Clark County Today News

Battle Ground Public Schools is hosting its 11th annual Industry Fair at Battle Ground High School, welcoming jobseekers, students, families and employers for an evening focused on career exploration, hiring opportunities and networking, along with a free resume workshop and child care during the event. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/jobseekers-community-members-families-and-students-invited-to-11th-annual-bgps-industry-fair/ #BattleGround #IndustryFair #CareerExploration #JobSeekers #BusinessCommunity #SouthwestWashington

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 asks readers to weigh in on whether proposed changes to the Clark County Council’s Rules of Procedure suggest the council lacked authority during a controversial 2025 board removal involving the C-TRAN Board of Directors. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-the-proposed-changes-to-the-clark-county-councils-rules-of-procedure-suggest-the-council-lacked-authority-in-2025/ #Opinion #ClarkCounty #LocalPolitics #CountyCouncil #PublicAccountability

🎙️ Podcast DescriptionRep. John Ley has introduced House Bill 2226 to revise state law governing public transportation benefit area boards, with a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 30 before the House Local Government Committee, as lawmakers consider changes aimed at restoring local flexibility and balanced representation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislation-from-rep-john-ley-aiming-to-restore-fairness-and-local-control-to-transit-governing-boards-is-scheduled-for-a-public-hearing/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #JohnLey #TransitPolicy #StateLegislature #LocalGovernment

Vancouver Public Schools has selected Dr. Ricardo “Rocky” Torres-Morales as its next superintendent after a national search that included community forums, surveys, and finalist interviews, with final placement pending contract negotiations and a planned start date of July 1, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/dr-ricardo-rocky-torres-morales-selected-as-superintendent-of-vancouver-public-schools/ #VancouverWA #VancouverPublicSchools #EducationLeadership #SchoolBoard #PublicEducation

Battle Ground Police Department detectives arrested a 41-year-old suspect on suspicion of Rape of a Child in the Third Degree following an investigation that began in 2022, with investigators noting the case remains active and encouraging anyone with information to come forward. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-arrest-41-year-old-in-child-sexual-assault-investigation/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #PoliceInvestigation #PublicSafety #CrimeNews

Clark County Council members discussed proposed changes to the council’s Rules of Procedure, including whether councilors can be directed how to vote on boards and commissions, a debate tied directly to Michelle Belkot’s removal from the C-TRAN board and the resulting lawsuits and OPMA investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/do-the-county-councils-proposed-changes-to-rules-of-procedure-prove-belkot-was-correct/ #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA #LocalGovernment #CTRAN #PublicMeetings #WashingtonPolitics

Washougal High School students in the Green Team are transforming their campus courtyard into a native habitat learning space through a student-led restoration project supported by local grants, community partners, and the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/washougal-high-school-students-restoring-native-habitat-on-campus/ #Washougal #YouthPrograms #EnvironmentalEducation #NativeHabitat #ClarkCounty

In this letter to the editor, Randall Schultz-Rathbun calls on Hockinson School District to provide clear, line-item transparency on past levy spending and detailed plans for future use, citing rising taxes, record school funding, and unanswered questions for voters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-hsd-needs-to-give-a-detailed-line-item-accounting-of-where-the-last-levy-went-and-of-how-they-plan-to-use-this-one/ #Opinion #HockinsonSchoolDistrict #SchoolLevy #PropertyTaxes #ClarkCounty

Rep. David Stuebe has introduced House Bill 2308 to strengthen enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance requirements, clarify penalties, and expand vehicle impoundment options for repeat uninsured drivers or those who cause accidents while uninsured. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-david-stuebe-sponsors-bill-to-strengthen-enforcement-of-auto-insurance-laws-and-protect-washington-drivers/ #WashingtonLegislature #AutoInsurance #PublicSafety #ClarkCounty #TransportationPolicy

RedDoor Gallery in Camas is inviting the public to experience Brush Strokes in Motion, a series of live art demonstrations featuring local and regional artists working in oils, clay, and mixed media, with multiple events scheduled through early February. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/see-brush-strokes-in-motion-this-week-at-reddoor-gallery-in-camas/ #CamasWA #ClarkCountyArts #LocalArtists #LiveArt #RedDoorGallery

In this letter to the editor, Bob Ortblad challenges the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, citing high per-space costs, downtown impacts, and skepticism that the Federal Transit Administration will approve IBR’s $1 billion grant request. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-interstate-bridge-replacements-park-ride-insanity/ #Opinion #InterstateBridgeReplacement #ParkAndRide #TransportationPolicy #PacificNorthwest

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance responds forcefully to a Vancouver City Council declaration criticizing federal immigration enforcement, arguing the statement fuels fear, undercuts local police, and advances a politically motivated narrative without evidence. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vancouver-councilors-responsible-for-stoking-irrational-fears-in-the-community/ #Opinion #VancouverCityCouncil #ImmigrationPolicy #LawEnforcement #ClarkCounty #VancouverWA

