Neighborhood group spruces up Wildwood Park
Parks and recreation department offer adopt-a-park program
The Wildwood Park in Vancouver has plenty to offer: playground equipment, swings and a grassy field to run around on. But members of the Wildwood Neighborhood Association noticed recently that the park was becoming rough around the edges.
Moeller wants the law on assault by deadly infection to exclude HIV mention
Statute was adopted in 1997 after Camas man's sentence was shortened
A well-meaning law that created stricter penalties for people who knowingly spread HIV to others should be revised to destigmatize those with the illness, says state Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver.
Bill would revise graduation requirements
Stonier says a career focus could reduce school dropout rates
High school graduation requirements have caught the eye of state Rep. Monica Stonier, who is working on a bill to replace some traditional course requirements with classes specific to a student's career of choice.
Flurry of bills may influence CRC plans
Legislators touch on money, contracting, election issues
While Columbia River Crossing supporters work to keep the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement on track, state lawmakers are writing bills that affect it.
Bill to require welfare drug tests poorly received in Senate
Sen. Benton introduced Senate version, Rep. Angel the House version
A bill that would require certain family welfare recipients to take drug tests was strongly rebuked during a Senate hearing on Thursday morning.
Clark County YMCA ready to grow
Extensive remodel to begin in spring, continue in phases
Construction will begin this spring on the Clark County Family YMCA's remodel, which was partially paid for by a state economic stimulus plan, the organization's executive director said Monday.
State's U.S. lawmakers have praise for speech
The three congresswomen representing Southwest Washington highlighted different parts of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Lawmakers tell Inslee to stay the course on CRC
Cleveland, Moeller, Wylie stress that project should not be slowed or derailed
Concerns with the height of the proposed Columbia River Crossing are “legitimate,” but they aren’t a good enough reason for starting over on the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project, three legislators from Vancouver told Gov. Jay Inslee in a letter.
Perplexities of legal pot draw hundreds to local forum
Growers, users say black market will thrive if state regulates poorly
The state's budding marijuana industry was the topic of talk Thursday evening at Clark College in Vancouver, where pot enthusiasts and concerned citizens advised the state's Liquor Control Board on how to regulate the now-legal substance.
UPDATE: Rep. Pike introduces bill to allow armed teachers
It would be up to school boards to draft the specifics
State Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, has introduced a bill that could let teachers and administrators carry concealed guns on school grounds.
Dozens testify on Benton's abortion notification bill
It would require step for girls 17 or younger
When Terry Hegerle was a teen living in Colorado, she went before a judge to request an abortion after she was raped, Hegerle told state lawmakers in Olympia on Wednesday afternoon.
Letter sent to Coast Guard not signed by Stonier
GOP lawmakers say bridge height of 116 feet is still too low
Contrary to a letter sent to The Columbian on Tuesday by the state House Republican Caucus, Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, did not ask the U.S. Coast Guard to require a clearance higher than 116 feet for the Columbia River Crossing.
Slew of bills target voting process in Washington
Benton, Moeller, Rivers among local legislators suggesting changes
With last fall's election fresh in their memories, many legislators are proposing changes to the election process. In-person voting, prepaid postage on ballots, and relaxing constituent outreach restrictions for incumbents could all become a reality if the measures pass.
Stormwater bills get mixed reaction
Clark County business leaders, officials support proposals
Clark County's stormwater problems were a big topic in Olympia on Wednesday, when several county business leaders and local government officials testified in support of two bills that would help the county deal with costly state stormwater regulations.
Supporters of gun control rally at Herrera Beutler's local office
Congresswoman urged to support president’s proposals
Times have changed, and gun laws need to evolve with the times, gun control advocates said Tuesday afternoon as they rallied outside the Vancouver office of U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas.
Benton abortion bill text clarified
Legislation redrafted to focus on minors 17 or younger, not 'women'
A bill that abortion-rights advocates worried would repeal significant protections for women seeking abortions has been redrafted to address those concerns, a Republican supporter of the bill announced Monday. The new bill, which deals with minors seeking abortions, will get a public hearing in Olympia next week.
