Clark County Today News

Washington Republicans warn of a “train wreck” ahead as Democrats consider new taxes to close a $2B deficit, citing rapid spending growth, wealth tax proposals, and uncertainty over Gov. Ferguson’s budget stance; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/republicans-prepare-for-train-wreck-as-democrats-eye-new-taxes-to-fill-2b-gap/ #WashingtonState #Politics #StateBudget #BudgetDeficit #TaxProposals #...

misleads voters by adding burdensome requirements that would limit ballot access in Washington state; https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-a-misleading-headline-about-a-misleading-initiative/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #WashingtonState #Elections #Initiative26126 #VotingAccess #ClarkCounty

Vancouver will restore open public comment at every council meeting starting in 2026 after a unanimous council vote, giving residents renewed opportunities to speak on any topic while raising questions about how the expanded format will work. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-do-you-support-vancouvers-decision-to-restore-open-public-comment-at-every-council-meeting-starting-in-2026/ #O...

Mark Harmsworth argues that Washington’s proposed Well Washington Fund payroll tax would deepen business losses, discourage job growth, and repeat the effects seen under Seattle’s JumpStart tax, citing warnings from employers and regional leaders about shrinking competitiveness. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-is-bleeding-taxpayers-and-now-a-state-representative-wants-t...

River HomeLink theater students in Battle Ground are preparing Descendants: The Musical while balancing limited rehearsal days, no dedicated stage, and an atypical school schedule, supported by director Sandy Sparks and dedicated parents who help the department thrive. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/theater-students-overcome-challenges-for-the-love-of-their-art-at-river-homelink/ #BattleG...

Tix for Tots will host a free Dec. 20 Nativity performance in Battle Ground featuring local performers, treats, a raffle, and collection drives supporting Church in the Streets and Love in Action, all tied to the nonprofit’s mission of helping local youth. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/tix-for-tots-hosting-original-nativity-performance/ #ClarkCounty #BattleGround #Youth #Co...

Doug Dahl explains how Washington law guides drivers making simultaneous left turns, noting that the correct approach is turning to the left of the intersection’s center while acknowledging how easily driving rules can be misremembered. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-simultaneous-left-turns/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #DrivingRules #TrafficSafety #LeftTurns #Intersections #TargetZ...

This opinion from Let’s Go Washington details a leaked Washington Education Association meeting about opposing LGW’s initiatives, raising sharp questions about girls’ sports fairness, school transparency with parents, and the union’s funding and internal communications. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wea-secret-meeting-about-opposing-the-initiatives-gets-leaked/ #WashingtonState...

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his upcoming budget proposal will rely on spending cuts rather than tax increases to address a multi-billion dollar shortfall. He emphasized vetoing any sales or property tax hikes and highlighted the challenges of further budget reductions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-gov-bob-ferguson-says-his-budget-will-rely-on-cuts-not-taxes-to-balance/ #Wash...

Battle Ground introduces eReview, a paperless electronic plan review system that allows customers to submit permits and applications online, track progress in real time, and communicate with city staff, enhancing convenience and efficiency. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-battle-ground-implements-electronic-plan-review/ #BattleGround #eReview #CityServices

State Rep. Peter Abbarno visited the YWCA Clark County domestic violence shelter to learn about housing and service gaps for survivors. He called for increased legislative support for shelter expansion and restoring financial accountability for offenders under House Bill 1169. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-peter-abbarno-tours-ywca-clark-county-domestic-violence-shelter-calls-for-strong...

The Clark County Council adopted the 2026 budget including a 1 percent property tax increase across multiple funds to maintain services despite rising costs. Councilors discussed fiscal challenges, electric vehicle tax impacts, and strategic financial planning. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-votes-to-increase-property-tax-by-1-percent/ #ClarkCounty #PropertyTax #Budget2...

Nancy Churchill, writer and educator from rural Washington, shares practical steps for citizens to influence the 2026 legislative session from home, emphasizing committee advocacy, focused engagement, and positive communication. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-kitchen-table-advocacy-influence-the-legislature-from-home/ #WashingtonState #Advocacy #Opinion

Paul Guppy of the Washington Policy Center clarifies common misconceptions about property taxes in Washington state, explaining how elected officials set tax amounts and the role of county assessors, and calls for accountability to restore trust and fiscal responsibility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-elected-officials-raise-your-property-taxes-dont-blame-the-assessor/ #Was...

Clark County Public Works is sharing detailed tips for how residents should safely handle holiday waste, from batteries and electronics to block foam, plastic packaging and string lights, and is directing people to the RecycleRight app, RecyclingA-Z.com and local transfer stations for proper disposal options. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-works-offers-tips-for-properly-managing-holi...

Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has created the Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award to honor the legacy of longtime city recreation leader Dave Miletich, naming youth basketball coach Karon Lewis as the first recipient for the 2024–2025 season for his impact on young athletes and community spirit. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/city-of-vancouver-honors-first-...

Clark County Jail Services is asking residents to weigh in on proposed updates to its Keep Washington Working policy, a state-mandated framework meant to protect the privacy of all Washingtonians in local jails, with public comments due by noon on Dec. 10. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/jail-services-seeks-public-comment-on-updates-to-keep-washington-working-policy/ #ClarkCounty #JailServic...

Clark Public Utilities commissioners have approved 2026 budgets for the utility’s electric, generating and water systems, keeping electric rates unchanged while water rates increase January 1 to help pay for major infrastructure projects and long-term system upgrades. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-public-utilities-adopts-2026-budget-for-electric-generating-and-water-systems/ #ClarkCo...

The Vancouver City Council has unanimously voted to bring back open public comment at council meetings in 2026, allowing residents to speak on any subject rather than only agenda items, while keeping four community forums each year. Hear what council members say about making City Hall more accessible and how the new format is expected to work. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-c...

Vancouver police have arrested 21-year-old Nathan Howard Allen in connection with the October assault of a woman jogging on SE 99th Avenue, booking him into the Clark County Jail for indecent liberties and unlawful imprisonment while additional charges are being referred. Hear how detectives tied him to the case and what investigators recovered. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/arrest-made-in...

An investigative report found Washington State School for the Blind superintendent Scott McCallum sexually harassed a colleague before his August resignation, despite his claim that he was the target of harassment. Hear what investigators uncovered and who is now leading the school. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-school-for-the-blind-leader-resigned-after-misconduct-probe/ #VancouverWA #...

A new Department of Ecology report finds that more than half of 2025 Climate Commitment Act project spending went to electrifying the Washington State Ferries fleet, including hundreds of millions of dollars for new hybrid vessels and terminal charging infrastructure, while Ecology touts an estimated nine million metric tons of carbon reductions over the last two fiscal years. Critics such as Wash...

Holiday cheer is shining in Battle Ground, where the city and a group of generous community partners have come together to add festive lighting at the Battle Ground Event Center ahead of the upcoming Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5. Led by primary sponsor Luke Rogers of Clean Choice Professional Services, and supported by several local businesses and donors, the project add...

Battle Ground Public Schools is placing a replacement educational programs and operations levy on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot, saying state and federal funding no longer cover the rising costs of educating more than 13,000 students in 19 schools. If approved, the levy would help pay for student safety, smaller class sizes, special education, teachers, nursing, mental health suppo...

The city of Vancouver and the Dream Center of Activate Church are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Christmas at the Park on Dec. 5 at Esther Short Park, offering free trees, cocoa, cookie decorating, Santa photos, and caroling under snowfall for families and neighbors. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/come-celebrate-10th-anniversary-of-christmas-at-the-park-dec-5/ #VancouverWA #Christmas...