Clark County Today News

Starting July 1, Washington hunting and fishing license fees will rise by 38%, the first increase in over a decade. The new law, signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, also introduces a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement in 2026 and includes senior and veteran discounts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/recreational-fishing-and-hunting-license-costs-increase-july-1/ #WDFW #WashingtonState #FishingLicenses #HuntingLicenses #HB2003 #OutdoorRecreation #LicenseFeeIncrease #BobFerguson #Veterans #ColumbiaRiver

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming care for minors, rejecting arguments that the law violates constitutional protections. The decision has sparked national reactions from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and legal experts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/u-s-supreme-court-upholds-tennessee-prohibition-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/ #SCOTUS #TransgenderRights #GenderAffirmingCare #TennesseeLaw #JudicialRuling #LGBTQRights #ACLU #EqualProtection #MedicalLegislation #News

The Washington State Transportation Commission has voted to delay tolling on the I-5 Bridge until spring 2027 but approved steeper toll increases in the early years of implementation. The move comes amid project delays and ongoing public input. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-commission-votes-to-delay-i-5-bridge-tolls-escalate-rate-increases/ #IBR #VancouverWA #WSTC #Tolling #Interstate5 #BridgeProject #ColumbiaRiver #WashingtonLegislature #HB1958 #TransportationNews

Hudson’s Bay High School's track is closing June 18 for resurfacing and will remain off-limits through the week of August 4. Vancouver Public Schools says the work is needed to maintain the safety and lifespan of the facility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/hudsons-bay-high-school-track-to-close-june-18-for-resurfacing/ #VancouverWA #HudsonsBayHS #VPS #SchoolFacilities #TrackResurfacing #SummerClosure #CommunityUpdate #PublicAccess #FacilityMaintenance #LocalNews

Lars Larson slams the U.S. Supreme Court’s liberal justices and the medical community after a 6–3 decision allowing states to ban gender-related surgeries for minors. He calls it a horror show—and says Europe’s already ahead of us. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-scotus-decides-that-sensible-states-can-ban-the-genital-mutilation-of-children-in-the-name-of-americas-transgender-insanity/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #SCOTUS #TransgenderDebate #GenderSurgeries #TennesseeLaw #PediatricCare #SupremeCourtRuling #VancouverWA #NorthwestNonsense

Clark County is looking for applicants to fill a volunteer seat representing District 4 on the Community Action Advisory Board. The group recommends how local government supports housing, self-sufficiency, and basic needs for low-income communities. Deadline to apply is July 11. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-12/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #CommunityBoard #LocalGovernment #HousingPrograms #CivicEngagement #District4 #PublicService #CommunitySupport #VolunteerOpportunity

Rep. John Ley has been appointed to three interim legislative committees, including the powerful Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee, which oversees the I-5 bridge replacement planning. Learn what he says are the top concerns for Southwest Washington residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-appointed-to-three-new-work-committees-including-key-bi-state-legislative-action-committee/ #Transportation #VancouverWA #Legislature #IBR #WashingtonPolitics #JohnLey #ColumbiaRiver #News #WorkforceDevelopment

Seton Catholic has claimed its third WIAA Scholastic Cup in four years, finishing the 2024–25 school year with dominant scores across athletics, academics, and student activities. Athletic director Phil Kent says the honor reflects the school’s mission to grow well-rounded students. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/seton-catholic-celebrates-another-wiaa-scholastic-cup/ #SetonCatholic #WIAA #ScholasticCup #AcademicExcellence #StudentAthletes #HighSchoolSports #VancouverWA #PhilKent #GirlsSoccer #BoysGolf

The Southwest Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host its first Hunting Heritage Banquet in Woodland on June 21, celebrating outdoor conservation and hunting traditions with raffles, food, and family-friendly fun. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/southwest-gobblers-chapter-of-the-national-wild-turkey-federation-to-hold-hunting-heritage-banquet/ #WoodlandWA #HuntingBanquet #NWTF #OutdoorConservation #TurkeyHunting #YouthHunters #WomenHunters #HeritageEvent #HuntingTraditions #Latest

David Boze of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington’s 2025 legislative session produced record-breaking tax hikes with little regard for voters or fiscal restraint, while warning that policy trends in the state could ripple across the nation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-2025-tax-tsunami-in-washington-state/ #WashingtonState #TaxHikes #FiscalPolicy #DavidBoze #WPC #StateBudget #GasTax #SalesTax #CapitalGains #Opinion

