Stories by Griffin Reilly

Columbian staff writer

Clark County Sheriff’s Office IDs all victims in child sexual exploitation investigation

May 29, 2024, 5:45pm Clark County News

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday its special victims unit has identified all potential victims in a child sexual exploitation investigation of an Oregon man. Read story

Battle Ground music director Greg McKelvey walks down the main hallway of Battle Ground High School to applause Wednesday during a ceremony at Battle Ground High School. McKelvey, who is retiring at the end of this school year, has been named grand marshal of the 2024 Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade.

Battle Ground band director tapped as Portland Rose Festival grand marshal

May 29, 2024, 2:59pm Clark County News

Delegates from the Portland Rose Festival paid a surprise visit to Clark County on Wednesday morning to announce longtime Battle Ground High School band director Greg McKelvey as the 2024 Grand Floral Parade grand marshal. Read story

The Southwest Washington Equity Coalition is one of 10 plaintiffs named on a lawsuit to stop the implementation of Initiative 2081, which opens up children’s health records and other private materials to parents. The measure was approved March 4 during the state Legislature's short session.

‘Parents’ bill of rights’ legislation includes vague language, could lead to discrimination, says lawsuit

May 29, 2024, 6:06am Clark County News

A group of parents, equity organizations and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington are suing the state to prevent the implementation of a conservative-backed measure, known as the “parents’ bill of rights,” the Legislature approved earlier this year. Read story

Educational Opportunities for Children and Families CEO Rekah Strong, right, speaks at a press conference opposing Ballot Initiative 2109 on Wednesday at the early learning nonprofit’s headquarters in Vancouver. I-2109 would repeal Washington’s capital gains tax, which is expected to provide billions of dollars in support for early childhood education and schools funding over the next few years.

Rep. Monica Stonier, Clark County educators rally to protect Washington capital gains tax

May 22, 2024, 6:20pm Clark County News

Leaders of Vancouver’s early-childhood programs gathered Wednesday to warn voters that a Washington ballot initiative would undermine a system that already fails to reach children in need. Read story

A crew of volunteers at local nonprofit Share Vancouver assemble sack lunches in the kitchen at Fort Vancouver High School in July. State schools superintendent Chris Reykdal announced a new program last week that will provide children across Washington with $120 meal cards to buy groceries throughout the summer.

State will provide $120 EBT cards to help keep Clark County kids fed while school is out

May 21, 2024, 6:05am Clark County News

Tens of thousands of children in Clark County will be eligible to receive grocery benefits this summer as part of a new program launched by the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Read story

Camas school board vice president resigns effective June 21

Camas school board Vice President Erika Cox on Monday announced her resignation, which is effective June 21. Cox, a former parent-teacher association president with a history of public service, has been on the school board since 2018. Read story

Vancouver Public Schools failed to award contracts to ‘highest-scoring’ bid, according to audit

Vancouver Public Schools' central administrative office.

Vancouver Public Schools failed to comply with federal procurement requirements in providing reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year, according to findings in a routine audit released by the Washington State Auditor last week. Read story