Clark County Today News

Four years after Vancouver Police Officer Donald Sahota was mistakenly shot and killed by a Clark County Sheriff’s deputy, the county has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement with his widow. This episode details the 2022 tragedy involving robbery suspect Julio Cesar Segura, the negligence claims filed by attorneys Angus Lee and Mark Lindquist, and the closure this agreement brings to the Sahota family. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-pays-7-5-million-to-widow-of-vpd-officer-donald-sahota/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #VPD #DonaldSahota #Lawsuit #Settlement #Police #WashingtonState #Justice #LegalNews

A week that saw Democrats achieve their long-term goal of a state income tax and local moves on transit and ICE left Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance and journalist Brandi Kruse feeling “beat down” by Washington politics. This episode explores their shared concerns about constitutional rights, government power, Clark County decisions on C-TRAN and light rail, and the call from Future 42’s Leslie Lewallen to “stay and fight” for free markets, personal liberty and political change in the state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-brandi-kruse-and-i-are-feeling-discouraged-but-were-planning-to-continue-advocating-for-political-change-will-you/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #KenVance #BrandiKruse #StateIncomeTax #WashingtonPolitics #Future42 #Project42 #CTPolitics #Opinion

Six security videos, 14 witness interviews, 51 body-worn camera files and 40 in-car camera videos are now part of the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations’ review of a Vancouver Police Department use of deadly force that left 44-year-old Perry J. Sellars deceased. The episode outlines what investigators have collected so far, the role of the public tip line and family liaison, and the plan to release a Final Case Report on the OII website. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/oii-passes-60-day-point-in-vancouver-police-department-use-of-deadly-force-investigation/ #Vancouver #VancouverPoliceDepartment #UseOfDeadlyForce #PoliceShooting #BodyWornCamera #PublicRecordsAct #OfficeOfIndependentInvestigations #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #LawEnforcement

A 51–46 vote on March 10, 2026, passed Washington’s so-called millionaires tax after Democrats rejected more than 70 Republican amendments, writes Leslie Lewallen of Future 42 Clark County. She argues the measure violates the State Constitution, fuels a business exodus, and creates a $3.5–4 billion general fund slush fund with no dedicated K-12 or kids’ health dollars. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-my-thoughts-on-yesterdays-tragic-state-income-tax/ #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #Politics #Opinion #IncomeTax #MillionairesTax #Future42 #Project42

Howard Schultz, who built Starbucks from a tiny Seattle coffee shop into more than 40,000 locations worldwide, says he’s leaving the Pacific Northwest amid Washington’s new millionaires tax and soaring state budgets. Lars Larson questions what happens when Governors Kotek and Ferguson tax high earners out of Washington and Oregon. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-starbucks-founder-flees-the-new-nw-tax-hell/ #LarsLarson #PacificNorthwest #WashingtonTaxes #OregonPolitics #Starbucks #MillionairesTax #Opinion #Politics

After more than 24 hours of debate and nearly 60 amendments, the Washington House approved Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million. The bill passed 51–46 and now returns to the Senate for agreement before heading to Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has indicated he will sign it. Supporters say the measure would help modernize Washington’s tax system and expand programs such as the Working Families Tax Credit, while critics argue it is unconstitutional and could harm families and businesses. The proposal could face legal challenges and possible voter action if enacted. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/after-marathon-debate-wa-house-advances-income-tax/ #WashingtonState #SB6346 #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolitics

A late-night vote reshaped how light rail operating costs could be handled in Clark County, with C-TRAN leaders approving new language that protects smaller cities from paying operations and maintenance tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. The decision centers on the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative and comes alongside a proposed change to the C-TRAN board structure that would increase representation for Vancouver and Clark County. Reporter Paul Valencia explains how the compromise emerged, why some leaders say it protects their communities, and why critics like Michelle Belkot argue the financial burden could fall heavily on Vancouver and the urban growth area. Hear how the light rail funding debate and C-TRAN governance changes could shape the region’s role in the Interstate Bridge Replacement project. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-light-rail-funding-addressed-again-changes-are-coming-to-c-tran-board-composition/ #ClarkCounty #CTran #LightRail #InterstateBridge #VancouverWA #LocalGovernment #TransportationPolicy

