CCFR launches new ambulance transport service
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue began the year with a major shift in emergency medical care, launching its own 24-hour ambulance transport service to reduce response times across a rapidly growing district.
Medic 21 officially went into service Jan. 1, responding to eight high-priority calls on its first day. The advanced life support ambulance allowed CCFR to transport serious patients directly rather than waiting for a private provider, a change fire officials said could shave several minutes off response times in northern Clark County.
During a Jan. 2 press conference, Chief John Nohr said the move reflected how dramatically the county had changed over the last three decades.
Previously, response time standards north of 179th Street approached 20 minutes. Fire officials estimated the new service could reduce that to roughly 12 minutes when Medic 21 was available.
The ambulance was funded through a donation from the Cowlitz Indian Foundation. A second unit was expected in 2026. The change marked the first major update to Clark County’s EMS system in more than 30 years.
Ridgefield sees mayoral transition as Onslow retires, Cole steps in
January also marked the end of an era in Ridgefield, as longtime Mayor Ron Onslow retired after nearly 18 years on the City Council, including nearly 11 years as mayor.
Onslow attended his final council meeting on Jan. 9 and said he planned to spend his retirement traveling, watching his grandchildren and remaining connected to the community he had helped guide through years of growth.
Reflecting on Ridgefield’s transformation, Onslow said he was proud of how the city had managed rapid expansion while strengthening its finances and services.
Matt Cole was sworn in as mayor on Jan. 23, inheriting the challenge of managing continued growth while preserving Ridgefield’s identity. Cole said communication and balance would define his approach.
Cole emphasized housing affordability, transportation access, and inclusive parks as early priorities, signaling a forward-looking agenda as the city prepared for the next decade.
Sue Marshall appointed county chair amid comprehensive plan decisions
At the county level, January brought new leadership as the Clark County Council appointed Sue Marshall to serve a one-year term as chair on Jan. 7.
Marshall said the role placed her at the center of major land-use and policy decisions tied to the county’s upcoming Comprehensive Plan update.
With population and employment projected to grow significantly by 2045, Marshall said affordable housing and sustainability were central themes.
“Affordable housing certainly is one of those ... having enough housing and homelessness and shelter,” Marshall said. “We have some of the highest rental prices and the highest level of addiction rates. Those are the things that ultimately fuel the homeless crisis.”
The council also began early voting on land-use alternatives and environmental review timelines. Marshall dissented on one resolution, citing concerns that the accelerated process could not meet state deadlines.
As chair, Marshall entered 2025 overseeing decisions expected to shape Clark County’s growth for decades to come.
Ridgefield voters pass school levies, paving way for new elementary school
Ridgefield voters approved two school funding measures in the Feb. 11 special election, marking a turning point for a district that had struggled for years to pass bonds and levies.
Final results showed Proposition No. 12, a replacement educational programs and operations levy, passing with 4,985 votes in favor and 4,111 opposed, or 54.8% to 45.2%. Proposition No. 13, a capital projects and technology levy, passed with 5,013 votes in favor and 4,071 opposed, or 55.18% to 44.82%.
The approvals cleared the way for construction of a third elementary school and allowed the district to restore and expand programs not fully funded by the state, including athletics, special education, curriculum enhancements, and technology upgrades.
Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez thanked voters following the election, emphasizing the role community feedback played in shaping the proposals.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ridgefield community for supporting our levy proposals and for the valuable feedback you provided throughout this process,” Rodriquez said. “Your input helped shape these measures to best meet the needs of our students, staff, and schools, and your commitment ensures we can continue providing high-quality educational opportunities, restore our technology budget, and build and maintain safe and modern facilities.”
School board president Brett Jones echoed that sentiment, highlighting the vote’s impact on students across the district.
“Your vote directly impacts the education and well-being of our students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” Jones said. “We appreciate your continued dedication to making Ridgefield schools the best they can be.”
Rep. John Ley pleads guilty to misdemeanors, maintains innocence
State Rep. John Ley pleaded guilty Feb. 10 to two misdemeanor counts of attempted voter violations, resolving a case stemming from questions about his residency during the 2022 election cycle.
The charges were reduced from felonies as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Ley received 12 months of probation and a 364-day suspended sentence, meaning he will not serve jail time unless he violates probation.
Ley’s attorney, Angus Lee, said the plea agreement allowed his client to resolve the case without admitting wrongdoing.
