State senator tours Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s MAT van, Vancouver clinic
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray toured the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) van and its associated clinic in Hazel Dell on Jan. 3, 2024.
The MAT van and recently renovated clinic provided culturally sensitive substance use disorder services to urban and rural communities through the network of Cowlitz Indian Tribe clinics along the I-5 corridor, from Vancouver to Tukwila.
Murray praised the tribe's innovative approach to substance use disorder treatment during her visit, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are.
“I think it’s an amazing piece of equipment that can really get out and treat people where they are,” Murray said after touring the MAT van. “I think the Cowlitz Tribe has been really creative in moving toward this, and I’m excited to be here to see what they’re doing.”
Murray demonstrated support for Cowlitz Tribe health programs and secured $765,000 in congressionally directed spending for renovations at its Longview behavioral health clinic in December 2022. Murray stated in a press release that she had planned to get multiple bills for further substance use disorder treatment and prevention to President Joe Biden’s desk.
Two weeks in: Mayor Todd Dinehart outlines plans for Woodland
Todd Dinehart began his term as Woodland’s new mayor on Jan. 1, 2024. With nearly 30 years of accounting and corporate leadership experience, Dinehart said that his financial knowledge and prior role as vice president at PacifiCorp would help him serve the city.
He initially had little interest in local politics until Woodland residents suggested he run, Dinehart said.
“Neighbors and local residents [were] emailing me, calling me, hitting me up at the store asking me to run, wanting new leadership,” Dinehart said. “It was one of those things at the last minute… Ten minutes before the deadline, I put my name [in] and away we go.”
Dinehart’s first weeks in office proved challenging, as he needed to fill vacant positions after former Mayor Will Finn terminated a police lieutenant and two top city officials before leaving office.
“It’s difficult to understand how an individual [would] say they care and appreciate the city and then turn around and harm the city like they did,” Dinehart said.
Dinehart stated he would prioritize woodland infrastructure improvements, such as development along exit 21, the interchange that connects the city with Interstate 5. Dinehart also stated he would champion the preservation of Woodland’s small-town atmosphere.
Ridgefield mayor shakeup creates consternation, friction
Ridgefield residents, and some councilors, were left confused and concerned when the Ridgefield City Council voted to appoint Councilor Ron Onslow as mayor during a meeting on Jan. 11, 2024.
The 4-3 vote ended Jennifer Lindsay’s tenure as mayor. She was then appointed mayor pro tempore in a 4-3 vote. Lindsay and counselors Matt Cole and Judy Chipman opposed the ouster.
“Lindsay performed her duties as mayor flawlessly. There should not have been any reason to not reappoint her to a second term,” Ridgefield resident Sherry Stose told the council. “What was your thought process? Sadly, my first thought was discrimination. Discrimination is an ugly word that should not be used lightly. Where I stand, signs point there. Or was it favoritism? If that’s the case, shame on those four counselors who were part of that.”
Councilors Clyde Burkle, Rob Aichele and Lee Wells stated they voted due to constituent dissatisfaction with Lindsay. Aichele said he voted for Onslow due to his greater accessibility, communication skills and experiences.
Lindsay stated that the vote was unexpected and that she was unaware of dissatisfaction with her job performance.
“I understand that [in] a democracy [that] majority rules, and that’s sometimes how it goes,” Lindsay said. “Earlier this week, people were asking me why, and it was really hard to be able to say, ‘I don’t know why,’ because apparently there was a lot of discussion within the community that there needs to be a change. This discussion never happened with me.”
Local woman competes in Miss America 2024
Vanessa Munson, the reigning Miss Washington at the beginning of 2024, competed in the Miss America 2024 pageant in Orlando, Florida, from Jan. 6 to Jan. 14, 2024.
Munson began her journey to the national stage when she won Miss Clark County, followed by her crowning as Miss Washington in July 2023.
“I really latched on to this idea of becoming Miss America, and I really think it transformed me into the woman I am today,” Munson said. “I think I placed a lot of value in the idea of becoming Miss America.”
During the competition, Munson formed lifelong friendships with other contestants and honored her military service in a pink camo jazz-hip hop routine to "Salute."
After serving as Miss Washington, Munson stated she will continue preparing for her future by pursuing an MBA and completing her Army service.
Cowlitz Indian Tribe celebrate ilani expansion, 24 years of federal recognition
One year after breaking ground, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe celebrated the completion of the ilani Casino Resort’s 10,000-square-foot expansion on Feb. 12, 2024. The expansion added space to ilani’s existing 30,000-square-foot entertainment center, boosting the venue’s capacity to host conferences, conventions, and large-scale events.