A text message sent the night before a key Clark County council meeting is now at the center of a new claim involving the long-running dispute over the C-TRAN board and light rail vote. In this letter to the editor, Rob Anderson argues the message conflicts with sworn statements that all communications had been disclosed during the controversy surrounding the removal of Councilor Michelle Belkot from the C-TRAN board. Anderson connects the message to the broader investigation, lawsuits and findings discussed in the Skamania Report and says additional evidence will be presented in a recent episode of Reformcast. Read the full letter at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-one-year-later-a-withheld-text-message-points-to-perjury/ #Opinion #LetterToEditor #ClarkCountyWA #CTRAN #LocalPolitics #OpenPublicMeetings

A financial services company that moved out of Washington last year found hiring easier, costs lower and employee satisfaction higher in its new location. In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues that taxes such as the capital gains tax and the proposed income tax are only part of the reason some businesses are relocating. Harmsworth says uncertainty about future policy, hiring challenges and rising costs are also influencing decisions by employers considering whether to stay in Washington. Read the full column by Mark Harmsworth at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-its-not-just-the-increased-taxes-that-are-driving-businesses-away/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #BusinessClimate #CapitalGainsTax #IncomeTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Free school meals are being highlighted as a key benefit tied to Washington’s proposed income tax, but Elizabeth New argues the policy comes with hidden costs. In this opinion column, the Washington Policy Center analyst examines Senate Bill 6346 and questions whether universal meal programs and expanded tax credits are the best use of taxpayer dollars. New contends the state’s budget challenges stem from spending decisions rather than a lack of revenue and calls on lawmakers to prioritize targeted safety nets instead of broad new programs funded by an income tax. Read the full column by Elizabeth New at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-free-lunch-and-an-income-tax-isnt-more-palatable-because-it-offers-one/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #SB6346 #TaxPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Forty-five local crafters and artisans will gather in Battle Ground for a new community event celebrating handmade goods and small businesses. The Busy Bee Craft Fair takes place March 21 at the Battle Ground Event Center, offering visitors a chance to browse handcrafted décor, specialty foods, artwork and unique gifts. Organized by the City of Battle Ground, the free family-friendly event aims to showcase local makers while giving residents a fun opportunity to shop and connect with the community. Learn more about the Busy Bee Craft Fair and vendor information at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/battle-ground-the-site-of-busy-bee-craft-fair-march-21/ #BattleGroundWA #BusyBeeCraftFair #ClarkCountyWA #LocalMakers #CommunityEvents #ShopLocal

A new cultural access program took center stage during Vancouver’s annual State of the City address as Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle outlined priorities ranging from arts and culture to housing, public safety and economic development. Speaking at the Vancouver Arts Hub Building, the mayor introduced the Inspire Vancouver program aimed at expanding access to arts, heritage and science while also reflecting on projects including affordable housing efforts, police funding approved by voters, and progress toward the Interstate Bridge replacement. The speech also touched on climate initiatives, city infrastructure projects and cultural investments shaping Vancouver’s future. Read the full report by Paul Valencia at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/state-of-the-city-vancouver-mayor-promotes-arts-and-culture-in-her-annual-address/ #VancouverWA #AnneMcEnernyOgle #StateOfTheCity #ClarkCountyWA #LocalGovernment #ArtsAndCulture #Politics

Two evenings of choral music are coming to Vancouver as Clark College presents its winter choir concerts featuring student ensembles and accomplished faculty musicians. The Treble Ensemble and Chorale perform March 12, followed by the Concert Choir on March 14 at First United Methodist Church. Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk with accompanist Dr. Jeongmi Yoon, the performances showcase the work of Clark College’s music students and are free and open to the public with donations supporting the Clark College Choral Fund. Learn more about the upcoming Clark College choral concerts at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/clark-college-to-present-choral-concerts/ #ClarkCollege #VancouverWA #ChoralMusic #ClarkCountyArts #LiveMusic #CommunityConcert

