Court Ruling Keeps Western Gray Squirrel Habitat Case Alive, With Implications for Southwest Washington

Environment and Climate

Court Ruling Keeps Western Gray Squirrel Habitat Case Alive, With Implications for Southwest Washington

A state appeals court has revived a case seeking to require Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to identify and protect habitat for the threatened western gray squirrel, a decision that could influence land management practices across southwest Washington.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Public Safety

Thurston County Deputies Arrest Eight‑Time Felon After Wrong‑Way Pursuit

Thurston County deputies arrested an eight-time felon after a wrong-way pursuit Saturday night, highlighting ongoing regional concerns about high‑risk driving and repeat offenders.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Business and Economy

Everett’s Crackdown on Unpermitted Food Vendors Raises Questions for Southwest Washington

Everett’s new crackdown on unpermitted food vendors highlights growing regional questions about health enforcement, worker safety, and street‑level competition—issues with potential implications for cities across southwest Washington.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Education

Ridgefield School District acknowledges release of unredacted student records

Ridgefield School District confirmed it accidentally released unredacted student records in a public records response, calling the incident a “good faith error.”

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Feb 16, 2026

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Community

Clark County Resident Crowned Miss Wheelchair Washington 2026

DeLena Perry of Clark County has been crowned Miss Wheelchair Washington 2026, a role centered on disability advocacy with potential regional significance for southwest Washington communities including Cowlitz County.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Local Government

Vancouver launches series of community presentations on long‑term growth plan

Vancouver is launching four community presentations to discuss its 20‑year land‑use and growth plan, offering residents multiple opportunities to review draft planning materials and provide feedback.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Public Safety

Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Four Hospitalized

Two people were killed and four hospitalized after a shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink Monday afternoon, according to police. The incident raises broader questions about safety in public recreation spaces, including those in Cowlitz County.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Business and Economy

Reflector’s Community Awards Return to Recognize Clark County Contributors

The Reflector’s annual “Best of the Best” awards have returned, recognizing standout businesses and community members in Clark County with regional implications for southwest Washington, including neighboring Cowlitz communities.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Arts and Culture

Four Major Cultural and Religious Observances Converge This Week — Here’s What It Means for Cowlitz County

Four major cultural and religious observances—Lunar New Year, Fat Tuesday, Ramadan, and Lent—converge this week. Here’s how the rare overlap is being experienced in Cowlitz County.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Federal Government

Oregon’s Escalating Immigration Clashes Raise Questions Across the Columbia River

Escalating federal immigration enforcement in Oregon is prompting divided responses among state Republicans—and raising concerns for Southwest Washington residents who regularly cross the Columbia River for work, travel, and medical care.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Community

What’s Open and Closed in Cowlitz County on Presidents Day 2026

Government offices, schools, banks, and mail services across Cowlitz County are closed for Presidents Day, while most retailers remain open.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Public Safety

Two Hikers Airlifted After Avalanche Chute Fall on Mt. Ellinor

Two hikers were airlifted from Mt. Ellinor on Sunday after a fall in an avalanche chute prompted a multi‑agency rescue hindered by winter weather, according to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

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Feb 16, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Vancouver Survivor’s Story Resonates Across Southwest Washington