The expansion honors the Cowlitz Tribe’s deep connection to the region, with architect Alex Karel incorporating design elements inspired by the tribe’s cultural heritage, including patterns mimicking woven baskets from Cowlitz tradition. The celebration coincided with the 24th anniversary of the Cowlitz Tribe’s federal recognition, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward self-sufficiency.
Cowlitz Tribal Chairwoman Patty Kinswa-Gaiser reflected on the progress made over the past two decades, citing Mohegan Tribe’s crucial support in funding and developing the casino.
“We’ve done a lot in the (past) 24 years,” Kinswa-Gaiser said during a news conference. “We’ve done a lot since the casino opened. We keep expanding and building, and gradually we’re getting our own land back.”
Battle Ground, Woodland school levies pass
The Battle Ground and Woodland school districts successfully passed their levies on Feb. 16, 2024, securing vital funding for infrastructure, staff and educational programs.
Battle Ground’s capital levy narrowly passed with 52.11% approval as of press time. The levy stated it would generate $8.5 million in 2025, $9.2 million in 2026 and $10 million in 2027. Property owners would pay $0.44 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Battle Ground School District Superintendent Denny Waters highlighted the importance of the levy for safety upgrades, building repairs and new classroom spaces for technical education.
“We are always grateful [when] the community responds the way it did and pushes beyond that 50th percentile because it means that they recognize how important our schools are. I don’t think we should ever take a yes vote for granted,” Waters said.
Woodland’s educational programs and operations levy passed with 53.18% approval, as of press time. The levy stated it would raise $7.05 million in 2025, $7.4 million in 2026 and $7.775 million in 2027. Property owners would pay $2.20 per $1,000 of assessed value. Woodland School District planned to restore staff, athletics and programs cut in 2023 with the additional funding.
Ridgefield School District names new superintendent
The Ridgefield School District (RSD) Board of Directors appointed Dr. Jenny Rodriquez as the new superintendent during a special meeting on March 2, 2024.
Rodriquez succeeded interim superintendent Chris Griffith, who stepped in after Nathan McCann’s resignation in 2023.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jenny Rodriquez as our next superintendent,” Ridgefield Board President Brett Jones said in a news release. “Her proven leadership and unwavering commitment to student success make her a great fit for Ridgefield.”
Rodriquez assumed her responsibilities as superintendent on July 2, 2024.
Rodriquez has a long career in education, starting as an elementary school secretary. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from Washington State University and held roles as a teacher, principal and executive director in Pasco School District.
Rodriquez stated she would address the district’s challenges with growth and equity. Drawing from her experience in Pasco, she emphasized understanding community concerns when proposing bonds. She also stressed transparency, integrity and prioritizing student and teacher needs.
Woodland Exit 21 interchange project moves to next phase
Woodland’s Exit 21 improvement project took its next step toward alleviating traffic at the busy interchange on March 4, 2024.
Woodland hired Kittleson and Associates in August 2023 to design and assist in construction management. The firm planned for the second phase of the improvement project to be completed, with designs ready for permitting by the end of 2026.
The Exit 21 project’s goal was to address heavy traffic at the northbound Interstate 5 off-ramp and congestion along state Route 503. Proposed solutions included adding roundabouts or improving traffic signals to reduce delays.
The city received $2.6 million in funding from Cowlitz County for the project.
Councilor Douglas Freimarck raised concerns about future traffic increases from commercial development and whether the project could accommodate the influx.
“Considering we’re going to have a thousand-plus heavy commercial trucks, and anywhere between 200 or 500 vehicles coming from a new development … we anticipate several increases in traffic,” Freimarck said.
Kittleson and Associates Project engineer Anthony Yi assured the council that both alternatives could handle expected traffic growth for at least 20 years.
The finalized design was slated for completion by September 2024, with input from the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and city officials.
The project was ultimately delayed until 2028-29 due to WSDOT’s mandated “biological assessment” to analyze native species and habitats near the project and potential negative effects.
Extreme happiness to almost weeping: BG native completes Iditarod
Lara Kittelson, raised near Yacolt and calling Battle Ground her hometown, completed the Iditarod on March 14, 2024, finishing 23rd out of 29 racers.
