📰 What's Making News

Lewisville Park Reopens Today After Fire Destroys 90-Year-Old Picnic Shelter

Lewisville Regional Park is back open this morning after a Tuesday fire destroyed the Central picnic shelter — a WPA-era structure built between 1936 and 1940 that was listed on the Clark County Heritage Register. The loss stings for anyone who's gathered under that roof over the decades. The park was temporarily closed while crews investigated, and Clark County Public Works says reservation holders affected by the closure can request refunds. Full details from Clark County Today.

Columbia River Boys Soccer Punches Ninth Straight State Ticket

Dynasty is not too strong a word. Columbia River blanked Ridgefield 3-0 in Tuesday's 2A district semifinal at John O'Rourke Field, scoring three goals early in the second half to lock up a ninth consecutive WIAA state tournament berth. The Chieftains now advance to the district championship as well. If you've never caught a River match under the lights, the state tournament is a fine time to start. Read more at The Columbian.

Seton Catholic's Kolten Gesser Shuts Down Rochester With Second Straight Two-Hitter

Senior pitcher Kolten Gesser is making a habit of dominance at exactly the right time. Gesser tossed his second consecutive two-hit complete game Tuesday as Seton Catholic beat Rochester 6-2 to clinch a third straight Class 1A state baseball berth. He previously blanked La Center 1-0 on May 5 to wrap up the Trico League title. The Cougars head to state with serious momentum. Full recap at The Columbian.

Prairie Football Coach Junior Miller Steps Down After Two Seasons

Prairie High School head football coach Junior Miller announced his resignation on social media Tuesday after two seasons leading the Falcons. The move opens a significant search for Prairie heading into the offseason. No word yet on what prompted the departure or who might be next in line. Keep an eye on this one — coaching changes always ripple through a program for years. More from The Columbian.

West Vancouver Gas Leak Evacuates 30, NW Natural Repairs Line

A ruptured gas line near Kauffman Avenue and West Fourth Plain Boulevard forced fire crews to evacuate about 30 people from nearby homes and a commercial building Tuesday morning. NW Natural responded and stopped the leak, and residents were eventually allowed to return. No injuries were reported. If you noticed the emergency vehicles in west Vancouver yesterday, that's what the commotion was about. Details at The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

The community discussion board was quiet today — nothing worth your time bubbled up. We'll be back with the good stuff tomorrow!

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⚡ Quick Bites

Pedigo Doubles Down on Vancouver Manufacturing

If you've ever been in a hospital, you've probably rolled past one of their stainless steel carts. Medical equipment manufacturer Pedigo has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping operations right here in central Vancouver — a welcome vote of confidence in our local economy. Read more from The Columbian.

200 Food Boxes Needed by June 14 in Camas-Washougal

IMPACT CW's 12th Annual Summer Food Drive is looking for volunteers and donors to help assemble 200 food boxes for local families before school lets out. High-protein staples like peanut butter, canned tuna, and chili are at the top of the wish list. Here's how to pitch in.

Original Pirate Play Opens This Weekend at Firmly Planted

Writer Summer St. John's adventure "The Escapades of Denston Thomas" — pirates, a villain, hidden treasure — hits the stage this weekend at the Firmly Planted Family Homeschool Resource Center. Tickets are available now for what sounds like a genuinely fun family outing. Grab yours here.

I-5 Right Lanes Close Near Ridgefield Wednesday

WSDOT is inspecting weigh-in-motion scales on I-5, which means daytime right-lane closures near Ridgefield (milepost 15.4) and Kelso (milepost 45) on May 14. Plan a few extra minutes if you're heading north or south through Clark or Cowlitz counties. Full details here.

Gas Leak Near Kauffman Avenue Resolved, All-Clear Given

NW Natural repaired a gas line rupture near Kauffman Avenue that briefly displaced about 30 people and triggered evacuation orders yesterday. Vancouver Fire confirmed the all-clear, and residents have been allowed back. Catch the full update.

Pearl Jam Books First Gig Without Matt Cameron

Seattle's Pearl Jam has announced its first concert since drummer Matt Cameron's departure — a detail PNW music fans have been watching closely. No word yet on who'll be behind the kit. Get the details from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, May 13

