📰 What's Making News

nLIGHT Lands $44M Contract, Plans Camas Hiring Spree

Camas-based laser manufacturer nLIGHT just scored a $44 million defense contract — and the company says it expects to expand its local workforce to keep up. That's real jobs coming to Clark County, not just a press release and a handshake. For a homegrown tech firm that's been quietly building its presence east of Vancouver, this is a significant milestone that puts Camas on the map in the advanced manufacturing space. Full story here.

Clark County Lavender Farms Hit Peak Bloom This Month

July is the moment for lavender lovers, and Clark County's farms are absolutely loaded with purple right now. From Battle Ground to Ridgefield to Brush Prairie, local growers are welcoming visitors to stroll the rows, snap photos, and stock up on lavender bundles and handmade goods. If you've been meaning to check one off your list, this is the weekend — peak bloom waits for no one. Find the farms here.

How Host Families Fuel the Ridgefield Raptors' Chemistry

Behind the Ridgefield Raptors' strong 20-7 first-half record is something you won't find in a box score: the local families who open their homes to players every summer. Host families like Tony and Jodi Rayburn, along with coaches like Chris Cota, are credited by players Jackson Weber and Joseph Jasso with building the kind of instant bonds that translate to wins on the field. It's a reminder that summer collegiate baseball in Ridgefield is as much a community effort as it is a sporting one. Read the full feature.

Clark Public Utilities CEO Salary Rises to $373,000

Clark Public Utilities' general manager and CEO is getting a 2 percent raise, bringing the total salary to $373,000. It's a modest bump in percentage terms, but the figure itself will likely catch some eyes given the utility's role serving nearly every household in the county. The increase was approved by the utility's commissioners. Details from The Columbian.

Raptors Drop Seventh Straight as Pitching Woes Continue

It's been a rough stretch at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. The Raptors fell 13-10 to Portland on Thursday night, extending their losing streak to seven games despite a strong first half that had fans buzzing. Pitching has been the culprit — Ridgefield has allowed at least nine runs in six consecutive outings. The series continues this weekend at home, so there's still time to turn things around. Recap here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Clark County Needs 4 Clean Water Commission Volunteers

Clark County is looking to fill four open seats on its Clean Water Commission, which advises Public Works on stormwater management and watershed health. Terms begin as soon as appointments are approved — here's how to apply.

Reinstated After False Accusation, Amanda Gonzales Shifts to Virtual Teaching

Battle Ground High School social studies teacher Amanda Gonzales has been reinstated eight months after being terminated over student accusations that were later proved false. She'll move to Battle Ground's virtual academy this fall. Full story here.

Seahawks Ownership Race Narrows to Two Bidding Groups

The competition to buy the Seattle Seahawks is reportedly down to just two ownership groups, according to Front Office Sports. Read the latest on the sale.

Washington's Time Capsule for 2276: Stone Apples, Glacier Photos, ORCA Cards

The state's federal delegation picked items for a 250-year time capsule, including an apple carved from Tenino stone, a photo of Mount Rainier's Nisqually Glacier, and a commemorative FIFA World Cup ORCA card. See the full list.

Latest Clark County Restaurant Inspection Scores Posted

Clark County Public Health released its July 10 restaurant inspection scores — lower is better, and a perfect score is 0. Check how your favorite spots did.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, July 11

