Clark County News – The Columbian

Clark County News – The Columbian https://www.columbian.com Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:26:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/columbian-insignia-2025-1-150x150.png Clark County News – The Columbian https://www.columbian.com 32 32 https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/columbian-insignia-100x100-icon.png Ridgefield’s newest park shaped by ‘the vision of the community’ First phase of Storybook Hollow complete; more to come https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/06/ridgefields-newest-park-shaped-by-the-vision-of-the-community/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:30:20 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761573 RIDGEFIELD — Henry Cole, clad in a black hoodie and Los Angeles Dodgers cap, plucked a microphone from the hand of his father, Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole, scaled an embankment to the top of a 35-foot-long green slide and descended, shouting “Welcome to Storybook Hollow” into the mic on his way down.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020909722-Ridgefield-park_3.31_TB01-1024x856.jpg Developer still plans industrial complex along Columbia House Boulevard Killian Pacific’s The Collective would have 4 light industrial ‘flex’ buildings https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/06/developer-still-plans-industrial-complex-along-columbia-house-boulevard/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:05:38 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760782 A Portland developer still plans to build an industrial complex in a vacant spot just north of state Highway 14 near Grand Central shopping center.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020918121-Warehouse-project_01-1024x676.jpg Local highways trashed: Volunteers who pick up litter strive to get to source of problem East County Citizens’ Alliance expands mission to get local, state leaders involved https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/local-highways-trashed-volunteers-who-pick-up-litter-strive-to-get-to-source-of-problem/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:07:56 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761541 CAMAS — The nonprofit East County Citizens’ Alliance has mobilized volunteer crews to clean stretches of state Highway 14 through Camas and Washougal since 2022. In that time, the volunteers removed an estimated 24,000 pounds of trash under the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Adopt-a-Highway program.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020786069-Roadside-trash_3.27_TB04-1-1024x743.jpg From the Newsroom: AI has potential to help and harm https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/from-the-newsroom-ai-has-potential-to-help-and-harm/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:07:44 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761526 Artificial intelligence is a lot of bad and a lot of good. Like any new technology, it has both opportunities and threats. It’s like a sharp tool that can be dangerous, but we’ve all picked it up and swung it around.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Will-column-AI-2-1024x658.jpg Longtime Clark County favorite Steakburger flips to new format Owner retires food truck, opens pop-up restaurant in Zebrun’s Starliner in Ridgefield one day per week https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/long-time-clark-county-favorite-steakburger-flips-to-new-format/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:07:35 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760863 Tina Condon wasn’t ready to let Steakburger go when the beloved Hazel Dell restaurant and mini-golf spot, owned for decades by her parents, Bob and Merilyn Condon, closed in 2014. So she launched the food truck Steakburger on the Go, to take the flavors, traditions and memories of the family favorite on the road to communities across Clark County.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Steakburger-1024x768.jpg Top Stories: Vancouver Public Schools cash shortage, ‘No Kings’ protest, Old Thriftway building torn down https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/top-stories-vancouver-public-schools-cash-shortage-no-kings-protest-old-thriftway-building-torn-down/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:06:41 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761645 Will the sun be hiding for Easter weekend? Check out our local weather forecast before you head outside.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/top-stories-web-1024x575.jpg Primary fight underway in 3rd Congressional District Democrat Hennrich kicks off campaign to unseat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/primary-fight-underway-in-3rd-congressional-district/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:06:15 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761638 There is no real starting point, no formal “ready, set, go” to mark Southwest Washington’s primary election season. But judging from the energy at 3rd Congressional District hopeful Brent Hennrich’s campaign kickoff event Thursday, the race toward the Aug. 4 primary election is already well underway.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/0403_loc_Brent-Hennrich_Crowd-with-Brent_KM_040226-1024x670.jpg Camas’ Mark Silliman does more than talk trash — He picks it up Silliman has spent years picking up litter along state Highway 14 https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/camas-mark-silliman-does-more-than-talk-trash-he-picks-it-up/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:04:00 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761537 CAMAS — Mark Silliman devotes hours each month to picking up trash along state Highway 14.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mark-silliman-roadside-trash-1024x658.jpg Weather Eye: Hop to it: Easter Sunday weather will be in mid- to upper 70s https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/weather-eye-hop-to-it-easter-sunday-weather-will-be-in-mid-to-upper-70s/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:03:44 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761620 After a chilly start to the day, with some areas waking up to temperatures in the 30s, Clark County is in for a dramatic turnaround this afternoon.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Patrick-Timm-683x1024.jpeg Opsahl Dawson establishes first-ever accounting faculty fellowship at WSU Vancouver https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/opsahl-dawson-establishes-first-ever-accounting-faculty-fellowship-at-wsu-vancouver/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:47:28 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760670 FOUR CREEKS — Opsahl Dawson, an accounting, assurance and business advisory firm serving the Pacific Northwest, has pledged $105,000 to establish the Opsahl Dawson Endowed Accounting Faculty Fellowship in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University Vancouver, creating the first endowed faculty fellowship in accounting on the campus.

]]> World Down Syndrome Day celebrated with Red Carpet Gala https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/world-down-syndrome-day-celebrated-with-red-carpet-gala/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:47:26 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760671 RIVERIDGE — Each year the World Down Syndrome Day puts on a spectacular for families of Down syndrome kids. This year’s formal Red Carpet Gala was held on March 21 at the Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. With the help of family and friends the lodge room was converted into a ballroom with beautifully decorated tables and a red carpet down the center roped off with brass stanchions and red decorative rope.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020922878-April4Truckies_101-1024x768.jpg Ridgefield Lions give $3,000 to Ridgefield High School robotics team weekly In Your Neighborhood community truckie stories https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/04/ridgefield-lions-give-3000-to-ridgefield-high-school-robotics-team/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:36:14 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760659 RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Lions Club recently donated $3,000 to Steel Ridge, the high school’s award-winning robotics team. Members of the team gave a demonstration of their robot at the Lions’ meeting on March 25.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020922878-April4Truckies_102-1024x590.jpg Clark County Law and Justice Council seeks to fill vacant position reserved for mental health providers https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/03/clark-county-law-and-justice-council-seeks-to-fill-vacant-position-reserved-for-mental-health-providers/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:17:18 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761493 The Clark County Council is seeking applications to fill a vacant position reserved for a representative for mental health providers on the Clark County Law and Justice Council.

