In this opinion column, Dick Rylander analyzes the long-term impact of the McCleary ruling on Washington’s K–12 finance system, arguing that rising costs, enrollment decline, and weak accountability have left districts less stable despite higher funding levels. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-mcclearys-promise-and-washingtons-k-12-reality/ #Opinion #WashingtonEducation #McCleary #K12Funding #ClarkCounty #SchoolFinance

In this opinion column, Sen. John Braun criticizes Senate Bill 5974, saying it would concentrate criminal justice authority in Olympia by allowing an unelected board to remove elected sheriffs, weakening local control in all 39 Washington counties. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-democrats-in-olympia-are-backing-senate-bill-5974/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #SB5974 #CriminalJustice #LocalControl #StatePolitics

In this opinion column, Nancy Churchill explains why she believes HB 2373 will increase electric rates by expanding unfunded state mandates on local utilities, with the greatest impact falling on rural counties like Ferry County. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-the-state-orders-discounts-and-sends-you-the-bill/ #Opinion #WashingtonState #HB2373 #EnergyPolicy #RuralUtilities #ElectricRate

In this letter to the editor, Hockinson resident Tisha Leibfried urges voters to support the Hockinson replacement school levy, outlining how levy funding supports staff, classroom resources, extracurricular programs, and long-term community stability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-strong-schools-benefit-the-entire-community/ #Opinion #Hockinson #SchoolLevy #EducationFunding #ClarkCounty #LetterToTheEditor

State Rep. Sharon Wylie announced her candidacy for Clark County auditor, saying she will not seek re-election in the 49th Legislative District and will begin campaigning after her legislative work concludes in March. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/state-rep-sharon-wylie-announces-candidacy-for-clark-county-auditor/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonPolitics #CountyAuditor #PublicService #Elections

The Vancouver Fire Department held a solemn procession honoring Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Frenz, escorting him from the Clark County Coroner’s Office to Brown’s Funeral Home in Camas as a tribute to his service and dedication to the community. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/vancouver-fire-department-honors-firefighter-jeremiah-frenz-with-procession/ #VancouverFireDepartment #FirefighterMemorial #ClarkCounty #PublicService #FirstResponders #Community

World War II veteran and Vancouver resident Alfred Folkerts was honored by the Sons of the American Revolution after turning 100, receiving recognition for his military service, community contributions, and lifelong dedication to country at a ceremony in Vancouver. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/birthday-party-sons-of-american-revolution-honor-world-war-ii-veteran-after-turning-100/ #Veterans #WorldWarII #VancouverWA #SonsOfTheAmericanRevolution #CommunityHonor

Bob Ortblad challenges the $13.6 billion cost estimate for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, comparing it to similar bridge projects and questioning assumptions about drilled shaft costs, construction risk, and alternatives such as an immersed tunnel. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-interstate-bridge-replacement-13-6-billion-estimate-is-too-low/ #Opinion #IBR #InterstateBridge #BridgeCosts #TaxpayerMoney #TransportationPolicy

Rep. John Ley criticizes the U.S. Coast Guard’s approval of the fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, raising concerns about project cost, funding risks, earthquake standards, phased construction, and opposition to light rail and tolls in Southwest Washington. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-drama-and-the-waste-of-taxpayer-money-continues/ #Opinion #InterstateBridge #IBR #ClarkCounty #TransportationPolicy #TaxpayerMoney

The U.S. Coast Guard has approved the fixed-span design for the proposed new Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River, a decision announced by Sen. Maria Cantwell that advances the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program toward construction, addresses maritime navigation concerns, and removes the need for a lift span that currently disrupts traffic on Interstate 5. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/coast-guard-approves-fixed-span-design-for-new-interstate-bridge/ #InterstateBridge #IBR #Infrastructure #Vancouver #WashingtonPolitics