Lawmakers in Olympia debated a controversial income tax bill through the night as the Washington House considered dozens of Republican amendments to Senate Bill 6346. The proposal would impose a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million and is expected to generate billions annually for early learning programs, financial aid and tax relief measures. Supporters say the legislation helps fund key priorities, while critics warn the policy could discourage business investment and eventually expand beyond high earners. Hear the latest developments in the Washington Legislature’s debate over the proposed income tax at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-wa-house-pulls-an-all-nighter-as-income-tax-debate-continues/ #WashingtonState #SB6346 #IncomeTax #Olympia #WashingtonLegislature #Politics #TheCenterSquare

Two high earners living together might avoid a new Washington income tax, but if they are married the combined income could trigger tens of thousands of dollars in taxes. In this opinion column, Lars Larson argues that the structure of the proposed Washington state income tax effectively creates a marriage penalty and reflects what he sees as broader spending priorities among lawmakers in Olympia. Larson outlines how the tax threshold works for individuals versus married couples and why critics believe it could push high-income residents to consider leaving the state. Hear the full breakdown of the debate over Washington’s millionaire income tax and the marriage penalty argument at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrat-party-penalizes-marriage-in-washington/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #MarriagePenalty #Olympia #LarsLarson #Politics #Opinion

A fire broke out on a second-story apartment deck shortly after 4:30 a.m. on March 10, drawing a response from the Vancouver Fire Department and prompting residents to evacuate the building. Firefighters extinguished the balcony blaze and searched nearby apartments to make sure flames had not spread, while AMR crews evaluated and transported one adult with respiratory distress. The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating the cause of the Vancouver apartment fire. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/balcony-fire-in-vancouver-extinguished/ #VancouverWA #VancouverFireDepartment #ClarkCountyWA #ApartmentFire #FireResponse #LocalNews

More than 30 Clark County business owners have sent a joint letter to the Washington State Legislature opposing Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to create a state income tax on high earners. The group argues the tax could hit S-corporations and LLCs especially hard because many small businesses report income through personal tax filings, potentially affecting jobs, investment, and expansion plans. Supporters of the effort say the measure could discourage entrepreneurship and push businesses to more competitive states. Clark County Today editor Ken Vance reports on the letter, the businesses involved, and the debate around Washington’s proposed income tax. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-small-businesses-urge-legislature-to-reject-state-income-tax/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolitics #SB6346 #IncomeTax #SmallBusiness #WashingtonState

Nearly 500 rural homes northeast of Battle Ground Lake now have access to reliable high-speed internet after Comcast completed a broadband expansion project in partnership with Clark County. The $5.21 million effort, supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act funding, aims to expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital connectivity for rural residents. County leaders say the project helps close the digital divide by supporting remote work, telehealth, online learning and home-based businesses. Information provided by Clark County WA Communications. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/comcast-completes-network-expansion-to-rural-residents-as-part-of-partnership-with-county/ #ClarkCountyWA #Broadband #HighSpeedInternet #Comcast #DigitalDivide #Infrastructure #RuralInternet

A nine-week downtown market is returning to Washougal this summer, and the city is looking for vendors to help bring it to life. The Washougal Community Market will run June 5 through July 31 at Reflection Plaza, featuring agriculture vendors, artisan goods, prepared foods, authors, and musicians. City officials say the expansion follows strong community support during the pilot season and is part of Washougal’s effort to support small businesses and build a stronger downtown gathering place. Information provided by the city of Washougal. Learn more and read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-washougal-seeking-vendors-for-2026-community-market-season/ #Washougal #CommunityMarket #ClarkCountyWA #LocalBusiness #FarmersMarket #DowntownWashougal #PNWEvents

