📰 What's Making News

Camas Senior Cohen Butler Shatters State 3200 Record, Repeats as Champion

Cohen Butler of Camas made it look inevitable. The senior pulled away from the lead pack with two laps to go in Saturday's Class 4A boys 3200-meter race at Mount Tahoma High School and crossed the finish line in a state-meet record 8 minutes, 43.77 seconds — successfully defending his title in dominant fashion. If you've watched Butler race over the past two years, you know he has a knack for turning the final 800 meters into a solo performance. Read more from The Columbian.

Columbia River's 4x100 Relay Breaks School Record at State Meet

The Columbia River boys 4x100-meter relay team came into the season with one clear goal: break the school record. Mission accomplished — and then some. The squad posted a record-breaking time on Saturday at the 3A/2A state meet, earning a runner-up finish against top competition from across Washington. It's the kind of performance that cements a team in the school record books for years to come. Full details here.

Seton Catholic's Violet Heidt Collects Three Top-Five Finishes in Yakima

Violet Heidt of Seton Catholic had herself a day at the Class 1A/2B/1B state track and field meet in Yakima on Saturday. She grabbed a runner-up finish in the girls 200 meters and added two more top-five placings across her events. For a program like Seton Catholic, that kind of multi-event versatility at the state level is a serious statement heading into the offseason. Read more from The Columbian.

Seton Catholic Baseball Caps Best Season Ever with Third-Place State Finish

While we're talking about Seton Catholic, the school's baseball team wrapped up the most successful season in program history on Saturday. The Cougars topped Overlake/Bear Creek of Redmond 9-2 to claim third place at the 1A state tournament. That's the kind of milestone that changes the trajectory of a program — and gives next year's roster something concrete to build on. Full recap here.

Mark Morris Hurdler Elsie Herold Sets Meet Record She Didn't Even Know About

Here's the best part of Elsie Herold's day: she crossed the finish line in Saturday's Class 2A girls 300-meter hurdles final with both arms raised and a huge smile — and didn't yet realize she'd just set a meet record. The Mark Morris standout made history at the 3A/2A state meet, and her genuine surprise afterward made it even better. Sometimes the best moments in high school sports are the ones the athlete discovers after the fact. Read the full story.

Forward this to one Vancouver friend today — it's how we grow.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Columbia River Rapids Claim Third at State Soccer Tournament

Teagan Goaring netted two first-half goals and goalkeeper Aeden Pena stopped a late penalty kick as Columbia River beat Bellingham's Sehome 2-1 in the 2A state third-place match at Federal Way Memorial Stadium on Friday. Full recap here.

17-Unit Townhome Project Proposed for Bagley Downs

A Vancouver couple has filed plans for a 17-unit townhome development in the Bagley Downs neighborhood. Read more about the proposal.

Your Clark County Summer Events Calendar Is Here

The Columbian compiled a massive save-the-date list covering concerts, car shows, the Clark County Fair, and dozens more events running through June, July, and August. Bookmark-worthy for sure. Browse the full lineup.

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Launch "Under the Sea" Summer Reading

FVRL's summer reading program isn't just for kids anymore — adults can join in this year under the "Under the Sea" theme, with incentives to keep you turning pages all season long. Get the details.

Latest Clark County Health Inspection Results Posted

Health inspections from May 11-23 are now public, covering restaurants and food establishments across Clark County. Worth a quick scan before your next dinner out. Check the results.

Like what you're reading? Send it to a Vancouverite who should subscribe.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, May 31

