Clark County Today News

Clark County is rolling out new equitable park access programs in 2026, including twelve designated parking fee-free days at county regional parks and a new partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries that will allow residents to borrow parking passes through the Check Out Washington backpack program. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-launches-new-equitable-park-access-programs-in-2026-including-free-parking-days/ #ClarkCounty #ParksAndRecreation #PublicWorks #CommunityAccess #Washington

Clark County Public Health has identified an additional measles exposure site in Ridgefield connected to a confirmed case announced Jan. 23, with potential exposure at a local medical clinic and earlier exposure at Ridgefield High School, while officials continue to monitor for symptoms and report no additional confirmed cases to date. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/additional-measles-exposure-site-identified-in-ridgefield/ #ClarkCounty #Ridgefield #Measles #PublicHealth #HealthAlert

The Jan. 31, 2026 episode of the Study of Sports Podcast features Paul Valencia joined by longtime sports administrators Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland to discuss looming changes to 2A GSHL football, reactions from league schools, updates on high school basketball and Fort Vancouver athletics in the Trico League, and conversation about the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/the-study-of-sports-podcast-jan-31-2026-we-discuss-how-the-2a-gshl-football-is-about-to-change-in-a-major-way-plus-some-seahawks-talk-too/ #StudyOfSportsPodcast #HighSchoolSports #2AGSHL #ClarkCountySports #Seahawks #WashingtonSports

Fort Vancouver High School athletics are showing measurable improvement during the second year of competing in the Class 1A Trico League, with gains in participation, competitive balance, and program stability across multiple sports. School leaders say the partnership has helped rebuild confidence and opportunity for student-athletes while laying groundwork for long-term growth across varsity, JV, and C-team programs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/fort-vancouver-athletics-improving-under-partnership-with-trico-league/ #FortVancouver #HighSchoolSports #TricoLeague #ClarkCounty #StudentAthletes #WIAA

Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that Senate Joint Resolution 8206 would move health care policy decisions from the Legislature to the courts by creating undefined constitutional obligations, raising concerns about litigation, budgeting, and long-term fiscal consequences for Washington state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-inviting-courts-into-health-care-policy-discussion/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthCarePolicy #WALegislature #StateBudget #Constitution

Vicki Murray of Washington Policy Center outlines the federal tax-credit scholarship program and argues Washington could lose $732 million in education funding if the state does not opt in, detailing how the program works and the debate among state leaders. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-24-states-in-washington-out-732-million-lost/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #EducationFunding #K12Education #WALegislature #SchoolChoice

C-TRAN will provide free service on all Local, Regional, and Express routes, including The Current and C-VAN, on February 4 in observance of Transit Equity Day, joining TriMet and Portland Streetcar in honoring the civil rights legacy of Rosa Parks. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-offering-free-service-on-transit-equity-day-feb-4/ #TransitEquityDay #CTRAN #PublicTransportation #RosaParks #ClarkCounty

The City of Battle Ground is preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its incorporation with a year-long series of events and community activities planned throughout 2026, honoring the city’s history, civic growth, and future direction. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-prepares-for-75th-anniversary-celebration/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #CityAnniversary #CommunityHistory #LocalGovernment

Lars Larson weighs in on reports of a nationwide strike tied to immigration protests, arguing it reflects opposition to the rule of law and criticizing political leaders and media coverage of immigration enforcement. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-nationwide-strike-in-support-of-illegals-and-opposing-the-rule-of-law/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #ImmigrationDebate #RuleOfLaw #MediaCriticism

This week’s Clark County Today newsletter covers ongoing questions about county council authority, federal approval of a fixed-span Interstate Bridge design, and a mix of opinion, remembrance, and community milestones shaping the week in Clark County. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_january_23_2026 #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #Newsletter #LocalPolitics #Community

A Clark County Today poll examines whether councilors serving on boards and commissions should be required to vote according to the full council’s position, following debate over proposed Rules of Procedure changes tied to board authority and representation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-councilors-serving-on-boards-be-required-to-vote-the-way-the-full-council-decides/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CTRAN #PublicPolicy

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals revived claims against a former Multnomah County prosecutor, ruling that prosecutorial immunity does not apply when a prosecutor personally swears to alleged false statements in a warrant affidavit, allowing the case involving Joey Gibson and Russel Schultz to return to district court. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ninth-circuit-revives-claims-against-prosecutor-who-personally-swore-to-warrant-affidavit-containing-alleged-false-statements/ #CourtRuling #NinthCircuit #ProsecutorialImmunity #FourthAmendment #PacificNorthwest

Washington lawmakers clashed during a House Community Safety Committee hearing on bills targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, including HB 2641 and HB 2648, as sharp disagreements over testimony, procedure, public safety, and federal authority led to a brief recess and no executive action. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-washington-lawmakers-clash-over-bills-directed-at-limiting-ice-officers/ #WashingtonLegislature #ICE #PublicSafety #ImmigrationPolicy #StatePolitics

