Clark County Today News

The City of Battle Ground is seeking applicants to serve on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, a volunteer body that advises the city council on the use of lodging tax revenues collected from local overnight stays. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-seeks-applicants-for-lodging-tax-advisory-committee/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #Tourism #LodgingTax #CivicEngagement

In this letter to the editor, Vancouver resident Shauna Walters critiques Sen. Adrian Cortes’ legislative record, contrasting his past local tax-cutting actions with his current support for state mandates and income tax proposals in the Washington State Senate. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-great-reversal-cortes-cuts-local-taxes-then-loads-schools-and-hospitals-with-unfunded-state-mandates/ #ClarkCounty #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #WALeg #Taxes #EducationPolicy

Clark/Vancouver Television will broadcast live KIRO television coverage of Seattle’s Super Bowl celebration parade, airing locally on CVTV cable channels and online during the scheduled event window. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/watch-seattles-super-bowl-celebration-parade-on-cvtv/ #ClarkCounty #CVTV #Seattle #SuperBowl #Parade #LocalTV

In this letter to the editor, Rob Anderson and a Ridgefield parent outline student complaints against a Ridgefield High School coach, detailing how concerns were raised, investigated, and ultimately handled by the school district. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-part-one-inside-ridgefield-school-districts-failure-to-protect-students/ #Ridgefield #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #SchoolAccountability #StudentSafety #Education

As penny production stops, Washington lawmakers are debating how retailers should make change on cash purchases, with proposed legislation outlining when transactions would be rounded up or down to the nearest nickel. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/as-pennies-disappear-washington-must-address-how-retailers-make-change/ #WashingtonState #WALeg #Retail #Pennies #PublicPolicy #Economy

Washington Policy Center’s Mark Harmsworth writes that ongoing tax increases and proposed income and wealth taxes are driving uncertainty for small and large businesses across Washington, contributing to investment hesitation and business exits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-business-is-already-leaving-washington/ #WashingtonState #Opinion #BusinessClimate #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Taxes #Economy

Three lawmakers from the 17th Legislative District will host a virtual town hall to review the 2026 legislative session, discuss legislation, and respond to constituent questions using the Zoom platform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/lawmakers-from-17th-district-to-host-virtual-town-hall-on-wednesday-feb-18/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolitics #LegislativeSession #VirtualTownHall #17thDistrict

Vietnam War veteran Dennis Fisher spoke at a Community Military Appreciation Committee breakfast in Vancouver, sharing stories from his time as a Marine Corps combat photographer and discussing his book documenting his full tour in Vietnam. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/cmac-welcomes-guest-to-talk-about-his-experience-as-a-combat-photographer-in-vietnam/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #VietnamVeteran #CombatPhotography #MilitaryHistory #CMAC

Battle Ground police are investigating a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle at a local Walmart, with detectives confirming the driver remained on scene and no impairment is suspected as the investigation continues. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-investigate-fatal-auto-pedestrian-collision/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #PublicSafety #PoliceInvestigation #FatalCollision #PedestrianSafety

Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian collision that occurred on NE 162nd Avenue near NE Poplar Street, with officers confirming the driver remained on scene and the Traffic Unit continues its investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-fatality-collision-9/ #VancouverPolice #TrafficFatality #ClarkCounty #PublicSafety

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson held a conversation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as the league considers future expansion, with Seattle identified as a possible destination and state leaders expressing interest in the return of the SuperSonics. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/washington-governor-talks-potential-return-of-supersonics-with-nba-commissioner/ #NBA #SuperSonics #WashingtonState #SeattleSports #NBANews

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center breaks down a proposed Washington income tax, outlining how Senate Bill 6346 would tax income above $1 million, affect capital gains and business owners, amend Initiative 2111, and limit the referendum process. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-income-tax-proposal-has-arrived/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #IncomeTax #WashingtonLegislature #StateBudget #TaxPolicy

This week’s Clark County Today newsletter breaks down debates over light rail funding, rising housing costs, public safety advocacy tied to impaired driving, and the launch of a new Clark County auditor race, along with community events and local sports discussion. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_february_06_2026 #ClarkCounty #LocalPolitics #PublicSafety #HousingCosts #LocalNews

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is pressing Washington lawmakers to lower the legal blood alcohol content limit to 0.05, sharing data from Utah and personal testimony from families in Clark County who lost loved ones to impaired driving as part of a push focused on education and prevention. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/is-it-time-to-lower-the-legal-limit-for-blood-alcohol-content-to-0-05-in-the-state-of-washington/ #MADD #DUIDangers #ImpairedDriving #TrafficSafety #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty

With 50 years of experience in homebuilding, Tracy Doriot of Doriot Construction explains how regulations, permitting delays, taxes, and labor shortages are contributing to Washington’s housing affordability crisis, and why he believes policy changes are needed to allow builders to increase housing supply. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/expert-in-homebuilding-has-several-tips-on-how-to-make-housing-affordable/ #Vancouver #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #Homebuilding #WashingtonPolicy #GrowthManagementAct #Business

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance weighs in on the proposal to create a high-capacity transit sub-district to fund light rail operations and maintenance tied to the I-5 Bridge replacement, arguing that those who support the project should be the ones paying the local share. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-if-they-want-light-rail-they-should-be-the-ones-who-pay-for-it/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #I5Bridge #LightRail #CTRAN #TransitPolicy

This Clark County Today poll asks residents where a potential C-TRAN sub-district should be drawn if voters are asked to fund light rail operations and maintenance tied to a new Interstate Bridge, reflecting recent discussions by the Clark County Council. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-if-a-sub-district-is-created-what-area-should-it-include/ #ClarkCounty #Opinion #Poll #LightRail #CTran #InterstateBridge

The U.S. Department of Education issued updated guidance clarifying that students and staff may pray in public schools as an expression of individual faith, while schools may not sponsor or coerce prayer, with the announcement made by President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/trump-education-department-bolsters-protections-for-prayer-in-schools/ #EducationPolicy #ReligiousLiberty #PublicSchools #FirstAmendment #USPolitics

In this opinion column, economist Joe Cortright analyzes IBR cost estimates and concludes that inflation accounts for only a fraction of the project’s ballooning price tag, pointing instead to rapidly rising consultant and staff costs as the main cause. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibr-falsely-blaming-inflation/ #Opinion #Transportation #IBR #I5Bridge #PublicSpending

In this letter to the editor, Bob Ortblad contends that Interstate Bridge Replacement Program funds could be better spent on a sandwich steel-concrete immersed tunnel, citing cost comparisons, design critiques, and examples of similar tunnels built internationally. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-interstate-bridge-replacement-programs-141-million-bribe-can-be-better-spent-on-sandwich-steel-concrete-tubes/ #ClarkCounty #Opinion #InterstateBridge #ImmersedTunnel #Transportation

In this opinion column, Rep. John Ley outlines feedback from a recent legislative survey indicating that affordability, public safety, and government accountability are top concerns for Washingtonians, and he criticizes proposed income tax legislation introduced in Olympia. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtonians-want-affordability-not-more-taxes-according-to-our-recent-survey/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #Affordability #Taxes #StateLegislature

The Washougal City Council has appointed David L. Szyplinski to City Council Position 5 after a public application and interview process, filling the vacancy left by the passing of former mayor Molly Coston, with the term running through certification of the November 2027 election. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washougal-city-council-appoints-david-l-szyplinski-to-fill-position-5/ #Washougal #LocalGovernment #CityCouncil #PublicService #ClarkCounty

In this opinion column, Lars Larson criticizes Senate Democrats for opposing the SAVE Act and for comments he says insult black Americans, while urging Senate Republicans to advance voter ID legislation and election reforms. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-schumer-insults-black-americans-with-jim-crow-2-0-comment/ #Opinion #Politics #SAVEAct #VoterID #USSenate

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is accepting public nominations for its 2026 Philanthropist of the Year and Community Champion Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that strengthen communities across Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties, with a submission deadline of March 6. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-foundation-opens-philanthropy-award-nominations-2/ #ClarkCounty #Philanthropy #CommunityLeadership #Nonprofits #SouthwestWashington

Clark College is hosting a series of free public workshops throughout February to help current and prospective students better understand financial aid, including scholarships, student employment, loans, and maintaining eligibility, with sessions held on the college’s main campus. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/clark-college-financial-aid-office-to-host-free-public-workshops-during-financial-aid-awareness-month/ #ClarkCounty #ClarkCollege #FinancialAid #HigherEducation #FAFSA #WAFSA

Vancouver Fire responded to a vehicle collision involving a commercial strip mall in Vancouver, deploying multiple units and the Technical Rescue Team to secure the structure and safely remove the vehicle, with all occupants accounted for and no injuries reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vehicle-collides-with-commercial-building/ #Vancouver #VancouverFire #PublicSafety #VehicleCollision #TechnicalRescue

