Clark County Today News

Should Clark County taxpayers be on the hook for TriMet’s light rail expansion? A $7.2 million annual demand has ignited controversy, with Councilor Michelle Belkot opposing the funding—only to be removed from the C-TRAN Board. As tolls and new taxes loom, residents are left questioning whether this financial burden is justified. Why are local leaders backing TriMet’s plan, and what does this mean...

Michelle Belkot was removed from the C-TRAN Board after standing against light rail expansion on the I-5 bridge. Leslie Lewallen calls the move political retaliation, warning against wasteful transit spending. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-board-shakeup-belkot-removed-for-standing-against-light-rail-boondoggle/ #CTRANBoard #MichelleBelkot #LeslieLewallen #LightRailExpan...

Marriage Team founders Al and Autumn Ray are stepping away from leadership, with Matthew Zoller taking over as executive director. The faith-based coaching ministry, headquartered in Vancouver, has helped thousands of couples across the U.S. and Europe restore their marriages. Learn more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/marriage-team-celebrates-its-founders-while-looking-forward-toward-t...

Could Senate Bill 5017 change who can vote in Washington’s elections? Bill Bruch warns that the proposal could allow non-residents to vote in local elections, raising concerns about election security, voter eligibility, and absentee ballot fraud. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-state-democrats-want-most-anyone-to-vote-in-washington-even-if-they-have-never-lived-or-bee...

A major restoration project on the East Fork Lewis River will close a three-mile section of the river near Daybreak Regional Park starting in April. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is leading efforts to restore 200 acres of floodplain habitat, support salmon populations, and reduce flood risks. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/three-river-miles-of-east-fork-lewis-river-dow...

Could the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project be heading toward a financial disaster? Bob Ortblad raises concerns about hidden geotechnical risks and questionable cost estimates, arguing that the Columbia River bridge design may not be viable. He also suggests an alternative immersed tunnel that could be safer and more cost-effective. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/l...

Expect delays on Interstate 5 near Woodland as WSDOT conducts annual inspections on the North Fork Lewis River Bridge from March 17-20. Single-lane closures will be in effect daily, so drivers should allow extra time for their commute. Stay informed about the latest road conditions and safety updates at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-delays-on-i-5-north-fork-lewis-river-bridge-for-an...

Washougal residents have a chance to learn about the proposed Regional Fire Authority before voting on April 22, 2025. The city is holding informational sessions where subject matter experts will explain the details and answer questions. Find out how the RFA could impact fire and emergency services in Camas and Washougal. Learn more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/area-residents-invited-t...

Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue is hosting a community forum on March 24 to address concerns about Tax Increment Financing and its impact on emergency services. Learn more about the issue and how you can provide input. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-forum-to-address-concerns-about-changes-to-local-tax-collection-methods-impacting-emergency-services/ on www. ClarkC...

Washington's March 31 deadline for removing studded tires is fast approaching. Avoid fines and busy automotive centers by planning ahead. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/march-31-deadline-approaching-for-studded-tire-removal-in-washington/ on www. ClarkCountyToday.com. #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #studdedtires #WashingtonState #transportation #roadconditions

Vancouver Police are investigating a shooting that left one man in serious condition. The suspect was arrested, and multiple firearms were recovered. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-shooting-14/ on www. ClarkCountyToday.com. #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #VancouverPolice #shooting #crime #publicsafety

Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot discusses her removal from the C-TRAN Board, opposition to funding light rail, and concerns about the I-5 Bridge replacement project. Learn why she believes taxpayer money should prioritize road infrastructure. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/councilor-michelle-belkot-recaps-volatile-week-during-appearance-on-the-lars-larson-show/...

Attorney Angus Lee argues that the Clark County Council’s removal of Michelle Belkot from the C-TRAN Board lacks legal foundation, raising concerns about governance and potential legal battles. Read the full opinion column at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-clark-county-charter-grants-the-power-to-appoint-not-to-revoke-council-member-board-appointments/ #ClarkCountyWa #localne...

The WWAGOP lawsuit disputing State Senate General Election finally heard in courtAGOP lawsuit challenging Clark County’ 4202islative District 81lection results has been heard in court. Plaintiffs claim voter roll issues may have impacted the race outcome,while the judge ruled much of their evidence inadmissible. Read the full story at https//:.larkcountytoday.om/ews/agop-awsuit-isputing-tate-enate...

Washington lawmakers failed to pass emergency powers reform again, leaving Governor Bob Ferguson to self-impose limits on his authority. Senate Bill 5434 stalled despite bipartisan discussions, with some arguing that legislative oversight is necessary while others stress the need for broader cooperation. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-gubernatorial-emergency-powers...

Washington Policy Center’s Mark Harmsworth breaks down the winners and losers in Washington’s latest legislative session. Some tax proposals failed, while others remain active. Read the full analysis at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-legislative-winners-and-losers-so-far/ #Vancouver #WashingtonPolicyCenter #LegislativeSession #WashingtonLegislature #StateBills #BusinessRegulation...

A proposed Regional Fire Authority for Camas and Washougal is raising concerns over increased property taxes and governance issues. While officials claim the plan will stabilize fire and emergency services funding, critics argue it imposes unnecessary costs on residents without clear service improvements. Hear both sides of the debate and what this could mean for local taxpayers. Read the full sto...

Vancouver’s 2025 State of the City address will highlight progress on community safety, homelessness, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the Vancouver City Council will also host the first Council Community Forum of the year. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with local leaders. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouvers-state-of-the-ci...

Clark County Today’s weekly poll focuses on a proposed bylaw change requiring C-TRAN board members to vote as a bloc with the County Council. Some say it ensures consistency, while others argue it limits independent decision-making. What do you think? Vote now and read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/should-c-tran-board-members-be-forced-to-vote-as-a-bloc-cast-your-vote/...

In this episode of The Study of Sports Podcast, sports reporter Paul Valencia and sports administrators Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland discuss Washington’s state basketball tournament structure. They analyze whether teams that lose early should still be in contention for a championship. The episode also highlights the success of Columbia River and Camas basketball teams and explores Spring Traini...

The Clark County Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner is happening on March 29 at the AC Hotel on the Vancouver Waterfront. This semi-formal event will feature William Kirk, Pete Serrano, Jim Walsh, and Glen Morgan, with a dinner, auction, and dessert dash. Registration closes March 22. Learn more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/tickets-available-for-clark-county-republicans-lincoln-day-dinner...

Clark County Republican Women are hosting an exciting dinner event on April 3 at the Battle Ground Community Center. The event will feature guest speakers, a special award presentation, and a catered meal. Advance registration is required by March 28. Get all the details at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-republican-women-to-host-dinner-event-april-3/ #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #...

Ridgefield City Council members are working to secure funding for key infrastructure and public safety projects by advocating at the state and federal levels. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-council-advocates-for-ridgefield-in-olympia-and-washington-d-c/ #RidgefieldCityCouncil #advocacy #infrastructure #publicsafety #communitydevelopment #transportation #economicd...

Washington’s HB-1296 is sparking debate over parents' rights and school transparency. Critics say it limits parental involvement, while supporters claim it protects student privacy. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislators-attack-parents-rights-in-the-dead-of-the-night/ #HB1296 #parentsrights #educationpolicy #schooltransparency #studentprivacy #legislativeprocess #...

The Mead School Board is challenging Washington’s gender policy, arguing it conflicts with federal law and undermines parental rights. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/school-board-in-eastern-washington-asks-feds-to-intervene-over-ospi-gender-policy-mandates/ #MeadSchoolBoard #genderpolicy #educationpolicy #TitleIX #transgenderathletes #parentalrights #studentathletics...