Lauren Ellenbecker
The Columbian
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Past articles by Lauren:
Clark Public Utilities divvies up $25 million
After another year of upholding conservative budgets and strict spending habits, Clark Public Utilities decided how to distribute $25 million from its 2022 electric surplus toward future developments. → Read More
Gifford Pinchot may increase recreation fees at trailheads, campsites, cabins
After months of gathering public input, the U.S. Forest Service is moving forward with its request to increase or add recreation fees at 36 trailheads, campsites and cabins, and other recreation hubs in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. → Read More
Clark County asked to OK gravel pit east of Washougal
A gravel pit that has been involved in years of disputes and lawsuits is in the public eye once again, as its owner and operator request approval to continue mining at the site. → Read More
Dog Mountain parking permits online March 1
In light of Dog Mountain’s popularity during peak wildflower season, hikers should consider securing a parking spot ahead of time. → Read More
Reducing household waste focus of Clark County’s annual WasteBusters challenge
There’s an overwhelming list of tasks to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, but meaningful action can begin with simply minimizing waste. → Read More
Fruit Valley terminal site to be cleaned up
A Fruit Valley terminal site will soon see a cleanup plan address its petroleum-contaminated soil that was discovered more than two decades ago. → Read More
Quick-hit snow event expected overnight in Clark County
Winter is hitting Vancouver with a bang but a moderate fizzle. → Read More
Public comment opens for NuStar cleanup site in Fruit Valley
The Washington Department of Ecology opened its public comment period through March 10 concerning the NuStar Annex Terminal cleanup site. → Read More
PacifiCorp Energy prepares for seismic retrofit of Yale Lake’s Saddle Dam
An unassuming grassy slope at the southern edge of Yale Lake on the North Fork Lewis River plays a crucial role in preventing the 3,780-acre reservoir from pouring into the land below. → Read More
State offering $35M in grants for solar power
More than $35 million in grants is up for grabs for Washington municipalities seeking to give a boost to their solar base. → Read More
Vancouver seeks local knowledge about trees
The city of Vancouver is soliciting insight from the community about local trees to use toward the creation of its Urban Forestry Management Plan. Project staff will kick off their first public engagement efforts via two “Let’s Talk Trees” virtual workshops from noon to 1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. on Jan. 25. → Read More
Joe Kent to run for 3rd District seat in 2024
Republican Joe Kent announced today he will run in 2024 to represent Southwest Washington in Congress after having just lost his bid to secure the same seat in Novembermonths ago. → Read More
Vancouver City Council endorses affordable housing levy
Vancouver City Council on Monday unanimously approved a resolution supporting Proposition 3, a tax levy of about 30 cents per $1,000 in assessed value lasting 10 years. → Read More
Vancouver police officers to see 6 percent raise
Members of the Vancouver Police Officers Guild will see a 6 percent pay increase in 2023 along with other benefits following the guild’s contract approval with the city of Vancouver. → Read More
Battle Ground contractor to pay $25K fine
Years after a Battle Ground contractor released polluted stormwater into a tributary of the East Fork Lewis River, the company now must pay thousands for its violations. → Read More
Application process opens for Vancouver traffic calming projects
Residents seeking better street safety in their neighborhood can now request such improvements through the city of Vancouver’s 2023 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. → Read More
Washington’s two key climate standards are now in effect
As the new year begins, so do Washington’s two key climate strategies. → Read More
Southwest Washington public safety, infrastructure projects marked for funds in 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
More than a dozen Southwest Washington initiatives will soon see federal funding designed to improve infrastructure and public safety following the passage of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. → Read More
Kent concedes 3rd District race to Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
Republican Joe Kent officially on Wednesday conceded the race to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District after being defeated by Rep.-elect Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. → Read More
Vancouver raises city manager’s pay by 8.25%
After receiving a positive job performance evaluation, Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes will receive a $24,180 pay bump. → Read More