📰 What's Making News

Hockinson Grad Heads to Naval Academy — Third Sibling to Go

Bridget Brennan, Hockinson High School's Class of 2026 salutatorian, has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis — making her the third Brennan sibling to earn the distinction. Her brothers Tommy and Joseph Brennan preceded her, and Bridget plans to study aerospace engineering with an eye toward flight school. It's the kind of family legacy that makes a whole community stand a little taller. Read the full spotlight.

Camas Taps Griffin Peyton to Lead Secondary Education

The Camas School District has named Griffin Peyton its new director of secondary education. Peyton comes over from Evergreen Public Schools, where he supervised 15 K-12 principals and oversaw more than 9,000 students. Superintendent John Anzalone praised Peyton's track record in curriculum alignment and student achievement. It's a notable cross-district hire that keeps talent right here in Clark County. Full story here.

Raptors Rally Falls Short in Ninth-Inning Heartbreaker

The Ridgefield Raptors clawed back from a 6-2 deficit Thursday night, scoring four runs in the seventh to grab a 7-6 lead — then watched Kamloops' Elijah Olaybal deliver a two-run single in the top of the ninth to steal it, 9-7. It was a wild one at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, and the kind of game that rewards fans who stay through the final out. The Raptors will look to bounce back as the homestand continues. Box score and recap.

Free Summer Lunches Start June 15 in Battle Ground

Battle Ground Public Schools is offering free lunches for anyone 18 and under at CAM Academy from June 15 through August 20 — no paperwork, no income check, no strings. The program is part of the USDA's Summer Food Service Program, designed to make sure kids stay fed when the school-year routine disappears. If you know a family in the Battle Ground area, this is worth passing along. Details and schedule.

Only 13% of Metro Homes Sit Near a Transit Stop

New data shows just 13 percent of homes in the Vancouver-Portland metro area are located within a half-mile of a bus or rail stop. The number puts a fine point on something many Clark County commuters already feel: getting around without a car still isn't easy in much of the region. The Columbian's deep dive explores what that means for the area's growth patterns. See the full breakdown.

FVRLibraries Board Nears Two New Appointments

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries is close to filling two trustee seats that were vacated earlier this year. The appointments are working through final approval, which will restore the board to full strength across its service area in Clark and Skamania counties. Library systems don't always make headlines, but board leadership shapes everything from branch hours to programming budgets. More on the process.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Food Cart Pod Pitched for Fourth Plain Boulevard

A new food cart pod is in the proposal stage for a spot on Fourth Plain Boulevard, adding to the corridor's already diverse dining lineup. If approved, it would give Vancouver's east side another casual, open-air eating destination. Read more

Battle Ground's Emet Ordway Earns Rego Scholarship

After attending three different campuses, Battle Ground High School senior Emet Ordway landed the Rego Athletic Scholarship and plans to study fire science at El Camino College in California. Read more

Columbia River Spring Chinook Season Gets Extra Days

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has added more retention days for spring Chinook salmon on the Columbia River — good news if you've been waiting for one more shot at a keeper this season. Read more

New Forest Service App Stores Trail Maps Offline

Just in time for Great Outdoors Month, the U.S. Forest Service launched an app that lets you plan hikes and download maps for offline use — handy for the Gifford Pinchot and other nearby forests where cell service disappears fast. Read more

Winterhawks Alum Seth Jarvis Nets OT Winner in Stanley Cup Final

Former Portland Winterhawks forward Seth Jarvis buried a one-timer at 3:56 of overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. A little Pacific Northwest pride on the biggest stage in hockey. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, June 5

