Clark County Today News

Clark County residents can vote in a new poll after councilors declined to pursue a change to make the clerk position appointed. The issue may be revisited by the Charter Review Commission. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-the-clark-county-clerk-remain-an-elected-position/ #ClarkCountyClerk #ClarkCountyCouncil #PublicComment #LocalGovernment #VancouverWA #Poll #Opinion #Charter...

Clark County Council chose not to advance a proposal to make the clerk position appointed after public outcry. Officials deferred the issue to the Charter Review Commission for further evaluation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/public-comment-prevails-no-action-taken-on-clerk-agenda-item-at-clark-county-council-meeting/ #ClarkCountyCouncil #ClarkCountyClerk #PublicComment #CharterReview #Tr...

Neighbors for a Better Crossing is calling for an updated seismic assessment of the current I-5 bridge before any more money is spent on the $7.5 billion Interstate Bridge Replacement. The group says current messaging relies on fear rather than engineering data, and argues a retrofit or Immersed Tube Tunnel could be safer and cheaper. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-neighbors-for-...

Jason Mercier of the Mountain States Policy Center slams the Washington State Supreme Court for endorsing secrecy in government employee compensation talks. In an 8-1 ruling, justices upheld a process that shields billion-dollar offers from public view until after state budgets are finalized. Mercier urges lawmakers to adopt transparency reforms like those in Idaho and Costa Mesa. https://www.clar...

Vancouver Clinic has launched a major expansion at its east Clark County site along 192nd Avenue. The new three-story facility, scheduled to open in 2027, will offer expanded access to primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, imaging, orthopedics, and more. Officials say the project reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to meet growing community needs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news...

Gov. Bob Ferguson promised to use state funds to offset an $11 million federal cut to Planned Parenthood caused by the Trump-signed spending bill. Speaking outside a Seattle clinic, Ferguson emphasized access to essential services, while the organization’s leaders warned of deep impacts on over 100,000 patients across Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-governor-commits-to-backfil...

Rep. John Ley attended the C-TRAN ribbon cutting for Vancouver’s newest Bus Rapid Transit line and voiced support for more affordable, flexible transit solutions. Citing lower operating costs and faster travel times than TriMet’s MAX light rail, Ley said adding BRT to the IBR could save $2 billion and better serve Clark County residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-john-ley-supports-...

C-TRAN and WSU Vancouver celebrated the launch of The Vine on Highway 99 with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring community leaders and Butch the Cougar. The 9-mile bus rapid transit line will connect WSU Vancouver to downtown by 2027, promising better access, safer streets, and expanded transit across Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-wsu-vancouver-celebrates-groundbreaki...

Charter Review Commission candidate John Jay returns with the third installment of his Charterist series, this time focusing on how the Clark County Charter limits the powers of the legislative branch. Jay contends that structural disadvantages — including part-time status and limited staff — leave the County Council unable to effectively check the executive branch. https://www.clarkcountytoday.co...

The C-TRAN board postponed a key vote on light rail operations and maintenance costs as legal cases involving Michelle Belkot’s removal continue. With lawsuits pending and public sentiment divided, Tuesday’s meeting reflected a board trying to navigate complex legal and political dynamics. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/c-tran-board-again-postpones-vote-on-light-rail-operations-and-maintena...

Ken Vance shares a personal reflection on the political values his father once associated with the Democratic Party — and why he believes today’s version has changed dramatically. From tax hikes and identity politics to state leadership decisions, Vance argues the party has veered far from its traditional roots. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-todays-democratic-party-is-not-our-fa...

Lars Larson takes aim at the Interstate Bridge project, arguing it’s underfunded, mismanaged, and unlikely to ever be built. With Oregon lawmakers pushing more than $251 million toward planning and no new leadership at ODOT, he raises serious concerns about priorities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-interstate-bridge-project-lacks-billions-in-funding-from-both-oregon-and-wash...

A new hate crime hotline now serves residents of Clark, King, and Spokane counties in Washington. The pilot program allows non-emergency reporting of hate crimes and bias incidents and connects callers to support services. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/new-wa-hotline-to-report-hate-crimes-launches-in-three-counties/ #WashingtonState #HateCrimeHotline #ClarkCountyWA #BiasReporting #NickBrow...

