📰 What's Making News

Evergreen Teachers, District Seal Five-Year Contract

Evergreen Public Schools and its teachers union have agreed on a new five-year contract covering the 2026-27 school year and beyond — a notable stretch of labor peace for Clark County's largest school district. The deal covers teachers and staff across the system, and the multi-year length suggests both sides found enough common ground to skip the annual bargaining cycle. For Evergreen families, it means fewer disruptions and more stability heading into next fall. Read more from The Columbian.

$2.4M Loan Fund Targets Fourth Plain Small Businesses

Vancouver just launched a $2.4 million Revolving Loan Fund aimed squarely at small businesses along the Fourth Plain corridor that can't get traditional bank financing. The city partnered with Business Impact NW, a Community Development Financial Institution, to administer the program, which will offer flexible loans for working capital and equipment. Kyle Lovell and Victor Saldanha are among those leading the effort, which ties into Vancouver's Five-Year Economic Development Strategy. If you know an entrepreneur on Fourth Plain who's been turned away by a bank, this is worth a share. Full details at Clark County Today.

Waterfront Condos Crack the EV Charging Problem

Columbia Shores Condominiums on the Vancouver waterfront just installed new EV charging technology that lets dozens of electric vehicles charge simultaneously — without the millions in infrastructure upgrades that usually make condo charging a nonstarter. For the growing number of EV owners stuck in apartments and shared-garage buildings, this could be a model worth watching. The setup uses affordable hardware that works within the building's existing electrical capacity. The Columbian has the breakdown.

Six SAR Teams Run Simulated Crash Rescue Across Three Counties

Six search-and-rescue teams from Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties gathered for a joint training exercise simulating a downed aircraft requiring both daytime and nighttime rescue operations. Clark County Sheriff's Office SAR, Silver Star Search and Rescue, and the Volcano Rescue Team were among the crews deploying K9 units, drone operators, mounted units, and technical rope rescue specialists. The exercise, coordinated by Ron Black, tested unified command and field communications across jurisdictions — the kind of behind-the-scenes preparation you hope never gets used for real. Clark County Today has the full story.

Want a Say in Downtown Parking? Vancouver Needs One Volunteer

Vancouver's Parking Advisory Committee has a mid-term seat open, and the city is looking for a resident willing to help shape parking policy in the downtown core. The committee weighs in on everything from residential needs to business access, and it's one of those unglamorous civic roles that quietly affects daily life for thousands of people. Applications are due July 15, 2026 — plenty of time to throw your name in. Details and application info at Clark County Today.

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

⚡ Quick Bites

Sockeye Returns to Bonneville Dam Fall Below Half of Forecast

WDFW now projects sockeye salmon returns at Bonneville Dam will come in at less than half the pre-season forecast of 275,000 fish, triggering emergency fishing rule changes on the Columbia River. If you fish the lower Columbia or upriver stretches near Hanford Reach or Brewster Pool, check the latest closures before heading out. Full details at Clark County Today.

Nippon Paper Reroutes Production After Longview Tank Collapse

Nippon Paper Group is sourcing base paper from suppliers across two continents and leaning on its Japan plants after the catastrophic tank collapse took its Longview facility offline. The shift affects production plans across the company's global network. Read more at The Columbian.

Washington Adds 10,000 Jobs in May, Unemployment Holds at 5.2%

The state posted its strongest single-month job gain of 2026 in May — roughly 10,000 new positions — though the overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 5.2%. Here's the breakdown from The Columbian.