The Clark County Republican Women will host a dinner event on Feb. 12 at the Battle Ground Events Center focused on the work of the County Charter Review Commission, featuring commission members and moderated by CCRW President Liz Cline. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ccrw-to-host-dinner-event-featuring-charter-review-commission-members/ #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CharterReview #CCRW #CommunityEvents

In this letter to the editor, James Landon of Ridgefield shares his family’s long-standing ties to the Hockinson School District and explains why he believes the upcoming levy is a responsible and necessary investment in education, community stability, and future generations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-hockinson-is-worth-investing-in-and-this-levy-is-part-of-that-commitment/ #ClarkCounty #Opinion #Hockinson #SchoolLevy #EducationFunding

In this letter to the editor, Rob Anderson writes that organized Portland-based activist groups coordinated public comment at a recent Clark County Council meeting to pressure councilors over an anti-ICE resolution, warning that continued disengagement by local residents could invite further outside influence. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-pdx-activists-flood-clark-county-council-over-anti-ice-resolution/ #ClarkCounty #Opinion #ICE #CountyCouncil #ReformCast #LocalPolitics

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill explains why a public hearing on HB 2221 represents real progress in Olympia, even though the bill will not advance this session, highlighting testimony numbers, wildlife management concerns in eastern Washington, and how relationship-building can move policy forward over time. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-moving-the-ball-down-the-field/ #WashingtonState #Opinion #HB2221 #WildlifeManagement #Olympia #RuralCommunities

Vancouver Fire responded to a fatal structure fire at a one-story fourplex on East 6th Street, where one person and one dog were found deceased and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-fatal-structure-fire/ #Vancouver #VancouverFire #StructureFire #FireInvestigation #PublicSafety

Clark County Council members heard from C-TRAN Deputy CEO Scott Patterson about how a high-capacity transit sub-district could be formed and sent to voters to help fund operations and maintenance costs for light rail if it is part of a new Interstate Bridge project. The discussion included potential tax options, governance structure, and concerns about costs beyond Vancouver. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/a-sub-district-vote-could-be-a-way-to-go-to-pay-om-costs-associated-with-light-rail/ #ClarkCounty #CTran #LightRail #InterstateBridge #PublicTransit #LocalGovernment

Speculation surrounding a possible sale of the Seattle Seahawks has grown alongside debate over a proposed Washington income tax that would apply a 9.9% levy on high-earning athletes and performers for income earned in the state, including a “jock tax” based on duty days. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/speculation-on-seahawks-sale-heats-up-following-proposed-wa-jock-tax/ #WashingtonState #Seahawks #JockTax #StatePolitics #SportsBusiness #TaxPolicy

Gov. Bob Ferguson rejected the initial income tax framework proposed by Democratic lawmakers, saying it does not sufficiently return revenue to Washington residents despite targeting income over $1 million, as debates continue over tax relief, budget gaps, and long-term changes to the state’s tax system. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/gov-ferguson-rejects-wa-lawmakers-initial-crack-at-income-tax-legislation/ #WashingtonState #WALeg #IncomeTax #StateBudget #TaxPolicy #WashingtonStateStandard

In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth outlines concerns that Washington’s proposed income tax legislation could accelerate business departures, reduce investment, and weaken the state’s competitive position, drawing comparisons to high-tax states that have seen significant out-migration. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-proposed-income-tax-driving-businesses-and-jobs-out-of-the-state/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #EconomicPolicy #SmallBusiness #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Washington lawmakers on the House Environment and Energy Committee unanimously approved Rep. John Ley’s House Bill 2605, which would update state rules governing naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in construction products while maintaining workplace safety protections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/house-environment-and-energy-committee-unanimously-approves-legislation-from-rep-john-ley/ #WashingtonState #WALeg #Infrastructure #Construction #HouseBill2605

Mitchell Kelly has announced his candidacy for Clark County auditor, pointing to nearly ten years of experience within the Auditor’s Office, prior work with the Washington State Auditor’s Office, and a commitment to election integrity, accurate financial reporting, and a nonpartisan approach to public service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/mitchell-kelly-announces-candidacy-for-clark-county-auditor/ #ClarkCounty #LocalPolitics #CountyAuditor #ElectionIntegrity #PublicService

