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May 15, 2025
Clark County Chief Public Defender Christopher Swaby, center, reaffirms his professional oath, along with other Clark County attorneys for National Law Day of Action on May 1. The new state budget roughly doubles funding allocated to counties for public defense services, but Swaby said he still wishes the state would do more. (The Columbian files)

Washington’s budget boosts public defense funding

While Clark County’s chief public defender says he’s grateful the Legislature more than doubled funding for public defense services in its new budget, he still wishes the state would do more.

May 15, 2025
Officer Casey Handley of the Camas Police Department joins fellow participants in a “Mindful Agility” workshop as they meditate at Lacamas Lake Lodge on April 30. Members of the Camas Police Department trained with a mindfulness instructor during the two-day class to help improve mental and emotional health. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)

Refocusing with Mindfulness

The dashcam inside Camas police Officer Casey Handley’s patrol vehicle showed the Sept. 8 collision in real time. One minute, Handley was approaching a seemingly vacant intersection. The next minute, a vehicle coming from the opposite direction was turning into Handley’s path, giving the on-duty officer a split second to react.

May 15, 2025
Fireworks sit on shelves June 25 at Bomber Brothers Fireworks in Orchards, just north of Vancouver city limits. Fireworks are banned in Vancouver but not in unincorporated Clark County. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Clark County councilors discuss ban on fireworks

As local fire officials begin preparing for the Fourth of July fireworks season, county councilors are again discussing the merits of restricting fireworks use in unincorporated Clark County.

May 15, 2025
A notice of proposed development sign stands on the city of Camas’ Well 13 property off Southeast Cramer Lane on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A Camas hearings examiner will oversee a public hearing at 5 p.m. May 29 at Camas City Hall to consider the city’s plan to build a treatment facility on the Well 13 site to remove toxic PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” from the public drinking water well. (Kelly Moyer/The Columbian)

Camas well tainted by PFAS to return to service

To meet increased water demand during the summer months, the city of Camas plans to bring Well 13 back online this week, even though it has the city’s highest levels of toxic “forever chemicals.”