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, June 19

• Washington State Parks Fee Free Day – Juneteenth – 6:00 AM – No Discover Pass needed! Explore millions of acres of Washington's stunning outdoors for free in honor of Juneteenth. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM – Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie – Free group exercise classes for older adults (age 60+), held Wednesdays and Fridays with sessions at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of SW Washington. More info
• Friends of Washougal Library Book Sale – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM – Bethel Community Church, Washougal – Thousands of gently used books: paperbacks $1, hardcovers $2, children's books $1 or less. Proceeds support a new Washougal Community Library building. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM – Join Urban Abundance for a Friday morning volunteer garden shift at the SWWA Victory Garden. Good people, good cause, gorgeous weather. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour – 9:30 AM – Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – Bring your four-legged companion for a free volunteer-led guided walk through the park. Learn about the BARK Ranger program and the park's history. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Cannon Beach Sand Castle Festival – 10:00 AM – Cannon Beach, OR – Oregon's first and oldest sandcastle contest draws thousands of visitors each year. A classic PNW day trip. More info
• Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday – 10:00 AM – Roll up your sleeves for hands-on volunteer work at a City of Vancouver Naturespace site. Snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM – Calvary Chapel Vancouver – Free lunch served noon to 1:00 PM for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Kalama Harbor Lodge Shows FIFA World Cup (USA vs. Australia) – 12:00 PM – Kalama Harbor Lodge Cove Bar – Catch the game on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. Free, all ages welcome. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party – 12:00 PM – Big Al's, Vancouver – Vancouver is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26! Massive screens, stadium energy, and world-class fun. More info
• Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament – 12:00–5:00 PM – Fairway Village Golf Course, Vancouver – Four-person scramble, raffles, a hole-in-one contest for $7,500, and awards dinner. $70/person or $280/team. Proceeds support vision, hearing, hunger relief, and youth programs. More info
• Book Launch: "Pip, the Old Apple Tree" – 1:00 PM – Fort Vancouver Visitor Center – Author Richard Wing and illustrator Pamela Gunn celebrate their new book telling the true story of the Pacific Northwest's first apple tree, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826. Book available for $30.99. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM – NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver – A weekly free art group hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM – Washougal Reflection Plaza – Celebrate local talent and support small businesses at this free summer market series in downtown Washougal. More info
• Woodland Planters Days – 3:00 PM – Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland – This year's theme: "Woodland, Washington – A Legendary Spirit. America 250." Today features carnival rides and bingo. Free admission. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM – Washougal Community Library – Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout – 4:00–5:30 PM – Vancouver Community Library – Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM – Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie – Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $10 adults, $5 kids/veterans/seniors, free for ages 3 and under. More info
• ZooNights – 5:00 PM – Oregon Zoo, Portland – Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine. $13–$26. More info
• Family Bingo Night – 5:00–6:00 PM – Camas Public Library, Totem Pole Room – All ages welcome. Winners get a colorful Reading Dragons library card. Registration required. Free. More info
• "It's the Little Things" Artists Reception – 5:00–7:00 PM – Corridor Gallery, Esther Short Building, Vancouver – Meet artists Eva Kelley and Maxine Swodeck and explore their new exhibit of collaged textile art and nostalgic still-life paintings. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM – Ridgefield Public Boat Launch – Try dragon boat paddling for free! Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. Runs through October 3. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM – Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver – Weekly dice battle game night. Bring your hero and roll! More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting – 6:00 PM – Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, Battle Ground – Monthly meetup for folks who love preserving, restoring, and displaying vintage farm equipment. Come early to eat and socialize. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop – 6:30–8:00 PM – Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver – Make your own ceramic berry bowl. Beginner-friendly, ages 8+. $55. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM – Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex – Cheer on Clark County's hometown summer baseball team! More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night – 6:30–8:30 PM – American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy – Third-Friday bingo supporting local veterans and their families. All are welcome. More info
• Circle of Light: The Love of Rumi & Shams – 7:00 PM – OMSI, Portland – An immersive 360° dome experience through living Persian architecture and poetry, featuring the voice of Shahram Nazeri. More info
• Voices of the Enslaved and the Free: The Road to Juneteenth – 7:00 PM – Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver – A free community readers theater presentation by Msanii Creative Expressions, exploring the origins of Juneteenth through spoken word, music, and poetry. Doors at 6:00 PM. Registration required. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM – Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver – Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical – 7:30 PM – Keller Auditorium, Portland – The beloved cinematic classic hits the stage as an Olivier Award-winning musical. From $58. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County – 7:30 PM – Magenta Theater, Vancouver – Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel. A sweeping romance about the roads we travel. $32. More info
• Dayley Dance Academy Presents: Step into the Light – 7:30 PM – Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School – All-studio showcase performance. More info