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise classes for adults 60-plus, running 8:30–9:30 AM and 10–11 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• 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. Heads up: there is poison oak in the area, so come prepared. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free drop-in tours available Wednesday through Friday. Enter at Suite 103 inside the front door. More info
• Flora and Fauna Friday at Downs Neighborhood Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at 3217 NE 62nd Ave., Vancouver. Volunteers needed to distribute mulch, pick up litter, and remove invasive plants. Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free. More info
• Coldwater Lake MTB Trail Work Party & Campout — 10:00 AM. Join Northwest Trail Alliance and the Mt. St. Helens National Monument for trail work plus a rare opportunity to camp overnight near the shores of Coldwater Lake (June 5–7). Space is limited. More info
• Salmon Run Bell Tower Rededication — 11:30 AM–12:00 PM at Propstra Square, Esther Short Park. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Chinook Indian Nation Vice Chairman Sam Robinson will share the story behind the bell tower's artwork before it rings again at noon. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60-plus, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at the NAMI office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Washington. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Clark County Food Bank Presents: Tacos & Taps — 4:00 PM. A 21-plus event featuring gourmet taco creations, craft beer, live music, raffle prizes, and games. Every ticket helps provide more than 250,000 meals in our community. $60–$70. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12, provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Enjoy classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, volleyball, mini golf, bounce houses, play structures, and the pool — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield: First Friday — 4:00–8:00 PM in Downtown Ridgefield. Shops, restaurants, and businesses stay open late with specials, tastings, and pop-ups. Free to attend (VIP packages available). More info
• First Friday Sidewalk Open Mic at Magenta Theater — 4:00–6:00 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Join cast members of The Bridges of Madison County for an open mic — bring your own instruments or use the karaoke monitor. Anyone is welcome. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Create a character and play Pathfinder 1E with other players ages 9–19 — beginners and experienced players alike. Free. More info
• Friends of Ridgefield Community Library Used Book Sale — 5:00–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Members-only sale (memberships available at the door). Continues Saturday 9 AM–3 PM. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00–8:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Stroll through galleries and art-centric businesses across downtown. Free. More info
• Unicorns, Rainbows & Mythical Beasts — First Friday in Camas — 5:00–8:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Grab a passport for a sticker scavenger hunt, visit merchants to solve clues, enjoy art shows, after-hours shopping, themed games, crafts, and photo ops. Come in costume to win prizes. Free. More info
• New Mini Art Gallery Ribbon Cutting at Gallery 408 — 5:00 PM at 408 NE Fourth Ave., Camas. Gallery 408 celebrates a new miniature gallery featuring tiny artworks by participating artists, inspired by the Sidewalk Joy Project. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4-plus can tackle multiple difficulty levels for an hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience necessary. $33–$41. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Camas Art Walk — 5:00 PM. Pairs and Spares Seniors group will join the First Friday Camas Art Walk together. Call 360-892-8944 for details. 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-plus. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00–9:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, 1900 NE 154th St., Vancouver. Games and light snacks on the first Friday of every month. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Free. More info
• ZooBrew — 6:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. A 21-plus evening to sip craft brews and ciders while strolling the zoo's grounds and seeing wildlife up close. $30–$60. More info
• Page Turners at Camas Public Library — 6:30–7:30 PM. Monthly book discussion for 4th–6th graders and their adult. This month: Last Gamer Standing by Katie Zhao. Registration required. Free. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30–8:00 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. Staff fires and glazes your piece. $50. More info
• Journey Theater Presents Seussical — 7:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat narrates Horton's adventure in this beloved musical for young audiences. $16–$18. More info
• Mamma Mia! — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The timeless ABBA musical about a daughter's quest to find her father on a Greek island paradise. Starting at $68. More info
• Clark College Jazz Band Spring Concert — 7:30 PM in the Gaiser Student Center at Clark College, Vancouver. Dr. Doug Harris directs. Free admission. More info
• Clark College Theatre Presents [title of show] — 7:30 PM at Decker Theatre, Clark College, Vancouver. A musical love letter to creativity and collaboration following two writers racing to meet a festival deadline. $12 (students free). More info
• Summer Concert Series at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. The Nathun Finkhouse Trio kicks off the summer series with acoustic classic rock, folk, blues, country, and pop. More info