A deep postseason run nearly carried Columbia River to the Class 2A championship game, and Evergreen’s girls program made its own history at the Class 3A state tournament. The Rapids finished fifth after a tight third-place game against Anacortes, while Evergreen secured the program’s first state trophy with a sixth-place finish after facing White River at the Tacoma Dome. In this episode, Paul Valencia breaks down the final results, standout performances from players like Luca Phillips and Amaya Paschal, and what these state tournament runs mean for Vancouver high school basketball moving forward. Listen now, then read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/trophy-games-columbia-river-boys-finish-fifth-evergreen-girls-take-sixth-at-state-tournaments/ #VancouverWA #HighSchoolBasketball #WIAA #ColumbiaRiverRapids #EvergreenPlainsmen #ClarkCountySports #WashingtonSports

A proposed “Millionaires’ Tax” in Washington is drawing sharp criticism from a budget analyst who says the final plan does not meet the governor’s own standards. Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues the income tax proposal returns far less revenue to taxpayers than Gov. Bob Ferguson publicly demanded and could become the largest tax increase in state history. In this episode, we break down the tax relief claims, the projected revenue, and why critics say the policy falls short of its stated goals. Read the full column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-gov-ferguson-has-abandoned-his-own-tax-relief-demands/ #WashingtonState #TaxPolicy #BobFerguson #WashingtonPolitics #IncomeTax #BudgetPolicy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Opinion

Teacher strikes are illegal in Washington state, yet they continue to happen — and the law doesn’t spell out penalties when they do. That reality is part of a broader national debate as lawmakers across the country consider new policies on teacher strikes, labor rights, and school disruptions. Reporter Esther Wickham looks at proposals in states like Arizona and Maryland, the legal gray areas surrounding teacher walkouts, and how Washington’s laws compare with those in other states. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/debate-grows-as-states-consider-teacher-strike-bans/ #EducationPolicy #TeacherStrikes #WashingtonState #PublicSchools #LaborRights #SchoolPolicy #USPolitics

A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling has triggered questions in Washington about how schools handle gender identity information and parental rights. House Republicans sent a letter to Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal asking how the state’s guidance for school districts compares to a California policy the court recently blocked. Reporter Aspen Ford explains the legal backdrop, Washington’s transgender student policy under Senate Bill 5689, and why lawmakers are seeking answers before the legislative session ends. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-gop-lawmakers-press-schools-chief-on-gender-identity-disclosure-policies/ #WashingtonState #EducationPolicy #ChrisReykdal #ParentalRights #GenderIdentity #SchoolPolicy #WashingtonPolitics

A frantic final sequence in Yakima decided one of the most dramatic games of the Washington high school basketball season. Columbia River held the lead late in regulation and again in overtime before Bremerton’s Jalen Davis delivered the tying play and a buzzer-beating finish to win the Class 2A semifinal 55-54. The Rapids now shift to the third-place game while Evergreen’s girls reached a trophy matchup in the Class 3A tournament and several other Clark County teams closed their state tournament runs. Reporter Paul Valencia breaks down the biggest moments from the WIAA state basketball tournament, standout performances, and what comes next for Columbia River and Evergreen. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-state-basketball-columbia-river-suffers-heartache-in-overtime-loss-in-semifinals/ #ClarkCounty #HighSchoolBasketball #WIAA #ColumbiaRiver #EvergreenPlainsmen #YakimaSunDome #TacomaDome #WashingtonSports

A proposed 9.9 percent tax on income above $1 million is gaining momentum in Olympia after Gov. Bob Ferguson said he will sign a revised version of Senate Bill 6346 if it reaches his desk. The latest amendment expands eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit and exempts over the counter medicines from sales tax while directing a portion of new revenue to child care and early education programs. Lawmakers face a March 12 deadline as debate continues over Washington’s tax structure, economic impacts and whether the proposal could reshape the state’s revenue system. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/passage-of-income-tax-bill-more-likely-as-gov-ferguson-now-says-he-will-sign-it/. #WashingtonPolitics #BobFerguson #IncomeTax #SB6346 #WashingtonState #WorkingFamiliesTaxCredit #TheCenterSquare #PolicyDebate

