The Columbian

County Ethics Review Commission dismisses complaints against Auditor Greg Kimsey, prosecutor’s office

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey views the first primary election result printout for the 2020 elections in the ballot tabulation room of the Clark County Election Office in August.

Clark County’s Ethics Review Commission is at long last making progress on complaints waiting for review. The commission tackled four of the pending complaints — two during a June 7 meeting and two more during a June 11 meeting. All four complaints were unanimously dismissed. Read story

‘One of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had’: Karen Bowerman and Gary Medvigy reflect on their years as Clark County Council members

Members of the Clark County Council are pictured after new councilors took the oath of office at the Clark County Public Service Center on Jan. 3, 2023. Councilors are, from left, Glen Yung, Michelle Belkot, Karen Bowerman (on screen), Gary Medvigy and Sue Marshall.

June 10, 2024, 6:05am Clark County News Subscriber Exclusive

At the end of this year, Karen Bowerman and Gary Medvigy will leave their positions on the Clark County Council. Bowerman is in her fourth year as a county councilor, and Medvigy is in his sixth year. Read story

Clark County, in partnership with the state Department of Ecology, is launching a monthlong “Secure Your Load for Safer Roads” campaign.

Hundreds of crashes in Washington each year blamed on unsecured loads; Clark County hopes to change that

June 6, 2024, 6:03am Clark County News

Whether you’re hauling a load of trash to the transfer station, coming home with new furniture or carrying lumber home for a new project, Clark County’s Solid Waste division is reminding drivers to keep roads safe and clean for everyone by properly securing your load. The county, in partnership with… Read story

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe received $1.7 million to build a 100-kilowatt solar array and battery energy storage system on administrative and clinic buildings from a state grant. The array will power the building and provide supplemental power for electric vehicle charging.

Cowlitz tribe among groups awarded millions from state for clean-energy projects

June 4, 2024, 5:56pm Clark County News

The Washington Department of Commerce awarded more than $47 million in clean-energy grants to Southwest Washington cities, counties, public utilities and recognized tribes in two separate rounds of awards late last week. Read story

The Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, right, appears lush from Cascade Locks with the Bridge of the Gods on Tuesday morning. Rain now doesn’t mean we won’t have wildfires later. “We went from a ‘normal fire season’ being 100,000 acres to the 10-year average we’re working with right now, which is in the 400,000-acre range,” said Kyle Thomas-Milward from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

‘Wildfire risk is growing in our area’: Fire agencies working now to protect Southwest Washington

June 1, 2024, 6:14am Clark County News

With rainy weather still in the forecast, it may seem like an odd time to be talking about wildfire. But that’s what Clark County fire districts and other agencies have been doing as they prepare for blazes that have become more common here. Read story

The city of Ridgefield wants to add another roundabout on Pioneer Street at 50th Place, near this one at Royle Road.

Ridgefield City Council approves ordinance for eminent domain proceedings in roundabout project

May 24, 2024, 5:12pm Clark County News

The Ridgefield City Council took an unusual step Thursday when it unanimously approved an ordinance to begin eminent domain proceedings. The city has been in negotiations to purchase property at the intersection of Pioneer Street and the planned roadway of 50th Avenue, but those negotiations have been unsuccessful. Read story

Pete Barber, restoration ecologist for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, stands in an Ostrander Creek culvert scheduled for removal. The tribe received $1.9 million in federal funding for the project.

Cantwell, Murray announce $75M to improve fish habitats, including $1.9M to Cowlitz Indian Tribe

May 23, 2024, 6:06am Clark County News

U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray announced Wednesday nearly $75 million will flow to projects removing fish passage barriers and improving fish habitat in Washington. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe will receive $1.9 million for a fish passage project on Ostrander Creek in Cowlitz County. Read story

Stories by Shari Phiel

Columbian staff writer