]]> Clark County’s Composter Recycler Program offers free classes https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/03/clark-countys-composter-recycler-program-offers-free-classes/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:16:29 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761494 Clark County’s Composter Recycler program will host a series of free in-person workshops in April and May on sustainable living strategies. Participants will learn how to shrink their environmental impact through hands-on composting, green cleaning, smarter recycling and preventing food waste.

]]> Cat cafe to open this summer in a furry first for Vancouver Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Café to team up with cat rescue group to serve up drinks, cozy vibes https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/03/cat-cafe-to-open-this-summer-in-a-furry-first-for-vancouver/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:14:41 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761297 Cat lovers are a devoted bunch. Soon, they’ll have a new favorite Vancouver hangout.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020921996-Cat-Cafe_4.2_TB02-1024x722.jpg Charter Review Commission eyes tax issue Proposal requiring supermajority for hikes to be studied https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/03/charter-review-commission-eyes-tax-issue/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:08:54 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761277 Clark County’s Charter Review Commission voted Tuesday to further study several amendments that could end up on the November general election ballot, including one that would require a supermajority vote of the county council to raise taxes.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Building-mugs-Public-Service-Center_8414845-969x1024.jpg For Camas resident, discovering debate was ‘turning point in my life’ Skills learned led to a career in public engagement, award https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/03/for-camas-resident-discovering-debate-was-turning-point-in-my-life-richard-cherwitz-receives-national-debate-tournaments-2026-laurence-h-tribe-distinguished-alumni-award/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:04:23 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761329 CAMAS — Richard Cherwitz didn’t always have a voice.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020885168-Richard-Cherwitz_101-791x1024.jpg Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center to reopen to public two Saturdays per month ‘Slow rollout’ intended to attract new visitors to Vancouver facility https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/03/vancouvers-water-resources-education-center-to-reopen-to-public-two-saturdays-per-month/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:41:43 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761287 In a bid to attract new visitors, the city of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center is reopening to the public two Saturdays a month.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/0402_loc_Water-Resources-Education-Center_Kristin-Smith-2_File_TB_121625-1.jpg Man in court in fatal stabbing of Portland mother Woman was found dead in SUV in Vancouver; baby was in vehicle https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/man-in-court-in-fatal-stabbing-of-portland-mother/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:39:01 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761347 The man accused of fatally stabbing a Portland mother while her baby was in the car is being held without bail after his Thursday appearance in Clark County Superior Court.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020925085-NunezMonteroFirstApp_101-1024x606.jpg Regence insurance network no longer includes Legacy Health providers Organizations fail to reach deal on reimbursement rates; 9,300 Clark County residents affected https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/regence-insurance-network-no-longer-includes-legacy-health-providers/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:39:46 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761296 Regence health insurance’s network no longer includes Legacy Health providers after the two organizations failed to reach an agreement on reimbursement rates and “contain the rising cost of care,” according to a Wednesday news release.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1010841789-Salmon-Creek_2.9._TB03.jpg Vancouver woman pleads guilty to damaging holiday display Police: Sabrina Sheehy, 47, scaled fence and stole figurines from Nativity scene https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/vancouver-woman-pleads-guilty-to-damaging-holiday-display/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:02:36 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761199 The woman accused of vandalizing a popular Vancouver holiday display five days before Christmas has pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal trespass and third-degree malicious mischief.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/0402_loc_Holidays-on-Franklin_File-1024x768.jpg ‘Walk-ins’ at Vancouver schools protest planned VPS layoffs District sent nonrewal notices to 289 educators as it faces $24M budget deficit https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/walk-ins-at-vancouver-schools-protest-planned-vps-layoffs/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:57:52 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2761186 Teachers, staff, parents and students rallied Thursday morning outside Vancouver schools to protest district layoffs.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1020922622-Vancouver-school-walk_02-1-1024x683.jpg ‘He’ll be hard to replace’: Vancouver food pantry executive James Fitzgerald exits for new job Director of operations Diane Gibb named interim executive director of nonprofit https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/hell-be-hard-to-replace-vancouver-food-pantry-executive-fitzgerald-exits-for-new-job/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:09:10 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760673 The executive director of downtown Vancouver’s Westside Food Pantry will leave for a new job later this month.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/fitzgerald2-1024x683.jpg Crews demolishing former Kauffman Thriftway a year after Vancouver condemned building Partially collapsed roof deemed a danger https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/crews-demolishing-former-kauffman-thriftway-a-year-after-vancouver-condemned-building/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:05:54 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760470 Construction crews were demolishing the old Kauffman Thriftway building on Tuesday, almost a year after the city of Vancouver deemed it unfit and ordered it condemned.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1020914522-Kauffman-Thriftway_01-1024x683.jpg Weather Eye: Rain, cool temperatures to taper off; warm Easter ahead https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/apr/02/weather-eye-rain-cool-temperatures-to-taper-off-warm-easter-ahead/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:02:50 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2760723 After a wet and at times blustery Wednesday across Clark County, the weather begins to settle down Thursday as the system responsible slowly moves off to the east.

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