Clark County Today News

The Class 4A Greater St. Helens League opened league play in Week 3, the earliest since 2015, under a new six-game double round-robin format designed to ease scheduling and cut travel costs. Skyview beat Camas 38-21, and Battle Ground topped Union 34-14, but every team will face each opponent again in four weeks. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-football-odd-schedule-leads-to-early-start-to-league-play-in-4a-gshl/ #HighSchoolFootball #4AGSHL #SkyviewStorm #CamasPapermakers #BattleGround #UnionTitans #ClarkCounty #WashingtonStateFootball #Youth #Sports

Skyview's 38-21 win over Camas at Kiggins Bowl ended a 15-game losing streak in the rivalry dating to 2011. Adarius Sparrow caught three touchdown passes from Dugan Logue, including a 76-yard strike that put the game away in the fourth quarter. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/sports/high-school-football-skyview-takes-down-camas-for-first-win-in-rivalry-since-2011/ #SkyviewStorm #CamasPapermakers #HighSchoolFootball #4AGSHL #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPreps #KigginsBowl #Sports #Youth

The Camas School District Legislative Advocacy Committee will host a free, nonpartisan Candidate Forum on Oct. 5 at Discovery High School in Camas, featuring candidates from the 3rd US Congressional District and 17th Washington State Legislative District. The forum runs 6:30 to 8 p.m. and focuses on public education issues. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/camas-school-district-legislative-advocacy-committee-to-host-candidate-forum/ #CamasSchoolDistrict #CandidateForum #WashingtonState #PublicEducation #3rdCongressionalDistrict #17thDistrict #Camas #VoterEducation #ClarkCounty

A vehicle backing into a parking stall at a business on NW Kent Street in Camas jumped a curb and struck the side of a townhouse after the driver confused the accelerator for the brake pedal. Camas Police and Camas-Washougal Fire responded. No injuries were reported, though damage to both the vehicle and structure was described as extensive. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vehicle-drives-into-camas-townhouse/ #Camas #ClarkCounty #CamasPolice #CamasWashougalFire #PublicSafety #WashingtonState

Sovereign, the new steaks, chops, and seafood restaurant at ilani in Ridgefield, is a restaurant now run directly by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, marking a major step in the tribe's move toward self-operating all casino restaurants. General manager Andrew Guthrie says the name reflects where the tribe is headed as a self-sufficient sovereign nation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/business-profile-cowlitz-indian-tribe-now-running-the-steakhouse-at-ilani-sovereign/ #Sovereign #ilani #CowlitzIndianTribe #Ridgefield #ClarkCounty #FineDining #PacificNorthwest #CasinoDining #Restaurant #Business

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center spent 15 years working on public pension policy and argues Washington lawmakers deliberately included public pensions in the new income tax, not because they reach the $1 million deduction threshold, but because that threshold can be lowered at any time without another vote. He says voting yes on Initiative 645 would repeal the tax. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-lawmakers-are-going-after-your-pension/ #Initiative645 #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #PublicPension #TaxPolicy #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Retirement #ClarkCounty #Politics

Ridgefield's Sportsman's Public House is marking 100 years with a centennial celebration on Sept. 25, featuring a new menu, vendors, giveaways, and karaoke. The pub has had five owners and was a Model T auto shop before its 1926 restaurant conversion. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/ridgefield-landmark-sportsmans-public-house-celebrates-100-years-of-history-and-community/ #RidgefieldWA #SportsmansPublicHouse #ClarkCounty #Centennial #LocalHistory #CommunityNews #PNW

Washington's Department of Revenue calls it an income tax. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins called it "a 9.9% income tax." So why is the media calling it a "millionaires tax"? Chris Cargill of Mountain States Policy Center argues the press is adopting political branding over accurate policy description, and that the distinction matters most as voters prepare to decide Initiative 645 in November. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-washington-has-an-income-tax-why-wont-the-media-call-it-one/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #Initiative645 #MediaAccountability #TaxPolicy #Opinion #ClarkCounty #Olympia #I645 #FreeMakets