“Under Washington law, you can accept a settlement agreement just to put the case behind you while maintaining your innocence,” Lee said. “In this case, the prosecutor’s office agreed to resolve this case with a $500 fine, which is essentially the equivalent of a speeding ticket.”
Lee said the cost of prolonged litigation was a major factor in the decision.
“Fighting these charges would have been much more costly over time than just paying a $500 fine and moving on,” Lee said. “This case was always politically driven and should have never been brought.”
Lee added that the plea does not affect Ley’s ability to continue serving in the Legislature.
“This was simply a way to reduce this down to a $500 fine and move forward,” he said.
Battle Ground council approves public camping ban
The Battle Ground City Council unanimously approved an ordinance in February banning unauthorized camping on public property, a decision that sparked debate over how cities address homelessness.
Ordinance 2025-02, approved Feb. 3, takes effect March 5 and prohibits camping in parks, streets, sidewalks and other city-owned spaces. The policy allows for warnings and escalating fines but does not include jail time.
“This is a very serious issue,” Mayor Troy McCoy said. “This is one part of a multifaceted approach to homelessness and it is a small part.”
During the public hearing, resident David Terry supported the ordinance while questioning its long-term effectiveness.
“I do, however, think it’s not gonna be the last time we work on this ordinance,” Terry said. “If you find someone and move them out of an encampment, what keeps them (from) moving to the next encampment, that’s a very difficult problem.”
Advocacy groups criticized the ban, arguing it could worsen conditions for people experiencing homelessness.
“Camping bans are often viewed as a tool to solve homelessness. Unfortunately, camping bans do the opposite,” Charlene Welch said. “Criminalizing camping makes it much harder for people, already living in survival mode, to end their homelessness, access services and secure housing.”
McCoy acknowledged uncertainty about future enforcement amid ongoing legal challenges elsewhere.
“Who knows where we end up?” McCoy said. “I thank staff for working on this, getting this done and getting legal through with this.”
State finds La Center School District violated gender identity protections
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction ruled in March that the La Center School District violated state law by discriminating against students and staff based on gender identity, setting up a legal and political fight over school policy and parental rights.
OSPI’s decision followed a months-long investigation into the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy and Procedure 3211, adopted in January 2023. The agency found the district improperly barred staff from asking students about pronouns and required parental notification when students used different pronouns, a practice OSPI said unlawfully outed students.
OSPI cited testimony from a La Center graduate who said being outed at school led to abuse and severe mental health consequences.
“The day before my 16th birthday, I attempted suicide. I got halfway through before I realized that I would be buried under the wrong name. This realization is the only reason why I’m still alive,” the graduate said.
Superintendent Peter Rosenkranz rejected the findings and said the district plans to appeal.
“La Center School District rejects OSPI’s baseless claim that we have discriminated against students or families,” Rosenkranz said. “OSPI’s findings are an insult to our district, our educators, and the parents who support policies that prioritize both student well-being and parental rights.”
Rosenkranz argued that involving parents is essential, even when families respond negatively.
“That the state seems to know better than parents, which, being a father and a grandfather, I cannot support,” Rosenkranz said.
Local advocates welcomed the ruling and said they will closely monitor the district’s required policy changes.
Fire and library leaders warn tax financing tool threatens emergency services
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue officials and regional leaders raised concerns in March that tax increment financing districts could significantly reduce funding for fire protection, libraries and other public services.
During a March 24 meeting in Ridgefield, CCFR Chief John Nohr said TIF districts freeze property tax revenue for services even as development drives population growth and call volume.
“The key point there is people, and more people drive demand for our services,” Nohr said. “What we’re saying is, when growth happens, it brings challenges for us, and we can’t meet the challenges if we don’t have the revenue.”
Nohr pointed to Ridgefield’s Costco development as a clear example. Because it sits inside a TIF district, CCFR receives tax revenue as if the land were still vacant.
“You didn’t vote for your money to go there, but it’s going there,” Nohr said. “Your money isn’t going back in those areas.”
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Executive Director Jennifer Giltrop said libraries face the same issue as voters unknowingly redirect tax dollars.
“More people are moving in, more businesses, more pressure on services to provide the community, but we’re not getting the funding to do that,” Giltrop said.
Woodland Mayor Todd Dinehart urged residents to engage directly with port commissioners considering future TIFs.
“So I would just encourage people to show up rather than just one or two more,” Dinehart said.
