Castle Rock Schools Briefly Enter Secure Status After Pickup Authorization Concern

Education

Castle Rock Schools Briefly Enter Secure Status After Pickup Authorization Concern

Castle Rock Elementary and the Castle Rock Early Childhood Center briefly entered secure status on February 24 after staff reported concerns about an unauthorized pickup attempt. The district says the situation was resolved without incident within about 30 minutes.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Local Government

Cowlitz County Ends Humane Society Sheltering Contract, Leaving Unincorporated Areas Without Services

Cowlitz County commissioners have ended the county’s animal‑sheltering contract with the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, leaving unincorporated areas without sheltering services when the agreement expires this weekend.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Federal Government

Federal Push to Ban DHS Full‑Body Restraints Raises Questions for Southwest Washington

A new bill in Congress responding to an Associated Press investigation into DHS’s use of the WRAP restraint device could shape future oversight and affect how federal custody practices impact Southwest Washington residents.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Business and Economy

Remembering Bernardus “Benno” Dobbe, Influential Floricultural Leader With Ties to Southwest Washington

Bernardus “Benno” Dobbe, a longtime leader in the regional floral industry with ties to Southwest Washington commerce, passed away on Feb. 5, 2026, according to an obituary published by The Reflector.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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State Government

State Rep. Michelle Valdez Announces She Will Not Seek Seventh Term

State Rep. Michelle Valdez of Gig Harbor will not seek a seventh term in the Washington House, a decision that could influence statewide legislative dynamics affecting Southwest Washington.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Public Safety

Clark County Deputies Arrest Suspect After Woman Found Dead in Wooded Area

Clark County law enforcement arrested 66-year-old Andrew Brunette after the body of 34-year-old Tori Garza was found in a wooded area. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Federal Government

Portland ICE Confrontation Raises Questions for Local Communities Along the I‑5 Corridor

A Portland 911 call involving an ICE officer has sparked renewed regional concern about federal–local enforcement dynamics, with implications for communities along the I‑5 corridor in Southwest Washington.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Public Safety

Woman’s Body Found in Eastern Clark County; Woodland Man Arrested on Murder Charge

A woman’s body found in eastern Clark County earlier this month led investigators to arrest a Woodland man on murder and related charges, according to law enforcement and local reporting.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Healthcare

Wahkiakum County Restores 24/7 Healthcare Kiosks, Renewing Rural Access Options

Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services has reinstated two 24/7 healthcare kiosks, including one beneath the Cathlamet Public Library and another at Johnson Park, expanding after‑hours care options for rural residents.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Community

Vancouver Outreach Effort Uses Art and Small Comforts to Build Trust in Homeless Encampments

A Vancouver nonprofit is using art supplies and sweet treats to build trust during twice‑weekly visits to a homeless camp, a strategy that may offer insights for outreach efforts in Southwest Washington.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Law & Justice

Family Files Lawsuit Over King County Jail Death, Alleging Neglect During Severe Illness

A newly filed lawsuit alleges that a 58-year-old woman died in King County’s jail after days without adequate medical care, raising broader questions about jail health standards across Washington.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Transportation and Infrastructure

Dense Fog and Patchy Ice Possible Along I‑5 Corridor Wednesday Morning

A National Weather Service advisory reported by KGW warns of dense fog and possible icy patches Wednesday morning, with conditions potentially affecting drivers in Cowlitz County along the I‑5 corridor.

The Feed

Feb 25, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Jefferson County’s Prosecutor Shortage Raises Questions for Rural Justice Systems