Saturday, June 20

• Mount St. Helens Loowit Trail with Mazamas – 5:00 AM – A challenging one-day, 29-mile circumnavigation of Mount St. Helens with 6,500 feet of elevation gain. Epic views, boulder fields, and volcanic debris. More info
• Tour de Blast Road Bike Event – 6:00 AM – Cycle through the historic blast zone of Mount St. Helens on a challenging route with breathtaking views. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM – A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Lake to Bay Relay & Ultramarathon – 7:00 AM – Frenchman's Bar Park, Vancouver – A 62.2-mile relay or ultramarathon through Vancouver and Camas, finishing at the Vancouver Waterfront. More info
• Volunteer at the Pollinator Festival – 7:00 AM – Marshall Park, Vancouver – Help the Vancouver Bee Project spread the buzz! Volunteers engage with festival-goers about the vital role of pollinators. More info
• Ape Canyon (Plains of Abraham) Hike with Mazamas – 7:00 AM – Meet at WinCo on 119th Street to carpool. An 11–12 mile hike with gentle, rolling elevation through one of SW Washington's most unique landscapes. Watch for mountain goats! More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM – Esther Short Park – Vancouver's flagship year-round market with local vendors, fresh produce, and community vibes. More info
• Vancouver Pollinator Festival – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM – Marshall Park, Vancouver – Free family-friendly celebration featuring bee walks, pollinator garden tours, a kids' zone, kids' entrepreneurial market, Columbia Play Project, and keynote speaker Dr. Doug Tallamy. More info
• Community Build Project: Compost Bins – 9:00 AM–2:00 PM – Davis Park, Ridgefield – Stop by the Ridgefield Farmers Market booth to make mini-composters for yourself and your neighbors. Free. More info
• Hockinson Meadows Disc Golf Classic – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM – Hockinson Meadows Community Park, Vancouver – Two rounds of 18 holes with amateur and pro divisions. Lunch provided. $60 registration. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun – 9:00 AM – Salmon Creek Greenway Trail, Vancouver – A free, fun, friendly weekly 5K. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Battle Ground Art Alliance Open Doors Art Tour – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM – Four open host studios showcasing 11 artists around Battle Ground. Watch artist demonstrations and enjoy hands-on artmaking activities. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Camas Walking Tour – 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM – Meet at NE 4th and Adams, Camas – Guided walking tour past the 1927 Granada/Liberty Theater, Camas Hotel, Farrell Building, and more. $10 (CCHM members free). More info
• Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance – 9:00 AM – Volunteer to help with brush cutting and trail graveling. Meet at the main North parking area off NE 179th Street. Email whipplecreekproject@gmail.com to sign up. More info
• Ridgefield Learn-to-Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM – Ridgefield Waterfront Park – Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. No experience needed. More info
• Yacolt Burn Experience – Mountain Bike Race – 9:00 AM – Hosted by Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. SW Evergreen's annual fundraiser shuttle event, bigger than ever for 2026. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM – Vancouver Bridge Club – Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. No experience needed. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM – OMSI, Portland – Explore over 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site and step into the stories of real passengers. More info
• Repair Event – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM – Washington Grange No. 82, Vancouver – Bring broken household items to be fixed for free by experienced volunteer fixers. Check-in ends at 12:30 PM. More info
• Nature Day at Columbia Springs – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM – Columbia Springs, Vancouver – Free hands-on science and nature exploration of cultural ecosystems. Drop by when it works for you. All ages. More info
• Juneteenth Freedom Celebration – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM – Esther Short Park, Vancouver – A free community celebration honoring the liberation and freedom that strengthen our community. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM – Vancouver – Free STEAM education through aviation: flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. All ages. More info
• Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden Fair – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM – Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden, Vancouver – Meet naturalists, explore displays by the Fort Vancouver Rose Society, watch watercolor demos, browse heritage seeds, and enjoy the beer and wine garden (noon–5 PM). Free. More info
• NW Trail Sisters' Women's Beginner Mountain Bike Ride – 10:00 AM – L.L. Stub Stewart State Park – A chill, guided beginners ride. Ride at your own pace and maybe come away with a riding buddy. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe – 11:00 AM – Vancouver Mall Library – Experience the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and music. Free. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides – 11:00 AM – Yacolt – Ride through the tunnel and across the East Fork of the Lewis River with a stop to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24, lap children free. More info
• 2nd Annual Chicken Fashion Show – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM – Stellar Luxe, Yacolt – Fabulously fashionable chickens hit the runway! Food trucks, vendor artisan market, kids' zone, and awards ceremony. Free to attend and participate. More info
• La Center Historical Museum – 12:00–4:00 PM – La Center – Free admission. Explore historical displays of art, technology, and local history. More info
• CatFest 2026 – 12:00–5:00 PM – Recluse Brew Works, Washougal – The premier event for cat lovers featuring adoptable cats and the annual Cat Costume Contest. More info
• Clark County Community Concert Band Festival – 1:00–5:00 PM – Columbia Tech Center Park Amphitheater, Vancouver – Celebrating the Westwinds Community Band's 50th anniversary with performances by four community bands. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Sing Along – 1:00 PM – St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Vancouver – A fun sing-along gathering for seniors. More info
• Summer Reading Celebration Party at Barnes & Noble – 2:00 PM – Barnes & Noble, Vancouver – Crafts, games, prizes, giveaways, sweet treats, and a special storytime for young readers. Free. More info
• Touchmark at Fairway Car Show, Music Fest & Barbecue – 2:00–5:00 PM – Touchmark at Fairway Village, Vancouver – 100 vehicles, live music on several stages, barbecue, beer garden, and prize drawings. Proceeds support the Alzheimer's Association and Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. Free. More info
• Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library – 3:00–5:00 PM – Ridgefield Community Library – Bring the family for a family-friendly movie and free popcorn. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Supper & Social Fundraiser – 4:00–8:00 PM – Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt – Eighth annual dinner and auction supporting Clark County's agricultural heritage. Ages 21+. $120. More info
• Family Paint Night: Flying Squirrel – 5:30 PM – Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver – Step-by-step painting for the whole family. Pre-traced outlines ensure success for all ages. $25. More info
• Clark County Veterans Assistance Center M*A*S*H Querade Benefit – 5:30–8:30 PM – ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield – Entertainment and networking to support local veterans. $200. More info
• Planters Days Cruise-In & Car Show – 6:00 PM – Downtown Woodland – Now in its 104th year! A two-day celebration of cars and community benefiting Northwest Battle Buddies service dogs for veterans. Free. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music – 6:30–8:00 PM – Gathering Church, Vancouver – Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free, donations encouraged. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance – 7:00 PM – VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell – 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM. All styles from ballroom to swing. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM – Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver – Let your inner entertainer shine! More info

