📰 What's Making News

Battle Ground Middle Schoolers Turn Dormant Paper Into a Growing Newsroom

Here's a story that just makes you feel good about the next generation. Rising eighth grader Rye Dilley and a crew of fellow students at Tukes Valley Middle School relaunched a dormant student publication last year — and one year later, they've built it into something much bigger than anyone expected. The student-led effort is part of a broader trend across Battle Ground Public Schools, where young journalists are finding their voices and honing real skills in the process. If you know a kid who loves to write, this is the kind of program worth knowing about. Full story from The Columbian.

Camas High Swim Alumni Meet Returns Friday at Gold's Gym

The Camas High School swimming program is hosting its second annual alumni meet this Friday, July 3, at Gold's Gym Camas. It's a chance for former Papermaker swimmers to jump back in the pool, reconnect with old teammates, and cheer on the current program. Events like this are what keep high school sports communities strong long after graduation day. If you're a Camas swim alum — or just love a good poolside reunion — mark your calendar. Details from The Columbian.

Little League State Tournaments Tip Off Sunday Across Washington

Summer ball is officially heating up. The first wave of Little League state tournaments begins Sunday, July 5, with Little League Softball in Chehalis and Intermediate Baseball in Pasco. For Clark County families with players eyeing the big stage, these early tournaments set the tone for a busy July of all-star competition statewide. Keep an eye on local rosters — our corner of Washington has a habit of sending strong squads. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Trail Blazers Land Ja Morant in Blockbuster Trade

Portland agreed to acquire two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. If you've got a Blazers fan in the house, expect some very loud texting tonight. Read more

Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is reminding pet owners that fireworks send more animals to shelters than any other time of year. Their top tips: update your pet's ID tags now, keep dogs indoors during shows, and create a calm, quiet space away from windows. Get the full list

Franklin County Farm Turns Cow Manure Into Renewable Gas

A $70 million project in Franklin County will convert dairy manure into renewable natural gas, backed by more than $5 million in state funding. It's one of the larger ag-energy ventures in Washington right now. Here's how it works

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, June 30

• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff — 9:30 AM at various FVRL Library locations. Silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation — totally free and totally fun. More info
• Blurock Beach Cleanup — 10:00 AM at Blurock Landing. Join Clark County Public Works for a volunteer litter cleanup at one of our favorite local beaches. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics — 12:00 PM, hybrid (online or in-person). A free RecycleU workshop covering what to recycle curbside and why. Bring your recycling questions! More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Red Robin — 1:00 PM at Red Robin, 8311 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive. A social lunch outing — call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Clay Worry Stones at Camas Public Library — 2:00 PM. Kids in K–5th grade can create pocket worry stones out of foam clay. Registration required. More info
• Science Heroes: Digging It! — 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. A hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction and wow moments. Free. More info
• Tie Dye Shirt Kids Camp Make & Take at Craft Warehouse — 2:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Kids create their own colorful tie-dye T-shirt right in the store — shirts, bands, and dye provided. $10. More info
• Summer Vendor Open House at Black Pearl on the Columbia — 2:00 PM–9:00 PM at 56 S. First St., Washougal. Tour the stunning 12,600-square-foot riverfront venue, meet event professionals, and enjoy views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. Free. More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure: Dungeon Master Workshop — 3:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Ages 9–19 can learn from a game master with 40+ years of experience. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Navigate an underwater-themed escape room with clever clues and puzzles. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Ages 9–19 can play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E — newcomers and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels with dedicated writing time and discussion. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration needed. Free. More info
• Beginner Crochet Bookmark Workshop at Craft Collective — 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Taught by Becka of Radiant Beans — learn to chain, single crochet, and create a handmade bookmark. $60. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 6:00 PM at 1919 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Free guided tours of the 79-acre historic farm with Master Gardener docents. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown summer collegiate baseball team. More info
• 3D Impressionism: Sculpting Motion from Plastic at OMSI — 6:30 PM at OMSI, Portland. Go behind the scenes of sculptor Sayaka Ganz's Reclaimed Creations exhibition with a meet-and-greet starting at 5:00 PM. Pay what you can. More info

Wednesday, July 1

• Camas Library Storywalk at Dorothy Fox Park — 8:00 AM. Follow the path through the park to read "So Tortoise Dug" by Emmy Kastner — a wonderful way to combine reading and the outdoors. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program designed for adults age 60+. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — Opens 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sculptor Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and fluid forms. On view through September 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free guided tours of this beautiful historic building. More info
• Creature Teachers — 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The Second Story Gallery's annual showcase of artwork from Camas School District high school students. On view all July. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM in Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses all month long. Completed passports earn prizes! Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6, pairing stories with nature activities. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — 1:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26 — catch the action on massive screens with stadium energy. More info
• Minions & Monsters Opening Day Event at OMSI — 2:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Showings at 2:00, 4:15, and 6:00 PM. Tickets include movie snacks, a beverage, door prizes, and a free future museum admission pass. $15–$20. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods every Wednesday. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive art projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Open game play with decks provided, or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Ages 5–9 can build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19, decks provided. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM. Intermediate lesson at 6:00, beginner lesson at 7:00, social dance 8:00–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Wild Wednesdays at the Oregon Zoo — 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. A 21+ evening with themed cocktails, keeper chats, live entertainment, and no daytime crowds. More info
• Northwest Youth Music Games at McKenzie Stadium — 6:00 PM at McKenzie Stadium, Vancouver. World-class drum corps and marching ensembles perform in Drum Corps International's Major League competition. $25–$60. More info

