📰 What's Making News

King's Way Christian Builds 48,000-Square-Foot School in Hazel Dell

King's Way Christian Schools is reshaping its campus with a brand-new K-8 building — 48,000 square feet of classroom and community space rising in the Hazel Dell area. The construction is part of a larger campus expansion that school leaders say will serve families for decades to come. If you drive past the site, you've probably already noticed the steel going up. It's one of the bigger private-school investments Clark County has seen in a while, and it signals real confidence in the community's growth. Full story from The Columbian.

Three Raptors Pitchers Combine for a Near No-Hitter

Ridgefield's pitching staff put on a clinic Saturday night, blanking the Bend Elks 6-0 and surrendering just one hit — a single with two outs in the eighth inning. That's about as close to perfection as a summer-ball trio can get. The win gives the Raptors six victories in their last seven games, and the team is playing its most dominant stretch of the season heading into late July. If you haven't made it out to the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex lately, now's the time. Read the full recap.

Washougal's Levi Kitchen Chases Home-Track Podium, Finishes Fifth

Levi Kitchen, the hometown kid racing in front of a Washougal crowd, placed fifth in the 250 Class at the Washougal National pro motocross event at Washougal MX Park on Saturday. A podium finish at his home track remains the one box Kitchen hasn't checked yet in his young pro career, but fifth against a stacked national field is nothing to sneeze at. The Washougal National is one of the most beloved stops on the circuit, and local fans packed the hillsides to cheer him on. More from The Columbian.

Fort Vancouver High Gets a Stormwater Fix — With an Unusual Team Behind It

Vancouver Public Schools, the City of Vancouver, and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership don't typically end up on the same project roster, but all three are collaborating on a new stormwater management system at Fort Vancouver High School. The project tackles drainage issues on campus while doubling as an environmental benefit for the broader watershed. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes infrastructure work that rarely makes headlines but quietly improves a neighborhood. Details here.

Why Your Landscaping Might Be Turning Yellow Right Now

If your shrubs and perennials are looking a little jaundiced this summer, acidic soil could be the culprit. Local garden columnist Allen explains that Pacific Northwest soils tend to run acidic, and certain plants show their displeasure by yellowing out — a condition called chlorosis. The fix is often as simple as a soil test and a lime application, but timing matters. Worth a read before you blame the heat. Get the gardening advice.

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

⚡ Quick Bites

I-5 Bridge Replacement Starts Recruiting Contractors for Thousands of Jobs

Project leaders for the long-planned Interstate 5 Bridge replacement are now actively reaching out to companies interested in the work, with the program expected to create thousands of construction and related jobs across Clark County. If you know anyone in the trades, ears up — The Columbian has the details.

WA Cares Long-Term Care Benefits Now Open to Eligible Residents

Washington's WA Cares program has begun paying out long-term care benefits to eligible residents, covering help with daily tasks like mobility, cleaning, and meals. In-home care aide Vicki Bickford, who has spent 15 years assisting Clark County residents, is among those seeing the impact firsthand — read more here.

Clark County Releases Final Environmental Review for Growth Plan Update

Clark County and seven local cities — Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, Woodland, and Yacolt — have published a final environmental impact statement as part of the required 10-year update to their Comprehensive Growth Management Plans. See the full release on Reddit.

Wildfires Scorch Hundreds of Square Miles Across Eastern Washington

Drought and extreme heat are fueling wildfires that have burned hundreds of square miles in Eastern and Central Washington in recent weeks, with U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz calling conditions well past normal. No Clark County fires reported, but air quality could shift with the wind — stay informed via The Columbian.

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, July 26

• Days of Aloha — 7:30 AM at Esther Short Park and Clark College. Four days of Hawaiian arts, culture, hula competition, and aloha spirit wraps up today in the heart of Vancouver. More info
• 3rd Annual Hot Rods for Heroes Car Show — 8:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fast Specialties, 1200 NE 95th St., Vancouver. All cars and bikes welcome. $20 entry fee benefits the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center. Trophies, a huge raffle, vendors, and food. Donate toothpaste or bar soap for a free raffle ticket. More info
• Four Days of Aloha — Aunty Deva's Run 4 Aloha & Celebration of Cultures — 8:30 AM at Esther Short Park. The festival's final day features the 5K, 10K, Keiki Run, and a Celebration of Cultures. All events are ticketed. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Full-body muscle and cardio workout at scenic locations around town. All fitness levels welcome. Fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before class. More info
• Crater Glacier Overlook Hike with MSHI Geologist — 9:00 AM at Mt. St. Helens. A specially permitted trek into the crater breach for an up-close view of one of the world's youngest glaciers, 45 years into geological and ecological change. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. Our flagship year-round market next to Esther Short Park. More info
• School Supply Swap — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Kindred Vancouver. Bring extra supplies you have and take what you need for the upcoming school year. Free. More info
• Edible Plant Walks at Nature's Haven Natives — 10:00 AM at 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Join Allie for a tour of edible native plants, then shop the nursery to take home your favorites. Free, registration required. More info
• Picnic in Color! — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (4th Ave. & Cedar St.). Free family arts and crafts event hosted by the Downtown Camas Association featuring tie-dye, story time, puppet show, duck decorating and racing, painting, and more. More info
• Northwest Children's Theater Alumni Presents: Robin Hood — 11:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. A laugh-out-loud, fast-paced take on the classic tale featuring NWCT alumni on stage and behind the scenes. $20–$25. More info
• Kids Axe Academy — 12:00–1:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14 with an Axepert Coach, ending with a tournament. Limited to 8 kids. $15. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 1:00 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Catch Clark County's hometown team in action. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland — 1:00 PM at Hazel Dell Commons, Vancouver. The final performance under the big top — aerialists fly, acrobats tumble, and a cast of delightful oddballs keeps things just the right amount of ridiculous inside a vintage circus tent. $17–$55. More info
• Tween & Teen Creative Crafts: Map Masterpieces — 1:00–3:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 9–19 learn cartography basics and create a map of real or imagined places. Free. More info
• Summer Plant Walk — 1:00 PM in the Brush Prairie area. A slow, intentional wander through a botanical garden and surrounding forest with plant guide Erin. Small group, $35. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts presents The Prom — 2:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. The Summer Intensive program's production of this Drama Desk Award–winning musical. $16–$20. More info
• Board Game Social Club — 2:30–5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in to play an old favorite or learn something new. Free. More info
• Sunday Sounds Concert Series — 6:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center Park, Vancouver. Free live music in east Vancouver. Food available from local vendors, or bring a picnic. More info
• Jazz on the Lawn at Willful Wine — 6:00–8:00 PM at the Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver. Pianist Greg Goebel joins Brent Follis and Friends. Full dinner and wine menu available. $20 cover. More info

