📰 What's Making News

City Manager Lon Pluckhahn Gains New Authority Over Downtown Hilton Operations

Vancouver's city council voted unanimously Monday evening to hand City Manager Lon Pluckhahn greater control over the executive director position at the Downtown Redevelopment Authority — the entity that owns and manages the Hilton Vancouver Washington hotel and convention center properties. It's a notable shift in how the city oversees one of its most visible downtown assets. The move signals that city leaders want tighter alignment between the DRA's operations and broader city goals. Read the full story at The Columbian.

$500 a Month Before Groceries: Clark County Seniors Face Crushing Health Care Costs

Julie Smith and Jack Simmons never see hundreds of dollars from their Social Security checks — roughly $500 each month vanishes into their Medicare Advantage plan before they can cover everyday expenses. A new deep-dive from The Columbian profiles Clark County seniors caught in what they call a "broken" system, where rising premiums and out-of-pocket costs eat into fixed incomes. Their stories put a local face on a challenge that's hitting our community's older residents especially hard. Read their stories here.

Washington's Snowpack Slides Back Into Trouble After Brief Rebound

Remember that gorgeous blanket of snow across the lowlands and mountaintops earlier this month? Don't get too comfortable — Washington's snowpack has dipped back into the red after a short-lived improvement. That matters here in Clark County because snowpack levels directly influence summer water supply and wildfire risk across the region. It's a story worth watching as we head into spring and summer. Get the latest numbers from The Columbian.

Never-Before-Seen Neil Armstrong Photos Surface 60 Years After Gemini 8 Emergency

Sixty years after Neil Armstrong barely survived a harrowing emergency aboard Gemini 8, newly discovered photos of his return have been donated to the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Ohio. The images capture the moments after Armstrong's capsule splashed down following the first critical in-space emergency in NASA history — years before his famous walk on the moon. It's a remarkable piece of space history that had been sitting unseen for decades. See the story and photos here.

Gallup: Most U.S. Workers Call This a Rough Time to Job Hunt

Despite a low national unemployment rate, Americans' outlook on the job market has turned surprisingly gloomy, according to a new Gallup poll. The data points to an ongoing hiring drought — employers are holding steady on existing staff but aren't opening many new positions. For anyone in the Vancouver area weighing a career move, the numbers suggest patience might pay off. Read the full Gallup findings here.

💬 Community Buzz

Columbia Springs Explores How Fixing Things Brings People Together

Here's a thought worth sitting with: what if repairing something broken is really about rebuilding connection? Columbia Springs recently shared their "Repair is Connection: Powered by People" piece, highlighting how hands-on restoration work — whether it's habitat, trails, or community spaces — creates bonds between the people doing it. If you've ever volunteered at a work party and walked away with a new friend (and muddy boots), you already know this feeling. It's a lovely reminder that Vancouver's nature spaces thrive because neighbors show up for them. Read the full piece from Columbia Springs here.

⚡ Quick Bites

Skyridge Middle School Rebuilds Library Wiped Out by 3,200-Gallon Flood

After a January 2024 winter storm burst pipes and sent thousands of gallons of water through Skyridge Middle School in Camas — destroying hundreds of books — the library collection has been rebuilt thanks to grants. Most of the science section was lost in the flood, which also damaged 22 classrooms. Read more from The Columbian.

SR 14 Camas Slough Bridge Closes Westbound Tonight

WSDOT crews will shut down westbound SR 14 at Exit 14 in Camas overnight Tuesday to collect bridge deck samples and plan future repairs. Detours will be in effect, so plan accordingly if you commute through east county. Details and detour routes here.

Washougal High Schoolers Design Power Grid Solutions for Clark PUD

Students at Washougal High School recently pitched energy infrastructure ideas directly to Clark Public Utilities experts, modeling how to balance future growth with clean energy goals and everyday reliability. Students Kaden Gabriel, Audrey Gale, and Bailey Burk were among those presenting. See what they proposed.

Rain Returns Today, but Warm Weekend Likely on Deck

A Pacific frontal system pushes inland across Southwest Washington today, ending our quiet streak. The silver lining: forecasters say another warm weekend may be ahead. Full forecast from The Columbian.

Clark County Wants District 4 Residents on Community Action Advisory Board

Clark County is recruiting applicants from District 4 to serve on the Community Action Advisory Board, which guides funding for housing programs and basic needs services. Preference goes to applicants from underrepresented communities — apply through the Clark County Public Service Center. Learn how to apply.

April Is Car Care Month: Gaynor's Automotive Says Start With Your Tires

With spring road-trip season approaching, local shop Gaynor's Automotive and AAA Washington recommend checking tire pressure, battery health, wipers, and air filters now. April is nationally recognized as Car Care Month. Get the full spring checklist.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, March 24

• How to Create a Research Plan and Stay Focused — Clark County Genealogical Society presents a genealogy workshop on setting clear research objectives and staying organized. 10–11:30 a.m. at 3205 N.E. 52nd St., Vancouver.
• Hidden Narratives at Corridor Gallery — New exhibit featuring the work of Brad Alderman and Jerre Teague. 5 p.m. at Corridor Gallery, 610 Esther St., Vancouver. Free.
• Ridgefield Art Association Monthly Meeting — Everyone welcome. 5–6 p.m. at the TMI Building, 101 Mill St., Ridgefield. Free.
• Teen & Adult Japanese Conversation Circle — Practice speaking Japanese in a group setting led by a volunteer. Ages 13+. 6 p.m. at Ridgefield Community Library. Free.
• Science Pub: The Dynamic Geology of Portland — Dr. Scott Burns talks about Portland's fascinating geologic history. 7–9 p.m. (doors at 6) at McMenamins Mission Theater, Portland. $8.
• Gardening in Tight Spaces Workshop — WSU Extension Master Gardener Teresa Moore shares tips on vertical gardens, container gardening, and hanging baskets. 7 p.m. Free.