Thursday, July 2

• Longview Go 4th Festival — 9:00 AM at Lake Sacajawea Park, Longview. A multi-day Independence Day celebration with food vendors, a vendor marketplace, timber show, and more. Free. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Go With the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. See what happens to all the water that goes down your drains. Ages 8+, closed-toed shoes required. Free. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The beloved Tiny Art Show returns for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. On view all July. Free. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Editing practice, writing exercises, and feedback in a fun, welcoming environment. Free. More info
• Garrison Flag Raising at Fort Vancouver — 11:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A special raising of the historic Garrison Flag to celebrate Independence Day weekend. Free. More info
• Crown Park Grand Reopening — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Crown Park, Camas. Ribbon cutting, a Cowlitz Tribe blessing, bike rodeo with Camas Bikes, relay race, food, games, and more — a huge community celebration. More info
• Kites for Youth 2026 — 12:00 PM. A free community kite-flying event by Odyssey World International Education Services — bring the kids outdoors and watch their imaginations soar. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. Discover new paper crafting products, try out tools and techniques, and enter for door prizes. Free. More info
• Discover The Culinary Collective — 4:00 PM at 1012 Washington Street, Suite 120, Vancouver. Ribbon cutting for Vancouver's only dedicated kitchen store — explore premium kitchenware, unique ingredients, and gifts just in time for the holiday weekend. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 13–19, every Thursday. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons, ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join ride leader Charla Burke and the Vancouver Bicycling Club for fun, beginner-friendly group rides exploring trails, parks, and bike-friendly roads. 5–10 miles at 10 mph. More info
• Finishing Salts Workshop — 6:00 PM at Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. Learn blending techniques and flavor pairings, and take home your own custom finishing salts. $35. More info
• Macro Photography Online Workshop — 6:00 PM, online with Bird Alliance of Oregon. Wildlife photographer Brian Magnier covers gear, camera settings, and framing for stunning close-up nature shots. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs — 6:30 PM, online with the Washington Native Plant Society. Learn to draw beautiful wildflowers with colored pencils, guided by botanical artist Crystal Shin. More info
• Family Bingo at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM. Doors at 6:00 PM. Free, all ages welcome — win fun prizes and a grand prize overnight lodge stay in the blackout round. More info
• Descendants of a Revolution — 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. The Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series features John Russell and Peri Muhich sharing Revolutionary War family connections and genealogy tips. $5. More info

Friday, July 3

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM. In honor of Independence Day, entrance fees are waived at federal public lands across the U.S. — a great day to explore! More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM at SWWA Victory Garden. Join Urban Abundance for a Friday morning volunteer garden shift — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• Summer Reading Kick-Off: Happy 250th Birthday America! — 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Games, crafts, trivia, and prizes in this all-ages celebration. Free. More info
• HOPE Walk at Salmon Creek Trail — 10:00 AM. A gentle, welcoming walk for families, friends, care partners, and people living with dementia. RSVP required. More info
• Vancouver Celebrates America 250 — 12:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds. Live music, family games, food vendors, guided Marshall House tours, historic weapons demonstrations, and an evening screening of "A League of Their Own" under the stars. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative outlet — all welcome. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, bakers, live music, and local authors. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and pool access. $5–$10. More info
• Battle Ground America 250 Celebration — 4:00 PM–10:00 PM at Maddox Industrial Transformer, Battle Ground. Free hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy, bounce houses, costumed founding fathers, and a professional fireworks show at 9:45 PM. Free. More info
• Nature Lovers Book Group — 4:00 PM. Discuss "Flight Paths" by Rebecca Heisman. In-person and virtual options available. More info
• One Community, Many Hands: Celebrating America's 250th — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in Downtown Camas. First Friday fun with carnival games, a DJ, history trivia, art shows, apple pie, ice cream, and after-hours shopping. Free. More info
• Attic Gallery presents "America the Beautiful" — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at 419 N.E. Cedar St., Camas. Opening reception with live music, free cupcakes, and wine. More info
• Celebration of Youth Art — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Art by young artists ages 6–26, plus lemonade slushies by Sourpuss Lemonade. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Star-Spangled Banner Contest at Drop the Mic Karaoke — 6:00 PM at 224 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. Sing the national anthem for a chance to perform at local sporting events and win a $25 gift card. Sign-ups at 5:00 PM. Free. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay into mugs, vases, gnomes, or animal sculptures — no experience needed. $50. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info

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