Clark County Today News

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...

Bob Ortblad calls out Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle for technical errors in her KGW8 remarks on the IBR project, explaining why immersed tunnel options would improve safety and save over $1 billion. Vancouver, bridge engineering, public spending, seismic safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-vancouver-mayor-anne-mcenerny-ogle-makes-several-serious-and-incorrect-engineering-s...

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection cleared a backlog of 2,400 permits in less than two years by focusing on transparency and customer experience. Mark Harmsworth of Washington Policy Center outlines actionable steps for Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-pennsylvanias-payback-success-is-it-a-blueprint-for-washingtons-counties-and-cities/ #WashingtonPo...

Lars Larson argues the Constitution’s language excludes citizenship for children of non-legal residents, referencing recent Supreme Court hearings and polling. The episode explores historic precedent, reactions, and shifting U.S. policy on birthright citizenship. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-anchor-babies/ #Opinion #anchorbabies #citizenship #Supreme...

Four volunteer positions are open on Clark County’s Commission on Aging—residents countywide can apply to help shape the Aging Readiness Plan. 2026 priorities include mobility and housing. Application deadline is April 17. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-extends-application-deadline-for-commission-on-aging-openings/ #ClarkCounty #AgingReadiness #Volunteer #Housing #Mobility #Community...

After the new state income tax bill became law, Brian Heywood’s referendum proposal was denied by the Secretary of State, triggering threats of a legal challenge. The story covers the constitutional clash, legal strategies and impact on future elections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-rejected-wa-sos-will-not-process-referendum-to-repeal-income-tax-law/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #Br...

Washington’s end-of-March deadline for removing studded tires means a $137 fine is possible for drivers who miss it. WSDOT reports up to $29 million in annual road damage is tied to metal stud use and urges alternative winter tires. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washingtons-studded-tire-deadline-is-march-31/ #WashingtonState #WSDOT #StuddedTires #SpringDriving #VehicleRegulations #RoadSafe...

Nearly 8,500 snacks filled Battle Ground police and sheriff patrol vehicles after a united community effort at Fred Meyer supported student food pantries and opened doors for positive officer-student connections. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/community-in-action-police-cruisers-crammed-with-snacks-to-benefit-local-students/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #SchoolResourceOfficer #StudentSupport...

Sen. Paul Harris, Rep. Kevin Waters, and Rep. David Stuebe will answer constituents’ questions at five 17th District town halls. Topics include the newly passed income tax, an $80 billion budget, and their long-term effects on Clark County and Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/southwest-washington-lawmakers-to-hold-a-series-of-town-hall-meetings-throughout-the-17th-legislative-dist...

Storybook Dental's Dr. Ronald Hsu details why kombucha, lemon water, and even sparkling drinks are eroding enamel for Camas and Clark County residents. Learn how simple changes, like using a straw and choosing fluoride toothpaste, can prevent lasting damage. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/can-your-wellness-routine-be-harming-your-teeth/ #ClarkCounty #Camas #Dentist #OralHealth #EnamelErosio...

Jason Johnson, 35, is now in the Clark County Jail after police say he stabbed a 29-year-old man during a domestic incident on NE 12th Street. The Major Crimes Unit continues its investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-police-investigate-attempted-murder/ #Vancouver #Crime #ClarkCounty #LawEnforcement #AttemptedMurder #DomesticViolence #Police #Investigation

Project 42’s Dann Mead Smith told Battle Ground residents the state’s new income tax, signed by Bob Ferguson, could impact far more than millionaires if the deduction threshold drops. Resident opposition and legal action are planned. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/project-42-it-is-an-income-tax-not-a-millionaires-tax/ #ClarkCounty #IncomeTax #Washington #Project42 #Future42 #Politics #State...

Governor Bob Ferguson’s new income tax law is facing a lawsuit from Jackson Maynard and the Citizen Action Defense Fund, plus a proposed repeal initiative. The 9.9% tax targets high earners with an estimated $3.5 billion in new revenue. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/video-wa-income-tax-signed-into-law-with-legal-challenge-right-behind/ #Washington #Politics #IncomeTax #LegalChallenge #Citi...

Gov. Bob Ferguson authorizes a 9.9% tax on $1M+ earners, aiming to fund relief for 810,000 households while opponents, led by Rob McKenna and the Citizen Action Defense Fund, launch a constitutional legal challenge. State tax fairness and business impacts are at stake. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/income-tax-signed-in-washington-with-a-legal-challenge-close-behind/ #WashingtonState #Incom...

More than 4,000 hours serving in the County Council office have shaped Peter Silliman’s platform. The candidate emphasizes public safety, transparency, and reducing barriers to affordable housing. Details on his agenda for parks, policing equity, and budget reform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/peter-silliman-announces-candidacy-for-clark-county-council/ #ClarkCounty #ClarkCountyCouncil #L...

Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett called proposed changes to Washington’s bail rules “ridiculous” as public defenders push to make it easier for defendants to avoid full bail. Nancy Churchill examines the risks of undermining oversight and urges public input. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-defend-bail-now-or-face-more-chaos-on-our-streets/ #WashingtonState #BailRefo...

Elizabeth New of Washington Policy Center explains why Washington state quickly updates materials for new employee laws but leaves Janus First Amendment rights for public workers obscure, raising questions about consistency in educating citizens. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-some-worker-rights-get-a-poster-others-get-fine-print/ #WashingtonState #WorkerRights #Janus #PublicEmpl...

At least 10 volunteer positions are open for Clark County residents ages 12-19 to join the Youth Commission. The group offers youth a chance to advise county leaders and work on key projects. Applications are due April 23, with orientation held in August. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/county-seeking-young-people-to-fill-10-volunteer-positions-on-youth-commission/ #ClarkCounty #YouthLeader...