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

Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, bringing a brand founded in Ohio in 1945 to Clark County with fresh, on-site ice cream, rotating flavors, and plans to support local schools, organizations, and youth employment ahead of a Jan. 17 grand opening. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/business-profile-handels-ice-cream-opens-its-first-shop-in-washington-in-vancouver/ #Vancouver #LocalBusiness #IceCream #SmallBusiness #ClarkCounty

In this opinion column, Dick Rylander examines the Battle Ground School District levy on the Feb. 10 special election ballot, breaking down levy costs, inflation comparisons, enrollment changes, testing data, personnel spending, and the broader impact of state and local taxes on district voters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-why-vote-no-on-the-battle-ground-school-district-levy/ #Opinion #BattleGround #SchoolLevy #EducationFunding #ClarkCounty

In this letter to the editor, Yacolt resident Mark Rose criticizes what he describes as excessive superintendent compensation across Washington school districts, contrasting high salaries with classroom cuts, levy failures, and declining academic performance, and questions whether current spending priorities reflect voter and student needs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-multi-million-dollar-cash-grab-in-washington-schools/ #Opinion #EducationFunding #SchoolBudgets #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState

WSU Vancouver is hosting a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, giving prospective students and families a chance to explore campus, meet students and admissions staff, learn about financial aid and scholarships, tour facilities, and get a closer look at academic opportunities at Southwest Washington’s only four-year research university. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/discover-your-future-at-wsu-vancouvers-preview-day-jan-24/ #WSUVancouver #HigherEducation #CollegeAdmissions #CampusLife #ClarkCounty

Clark County Elections has announced important dates and voting information for the Feb. 10 Special Election, including when ballots will be mailed, recommended mail-by dates, drop box availability, voter registration deadlines, and how to request replacement ballots or access voter resources. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-elections-provides-important-information-for-upcoming-special-election/ #ClarkCounty #Elections #Voting #SpecialElection #CivicProcess

The Battle Ground Police Department has unveiled a newly redesigned badge developed with input from all department employees, featuring local imagery, national and city symbols, and design elements honoring both tradition and community identity, with the transition to the new badge beginning this month. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/battle-ground-police-department-unveils-new-badge-design/ #BattleGround #BGPD #LawEnforcement #CommunityIdentity #PoliceBadge

Doug Dahl explores why driving fast can feel slow, breaking down how our brains misinterpret speed due to visual cues, vehicle noise, cruise control, and adaptation after freeway driving, and why actual speed still matters for safety regardless of perception. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-when-fast-feels-slow/ #Opinion #TrafficSafety #DrivingBehavior #WashingtonState #TheWiseDrive