Amtrak's new 300-passenger Airo trains launch on the Cascades intercity route September 30, replacing aging coaches dating to the 1970s. The fleet adds seat capacity and modern amenities but will not increase speed or frequency on the Pacific Northwest corridor. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/northwest-rail-fans-eager-for-sept-30-debut-of-amtraks-airo-fleet/ #AmtrakCascades #PacificNorthwest #RailTravel #WashingtonState #Transportation #Amtrak #PassengerRail #TrainTravel #Oregon #Seattle

A consequential week for housing costs, public safety, and the fall election season across Clark County. Full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/clarkcountytoday/this-weeks-top-news_september_18_2026

Clark County Council approved higher impact fees for La Center, Hockinson, and Woodland school districts, raising new construction costs in unincorporated areas. The Building Industry Association argues the increases hurt housing affordability. Clark County Today wants to know what readers think. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-how-do-you-think-higher-impact-fees-for-school-districts-affect-housing-affordability-in-clark-county/ #ClarkCounty #HousingAffordability #ImpactFees #SchoolDistricts #ClarkCountyCouncil #LaCenter #Hockinson #Woodland #Opinion

Corey and Kelly Richardson, parents of Trent Richardson of Battle Ground, say their son's death was a tragic accident and are publicly asking their community to extend grace to his friend James Gill and Gill's family. Rooted in Christian faith, the Richardsons describe a peace that has carried them through unimaginable loss. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/richardson-family-turns-to-faith-grace-following-trents-death/ #TrentRichardson #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #Faith #Grace #Community #Grief #BattleGroundTigers

The Washington Supreme Court struck down Initiative 2066 in a 6-3 decision, ruling the voter-approved natural gas measure unconstitutional for covering four distinct subjects. The measure had passed with nearly 52% of the vote across 34 of Washington's 39 counties in 2024. Chief Justice Debra Stephens wrote that no portion could be severed and saved. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wa-high-court-tosses-natural-gas-measure-approved-by-voters/ #WashingtonState #Initiative2066 #NaturalGas #WashingtonSupremeCourt #EnergyPolicy #ClarkCounty #ClarkCountyToday

Clark County is accepting applications for a volunteer seat on its 15-member Community Action Advisory Board, representing low-income residents in the fourth district. The three-year term runs through Dec. 31, 2028, with the application deadline set for Friday, Oct. 9. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/community_news/county-seeks-applicants-for-community-action-advisory-board-16/ #ClarkCounty #CommunityAction #Vancouver #WashingtonState #LocalGovernment #HousingPrograms #BasicNeeds #SelfSufficiency #VolunteerBoard #ClarkCountyToday

Doug Dahl of The Wise Drive takes on a Freakonomics claim that walking drunk is eight times more dangerous than driving drunk per mile. His counterargument: miles traveled is the wrong metric when comparing speeds as different as walking and driving. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-impaired-walking-vs-impaired-driving-pick-neither/ #TargetZero #ImpairedDriving #PedestrianSafety #TrafficSafety #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #Opinion #TheWiseDrive #DougDahl #RoadSafety

Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi traces how the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund has provided roughly $1.9 million for HART expansion, contributed to the regional Bridge Shelter effort, and also appears among the financial supporters of The Columbian's Community Funded Journalism program covering homelessness and housing. Bracchi argues the public benefits from seeing those relationships on the same page. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-the-same-money-helps-fund-the-program-and-the-story/ #Homelessness #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #Philanthropy #JournalismEthics #BridgeShelter #HART #PublicFunding #Opinion #WashingtonState