The grueling 1,000-mile sled dog race across the Alaskan wilderness tested her endurance and bond with her team of mostly 2-year-old sled dogs, many of whom she had raised since they were puppies.
“The crazy, goofy yearlings and I learned right alongside as they grew up. Fast forward a few years, a few qualifying races, and the opportunity to run the Iditarod has arrived,” Kittelson’s Iditarod bio stated. “It is a dream come true to explore the Iditarod trail with pups I’ve known since they were little tater tots.”
Kittelson’s adventurous spirit began in north Clark County, where outdoor exploration shaped her early years. After moving to Alaska, she worked at a dog kennel in Seward and began her journey into sled dog racing.
Throughout the race, Kittelson experienced unforgettable moments, including cheering spectators, witnessing the Northern Lights and savoring a bowl of chili offered by a stranger along the trail. Crossing the finish line in Nome brought overwhelming emotions.
“It went through stages of just extreme happiness to almost weeping,” Kittelson said as she recalled looking at the dogs that traversed 1,000 miles with her. “... I saw a trooper, and he must have signaled somebody. He’s out there, took a picture and it’s a mile out from [Nome] and the fire siren goes off, and that’s how they tell everybody there’s a musher one mile out.
Completing the Iditarod marked the fulfillment of her dream and her greatest adventure yet.
Battle Ground teacher arrested for online sexual corruption of a child in Oregon
Battle Ground High School teacher Kevin Weeks, 57, was arrested on April 20, 2024, in Albany, Oregon, following a citizen-led sting by the group People v. Preds.
He was held at Linn County Jail on suspicion of first-degree online sexual corruption of a child.
An email from Battle Ground High School Principal Charbonneau Gourde sent to student parents at Battle Ground High School April 21 stated the teacher had been placed on administrative leave and would not be at school while the Battle Ground Public Schools District completed an investigation.
In a video shared by People v. Preds, a member of the group confronted Weeks before his arrest.
The group, which uses decoy social media accounts posing as minors, alleged that Weeks communicated with an account he believed belonged to a 14-year-old and discussed sexual topics before arranging to meet.
A member of the People v. Preds organization, who asked to be kept anonymous, said he has caught hundreds of people targeting underage children using decoy accounts.
“I started about three years ago. In like 32 months, I've caught 405 now,” he said. “Basically, I just create online decoy accounts that pose as underage children. People reach out to us. We let them know that we're 13, 14, 15. No set age, just an underage kid. And the conversation continues, and the conversation gets sexual and the individual comes to meet. If law enforcement wants to be involved, they can be involved.”
Ridgefield’s brightest win second knowledge bowl national championship
Ridgefield High School’s Varsity Knowledge Bowl team clinched its second 2A national championship on April 20, 2024, competing online via Discord.
The team, led by senior captain Adam Ford, excelled in a competition reminiscent of Jeopardy, where quick thinking and buzzing in early are key.
Included in the champion varsity team were senior Stuart Swing-Grouper, senior Emiliana Newell and junior James Haddix.
Before the main competition, teams were placed in different online rooms based on scores from a required multiple-choice test. Ridgefield’s team placed fifth initially but quickly made its way to the top, coach David Jacobson said.
Ford and his peers faced off against at least 10 of the 30 teams that participated in the national competition. Ridgefield’s team lost one round during the tournament and beat the final team in its division by a few points in a close match.
The team’s success earned them an invitation to the National Quiz Bowl in Atlanta in May 2024, where they competed against 18,000 to 22,000 students.
Ridgefield school bonds: Middle school measure fails, elementary school outcome uncertain in early results
Early results from the April 23, 2024, special election showed Ridgefield School District’s bond measures struggling to pass.
The $70 million Proposition 10 bond narrowly failed with 58.16% approval, short of the required 60% plus one majority, as of press time. Proposition 11, a $120 million bond, also failed with 50.76% approval as of press time.
Proposition 10 would have funded a new elementary school, a high school expansion and roof repairs, with construction aimed for completion by fall 2025. Proposition 11 proposed a new intermediate or middle school, a high school wrestling room and playground and track upgrades. However, its passage depended on Proposition 10’s success, making its failure certain.
If Proposition 10 passed alone, taxes would have risen to $3.11 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If both had passed, the rate would have increased to $3.89.
The Ridgefield School District has not passed a bond since 2017, despite adding 1,337 students due to rapid city growth.