Washington state’s legal liabilities have surged to more than $500 million in a year, with most claims tied to abuse in foster care and juvenile detention facilities. The Department of Children, Youth and Families is at the center of the crisis, as the state faces billions more in potential liability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-state-lawsuit-payouts-skyrocket-to-more-than-500m-in-past-year/ #WashingtonState #LawsuitPayouts #FosterCareCrisis #DCYF #JuvenileJustice #SexAbuseClaims #LegalSettlements #StateBudget #CivilLiability #Accountability

The League of Women Voters of Clark County will host a public forum on June 26 featuring candidates for Vancouver City Council Position 1, offering voters an in-person and online opportunity to hear directly from those running in the Aug. 5 primary. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/league-of-women-voters-schedules-vancouver-city-council-candidate-forum/ #Vancouver #CityCouncil #Elections #CandidateForum #VoterEngagement #LeagueOfWomenVoters #Primary2025 #Democracy #CivicAccess #ClarkCounty

Clark County Parks and Nature is convening a coalition of government, nonprofit, and community partners to explore long-term, sustainable funding models for parks and natural areas, with water conservation and cost-cutting already underway. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-parks-and-nature-leads-regional-effort-to-identify-financially-sustainable-future-for-parks/ #ClarkCounty #ParksAndNature #VancouverWA #SustainableFunding #WaterConservation #KlinelinePond #PublicResources #ParkFunding #LandConservation

WSDOT crews will close lanes and ramps on northbound I-5 in Vancouver overnight from June 17–19 for repaving work, affecting SR 14, Mill Plain, and Fourth Plain access points. Travelers should plan for delays and use alternate routes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-for-overnight-lane-and-ramp-closures-on-northbound-i-5-in-vancouver-june-17-19/ #Vancouver #Transportation #WSDOT #I5Closures #Roadwork #HighwayRepaving #SR14 #MillPlain #FourthPlain #TravelAlert

Greg Kimsey was named Auditor of the Year by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs for his extraordinary leadership during the 2024 election challenges, and Clark County’s Luba Ross earned the Rising Star of the Year Award. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-countys-greg-kimsey-named-auditor-of-the-year-by-secretary-of-state/ #GregKimsey #LubaRoss #ClarkCountyElections #AuditorOfTheYear #RisingStarAward #SecretaryOfState #VancouverWA #Latest #ElectionSecurity

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance details his recent exchange with Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Administrator Greg Johnson, who claimed multiple inaccuracies and defamatory statements in a published column. Johnson responds point-by-point, and Vance offers his take. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-an-accusation-of-multiple-inaccuracies-and-defamatory-statements/ #IBRProgram #LightRail #Transportation #Opinion #KenVance #GregJohnson #CCTfeatured #ClarkCounty #I5Bridge

Bill Bruch denounces the rise of left-wing political violence, pointing to the recent shootings of Minnesota Democrats who supported immigration reforms, and warns that calls for violence are replacing discourse. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-political-motivated-violence-from-the-left-is-replacing-discourse-at-a-troubling-rate/ #Opinion #BillBruch #PoliticalViolence #MelissaHortman #JohnHoffman #NoKings #Trump #ICEProtests #LawAndOrder #DHS

Amy Harris of Clark County Matters calls on Vancouver residents to pressure local officials for stronger public camping bans, warning that Portland’s homeless crisis could spread if action isn’t taken. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-tell-city-officials-to-keep-vancouver-normal/ #Opinion #AmyHarris #Vancouver #ClarkCountyMatters #Homelessness #PublicCamping #KeepVancouverNormal #PortlandCrisis #CityCouncil #BumperSticker

The Clark County Opioid Abatement Council awarded more than $5.3 million in settlement grants to local organizations, including $2.75 million for the Vancouver Bridge Shelter Project, which will offer housing and addiction recovery services. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/opioid-abatement-council-awards-2-75-million-to-vancouver-bridge-shelter-project/ #Vancouver #OpioidSettlement #BridgeShelter #AddictionRecovery #ClarkCounty #PublicHealth #Homelessness #Carelon #Narcan #Prevention

Nancy Churchill argues that federal leadership aligned with conservative principles is defending Americans against Washington state’s overreach on issues like dams, voter ID, EV mandates, and girls' sports. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-feds-vs-washington-state/ #Opinion #NancyChurchill #VoterID #EVmandates #TitleIX #SnakeRiverDams #Trump #ElectionIntegrity #Hydropower #ChrisReykdal