• TOPS 1056 – 8:15 AM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Weekly weigh-in and support meeting for folks on their wellness journey. Weigh-in runs 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting from 9:30–10:30 AM. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. The Area Agency on Aging hosts evidence-based group exercise for older adults (60+). Two sessions every Wednesday and Friday. More info
• Homeschool Open House at Pomeroy Farm – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM in Yacolt. Homeschool families and co-ops with fewer than 20 students can explore the spring program themed "Children's Work & Play on a Pre-Electric Farm" for grades 2–5. $8 per student. More info
• The Big Pickle Fundraising Pickleball Tournament – 10:00 AM–1:30 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Friends of the Children presents a day of friendly pickleball competition, food, music, swag, and raffle prizes — all benefiting youth mentorship programs. $199–$250. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. The Academy is open during construction of Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square. More info
• Spice of Life: Growing Herbs – 10:00 AM. WSU Master Gardener Terrie Phillips shows you how to plant, grow, and harvest popular herbs — plus tips on preserving, storage, and easy usage. Free. More info
• Family Storytime: Ages 0–5 – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Stories, songs, and fun activities for little ones and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Fort Vancouver Kiwanis – 11:30 AM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, Vancouver. Weekly lunch meeting with a presentation by a local speaker starting at 12:30 PM. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. A midday pause with quiet music. Free. More info
• Music Therapy Song Circle – 1:00–2:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Felida neighborhood, Vancouver. Licensed music therapist Kelly Aloia leads this free, open-to-everyone song circle. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. For ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in to fold a monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Adventures in Art – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. A relaxed drop-in session for adults to experiment with experimental acrylics this month. All materials provided, no experience needed. Free. More info
• Teen Songwriting Workshop – 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Songwriter Taylor Miranda teaches teens how to generate ideas, understand song structures, and share original music — referencing her book "The Songwriting Breakdown." Registration required. Free. More info
• Live Music at The Grant House – 5:00–7:00 PM at Willful Wine inside the Grant House on Officers Row, Vancouver. Solo musicians perform every Wednesday evening. 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 all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Gardening with Compost – 6:00–7:30 PM at Waste Connections, 9411 N.E. 94th Ave., Vancouver. Learn how to create a fertilizer-free garden using Bokashi, vermicompost, trench compost, and leaf mulch. Free — register at clarkcountycomposts.org/workshops. More info
• Yoga and Tea – 6:00–7:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. A restorative yoga class with Tiffany — order your tea before class and it'll be ready when you're done. $20. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic – 6:15–7:45 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original poetry, share a favorite poet's work, or just come to listen. All ages welcome. Doors open 6:15 PM, sign-ups close 6:25 PM. Free. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30–8:00 PM at the 40 et 8, 2809 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. DAV Chapter 4 holds its regular monthly meeting. Free. More info
• Science on Tap: The Silken Thread – 7:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A fascinating talk exploring how five insects — from silkworms to fleas — shaped human history, empires, and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. More info
• WNPS Workshop: Managing Forest Fires in South Mt. Adams Region – 7:00 PM at 77 N.E. Wauna Ave. Adam Lieberg of Columbia Land Trust discusses ecological forestry and fire management. More info

Thursday, May 14

• General Federation of Women's Clubs – Battle Ground – 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Battle Ground. Enjoy social time followed by a presentation about scams by Laurie Hansen at 2:15 PM, plus discussion of community service projects and new officers. Free. More info
• On the Road Tour: Hidden Ridgefield – 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, meeting at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead visits to Shovel and Thumb landscaping, Millennium Farms' heirloom veggies, and All Seasons Plants' rare and native selections. Lunch at Ridgefield Craft Brewing. $35. More info
• Beacon Rock Trail Day Work Party – 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. Volunteer with Washington Trails Association to help maintain trails at one of the Gorge's most popular destinations. Overnight camping available if you want to help both days. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Michael Walker, Ruby Life Master, teaches opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Round Table Discussion – 12:00 PM at Cascade Park Library, Vancouver. A lively discussion group for seniors. More info
• Clark Native Plant Center Spring Plant Sale – 12:00–6:00 PM at Clark College, Vancouver. Native plants grown by Clark College students — great for pollinators and beneficial insects. Sale continues May 15 (noon–6 PM) and May 16 (10 AM–2 PM). More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark your imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and other fun materials. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons with other players. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Color Their Worlds Gala & Auction – 5:00 PM at ilani Cowlitz Gathering Room, Ridgefield. Educational Opportunities for Children & Families' biggest event of the year — an evening of dining, live auction, and community celebration. More info
• Cool Islam Presents Stage & Screen – 5:30 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. End-of-year student performances plus a screening of "Time Hoppers: The Silk Road." $15–$25. More info
• Art Exhibiting Workshop – 5:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Sharon Svec leads a free workshop for artists on preparing artwork and artist statements for public exhibition — including the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. Free. More info
• Mid-Century Modern Vancouver – 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. State Architectural Historian Michael Houser explores Vancouver's mid-century architecture and the designers who shaped it, including Day W. Hilborn, Donald Stewart, Keith Bradbury, and William D. Cassady. Free. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Monthly meeting with dinner included. Free. More info
• Online Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Burrowing Owl – 6:00 PM online via Bird Alliance of Oregon. Paint a charming Burrowing Owl in watercolor with guided tricks for tackling those tricky feather patterns. More info
• Cascades Pika Watch Training Workshop – 6:30 PM. Learn to survey and map pikas in the Columbia River Gorge as a volunteer with Cascades Pika Watch. More info
• Why Your Goals Don't Stick Workshop – 6:45 PM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Discover why the subconscious resists change, do a vision exercise, and learn to shift limiting beliefs. Free. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons – 7:00–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Kat Nichols teaches line dancing — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Janet Steward – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Hosted by Christopher Luna and Morgan Paige. Steward's chapbook "Now Is What Matters" was published in 2024. $5 suggested donation. More info
• Willy Wonka Jr. – Heritage High School Thespian Society – 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. Come cheer on these talented students in this beloved musical. $12 adults, $8 students/seniors. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free. More info

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