Clark County Today News

Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot announced she is running for re-election in District 2 in the November 2026 General Election, citing her record on taxes, public safety, and local control, along with her military and civil service background. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/michelle-belkot-announces-bid-for-re-election-to-clark-county-council-district-2/ #ClarkCounty #MichelleBelkot #C...

Doug Dahl of The Wise Drive explains how Washington law approaches drug-impaired driving, why there are no numeric limits for most drugs, and how officers are trained through ARIDE and Drug Recognition Expert programs to identify drivers who are under the influence. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-limits-for-drug-impaired-driving/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #ImpairedDriving #Dr...

Legislation sponsored by Rep. David Stuebe received a public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee as lawmakers reviewed House Bill 2531, which would update Washington’s ambulance quality assurance fee program and adjust how Medicaid reimbursement rates for emergency ambulance transports are calculated. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislation-from-rep-david-stuebe-to-strengthen-m...

Rep. John Ley of the 18th Legislative District is asking area residents to take a legislative priorities survey created with Rep. Stephanie McClintock, aimed at gathering public input as lawmakers navigate the 2026 legislative session and focus on costs, public safety and government accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-please-make-your-voice-heard-by-taking-my-legislati...

Battle Ground Public Schools is hosting its 11th annual Industry Fair at Battle Ground High School, welcoming jobseekers, students, families and employers for an evening focused on career exploration, hiring opportunities and networking, along with a free resume workshop and child care during the event. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/jobseekers-community-members-families-and-students-in...

This week’s Clark County Today newsletter covers ongoing questions about county council authority, federal approval of a fixed-span Interstate Bridge design, and a mix of opinion, remembrance, and community milestones shaping the week in Clark County. https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_january_23_2026 #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #Newsletter #LocalPolitics #Community

A Clark County Today poll asks readers to weigh in on whether proposed changes to the Clark County Council’s Rules of Procedure suggest the council lacked authority during a controversial 2025 board removal involving the C-TRAN Board of Directors. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-the-proposed-changes-to-the-clark-county-councils-rules-of-procedure-suggest-the-council-lacked-authori...

🎙️ Podcast DescriptionRep. John Ley has introduced House Bill 2226 to revise state law governing public transportation benefit area boards, with a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 30 before the House Local Government Committee, as lawmakers consider changes aimed at restoring local flexibility and balanced representation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/legislation-from-rep-john-ley-aiming-...

Vancouver Public Schools has selected Dr. Ricardo “Rocky” Torres-Morales as its next superintendent after a national search that included community forums, surveys, and finalist interviews, with final placement pending contract negotiations and a planned start date of July 1, 2026. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/dr-ricardo-rocky-torres-morales-selected-as-superintendent-of-vancouver-public-...

Battle Ground Police Department detectives arrested a 41-year-old suspect on suspicion of Rape of a Child in the Third Degree following an investigation that began in 2022, with investigators noting the case remains active and encouraging anyone with information to come forward. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-arrest-41-year-old-in-child-sexual-assault-investigation/ #Ba...

Clark County Council members discussed proposed changes to the council’s Rules of Procedure, including whether councilors can be directed how to vote on boards and commissions, a debate tied directly to Michelle Belkot’s removal from the C-TRAN board and the resulting lawsuits and OPMA investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/do-the-county-councils-proposed-changes-to-rules-of-procedur...

Washougal High School students in the Green Team are transforming their campus courtyard into a native habitat learning space through a student-led restoration project supported by local grants, community partners, and the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/washougal-high-school-students-restoring-native-habitat-on-campus/ #Washougal #YouthPrograms #Envi...

In this letter to the editor, Randall Schultz-Rathbun calls on Hockinson School District to provide clear, line-item transparency on past levy spending and detailed plans for future use, citing rising taxes, record school funding, and unanswered questions for voters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-hsd-needs-to-give-a-detailed-line-item-accounting-of-where-the-last-levy-went-and-of...