La Center council agrees to let Cowlitz Tribe incorporate land east of I-5 into trust
On April 24, 2024, La Center’s City Council approved a historic interlocal agreement with a 4-0 vote, allowing the Cowlitz Tribe to take approximately 50 to 55 acres of city land, east of Interstate 5, into trust. The properties, located near ilani Casino & Resort, will be zoned for commercial use, paving the way for both tribal and leased business developments.
Under the new agreement, the tribe will pay La Center an additional 0.5% sales tax on leased businesses, bringing the city’s total sales tax revenue from 0.7% to 1.2%, subject to Washington state excise tax laws. This is expected to boost annual revenue for La Center by $313,500 to $376,000 as tribal businesses contribute an additional 1% of their sales tax to the city. The Cowlitz Tribe had also pledged mitigation payments to offset the loss of property tax revenue, helping support local school and fire districts.
“This is building a relationship with the tribe that’s long overdue, and I’m happy to be a part of it,” La Center Mayor Tom Strobehn said at the time.
Ms. Senior Washington crowned UN ambassador to Ireland in Woodland
Caliatra Wright, a Woodland woman and chaplain, began a journey to explore her Irish heritage after being crowned Ms. Senior Ambassador to Ireland for the Ms. Senior Universe Pageant. Mayor Todd Dinehart crowned her during a Woodland City Council meeting on May 20, 2024.
As Ms. Senior Ambassador, Wright would fly to Ireland, the homeland of her grandmother.
Wright said she would like to establish a female chaplaincy in Ireland, as a former law enforcement chaplain and ambassador. She became involved in chaplaincy after the unexpected death of her son.
“I joined the Cowlitz County Chaplains because I felt that somebody needed to be [with women] when they went through that crisis, and they didn’t have a female, and men can’t grab and hold [them],” Wright said. “I’ve been through a lot, and I want to be there for other people when they’re going through it.”
Wright experienced several difficulties throughout her life. She survived a cancer diagnosis and has been widowed twice, having lost one husband to ALS, a fatal motor neuron disease, and one to pancreatic cancer. Wright said her struggles made her stronger and aided her in supporting her community through chaplaincy.
“I don’t think I’m any more special than anybody else. I just believe it’s what I’m called to do,” Wright said.
BGHS band director honored as Portland Grand Floral Parade grand marshal
Greg McKelvey, Battle Ground High School’s band director, was named the grand marshal for the 2024 Portland Grand Floral Parade at Battle Ground High School on May 29, 2024.
“Greg McKelvey is a Rose Festival legend, maybe the most prolific high school band director to participate in Rose Festival events,” Rose Festival Board President Contesa Diaz-Nicolaidis said during the surprise announcement at Battle Ground High School.
McKelvey called the honor "one of the greatest moments" of his teaching career.
“My goal has always been to have students be successful, and I feel like when they’re successful, I’m successful,” McKelvey said. “So, I’ve never sought out any type of award. … My goal is just to teach, and, to be honest with you, I enjoy what I do. So, I really don’t consider it a job.”
McKelvey, who began teaching in 1977 and became band director in 1996, retired after the 2024 school year, with the Harvest Days Parade marking his final appearance as the Tigers' band director.
La Center local making waves in Arca Menards Series West
In his first full season in the Arca Menards Series West, a NASCAR touring series, La Center’s Eric Johnson Jr. secured two top 10 finishes in four races, including a seventh-place finish in the General Tire 200 at the Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California, on April 20, 2024.
The Sonoma Raceway held a special place in Johnson’s heart and proved to be a difficult race. A mechanical error cost him a good qualifying run, sending him to the back of the pack where he battled it out the entire race to finish seventh.
“It’s extremely sentimental,” he said of the Sonoma Raceway. “We grew up going to that track specifically to watch NASCAR every year because it was the closest one to us, and, for us, the sentimental value comes from my grandmother who was a die-hard race fan who loved Sonoma.”
He didn’t travel the laps in the race at Sonoma alone for the second year in a row. Johnson made sure his grandma had the opportunity to compete on her favorite track.
“When she passed, one of the things she did say was, ‘Find a way to get us out there,’ ” Johnson said. “So I’ve carried a necklace with her ashes in it with the intention of one day racing there.”
The 2024 season marked Johnson’s first on tour for every race on the Arca Menards Series West.
BG City Council blocks mayor’s Pride Month proclamation in minority vote
At a Battle Ground City Council meeting, a heated debate over Mayor Troy McCoy's Pride Month proclamation brought strong reactions from both supporters and opponents on June 3, 2024.