Monday, July 27

• Audiobook Walking Club — 9:30 AM, hosted by Camas Public Library. Bring your audiobook and meet at a new outdoor location each month for a 60-minute walk plus optional social time. Free. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn — 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Early literacy tips and hands-on activities for ages 0–5. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter for chances to win prizes all summer long. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30–11:00 AM at Louis Bloch Park, Camas (160 NE Joy St.). The Camas Library brings family storytime outdoors — bring a blanket! Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing — 12:00–1:30 PM at Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub (behind Chuck's Produce), 11819 NW Hwy. 99, Suite C, Vancouver. Free — bring your canner lid with gauge attached. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Get your dancing shoes on and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Free movie screening upstairs in the Community Rooms. Registration required. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques. No experience needed, all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub with host Don Elliott. Bring your crew and try to dethrone last week's champs, High Bar Low Expectations. More info
• A Beat Happening — 7:30 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. A 21-and-under music producer, DJ, and MC showcase — all genres. Hosted by Friends of Noise. Free. More info

Tuesday, July 28

• Youth Backpacking: Mt. Hood with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM in Oregon. Ages 10–12 explore the Roaring River Wilderness with old-growth forests, lake basins, and rocky peaks. Low-mileage days with plenty of swimming and memory-making. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 9:00 AM at various FVRL library locations. The Oregon Reptile Man brings live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters. Free. More info
• StoryWalk at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read "So Tortoise Dug" by Emmy Kastner. Free. More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Kiddie rides and select family rides for ages 6 and younger, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child. More info
• The Chiro Clinic Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting — 10:00 AM at 104 Grand Blvd., Suite 102, Vancouver. Tour the new clinic and meet the team. More info
• Sensory Storytime — 10:30–11:30 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. Smaller group size with sensory play, visual aids, and freedom of movement for ages 3–9. Free. More info
• JuggleMania — 2:00–2:45 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. A stunt-tacular comedy juggling show. Free. More info
• Preschool Color Scavenger Hunt — 4:00–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library (meet at the 5th Avenue entrance). Preschoolers search for the colors of the rainbow in nature. Free, no registration required. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time for all experience levels — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Community Dialogue: Affording Life — 6:30–8:00 PM at White Oak Books, 1700 Main St., Suite D, Vancouver. A facilitated conversation led by Leeza Edwards of Embodied Peace exploring what a sustainable life means. Free. More info

Wednesday, July 29

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+. 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, rushing waves, and fluid sculptures bursting with motion. More info
• Wednesday Wanders — 9:30–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A guided 2-mile nature walk exploring Columbia River ecosystems and wetlands. Great for adults or families with kids 6+. Free, registration required. More info
• High School Art Exhibit — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The Second Story Gallery's annual exhibition of artwork from Camas School District high school art students. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM in Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport from Autumn Leaf Books and hunt for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses. Complete your passport for prizes! Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild: Reptiles & Amphibians — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. Listen to a story, then explore the native plant garden. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free 30-minute tours of the historic home featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. Hands-on leathercraft for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• The Last Picture Shows — 7:30 PM at Camas Liberty Theatre. Director Rustin Thompson introduces his film about the vanishing movie theaters of the rural American West, followed by Q&A. $10. More info

Thursday, July 30

• Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peak — Best viewing overnight July 30–31. The southern Delta Aquariids are active through August 23. Look to the southern sky for faint meteors. More info
• Volunteer: Painting Park Signs at Lewisville Regional Park — 9:30 AM north of Battle Ground. Help Clark County Parks spruce up picnic tables. All tools supplied — wear closed-toe shoes and bring water and snacks. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The 6th annual Tiny Art Show is back — come see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd., Suite H. Part of a six-week series. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, 9307 NE Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. See new fabrics and notions, get project ideas. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Pasta Paleontology at Camas Public Library — 3:00–4:00 PM. Kids in grades K–5 play paleontologist and bring prehistoric creatures to life with pasta shapes. Free, registration required. More info
• Lux X Charters Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 909 N. Hayden Island Dr., Portland. Tour the luxury yacht, meet the crew, and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers dockside. 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
• Pollinators & Pints: Invasive Insects — 5:30–7:00 PM on 6th St., downtown Vancouver. Vancouver Bee Project's casual monthly gathering covers the yellow-legged hornet and spotted lanternfly. Food, drinks, and good conversation. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for a fun, flat 5–10 mile group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. All levels welcome. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Trash Pickup at Wintler Park — 6:00–8:00 PM at Wintler Community Park, Vancouver. Riparian Media is adopting Wintler Park — join their first community cleanup. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series: Cha Wa — 6:30–8:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. The final free concert of the summer series features Mardi Gras Indian funk and brass band music. Bring a picnic or grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant. More info

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