Clark County Public Works is seeking public input on improvements to Orchards Community Park through a multilingual online survey. Responses will help shape future designs and support grant funding applications. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-invited-to-provide-input-on-orchards-community-park-improvements-via-online-survey/ #ClarkCounty #OrchardsPark #Vancouver #CommunityInput #ParksAndNature #PublicWorks #ParkImprovements #MichaelChau #Survey #GrantFunding

The C-TRAN Board of Directors approved fall service changes, including a new Current rideshare district for Battle Ground and a new east Vancouver route, while also beginning discussion on proposed fare increases in 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-board-approves-service-changes-to-start-in-fall-hears-proposed-fare-increases-for-2026/ #CTRAN #BattleGround #Vancouver #Transit #TheCurrent #FareIncrease #PaulValencia #IBR #PublicSafety #BusRoutes

Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen visited the U.S. Department of Transportation to speak out against the light rail extension in the I-5 Bridge Replacement project, citing strong opposition from Clark County communities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/camas-city-councilor-leslie-lewallen-visits-u-s-department-of-transportation-to-oppose-light-rail-in-i-5-bridge-project/ #LeslieLewallen #Camas #IBR #LightRail #Transportation #ClarkCounty #USDOT #BattleGround #Infrastructure #SouthwestWashington

Anna Miller argues there’s credible evidence some disruptive protests are being orchestrated by well-funded networks, potentially with foreign influence and ideological motives. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-follow-the-money/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #Camas #Protests #ForeignInfluence #AnnaMiller #JoshHawley #NevilleRoySingham #CCP #FBI

Clark County Today celebrates Father’s Day with a heartfelt message honoring dads, grandfathers, and father figures for their love, strength, and selfless guidance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/honoring-the-fathers-who-guide-give-and-inspire/ #FathersDay #ClarkCounty #FamilyMatters #FathersLove #Fatherhood #ClarkCountyToday #DadsMatter #Gratitude #Community #Parenting

President Trump will temporarily retain control of 4,000 California National Guard troops following a federal appeals court decision that paused a lower court’s order requiring him to return authority to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The deployment stems from protests in Los Angeles after recent ICE raids. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/trump-keeps-control-of-california-national-guard-in-la-for-now-after-appeals-court-order/ #NationalGuard #Trump #Newsom #ICEraids #ConstitutionalAuthority #9thCircuit #CaliforniaPolitics #Protests #ClarkCountyToday #WashingtonStateStandard

Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers says President Trump’s memorandum protecting the Snake River dams rolls back costly Biden Administration policies and aligns with science-based recommendations to retain the hydroelectric system. Myers explains why this move benefits Washington’s economy, energy future, and salmon recovery efforts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-president-trump-signs-memorandum-to-protect-the-snake-river-dams/ #SnakeRiverDams #ToddMyers #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Hydropower #ColumbiaRiverBasin #TrumpMemo #BidenAdministration #SalmonRecovery #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyToday

Clark County is seeking a volunteer park host to live at scenic Moulton Falls Regional Park and help maintain the grounds, provide visitor assistance, and support daily operations. This live-in role offers housing and basic utilities in exchange for daily tasks like opening gates, picking up litter, and reporting emergencies. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-looking-to-fill-live-in-volunteer-park-host-position-at-moulton-falls-regional-park/ #Yacolt #MoultonFalls #ClarkCountyWA #VolunteerOpportunity #ParkHost #PublicWorks #LiveInVolunteer #EastForkLewisRiver #BigTreeCreek #ClarkCountyToday

The city of Vancouver is inviting residents to serve on Pro or Con Committees for a proposed charter amendment that would introduce district-based elections for some City Council members. Applications are due by June 30 at 5 p.m., and selected committee members will help shape the official arguments in the Clark County Voters Pamphlet. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-members-are-invited-to-apply-for-pro-con-committees-for-upcoming-districting-ballot-measure/ #VancouverWA #CityCouncil #DistrictElections #ProConCommittees #BallotMeasure #CivicEngagement #CityCharter #ClarkCountyToday #LauraShepard #Nov5Election

