Clark County Today News

Vancouver’s Debra Kalz writes that while she supports law enforcement, solving police staffing shortages requires addressing broader issues including jail capacity, judges, housing, and economic challenges, not just higher funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-i-do-wholeheartedly-support-our-law-enforcement-but-they-are-only-one-part-of-the-bigger-picture/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #VancouverWA #PoliceStaffing #PublicSafety #Proposition5 #CommunityVoices

Vancouver Police are asking for public assistance to locate 81-year-old Robert McSwain, last seen Sept. 2 near SE Mill Plain Blvd. He is considered endangered due to cognitive issues and may be on a reddish mountain bike. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-seeking-assistance-in-locating-a-missing-endangered-adult/ #VancouverWA #MissingPerson #CommunityAlert #VancouverPolice #EndangeredAdult

Evergreen Public Schools confirmed there will be no classes Sept. 3 due to the ongoing PSE Large Group strike. Mediation produced no agreement, but meals will be available at three schools and activities will continue without transportation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/no-school-for-evergreen-public-schools-on-sept-3-as-strike-continues/ #EvergreenSchoolDistrict #VancouverWA #SchoolStrike #StudentMeals #EducationNews #ClarkCountyWA

Ahead of a pivotal Wednesday meeting, members of the C-TRAN Board Composition Review Committee warn that proposed changes could give Vancouver and Clark County dominant control. Camas Councilor Tim Hein and others argue small cities may pay more while receiving less, raising the possibility of lawsuits or withdrawal from C-TRAN. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/so-much-at-stake-as-c-tran-board-composition-review-committee-set-to-meet-wednesday/ #CTRAN #CamasWA #RidgefieldWA #LaCenterWA #VancouverWA #TransitGovernance #BoardRepresentation #ClarkCountyWA #TriMet

Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole says WSDOT has no authority to reject the 3-3-3 C-TRAN board plan and is urging the review committee to stand firm. He warns that adopting the state’s preferred format would leave Vancouver with an unlawful majority and could prompt legal action. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ridgefield-mayor-disagrees-with-states-position-on-c-tran-board-composition/ #RidgefieldWA #CTRAN #BoardRepresentation #MattCole #WSDOT #ClarkCountyWA #TransitGovernance #VancouverWA

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance contends Washington’s public school funding struggles are rooted in disproportionate teacher salary growth and legislative choices tied to the McCleary Decision. He cites rising costs, stagnant student performance, and increasing private school and homeschool enrollment as signs the system is broken. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-answer-to-the-funding-crisis-for-public-schools-isnt-higher-salaries/ #Opinion #KenVance #ClarkCountyWA #EducationFunding #TeacherSalaries #McClearyDecision #PublicSchools #WEA #WashingtonState

WSU Vancouver is launching the How to Be Active Skill Shop Series, running Sept. 9 to Dec. 2, with topics from conflict resolution and civics to AI and equitability. Sessions will be held in the Library Reading Room every other Tuesday. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsu-vancouver-to-host-skill-shop-series/ #WSUVancouver #VancouverWA #SkillShop #CivicEngagement #CommunityEvents #SouthwestWashington #HigherEducation

Oregon lawmakers advanced a $4.3 billion transportation tax package with a narrow House vote, aiming to fund ODOT and maintain roads through new gas, registration, and payroll taxes. The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/after-false-starts-oregon-house-passes-transportation-tax-package/ #OregonPolitics #TransportationFunding #GasTax #ODOT #PacificNorthwest #StateBudget #HighwayFunding

Washington businesses face new retail sales taxes starting Oct. 1 under ESSB 5814, adding costs for services like advertising and IT. Lawmakers say the increases fund essential services, but critics warn of higher living expenses and business uncertainty. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-businesses-preparing-for-new-retail-sales-taxes-to-hit-consumers-oct-1/ #WashingtonState #RetailSalesTax #ESSB5814 #ConsumerCosts #BusinessImpact #StateBudget #TaxHikes

The 2026 Clark County Fair Equestrian Court has been announced, with sisters Queen Heidi Williamson and Princess River Walker Williamson stepping into their roles as ambassadors. The Fair, set for Aug. 7–16, 2026, will mark its 158th year. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/new-royalty-named-to-the-2026-clark-county-fair-equestrian-court/ #ClarkCountyFair #EquestrianCourt #ClarkCountyWA #CommunityLeadership #YouthAmbassadors #HorseRiding #NursingCareers #FairTradition

