Clark County Today News

The Washougal City Council has appointed David L. Szyplinski to City Council Position 5 after a public application and interview process, filling the vacancy left by the passing of former mayor Molly Coston, with the term running through certification of the November 2027 election. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washougal-city-council-appoints-david-l-szyplinski-to-fill-position-5/ #Washoug...

In this opinion column, Lars Larson criticizes Senate Democrats for opposing the SAVE Act and for comments he says insult black Americans, while urging Senate Republicans to advance voter ID legislation and election reforms. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-schumer-insults-black-americans-with-jim-crow-2-0-comment/ #Opinion #Politics #SAVEAct #VoterID #USSenate

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is accepting public nominations for its 2026 Philanthropist of the Year and Community Champion Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that strengthen communities across Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties, with a submission deadline of March 6. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-foundation-opens-philanthropy-award-nominati...

Clark College is hosting a series of free public workshops throughout February to help current and prospective students better understand financial aid, including scholarships, student employment, loans, and maintaining eligibility, with sessions held on the college’s main campus. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/clark-college-financial-aid-office-to-host-free-public-workshops-during-financi...

Vancouver Fire responded to a vehicle collision involving a commercial strip mall in Vancouver, deploying multiple units and the Technical Rescue Team to secure the structure and safely remove the vehicle, with all occupants accounted for and no injuries reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vehicle-collides-with-commercial-building/ #Vancouver #VancouverFire #PublicSafety #VehicleCollis...

The Clark County Republican Women will host a dinner event on Feb. 12 at the Battle Ground Events Center focused on the work of the County Charter Review Commission, featuring commission members and moderated by CCRW President Liz Cline. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/ccrw-to-host-dinner-event-featuring-charter-review-commission-members/ #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CharterReview #CCRW #C...

In this letter to the editor, James Landon of Ridgefield shares his family’s long-standing ties to the Hockinson School District and explains why he believes the upcoming levy is a responsible and necessary investment in education, community stability, and future generations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-hockinson-is-worth-investing-in-and-this-levy-is-part-of-that-commitment/ #...

In this letter to the editor, Rob Anderson writes that organized Portland-based activist groups coordinated public comment at a recent Clark County Council meeting to pressure councilors over an anti-ICE resolution, warning that continued disengagement by local residents could invite further outside influence. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-pdx-activists-flood-clark-county-council...

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill explains why a public hearing on HB 2221 represents real progress in Olympia, even though the bill will not advance this session, highlighting testimony numbers, wildlife management concerns in eastern Washington, and how relationship-building can move policy forward over time. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-moving-the-ball-down-the-field/...

Vancouver Fire responded to a fatal structure fire at a one-story fourplex on East 6th Street, where one person and one dog were found deceased and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-responds-to-fatal-structure-fire/ #Vancouver #VancouverFire #StructureFire #FireInvestigation #PublicSafety

Clark County Council members heard from C-TRAN Deputy CEO Scott Patterson about how a high-capacity transit sub-district could be formed and sent to voters to help fund operations and maintenance costs for light rail if it is part of a new Interstate Bridge project. The discussion included potential tax options, governance structure, and concerns about costs beyond Vancouver. https://www.clarkcoun...

Speculation surrounding a possible sale of the Seattle Seahawks has grown alongside debate over a proposed Washington income tax that would apply a 9.9% levy on high-earning athletes and performers for income earned in the state, including a “jock tax” based on duty days. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/speculation-on-seahawks-sale-heats-up-following-proposed-wa-jock-tax/ #WashingtonState...

Gov. Bob Ferguson rejected the initial income tax framework proposed by Democratic lawmakers, saying it does not sufficiently return revenue to Washington residents despite targeting income over $1 million, as debates continue over tax relief, budget gaps, and long-term changes to the state’s tax system. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/gov-ferguson-rejects-wa-lawmakers-initial-crack-at-incom...

In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth outlines concerns that Washington’s proposed income tax legislation could accelerate business departures, reduce investment, and weaken the state’s competitive position, drawing comparisons to high-tax states that have seen significant out-migration. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washingtons-proposed-income-tax-driving-businesses-and-jobs-...

Washington lawmakers on the House Environment and Energy Committee unanimously approved Rep. John Ley’s House Bill 2605, which would update state rules governing naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in construction products while maintaining workplace safety protections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/house-environment-and-energy-committee-unanimously-approves-legislation-from-rep...

Mitchell Kelly has announced his candidacy for Clark County auditor, pointing to nearly ten years of experience within the Auditor’s Office, prior work with the Washington State Auditor’s Office, and a commitment to election integrity, accurate financial reporting, and a nonpartisan approach to public service. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/mitchell-kelly-announces-candidacy-for-clark-count...

In this opinion column, Lars Larson contends that schools and educators who encourage student walkouts for political causes should be held accountable under existing truancy laws, arguing that political activism is undermining education in the Pacific Northwest. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-lets-use-the-truancy-laws-to-send-a-message-to-schools/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #Educ...

In this opinion column, Bill Bruch outlines allegations of fraud, overpayments, and record-scrubbing tied to Washington’s taxpayer-subsidized childcare programs and discusses calls by GOP lawmakers for federal investigations and independent audits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wa-gop-state-representative-asking-trump-administration-to-investigate-fraud-allegations/ #Opinion #Wa...

Friends of Vancouver Lake has appointed Adrienne Mason as its founding executive director, a move supported by community leaders and the Lynch Foundation as the organization advances long-term stewardship and management efforts at Vancouver Lake. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/friends-of-vancouver-lake-appoints-adrienne-mason-as-founding-executive-director/ #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #Vancou...

Vancouver Fire Department crews quickly knocked down a fire in a travel trailer used as a permanent residence in the 10400 block of NE 53rd Street, preventing the flames from spreading to nearby trailers; the fire was caused by an electrical issue, no injuries were reported, and one occupant was displaced with Red Cross assistance. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-fire-department-ex...

In this letter to the editor, Bob Ortblad compares British Columbia’s Highway 99 immersed tunnel project to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, arguing that an I-5 immersed tunnel could save billions, reduce construction time, and avoid major impacts to surrounding communities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-british-columbias-new-immersed-tunnel-can-solve-interstate-bridge-...

Elizabeth New (Hovde) examines two Washington bills she says would raise health care costs by increasing taxes and regulatory burdens on insurance, arguing lawmakers should focus on consumer relief instead of treating insurance like a revenue source. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-health-care-doesnt-get-more-affordable-by-making-insurance-more-expensive/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolic...

Lars Larson criticizes Democratic officials in Oregon and Washington for their responses to anti-ICE riots, arguing that local leaders have created conditions for unrest by failing to enforce existing laws. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-refuse-to-condemn-anti-ice-riots/ #Opinion #PacificNorthwest #ICE #LawEnforcement #Politics #Columns

Clark College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free dental care for children ages 4–17 during its annual Free Children’s Dental Health Care Day on Feb. 7, with services provided by students under licensed supervision at the Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/clark-college-offers-free-dental-care-to-children-feb-7/ #ClarkCollege #DentalHea...

The city of Washougal is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on its Planning Commission, an advisory body that reviews development-related changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-washougal-seeks-applicants-for-planning-commission-vacancies/ #Washougal #PlanningCommission #CityGo...