WSDOT crews will close eastbound SR 14 and multiple I-5 ramps overnight from June 15–17 for road surface improvements and maintenance. Travelers should plan ahead, expect delays, and use alternate routes. Real-time updates available via WSDOT’s app and travel map. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-ahead-for-overnight-ramp-closures-on-eastbound-sr-14-in-vancouver-june-15-17/ #VancouverWA #SR14 #WSDOT #RampClosures #I5 #RoadMaintenance #TrafficAlert #ClarkCountyToday #TravelUpdates #ColumbiaWay

Clark County Fire District 3 has officially recognized AMR crews for their swift and heroic response to a June 10 fire in Battle Ground. Crews rescued two occupants and revived two dogs thanks to seamless coordination between fire and EMS teams during a complex emergency scene. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-fire-district-3-recognizes-amr-crews-for-actions-during-june-10-fire-incident/ #BattleGround #FireDistrict3 #AMR #FireRescue #EmergencyResponse #ClarkCountyToday #PublicSafety #DogRescue #EMS #ChrisDrone

The Washougal School District is accepting applications to fill the Director District 5 seat on the school board, following Chuck Carpenter’s planned resignation on June 30. Applicants must live in the district and apply by July 24, with details available on the district website. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washougal-school-district-is-accepting-applications-for-board-of-directors-vacancy/ #Washougal #SchoolBoard #WashougalSchoolDistrict #DirectorDistrict5 #ChuckCarpenter #BoardVacancy #KoriKelly #SchoolGovernance #ClarkCountyToday #EducationLeadership

This summer, Ridgefield invites you to glide across Lake River in a 40-foot Dragon Boat with friends, neighbors, and strangers who quickly become teammates. Free Community Paddles are offered Friday nights starting June 20 through October 3, with equipment provided and no experience needed — just bring your spirit of adventure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/join-ridgefields-free-dragon-boat-community-paddles-this-summer/ #RidgefieldWA #DragonBoating #CommunityPaddle #LakeRiver #SummerEvents #FreeActivities #OutdoorRecreation #PaddleTogether #ClarkCountyToday #CityOfRidgefield

This Saturday, Vancouver firefighters will once again take to the streets — or parking lots — to ask community members to Fill The Boot in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. With more than 70 years of tradition, this fundraiser supports vital research, care, and advocacy for those with neuromuscular disease. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/firefighters-asking-folks-to-fill-the-boot-with-fundraiser-for-mda-on-saturday/ #FillTheBoot #MDA #VancouverWA #Firefighters #CommunitySupport #FredMeyer #MuscularDystrophy #Fundraiser #ClarkCountyToday #IAFF

Clark County is removing outdated play structures from Lewisville Regional Park starting in late June because they no longer meet current safety standards. A full park plan update is scheduled for later this year, and the public will be invited to provide input on what comes next. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/aging-play-equipment-at-lewisville-regional-park-to-be-removed/ #BattleGround #LewisvillePark #ClarkCountyWA #PublicWorks #PlaygroundRemoval #ParkSafety #ConstructionAlert #ParkPlanning #CommunityInput #ClarkCountyToday

A new Clark County Today poll asks whether Clark County taxpayers should fund light rail operations tied to the I-5 Bridge Replacement. Project leaders say the plan is moving forward, but questions remain over long-term costs and public support. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-clark-county-taxpayers-help-pay-for-light-rail-operations/ #InterstateBridge #LightRail #ClarkCounty #Transportation #CTRAN #Taxpayers #GregJohnson #Opinion

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance scrutinizes the C-TRAN Board’s stance on covering $7.2 million annually for TriMet’s light rail operations, despite an admission from IBR’s Greg Johnson that other funding options exist. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-would-c-tran-board-members-put-the-agency-on-the-hook-for-7-2-million-annually-if-they-dont-have-to/ #CTRAN #LightRail #ClarkCountyPolitics #KenVance #VancouverWA #IBR #TransitCosts #PublicSpending #ClarkCountyWa

Reporter Paul Valencia is joined by Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland to talk Columbia River and Skyview’s state championship wins, WIAA sanctions against a Seattle football program, a controversial California track ruling, and their summer plans—including one inspired by a 1970s sitcom. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-june-13-2025-salute-spring-sports-champions-and-revealing-our-summer-plans-plus-a-quick-trip-to-the-1970s/ #ClarkCountyWa #HighSchoolSports #SkyviewSoftball #ColumbiaRiverSoccer #SportsPodcast #WIAA #VancouverWA #TrackAndField #1970sSitcom #LocalNews