CCFR is now weighing levy options or a potential legal challenge to the state TIF law.
Ridgefield Knowledge Bowl team wins state title, sets sights on nationals
Ridgefield High School’s Knowledge Bowl varsity team capped off March with a historic state championship performance, tying the highest morning-round score ever recorded in Washington.
The five-student team scored 143 points on March 22, breaking the 2A division record and matching a mark previously set by a 4A school. Coach David Jacobson said the achievement reflected years of discipline and independent study.
“You gotta understand the amount of work that these kids put in,” Jacobson said. “It’s just hours and hours of study.”
Team captain James Haddix called the victory a redemption after last year’s heartbreaking semifinal loss.
“It [felt] unreal,” Haddix said. “From going to that to actually winning state and being first was just awesome. It kind of validates all the effort that we’ve put into studying and everything.”
With the title secured, the team is now preparing for the National Quiz Bowl tournament, a faster-paced competition focused on individual buzzer skills rather than collaboration.
“We’re not an elite Quiz Bowl team yet,” Jacobson said. “I think we’ll be a playoff team this year.”
The championship cemented Ridgefield’s place among the state’s top academic teams and capped a standout month for local students.
Vancouver mayor’s comments spark regional debate over homelessness
Comments made by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle in a recorded public meeting ignited controversy in April after she appeared to blame nearby cities for Vancouver’s homelessness challenges.
An audio recording shared by Reform Clark County captured McEnerny-Ogle speaking at a March 14 Labor Roundtable event, where she described a conversation with Fred Meyer store managers and pointed responsibility toward Battle Ground and Camas.
“And then I just let them spill their guts, and then I pointed to Camas and Battle Ground, and I said, ‘You’re the problem,’” McEnerny-Ogle said. “I said, ‘Your cities have passed resolutions to send their homeless to Vancouver for us to take care of.”
She went on to suggest encampments near a Vancouver Fred Meyer were made up of people from those cities.
“The people behind your Fred Meyer here on 205 are probably from Camas and Battle Ground,” she said. “You sent your homeless for the city of Vancouver to take of. You didn’t take care of them yourself.”
Battle Ground Deputy Mayor Shane Bowman pushed back, calling the remarks an overreach while acknowledging Vancouver’s role as a service hub.
“I’ve never seen anything with numbers or anything saying that these homeless are from Battle Ground or that we’re sending people down there,” Bowman said. “They do have the services. She’s not wrong.”
Bowman said homelessness should be addressed regionally rather than through finger-pointing.
“It’s a little disturbing, I guess, to blame us for issues that they’re having down there,” he said. “I just think it’s more of a regional approach to that kind of stuff.”
He added that Vancouver’s affordable housing sales tax is largely funded by shoppers from surrounding cities.
“We’re partners in it, right?” Bowman said. “But we’re in an election year, too.”
La Center reopens community center after major renovation
La Center celebrated a milestone April 7 with the reopening of its Wheel Club Community Center, unveiling extensive renovations aimed at improving safety, accessibility and usability.
The building, first opened in 1961, underwent a $322,500 remodel funded by a state grant and city capital funds. Mayor Tom Strobehn said the project addressed long-standing health concerns.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling,” Strobehn said. “We’ve taken out the asbestos that was in here — the poison that was in the air, the poison that was on the floor — that’s all gone.”
City officials said removing hazardous materials was the top priority. Community Development and Public Works Director Tracy Coleman detailed the scope of the work.
“There were two layers of asbestos on the floor,” Coleman said. “There was asbestos in the ceiling, so we removed all the ceiling asbestos, two layers on the floor, and we put in new lids and flooring.”
The remodel also modernized the kitchen and interior layout to better serve groups like Meals on Wheels.
“For some of those people, it’s their social gathering,” Strobehn said. “It’s super important, and with the redesign of the kitchen, it’s going to create a better flow for serving people.”
The reopening drew a larger-than-expected crowd, underscoring the building’s role in the community.
“I was in shock, to be honest with you,” Strobehn said. “This tells you how important the community center is to the city of La Center.”
Arts Council director Kirsten Peterson praised the updated design.
“It feels more open. It’s a lot more light,” Peterson said. “It’s ust gonna feel warm and welcome.”
Port of Woodland rejects taxing district after public opposition
Public testimony and concerns from emergency service leaders led the Port of Woodland to unanimously reject a proposed tax-increment financing district in April.