An $80 billion state budget, a proposed income tax and several major policy debates are dominating the final stretch of Washington’s 2026 legislative session. In this legislative update, Rep. John Ley of the 18th Legislative District outlines concerns about the operating budget, energy policy changes tied to the Clean Energy Transformation Act and bills that could affect property taxes and insurance premiums. He also discusses legislation impacting law enforcement oversight and invites residents to a March 28 town hall in Battle Ground. Hear the full breakdown of key Washington state legislation by reading the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-many-important-decisions-looming-as-the-2026-session-nears-the-end/. #WashingtonLegislature #JohnLey #18thDistrict #WashingtonPolitics #StateBudget #EnergyPolicy #PropertyTaxes #Opinion

Just weeks after Washington expanded unemployment insurance eligibility to striking workers, new numbers show 106 workers have already received 415 weeks of benefits. In this opinion column, Washington Policy Center analyst Elizabeth New argues that Senate Bill 5041 could strain the unemployment insurance fund and shift costs onto employers and taxpayers. She also points to a Yakima hospital strike and highlights Senate Bill 6134, a proposal requiring clearer warnings to workers about possible repayment of benefits. Hear the full analysis of Washington’s unemployment insurance policy and labor law changes by reading the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-106-striking-workers-already-using-unemployment-insurance-benefits/. #WashingtonState #UnemploymentInsurance #LaborPolicy #SB5041 #SB6134 #WashingtonPolicyCenter #ElizabethNew #Opinion

A professional basketball team representing Vancouver is stepping into a fresh chapter with a new name, a new league, and a home opener set for March 7 at Hudson’s Bay High School. The Vancouver Bears, formerly known as the Vancouver Volcanoes, are joining the United States Basketball League, bringing back familiar players Markus Golder and Darius Gary while adding international talent to the roster. Owner Curtis Hill says the goal is simple. Give Clark County its own affordable pro basketball experience without fans needing to cross the Columbia River. Learn how the USBL return to the West Coast and the Bears’ debut season could reshape the local sports scene by reading the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/pro-basketball-vancouver-bears-set-to-debut-new-name-in-new-league/. #VancouverBears #USBL #VancouverWA #ClarkCountySports #ProBasketball #HudsonsBayHighSchool #LocalSports #PaulValencia

A 6–3 U.S. Supreme Court ruling tied to parental rights and gender identity policies quickly became part of the ongoing debate surrounding the La Center School District’s dispute with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. At the same time, Columbia River’s boys basketball team surged into the Class 2A state semifinals after a dramatic win in Yakima, while lawmakers raised new concerns that the Interstate Bridge Replacement project could face a funding gap approaching $10 billion. This weekly roundup highlights the major stories shaping education, politics, transportation, sports, and community life across Clark County. Read the full stories at https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_march_06_2026. #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #WashingtonPolitics #HighSchoolBasketball #InterstateBridge #PNWNews

A massive 29-1 scoring stretch helped Columbia River turn an early deficit into a commanding win over Pullman in the Class 2A state basketball quarterfinals in Yakima. The Rapids, an 11-seed, are headed to the state semifinals after victories over higher-seeded teams in the Washington high school basketball tournament. Meanwhile, Union, Evergreen, Seton Catholic and Columbia Adventist saw their championship bracket runs end in quarterfinal matchups across Yakima, Tacoma and Spokane. Story by Paul Valencia. Listen for the latest from the state basketball playoffs, then read the full report at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/state-basketball-quarterfinals-columbia-river-rapids-keep-dream-alive-advance-to-final-four/. #WashingtonStateBasketball #ColumbiaRiverRapids #ClarkCountySports #HighSchoolBasketball #YakimaSunDome #TacomaDome #SpokaneArena

A recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion on parental rights in education has become part of an ongoing dispute involving the La Center School District and Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. In response to that debate, Clark County Today is asking readers who they believe should have the primary say when questions about a student’s gender identity arise at school. Share your perspective in the poll and read more about the issue at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-who-should-have-the-primary-say-in-decisions-about-a-students-gender-identity-at-school/ #ClarkCounty #EducationPolicy #SchoolDebate #OpinionPoll