Family & Kids

• Preschool Animal Alphabet Adventures — Preschoolers practice letters with an animal sensory bin activity. 3:30–4:15 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free; registration required at CamasPL.org/abcadventure.

Seniors

• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at Red Robin — Noon at Red Robin, 8311 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info.
• Vancouver's Forever Young Hikers Orientation Program — Required orientation including one hour of classroom time plus an easy 3–4 mile hike. 4 p.m. in Vancouver. Three hours total.

Wednesday, March 25

• Flourish Vancouver Networking — 8–9:30 a.m. at Keller Williams Realty, 2211 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free.
• Marshall House Tours — Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
• Providence Academy Tours — 10 a.m.–2 p.m. by reservation or walk-in at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free.
• Free Financial Planning Day — Complimentary one-on-one sessions with a certified financial planner at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Contemplative Prayer — Quiet music and prayer. 12:20–12:45 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free.
• Music Therapy Song Circle — Led by licensed music therapist Kelly Aloia. 1–2 p.m. at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 N.W. 129th St., Vancouver. Free.
• Wednesday Wanders at the Water Resources Education Center — Guided nature walk exploring ecosystems along the Columbia River. Great for families with kids 6+ and adults. 5 p.m. at 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver.
• Growing Vegetables: Where to Start — WSU Master Gardener Sara Clark covers planning, prepping, and planting for a bountiful harvest. 5 p.m. Free.
• Live Music at The Grant House — Willful Wine hosts solo musicians at 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver. 5–7 p.m. Free.
• Lenten Services — Soup at 5:30 p.m. followed by service at 6 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free.
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic — Read aloud original or favorite work and listen to featured poets. Doors at 6:15 p.m., readings 6:30–7:45 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free.
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom — CouveSwing hosts Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. Beginner lessons 6–7 p.m., social dancing 7–9 p.m. at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. $10.
• Yoga and Tea — Tiffany from Space to Bloom leads yoga at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. 6 p.m. $20; tea purchased separately.

Family & Kids

• Family Storytime (Ages 0–5) — Stories, songs, and fun activities. 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• Preschool Storytime (Ages 3–5) — Stories, songs, and activities. 11 a.m.–noon at Battle Ground Community Library. Free.
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities. Ages 5–12. 4–5 p.m. at Washougal Community Library. Free.
• Pajama Storytime (Ages 0–5) — Wear PJs and bring a stuffed animal for stories and songs. 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Free.

Teens

• Teen & Adult Magic: The Gathering Social Club — Open game play; decks provided or bring your own. 4–6 p.m. at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Free.
• Teen Magic: The Gathering Social Club — Ages 13–19. 4–6 p.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• Teen Songwriting Workshop — Songwriter Taylor Miranda teaches how to generate ideas, understand song structure, and share original music. 5 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free; registration required.
• Free How to Pay for College Workshop — WSU Vancouver hosts an online workshop on grants, scholarships, savings, and financial aid strategies. 5:30 p.m. Online.

Adults

• TOPS WA 1056 Meeting — Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 a.m., meeting 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

Seniors

• Enhance Fitness Classes — Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+. Sessions at 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 10–11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie.

Thursday, March 26

• Vancouver Quilt Club — See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books. Bring a current project. 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Craft Warehouse, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. Free.
• TOPS Meeting — 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Minnehaha Church of Christ, 3217 N.E. 54th St., Vancouver. Free.
• On The Road Tour with Master Gardeners: Spring Fever — Visit three nurseries or farms with the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program. 3 p.m.
• Catherine Creek Arch Loop Spring Hike — Washington Native Plant Society leads an easy 1.9-mile wildflower hike in the Gorge. 5 p.m.
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available. 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 176, 14011 N.E. 20th Ave., Vancouver.
• Move It on Over: Stories and Songs of Hank Williams — Music historian and folksinger Joel Underwood performs in the Providence Academy Chapel, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. 6–8 p.m. (doors at 5:30). $18 advance / $25 door. Note: this show is sold out.
• Heritage High School Thespians: Are We There Yeti? — A comedic play with music written by Heritage High School Principal Derek Garrison, set in 1905 Vancouver. 7 p.m. at Heritage High School.
• Guys and Dolls — Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents a pay-what-you-will performance. 7 p.m. at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School.
• Stumptown Stages: Avenue Q — Tony Award-winning musical. 7:30 p.m. at Brunish Theatre, Portland. $43–$79.
• Rhythm of the Dance — World and Irish champion dancers and traditional musicians in a two-hour extravaganza. 7:30 p.m. at Columbia Theatre, Longview. $23–$56.50.

Family & Kids

• Kids & Tweens Build It — Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.
• Preschool Grocery Store — Preschoolers explore a pretend grocery store through imaginative play. 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Camas Public Library. Free; registration required at CamasPL.org/grocery.
• Library Trivia Nights — Family-friendly trivia with refreshments. Play solo or with a team. 5–6:30 p.m. at Vancouver Community Library. Free.

Teens

• Tween & Teen Tabletop RPG Adventure — Play Dungeons & Dragons with a team. Ages 9–19. 4:30 p.m. at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Free.
• Teen & Adult Financial Literacy — IQ Credit Union covers budgeting and money management. Ages 13+. 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Battle Ground Community Library. Free.

Adults

• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bidding, slam bidding, and more. 10 a.m.–noon at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10–$50.