The Columbian

Newsletter

A national report ranks Washington 33rd in the nation for preschool enrollment for 4-year-olds.

Washington 33rd in U.S. on preschool access, reinforcing assertions of Clark County education leaders

May 2, 2024, 6:07am Clark County News

A recent national study found Washington falls behind in preschool access compared with other states, reinforcing the assertion from local education leaders that the demand for early-learning programs has far outpaced funding. Read story

Leah Perkel, from left, puts a serving spoon into a dish while Monica Zazueta prepares a plate. They attended Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s Wednesday workshop that taught people how to safely serve food to homeless people. Participants brought recipes that work for large groups.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle hosts class on properly cooking, serving food for homeless people

May 2, 2024, 6:05am Clark County Health

When someone asked Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle if it was true you could only serve food to homeless people from a commercial kitchen, she knew she had to do something. Read story

The lively Oregon Mandolin Orchestra, led by Christian McKee (center), features many Clark County players, including Andy Blitzer of Ridgefield (right of McKee).

Step aside ukulele, mandolin madness comes to Vancouver

May 2, 2024, 6:05am Clark County Life

For the past decade or two — and especially since a simplified mash-up of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” became maddeningly popular in the early 2000s — the ukulele has enjoyed a prolonged cultural moment as everybody’s favorite little musical buddy. Read story

Patrick Timm is a local weather specialist. His column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Weather Eye: Plan indoor activities, because weekend will be rainy

May 2, 2024, 6:01am Clark County News

How was your first day of May? Weather-wise, we had a brief break in the action with only scattered sprinkles here and there. April goes into the record books as a mild and dry month. Read story

Fort Vancouver High School counselor Jennifer Pongracz, from left, the governor’s senior education and college access policy advisor Maddy Thompson, Washington State University Vancouver representative Edward Esparza, Washington Student Achievement Council’s Sam Washington, and Gov. Jay Inslee sit on a panel Wednesday about the federal application for college aid at Fort Vancouver High School.

FAFSA delays put Clark County students in a bind; without financial aid amounts, school choices delayed

May 1, 2024, 6:19pm Clark County News Subscriber Exclusive

May 1 each year is National College Decision Day — an unofficial holiday when high school seniors announce or celebrate what university or technical college they plan to attend in the fall. Read story

Despite a loss in its first quarter, BBSI executives called the company’s start to the year strong.

Despite net loss in first quarter, executives at Vancouver-based BBSI feeling optimistic

May 1, 2024, 5:14pm Business

Despite a loss in its latest earnings statement, Barrett Business Services Inc. executives were optimistic after their first quarter. Read story

Gov. Jay Inslee, from left, talks with junior and environmental club president Isaac Segal, 17, as he stops by with Department of Ecology staff to hear about air quality monitoring being conducted at a station at Mountain View High School on Wednesday morning. The site is owned and operated by the Department of Ecology in partnership with the school and the Southwest Clean Air Agency.

Gov. Jay Inslee visits air quality monitoring site at Mountain View High School

May 1, 2024, 3:34pm Clark County News

Students in the Mountain View High School environmental club are passionate about reducing waste and keeping the air clean. Read story