Klickitat County Sheriff’s Cooperation with ICE Raises Questions for Southwest Washington

Local Government

Klickitat County Sheriff’s Cooperation with ICE Raises Questions for Southwest Washington

Klickitat County’s sheriff says he is sending jail rosters to ICE despite a Washington law barring such cooperation. The admission raises statewide concerns, including for communities along the I‑5 corridor.

Source: The Columbian

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Mar 2, 2026

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Local Government

Clark County Jail Seeks Two‑Year Extension on Medical‑Services Contract With WellPath

Clark County is seeking a two‑year, $6.8 million‑per‑year extension of its jail medical‑services contract with WellPath—a decision that could influence regional jail health‑care costs, including in Cowlitz County.

Source: The Columbian

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Mar 2, 2026

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Federal Government

Southwest Washington Watches as Supreme Court Takes Up Case Linking Cannabis Use and Gun Rights

The Supreme Court is hearing a case that could determine whether cannabis users in states like Washington may legally possess firearms, a ruling with significant implications for Cowlitz County residents.

Source: KGW

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Mar 2, 2026

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Business and Economy

Regional Economic Forecast Event Puts Spotlight on Southwest Washington’s Outlook

The Columbian plans to host its annual economic forecast event on Thursday, offering insights that could shape understanding of regional trends affecting Southwest Washington, including Cowlitz County.

Source: The Columbian

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Mar 2, 2026

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Community

Battle Ground Seniors Build Digital Confidence with Help from Local Students

Battle Ground seniors are building confidence with smartphones and other devices through an intergenerational tech-skills class, according to reporting by The Columbian.

Source: The Columbian

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Mar 2, 2026

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Environment and Climate

State Wildfire Mapping Project Seeks Local Input as DNR Tours Communities, Including Those in Southwest Washington

Washington’s Department of Natural Resources is developing statewide wildfire risk and hazard maps and is asking residents— including those in Southwest Washington— to help shape how neighborhoods are assessed and classified.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Mar 2, 2026

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State Government

Northwest States Revisit Daylight Saving Time Debate as Clock Change Nears

With daylight saving time set to begin March 8, 2026, Oregon and Washington are again weighing the possibility of permanent daylight saving time — a decision with everyday consequences for Southwest Washington residents.

Source: KGW

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Mar 2, 2026

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Transportation and Infrastructure

WSDOT Schedules March 9 Start for Fish‑Passage Construction on SR 109

WSDOT says fish‑passage construction will begin March 9 on SR 109 between Taholah and Moclips, with lane reductions expected. The project expands the state’s ongoing work to restore salmon habitat and may affect coastal travel for local residents.

Source: Washington State Department of Transportation

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Mar 2, 2026

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State Government

Washington State PDC Plans Legislative Outreach Day on March 3

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission will host a public booth and brief lawmakers at the Capitol on March 3, focusing on campaign‑finance transparency and updates to statewide disclosure systems.

Source: Washington State Public Disclosure Commision

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Mar 2, 2026

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Federal Government

Federal Re-Detention of Admitted Refugees Raises Concerns in Southwest Washington

Refugee service organizations in Southwest Washington say families are growing anxious after new national reporting revealed that fully vetted refugees are being detained again upon arrival under a federal policy shift.

Source: KGW

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Mar 2, 2026

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Public Safety

Three Hospitalized After Vancouver Firefighters Free Occupants from Overturned Vehicle

Three people were hospitalized Friday after Vancouver firefighters rescued them from an overturned vehicle at NE 117th Avenue and NE 87th Street, highlighting ongoing safety concerns along major Southwest Washington travel corridors.

Source: KOIN

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Mar 2, 2026

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State Government

House Budget Proposal Threatens Urban Forestry Funding, Raising Local Concerns in Cowlitz County

State House budget cuts threaten Washington’s Urban and Community Forestry program, raising concerns about lost federal funding and potential impacts on vulnerable communities, including those in Cowlitz County.

Source: Washington State Standard

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Mar 2, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

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