The council voted 4-3 to remove the proclamation, which spurred an uproar in the crowd. Councilors Eric Overholser, Victoria Ferrer and Tricia Davis removed the proclamation from the agenda as three votes were required for its removal despite being a minority vote. McCoy and councilors Cherish DesRochers, Shane Bowman and Adrian Cortes voted against its removal.
Despite the removal, McCoy read the proclamation aloud in full before the vote, defending its inclusion of "all citizens, including the LGBTQ community." Council members opposed to the proclamation argued it should be more inclusive by using the term "all" instead of "LGBTQ." The discussion became tense, with accusations of divisiveness and political maneuvering.
The crowd descended into chaos after the vote. A dozen right-wing activists chanted the Lord’s Prayer as one pro-LGBTQ+ activist cried “Where’s the separation of church and state?” Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn placed himself between two opposing activists to prevent a confrontation.
“It really hurts me to see firsthand what the [LGBTQ+] community goes through on a day-to-day basis. I really am shaken,” DesRochers said. “... It’s a minority [vote], so obviously the majority agrees with it. I personally want everyone to feel safe and welcome and to know that they belong in our community.”
Hockinson teacher receives state award for teaching excellence
Fourth grade Hockinson Heights Elementary School teacher Renae Skar was named one of four Washington state finalists for the 2024 Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) at the end of May 2024.
She received the state award in October during the PAEMST Washington State Conference in recognition of her excellence in science lessons to her fourth grade class.
Having grown up in Kalama, Skar said she was inspired to become a teacher after experiencing project-based science lessons during a June 2024 interview.
Skar had taught students at Hockinson Heights Elementary for the past seven years, incorporating fun activities into her curricula.
“I learn with them every single day, and I have the best job in the world,” Skar said. “It’s so much fun, and they just have that energy level and that spunk that just excites me to come to work every day.”
Her salmon curriculum, where students observe and care for salmon eggs donated by Columbia Springs, is a classroom favorite. In May, her students release the fish into Salmon Creek, learning about environmental issues and creating presentations about salmon’s challenges. Skar's innovative teaching also extends to history lessons, where students experience the Oregon Trail through role-playing and journaling.
La Center residents rally against development amid legal hurdles
Many La Center residents banded together to fight a neighborhood development, fearing the city’s infrastructure would be inadequate for increased traffic and stormwater runoff.
During a City Council meeting on July 24, 2024, numerous upset neighbors attended to voice their concerns about a site plan draft for a housing subdivision approved by city Hearing Examiner Joe Turner, the day prior.
The proposed “Vineyard Vista” 84-lot subdivision would be constructed north of East 24th Circle in east La Center. The project would remove over 1,000 trees. The developer had agreed to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s requirement to mitigate the impact by planting 116 new oak trees and replace the remaining trees, as well as install a new stormwater facility.
Despite the developer’s environmental and stormwater mitigation agreements, residents, including Craig Tylenda, expressed concern that the development may exacerbate existing stormwater runoff issues.
“Right now, our backyard is completely saturated during the rainy season,” Tylenda said. “All the trees that are up there take care of the stormwater needs naturally … clearing that out is in opposition to the goals of carbon reduction for the state of Washington.”
Neighbors were also worried that La Center’s aging road infrastructure could not accommodate the new housing development.
The appeal deadline for the project ultimately passed, with no applications filed on the Aug. 6, 2024, due date and the developer continued with construction plans for the neighborhood development.
Yakima man sentenced to 29 years in death of officer at BG home
Following a three-week trial, a 23-year-old Yakima man was sentenced on June 27, 2024, to 29 years in prison for the 2022 murder of Vancouver Police officer Donald Sahota at his Battle Ground home.
Julio Segura, 23, of Yakima, was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude law enforcement officers.
“Today’s sentencing of 29 years in prison for the defendant in the murder of officer Donald Sahota provides the family and friends Don left behind the opportunity to start healing from what has been an excruciatingly painful 2 ½ years,” Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori said in a release. “The Sahota family will remain in our prayers, and the memory of Don Sahota and his contributions to the law enforcement profession, his community and the Vancouver Police Department will continue to live on.”
After being chased by law enforcement Segura encountered Sahota and a struggle broke out when Sahota attempted to detain him. During the altercation, Segura stabbed Sahota three times. Moments later, Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jonathan Feller arrived and, mistakenly identifying Sahota as the suspect, shot and killed him.