Vancouver resident Shauna Walters writes that Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s handling of C-TRAN is a power grab forcing Clark County taxpayers to fund TriMet’s failing light rail system, while smaller cities lose fair representation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-mayor-annes-power-grab/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #VancouverWA #LightRail #CTRAN #TriMet #ClarkCountyWA #TransportationPolitics

Vancouver resident Ann Donnelly shares her reflections on a ceremony honoring 59 Clark County soldiers who died in the Vietnam War, recalling their sacrifice, remembrance, and the voices of veterans and community members. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-local-vietnam-war-dead-finally-honored-at-ceremony/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #VietnamWar #ClarkCountyWA #Veterans #Sacrifice #Remembrance #MilitaryHistory

Nancy Churchill’s latest column explores the tragic consequences of the “death before detransition” ideology, connecting it to recent violence and urging lawmakers to create compassionate off-ramps for struggling youth and families. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-death-before-detransition/ #Opinion #NancyChurchill #WashingtonState #Detransition #ParentalRights #GenderDebate #DangerousRhetoric

Clark Public Utilities is taking public input through Sept. 12 on its 2026-2029 Clean Energy Implementation Plan. The plan sets metrics to meet Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act targets for emissions neutrality by 2030 and emissions-free energy by 2045. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clean-energy-planning-comment-period-open-through-sept-12/ #ClarkPublicUtilities #ClarkCountyWA #CleanEnergy #CEIP #CETA #PublicComment #Sustainability #EnergyEfficiency

No school on Sept. 2 in Evergreen Public Schools as the PSE Large Group strike continues; the district will provide free breakfast and lunch each school day at Heritage High School, Mountain View High School, and Marrion Elementary. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/evergreen-school-district-bargaining-update-no-school-on-tuesday/ #EvergreenSchoolDistrict #VancouverWA #SchoolStrike #StudentMeals #EducationNews #ClarkCountyWA

WSDOT denied the C-TRAN review committee’s 3-3-3 proposal as not proportional by population; a 4-3-2 format is now expected as meetings approach on Sept. 3 and Sept. 9. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsdot-denies-c-tran-board-composition-review-committees-3-3-3-plan/ #CTRAN #WSDOT #TransitGovernance #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #Camas

Ken Vance’s column shares Leslie Lewallen’s view that Camas is doing its part on homelessness while regional partners fall short, calling ECHO “buying failure” amid a new camping ban and code changes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-homeless-response-is-buying-failure-with-an-expensive-price-tag/ #Opinion #Camas #ClarkCounty #Homelessness #CampingBan #ECHO #PublicPolicy #CityCouncil #Washington

Ridgefield School Board adopted updates to Policy 3245, setting a districtwide standard on student devices to boost engagement and well-being, aligned with OSPI guidance for 2025–26. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ridgefield-school-board-adopts-new-student-cell-phone-policy/ #Ridgefield #SchoolPolicy #StudentWellbeing #Education #OSPI #K12 #ClarkCounty

Vancouver resident Brad Erhart alleges a $29,750 conflict of interest involving Council Member Kim Harless, grants to Vancouver Arena, and LTAC votes, citing RCW 42.23 and Vancouver’s ethics code; the formal complaint is linked inside. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-kim-harless-pokemon-and-a-29750-conflict-of-interest/ #Opinion #Vancouver #CityCouncil #Ethics #ConflictOfInterest #LTAC #VancouverArena

WAGOP Chairman Jim Walsh contends that “sanctuary” policies advanced in Washington undermine federal immigration law, endanger public safety, and enable human trafficking; he cites a recent letter he says demands those policies be dismantled. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wagop-chairman-jim-walsh-sanctuary-policies-put-state-at-risk/ #Opinion #Washington #ImmigrationPolicy #PublicSafety #WAGOP #SanctuaryPolicies #Politics

Ridgefield resident Carley Meuchel voices support for Brad Benton’s bid for the Charter Review Commission, emphasizing public safety, CCSO funding, and staffing as core priorities for families and community trust. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/politics/letter-public-safety-is-a-must-vote-brad-benton/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Ridgefield #PublicSafety #BradBenton #CharterReview #CCSO #Elections #Community

In his letter to the editor, Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila argues that the I-5 Bridge replacement plan is doomed by unresolved height conflicts between the Coast Guard and FAA. He says expanding the I-205 Bridge or using lift bridges would be better alternatives than continuing a costly, unrealistic project. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-if-they-have-not-compromised-in-the-15-years-of-planning-the-bridge-they-never-will/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #IBR #I5Bridge #BrushPrairie #Transportation #Infrastructure #ColumbiaRiver #Planning #Compromise