Saturday, June 6

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — Free Fishing Weekend — 6:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed and no fishing license required for many species. A perfect day to get out on the water. More info
• Paul's Restaurant & The Elbow Room One-Year Anniversary — 7:00 AM–9:00 PM at Paul's Restaurant, Vancouver. Celebrate with free rainbow-sprinkle birthday cake (while it lasts) and enter to win one of three $100 gift certificates. More info
• Ridgefield's Big Paddle Waterfront Festival — 7:00 AM at the Ridgefield Waterfront. Paddling, hiking, live music from Takohachi Japanese drum group and Hit Machine, hayrides, games, food, and more. The Big Paddle starts at 10 AM with a 5-mile guided roundtrip on Lake River. $5 if you bring your own boat; rentals available through Alder Creek Kayak. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM at the Carty Unit. Join experienced guide Ron Escano for a relaxed birding walk perfect for newcomers and seasoned birders alike. More info
• National Trails Day — Fee-Free Day in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest — 8:00 AM. Multiple trail work parties throughout the forest to celebrate National Trails Day. Volunteer options include Blue Lake Trail, Wind River Arboretum, Coldwater Lake, and more. More info
• Pacific Crest Trail Work Projects — 8:00 AM. The PCTA Mount Hood Chapter has volunteer trail work projects at Timothy Lake and on Trout Creek Rd 43 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Registration required; limited spots. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Our flagship year-round market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and more. More info
• Lemonade Day Junior Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. More than 300 kidpreneurs ages 6–16 become business owners for a day, selling handmade products as the grand finale of the Lemonade Day entrepreneurship program. Presented by the Greater Vancouver Chamber. Free to shop. More info
• Tomato Pruning Workshop — 9:00–10:30 AM at the 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. WSU Clark County Extension Master Gardeners offer hands-on training — learn which tomatoes to prune and how. Bring bypass pruners and water. $10. More info
• Run For Life — 9:00 AM at Washougal Reflection Plaza. A 1-mile walk, 5K walk/run, and 10K run along the Columbia River Dike Trail with family-friendly fun before, during, and after the race. A fundraiser for Pathways Clinic. $45. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Curtin Creek Community Park Grand Opening — 10:00 AM. Celebrate Clark County's newest park with a ribbon cutting, a bird walk with Vancouver Audubon, rugby demos by the Clark County Chiefs, activities, and refreshments. More info
• Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. June's theme is Arts & Crafts — enjoy live artisan demonstrations, hands-on activities, a quilt show, kids' crafts, farm animals, music, and food. $3 (ages 5 and under free). More info
• Camtown Arts & Music Festival — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Crown Park, Camas. Four stages of live performances, interactive art demos and workshops, local vendors, and experiences for all ages. Free. More info
• Euro Block Party at Kings Cross Automotive — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at 315 East Reserve St., Vancouver. Music, food, prize wheel, and a showcase of European vehicles from BMWs to Ferraris. Free. 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 — perfect for curious kids of all ages. Free. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. An outdoor pop-up makers market with local vendors selling skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. Free. More info
• Countryside Park Annual Cleanup — 10:00 AM. Help with invasive plant removal, picnic table scrubbing, playground woodchip leveling, and general cleanup. Family-friendly; training, tools, and snacks provided. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project — 10:00 AM near Camas/Washougal. Volunteer with the East County Citizens' Alliance to weed and maintain 8,000 square feet of native wildflowers along the Gateway to the Gorge. More info
• Watercolor Workshop: Let's Paint Poppies — 10:30 AM–1:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Kathryn by Design leads this session — all materials included. $55. More info
• This Science Will Blow Your Mind at OMSI — 10:30–11:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Interactive science talk and book signing with Maynard Okereke, the Hip Hop MD. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Beauty and the Beast — 11:00 AM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. A new musical by MPA's own Erik Montague, based on the beloved tale. More info
• La Center Historical Museum — 12:00–4:00 PM. Free admission on the first and third Saturday of each month. More info
• Clark County Fire District 6 Open House — 12:00–3:00 PM at Salmon Creek Station 63, 1303 NE 136th St., Vancouver. Free hot dogs, snow cones, fire rescue demos, station tours, and photos in a fire engine. Free. More info
• Basket Weaving: Whimsical Birdhouse Workshop — 12:00–3:00 PM at Craft Collective, 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Shawnna Goodwin Basketry teaches weaving and twining techniques to create a functional birdhouse from natural seagrass. No experience needed. $69. More info
• Vancouver School of Arts and Academics 30-Year Celebration — 1:00–4:00 PM at Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main St., Vancouver. Meet former and current students and staff, tour the building, and pick up commemorative merchandise. Free. More info
• Land Collage — The Poetics of Place Workshop — 1:00 PM at Plas Newydd Farm. Spend the day with poet Christopher Luna and Abby Braithwaite exploring how the land holds metaphor through writing prompts and shared readings. More info
• DIY Painted Canvas Tote at Craft Warehouse — 2:00–4:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Paint a tote bag your way and take it home. $10. More info
• Ellsworth Springs East Ivy Pull — 2:00 PM. Join the City of Vancouver's Adopt-A-Park volunteers for an afternoon of invasive ivy removal. Family-friendly; tools and snacks provided. More info
• Lotic Taproom Grand Opening — 3:00–9:00 PM at 1307 NE 78th St., Suite B10, Hazel Dell. Lotic Beverage Company opens its new taproom. More info
• Teen Battle of the Bands — 5:30 PM at Columbia Tech Center Amphitheater, Vancouver. Eight local teen bands take the stage for rock, pop, hip hop, folk, and more. $5. More info
• YMCA Battle of the Bands — 6:00–8:00 PM at Clark County Family YMCA, 11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver. Free community event with live teen band performances, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. RSVP required. More info
• Vancouver Symphony 2026 Gala — 6:00 PM at Vancouver Hilton. Unique performances by VSO musicians and honoring Paul and Loti Christensen with the Lifetime Leadership Award. $150. More info
• Bells of the Cascades Concert — 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, Portland. Premiere of "When All Else Fails," a groundbreaking work for handbells and ensemble by conductor Matthew Compton. $20–$30. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Highway 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing in all styles — no partner needed. $10. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

Sunday, June 7

• Washougal MTB Race — PNW XC Series — 8:00 AM at the Washougal Motocross track. All age categories welcome, from newcomers to seasoned racers. Free coffee courtesy of Nossa Familia. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Classes — 9:00 AM. Northwest Personal Training kicks off free Sunday bootcamp classes at 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, running through August 30. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• Sunday Brunch at Sons of Norway Lodge — 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at Columbia Lodge, 2400 Grant St., Vancouver. Scandinavian pancakes with free refills, sausages, scrambled eggs, lingonberries, and beverages. $12. More info
• David Douglas Adopt-A-Park Volunteer Event — 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver for litter cleanup and invasive plant removal. Family-friendly; tools, gloves, and snacks provided. More info
• Columbia Play Project Indoor Play Space — 1:00–4:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. STREAM-themed exploratory play for children ages 0–10 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Bloom Bar with Hidden Flower Farms — 1:00 PM. Sara from Hidden House Flowers brings buckets of beautiful blooms for you to arrange at this hands-on floral workshop. $45. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Gustav's — 2:00 PM at Gustav's Restaurant, 1705 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Happy hour meetup for the Pairs and Spares Seniors group. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk — 3:30–5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Ages 8-plus learn to make a ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly. Bowls are fired and glazed, ready for pickup in about a month. $55. More info

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