It was determined that Feller’s quick actions did not violate the agency’s use-of-force policy, records stated and he was cleared of wrongdoing. The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office did not charge Feller in the death of Sahota.
New Clark County Fair exhibit recounts 156 years of fun
The Clark County Fair unveiled a new exhibit featuring a collection of historic photos and posters featuring the fair’s 156-year history on Aug. 4, 2024.
The new history exhibit replaces a John Deere display that had been part of the fair for approximately 75 years.
Mike Kadow, a volunteer from La Center whose family has been involved in the fair for generations, explained that the tractor’s owner had moved east.
Clark County Fair manager John Morrison then assembled a team of volunteers, including Kadow, to search the fairgrounds’ storage for historically significant items. To Kadow’s surprise, posters and pictures from the fair’s past were found in excellent condition.
“It’s wonderful to be able to have this information,” Kadow said. “It’s remarkable that the fair has kept this history in an attic above their administration building.”
Under operations manager Jason Young’s direction, Kadow and volunteers created a timeline wall detailing the Clark County Fair’s history. The project took a few weeks and was completed just days before the fair’s opening.
The exhibit detailed a rich history of the Clark County Fair. It was originally held in Esther Short Park for its grand opening in 1868, moved to Battle Ground in 1928 and then relocated to the fairgrounds in 1955 after outgrowing its site. Since then, the fair has expanded its activities and involvement exponentially.
Lawmakers celebrate $1.499 billion secured for Interstate Bridge Replacement Project
On Aug. 8, local and federal officials gathered at Hayden Island to commemorate the historic $1.499 billion federal grant for the Interstate 5 Bridge, which was officially announced in July, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Tour.
U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, along with District 3 Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, attended the event and highlighted the significance of the grant.
Murray used the early morning traffic as a prime example of the need to replace the aging Interstate 5 Bridge.
“I remember warning about predictions that peak congestion could hit 10 hours by 2020, [and] wouldn’t you know it? Here we are [with] seven to 10 hours of slow-moving traffic during the morning and evening rush hours here,” Murray said.
The estimated total cost of the new bridge is between $5 billion and $7.5 billion. Including the new grant, the project had earned roughly $2.1 billion from the federal government as of August 2024, Gluesenkamp Perez said.
The bridge is vital to the regional economy, with nearly $2 billion worth of goods from California and $750 million worth of goods from Oregon being trucked to Canada via the I-5 corridor in 2021.
The new bridge will ease congestion, expand the current 4-foot-wide shared-use path to accommodate modern standards and provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the river.
Woodland High School teacher named civics teacher of the year
Woodland High School social studies teacher Shari Conditt was named Civics Teacher of the Year by The Bill of Rights Institute during a surprise assembly on Sept. 10, 2024.
Conditt is known for encouraging student engagement in local politics. In 2023, her class organized a mayoral debate between incumbent Will Finn and challenger Todd Dinehart. The students managed the entire event.
Conditt’s Civics Teacher of the Year award adds to her achievements, including Washington State History Teacher of the Year and a James Madison Fellowship.
She credited her success to the support of the Woodland High School staff and believes her award reflects the teamwork of her department and the district.
“In this [award] I’m being called out as an individual, but, truth be told, this is a team award,” Conditt said. “This is an award for our social studies department. It’s an award for Woodland High School. It’s … an award for Woodland School District. ... I just feel fortunate that I get to be the person to accept it.”
Pungent mystery stench burned nostrils in region
A mysterious and foul odor wafted across the region between Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, 2024, vexing the nostrils of residents from the Centralia/Chehalis area south to the Portland metro area and peaking at 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The odor was first reported between Kelso and Vancouver, near Kalama, before Clark County residents filled the 911 dispatch center with reports of the hazardous smell.
Cowlitz County officials suggested during the unpleasant stench that residents close all doors and windows and to turn off outdoor air sources until the smell was identified. But the looming odor was gone with the wind before a cause was identified.
Numerous residents inside the smell zone reported that the odor was causing pounding headaches, nausea, throat irritation and other symptoms.
A possible cause of the odor was not identified until Oct. 21, 2024. Brittny Goodsell, communications manager for the Southwest Region Office for the Washington state Department of Ecology, stated the smell may be linked to Longview's WestRock paper mill and box plant.
Despite reports of negative reactions, Goodsell said the smell was not deemed dangerous.
Woodland City Council confirms permanent appointment of police chief
Woodland's Town Hall was filled with local law enforcement and community members on Oct. 21, 2024, as Robert Gibbs was officially appointed as the city's new police chief.