• Clark County Parks & Nature – Fee Free Day: National Wildlife Day – 7:00 AM. Enjoy free access to your regional parks in celebration of National Wildlife Day. More info
• La Center Our Days: Steamboat Celebration – 8:00 AM. La Center's premier summer tradition kicks off with a city-wide garage sale running 8:00 AM–4:00 PM throughout downtown La Center. Free. More info
• Youth Photographers CAMERADERIE Field Trip with Vancouver Audubon – 8:00 AM at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Young photographers ages 10–18 are invited to explore one of Southwest Washington's best birding hotspots with seasoned photographer guides. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a guided birding walk at the Carty Unit of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. The flagship market is open year-round — shop local produce, artisan goods and more. More info
• Vancouver GoFest Celebration 2026 – 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park and Downtown Vancouver. This free, all-ages Pokémon-themed festival returns for its fourth year with a Kids Zone, interactive activities and local business tie-ins. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail, Vancouver. A free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run or volunteer. All ages, all abilities, dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Garlic Growing Workshop – 9:00 AM–10:30 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a hands-on session on choosing, planting, harvesting and storing garlic. Take home a clove with planting instructions. $10. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville Walking Tour (Early) – 9:00 AM at Parker's Landing National Historic Site, Washougal. Explore one of Washington's oldest incorporated communities with the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. More info
• C10s at the Lake Classic Truck Show – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Lake Regional Park. Classic trucks from 1998 and older, food vendors, coffee and shave ice. Spectators free; truck registration $25. More info
• Muscle Car Mania – 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Liberty Bible Church, Salmon Creek. The Evergreen Mustangs Car Club presents its 10th annual show with classic and custom muscle cars, raffles, vendors and a K-9 demo. Spectators free. More info
• Kiwanis Multi-Family Yard Sale – 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, Vancouver. The Salmon Creek Kiwanis Club fundraiser features furniture, household items, tools, kids' clothing and toys. Cash only. More info
• Second Saturday Work Party at Jane Weber Arboretum – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 9215 SE Evergreen Highway, Vancouver. Volunteer to help maintain the arboretum grounds; refreshments follow. Free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play — great for newcomers. More info
• Vintage Car Show at Vancouver Elks Lodge – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 11605 SE McGillivray Blvd., Vancouver. Trophies for Men's Choice, Women's Choice and People's Choice, plus raffles and door prizes. Free to spectators. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle – 10:00 AM–11:00 AM at Hook and Needle Fiber, downtown Vancouver. Becka of Radiant Beans teaches ages 10+ the basics of crochet — make your own bookmark. Supplies included. $45. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table and historic airplanes. Free admission, all ages. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus – 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic and plate spinning — free and fun for the whole family. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair – 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. An outdoor makers market featuring local vendors with skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts and more. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days – 10:00 AM–midnight at Amboy Territorial Park. The 66th annual celebration features artisan vendors, food, a silent auction, kids' zone, live music and a beer garden. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Summer Series: Skatepark Pop-Up – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Riverside Bowl Skatepark, Camas. Rose City Rollers brings gear and skating support; 360 Grindz provides giveaways. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Lake Native Plant ID Walk – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen leads a one-mile walk identifying native plant species. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver waterfront. See Abby Ketcham's expressive stuffies and Carson Legree's vibrant mythological paintings. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Lavender U-Pick and Farm Stand – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at 6203 NW 172nd St., Ridgefield. Pick your own lavender bundles, sip lavender lemonade and browse handcrafted lavender products. Free. More info
• Frogs & Friends: Life in the Lagoon Workshop – 10:00 AM at 29610 SE 23rd St., Washougal. Good Year Farms and Frog & Twig teach native frog habitat creation. Brunch included; registration required. More info
• Volunteer Gardening at Heritage Farm – 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for a morning of outdoor volunteering at Heritage Farm. No experience needed, everyone welcome. More info
• Liquidation and Rummage Sale at Elks Lodge – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge, 11605 SE McGillivray Blvd. Clothes, housewares, home décor, furniture and vintage finds. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 5–12 spark their STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks and other building materials. Free. More info
• Intro to 3D Design – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Ages 13+ learn the basics of Tinkercad, a free web-based 3D design tool. Free. More info
• Spanish Storytime – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Bilingual stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. Free, no registration required. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families use their five senses to explore Sasquatch science. Bilingual program. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville Walking Tour (Late) – 11:00 AM at Parker's Landing National Historic Site, Washougal. $10. More info