The decision came during the port’s April 17 meeting after residents and local officials warned the plan could divert millions from fire and EMS services. CCFR Chief John Nohr said the outcome reflected strong public engagement.
“A lot of the public were in opposition,” Nohr said. “In the end, the commissioners voted down the resolution to enact it.”
Nohr warned that the TIF would have shifted costs without reducing service demands.
“It’s a shift in the tax burden,” he said. “We still have to serve that [area], and that either equals a reduction in service across the board or an increase in taxes.”
He also argued the law undermines voter intent.
“People voted for a fire levy, voted for a library levy, voted for an EMS levy, and their money now goes somewhere else without their permission,” Nohr said.
CCFR Commissioner David Town said the vote came as a surprise.
“It was shocking to me,” Town said. “This morning, all three of them voted to terminate the TIF.”
Nohr called the outcome a victory for public participation.
“This is democracy at work,” he said. “The voters became aware of the impacts, and they let their voices be heard.”
With the proposal defeated, CCFR leaders said they will continue pressing lawmakers to revisit the TIF law as the district plans future station expansions across the region.
Clark County repeals mining overlay after court loss
The Clark County Council unanimously voted May 13 to repeal a controversial mining overlay in Chelatchie, ending a three-year legal fight and bringing the county back into compliance with state law.
The overlay, adopted in 2022, allowed Granite Construction to pursue aggregate mining on 330 acres without first completing an environmental impact statement, violating the State Environmental Policy Act. Friends of Clark County successfully challenged the ordinance, with both the Growth Management Hearings Board and the Washington State Court of Appeals ruling it invalid.
County staff warned that prolonged noncompliance could jeopardize millions in state clean-water grants and low-interest loans. Though the exact amount remains unclear, officials acknowledged the county stopped applying for some funding due to ineligibility.
Public commenters urged the council to act following the failed appeal.
“My advice is stay out of bed with big corporations and follow not only the letter but the intent of the law,” said Chelatchie Prairie Coalition President John Nanney.
Council members voted unanimously to repeal the overlay,
effective May 30. However, concerns lingered about future compliance risks after the council narrowly voted in April to resume a study that could weaken agricultural land protections, potentially jeopardizing state funding again if growth management deadlines are missed.
New law clears path for La Center, Cowlitz Tribe to share services
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1039 on May 13, enabling cities to provide utilities and other services to tribal lands outside urban growth boundaries, paving the way for expanded cooperation between La Center and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno, was initially drafted with La Center and the tribe in mind before being expanded statewide. It allows voluntary interlocal agreements through 2028.
La Center Mayor Tom Strobehn said the law will allow the city to legally help manage wastewater for tribal developments west and east of Interstate 5, avoiding the need for the tribe to build an expensive new treatment plant.
“It’s amazing,” Strobehn said. “We can specifically help manage their wastewater without breaking the law.”
The partnership is expected to significantly boost La Center’s tax revenue once commercial development is complete and to support coordinated growth planning during the city’s comprehensive plan update.
Battle Ground residents question water transparency after fish tank emergency
A Battle Ground couple raised concerns in May about the city’s water quality and reporting transparency after a routine water change nearly killed fish in a 300-gallon home aquarium.
Resident Rick Kaliszewski said his fish showed immediate signs of distress when city water entered the tank, prompting him to add an entire bottle of chemical conditioner to keep them alive.
City officials said there were no changes to water treatment procedures and confirmed the water meets state and federal safety standards. Still, the couple questioned why water quality reports lag a year or more behind actual usage.
“These are just fish,” Shiela Miller said. “What are people putting in their children’s cups?”
While regulatory agencies confirmed compliance, the incident amplified local skepticism over reporting timelines and trust in municipal systems.
Double homicide shocks Battle Ground community
Authorities identified the victims of a June 3 double homicide in Battle Ground as Tiffany Vela, 37, and Spencer Jones, 37. Court documents allege the suspect, Evaristo “Junior” Vela, killed his estranged wife and her new partner before attempting to take his own life.
Investigators recovered a blood-covered knife at the scene and later linked it to a missing knife from the suspect’s Vancouver apartment. Vela remained hospitalized in Portland as prosecutors reviewed charges.
Police said it was Battle Ground’s first homicide in eight years.
