Clark County Today News

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...

Doug Dahl breaks down Washington’s right-of-way law, explaining when drivers must stop for pedestrians—even if they're just one lane away. He addresses why the law’s language matters for roadway safety and clarifies the “half the road” rule. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-half-the-road-full-stop-understanding-pedestrian-right-of-way/ #Washington #PedestrianSafety #RightOfWay #Tra...

Clark County is seeking a mental health provider to join the Law and Justice Council, which develops community corrections plans and coordinates local criminal justice agencies. Monthly meetings shape how the county addresses public safety challenges. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-seeks-volunteer-for-law-and-justice-council-2/ #ClarkCounty #CriminalJustice #MentalHealth #Publi...

Frances Staudt and Ahnaleigh Wilson met with Superintendent Chris Reykdal after raising concerns about Washington's transgender athlete policies. The meeting followed public criticism, an investigation, and calls for changes to student protections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-families-at-center-of-wa-transgender-sports-debate-face-to-face-with-ospi/ #Washington #transgendersports #...

Principal Zachary Stowell says locking up phones reduced conflict at his Seattle middle school, but lawmakers only ordered a study of campus phone limits as advocates call for a statewide ban. Parental, student, and lawmaker perspectives reveal sharp divides. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/as-washington-lawmakers-punt-on-school-cellphone-ban-some-want-more-action/ #Washington #Schools #Cell...

Elizabeth New analyzes Washington’s HB 2242, a law keeping insurers responsible for no-cost preventive care and immunizations under state rules. The discussion highlights rising premiums from added mandates, regulatory shifts, and the controversial framing against federal oversight. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-states-rfk-proofing-bill-comes-with-a-cost/ #WashingtonPolicyCe...

Kentucky's Brent Spence Bridge offers ten lanes and no tolls for $4.39 billion—while the I-5 Bridge replacement could reach $19 billion. Rep. John Ley argues that extra amenities, not inflation, drive high project costs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-what-is-the-cost-of-a-bridge/ #I5Bridge #Transportation #Opinion #ClarkCounty #PublicSpending #BrentSpenceBridge #Tolls #Oregon #W...

Clark County residents face a major change as a governor-appointed commission can now decertify and remove elected sheriffs. Sheriff John Horch warns this limits voter input. Take our poll and share your view on who should decide. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-agree-with-giving-a-state-commission-the-power-to-remove-an-elected-sheriff/ #ClarkCounty #Washington #Sheriff #Opin...

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs blocks a public vote on a new income tax, while spending escalates 116% over a decade. Lars Larson critiques Democrats' strategy in denying citizens input on major fiscal decisions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-defending-democracy-by-denying-it/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #Washington #Oregon #IncomeTax #GovernmentSpending #LarsLarson #D...

Ryan Scott, associate principal in the Camas School District, is set to become principal at Lacamas Lake Elementary as longtime leader Julie Mueller retires. Scott’s background spans teaching, counseling, and administration across several Camas schools. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/camas-school-district-names-ryan-scott-as-principal-of-lacamas-lake-elementary/ #Camas #Education #SchoolLea...

High school and youth players in uniform can attend a Division I baseball showdown in Ridgefield as the UW Huskies and UP Pilots compete at the RORC. Ticket info and event details for the NWBCA College Classic are covered here. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/ridgefield-to-host-division-i-baseball-game-between-uw-huskies-and-up-pilots-on-april-21/ #Ridgefield #Baseball #UW #Portland #NWBCA...

Sheriff John Horch warns that Washington's new decertification law allows a state-appointed commission to unseat duly elected sheriffs, sidelining the public’s role. Horch argues this raises concerns for local control, the electoral process, and the future of county law enforcement. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-sheriff-shares-his-concerns-with-washingtons-new-sheriffs-law/ #C...

Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB 5974, letting the Criminal Justice Training Commission strip Washington sheriffs or police chiefs of their jobs for certain conduct or speech. Critics say this undermines voter choice, free speech, and could hurt law enforcement recruitment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-decertified-wa-sheriffs-can-now-be-ousted-under-controversial-new-law/ #Washington...

Joshua Dylan Rice, held on robbery, assault, and theft charges, escaped from Western State Hospital. Authorities caution he is considered dangerous and may head to Salmon Creek or North Bend. Law enforcement urges anyone with information to call 9-1-1. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/inmate-with-pending-charges-in-clark-county-escapes-western-state-hospital/ #ClarkCounty #WesternStateHospita...

Gov. Bob Ferguson’s latest budget withdraws $880M from reserves, reduces child care subsidies, and shifts $375M from infrastructure funding to balance the $79.4B plan—while leaving a projected $878M deficit in 2028 and delaying new tax revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/with-more-state-financial-stress-on-horizon-ferguson-signs-wa-budget/ #Washington #statebudget #education #childcare...

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed SB 5974 into law, setting higher eligibility standards for sheriffs, including certification and background checks, and creating a process for removal without voter recall. Critics argue this limits voter choice while supporters expect legal challenges. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/gov-ferguson-signs-controversial-law-tightening-standards-for-wa-sheriffs/ #Washing...

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey’s appearance as a keynote at a ‘No Kings’ protest ignited debate about public service and partisanship. Rob Anderson of Reform Clark County argues the event was a coordinated effort by socialist groups aiming to influence elections and public trust. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-stalin-would-be-proud-clark-county-socialists-gathered-for-no-kings/...

Elizabeth New explains how Washington’s paid family leave payroll tax climbed from 0.4% to 1.13%, with insolvency looming and higher-income users benefiting most. She urges lawmakers to address flaws harming lower-wage workers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/higher-payroll-taxes-may-hit-workers-as-eligibility-rules-broaden/ #Opinion #Washington #PFML #payrolltax #workerpolicy #paidleave #Wa...

Dariel Nunez-Montero is now held at Clark County Jail after extradition from Montgomery County, Kentucky, by Clark County Sheriff’s Office members. He is awaiting prosecution in the murder case of Courtney Clinton. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-sheriffs-office-completes-extradition-in-homicide-case/ #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #LawEnforcement #Homicide #Extradition #Jail #Prosecut...