In this opinion column, Lars Larson contends that schools and educators who encourage student walkouts for political causes should be held accountable under existing truancy laws, arguing that political activism is undermining education in the Pacific Northwest. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-lets-use-the-truancy-laws-to-send-a-message-to-schools/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #EducationPolicy #TruancyLaws #SchoolWalkouts #StatePolitics

In this opinion column, Bill Bruch outlines allegations of fraud, overpayments, and record-scrubbing tied to Washington’s taxpayer-subsidized childcare programs and discusses calls by GOP lawmakers for federal investigations and independent audits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-gop-state-representative-asking-trump-administration-to-investigate-fraud-allegations/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #ChildcareSubsidies #StatePolitics #GovernmentAccountability #PublicRecords

Friends of Vancouver Lake has appointed Adrienne Mason as its founding executive director, a move supported by community leaders and the Lynch Foundation as the organization advances long-term stewardship and management efforts at Vancouver Lake. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/friends-of-vancouver-lake-appoints-adrienne-mason-as-founding-executive-director/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #VancouverLake #NonprofitLeadership #EnvironmentalStewardship #CommunityPartnerships

Vancouver Fire Department crews quickly knocked down a fire in a travel trailer used as a permanent residence in the 10400 block of NE 53rd Street, preventing the flames from spreading to nearby trailers; the fire was caused by an electrical issue, no injuries were reported, and one occupant was displaced with Red Cross assistance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-department-extinguishes-rv-fire/ #Vancouver #VancouverFireDepartment #RVFire #ResidentialFire #FireResponse #PublicSafety

In this letter to the editor, Bob Ortblad compares British Columbia’s Highway 99 immersed tunnel project to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, arguing that an I-5 immersed tunnel could save billions, reduce construction time, and avoid major impacts to surrounding communities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-british-columbias-new-immersed-tunnel-can-solve-interstate-bridge-replacement-programs-17-7-billion-problem/ #Opinion #LetterToEditor #InterstateBridge #ImmersedTunnel #ClarkCounty #Transportation

Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines two Washington bills she says would raise health care costs by increasing taxes and regulatory burdens on insurance, arguing lawmakers should focus on consumer relief instead of treating insurance like a revenue source. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-health-care-doesnt-get-more-affordable-by-making-insurance-more-expensive/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthCareCosts #HealthInsurance #WALeg

Lars Larson criticizes Democratic officials in Oregon and Washington for their responses to anti-ICE riots, arguing that local leaders have created conditions for unrest by failing to enforce existing laws. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-refuse-to-condemn-anti-ice-riots/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #ICE #LawEnforcement #Politics #Columns

Clark College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free dental care for children ages 4–17 during its annual Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day on Feb. 7, with services provided by students under licensed supervision at the Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/clark-college-offers-free-dental-care-to-children-feb-7/ #ClarkCollege #DentalHealth #YouthServices #VancouverWA #FreeDentalCare

The city of Washougal is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on its Planning Commission, an advisory body that reviews development-related changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-washougal-seeks-applicants-for-planning-commission-vacancies/ #Washougal #PlanningCommission #CityGovernment #CommunityDevelopment #LocalPolitics

Amboy resident Thomas Schenk weighs in on the Washington State Legislature, taxation, and one-party rule during the 69th Legislative Session, raising concerns about budget deficits, new laws, and the impact on citizens statewide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-we-are-all-being-shafted/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolitics #StateTaxes #ClarkCounty #LetterToEditor #LegislativeSession

In this letter to the editor, Hockinson resident Carolyn Schultz-Rathbun argues that rapidly rising property values and the resulting property tax increases are forcing longtime residents out of the community and undermining its diversity and stability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-rising-property-values-hurt-our-community/ #Opinion #Hockinson #PropertyTaxes #HousingAffordability #CommunityImpact

Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a truck that crashed into an apartment complex, securing the vehicle, assisting with extrication, and transporting the occupant to a local hospital while one resident was displaced as a result of the incident. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/truck-crashes-into-apartment-complex/ #Vancouver #VancouverFireDepartment #EmergencyResponse #ApartmentComplex #VehicleCrash

Woodland School District has been awarded a $600,000 Urgent Repair Grant to fund critical infrastructure projects, including fire alarm system upgrades at Woodland Middle School and roof replacement work at Columbia Elementary, following a previously unsuccessful application and renewed efforts by district leadership. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/woodland-school-district-secures-600000-grant-for-essential-repairs/ #Woodland #Education #SchoolSafety #PublicSchools #Washington