C-TRAN is moving forward with its first north-south Vine route: the Purple line. The board approved a contract with Tapani Inc. for construction of the new bus rapid transit line running from the Vancouver waterfront to Washington State University Vancouver. A groundbreaking is set for July 9. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-approves-construction-contract-for-new-vine-route-along-highway-99/ #CTRAN #VancouverWA #PublicTransit #Highway99 #ClarkCountyNews #PurpleLine #BusRapidTransit #WSUV #TransportationUpdate #Vine

Camas detectives charged Jorge Reyes Ayala in connection with a series of car prowls and a vehicle theft that occurred on Christmas morning in the Woodburn Neighborhood of Camas. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/camas-detectives-make-arrest-in-christmas-morning-car-prowl-and-theft/ #Camas #CarProwl #VehicleTheft #ClarkCounty #PublicSafety #PoliceNews #JorgeReyesAyala #WoodburnNeighborhood #CamasPolice

Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl breaks down the proper use of two-way left turn lanes and clarifies common legal misconceptions about their function. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-how-to-use-a-two-way-left-turn-lane/ #DougDahl #TrafficSafety #WashingtonState #Transportation #TwoWayLeftTurn #RoadSafety #TargetZero #OpinionColumn #WiseDrive

Gov. Bob Ferguson is urging state agencies to prepare for further spending cuts amid declining revenues and a widening budget gap that could deepen after a June 24 forecast. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-governor-wants-agencies-to-look-for-deeper-cuts/ #BobFerguson #WashingtonBudget #SpendingCuts #OFM #EconomicForecast #StateAgencies #WApolitics

Supporters of IL26-126, an initiative requiring proof of citizenship to vote in Washington, will begin gathering signatures soon to qualify the measure for legislative review. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/signature-gathering-begins-soon-on-washington-voter-id-initiative/ #VoterID #WashingtonState #IL26126 #JimWalsh #BallotInitiative #ElectionIntegrity #CitizenshipVerification

Darby Kaikkonen, a Tumwater school board member and ex-director at OSPI, has filed suit claiming she was fired over her vote to support limits on trans athlete participation in girls’ sports. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ex-washington-state-worker-claims-she-was-fired-over-school-board-vote-on-trans-athletes/ #DarbyKaikkonen #OSPI #TransAthletes #SchoolBoard #TitleIX #WashingtonState #Education

Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center says Washington’s carbon-tax price surged 16 percent in one quarter, now roughly 46 cents per gallon, without delivering clear emissions cuts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-co2-tax-jumps-16-in-just-three-months-to-about-46-cents-per-gallon/ #CO2Tax #WashingtonPolicyCenter #GasPrices #ClimatePolicy #WashingtonState #Opinion

Daytime lane closures June 11–12 will slow northbound I-5 in Clark County as WSDOT repairs damaged pavement near Ridgefield and Woodland. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-delays-on-northbound-i-5-in-clark-county-for-pavement-repair-work/ #ClarkCounty #I5 #TrafficAlert #WSDOT #RoadWork #Ridgefield #Woodland

Firefighters in southwest Battle Ground managed a dual response, rescuing an elderly couple and their pets from a house fire while handling a separate medical call nearby. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fire-district-3-firefighters-rescue-elderly-couple-and-pets-from-burning-home/ #ClarkCounty #FireDistrict3 #FireRescue #BattleGround #EmergencyResponse #LevyLidLift

The Commission on Aging invites the public to a June 18 meeting to explore how older adults in Clark County can connect socially, with a focus on Healthy Communities from the Aging Readiness Plan. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/the-commission-on-aging-asks-how-can-older-adults-in-clark-county-connect-socially/ #CommissionOnAging #ClarkCounty #HealthyCommunities #AgingReadinessPlan #PublicMeeting #ClarkCountyCouncil #VancouverWA #CCTV #SocialConnection #CommunityPlanning

Nancy Churchill explores the push for regional autonomy and fairer representation through HB 2085 and the Convention of Counties framework. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-win-win-for-washington-state/ #NancyChurchill #RobChase #HB2085 #localcontrol #representation #WinWinforWashington #Opinion #WashingtonPolitics #stateSenate #ReynoldsvSims

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is moving forward with plans for light rail, with leadership in Washington and Oregon directing the effort despite local opposition and unresolved funding for operations and maintenance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/interstate-bridge-replacement-program-moving-forward-with-plans-for-light-rail/ #lightrail #IBR #CTRAN #GregJohnson #VancouverWA #InterstateBridge #transportation #TriMet #ClarkCounty #publictransit