Kaiser Permanente employees marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a day of service in Clark County, volunteering at the Clark County Food Bank while other regional projects included campus cleanup efforts involving Hockinson High School students and SOLVE volunteers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/kaiser-permanente-employees-volunteer-at-clark-county-food-bank-on-mlk-jr-day/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityService #FoodBank #VolunteerDay #MLKDay #SouthwestWashington

The North County Community Food Bank’s 2026 Seed Swap and Giveaway takes place Jan. 25 at the Hockinson Community Education Center, featuring seeds, plants, gardening information, and opportunities to support the local food bank through donations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/north-county-community-food-banks-seed-swap-and-giveaway-is-sunday-jan-25/ #Hockinson #BrushPrairie #CommunityEvents #Gardening #FoodBank #ClarkCounty

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget cuts drew strong opposition during public hearings, with advocates warning that reductions to child care, education, and climate programs could have lasting impacts as lawmakers work to close a $2.3 billion shortfall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/an-icy-reception-for-gov-bob-fergusons-proposed-budget-cuts/ #WashingtonState #StateBudget #LegislativeSession #PublicHearings #EducationFunding #ClimatePolicy #WashingtonStateStandard

In this opinion column, Vancouver attorney Angus Lee argues that a 2011 change to Washington sentencing law has protected convicted domestic abusers, sexual offenders, and drunk drivers from deportation, and calls on lawmakers to restore public safety by correcting the policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-should-stop-shielding-domestic-abusers-and-sexual-offenders-from-deportation/ #Opinion #ImmigrationPolicy #PublicSafety #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #CriminalJustice

In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examines IRS and national data showing Washington losing higher-earning taxpayers, arguing that rising taxes, regulation, and proposed income taxes could worsen outmigration and harm jobs and state revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-who-is-leaving-washington-and-why-the-politicians-need-to-care/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StateTaxes #SmallBusiness #EconomicPolicy #WashingtonState

The Vancouver Fire Department has announced funeral service details for Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz, including a formal procession, Cordon of Honor, and service at NW Gospel Church: Eastside in Vancouver on Jan. 23. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/funeral-service-details-for-firefighter-paramedic-jeremiah-frenz/ #VancouverFireDepartment #JeremiahFrenz #ClarkCounty #FirefighterMemorial #PublicService

In this opinion column, Dick Rylander analyzes the long-term impact of the McCleary ruling on Washington’s K–12 finance system, arguing that rising costs, enrollment decline, and weak accountability have left districts less stable despite higher funding levels. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-mcclearys-promise-and-washingtons-k-12-reality/ #Opinion #WashingtonEducation #McCleary #K12Funding #ClarkCounty #SchoolFinance

In this opinion column, Sen. John Braun criticizes Senate Bill 5974, saying it would concentrate criminal justice authority in Olympia by allowing an unelected board to remove elected sheriffs, weakening local control in all 39 Washington counties. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-in-olympia-are-backing-senate-bill-5974/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #SB5974 #CriminalJustice #LocalControl #StatePolitics

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill explains why she believes HB 2373 will increase electric rates by expanding unfunded state mandates on local utilities, with the greatest impact falling on rural counties like Ferry County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-the-state-orders-discounts-and-sends-you-the-bill/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #HB2373 #EnergyPolicy #RuralUtilities #ElectricRate

In this letter to the editor, Hockinson resident Tisha Leibfried urges voters to support the Hockinson replacement school levy, outlining how levy funding supports staff, classroom resources, extracurricular programs, and long-term community stability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-strong-schools-benefit-the-entire-community/ #Opinion #Hockinson #SchoolLevy #EducationFunding #ClarkCounty #LetterToTheEditor

State Rep. Sharon Wylie announced her candidacy for Clark County auditor, saying she will not seek re-election in the 49th Legislative District and will begin campaigning after her legislative work concludes in March. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/state-rep-sharon-wylie-announces-candidacy-for-clark-county-auditor/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolitics #CountyAuditor #PublicService #Elections

The Vancouver Fire Department held a solemn procession honoring Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz, escorting him from the Clark County Coroner’s Office to Brown’s Funeral Home in Camas as a tribute to his service and dedication to the community. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-fire-department-honors-firefighter-jeremiah-frenz-with-procession/ #VancouverFireDepartment #FirefighterMemorial #ClarkCounty #PublicService #FirstResponders #Community

World War II veteran and Vancouver resident Alfred Folkerts was honored by the Sons of the American Revolution after turning 100, receiving recognition for his military service, community contributions, and lifelong dedication to country at a ceremony in Vancouver. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/birthday-party-sons-of-american-revolution-honor-world-war-ii-veteran-after-turning-100/ #Veterans #WorldWarII #VancouverWA #SonsOfTheAmericanRevolution #CommunityHonor