• Silver Stacking Rings Workshop – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry teaches metalsmithing basics — make three sterling silver rings. Ages 18+. $120. More info
• Clark County Heritage Organization Fair – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Meet the groups preserving local landmarks, family histories and traditions. Free. More info
• North Clark Historical Museum: Territorial Days Exhibit – 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at 21416 NE 399th St., Amboy. Explore Territorial Days through the years and the 140th anniversary of the Amboy Post Office. Free. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Vancouver Flex Academy. Fourth Plain Forward brings free art and nature activities as part of its summer series. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Masterpoints) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave – 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, drop-in paper collage session every second Saturday. Bring supplies or use what's there. More info
• Pokémon GOFest Party at Drop the Mic – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM at Drop the Mic Karaoke, 224 NE Third Ave., Camas. Team meet-ups, lure party walk, raffles, trading hour, food and drinks. All ages, free. More info
• Vancouver Community Library's 15th Birthday Celebration – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. Free. More info
• Open Door Stitchery Circle – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM at North Clark Historical Museum, Amboy. Bring your quilting, knitting or fiber arts project and work alongside fellow makers. Free. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL – 2:00 PM. Join a monthly community gathering to branch out and discuss the best gardening techniques for our region. Free. More info
• Teen Creative Crafts: Decorate Your Own Water Bottle – 2:30 PM–4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19 customize water bottles with craft supplies; snacks provided. Free. More info
• Mahjong Summer Social – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School, Ridgefield. Chinese Mahjong for a fun summer evening. Free. More info
• As You Like It – Shakespeare in the Park – 6:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. MPA's Community Theater presents its 8th annual summer Shakespeare touring show. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: Glitter & Gasoline – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sternwheeler Park, La Center. Rock, blues, funk and Americana at La Center's family-friendly concert series. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duets – 6:00 PM. Annie Averre (vocals, guitar) and Steve Christofferson (piano) perform, with wood-fired pizzas made on-site. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown summer baseball team. More info
• The Gallery: An Original Dance Production by Groove Nation Performing Arts – 6:30 PM. A magical story brought to life through dance, featuring the five elements of imagination, memory, emotion, movement and inspiration. More info
• Karaoke with The Party People – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. All ages, free. More info
• Poetry Night Featuring Poetry about Malcolm X – 7:00 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. An evening of spoken word, poetry and community conversation exploring themes of empowerment and self-determination. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance – 7:00 PM at 9212 NE Highway 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing — ballroom, Latin, swing and country. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails and live local music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Hot Summer Nights: Perennial – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM at The Neighborhood Refuge, Ridgefield. Live music, food and craft cocktails. $5 cover. More info
• Saturday Night Karaoke at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Show off your pipes or cheer on fellow singers. More info

Sunday, July 12

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp – 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to a scenic outdoor location for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. Free. More info
• Learn About Native WA Bats – 10:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Discover local bat species, their role in pollination and how to protect them. Free; registration required. More info
• Science Heroes: Digging It! – 12:00 PM at Vancouver Mall Community Library. A hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction and wow moments. Free. More info
• Columbia Tech Center Sunday Sounds Concert: Aaron Meyer – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center Park, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Concert rock violinist Aaron Meyer kicks off the summer series with a classical-meets-rock fusion performance. Free, all ages. More info

Monday, July 13

• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00 AM–11:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on early literacy activities for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points and enter to win prizes all summer long (through Aug. 14). More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day – 10:00 AM at Heritage Farm. Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo hosts weekly Monday volunteering rooted in stewardship, shared labor and food access. More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Crown Park, 120 NE 17th Ave., Camas. Bring a blanket and enjoy an outdoor family storytime. All ages, free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome. Free. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30 PM–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Learn line dances for fun and exercise — any footwear welcome. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Monday: The Croods – 2:00 PM–4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Registration required. Free. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30 PM–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Story Explorers Book Club – 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A monthly book discussion group for 2nd–3rd graders and their grown-up. You keep the book — for free! Limited to 12 spots. More info

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