Rep. David Stuebe has introduced House Bill 2308 to strengthen enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance requirements, clarify penalties, and expand vehicle impoundment options for repeat uninsured drivers or those who cause accidents while uninsured. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-david-stuebe-sponsors-bill-to-strengthen-enforcement-of-auto-insurance-laws-and-protect-washington-driver...

RedDoor Gallery in Camas is inviting the public to experience Brush Strokes in Motion, a series of live art demonstrations featuring local and regional artists working in oils, clay, and mixed media, with multiple events scheduled through early February. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/see-brush-strokes-in-motion-this-week-at-reddoor-gallery-in-camas/ #CamasWA #ClarkCountyArts #LocalArtist...

In this letter to the editor, Bob Ortblad challenges the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, citing high per-space costs, downtown impacts, and skepticism that the Federal Transit Administration will approve IBR’s $1 billion grant request. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-interstate-bridge-replacements-park-ride-insanity/ #Opinion #InterstateBridgeR...

Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance responds forcefully to a Vancouver City Council declaration criticizing federal immigration enforcement, arguing the statement fuels fear, undercuts local police, and advances a politically motivated narrative without evidence. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vancouver-councilors-responsible-for-stoking-irrational-fears-in-the-community/ #Opinio...

Kaiser Permanente employees marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a day of service in Clark County, volunteering at the Clark County Food Bank while other regional projects included campus cleanup efforts involving Hockinson High School students and SOLVE volunteers. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/kaiser-permanente-employees-volunteer-at-clark-county-food-bank-on-mlk-jr-day/ #ClarkCounty...

The North County Community Food Bank’s 2026 Seed Swap and Giveaway takes place Jan. 25 at the Hockinson Community Education Center, featuring seeds, plants, gardening information, and opportunities to support the local food bank through donations. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/north-county-community-food-banks-seed-swap-and-giveaway-is-sunday-jan-25/ #Hockinson #BrushPrairie #CommunityEven...

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget cuts drew strong opposition during public hearings, with advocates warning that reductions to child care, education, and climate programs could have lasting impacts as lawmakers work to close a $2.3 billion shortfall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/an-icy-reception-for-gov-bob-fergusons-proposed-budget-cuts/ #WashingtonState #StateBudget #Legis...

In this opinion column, Vancouver attorney Angus Lee argues that a 2011 change to Washington sentencing law has protected convicted domestic abusers, sexual offenders, and drunk drivers from deportation, and calls on lawmakers to restore public safety by correcting the policy. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-should-stop-shielding-domestic-abusers-and-sexual-offenders-fr...

In this opinion column, Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center examines IRS and national data showing Washington losing higher-earning taxpayers, arguing that rising taxes, regulation, and proposed income taxes could worsen outmigration and harm jobs and state revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-who-is-leaving-washington-and-why-the-politicians-need-to-care/ #Opinion...

The Vancouver Fire Department has announced funeral service details for Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz, including a formal procession, Cordon of Honor, and service at NW Gospel Church: Eastside in Vancouver on Jan. 23. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/funeral-service-details-for-firefighter-paramedic-jeremiah-frenz/ #VancouverFireDepartment #JeremiahFrenz #ClarkCounty #FirefighterMemo...

In this opinion column, Dick Rylander analyzes the long-term impact of the McCleary ruling on Washington’s K–12 finance system, arguing that rising costs, enrollment decline, and weak accountability have left districts less stable despite higher funding levels. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-mcclearys-promise-and-washingtons-k-12-reality/ #Opinion #WashingtonEducation #McCleary #...

In this opinion column, Sen. John Braun criticizes Senate Bill 5974, saying it would concentrate criminal justice authority in Olympia by allowing an unelected board to remove elected sheriffs, weakening local control in all 39 Washington counties. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-in-olympia-are-backing-senate-bill-5974/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #SB5974 #CriminalJustice...