Clark County Sheriff John Horch is personally endorsing Proposition 12 and Proposition 13, two public-safety ballot measures on the November 3 general election. Proposition 12 targets jail expansion and a new sheriff's headquarters. Proposition 13 addresses staffing. Horch notes the jail's 519 beds have been full 88 percent of the time since January 2025. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-sheriff-john-horch-endorses-proposition-12-and-proposition-13/ #ClarkCounty #JohnHorch #Proposition12 #Proposition13 #ClarkCountyJail #PublicSafety #GeneralElection #WashingtonState #LawAndJustice #ClarkCountyToday

Let's Go Washington pushes back on claims made by Governor Ferguson and others about I-001, comparing 10 opposition assertions about parental rights, student records, and LGBTQ+ protections to the actual language of the initiative. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-lies-about-i-001/ #I001 #ParentalRights #WashingtonState #LetGoWashington #EducationPolicy #Opinion #StudentPrivacy #ClarkCounty #Politics #Youth

Paul Valencia, Tony Liberatore, and Cale Piland break down the new 4A GSHL football schedule that has Skyview hosting Camas in the first of two matchups between the teams this season. They also highlight Camas and Ridgefield volleyball's special match, and more. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/the-study-of-sports-podcast-sept-17-2026-the-sports-enthusiasts-talk-about-the-new-football-schedule-in-the-4a-gshl-some-outdoor-volleyball-and-more-in-this-episode/ #StudyOfSports #HighSchoolSports #4AGSHL #ClarkCountySports #Football #Volleyball #Podcast #WashingtonState #Camas #Skyview

Nancy Churchill argues HB 1296 gutted the parental rights law Washington voters passed via I-2081, and that I-001 would restore it. Under I-001, schools would have 10 business days to produce records, and parents would receive notice of medical services, campus removals, and crimes involving their child. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-vote-yes-for-parents-rights-vote-yes-on-i-001/ #I001 #ParentsRights #WashingtonState #ParentsBillOfRights #Opinion #Politics #LetsGoWashington #ClarkCounty #Olympia #NancyChurchill

Battle Ground's interim city manager contract was tabled 3-1 while the city faces a litigation hold from attorney Sue-Del McCulloch LLC, representing fired City Manager Kris Swanson, alleging breach of contract, gender discrimination, and open meeting law violations. An ethics violation against a sitting council member is also under review. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-interim-city-manager-contract-tabled-for-time-being/ #BattleGround #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CityManager #WashingtonState #Politics #News #CityCouncil #KrisSwanson #Ethics

The Clark County Council approved impact fee increases for three growing school districts and new fees for four fire districts, raising costs for builders and homebuyers across unincorporated Clark County. La Center's single-family fee jumps from $3,501 to $7,536, Hockinson's rises from $7,790 to $15,175, and Evergreen Public Schools drops to $0 due to falling enrollment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/clark-county-council-approves-increases-to-current-impact-fees-as-well-as-new-impact-fees/ #ClarkCounty #ImpactFees #ClarkCountyCouncil #HousingAffordability #SchoolDistricts #FireDistricts #Vancouver #WashingtonState #LocalNews #ClarkCountyToday

Clark County spent nearly $4 million on affordable housing in 2025 and helped only 71 people. One recipient, Fourth Plain Forward, kept roughly $250,000 of $300,000 in county funds — and employs sitting Councilor Wil Fuentes as operations manager. Rob Anderson raises pointed questions about recusals, ethics rules, and public accountability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-4-million-for-housing-but-only-a-few-were-helped-while-councilor-fuentes-and-fourth-plain-forward-benefit/ #ClarkCounty #AffordableHousing #FourthPlainForward #WilFuentes #CountyCouncil #Opinion #PublicAccountability #WashingtonState #HousingGrants #ConflictOfInterest

Tim Barton, president of Wall Builders, brings his presentation on America's Biblical and spiritual history to Reign Church in Vancouver on October 5. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is organized by Concerned Christian Citizens of Clark County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/community_news/public-invited-to-oct-5-event-designed-to-help-people-discover-the-true-story-of-america-and-its-biblical-foundation/ #WallBuilders #TimBarton #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #CommunityEvents #AmericanHistory #BiblicalFoundation