Teen with brain cancer graduates against the odds
Battle Ground High School senior Kaden Spencer walked across the graduation stage in June after spending most of the school year undergoing treatment for an aggressive brain cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Spencer completed graduation requirements through online coursework while receiving radiation and chemotherapy in Memphis, Tennessee.
“We’re just happy he was here and alive and made it,” his mother, Dawn Rasmussen, said.
The family credited community support for helping them through months away from home. Spencer is scheduled to continue follow-up treatments every three months for the next two years.
‘Officer Manny’ ghost car highlights traffic safety concerns
Battle Ground police expanded the use of “Officer Manny 2.0,” a ghost patrol car equipped with radar and flashing lights, as part of a data-driven effort to slow traffic on Main Street.
During a June demonstration, officers recorded multiple speeding violations and witnessed a crash in a nearby construction zone, underscoring ongoing safety concerns.
Police Chief Dennis Flynn said the system reduced speeding by nearly 40 percent in monitored areas and helps guide targeted enforcement with limited staffing.
“It is absolutely a force multiplier,” Flynn said.
Business owners along Main Street said the presence of the ghost car has made drivers noticeably slow down, even as crashes and near misses remain a regular concern.
July
Merwin fishing event celebrates 25 years of inclusion
The 25th Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities marked a milestone in July, drawing a record crowd of more than 300 participants to the hatchery near Merwin Dam.
Hosted by Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the event provided children with stocked ponds, volunteer fishing coaches, free equipment and a barbecue lunch. Each child was able to catch up to five trout and take home the rod and tackle they used.
Parents praised the event’s emphasis on inclusion.
“Our kids are celebrated,” said Vancouver resident Kelli Gundersen.
Volunteers ranged from longtime Pacific Power employees to youth helpers, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the region’s most enduring community traditions.
City Council halts fluoridation debate after heated hearing
The Battle Ground City Council voted 5–2 on July 21 to reject a motion to initiate the process of potentially ending water fluoridation, thereby halting the proposal before it reached a formal public hearing.
Supporters of the motion raised ethical and health concerns, while opponents, including local dentists, argued fluoride remains safe, effective and especially important for low-income children.
Councilmembers openly criticized anti-fluoride claims as unsupported by credible science, with Mayor Troy McCoy calling some arguments “crackpot science.”
Fluoride has been added to Battle Ground’s water supply since the early 1960s. The council left open the possibility of revisiting the issue through a future citywide survey but took no immediate action.
Local artist transforms skate park with tiger mural
Battle Ground’s Skate & Bike Park gained a striking new landmark in July after artist Will Sykes completed a volunteer mural featuring six tiger heads, a nod to Battle Ground High School’s mascot.
The project replaced concrete with bold color and motion, wrapping the park’s curved dome in a continuous design visible from all angles.
Sykes spent roughly two weeks painting, navigating awkward angles and long days. Community members regularly stopped by to watch, offering encouragement.
“I wanted to give something back to the community,” Sykes said.
Singing parrot Zena steals the show
Zena, a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot, once again became a Clark County Fair favorite in August, charming audiences with her ability to sing “Old MacDonald” during Chris Biro’s Pirate Parrot Show.
Behind the performance is a local story. Zena was originally owned by a Clark County resident before being donated to Biro more than a decade ago. Today, she serves not only as a performer but as part of Biro’s broader conservation mission.
Biro’s nonprofit, Bird Recovery International, has successfully reintroduced captive-raised parrots into the wild in South America, challenging long-held assumptions about conservation and captive breeding. His long-term goal is to restore thick-billed parrots to the southwestern United States.
In-N-Out Burger opens to massive crowds in Ridgefield
Ridgefield became home to Washington’s first In-N-Out Burger on Aug. 20, drawing thousands of customers from across the Pacific Northwest.
Although traffic remained manageable early in the day, long drive-thru lines stretched toward Pioneer Street after dark. The opening generated record engagement for The Reflector, with millions of views across social media posts.
City officials emphasized careful traffic management and highlighted the economic boost from the restaurant’s 80 new jobs.
“This is part of our community now,” Mayor Matt Cole said.
YMCA withdraws from Ridgefield community center project
In a setback announced Aug. 1, the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette pulled out of Ridgefield’s planned recreation and community center, citing financial constraints.
Mayor Cole called the decision a “missed opportunity” but said the city is prepared to move forward without the YMCA, noting the project has been years in the making and remains on schedule.
Ridgefield plans to seek a new partner for recreation operations, with construction still expected to begin in spring 2026 and no tax increases planned for residents.