A new economic analysis projects Washington’s 2025 tax increases could slow economic growth and reduce worker wages over the next several years. In this opinion column, Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center discusses a study estimating the impact of Business and Occupation tax increases and expanded sales taxes on services, and argues the policies could affect the state’s business climate and long-term economic growth. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-study-shows-2025s-record-tax-increases-reduce-washingtons-gdp-growth-and-worker-pay/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WashingtonEconomy #TaxPolicy #BusinessClimate #Opinion #WashingtonState

Washougal officials are moving forward with an overcrossing design for the 32nd Street Rail Crossing Project, a plan intended to eliminate delays and improve safety at one of the busiest railroad crossings in Washington. The crossing currently sees an average of 32 trains and more than 5,700 vehicles each day. City leaders say the bridge option carries fewer risks and could cost up to $18 million less than an undercrossing tunnel design. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-washougal-advances-overcrossing-design-for-32nd-st-rail-crossing-project/ #Washougal #Transportation #RailSafety #BNSF #WashingtonInfrastructure

A reader responding to reactions to his previous letter about the LEOFF 1 pension system says the discussion should start with accurate information before debating policy decisions. In this letter to the editor, Brian Kendall explains that his earlier comments were intended to challenge what he described as misinformation about the state’s handling of surplus funds in the retirement system. The letter argues that correcting factual claims is necessary for productive civic debate about public pension policy. Read the full letter at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-facts-arent-political/ #WashingtonState #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #PublicPensions #LEOFF1

Lars Larson discusses the Supreme Court ruling that limits President Trump’s tariff authority, the debate over the Emergency Economic Powers Act, potential refund claims by importers, and recent economic indicators cited in the aftermath of the decision. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-loss-at-the-supreme-court/ #Opinion #LarsLarson #SupremeCourt #Tariffs #PresidentTrump #EconomicPolicy #NationalSecurity

Michelle Belkot reminded fellow Clark County Council members that she is in active litigation as they discussed potential changes to the county’s Rules of Procedure, including authority to remove members from boards and direct votes, alongside the reading of an immigration enforcement resolution. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/belkot-reminds-other-clark-county-councilors-that-there-is-active-litigation/ #ClarkCountyCouncil #VancouverWA #MichelleBelkot #CTRAN #InterstateBridge #LightRail #ClarkCountyPolitics

A standing-room-only Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries meeting, disruptive incidents at a Clark County Council session, and a Feb. 17 stabbing at Heritage High School headline the week, alongside postseason sports, a new Study of Sports Podcast episode, and multiple letters to the editor. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_february_20_2026 #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #FortVancouverRegionalLibraries #HeritageHighSchool #ClarkCountyCouncil #StudyOfSports #HighSchoolSports #LocalOpinion

The Study of Sports Podcast features Paul Valencia with Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland discussing Mat Classic and the hundreds of Clark County wrestlers, postseason basketball formats, and a look back at the Super Bowl, recorded Feb. 18. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-feb-20-2026-we-discuss-mat-classic-and-the-hundreds-of-wrestlers-from-clark-county-postseason-basketball-formats-and-a-look-back-at-the-super-bowl/#StudyOfSportsPodcast #ClarkCountySports #MatClassic #HighSchoolWrestling #PostseasonBasketball #SuperBowl #VancouverWA

Clark County Today’s weekly poll asks whether Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries should prioritize stronger parental oversight for children’s access to materials, following a packed meeting at Cascade Park Community Library and debate over strategic plan language, intellectual freedom, equity, and parental rights. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-fort-vancouver-regional-libraries-prioritize-stronger-parental-oversight-for-childrens-access-to-materials/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #FVRL #LibraryDebate #ParentalRights #IntellectualFreedom

Clark County Council members discussed possible policy changes after two disruptive incidents during public comment, with Glen Yung, Sue Marshall, Michelle Belkot, and Wil Fuentes weighing options that could include temporary bans, and County Manager Kathleen Otto planning talks with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-wants-to-come-up-with-a-plan-to-deal-with-unruly-behavior-at-meetings/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #CountyCouncil #PublicMeetings #LocalPolitics #FirstAmendment

