Clark County Today News

Anne McEnerny-Ogle's 48-second statement to the Regional Transportation Council exposed a major shift in the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program's light rail plans. While officials celebrated a $7.65 billion bridge project last month, they quietly revealed that light rail would only reach Vancouver's waterfront — requiring a 70-foot elevator for commuters. The mayor now wants to extend service t...

Lars Larson exposes how Oregon and Washington officials are fighting the Department of Justice in court to prevent cleanup of voter registration rolls before major elections. While Colorado was forced to remove 372,000 ineligible voters this week, Pacific Northwest Democrats seem determined to block similar scrutiny. Larson questions why states would resist rooting out fraudulent registrations unl...

Sarah Mittelman, a psychiatric provider working directly with homeless populations, challenges Clark County's approach to homelessness spending. She argues that good intentions don't make policy work and that public dollars should be tied to clear expectations like safer streets, fewer repeat crises, and measurable treatment engagement. Mittelman's letter responds to broader frustrations about pub...

Washington's Department of Ecology declared a statewide drought emergency Wednesday, the fourth consecutive year part or all of the state has faced water shortages. Director Casey Sixkiller says every watershed has dropped below 75% of normal supply despite an above-average wet winter. Mountain snowpack sits at half normal levels as warmer temperatures turned snow to rain. The declaration unlocks...

The U.S. Department of Education rescinded resolution agreements with six school districts, including Fife School District in Washington, following claims that previous administrations expanded Title IX protections beyond biological sex to include gender identity. Officials say the move corrects years of enforcement actions against districts for conduct like pronoun use, though affected schools re...

The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington launches its Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, offering $80 benefit cards to eligible Clark County residents 60 and older. The lottery-based program helps seniors purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at participating farmers markets from June through October. Applications close May 15, with income limits set at 1...

Clark County's Composter Recycler program launches seven free workshops teaching residents practical skills from worm bin composting to green cleaning. Sessions run April through May at Cascade Park Community Library and Waste Connections, covering everything from turning food scraps into fertilizer to making environmentally friendly household cleaners. Participants learn the SMART composting meth...

Anna Warren found herself in first class on the Titanic, returning to the Pacific Northwest after an anniversary trip abroad with her husband. Local historian Peri Muchich brings Warren's survival story to life at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum event, focusing on the personal experience of this brave woman who endured one of history's most tragic maritime disasters. The presentation covers everyth...

Sam Churchill warns the Interstate Bridge Replacement will destroy Manheim Auto Auction, kill Hayden Island Mall with $4 tolls, and bring homeless encampments to Vancouver. The Hayden Island resident argues the $14 billion project lacks direct I-5 access and proposes alternatives like autonomous shuttles and killing light rail. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-this-is-the-worst-thin...

Mayor David Stuebe and the City of Washougal are rolling out multiple programs to strengthen local small businesses this spring. The Gateway to Success Series offers free workshops with business coaching, while the new Let's Talk Business program connects entrepreneurs directly with city leadership. These initiatives support the city's strategic plan for economic development and community prosperi...

Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a working fire at 1806 E Fourth Plain Boulevard just after 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. First-arriving units found flames on the first floor and quickly knocked down most of the fire from the exterior before searching the apartment. One female occupant was displaced and is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Fire District 6 provided mutual aid...

Former Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge joins Rob McKenna and the Citizens Action Defense Fund to mount a challenge to Washington’s new 9.9% income tax law. The legal team argues that the tax may violate state constitutional rules on property and uniformity. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/former-wa-supreme-court-justice-joins-legal-effort-against-income-tax/ #Washington #PhilTalmadge #In...

At least 13% of Congress, including 57 House members and 11 Senators, will leave office, marking the greatest turnover in 30 years. Analysts expect less institutional knowledge and more power for party leaders and lobbyists. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/makeover-in-store-for-congress-with-flood-of-lawmakers-headed-for-the-exits/ #Congress #Politics #Lawmakers #Elections #Leadership #Turno...

Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Ferry county sheriffs file suit against SB 5974, a state law letting a board override voters by decertifying elected sheriffs. Nancy Churchill examines the power shift away from communities and the constitutional concerns. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-sheriffs-fight-back/ #Opinion #Washington #Sheriffs #SB5974 #VoterRights #StatePolitics #Oly...

Lucille ‘Erma’ Christenson Madore, World War II worker and devoted mother, touched generations through music, faith, and family in Vancouver. Her story spans nearly 102 years, ending with a legacy of deep community roots and a large extended family. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/obituary-for-lucille-erma-christenson-madore-april-221924-march-13-2026/ #obituary #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #...

The Center Square reveals Washington state’s diversion of $375 million from a vital infrastructure loan fund to cover the operating budget. Local and statewide groups warn repeated withdrawals risk long-term damage to city and county projects. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-375-million-bond-debt-indirectly-funding-operating-budget/ #Washington #infrastructure #budget #bonds #...

Four sheriffs from Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Ferry counties are challenging a new Washington law that allows for the removal of sheriffs who don’t meet tougher eligibility and certification standards. The measure was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson despite opposition and legal warnings. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/lawsuit-aims-to-block-new-eligibility-requirements-for-wa-sheriffs/...

Protests, online petitions, and legislator outreach rarely shift state policy, says Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center. He argues lasting public impact comes from local, diverse efforts and genuine civic involvement. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-growing-gap-between-public-voice-and-political-power/ #WashingtonState #Politics #PublicEngagement #Opinion #CommunityAction #...

Battle Ground is looking for a resident to fill a spot on its Salary Commission, the board that sets pay and benefits for city elected officials. Applicants must not work for the city or have family ties to staff or council. More details in this update. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-seeks-applicants-for-salary-commission-vacancy/ #BattleGround #LocalGovernment #Salary...

Hydroelectric sources give Washington a 60% baseline, yet policies like the Climate Commitment Act are fueling electricity rate hikes. Policy analyst Sam Cardwell compares Washington’s approach to those of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-who-is-winning-the-race-for-affordable-power/ #energy #washington #opinion #powergrid #hydropower #climatepolicy #ra...

Firefighters from Vancouver, Clark-Cowlitz, and Scappoose coordinated their efforts to contain a challenging vessel and dock fire at Goble Marina on the Columbia River. One boat sank, another partially submerged, but no injuries were reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-department-assists-with-columbia-river-marina-fire-response/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCounty #FireDepartment...

Easter in Clark County highlights reflection, hope, and traditions as neighbors and faith communities gather in churches, homes, and shared spaces. The Clark County Today team honors the enduring spirit of renewal and gratitude across the local community. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/he-is-risen-an-easter-message-from-clark-county-today/ #ClarkCounty #Easter #Community #Faith #Reflection...

Sheriff John Horch calls the decertification powers in SB 5974 “overreach,” while the local income tax debate heats up and Clark County highlights community action from town halls to big baseball and food drives. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_april_03_2026 #ClarkCounty #Washington #Sheriff #SB5974 #IncomeTax #Community #Events #BattleGround #Ridgefield #LocalNews

The White House proposes slashing $73 billion from nondefense agencies and hiking defense funds by $350 billion in its 2027 federal budget request. Sen. Patty Murray and other Democrats harshly criticize the plan, calling its vision for America “unacceptable.” https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/white-house-govt-funding-request-for-2027-cuts-73-billion/ #federalbudget #WhiteHouse #DonaldTrump #d...

Brian Heywood of Let's Go Washington seeks urgent Supreme Court action to permit a voter referendum on Washington's new 9.9% tax for earners above $1 million. The state cited a legislative necessity clause to block the process. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/heywood-asks-wa-supreme-court-to-allow-referendum-effort-on-income-tax/ #Washington #IncomeTax #LetsGoWashington #SB6346 #StatePolitic...