Washougal News

VANCOUVER, Wash. - State Senator Don Benton, a Republican from Vancouver, will run for United States Senate - vying with six other Republicans to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Patty Murray.

Benton, who has represented Clark County in Olympia since 1994, said he intends to run a "clean and lean" campaign.

"For the last three weeks," said Benton in a press release distributed to KATU, "I've been drawing on my statewide network of contacts established when I was State Republican Party chairman to start a terrific grassroots campaign."

Benton also has retained the consulting team behind Scott Brown's unexpected victory in Massachusetts.

Benton says he has never voted for a tax increase and will no "be beholden" to special-interest groups.

Feb. 6 is the final day of Washougal High School drama program's presentation of The Awesome 80s Prom.

As you enter the prom, you will be given the choice of interactive tables or non-interactive tables. At the interactive tables, the characters will talk to you and treat you as one of their classmates! Scenes will take place all around the room, so everyone will
have their own unique experience during the evening.

It's $6 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

With a high percentage of people out of work in Clark County and related reports of hardship, Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart is urging members of the community to bring donations of non-perishable food to the 2010 State of the County event Feb. 4.

The Salvation Army will have representatives on hand to collect donations and forward them to local food banks as people gather. The annual program is set for 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Skyview High School. There is no charge to attend.

Stuart will deliver the State of the County address after the full Board of County Commissioners recognizes volunteers for extraordinary efforts in 2009. Without hundreds of volunteers helping to serve the public, difficult times would be even more difficult for many.

For those unable to attend, the program may be viewed later on Clark-Vancouver Television, Channels 21 and 23.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the 2010 Sheriff's Citizen Academy will begin March 3.

The academy is designed to give participants a general overview of the Sheriff's Office as well as the local law and justice system. A series of twelve consecutive classes will be held each Wednesday evening, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex (West Precinct), 505 NW 179th Street, near the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Topics will include patrol functions/specialty units, canine unit, drug task force, crime scene investigation, the court system, a jail tour, 911 center, the firing range and other presentations.

The academy is provided at no cost to attendees and is limited to 35 participants. All applicants are subject to a basic criminal history check. Interested citizens should submit an application which will consist of a letter of interest briefly describing the desire to attend, full name, address, date of birth, home and cell phone numbers and email address.

All letters of application must be received by Feb. 24.

Mail to:

Clark County Sheriff's Office
P.O.