After a state appeals court overturned a conviction for double voting, Washington lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 6084 to clarify that elections held on the same date count as the same election, regardless of ballot content, aiming to close legal ambiguity before the November general election. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/stung-by-a-court-ruling-wa-looks-to-clarify-what-is-an-election/ #WashingtonLegislature #ElectionLaw #VotingIntegrity #StatePolitics #PublicPolicy

Mark Harmsworth of Washington Policy Center critiques House Bill 2611, which would redefine overtime after 32 hours, outlining potential impacts on small businesses, labor costs, paid sick leave accrual, and Washington’s broader economy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-olympia-wants-a-4-day-work-week-it-wont-work-out-as-the-politicians-think-it-will/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WALegislature #SmallBusiness #LaborPolicy #Economy

A U.S. Senate hearing spotlighted sharp divisions over school choice as Republicans promoted a new national school voucher program and alternative education models, while Democrats raised concerns about fairness, funding impacts, and access for students with disabilities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/republicans-celebrate-school-choice-in-us-senate-hearing-while-dems-question-fairness/ #SchoolChoice #EducationPolicy #USSenate #PublicEducation #FederalPolicy

Doug Dahl of The Wise Drive discusses available technology designed to warn or prevent drivers from speeding, including GPS alerts, intelligent speed assistance systems, and speed limiters, while explaining Washington’s new law targeting high-risk drivers and why voluntary adoption remains limited. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-many-reminders-not-to-speed/ #Opinion #TrafficSafety #Speeding #TargetZero #WashingtonRoads #TransportationPolicy

Clark County Council revisited proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure, focusing on authority to remove councilors from boards and whether representatives must vote in alignment with council positions, amid continued debate surrounding Michelle Belkot’s removal from the C-TRAN Board of Directors and questions about charter authority and transparency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-still-looking-to-change-language-in-rules-of-procedure/ #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CTRAN #PublicMeetings #LocalPolitics

The Washington State Senate voted 30–19 to pass Senate Bill 5855, a proposal that would prohibit state, federal, and tribal law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public, sending the bill to the House amid ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and state authority. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-senate-passes-bill-banning-law-enforcement-from-wearing-masks-amid-ice-activity/ #WashingtonLegislature #SB5855 #ImmigrationPolicy #LawEnforcement #StatePolitics

Elizabeth New (Hovde) outlines why Washington’s non-emergency charity care rules have shifted costs onto state residents and explains how House Bill 2250 would restore residency-based limits while preserving emergency access for everyone. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-free-care-for-people-who-dont-live-here-its-being-encouraged-hb-2250-can-help/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #HealthCarePolicy #CharityCare #WALegislature #HospitalCosts

Rep. John Ley provides an update on legislation addressing transit board governance, accountability for the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project through an independent audit, sentencing standards for gross misdemeanors, and continued efforts to open the Brockmann Mental Health Facility, while also reflecting on National Guard Day at the Capitol. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-update-on-legislation-to-restore-fairness-and-local-control-to-transit-governing-boards-and-a-bill-to-create-accountability-for-the-i-5-bridge-project/ #Opinion #WALegislature #TransportationPolicy #PublicAccountability #CriminalJustice #MentalHealth

Sen. John Braun outlines concerns over fraud, nepotism, and lack of oversight in Washington’s Community Reinvestment Plan and explains how Senate Bill 6205 would impose new restrictions and transparency requirements on publicly funded housing grants. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-more-accountability-needed-defrauding-state-programs-is-stealing-from-taxpayers/ #Opinion #WALegislature #HousingPolicy #TaxpayerAccountability #GovernmentOversight

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kevin Waters would allow counties to manage fuel breaks along major roadways on federal forestland and retain timber revenue generated through shared stewardship agreements, offering new tools for wildfire prevention and local budget stability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-kevin-waters-sponsors-bill-that-would-strengthen-wildfire-prevention-and-provide-counties-with-a-new-revenue-option/ #WildfirePrevention #ForestManagement #WashingtonLegislature #RuralCounties #PublicLands #TransportationSafety

Clark County Council discussed whether to issue a formal statement regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with councilors expressing sharply different views about public safety, law enforcement impacts, and the practical effect of such language following extended public comment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-discusses-statement-regarding-ice/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #CountyCouncil #ImmigrationPolicy #LocalGovernment

Beaver Bay Campground on the Lewis River is set to reopen May 22 after a year of renovations, with updated facilities, redesigned campsites, and new accessible features, while reservations open Jan. 30 through PacifiCorp. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/beaver-bay-campground-reservations-open-this-week-before-grand-re-opening-memorial-day-weekend/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #BeaverBayCampground #LewisRiver #OutdoorRecreation #Camping