Battle Ground Police, assisted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, are investigating a series of animal shootings involving blow darts, with evidence recovered from a residence on SE 17th Way and potential charges including reckless endangerment and animal cruelty as the investigation continues. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-investigate-series-of-animal-shootings-involving-blow-darts/ #BattleGroundWA #ClarkCounty #AnimalCruelty #BlowDarts #BGPD #WashingtonDFW #PublicSafety

Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal reopens March 7 after its winter closure, featuring more than 6,000 square feet of exhibits including a new Barbie doll display from the Barbara Heriford Estate, refreshed historical displays, and updated galleries operated by the Camas-Washougal Historical Society. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/two-rivers-heritage-museum-reopens-for-2026/ #Washougal #TwoRiversHeritageMuseum #Camas #LocalHistory #MuseumExhibit #BarbieCollection #ClarkCounty

The city of Vancouver will seal the Main Street Promise Time Capsule on February 20 at Main Street and West 13th Street in downtown Vancouver, with items collected by Vancouver’s Downtown Association to reflect life in 2025 and a stainless steel capsule set to remain buried until 2125. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-to-seal-time-capsule-for-100-years-as-part-of-the-main-street-promise-project/ #VancouverWA #MainStreetPromise #DowntownVancouver #TimeCapsule #ClarkCounty #EconomicVitality #HistoricMainStreet

RedDoor Gallery and FEAST 316 present ART of the FEAST on February 22 from 2–6 p.m. in downtown Camas, featuring curated wines, charcuterie, appetizers, and original fine art by RedDoor Gallery artists, with tickets priced at $28 per person. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/see-works-created-by-the-artists-of-reddoor-gallery-exclusively-for-art-of-the-feast-event/ #CamasWA #RedDoorGallery #Feast316 #ArtOfTheFeast #DowntownCamas #FineArt #WineTasting #ClarkCountyEvents

Letter to the editor from Brad Benton announcing his candidacy for Clark County Council District 5, highlighting priorities including affordability, opposition to tax increases, transportation policy, Light Rail, public safety, and his role as a Clark County Charter Review Commissioner. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-brad-benton-announces-candidacy-for-county-council-district-5/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #BradBenton #CountyCouncil #District5 #Transportation #PublicSafety

Opinion column by Doug Dahl with The Wise Drive explores oversized tires that extend beyond fenders, the legal requirements for tire coverage, and how frequency illusion influences what drivers think they see on the road, including distracted driving data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-oversized-tires-and-the-frequency-illusion/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #TrafficSafety #OversizedTires #DougDahl #TheWiseDrive #Transportation

Clark County is accepting applications to fill a low-income representative position from the fourth district on the Community Action Advisory Board, a 15-member volunteer board that makes recommendations on funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs; the three-year term runs through Dec. 31, 2028, and applications are due March 13. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-14/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityActionAdvisoryBoard #VancouverWA #LocalGovernment #HousingPrograms #BasicNeeds #VolunteerBoard

A packed meeting at Cascade Park Community Library drew supporters and critics of new language in the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Strategic Plan, with public comment focusing on intellectual freedom, parental rights, equitable access, and calls for the Clark County Council to receive an update from library leadership. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/passionate-arguments-made-before-fort-vancouver-regional-libraries-board-of-trustees/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyWA #FVRL #LibraryBoard #PublicComment #StrategicPlan #LocalPolitics

The Center Square Washington reports that the Estate of Paul G. Allen has begun a formal sale process for the Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks, with investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins leading a process expected to continue through the 2026 off-season and analysts projecting a potential record-breaking sale price. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/seattle-seahawks-officially-up-for-sale/ #SeattleSeahawks #NFL #SuperBowlLX #WashingtonState #PaulAllen #SportsBusiness

Washington State Standard reports on growing tension between Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democratic lawmakers over how to spend revenue from the proposed 9.9% income tax on adjusted gross household income above $1 million, including debates over small business tax relief, sales tax holidays and the Working Families Tax Credit. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/tension-rising-over-how-to-spend-revenue-from-proposed-wa-income-tax/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #BobFerguson #SB6346 #StateBudget #TaxRelief #Politics