Pleasant Valley primary and middle schools in Vancouver are marking 50 years on their current campus with a public celebration on Sept. 25. Alumni, families, staff and community members are invited to join a memory wall, live music and reconnections with the school's past and present. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/youth/pleasant-valley-schools-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-current-campus/ #PleasantValley #BattleGroundSchoolDistrict #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #CommunityNews #Education #Anniversary

The GRO Parade of Homes enters its second week with eight luxury homes open for tours in Vancouver's Emerald Grove development. General admission is $20, with $1 from every ticket benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Industry and Design Day is Thursday, Sept. 17. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/gro-parade-of-homes-ready-for-its-second-week/ #GROParadeOfHomes #ParadeOfHomes #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #HomeDesign #NewHomes #BuildingIndustry #StJude #WashingtonState #EmeraldGrove

Justin Wood of Save Vancouver Streets says he left the Washington State Court of Appeals in Tacoma with cautious optimism after judges appeared to press the city of Vancouver's attorney harder than SVS counsel Jackson Maynard. A ruling on the initiative fight could take four to six months. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/save-vancouver-streets-argues-its-case-before-state-court-of-appeals/ #SaveVancouverStreets #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #CompleteStreets #WashingtonState #CourtOfAppeals #Transportation #LocalNews #Initiative #ClarkCountyToday

Washington's 2026 primary saw 20,267 ballots rejected for late postmarks, a 32% increase over 2024, with Mason County's rejection rate rising 329.7%. The Supreme Court blocked a broader USPS rule from taking effect for November, but the postmarking and transportation changes blamed for the primary spike remain in place. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rural-latino-trump-voters-hit-hard-by-usps-delays-as-scotus-halts-changes/ #WashingtonState #MailVoting #USPS #ElectionIntegrity #BallotRejections #SCOTUSRuling #WashingtonPrimary #ClarkCounty #Politics #News

More than 1,000 public schools closed nationwide in the 2025-26 school year, the fourth consecutive year closures have increased. Declining birth rates, expiring pandemic relief funds, and immigration enforcement are shrinking K-12 enrollment, now projected to fall to 46.9 million students by 2031. States from Vermont to California are testing new approaches to encourage consolidation without forcing it. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fewer-students-too-many-schools-communities-confront-closures-and-consolidations/ #PublicEducation #SchoolClosures #DecliningEnrollment #K12 #SchoolConsolidation #EducationPolicy #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty

John Braun's campaign is pushing back against a Marie Gluesenkamp Perez attack ad, disputing claims about a worker injury, a workplace fatality, and Braun's legislative record on safety. The campaign says the ad takes four words from a statement out of context. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/braun-campaign-claims-gluesenkamp-perez-ad-exploits-workplace-tragedies-and-distorts-the-facts/ #ThirdCongressionalDistrict #JohnBraun #MarieGluesenkampPerez #WorkplaceSafety #WashingtonPolitics #ClarkCounty #Congress #CampaignAd #SouthwestWashington

WSDOT and contractor Granite Contractors Company have begun replacing damaged concrete panels on I-5 between Northeast 179th Street and just south of Woodland. Three coordinated projects will improve more than 6 miles of I-5 in Clark County, with a $25 million phase targeting 4 miles of southbound I-5 set for May 2027. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/goodbye-bumpy-ride-on-i-5-in-vancouver/ #I5 #ClarkCounty #WSDOT #Transportation #Vancouver #Woodland #RoadConstruction #Infrastructure #WashingtonState #PacificNorthwest

Clark County voters will decide this November on Charter Amendment 24, which would require a Housing Impact Analysis before certain land-use and construction code changes take effect. The county already faces an estimated 15,700-unit housing deficit, with long-range projections calling for nearly 104,000 additional units by 2045. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/affordable-housing-for-clark-county-launches-campaign-for-charter-amendment-24/ #ClarkCounty #HousingPolicy #Amendment24 #ClarkCountyWA #AffordableHousing #HousingImpactAnalysis #NovemberBallot #LandUse #VancouverWA #WashingtonState

