Clark County Today News

Two August 2026 ballot measures — East County Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 6 and Fire Protection District No. 10 Proposition No. 3 — have no opposing statements for the voters guide. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey is urging registered voters within those jurisdictions to step forward before the 3 p.m. May 7 deadline. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/opposing-statements-sought-for-aug-4-202...

Vancouver's new Inspire Vancouver grant program launches with $6–7 million annually for arts, culture, heritage, and science. Funded by a 0.1% sales tax adopted in December 2024, the program offers five grant types ranging from $5,000 innovation awards to major capital investments over $300,000. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/inspire-vancouver-grant-program-debuts-with-6m-for-local-arts...

Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall delivers the 2026 State of the County address on May 19 at the Public Service Center in Vancouver. Topics include the Charter Review Commission, Comprehensive Plan Update, and the county budget. The free public event begins at 5:20 p.m. and airs live on CVTV. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/council-chair-marshall-to-deliver-state-of-the-county-addres...

Washington's Supreme Court upheld the necessity clause in Senate Bill 6346, blocking Let's Go Washington's referendum attempt against the state's new 9.9% millionaires' tax. Opponents led by Brian Heywood must now gather 308,911 signatures — twice the referendum threshold — to pursue an initiative. A separate constitutional challenge filed by the Citizen Action Defense Fund remains pending. https:...

WSU Vancouver's free Preview Day on May 14 gives prospective students and families a firsthand look at Southwest Washington's only four-year research university. Attendees meet admissions counselors, financial aid experts, and current students who share what campus life is really like. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/discover-your-future-at-wsu-vancouvers-preview-day-may-14/ #WSUVancouver #...

Battle Ground University is accepting applications for its Class of 2026, a free civic education program running September through November. City staff lead sessions on administration, finance, public works, community development, and public safety. Registration closes August 14 at 5 p.m. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/now-enrolling-battle-ground-university-class-of-2026/ #BattleGround #Bat...

Vancouver Police officer Holly Musser has won the Kindness Cop of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year, recognized by Kindness 911 out of 500 participating officers. Musser issued 80 kindness citations last year, with Kindness 911 founder Jason Hattrick calling her "not normal — she is extraordinary." https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-pds-holly-musser-receives-kindness-co...

Johann Peters argues the $14.4 billion IBR mega-project is already running a funding deficit — and that removing light rail from the I-5 replacement would bring costs within the $5.5 billion currently available, while freeing resources for a second Columbia River crossing east of I-205. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-lets-build-two-new-bridges/ #Opinion #Transportation #I5Bridge...

Eileen Quiring O'Brien, candidate for Clark County auditor, received a unanimous endorsement from the Clark County Republican Party Central Committee at its quarterly meeting. She says the auditor's office is the foundation of fair elections and financial accountability, and her campaign will now expand outreach across all precincts. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/eileen-quiring-obrien-re...

A February 2026 cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led Vancouver Police to Chad Hartley, booked on four counts of child pornography and child molestation. The investigation also implicated pediatrician Michael Wilmington, who allegedly hosted naked sleepovers with children at his La Center home before being found dead in Lewis County. https://www.clarkcountytoday...

Senate Minority Leader John Braun, endorsed by President Trump for Washington's 3rd Congressional District, calls the state's new income tax unconstitutional and unnecessary — and says Republicans have a path back if they focus on affordability, safety, and results. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/state-senator-john-braun-makes-his-case-for-your-vote-in-washingtons-3rd-congressional-distri...

Washington gas prices have shattered the statewide record at $5.67 per gallon, with Seattle hitting $5.91 and San Juan County at $6.60. Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center says the Climate Commitment Act and a 55.4-cent excise tax together add more than a dollar per gallon before the cost of fuel is even calculated. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/state-taxes-climate-policy-send-w...

Candidate filing opens today for Washington's legislative, congressional, and judicial races. All 98 House seats and 24 Senate seats are contested, five Supreme Court positions are on the ballot, and the 3rd Congressional District sets up a three-way race involving Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, John Braun, and Brent Hennrich. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/candidate-filing-begins-kicking-off-was...