• Vancouver Audubon's Youth Nature Photo Contest Deadline — Today is the last day for young photographers ages 8–18 to submit up to five nature photos taken in Clark, Skamania, or Klickitat counties. Four categories to enter, and it's free. Details here
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe leads a guided paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Perfect for beginners. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Your Sunday stop for fresh produce, local food vendors, and artisan goods right in the heart of downtown. Details here
• 2026 Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes: New & Remodeled — 11:00 AM at various locations. Tour beautifully finished projects from Clark County's top builders and remodelers, ask questions, and see the latest trends in home design. Details here
• Northwest Children's Theater Presents: You'll See — 11:00 AM at Northwest Children's Theater, Portland. A playful retelling of James Joyce's Ulysses for ages 8 and up, combining live performance, paper design, and an original score. Tickets $15–$20. Get tickets
• Sound Bath at The Lilith House — 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at The Lilith House, Vancouver. Rachel Fouts-Carrico leads a session with crystal singing bowls. Tickets $44.52. Details here
• HOPE Dementia Fundraiser Brunch with Taylor Family Farm — 11:00 AM. A four-course brunch supporting HOPE Dementia Support, featuring food from Taylor Family Farms. Two drinks per person included. More info
• Tandem Bike Clinic – NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. NWBA welcomes athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired to try tandem cycling. Details here
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game — 1:00 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team! Tickets and schedule
• God of Carnage by Starbird Theatre — 2:00 PM at The Sherman Auditorium, Vancouver. Catch the closing performance of this Tony Award–winning dark comedy starring Mary Reischmann, David Yake, Julia Archer, and Nathan Wright. Directed by Jay Hash. Tickets $23–$25. Get tickets
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák's New World Symphony — 3:00 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, Vancouver. The VSO closes its season with rising-star violinist Inés Issel Burzyńska performing Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, plus Adams' The Chairman Dances and Dvořák's beloved Symphony No. 9. Tickets $15–$63. Get tickets
• Healthy Kids Run Series – Spring 2026 — 4:00 PM at Pacific Community Park, Vancouver. A running series for kids ages 2–14 with divisions from 50-yard dashes to longer distances. Details here
• Lewis and Clark Young Marines Fiesta Fundraiser — 4:00 PM at the American Legion, Vancouver. Tacos, ice cream, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction to support the Young Marines. Adults $21.05, kids 10 and under $10.38. Details here
• Dorpon: A Bangla Adaptation of Hamlet — 5:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. A stunning village-set reimagining of Shakespeare performed in Bangla. Tickets $20–$50. Get tickets
• Luminary Dance Academy Presents: It's a Musical Night — 5:00 PM at Columbia Theatre, Longview. An evening of dance set to beloved musical numbers. Tickets $23–$27; children 0–3 free. Get tickets
• Dinner and Jazz with the Brent Follis Trio — 5:30 PM at The Grant House on Officers Row, Vancouver. Live jazz in the dining room at Willful Wine. $20 cover goes to the band. Reservations via OpenTable or 360-433-2206. Details here

Monday, June 1

• First of the Month Bird Walk — 7:30 AM. Join the Vancouver Audubon Society for a casual morning of spring birding — great for all skill levels. Check the VAS website for the meeting location. Details here
• SWWDSC Community Walk Abouts — 10:00 AM. The SW Washington Down Syndrome Community kicks off a new monthly walk series — a relaxed, family-friendly outing on the first Monday of each month. Meet by the softball fields. Details here
• HOPE Dementia Support Creative Art Experience — 11:00 AM at CDM Caregiving Services Building, Vancouver. Art instructor Tricia Hall guides participants with dementia through hands-on projects. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. Details here
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join the weekly lunch. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Vancouver. Bring a dish to share and enjoy good company. Call 360-892-8944 for details. Details here
• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Lace up any shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free, runs Mondays through August 31. Details here
• Summer Lecture Series with the Humane Society — 5:30–7:30 PM at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (East Vancouver location). This month's topic: Animal Sheltering & Shelter Medicine, featuring HSSW's Jenn Rylander and Dr. Sydney Lee. Free. Details here

Tuesday, June 2

• Who Do You Think You Are? Discovering Your Family Tree — 10:00–11:30 AM at Clark County Genealogical Society and Library, Vancouver. Professional genealogist Hannah Allan walks you through the steps and tools to research your family history. Free. Register here
• Mobility City Grand Opening — 10:00 AM at 9301 NE 5th Avenue, Suite 104, Vancouver. Join the Greater Vancouver Chamber for a ribbon cutting celebrating this locally owned mobility equipment shop from Kristin and Bill Babby. Details here
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Bring a piece or two of your own art to share, or just come for the creative camaraderie. Free. Details here
• 2026 Annual Luncheon with Community Foundation of Southwest Washington — 12:00 PM at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. A celebration of philanthropy and community engagement honoring the region's generous spirit. Details here
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself in a supportive setting. Free. Details here
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Free. Details here
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Writers of all levels gather for focused writing time — no critiques, just productive camaraderie. Free parking. Details here
• Pencils and Pints — 6:00–7:30 PM at A Beer at a Time, Camas. Sketch, doodle, or paint while sipping a local craft brew. Co-hosted by the Artisans Guild of Camas and Camas Public Library. Free, no registration needed. Details here
• Page Turners at Camas Public Library — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A monthly book club for 4th–6th graders and their adults. This month's read: Last Gamer Standing by Katie Zhao. Register, pick up the book, and keep it for free. Details here
• Mamma Mia! — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The timeless ABBA musical hits the stage — a mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and an unforgettable trip down the aisle. Tickets from $68. Get tickets
• Clark College Orchestra Spring Concert: "Connections" — 7:30 PM at Joyce Garver Theater, Camas. Directed by Dr. Rafael Rodriguez and featuring violin soloist Erasmo Solerti performing Gutiérrez' Violin Concerto, plus Schumann and Brahms. Free admission. Details here

