Camas-Washougal logo tag

Clark County

June 25, 2026
The Ridgefield Fourth of July Parade is a Clark County tradition. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files)

Fourth of July events planned for 250th celebrations

America is on the cusp of its 250th birthday, so this year local communities have planned a few extra festivities to mark this historic milestone. Here is a convenient roundup of patriotic events happening from Saturday to the following July 4. Get your sparklers and flags ready, because Clark County is ready to celebrate.

June 25, 2026
A helicopter flies along the South Fork Toutle River valley to carry a large log to the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group’s salmon habitat-restoration project. The group has placed hundreds of logs in and along the South Fork Toutle River in recent years. (Contributed by the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group)

Copters carry logs into river for salmon

TOUTLE — The whomp-whomp-whomp of helicopter blades carried for miles across the South Fork Toutle River valley last week as crews from Oregon-based Columbia Helicopters carried logs from a timber harvest upstream to a salmon habitat-restoration project.

June 25, 2026
Clinical nurse lead Kim Fleshman talks with colleagues while getting the day started at Vancouver Clinic’s Salmon Creek Urgent Care facility June 4. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)

Care creates conundrum

When you have a skin infection, a stomachache or trouble breathing, you might not be sure whether you should head straight to the hospital or visit an urgent care clinic.

June 18, 2026
All Seasons Heating and Cooling service manager Ken Sullivan works on an air conditioning unit Friday in Camas. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Expert: Electric bills depend on weather

Will Clark County residents’ electricity bills spike this summer? That depends on the weather, which drives the region’s energy demand and supply. And this summer promises to be hot.

June 18, 2026
As summer driving and road construction work increase in the coming weeks, Clark County Public Works, Washington State Department of Transportation, Vancouver Public Works, Washington State Patrol and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to remind drivers that work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. Drivers can expect more work zones throughout the region and should know how to safely navigate them to protect themselves, their passengers, other road users and workers. (Contributed by the Washington State Patrol)

Drivers warned to slow down, stay sober

Local and state agencies are warning Clark County drivers to slow down and stay sober as the summer driving season begins — the deadliest stretch of the year.