RedDoor Gallery invites the public to the grand finale of Brush Strokes in Motion with live painting demonstrations by Cheryl Mathieson and Matthew Clarkson, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process during two afternoon events in Camas. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/grand-finale-of-brush-strokes-in-motion-this-fri-sat-at-reddoor-features-mathieson-clarkson/ #Camas #RedDoorGallery #BrushStrokesInMotion #LocalArtists #LiveArt #ClarkCountyArts

Clark County is accepting applications to fill an open at-large position on the Clark County Arts Commission, with a two-year term beginning immediately and a Feb. 13 application deadline. Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/county-manager-seeks-volunteer-for-open-seat-on-arts-commission-4/ #ClarkCounty #ArtsCommission #PublicService #LocalGovernment #VolunteerOpportunity

Leslie Lewallen discusses her role as director of Future 42 Clark County, outlining the organization’s focus on legislative scorecards, local accountability, and efforts to reach persuadable voters on affordability, public safety, and the business climate in Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/leslie-lewallen-stays-and-fights-for-washington-as-director-of-future-42-clark-county/ #Future42 #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolitics #PublicPolicy #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement

Retired Judge Dave Larson reflects on political dysfunction, arguing that the pursuit of power over principle threatens representative government and urging a return to constitutional values and civic responsibility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-seeking-might-over-right-destroys-representative-government/ #Opinion #RepresentativeGovernment #Constitution #CivicResponsibility #WashingtonState #PoliticalCulture

Rob Anderson outlines concerns ahead of a Clark County Council meeting where an immigration-related resolution and changes to council authority are scheduled for discussion, arguing these issues deserve close public scrutiny. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-immigration-resolution-scheduled-for-this-wednesday-at-clark-county-council-meeting/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #CountyCouncil #ImmigrationResolution #LocalGovernment #PublicMeetings

Nancy Churchill examines Washington’s housing shortage through the lens of energy code mandates, detailing how added construction costs affect affordability and why HB 2486 proposes limits for smaller homes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-1700-square-foot-solution-to-washingtons-housing-crisis/ #Opinion #WashingtonHousing #EnergyCode #HousingAffordability #HB2486 #StatePolitics

Rep. John Ley introduced House Bill 2669, which would require the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to conduct an independent performance audit of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project, examining finances, decision-making, and oversight since the project restarted in 2019. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-leys-new-bill-calls-for-an-independent-audit-of-interstate-5-bridge-replacement-project/ #ClarkCounty #WALeg #I5Bridge #Transportation #JLARC #PublicAccountability

In this letter to the editor, Clark County resident Larry Roe argues that communities need more transparent and thoughtful discussions about school levies, education priorities, and the balance between state-defined basic education and locally defined enrichment programs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-public-school-vision/ #Opinion #EducationFunding #SchoolLevies #ClarkCounty #PublicEducation

The Clark County Charter Review Commission has established a weekly meeting schedule starting Feb. 4 and selected its leadership as members begin a two-year review of the county charter and possible amendments that would ultimately require voter approval. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-charter-review-commission-sets-meeting-schedule-selects-officers/ #ClarkCounty #CountyGovernment #CharterReview #PublicMeetings #LocalPolitics

The Washington Secretary of State certified a parental rights initiative backed by Let’s Go Washington after verifying more than enough valid signatures, sending the measure to the Legislature and setting the stage for a likely appearance on the November 2026 ballot amid growing political opposition. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-secretary-of-state-certifies-parental-rights-initiative/ #WashingtonState #ParentalRights #InitiativeProcess #WALeg #Elections #TheCenterSquare

Washington leaders outlined preparations for a possible immigration crackdown, with Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown discussing scenarios involving the National Guard, state and local law enforcement, and legal action if federal agents overstep constitutional bounds. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-leaders-prepare-for-possibility-of-immigration-crackdown/ #WashingtonState #ImmigrationPolicy #ICE #StateGovernment #PublicSafety #WALeg

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center argues House Bill 1834 would impose sweeping regulations on social media platforms while limiting parents’ ability to monitor and protect their children online, raising concerns about parental rights, data access, and unintended legal consequences. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-house-bill-1834-would-create-a-regulatory-nightmare-and-restricts-parental-control-on-social-media/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #WALeg #ParentalRights #SocialMediaPolicy #HB1834

Clark College is hosting virtual Running Start Information Sessions followed by in-person Application & Enrollment Support Nights to help high school students and families learn how to earn college credit tuition-free while completing high school, with guidance on eligibility, enrollment steps, and academic planning. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-college-invites-high-school-students-families-to-learn-how-running-start-can-jump-start-college-success/ #Vancouver #ClarkCollege #RunningStart #HigherEducation #CollegePlanning #StudentSuccess