Ridgefield schools approve K-5 shift, name new elementary
The Ridgefield School Board voted Sept. 9 to reconfigure its elementary schools from K-4 to K-5 beginning in the 2026–27 school year and to name the district’s third elementary school Sunset Ridge Elementary.
The decision followed voter approval of a February levy to fund the new school, which will serve 500 to 550 students and relieve severe overcrowding at Union Ridge and South Ridge elementary schools, each of which enrolled roughly 700 students last year.
Superintendent Jenny Rodriguez emphasized the move was driven by capacity, not criticism of the current Sunset Ridge Intermediate School.
“No judgment, because what happens there is beautiful,” she said. “But the overcrowding is a real thing.”
Survey feedback from more than 1,000 district residents supported both the K-5 shift and retaining the Sunset Ridge name and Coyote mascot. Current Sunset Ridge Principal Todd Graves and Assistant Principal Stephanie Goad were named to lead the new school.
La Center teachers return after nearly two-week strike
La Center teachers returned to classrooms Sept. 15 after ratifying a tentative agreement that ended a strike just days into the school year.
The dispute centered on how state-funded cost-of-living adjustments should be applied to salaries. Teachers argued that anything short of a full pass-through left them falling behind inflation, while the district initially sought to split funds between raises and reserves.
During the strike, the district reversed course, agreeing to pass through 100% of state-allocated COLA dollars to teacher salaries. Although the increase still fell short of teachers’ expectations due to funding formula limitations, union members ratified the deal.
“We are excited to have the students back in the classroom on Monday,” the La Center Education Association said.
No survivors in small plane crash near Battle Ground
A small single-engine plane crashed and burned at Goheen Airport north of Battle Ground on Sept. 26, killing all aboard.
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded within minutes to a fully engulfed aircraft in a nearby field and quickly contained the fire. Investigators later identified the plane as a 1964 Cessna 172F Skyhawk piloted by 76-year-old Kenneth Shaffer of Trout Lake.
Flight tracking data showed the plane performing multiple loops over north Clark County before attempting to line up with the grass runway at Goheen Airport. A nearby resident reported seeing the aircraft performing stalls shortly before the crash.
The FAA and NTSB launched an investigation, with aviation attorney Keith Williams later explaining that final findings could take up to 18 months due to post-pandemic staffing reductions. Williams urged investigators to closely examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, noting that mechanical failure remains a common factor in general aviation crashes.
Missing dog reunited after seven days in the La Center Bottoms
Pepper, an epileptic Australian shepherd who had been missing for seven days, was reunited with her owner after being found along a trail near the East Fork Lewis River.
Horseback riders Elin Allen and Jenn Maphet encountered Pepper alone, wet and muddy, after a series of unplanned route changes during their ride. Recognizing the dog’s submissive behavior as unusual, they checked her collar and contacted owner Meika Pechin.
Pechin had spent the week searching relentlessly, using trail cameras, social media and help from Waggin’ Tails Search and Rescue. The reunion drew widespread attention and celebration online, where many residents had followed Pepper’s disappearance.
“She’s a survivor,” commenters wrote, relieved to see the dog safely home.
Artist K.C. Madsen honored for shaping Clark County’s arts scene
Karen “K.C.” Madsen received the Clark County Arts Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 21, recognizing decades of work as both an artist and an advocate.
After moving to Vancouver in 2006, Madsen helped transform vacant storefronts into galleries, co-founded Artstra and played a key role in launching programs such as Clark County Open Studios and Poetry Moves.
Her efforts helped shift art from the margins into everyday public life, building infrastructure that connected artists, institutions and the broader community.
“The arts are about cooperation,” Madsen said. “About finding ways to solve problems.”
Campaign sign vandalism raises concerns ahead of election
Reports of stolen and vandalized campaign signs surfaced across Clark County in October, drawing attention to rising political hostility.
Several Democratic Party-endorsed candidates reported missing or damaged signs, while nearby opposing signs remained untouched. A dispute along state Route 502 involving Charter Review Commission and school board candidates prompted a sheriff’s complaint and renewed calls for civility.
Candidates across races stressed that sign theft undermines free expression and adds financial strain to campaigns.
“Regardless of where you stand,” one candidate said, “it’s a First Amendment right to put this stuff out.”