In Olympia, paying for a bill is a bit iffy
It's a statistic bandied about by lawmakers in Olympia, but one that experts say is nearly impossible to pin down: How much does it cost to draft a bill?
Herrera Beutler votes 'no' on debt ceiling deal
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, was one of 33 House Republicans to vote on Wednesday against extending the nation's debt limit for the next three months.
History Examination
Antiques appraisers offer more colorful information than just worth of old objects
When Bob Mabry was cleaning out the garage of a home belonging to his family, a decades-old bottle of liquor caught his eye.
Herrera Beutler shows centrist streak as she ascends in House
To say Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler's political career has taken off during the past five years might be an understatement.
Herrera Beutler: No on light rail, gun bans
She says Clark County voters have made it clear CRC plans must change
Now that Jaime Herrera Beutler will have more say over federal spending, particularly in the area of transportation, she said she'll advocate for a redesign of the Columbia River Crossing project that excludes light rail.
Slain fugitive had previous run-ins with the law
Few details offered about death of Jesse John France Jr.
Jesse John France Jr., 29, was an ex-convict wanted for failing to check in with his community corrections officer, according to the Washington Department of Corrections.
Revived Kiggins Theatre bill gets hearing
It would let single-screen theaters serve alcohol with children present
Vancouver's Kiggins Theatre and Camas' Liberty Theatre would get a big boost to business and their downtown areas if they were allowed to serve alcohol in their auditoriums, even when children are present, the owners of those businesses told state lawmakers on Thursday.
UPDATE: Benton, Rivers propose anti-light rail bill
Senators seek to withhold funding for CRC
State Sens. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, and Ann Rivers, R-La Center, are proposing legislation that would block a light rail line on the Columbia River Crossing.
Herrera Beutler named to powerful transportation subcommittee
Congresswoman also named to Appropriation's subcommittees on environment, banks
U.S. Rep. Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, will have a key seat at the table when it comes to making federal spending decisions about the Columbia River Crossing project, she announced today.
Changes at the Capitol
Session brings new governor, new local lawmakers, upheaval in Senate, another shortfall
At first glance, the 2013 state legislative session, which convenes in Olympia on Monday, might seem like a repeat of last year. Legislators must tackle yet another budget shortfall and a 2018 deadline still looms as they figure out how to comply with a court order to "amply fund" public schools.
State leaders touch on coal trains, transportation
Those are among local issues mentioned during discussion of upcoming legislative session
OLYMPIA — State government leaders stuck mostly to big-picture issues during a discussion of the upcoming legislative session, but they did touch on some topics that have made headlines recently in Clark County.
Herrera Beutler to remain on Small Business Committee
She needed waiver because she also serves on demanding Appropriations Committee
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler will stay on the Small Business Committee while also serving on the powerful and highly demanding Appropriations Committee, which handles federal discretionary spending.
Redistricting activist John Milem dies at 76
He had a rare form of cancer that spread to his liver
Vancouver redistricting activist John Milem died Saturday evening. He was 76.
Sen. Benton to propose constitutional amendment on taxes
It would make requirement of a two-thirds legislative vote to raise taxes tougher to overturn
State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, said he will introduce a bill that would, through a constitutional amendment, protect the spirit of the tax initiative voters supported this fall.
Herrera Beutler, Cantwell, Murray favor deal averting fiscal cliff
All three members of Congress representing Southwest Washington voted in favor of the last-ditch effort made on New Year's Day to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," but they also all expressed some dissatisfaction with the agreement.
Election's final days saw cash flow freely
Some candidates made final push, others put cash into surplus accounts
Last-minute automated phone calls, fundraisers, bonuses for campaign managers and transfers into surplus accounts were just some of the expenses incurred by politicians in the week leading up to the Nov. 6 general election, and in the election's aftermath.
Appeal of political work pulls local teens to volunteer
Even before they can vote, youths feel their own power
At just 16, Casey Decker can't vote, but he still feels like he had a big impact on politics this election season.
Lawmaker-elect Pike enters gun debate
18th District Republican might draft bill to allow armed teachers
If teachers had guns and knew how to use them, schools would be safer, state Rep.-elect Liz Pike, R-Camas, said this week.