Gibbs, who served in the U.S. Army for seven years, joined the Woodland Police Department in 2015. He was named interim chief in September.
Locals and law enforcers from the area, including members of the Cowlitz Chaplaincy, attended to support Gibbs’ appointment. Expressing his gratitude and excitement for the new role, Gibbs acknowledged the support of his fellow officers.
“Everyone’s making a big what-for about me tonight, and let’s be honest, this isn’t about me. This is about the officers who [came] here, and that’s who I represent [and] work for,” Gibbs said shortly after his oath of office. “I will come here every day to earn that respect. I will be accountable, I will serve those officers and the community to the best of my ability.”
Gibbs stated that his immediate priority would be addressing the department’s staffing needs. On the day of his appointment, Gibbs hired a new patrol officer and planned for two additional recruitments.
Gibbs was contracted to receive a monthly salary of $10,654, with cost-of-living adjustments expected in the future.
Ridgefield City Council approves waterfront park plan
After 10 months of planning, the Ridgefield City Council approved a conceptual master plan for its Waterfront Park during an Oct. 24, 2024, meeting.
The 8-acre park, located between downtown Ridgefield and Lake River, is a collaborative project with the Port of Ridgefield. The master plan outlines preferred amenities, including an “active zone” for events and a “passive zone” for relaxed activities.
The “active zone,” located near the road, would include an event space that could serve as an open lawn or a community stage. The plan also proposed adding a pavilion, boat lockers and outdoor showers, and more.
Additional features in the plan include a playground and a potential beach area. A shared parking lot will be situated just north of this zone, south of Division Street.
The “passive zone” plan, north of the active area, includes walking paths connecting several viewpoints along Lake River and a lawn area suitable for picnics and games. The plan also designates areas for art installations and preserves the existing trail connecting to Carty Lake, with the possibility of a future trail linking to the wildlife refuge.
The final design may change as funding is secured and details are finalized, the council stated.
Friends of Clark County stand against Dabbler timber sale
The Friends of Clark County (FOCC) took a stand against the Dabbler timber sale, which could benefit the Battle Ground Public Schools district, North Country EMS and other agencies in October 2024. The auction is slated for Jan. 30, 2025.
Ann Foster, president of the FOCC and Climate Advisory Group member for Clark County, said the “business-as-usual sale of timber in legacy forests in Washington is an environmental violation in our book.”
The Dabbler timber value was appraised at $3,141,000, but the American Forest Resource Council estimated the auction sale could reach a higher value.
Through taxing districts, the sale could provide BGPS an estimated $677,463 and $150,843 to North Country EMS, along with other beneficiaries, as previous reporting by the Reflector stated.
Foster said the FOCC still believes the timber industry is crucial and that a future without logging is not realistic, but the issue regarding the Dabbler timber sale is more about the type of forest the Dabbler land is.
“The Dabbler timber sale is what’s called a legacy forest, which sort of falls right beneath old growth forests in terms of protection,” Foster said. “What we’re learning now is that those legacy forests are as effective in carbon sequestration as the mature old growth that do get protected.”
Foster said the FOCC supports a reconveyance concept where the Department of Natural Resources would transfer the land to Clark County ownership.
Foster stated that if the county were to take ownership of the Dabbler land and take on maintenance responsibilities, it would be a win-win.
Woodland City Council passes ordinances targeting camping, ‘aggressive begging’
The Woodland City Council unanimously approved two ordinances on Nov. 4, 2024, targeting “aggressive panhandling” and unauthorized camping in public spaces.
The decision responded to residents’ growing concerns about public safety and cleanliness, amplified after a Sept. 16 council meeting where a resident reported that a person had set up a tent on a nearby sidewalk, allegedly engaging in disruptive behavior.
The first ordinance prohibited “coercive solicitation,” including aggressive approaches, blocking pedestrians or traffic, and panhandling near building entrances without permission. It also restricted panhandling to daylight hours, with penalties including jail time or fines up to $1,000 for violations.
The second ordinance banned camping and the storage of personal belongings in public spaces, including vehicles. Violations can result in escalating fines, with third offenses carrying the possibility of jail time.
The ordinances have faced criticism from former City Council member DeeAnna Holland. Holland, president of the Woodland Action Center food bank, called the city’s ordinance discussion a “knee-jerk response” to a one-off incident during the October ordinance workshop.
Holland argued that the new ordinances lack supportive services for those in need.