Bob Ortblad challenges the $13.6 billion cost estimate for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, comparing it to similar bridge projects and questioning assumptions about drilled shaft costs, construction risk, and alternatives such as an immersed tunnel. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-interstate-bridge-replacement-13-6-billion-estimate-is-too-low/ #Opinion #IBR #InterstateBridge #BridgeCosts #TaxpayerMoney #TransportationPolicy

Rep. John Ley criticizes the U.S. Coast Guard’s approval of the fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, raising concerns about project cost, funding risks, earthquake standards, phased construction, and opposition to light rail and tolls in Southwest Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-drama-and-the-waste-of-taxpayer-money-continues/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #IBR #ClarkCounty #TransportationPolicy #TaxpayerMoney

The U.S. Coast Guard has approved the fixed-span design for the proposed new Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River, a decision announced by Sen. Maria Cantwell that advances the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program toward construction, addresses maritime navigation concerns, and removes the need for a lift span that currently disrupts traffic on Interstate 5. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/coast-guard-approves-fixed-span-design-for-new-interstate-bridge/ #InterstateBridge #IBR #Infrastructure #Vancouver #WashingtonPolitics

Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, bringing a brand founded in Ohio in 1945 to Clark County with fresh, on-site ice cream, rotating flavors, and plans to support local schools, organizations, and youth employment ahead of a Jan. 17 grand opening. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/business-profile-handels-ice-cream-opens-its-first-shop-in-washington-in-vancouver/ #Vancouver #LocalBusiness #IceCream #SmallBusiness #ClarkCounty

In this opinion column, Dick Rylander examines the Battle Ground School District levy on the Feb. 10 special election ballot, breaking down levy costs, inflation comparisons, enrollment changes, testing data, personnel spending, and the broader impact of state and local taxes on district voters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-vote-no-on-the-battle-ground-school-district-levy/ #Opinion #BattleGround #SchoolLevy #EducationFunding #ClarkCounty

In this letter to the editor, Yacolt resident Mark Rose criticizes what he describes as excessive superintendent compensation across Washington school districts, contrasting high salaries with classroom cuts, levy failures, and declining academic performance, and questions whether current spending priorities reflect voter and student needs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-multi-million-dollar-cash-grab-in-washington-schools/ #Opinion #EducationFunding #SchoolBudgets #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState

WSU Vancouver is hosting a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, giving prospective students and families a chance to explore campus, meet students and admissions staff, learn about financial aid and scholarships, tour facilities, and get a closer look at academic opportunities at Southwest Washington’s only four-year research university. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/discover-your-future-at-wsu-vancouvers-preview-day-jan-24/ #WSUVancouver #HigherEducation #CollegeAdmissions #CampusLife #ClarkCounty

Clark County Elections has announced important dates and voting information for the Feb. 10 Special Election, including when ballots will be mailed, recommended mail-by dates, drop box availability, voter registration deadlines, and how to request replacement ballots or access voter resources. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-elections-provides-important-information-for-upcoming-special-election/ #ClarkCounty #Elections #Voting #SpecialElection #CivicProcess

The Battle Ground Police Department has unveiled a newly redesigned badge developed with input from all department employees, featuring local imagery, national and city symbols, and design elements honoring both tradition and community identity, with the transition to the new badge beginning this month. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-department-unveils-new-badge-design/ #BattleGround #BGPD #LawEnforcement #CommunityIdentity #PoliceBadge

Doug Dahl explores why driving fast can feel slow, breaking down how our brains misinterpret speed due to visual cues, vehicle noise, cruise control, and adaptation after freeway driving, and why actual speed still matters for safety regardless of perception. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-fast-feels-slow/ #Opinion #TrafficSafety #DrivingBehavior #WashingtonState #TheWiseDrive

The Clark County Law Library has launched a new free self-help kit to assist tenants facing eviction lawsuits, offering downloadable forms and instructions for those served with a Summons and Complaint, with the kit developed by the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program through Superior Court grant funding and available to the public online and at the courthouse location. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/law-library-debuts-new-free-self-help-kit-for-tenants-facing-an-eviction/ #ClarkCounty #TenantRights #EvictionDefense #LawLibrary #Housing

This week’s Clark County Today newsletter breaks down power struggles at C-TRAN, renewed debate over board control and light rail funding, growing concerns over I-5 Bridge replacement costs, early warnings from Olympia on taxes and spending, new polling on voter priorities, the launch of a local video podcast, an American Legion Auxiliary organizing effort in Amboy, and the Vancouver Fire Department’s announcement of the off-duty death of firefighter paramedic Jeremiah Frenz. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_january_16_2026 #ClarkCounty #CTRAN #IBR #WashingtonLegislature #LocalGovernment #CommunityNews

