📰 What's Making News

Hidden Meadows Fire Contained After Threatening Hundreds of Homes Near Battle Ground

Firefighters from Clark County Fire District 10 and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue contained the fast-moving Hidden Meadows brush fire Monday night after it threatened hundreds of homes north of Battle Ground. The blaze broke out Monday morning and moved quickly through dry terrain, but crews held the line and protected every threatened structure. It's a massive relief for families in the area — and a reminder that wildfire season is very much still here. Read the full story from The Columbian.

Vancouver Firm Tapped to Build Underwater Nodes That Power AI

A Vancouver-based company is stepping into the deep end — literally. The firm has been selected to help build ocean-floor nodes designed to power artificial intelligence infrastructure, with backing from the state of Washington. It's a high-tech win that puts Vancouver on the map in a space most people don't even know exists yet. The project positions Clark County at the intersection of marine engineering and AI, two sectors that rarely overlap. Read more from The Columbian.

C-Tran Security Camera Catches Surprise Proposal at Bus Stop

Somewhere in Vancouver, a C-Tran bus stop just became the most romantic spot in Clark County. A security camera captured the moment a local couple got engaged right there at the stop, and C-Tran shared the footage. It's the kind of story that makes you smile at strangers on public transit for the rest of the week. For this couple, the daily commute will never look the same. See the story from The Columbian.

Furry Friends Adds Veterinary Technician Dara Johnson to Its Team

Clark County's beloved no-kill cat rescue, Furry Friends, just got a boost with the addition of Dara Johnson, a Registered Veterinary Technician joining the staff part-time. Johnson brings specialized experience in shelter medicine and spay/neuter procedures — exactly the kind of expertise a growing rescue needs. Furry Friends, which relies heavily on foster families and volunteers, continues to expand its medical capabilities under the guidance of Dr. Langer. If you've ever adopted, fostered, or donated to Furry Friends, this hire is your dollars at work. Read more from Clark County Today.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Hidden Meadows Fire Evacuation Drops to Level 1

Good news for folks in north Clark County: evacuation levels near the Hidden Meadows Fire were reduced to Level 1 (Get Ready) as of 6 p.m. Monday, down from the Level 2 and Level 3 alerts issued over the weekend. If you're in the area, stay signed up for alerts at ClarkPublicAlerts.org.

Which Wildfire Alert App Actually Works? A Local Breakdown

After Monday's fire near Battle Ground, a helpful Reddit thread explains why Pulse Point is not a reliable notification tool for wildfires — it's designed for citizen CPR alerts, and fire dispatches show up only as a novelty feature. CRESA and Watch Duty are your better bets for real-time emergency info. Read the full comparison here.

Near-Total Lunar Eclipse Visible from Vancouver This Week

Washington sky watchers, mark your calendars: a near-total lunar eclipse is coming soon, and it'll be visible right from your backyard. The Columbian has exact timing and viewing tips.

Labor Day Road Trip? WSDOT's Travel Charts Can Save You Hours

WSDOT just released its Labor Day weekend travel charts showing the best and worst times to hit I-5, I-90, and other key highways. The agency is also pausing most construction projects for the holiday. Download their free mobile app for live traffic cameras and alerts.

Drop-In Badminton Starts Aug. 31 at Marshall Center

Looking for a new way to move? Open rec badminton kicks off at Marshall Center on Sunday, August 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. No experience required — just show up. Details here.

WSU Researchers Build Electronic Skin That Senses Touch, Temperature

Scientists at Washington State University in Spokane have developed an electronic skin for prosthetic limbs that could one day let amputees feel pressure and temperature again. Roughly 1.9 million Americans currently live without a limb. Read about the breakthrough.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, August 26