House Bill 2224 cleared the House Local Government Committee after supporters said the proposal would give cities another optional tool to fund fire and emergency medical services without cutting other core services, while maintaining voter approval and local decision-making. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-david-stuebes-bill-to-give-small-cities-additional-options-to-strengthen-fire-protection-receives-committee-support/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonLegislature #FireProtection #LocalGovernment #PublicSafety #HB2224

Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed measles case involving an adult who was contagious while at Ridgefield High School on Jan. 14, 15 and 16, prompting coordination with the school district and exclusion of unprotected individuals from public settings. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-health-investigating-confirmed-measles-case-in-clark-county-2/ #ClarkCounty #PublicHealth #Measles #Ridgefield #MMRVaccine #HealthAlert

Washington lawmakers advanced SB 5973, a bill critics call the “initiative killer,” after rejecting all Republican amendments and sending the legislation to the Rules Committee, raising concerns about limits on the initiative and referendum process. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-bill-dubbed-the-initiative-killer-clears-wa-senate-committee/ #WashingtonLegislature #SB5973 #InitiativeProcess #Referendum #StatePolitics #TheCenterSquare

Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines House Bill 2100, a proposed payroll tax targeting higher wages, outlining its structure, funding flow, and potential impacts on workers, employers, and health care costs across Washington state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hb-2100-tax-employers-for-paying-people-well-its-for-the-needy-sorta/ #Opinion #HB2100 #WashingtonLegislature #PayrollTax #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StateSpending #HealthCareCosts

Joe Cortright of City Observatory examines internal Interstate Bridge Replacement Program documents that show the estimated cost of the I-5 Bridge replacement project rising dramatically, arguing that officials have concealed detailed estimates, relied on misleading “draft” claims, and failed to provide transparency to lawmakers and the public. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-ibrs-evasive-misleading-and-dishonest-excuses-for-higher-cost/ #Opinion #IBR #I5Bridge #TransportationPolicy #PacificNorthwest #PublicTransparency

Journey Theater is casting performers ages 8 and older and recruiting crew and production committee members for its summer production of Into the Woods, with auditions in March, rehearsals beginning in June, and performances scheduled at Heritage High School from July 31 through Aug. 8. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/journey-theater-seeks-performers-crew-for-this-summers-into-the-woods/ #Vancouver #JourneyTheater #IntoTheWoods #YouthTheater #MusicalTheater #CommunityTheater

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office honored more than two dozen deputies, civilian employees, and community members during its annual awards ceremony at Clark College, recognizing acts of heroism, life-saving efforts, and outstanding service to public safety throughout 2025. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/ccso-honors-heroism-and-outstanding-service-at-annual-awards-ceremony/ #ClarkCounty #CCSO #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement #CommunityService #Awards

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock received a public hearing as lawmakers reviewed House Bill 2207, which would modernize Washington’s beer warehousing laws to align with existing rules for wine and spirits while supporting breweries and locally owned businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-stephanie-mcclintocks-bill-to-modernize-beer-warehousing-laws-receives-a-public-hearing/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #HB2207 #CraftBreweries #SmallBusiness #StateLegislature

Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot announced she is running for re-election in District 2 in the November 2026 General Election, citing her record on taxes, public safety, and local control, along with her military and civil service background. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/michelle-belkot-announces-bid-for-re-election-to-clark-county-council-district-2/ #ClarkCounty #MichelleBelkot #ClarkCountyCouncil #LocalPolitics #Elections

Doug Dahl of The Wise Drive explains how Washington law approaches drug-impaired driving, why there are no numeric limits for most drugs, and how officers are trained through ARIDE and Drug Recognition Expert programs to identify drivers who are under the influence. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-limits-for-drug-impaired-driving/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #ImpairedDriving #DrugImpairedDriving #TargetZero #TheWiseDrive

Legislation sponsored by Rep. David Stuebe received a public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee as lawmakers reviewed House Bill 2531, which would update Washington’s ambulance quality assurance fee program and adjust how Medicaid reimbursement rates for emergency ambulance transports are calculated. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislation-from-rep-david-stuebe-to-strengthen-medicaid-support-for-emergency-ambulance-services-receives-a-public-hearing/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #HB2531 #Medicaid #EmergencyServices #HealthPolicy

Rep. John Ley of the 18th Legislative District is asking area residents to take a legislative priorities survey created with Rep. Stephanie McClintock, aimed at gathering public input as lawmakers navigate the 2026 legislative session and focus on costs, public safety and government accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-please-make-your-voice-heard-by-taking-my-legislative-priorities-survey/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #LegislativeSession #JohnLey #StephanieMcClintock #WashingtonPolitics