Wednesday, June 3

• TOPS 1056 — 8:15 AM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting 9:30–10:30 AM. Call 206-915-4627 for info. Details here
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults age 60+ to build strength and stay active. Details here
• Lyle Cherry Orchard Day Trail Work Party — 8:30 AM. Help Washington Trails Association build a new staircase and install check steps on this trail. Note: poison oak is present in the area. Details here
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free, self-guided tours of one of the city's most iconic historic buildings. Details here
• 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. Details here
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. A midday pause with quiet music. Details here
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods every Wednesday. Details here
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. Details here
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. Details here
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Kids ages 5–9 build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. Details here
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19 welcome; decks provided. Free. Details here
• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Fantastic prizes, snacks, and friendly competition for the whole family. $10 residents / $12 non-residents. Details here
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. Details here
• Allen Ginsberg Centennial Reading — 7:00–9:00 PM at Mother Foucault's Bookshop, Portland. Hear a lineup of poets including Dan Raphael, Christopher Luna, and more reading Ginsberg poems on his 100th birthday. Free. Details here

Thursday, June 4

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. The seasonal market returns with over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. Details here
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic gem. Book a time
• Go With the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Ever wonder what happens after you flush? Find out on this indoor-outdoor walking tour. Ages 8+, closed-toed shoes required. Free. Details here
• WNPS Wildflower Hike – Falls Creek Falls — 10:00 AM. Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a 4-mile out-and-back hike with 750 feet of elevation gain, shade-loving wildflowers, and lunch at one of southern Washington's largest waterfalls. Contact Ron Klump at klumpron@gmail.com to sign up. Details here
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. This month features editing practice, writing exercises, and craft discussion. All experience levels welcome. Free. Details here
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver (Hazel Dell). Explore new paper crafting products, try out tools, and bring a recent project to share. Free. Details here
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 5–12 can spark their imaginations with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Free. Details here
• Nature Lovers Book Group — 4:00 PM. FVRL hosts a discussion of Close to Home by Thor Hanson. Adults 18+; register online to attend virtually or in person. Free. Details here
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and good vibes every Thursday for ages 13–19. Free. Details here
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Ages 9–19 can create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons. Free. Details here
• Recycling 201: Beyond the Curb — 5:00–6:30 PM at Waste Connections, Vancouver. Learn where to recycle plastic bags, appliances, bulky items, and how to handle household hazardous waste. Recycling 101 is a prerequisite. Free. Register here
• Clark County Youth House Art Show — 5:00–8:00 PM at Clark County Youth House, 1012 Esther St., Vancouver. "Beautiful Bonds" features canvas paintings, photography, multimedia artwork, handmade cards, and a coloring book by young artists. Light refreshments. Free. Details here
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for a fun, flat group ride exploring trails and neighborhoods. 5–10 miles at 10 mph. Bring a bike in good working order. Details here
• Journey Theater Presents: Seussical — 6:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat narrates Horton's big-hearted adventure in this joyful musical for young audiences. Tickets $16–$18. Get tickets
• Vancouver Audubon: The Extraordinary Lives of Common Nighthawks — 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, Vancouver. Science writer and biologist Gretchen Newberry reveals the hidden behaviors of these mysterious birds. Free. Details here
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society Meeting — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Vancouver. Consulting rosarian Leslie Mowers covers black spot and other rose care challenges, plus a recap of the 2026 Rose Show. Free. Details here
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all ages welcome. Win prizes — including an overnight lodge stay in the final blackout round. Details here
• [title of show] by Clark College Theatre — 7:30 PM at Clark College Decker Theater, Vancouver. A love letter to musical theatre and collaboration — two writers, three weeks, and one shot at a festival. Tickets free–$12. Get tickets

Friday, June 5

• Flora and Fauna Friday at Downs Neighborhood Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at 3217 N.E. 62nd Ave., Vancouver. Volunteer to spread mulch, pick up litter, and remove invasive plants. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Sign up here
• Coldwater Lake MTB Trail Work Party & Campout — 10:00 AM. Join Northwest Trail Alliance at Mt. St. Helens for trail work and a rare opportunity to camp overnight at Coldwater Lake (June 5–7). Space is limited. Details here
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly creative outlet for anyone. Free. Details here
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and the pool. Spectator admission $5–$10. Details here
• First Friday Sidewalk Open Mic at Magenta Theater — 4:00–6:00 PM at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Sing with a karaoke monitor, bring your instrument, or just come to enjoy the performances. Free. Details here
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield — 4:00–8:00 PM. Ridgefield Main Street launches its First Fridays series — shop, dine, and stroll downtown while businesses stay open late with special activities. Free; VIP packages available. Details here
• Unicorns, Rainbows and Mythical Beasts — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Camas. A family-friendly First Friday celebration with a sticker scavenger hunt, art receptions, after-hours shopping, costumes encouraged, and photo ops with friendly mythical beasts. Free. Details here
• CCHM After Hours — 5:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. A free evening at the museum. Details here
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM in Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, ages 14+. Details here

Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.