Hockinson School District board approves $87 million bond for February vote
On Oct. 28, 2024, the Hockinson School District Board of Directors unanimously approved a $87 million bond proposal set for the Feb. 11, 2025, ballot.
School board member Teresa VanNatta emphasized the urgency of the bond, citing overcrowding at Hockinson Heights Elementary School.
If voters approve the bond, the district plans to build a new school for students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade on a 40-acre site adjacent to Hockinson Meadows Park. The expansion would significantly alleviate overcrowding at Hockinson Heights and improve the learning environment for all elementary students in the district, according to a news release.
The measure would also fund the construction of a career and technical education (CTE) building at Hockinson High School.
The bond would also ensure the replacement of the track at Hockinson High School and the installation of a new synthetic field for year-round use. The bond proposal includes plans for a covered outdoor area at Hockinson Middle School, providing students with a sheltered space for athletics, as well.
The proposed tax rate for the bond would be $1.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Homeowners in Hockinson can expect an increase of approximately $44 per month, or a net increase of $0.71 per $1,000 of assessed property value, based on a $750,000 home. To pass, the measure requires a 60% plus one supermajority.
Developers present ceremonial key to Clark College officials for Ridgefield Advanced Manufacturing Center
On Nov. 19, 2024, lead developer and design-builder Mortenson handed Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards a ceremonial key for the new Ridgefield campus Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC), marking the completion of the $62 million project.
Located at 7000 E. Pioneer St., near the Ridgefield Junction, the 49,000-square-foot facility was purpose-built for manufacturing education and innovation.
Edwards emphasized the campus’s significance for the local community shortly after the ceremony.
“We are excited to be in the city of Ridgefield and to provide access to education for folks in the county without having them make it down to Vancouver. This is a place where innovation and creativity will thrive,” Edwards said.
Initially, the program will enroll 32 students in two cohorts of 16 in the spring of 2025, eventually expanding to 48 students across three cohorts. Students will be able to complete an advanced manufacturing degree in two years.
Dr. William T. Brown, Clark College’s vice president of instruction, highlighted the curriculum’s emphasis on industry-relevant skills.
“Technology is going to change. Machines are going to change, but the process from conception to completion is something we’re really emphasizing here,” Brown said. “It also includes fundamental manufacturing skills like machining, welding and blueprints — things manufacturers need their employees to be able to do.”
Cortes flips 18th district state legislative seat
Adrian Cortes will become the first Democrat to hold the 18th legislative district’s senate seat in nearly 30 years after defeating Republican Brad Benton in the November 2024 election.
Final election results showed Cortes defeated Republican Brad Benton as of Nov. 26, 2024.
Cortes has served three terms on the Battle Ground City Council, including a term as mayor in 2020-21.
Looking back at the race, Cortes believes his prior elected experience gave him an advantage in the close contest.
“My candidacy and my experience was the right experience that voters were looking for, meaning my experience in being a local elected official, being a mayor of a medium size city that engaged with a broad range of different elected officials to get things done,” Cortes said.
Cortes has been assigned to three senate committees — the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, the Transportation Committee and the Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee, where he will serve as vice chair. Cortes said these three positions highlight his legislative priorities going into the 2025 legislative session.
Ridgefield mayor steps down from position
After 11 years as mayor and 17 years on the Ridgefield City Council, Ron Onslow announced his retirement, effective Jan. 10, 2025, on Dec. 5, 2024.
Onslow became involved in local politics after attending a City Council meeting shortly after building his home in Ridgefield. At the time, the council had just fired its city manager and was in steep debt.
“I went to [that] council meeting and said, ‘Oh my gosh I think they’re in trouble,’ and I wanted to be a part of the growth and part of making the right decisions,” Onslow said.
Ensuring Ridgefield had reserve funds set aside for emergencies was one of his proudest accomplishments as a mayor and member of the council, Onslow recalled. Today, the city has roughly $7 million dollars set aside for emergencies.
Looking ahead, Onslow emphasized the importance of responsible growth as Ridgefield’s population is projected to increase by more than 10,000 residents in the next decade. He stressed the need for a new Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue station closer to downtown and hopes the city can host a law enforcement training academy for Clark County. Ridgefield schools, Onslow noted, are also in urgent need of expansion.
The City Council will choose a new mayor and mayor pro tem at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2025, during its regular meeting. Once Onslow’s resignation is effective Jan. 10, 2025, the process to appoint a new council member will begin.