In this letter to the editor, Evergreen School District staff member Shelly Prothro calls for safe working conditions and fair pay for classified employees at Hollingsworth Academy. She describes injuries, understaffing, and burnout, arguing the district must prioritize student-facing staff over top salaries. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-we-want-to-be-back-in-school-and-see-our-kiddos/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #EvergreenSchoolDistrict #Education #LaborDispute #Vancouver #ShellyProthro #PSEUnion #SupportStaff #SchoolFunding

The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is developing the 2026-2030 Comprehensive Plan and seeking input from people with disabilities, families, providers, educators, and partners. A multilingual survey is available online or on paper until Oct. 31, 2025. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-developmental-disabilities-advisory-board-seeks-input-for-plan/ #ClarkCounty #DevelopmentalDisabilities #CommunityInput #Survey #Inclusion #Accessibility #DDAB #ComprehensivePlan

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office, with support from Washougal and Camas police, responded after a paving crew reported being threatened by a man with an AR-style rifle north of Washougal. SWAT was called in, and 37-year-old Justin M. Bryden was later arrested and booked into jail on multiple assault charges. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ccso-responds-to-a-disturbance-with-a-weapon-north-of-washougal/ #ClarkCounty #Washougal #CCSO #SWAT #PublicSafety #Crime #LawEnforcement #Assault

Clark County Public Health lifted the algae advisory at Round Lake after water quality improved, but a danger advisory remains for Vancouver Lake where cyanotoxin levels are still high. Residents are urged to avoid contact with algae blooms, keep pets out of the water, and check advisories for updates. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-health-lifts-advisory-at-round-lake/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #Camas #RoundLake #VancouverLake #PublicHealth #AlgaeBloom #Cyanotoxins #WaterQuality #EnvironmentalHealth

In his opinion column, Rep. John Ley questions whether Clark County taxpayers should be responsible for TriMet’s light rail operating costs. He highlights TriMet’s history of financial mismanagement, shrinking ridership, and a funding model that favors Vancouver while small cities and rural residents pay more than their share. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-trimet-c-tran-who-pays-versus-who-gets-service/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #TriMet #CTRAN #Transportation #LightRail #Funding #Politics #Northwest

Debate is growing over whether Clark County’s smaller cities get enough value from C-TRAN for the taxes they pay. With TriMet’s light rail expansion into Vancouver raising concerns about funding, our poll asks if smaller cities should leave the C-TRAN Board and refuse to pay for light rail maintenance and operations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-clark-countys-smaller-cities-pull-out-of-the-c-tran-board-of-directors-and-refuse-to-help-fund-light-rail-maintenance-operations/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #CTRAN #LightRail #TransitFunding #Poll #Transportation #Camas #Vancouver

Hockinson football has a new leader in Ben Nelson, who says improved practice habits and a focus on discipline will help turn around the Hawks after three losing seasons. He’s building a K-12 vision, drawing on mentors, and shaping a gritty, team-first identity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-football-practicing-good-habits-with-new-coach-at-hockinson/ #Hockinson #HighSchoolFootball #BenNelson #BrushPrairie #Hawks #Football #Coaching #Sports #Teamwork

Lars Larson shares his opinion on the Minneapolis tragedy, arguing that society failed to provide psychological help to Robin Westman, who left a manifesto expressing regret over transgender identity before killing schoolchildren in a church. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-society-should-have-offered-this-killer-psychological-help/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #Minneapolis #Transgenderism #PsychologicalHelp #NorthwestNonsense #Politics #PacificNorthwest

Rep. Kevin Waters issued a statement after the DNR announced more than 10,000 acres of older forests would be permanently conserved. Waters argued the move will hurt rural counties, cut school funding, and restrict timber supply while Washington faces a housing shortage and budget strains. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-kevin-waters-issues-statement-after-the-dnrs-nearsighted-decision-to-limit-timber-harvesting-in-washington/ #Washington #Timber #KevinWaters #DNR #Forests #Logging #Economy #Politics