The Pro Motocross Championship returns to Washougal MX Park on July 19 for the 44th Washougal National — the PNW’s longest-running pro motorsports event. Riders like Levi Kitchen and Jett Lawrence will battle on one of the sport’s most scenic and challenging tracks. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/pnw-longest-running-professional-motorsports-event-continues-with-44th-edition-of-the-washoug...

The Hockinson Blueberry Festival is back July 19, offering a sweet mix of local blueberries, contests, vendors, and music. Hosted by the Hockinson Main Street Team and School District, it celebrates small-town charm and local farm traditions. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/hockinson-blueberry-festival-returns-saturday-july-19/ #HockinsonBlueberryFestival #HockinsonWA #LocalFarms #Blueberr...

Les Schwab Tires is opening its ninth Vancouver-area location July 23 in Brush Prairie. The full-service store adds jobs, expands tire and auto offerings, and continues the company’s 70-year tradition of service and safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/new-les-schwab-tires-store-in-brush-prairie-expands-services-in-vancouver-area/ #BrushPrairie #LesSchwab #VancouverWA #AutoService #Ti...

Amy Harris criticizes Vancouver city leaders for ignoring safety complaints that preceded the fire at Abhiruchi Indian Cuisine. She argues that tolerating lawlessness hurts small businesses and working families. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-bad-policy-fail-real-people/ #Opinion #VancouverWA #AmyHarris #ClarkCountyMatters #Abhiruchi #PublicSafety #Homelessness #SmallBusines...

Nancy Churchill critiques the CBO’s economic forecasts, challenging its treatment of the One Big Beautiful Bill. She argues its math ignores growth and revenue realities while pushing partisan narratives. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-fantasy-math-why-the-cbos-numbers-dont-add-up/ #Opinion #NancyChurchill #CBO #FederalBudget #TaxCuts #DynamicScoring #Medicaid #WashingtonPolitics...

Re-Imagined Radio presents a two-part tribute to Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, featuring adaptations of “To Have and Have Not” and “Bold Venture.” Premieres air July 21 and Aug. 18 via KXRW and KXRY. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/entertainment/re-imagined-radio-pays-tribute-to-bogart-and-bacall-in-two-part-series/ #ReImaginedRadio #BogartAndBacall #ClassicRadio #WS...

WSDOT crews will conduct final testing on three new wrong-way driving detection systems along northbound I-5 near Ridgefield, prompting temporary off-ramp closures July 9–10. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and expect delays. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-ahead-for-ramp-closures-on-i-5-near-ridgefield-july-9-10/ #WSDOT #Ridgefield #Interstate5 #RampClosures #Transportation #Exit9 #Exi...

Clark County’s Commission on Aging will hold a hybrid meeting July 16 to explore “aging in place” through Chapters 2 and 3 of the Aging Readiness Plan. The discussion includes services and housing strategies for older adults. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/commission-on-aging-to-discuss-aging-in-place/ #ClarkCounty #CommissionOnAging #AgingInPlace #HealthyCommunities #SeniorHousing #PublicM...

A Clark County judge ruled against Save Vancouver Streets, siding with the City of Vancouver and Auditor Greg Kimsey. The group had submitted over 6,500 signatures for a ballot initiative on lane reductions. Leaders say they’re frustrated and weighing an appeal. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/court-rules-against-save-vancouver-streets/ #VancouverWA #SaveVancouverStreets #CivicEngagement #La...

RedDoor Gallery in Camas is lighting up July with a series of events, starting with an artist reception on July 11. Visitors can also enjoy special promotions, free treats, and hands-on community art experiences throughout the month. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/july-sparkles-at-reddoor-gallery/ #Camas #RedDoorGallery #LocalArtists #FineArt #CommunityArt #ArtEvents #DianeGale #Clayfires #...

Nancy Strebe has been named executive director of Battle Ground HealthCare, bringing leadership from nonprofit and for-profit sectors. The organization provides free medical, dental, and rehab services to underserved adults in southwest Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/battle-ground-healthcare-appoints-new-executive-director/ #BattleGround #NancyStrebe #HealthcareAccess #Southwe...

A man was found deceased in Lake River near Ridgefield Marina on July 4. Authorities found no signs of foul play, and an abandoned sailboat nearby is believed to be connected. Full death investigation is ongoing. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/deceased-person-found-in-lake-river-near-ridgefield-marina/ #Ridgefield #LakeRiver #ClarkCountySheriff #MarinePatrol #News #ClarkCounty #FirstRespond...