Cyree Phillips, 30, of Vancouver was taken into custody after deputies responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting gunshots striking nearby homes on NE 156th Street. Phillips also allegedly attempted to start a fire along a residence using lighter fluid. No injuries were reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/suspect-taken-into-custody-after-deputies-respond-to-multiple-9-1-1-calls/ #Clar...

A three-vehicle crash on Mill Plain Boulevard near SE 124th Avenue sent multiple patients to the hospital, including one woman whose vehicle was pinned between structural pillars after striking a large business sign. Vancouver Fire crews removed the entire passenger side of the vehicle to free her. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-department-responds-to-multi-vehicle-collision/...

Semi Bird headlines the 17th Legislative District's "Gala on the Greens" fundraiser May 16 at Orchard Hills Golf and Country Club in Washougal. The former gubernatorial candidate joins state Reps. Kevin Waters and David Stuebe plus Clark County auditor candidate Eileen Quiring O'Brien for the dinner and silent auction event. Doors open at 5 p.m. with programming starting at 6 p.m. https://www.clar...

A Dodge Ram pickup truck landed on top of a Tesla Model 3 after running a red light at NE 99th St and NE 130th Ave in the Orchards area Friday evening. The collision involved three vehicles and sent one driver to the hospital. Clark County Sheriff's deputies conducted a DUI investigation on the Ram driver, who showed signs of impairment. The Traffic Homicide Unit closed the roadway for five hours...

Jonathan Hines from Vancouver dissects Washington's education funding crisis, arguing that union demands, administrative bloat, and unfunded IEP mandates are consuming billions while classrooms suffer. He details how districts cannibalized levy funds for salary increases and face a $500 million special education gap that forces cuts to general student programs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opi...

Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi questions whether the city's extensive homelessness programs are reducing waste and cleanup costs after public records reveal $1.38 million in cleanup expenses and 1,700 tons of material removed since 2021. Despite Safe Stay communities, HART teams, and the upcoming $22 million Bridge Shelter, Bracchi argues taxpayers shouldn't fund endless programs without measura...

Future 42 Clark County launches inaugural scorecards tracking how Vancouver City Council and Clark County Council members voted on critical issues like taxes, public safety, and housing. Diana Perez voted against Future 42's position on all six Vancouver issues, while Michelle Belkot aligned with the organization on four of five county votes. The annual scorecards aim to increase government accoun...

Battle Ground's new Facade Improvement Grant Program offers local businesses up to $10,000 in matching funds to revitalize Old Town storefronts. The City Council approved $50,000 for exterior improvements including signage, painting, awnings, and lighting along E. Main Street. Applications open May 1 through June 30 on a first-come, first-served basis, with all projects due by December 31. https:/...

Clark County Councilor Dick Rylander examines the lasting impact of the landmark Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision on public sector unions and teacher dues. With Camas, Evergreen, and Battle Ground teacher contracts up for renewal, Rylander explores why Washington teachers continue paying $737 annually despite the Court's 2018 ruling that eliminated mandatory agency fees. The analysis covers...

WSDOT maintenance crews will close the northbound I-5 Gee Creek Rest Area just north of Vancouver from May 4-29 for annual maintenance work. During the 25-day closure, crews will clean and replace roofs, check electrical and plumbing systems, fix water lines, clean the septic tank and complete landscaping work. The closure affects the rest area between mileposts 10.8-11.6. Travelers can get real-t...

Clark County Council is recruiting volunteers for two three-year positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. One position represents southwest Clark County residents south of Northeast 179th Street and west of Highway 503. The other serves county-wide. The commission provides input on recycling, garbage collection, landfills, and waste reduction programs while helping update the county's Com...

Travis Drake will become Camas High School's new principal in fall 2026, bringing over 20 years of educational leadership experience from Battle Ground Public Schools. The district selected Drake to succeed Kelly O'Rourke, highlighting his student-centered approach and commitment to building inclusive school communities. Superintendent John Anzalone praised Drake's focus on high expectations and m...