The Ninth Circuit upheld a lower court ruling that Washington’s redistricting map violated the Voting Rights Act, forcing changes that displaced Senator Nikki Torres and several GOP lawmakers. Bill Bruch argues the map harms Latino representation while boosting Democratic control. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ninth-circuit-court-of-appeals-issues-ruling-in-wa-state-redistricting-case/ #Washington #Redistricting #VotingRights #NikkiTorres #Politics #NinthCircuit #VRA #Elections

CCSO deputies responded around 4:18 a.m. to a collision between a truck and a sedan near the 13900 block of NE 20th Ave in Vancouver; Traffic Homicide Detectives investigated, the roadway between NE 139th Street and NE 144th Street was closed for an extended period, and one person was fatally injured; the collision remains under investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-sheriffs-office-responds-to-fatal-collision/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #CCSO #TrafficHomicide #Collision #PublicSafety #NE20thAve

The Clark County Republican Women will host a First Responders Dinner on Sept. 11 at the Battle Ground Community Center. Keynote speakers include Sheriff John Horch, Police Chief Dennis Flynn, Fire Commissioner Roy Rhine, CCSO’s Joe Desrochers, and comfort dog Rafferty. Tickets are available online. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-republican-women-to-host-first-responders-dinner-event/ #ClarkCounty #BattleGround #FirstResponders #JohnHorch #DennisFlynn #RoyRhine #JoeDesrochers #RaffertyTheDog #PublicSafety #CommunityEvent

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told 40 states, including Washington, to strip references to gender identity from sex education materials or lose federal PREP funding. The Trump administration framed the move as eliminating “gender ideology,” while advocacy groups called it an effort to erase recognition of transgender and nonbinary people. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/us-health-and-human-services-agency-orders-states-to-strip-gender-from-sex-ed/ #HHS #TrumpAdministration #SexEducation #Transgender #Nonbinary #PREP #FederalFunding #WashingtonState #LGBTQ #GenderAffirmingCare

A Washington State Patrol-led operation in Battle Ground resulted in 12 arrests tied to child exploitation crimes. Dubbed “Operation Battle Ground,” the effort involved more than 20 agencies, including local police, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. Officials say the arrests send a clear message that exploitation of children will not be tolerated. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-child-exploitation-operation-leads-to-12-arrests/ #BattleGround #WSP #MECTF #ChildExploitation #ChildSafety #LawEnforcement #ClarkCounty #FBI #HomelandSecurity

Paul Hooper has been appointed to the Washougal School Board, filling the District 5 seat left open by Chuck Carpenter’s retirement. A Washougal High School graduate, parent, and longtime volunteer, Hooper brings business and community leadership experience to the role. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/paul-hooper-appointed-to-washougal-school-board/ #Washougal #PaulHooper #WashougalSchoolDistrict #SchoolBoard #Education #CommunityLeadership #StudentSuccess #ClarkCountyWA

C-TRAN emphasized that its commitment to all Clark County jurisdictions remains unchanged despite expected changes to its board makeup. Officials highlighted recent expansions of The Current, new routes in Ridgefield and La Center, and future plans in Battle Ground, while noting concerns raised by Camas leaders over TriMet light rail funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-remains-committed-to-all-jurisdictions-regardless-of-the-makeup-of-the-c-tran-board/ #ClarkCounty #CTRAN #PublicTransportation #BoardRepresentation #VancouverWA #Camas #BattleGround #Washougal #Ridgefield #LaCenter #Yacolt

Vancouver city leaders, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and the Native American Youth and Family Center broke ground on a six-story affordable housing project in the Waterfront Gateway District. The project, co-owned by NAYA, will include 95 affordable units and eventually connect downtown to the waterfront with 450 total homes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-tribal-leaders-break-ground-on-affordable-housing-project-in-downtown-vancouver/ #VancouverWA #AffordableHousing #WaterfrontGateway #NAYA #CowlitzTribe #ColasDevelopment #AnneMcEnernyOgle #KimHarless #CommunityDevelopment #PublicPrivatePartnership

The League of Women Voters of Clark County will host a Sept. 8 panel at the Vancouver Community Library on the county’s home rule charter. Panelists Greg Kimsey, Doug Lasher, Nan Hendrickson, and Pat Jollota will discuss the charter’s history, voter powers, and future amendments. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/league-of-women-voters-presents-panel-on-clark-county-charter/ #ClarkCounty #LeagueOfWomenVoters #CharterReview #GregKimsey #DougLasher #NanHendrickson #PatJollota #VancouverWA #Elections #VoterEducation