Elector delivers vote for Obama
Clark County woman reports on Olympia visit for constitutional ritual
Longtime Clark County Democrat Kathleen Lawrence traveled to Olympia this month to leave her mark on American history.
Congress passes Herrera Beutler proposal
Her measure would give small businesses a hand winning federal contracts
Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler to help small businesses compete for government contracts was sent to the president's desk for a signature Friday.
UPDATE: Gregoire's budget plan skips new funding for CRC
Gov. Chris Gregoire largely passed over the Columbia River Crossing in her recommended budget released Tuesday, identifying no new state funding for the project.
New hands at parties' helms
County GOP sees change in leaders' philosophy
The Clark County Republican Party underwent a shift Thursday, when a group of newly-elected precinct committee officers replaced party leadership with anti-establishment candidates.
Legislators give business leaders preview at breakfast
The 2013 legislative session will be a busy one for state lawmakers
Many of the lawmakers pointed to the importance of securing funding for the Columbia River Crossing project during the upcoming session, although some of them continued to disagree on major elements of the megaproject.
CRC, education, jobs are main topics at legislative breakfast
Southwest Washington lawmakers sound off on biggest issues facing the state
Lawmakers during the next legislative session will have to come up with a plan to make sure the state's education system is adequately paid for while also working to improve the economy, legislators told Clark County business leaders on Friday morning. And, they'll likely grapple with a major transportation package that will include money for the Columbia River Crossing project, which would replace the Interstate 5 Bridge.
County's recently elected senators split on new alliance
Two Democrats join with GOP to create power shift
Clark County's senators-elect were at odds on Monday about whether the chamber's new alliance between 23 Republicans and two Democrats is good for Southwest Washington.
Breaking the election down, precinct by precinct
Analysis of several maps created by The Columbian that look at voting patterns
It's a question that's been asked and answered this election season: Would Democratic voters throw their support behind Republican County Commissioner Marc Boldt, the more moderate of two candidates in an all-Republican race?
Recount resolutions bring election to end
Stonier joins Benton as certified winner of close contest
More than a month after Election Day, the election season has finally ended for the four 17th District candidates who were locked in tight races that triggered recounts under state law.
Stonier wins House race by 140 votes
Before the recount, Stonier had a 139-vote lead over Olson
Democrat Monica Stonier has won her bid for election by just 140 votes, according to the outcome of a hand recount announced Friday by the Clark County Elections Department.
Benton wins Senate race by 74 votes
Before this week's recount, he had 78-vote lead over Probst
Republican Don Benton has won his bid for re-election by just 74 votes, according to the outcome of a hand recount performed by the Clark County Elections Department.
UPDATE: Herrera Beutler picked for powerful spending committee
She will be the only House member from Washington to serve on the Appropriations Committee
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, was picked by House Republicans to served on the coveted Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal discretionary spending, she announced today in a news release.
Secretary of state decries political polarization
Same Reed, who is retiring, makes Vancouver visit
When Secretary of State Sam Reed first became involved in politics decades ago, he sat in the wings of the Legislature, watching with dismay as politicians hurled rhetorical stones at each other.
Recount will be coming to county
Benton-Probst, Stonier-Olson races to be tallied by hand
Two legislative races in Clark County are indeed close enough to trigger automatic recounts, according to election results certified Tuesday, which also show Republican Sen. Don Benton with a 78-vote lead over Democrat Tim Probst and Democrat Monica Stonier with a 139-vote lead over Republican Julie Olson. Both races are in the 17th District.
Herrera Beutler setting sights on second term
Recently re-elected congresswoman says jobs, economy remain the top issues
Earlier this month, voters in Southwest Washington decided to send U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, back to Congress for a second term. Last week, Herrera Beutler sat down for an interview in her Vancouver office and outlined the challenges ahead.
Soup cook-off promotes local foods
Contest pairs area chefs, farmers and raises money for Urban Abundance
Local-food advocates hope those attending today's tree lighting ceremony in Esther Short Park also wander one block south and become taste-testers in their fall soup cook-off.