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at Rebecca Anstine Gallery – 8:00 AM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. A free exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Open Mon–Fri through September. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day – 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Johnson Bixby, Vancouver. Book a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one session with a certified financial planner — on Zoom or in person. Get answers on budgeting, debt payoff, education savings and more. More info
• Glass Blowing & Weaving Workshop with Confluence – 9:00 AM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. A three-day workshop blending glass blowing and weaving with educational components and community collaboration. Sliding-scale pricing available. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionism-meets-environmentalism show, on view through September 30. More info
• Wednesday Wanders – 9:30–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Explore ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland on this free guided walk. Great for adults and families with kids ages 6+. Registration required. More info
• Volunteer: Paint Park Signs at Lewisville Park – 9:30–11:30 AM at Lewisville Regional Park, Battle Ground. Grab your closed-toe shoes and help spruce up park signs. Bring a water bottle and a snack. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of this beautifully restored historic home. Book your tour time online. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides, family rides, and snack-and-story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Stewardship Day – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Join Mount St. Helens Institute for free invasive-species removal followed by an optional guided 2.4-mile Hummocks Trail hike. Ages 10+; registration required. More info
• Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Luncheon – 11:30 AM at Washougal Times, Washougal. Port of Washougal CEO Trang Lam and guests from RKM Development share project updates. $30 members / $40 non-members, includes buffet lunch. Registration required. More info
• Musicians in the Park – 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy a free lunchtime performance by local musicians in the Downtown Arts Quarter. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. A brief midday pause with quiet music. Free and open to all. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge – 1:30–3:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Free; registration required. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this fast-growing team sport at no cost. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at theARTcentered, Vancouver. Create your own leather piece with step-by-step guidance — perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic – 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original or favorite work and listen to featured poets. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• 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. More info
• Nexus Nights at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss-format Riftbound constructed play with Nexus Pack prizes for all participants. More info
• Wine School with Ben: Zinfandel – 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars. Join winemaker Ben Stuart for education and blind tasting of five Zinfandel wines from around the world. Sign up at dovetailcellars.com. More info

Thursday, August 27

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based fitness classes tailored to adults age 60+, from seated exercises to full mobility. No pre-registration required; first-timers arrive early to register on-site. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, prepared food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club – 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books. Bring a current project for inspiration and advice. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Starting with the Earliest Years: Nature in Pre-Natal to 3 – 11:00 AM online via Children & Nature Network. A look at emerging research on nature's role in early childhood development, plus a preview of an upcoming Research Digest. More info
• Wheels & Wings – 4:00 PM–dusk at Grove Field Airport, Camas. The Port of Camas-Washougal's community appreciation event features vintage cars and planes on the airfield plus a free hot dog lunch. More info
• Experience Lightly Spiced Gallery – Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 500 Washington Street, Vancouver. Explore this unique photography gallery and studio, and try the "Make Your Own Rainbows" experience — create soap bubbles, photograph the rainbows, and take home a printed keepsake. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Fill out the character creation form online before attending. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games (3 cards each) for $20 and win prizes — all proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. Dogs welcome on the covered patio. More info
• Vancouver Waterfront Symphony Series: VSO String Quartet – 6:00–7:00 PM at Grant Street Pier, Downtown Vancouver Waterfront. A free live performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra String Quartet along the Columbia River. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Mizar 5 and 3 Minutes of Fame – 6:00–9:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Live music fundraiser benefiting the Fruit Valley Boys & Girls Club. More info

Friday, August 28

• BIPOC Backpacking Trip with Opal Creek Center – 8:30 AM departure for a three-day expedition into Mount Hood National Forest. Designed for adults who identify as BIPOC. Old-growth forest, stunning views, and skill-building. More info
• American Legion Fundraising Rummage Sale – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at American Legion Post 14, Vancouver (also Aug. 29). Proceeds support veterans, military families, and community programs. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend a community garden — harvested produce goes to local food banks. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour – 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A guided walk for you and your four-legged companion exploring park history, the BARK Ranger program, and how to enjoy the park responsibly. Free. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge – 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Fruit Harvest at Raymond Shaffer Community Park – 10:00 AM in Vancouver. Join the City of Vancouver and Urban Abundance to harvest fruit trees — much of the bounty goes to local food banks, and volunteers take some home too. Training, gloves, tools, and snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A creative outlet hosted every Friday. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative and interactive projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout – 4:00–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Check out the cars and enjoy disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Jack-O-Lantern Textured Wall Art Class – 5:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create a festive Halloween wall art piece using sculpting medium and acrylic paint. $30. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Reception at AQUA Gallery – 5:00–7:00 PM at AQUA Gallery on the Vancouver Waterfront. Meet artists Abby Ketcham and Carson Legree and see their vibrant paintings and expressive stuffies. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Wine for Wildlife at the Oregon Zoo – 6:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Sample offerings from 30 wineries while strolling the zoo's forested grounds after hours. Meet winemakers and enjoy live music. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen performs live on the patio with an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• English Country Line Dancing – 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Newbies and experienced dancers welcome — every dance is walked through first. $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Free Friday Night Movies in the Park – 6:30 PM (movie at dusk) at a local Vancouver park. This week's film wraps up the August series — arrive early for family-friendly activities. Food vendors on-site or bring a picnic. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine with live music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
• Treble Tones Present "The Gift to Sing" – 7:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Vancouver. This 17-voice ensemble from Reprise Choir performs choral music by women composers spanning five centuries. Directed by April Duvic. Free. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Drifter – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Kick off the weekend with free live music. More info