Sunday, June 21

• Clark County Parks Fee Free Day: Summer Solstice – 7:00 AM – Celebrate the longest day of the year with free access to Clark County's regional parks. No pass needed! More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps – 9:00 AM – Northwest Personal Training, Vancouver – Meet at the studio at 1011 Broadway before heading to scenic outdoor locations. Full-body workout, all fitness levels welcome. Free. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Eruption Hike with MSHI – 9:00 AM – A guided nature hike through the hummocks created by the 1980 eruption. Witness the geological and biological forces that shaped this landscape. More info
• Father's Day Potter's Wheel Class – 9:30–11:00 AM – Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver – A special Father's Day experience for kids and parents of all ages. Step-by-step guidance on the potter's wheel. $35–$75. More info
• The Couve Father's Day Auto Show – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM – Vancouver Mall – Classic cars, custom builds, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Bring nonperishable food for the Clark County Food Bank. Free. More info
• Forest Floor Ecology Hike with MSHI – 10:00 AM – Discover the snails, slugs, and salamanders of Mt. St. Helens with an MSHI Wildlife Biologist. Search for rare Van Dyke's Salamanders and Malone Jumping Slugs! More info
• Flora & Fauna Solstice Celebration at Plas Newydd Farm – 1:00 PM – Ridgefield – A costumed bike ride with creature and plant friends, followed by a community barbecue potluck with cider for all. More info

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.