displaced while one firefighter was transported in stable condition; the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office leads the investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-apartment-fire-2/ #VancouverFire #ClarkCountyWA #ApartmentFire #SecondAlarm #PublicSafety #Firefighters #FireInvestigation

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on Ethan Harris’ journey from promising Camas player to one of the most highly recruited athletes in Southwest Washington. Vance praises Harris’ character, family background, and determination, calling his Iowa opportunity well-earned. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ethan-harris-has-earned-this-amazing-opportunity-and-i-cant-wait-to-see-what-he-does-with-it/ #Opinion #EthanHarris #CamasHighSchool #Papermakers #IowaHawkeyes #CollegeBasketball #RecruitingProcess #KenVance #ClarkCounty #FamilyInfluence

Camas High School’s Ethan Harris, one of the top basketball recruits in the Northwest, has announced his intention to sign with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The 6-foot-8 senior shared lessons from the recruiting process and his gratitude for the support of family, teammates, and the Camas community. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/camas-basketball-standout-ethan-harris-announces-his-intention-to-sign-with-iowa/ #EthanHarris #CamasHighSchool #Papermakers #CollegeBasketball #IowaHawkeyes #RecruitingProcess #BenMcCollum #MontanaState #BattleGroundWA #DivisionI

On Fridays before home games, Camas High School football players and cheerleaders visit local elementary schools to greet students, boost school spirit, and inspire future Papermakers. Athletes like Jack Parbon and Maya Harris say the tradition strengthens ties with the community. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/camas-celebrates-community-with-football-cheerleader-visits-to-elementary-schools/ #CamasHighSchool #Papermakers #FridayNightLights #SchoolSpirit #CommunityPride #JackParbon #MayaHarris #ElementarySchools #CamasWA #DocHarrisStadium

In a letter to the editor, Battle Ground resident Silas Matson describes the emotional whiplash of learning he will have a daughter just as news broke of Charlie Kirk’s murder. He warns against political polarization, the outrage machine, and the violence it fuels. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-this-is-the-line-we-cannot-cross-and-still-we-are-crossing-it/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #SilasMatson #CharlieKirk #PoliticalViolence #Polarization #OutrageMachine #BattleGroundWA #ScottAlexander #FaithAndFamily

Reform Clark County founder Rob Anderson has withdrawn his complaint against four Clark County councilors after a flaw in his filings was revealed. Judge Camara Banfield suggested the withdrawal during a hearing on alleged Open Public Meetings Act violations tied to Michelle Belkot’s removal from the C-TRAN board. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/reform-clark-county-founder-withdraws-complaint-against-clark-county-councilors/ #ReformClarkCounty #ClarkCounty #RobAnderson #OpenPublicMeetingsAct #ClarkCountyCouncil #CTANBoard #VancouverWA #SueMarshall #WilFuentes #MichelleBelkot

Jacob Smith is running for Evergreen School Board, citing priorities including paraeducator support, restoring AVID, adding International Baccalaureate programs, supporting DECA and FBLA, and ending secret bargaining bonuses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-jacob-smith-seeks-evergreen-school-board-position/ #EvergreenSchoolBoard #JacobSmith #EvergreenPublicSchools #VancouverWA #DECA #FBLA #AVID #InternationalBaccalaureate #Paraeducators #SchoolBoardElection

Washington elected officials are responding to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah. Jim Walsh, Travis Couture, and John Braun expressed concern over political rhetoric and violence, while Gov. Bob Ferguson condemned the murder as unacceptable in democracy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-elected-officials-react-to-fatal-shooting-of-charlie-kirk-in-utah/ #CharlieKirk #TurningPointUSA #PoliticalViolence #WashingtonState #JimWalsh #TravisCouture #JohnBraun #BobFerguson #UtahValleyUniversity #TheCenterSquare

Clark County Council will hold a special meeting Sept. 15 to interview Megan Peyton and Erin Priest for a District Court opening created by Judge Kelli E. Osler’s retirement. The meeting is hybrid, with in-person and online options. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-to-interview-candidates-for-district-court-opening-sept-15/ #ClarkCounty #DistrictCourt #ClarkCountyCouncil #MeganPeyton #ErinPriest #JudgeOsler #PublicServiceCenter

Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stabbing near Woodland that left a woman hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities identified the suspect as Miguel Bravo, who fled in a white Acura TSX and should be considered dangerous. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-sheriffs-office-investigates-stabbing-near-woodland/ #ClarkCountySheriff #WoodlandWA #MiguelBravo #StabbingInvestigation #CCSO #MajorCrimesUnit #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement

Evergreen Public Schools students return to class after the PSE Large Group classified union ratified its contract. The agreement ends a 12-day strike and allows the district to move forward with plans to make up lost instructional days. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/school-starts-friday-in-esd-after-union-ratifies-contract/ #EvergreenPublicSchools #EvergreenSchoolDistrict #VancouverWA #UnionContract #SchoolStrike #ChristineMoloney #PSEUnion #SchoolReopening

Charlie Kirk’s murder has shaken Turning Point USA, but leaders like Ruby Ruiz of the Southwest Washington chapter are vowing to continue his mission. A vigil is planned in Vancouver to honor his legacy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/charlie-kirk-inspired-young-conservatives-all-over-the-country-including-here-in-clark-county/ #CharlieKirk #TurningPointUSA #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #StudentMovement #RubyRuiz #PoliticalRallies

With Evergreen Public Schools’ labor disputes raising questions, this week’s poll asks if districts should enforce laws against public school strikes or continue to allow them as a negotiation tactic. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-school-districts-follow-through-and-demand-that-workers-and-their-unions-follow-the-law-and-not-strike/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #EvergreenPublicSchools #Unions #Strikes #SchoolBoards #Poll

American Legion Post 44 marked Sept. 11 in Ridgefield by displaying 214 flags across the city to honor victims of the 2001 attacks and celebrate community unity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/american-legion-post-44-salutes-sept-11-with-hundreds-of-american-flags-in-ridgefield/ #Ridgefield #PatriotDay #Sept11 #AmericanLegion #CommunitySpirit #FlagDisplay #ClarkCounty

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance shares a personal column on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, calling him a man of faith, character, and integrity. Vance rejects claims of hate, praises Kirk’s respectful style, and urges readers to carry forward his legacy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-charlie-kirk-didnt-allow-the-angry-hateful-and-violent-members-of-the-left-to-silence-him/ #Opinion #CharlieKirk #KenVance #TurningPointUSA #Faith #Conservative #Legacy #PoliticalViolence #Columns

Rep. John Ley warns Clark County taxpayers could be forced to cover millions in TriMet light rail costs following the latest C-TRAN Board vote. He argues residents have repeatedly rejected light rail, yet officials continue pursuing taxes and agreements that shift the burden onto Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-who-will-pay-is-the-question-for-clark-county/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #LightRail #CTRAN #TriMet #Transportation #JohnLey #PublicTransitFunding

In his Northwest Nonsense column, Lars Larson responds to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, arguing it reflects a dangerous rise in political violence. He cites FBI evidence, national rhetoric, and a survey showing liberal support for political murder. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-violent-left/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #CharlieKirk #PoliticalViolence #TurningPointUSA #PacificNorthwest #Columns #Assassination

Clark County Republican Party Chairman Matthew Bumala issued a statement after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, condemning the attack as not only against Kirk but against free speech itself. He urged Americans to continue speaking truth and not cower in fear. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-clark-county-republican-party-statement-regarding-charlie-kirk-assassination/ #Opinion #CharlieKirk #ClarkCounty #RepublicanParty #PoliticalViolence #TurningPointUSA #MatthewBumala #FreeSpeech

Following Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, the Clark County Democrats issued a statement condemning political violence, offering condolences, and urging calm and civic respect in politics. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/opinion-clark-county-democrats-condemn-political-violence-in-wake-of-charlie-kirk-shooting/ #ClarkCounty #CharlieKirk #PoliticalViolence #TurningPointUSA #VancouverWA #Democracy #CommunitySafety #Politics