Saturday, August 29

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens – 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Veterans' Work Party at Seminary Hill with WTA – 8:30 AM. Washington Trails Association hosts a trail-maintenance work party for veterans and service members. Build camaraderie and earn volunteer credit while enjoying the outdoors. More info
• TSMC WA Mulching Stewardship Party – 8:30 AM near Skyridge Middle School, Camas. Join the Camas Earth Day Society and TSMC employees for late-summer mulching on a rewilding project site. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. The flagship market founded in 1990, featuring local produce, food, and artisan vendors. More info
• 17th Annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Over 60 vendors offering vintage furniture, clothing, paintings, glass art, handmade jewelry, and more. Live music and food on-site. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run. Register online for your barcode beforehand. All ages and dogs welcome. More info
• Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery Tour – 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Washougal Memorial Cemetery. Discover the stories of Washougal's pioneers, from homesteaders and war veterans to entrepreneurs. Led by Clark County Historical Museum guides. $10. More info
• Kayaking Clinic for the Visually Impaired – 9:00 AM with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes. Free for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Contact NWABA for location details. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newcomers. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Field, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Exploring Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories – 10:00 AM at The Greely Building, Ridgefield. Explore Ridgefield's founding, industries, and little-known stories — including the Japanese farmers forcibly removed during WWII. Free. More info
• Garden Gnomes Workshop – 10:00–11:30 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Ages 8+ create a ceramic garden gnome using the pinch pot method. Add hair, hats, mushrooms, and button noses. $65. More info
• Saturday Volunteer Day at LUYF Farm – 10:00 AM at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Help Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo prepare their community farm for the fall season. All experience levels welcome. More info
• Chunky Blanket Workshop – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn hand-knitting basics to create an oversized chunky knit blanket — no needles or experience needed. $89. More info
• Summer Style Social – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at a private garden and pool in Vancouver Heights. Hosted by Analee Styling with pop-up shops, curated fashion, small bites, a DJ, and mocktails. $25 (includes a $25 Analee Styling gift card). More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Ride – 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through a tunnel, across the East Fork Lewis River, and stop to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival – 12:00–8:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Cut your own sunflower, enjoy a hayride, snap photos, and visit farm animals. Additional flowers available for purchase. $12. More info
• Treat Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – 12:00–4:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Free cookies, cakes, muffins, scones, and even dog biscuits at this historic water-powered mill. More info
• Teen & Adult K-Beauty and K-Drama – 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. PSU Professor Jungmin Kwon discusses digital culture, and Yoo Be Skin Care esthetician Yooseon Hwang shares K-Beauty routine essentials. Trivia, mask samples, and more. Free. More info
• Vancouver Community Library Radio Theater – 3:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Old-time radio-style melodrama — read from a script or provide sound effects. 1930s attire optional. Free. More info
• Blacktail Deer Foundation Annual Fundraising Banquet – 5:00–9:00 PM at the Heathman Lodge, Vancouver. An evening of raffles, games, and auctions with outdoor prizes. Tickets from $27.09. More info
• PeaceHealth Appletree Sunset 5K & Hot Rods Classic Car Show – 6:00 PM at Officers Row, Vancouver. Kick off race weekend with a Sunset 5K, classic car show, food, a beer garden, and live music. More info
• TRAIN – Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere – 6:30 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Grammy-winning hit. $45–$184. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Horsing Around: Equestrian Safety – 7:00–8:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Meet senior park aide Mindy Lahti-Phillip's loveable horses and learn trail safety. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Grab the mic and let your inner entertainer shine. More info

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