Amy Harris of Clark County Matters writes that Vancouver must end public camping. She cites Portland’s failures and San Francisco’s new enforcement model, warning that more shelters without enforcement will only increase homelessness. Harris urges Vancouver leaders to protect quality of life for residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-end-public-camping-in-vancouver/ #Opinion #AmyHarris #ClarkCountyMatters #VancouverWA #HomelessCamps #PublicCamping #QualityOfLife #SanFrancisco #Portland #PublicSafety

In his letter, Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi urges Vancouver and Clark County to end DEI programs. He argues the efforts were adopted without public demand, have proven costly and divisive, and fail to show results. He calls for leaders to refocus on safety, infrastructure, and core community needs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-time-for-vancouver-and-clark-county-to-end-dei/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #PeterBracchi #DEI #DiversityEquityInclusion #GovernmentPrograms #CommunityPriorities

In her letter, Anna Miller of Camas supports Janna Meyer for the Clark County Charter Review Commission. Miller highlights Meyer’s positions on public safety, balanced budgets, tax limits, and non-toll transportation funding, noting her governance and management background. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-people-who-we-elect-to-sit-at-that-review-table-is-a-big-deal/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #AnnaMiller #JannaMeyer #CharterReview #PublicSafety #BalancedBudget #Elections

Camas city leaders are weighing whether to pull out of C-TRAN, citing a financial imbalance and loss of representation if the agency helps fund TriMet light rail. Mayor Steve Hogan, Council Member Tim Hein, and Council Member Leslie Lewallen say smaller cities are being shortchanged while Vancouver benefits most. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/camas-considers-opting-out-of-c-tran/ #Camas #Vancouver #CTRAN #PublicTransportation #LightRail #TriMet #ClarkCounty #TransitFunding #SmallCities

Les Poole, a longtime light rail critic, shares testimony submitted for the Oregon Legislature’s Aug. 29 special session. He argues tolling is regressive, ODOT has lost credibility through overspending and shortfalls, and the $5.6 billion transportation bill should be rejected. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-tolling-is-about-changing-behavior/ #Opinion #LesPoole #ODOT #Tolling #TransportationFunding #OregonLegislature #GasTax #HB2017 #HB2025

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center says Washington retailers should embrace cash, highlighting that 5.6 million U.S. households are unbanked. He cites local ordinances, national bipartisan legislation, and practical advantages like avoiding fees and ensuring access during outages. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-retailers-in-washington-should-embrace-cash/ #Opinion #MarkHarmsworth #WashingtonPolicyCenter #CashPayments #EconomicEquity #RetailAccess #Unbanked #SmallBusiness #InclusiveEconomy

Nancy Churchill, writer of Dangerous Rhetoric, argues in her column that Olympia staged panic over Medicaid cuts. She says Governor Bob Ferguson signed a budget slashing Apple Health by $782 million, then blamed Congress, distracting from state-level decisions she believes destabilized healthcare. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-panic-is-political/ #Opinion #NancyChurchill #DangerousRhetoric #BobFerguson #Medicaid #AppleHealth #WashingtonState #HealthcareReform #OlympiaPolitics

Evergreen Public Schools released a statement after union members of the PSE Large Group went on strike Tuesday. The district said its bargaining team remains available and willing to negotiate under current budget limits, while noting the strike is illegal under Washington law. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/statement-from-evergreen-public-schools-on-pse-large-group-bargaining/ #VancouverWA #EvergreenPublicSchools #PSELargeGroup #Strike #CollectiveBargaining #StudentsAndFamilies #EducationNews

Vancouver will celebrate Aug. 28 as the first block of the Main Street Promise project reopens. A block party with music, refreshments, and remarks from Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and other leaders will highlight infrastructure upgrades and downtown revitalization. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-vancouver-reaches-milestone-in-construction-on-main-street/ #VancouverWA #MainStreetPromise #DowntownVancouver #AnneMcEnernyOgle #EconomicGrowth #CommunityEvent #Infrastructure

Vancouver is breaking ground Aug. 27 on a six-story, 95-unit affordable housing project in the Waterfront Gateway District. Supported by the Affordable Housing Fund and tax levy, the project is developed by Colas Development Group and the Native American Youth and Family Center, with completion expected in 2027. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-to-break-ground-on-95-unit-affordable-housing-project/ #VancouverWA #AffordableHousing #WaterfrontGateway #AnneMcEnernyOgle #HousingDevelopment #ColasDevelopment #NAYA #CommunityHousing #PublicSpaces