Battle Ground police deliver Thanksgiving meals to families in need
For the second year in a row, the Battle Ground Police Department stepped beyond traditional duties to deliver fully prepared Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
The department’s “Serving Beyond the Badge: Thanksgiving Edition” provided meals to 16 local families, up from 13 the previous year, totaling more than 75 meals. Officers delivered the food Nov. 25 and 26 between calls for service, offering a rare opportunity for positive, personal interaction.
“It allows our officers to engage people in ways that typically we don’t get to,” Police Chief Dennis Flynn said.
Mayor Troy McCoy and City Manager Kris Swanson joined officers and volunteers in preparing and delivering meals, with support from local businesses including Playmakers Sports Bar and Grill, Summerland Catering and Al & Ernie’s Bakery Café. City leaders said the effort reflected Battle Ground’s ability to grow while maintaining a close-knit community identity.
City Council approves sales tax to expand police staffing
After weeks of debate, the Battle Ground City Council unanimously approved a 0.1% sales tax dedicated to law enforcement on Nov. 17.
The tax, allowed under a new state law without voter approval, will generate an estimated $667,000 annually and let the police department to hire two additional officers beginning in 2026. Leaders said the funding is critical as call volumes rise and overtime costs increase.
Several councilors expressed hesitation before the vote, citing concerns about public sentiment and long-term fiscal impacts. A city survey conducted earlier this year found residents evenly split on funding the police through new taxes, though 72% reported satisfaction with police services.
Following the sales tax decision, the council also approved a 1% property tax increase for 2026, acknowledging ongoing structural budget challenges and the likelihood of seeking a levy lid lift in the future.
Battle Ground residents take Miss Greater Vancouver, Miss Clark County Teen titles
Two Battle Ground women were crowned at the Miss Clark County/Greater Vancouver competition on Nov. 2.
Natalie Worthy, 22, was named Miss Greater Vancouver 2026, while Battle Ground High School senior Adrionna McClellan earned the title of Miss Clark County Teen. Both emphasized giving back to their community through advocacy platforms rooted in the arts.
Worthy, a recent University of Puget Sound graduate and music educator, plans to promote arts education and advocate at the state level. McClellan, an 18-year-old dancer and cheerleader, focuses on healing and self-expression through dance.
Both spoke about confidence, leadership and the importance of representing Battle Ground at the county and state levels.
Ridgefield Floral and Gifts finds new home in historic building
Ridgefield Floral and Gifts entered a new chapter after relocating to the former Ridgefield Hardware building at 104 N. Main Ave., a space that had housed local commerce for more than a century.
Co-owners Kerry Rylander and Katie Burbank said the move provided much-needed space, increased walk-in traffic and an opportunity to share the building with other local businesses and nonprofits. Merchandise from Toys on Main, Raindrop Giftshop and booster-supporting vendors now fills the space.
The building will soon house the Ridgefield Art Gallery, operated by the Ridgefield Arts Association as a membership-based cooperative, opening in early January. Owners said keeping the historic corner locally focused has resonated strongly with the community.
Powerful storms leave thousands without power, rivers rise again
A powerful windstorm followed by heavy rain tested Clark County’s infrastructure in mid-December.
Overnight winds on Dec. 16 and 17 knocked down trees and power lines, leaving more than 98,000 Clark Public Utilities customers without electricity at the peak. Traffic signals went dark, businesses closed and all Battle Ground Public Schools canceled classes.
Before full recovery could occur, an atmospheric river delivered more than 2 inches of rain in a single day, pushing already saturated soils to their limit. The East Fork Lewis River again exceeded flood stage, climbing rapidly toward action levels.
Utility crews worked around the clock, and city officials emphasized coordination between public works and Clark Public Utilities to manage hazards and restore service safely.
Noise study outlines solutions for Kiwanis Park pickleball courts
A city-commissioned noise study concluded that additional mitigation could significantly reduce sound from the Kiwanis Park pickleball courts, following months of complaints from nearby residents.
The analysis found peak noise levels exceeding typical residential thresholds, with sound amplified by the courts’ metal roof despite an existing sound wall. Consultants recommended installing hanging acoustic curtains to seal gaps where sound escapes around the structure.
The estimated materials cost is about $50,000, and a structural analysis is planned to determine whether the current roof can support the additions. City officials said the issue reflects a learning curve with new park infrastructure.
Nearby residents welcomed the findings but urged swift action, arguing the noise has disrupted daily life since the courts opened in July.