Clark County Today’s weekly poll focuses on the 2026 legislative session and asks which issue should take priority as Washington lawmakers begin making decisions that affect state finances, the economy, taxes, spending, and budget priorities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-what-should-be-the-top-priority-for-lawmakers-during-the-2026-legislative-session/ #Opinion #WashingtonLegislature #StateBudget #Taxes #Economy #ClarkCounty

Chartering effort underway to form a new American Legion Auxiliary unit connected to American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 Amboy, with details about an upcoming informational meeting outlining eligibility, mission, and opportunities to support veterans and military families locally. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-american-legion-auxiliary-formation-meeting-scheduled-in-amboy/ #Opinion #AmericanLegionAuxiliary #VeteransSupport #ClarkCounty #Amboy

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance responds to remarks by WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith before the House Transportation Committee, challenging the justification for moving forward with the Interstate Bridge Replacement project as cost estimates rise into the billions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wsdot-secretary-and-i-obviously-have-very-different-definitions-for-the-term-cost-effective/ #Opinion #Transportation #I5Bridge #IBR #WSDOT

The C-TRAN Board of Directors voted to reconvene its Board Composition Review Committee after failing to act on a prior recommendation, as disagreements persist between Vancouver, Clark County, and smaller cities over representation, state compliance, and the risk of losing grant funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-votes-for-board-composition-review-committee-to-reconvene/ #ClarkCounty #CTRAN #TransitGovernance #LocalPolitics #WSDOT

Rep. John Ley shares his perspective on tax proposals, state spending priorities, climate policy, and transportation issues during the opening of the 2026 legislative session, while outlining legislation he plans to sponsor this year. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-get-ready-for-more-tax-proposals-from-the-majority-party-as-the-2026-session-begins/ #WashingtonPolitics #TaxPolicy #LegislativeSession #Opinion #IBR

Federal investigators have opened probes into four Washington school districts over policies allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports, as state officials defend existing law and federal scrutiny expands nationwide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/trans-athlete-policies-in-4-wa-school-districts-face-scrutiny-from-feds/ #WashingtonSchools #TitleIX #EducationPolicy #TransgenderAthletes #WashingtonState

In this opinion column, Clark County resident Dick Rylander explains why he believes voters should reject the Washougal School District levy proposals in the Feb. 10 special election, raising questions about levy increases, student performance data, and long-term school funding structure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-vote-no-on-the-washougal-levies/ #Opinion #Washougal #SchoolLevies #EducationFunding #LocalElections #WashingtonPolitics

A Washington Senate committee heard heated testimony on Senate Bill 5855, a proposal that would restrict when law enforcement officers can wear face coverings, with supporters citing transparency and opponents raising constitutional and safety concerns involving federal officers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-proposed-ban-on-police-face-coverings-engenders-heated-debate-in-wa-senate/ #WashingtonState #WALeg #LawEnforcement #PublicSafety #StatePolitics #PolicePolicy #TheCenterSquareWashington

Washington state lawmakers are considering several bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, including requirements for AI disclosures and detection tools, safeguards for minors using chatbots, and protections against discrimination in AI-driven decision-making, as debate continues between lawmakers, industry groups, and state officials. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/how-washington-state-lawmakers-want-to-regulate-ai/ #WashingtonState #ArtificialIntelligence #AIPolicy #StateLegislature #TechnologyPolicy #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonStateStandard

Clark County auditor candidate Eileen Quiring O’Brien has launched her official campaign website, outlining her background, priorities for the auditor’s office, and information for voters, volunteers, and supporters as the campaign builds its online presence ahead of the election. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/eileen-quiring-obrien-launches-official-campaign-website-for-clark-county-auditor/ #ClarkCounty #LocalPolitics #CountyAuditor #Election2026 #CampaignNews

In this opinion column, Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines HB 2088 and the Dietitian Licensure Compact, arguing that Washington lawmakers should use the proposal as a starting point for broader universal licensure recognition reforms to reduce licensing burdens and improve workforce mobility statewide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-hb-2088-cut-the-red-tape-for-dietitians-and-fix-licensing-for-everyone/ #WashingtonPolicyCenter #LicensingReform #HB2088 #HealthCarePolicy #WorkforcePolicy #Opinion

Clark County is inviting the public to a Jan. 22 open house as it updates its transportation ADA transition plan, a project focused on improving access to transportation facilities for people with disabilities and meeting current standards tied to the county’s growth management plan update. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-hosting-open-house-for-transportation-ada-transition-plan-on-jan-22/ #ClarkCounty #Transportation #ADA #Accessibility #PublicWorks #CommunityInput