Nighttime lane closures on I-5 between Ridgefield and Woodland begin Sept. 14 as Granite Construction replaces damaged concrete panels. Right and center lanes close nightly in each direction, with northbound closures between mileposts 18.2 and 21.5 and southbound between mileposts 15.4 and 11.5, with the speed limit reduced to 55 mph. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/nighttime-work-on-i-5-between-ridgefield-and-woodland-will-replace-damaged-concrete-panels-sept-14-19/ #I5 #WSDOTTraffic #ClarkCounty #Transportation #Washington #LaneClosures #RoadWork #Ridgefield #Woodland #PacificNorthwest

Clark County's Composter Recycler program is hosting a series of free in-person workshops starting September 16 at Washougal United Methodist Church, covering composting, zero-waste habits, DIY eco-friendly cleaners, and food waste reduction. Pre-registration is required. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/community_news/free-in-person-workshops-help-residents-reduce-waste-and-save-money/ #ClarkCounty #Composting #ZeroWaste #Recycling #Sustainability #FreeWorkshops #Vancouver #Washougal #Camas #ClarkCountyToday

The Clark County Commission on Aging holds its annual retreat Sept. 21 at the Public Service Center in Vancouver. The nine-member volunteer group will confirm its 2027 work plan and review 2026 Silver Citizen nominees. The meeting is open to the public but will not be recorded or streamed. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/community_news/commission-on-aging-to-confirm-2027-work-plan-at-annual-retreat/ #ClarkCounty #CommissionOnAging #Vancouver #SeniorServices #AgingReadinessPlan #ClarkCountyCouncil #WashingtonState

Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that promises of voter control over Washington's new income tax are misleading. A House amendment requiring a referendum before any threshold change was voted down 45-51, yet senators continue telling voters they will "always have the final say." https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-dont-fall-for-the-illusion-of-voter-control-on-income-tax-expansion-2/ #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #TaxPolicy #VoterRights #WashingtonPolitics #Opinion #WashingtonPolicyCenter

Republican John Braun has accepted two televised debates with incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington's 3rd Congressional District. The first airs on KOIN on October 7, the second on KATU on October 13, giving Southwest Washington voters a direct look at both candidates ahead of the 2026 general election. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/third-congressional-district-candidates-agree-to-two-televised-october-debates/ #WA03 #Congress #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #Election2026 #JohnBraun #MarieGluesenkampPerez #Debates #SouthwestWashington #Politics

Clark County's Charter Review Commission is holding five town hall meetings, one in each county council district, to discuss nine proposed amendments heading to the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The first meeting is Sept. 26 at Ridgefield Community Library. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/charter-review-commission-schedules-town-hall-meetings-to-discuss-proposed-amendments-on-the-november-ballot/ #ClarkCounty #CharterReview #ClarkCountyWA #November2026 #LocalGovernment #VancouverWA #PublicMeeting #BallotAmendments

City Manager Steve Stuart has appointed Jim Quackenbush as Ridgefield's next police chief after a competitive national search. Quackenbush brings 27 years of experience, from the Portland Police Bureau to the Washougal Police Department, where he currently serves as Operations Captain. The community can meet him at Davis Park on September 22. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/jim-quackenbush-appointed-as-ridgefields-next-police-chief/ #RidgefieldPD #RidgefieldWA #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #CommunityPolicing #PoliceChief

Middle school students at King's Way Christian Schools gathered for a special chapel service on Sept. 11, where an Army veteran spoke about remembrance. Afterward, students said a prayer and planted American flags on a hillside near the school track to honor those lost that day. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/a-lesson-and-a-prayer-at-kings-way-christian-schools-on-9-11/ #KingsWayChristian #September11 #9/11Remembrance #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #WashingtonState #Youth #Community