The Ridgefield School District Board approved a K–5 grade reconfiguration to begin in 2026–27, aligning with the opening of a new Sunset Ridge Elementary. Todd Graves and Stephanie Goad were named as school leaders. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ridgefield-sd-announces-elementary-grade-reconfiguration-name-and-leadership-of-new-elementary-school/ #Ridgefield #EducationNews #SunsetRidge #ElementarySchools #SchoolBoard #K5Model #ClarkCountySchools

In this opinion column, Andy Ngo argues that Charlie Kirk’s assassination marks the spread of political violence into a culture of assassination. Drawing from personal experiences and years of documenting extremism, Ngo warns that public figures are increasingly targeted. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-assassination-of-charlie-kirk/ #Opinion #CharlieKirk #AndyNgo #PoliticalViolence #TPUSA #CultureOfAssassination #PacificNorthwest #Columns

In a letter to the editor, Vancouver resident Bill Black calls on the Clark County Council to end delays on Annual Reviews, warning that continued suspensions will worsen the housing shortage and raise costs for families. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-clark-county-needs-housing-solutions-not-more-delays/ #ClarkCounty #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #VancouverWA #LetterToTheEditor #Opinion #RealEstateDevelopment

Evergreen Public Schools announced a tentative agreement with the PSE Large Group classified union, pending ratification Thursday; if the contract is approved, school will start Friday, Sept. 12. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/tentative-agreement-reached-between-evergreen-public-schools-and-certified-staff/ #EvergreenPublicSchools #VancouverWA #EducationNews #UnionVote #BackToSchool #EvergreenSchoolDistrict

In his column, Lars Larson contends that violence on public transit systems in Portland and Seattle threatens federal funding. He points to rising assaults, unsafe conditions, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s warning. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-violence-epidemic-on-transit-threatens-the-federal-money-spigot/ #PacificNorthwest #Transit #Opinion #LarsLarson #Violence #FederalFunding #PublicTransit

WSDOT maintenance crews will close the left lane of northbound I-205 in Vancouver on Sept. 11 to repair damaged guardrail between SR 14 and Mill Plain Boulevard. Travelers should plan for delays. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsdot-travel-advisory-plan-for-i-205-guardrail-repairs-in-vancouver-thursday/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #WSDOT #I205 #TravelAdvisory #Transportation #Traffic #LaneClosure

The family of Alice Bolen has secured a $1 million civil settlement against her husband, Wayne Leonetti, who pleaded guilty to her 2023 murder in Ridgefield. Attorney Angus Lee said the outcome delivers accountability and closure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/family-of-alice-bolen-secures-1-million-civil-settlement-following-murder-by-husband/ #ClarkCounty #Ridgefield #DomesticViolence #CivilSettlement #Justice #Courts #AliceBolen #AngusLee

The Clark County Council appointed Leslie Lopez to District Court, filling the seat vacated by Judge Sonya L. Langsdorf, and will schedule more interviews to replace Judge Kelli E. Osler, who retires Dec. 31. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-appoints-leslie-lopez-to-district-court-will-schedule-additional-interviews-to-fill-second-open-seat/ #ClarkCounty #DistrictCourt #JudicialAppointment #LeslieLopez #Justice #Courts

Evergreen Public Schools announced no classes on Sept. 11 as bargaining with the PSE Large Group strike continues. Adjustments include free meals at select schools, child care options, and continued athletics. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/evergreen-public-schools-update-no-classes-thursday/ #EvergreenSchools #Vancouver #SchoolClosure #Strike #Education #ClarkCounty #Students

Council for the Homeless is hosting Gathering for Change 2025 on Oct. 15 at Vancouver’s Kiggins Theatre, with a focus on storytelling, resilience, and a panel on empathy-driven housing and advocacy solutions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/council-for-the-homeless-hosts-gathering-for-change-moving-forward-together/ #ClarkCounty #Homelessness #GatheringForChange #Fundraiser #Housing #Advocacy #Nonprofit #VancouverWA