📰 What's Making News

Heights District Greenbelt Breaks Ground on MacArthur Boulevard

Vancouver officials grabbed shovels Wednesday to kick off the MacArthur Boulevard greenbelt project — a major milestone for the Heights District. The new green corridor will thread through one of the city's fastest-evolving neighborhoods, adding trails, landscaping, and stormwater infrastructure designed to keep pace with growth. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle joined the celebration alongside federal and local leaders. If you've driven MacArthur lately and wondered what all the planning was about, this is your answer. Read more from The Columbian.

Clark County Parks Open Doors to Vendors, Fitness Instructors

A brand-new parks partnership program from Clark County Public Works will let mobile food vendors, fitness instructors, and community organizations set up shop inside county parks. Think yoga in the grass, coffee carts by the trailhead, and guided nature walks led by local nonprofits. The goal is to bring more life — and more services — to public green spaces without adding to the county's overhead. Applications are open now through the county website at clark.wa.gov. Full details at Clark County Today.

Willie Williams III Joins Evergreen Public Schools Board

Evergreen Public Schools has a new board member: Willie Williams III was appointed in a unanimous 4-0 vote to fill the vacant District 4 seat, chosen from a pool of five finalists. Williams brings experience from Portland Public Schools and has voiced a commitment to student-centered, inclusive education. Board chair Jacqueline Weatherspoon praised his background and community focus. He'll be seated at the Grice-Adair Center for Educational Excellence. More from Clark County Today.

Vancouver Trout Hatchery: Your Free, Walk-In Summer Escape

Here's a local gem hiding in plain sight. The Vancouver Trout Hatchery is open to visitors who want to wander the ponds, chat with staff, and watch trout at every stage of life — no appointment needed. It's become a quiet gathering spot for families, dog walkers, and anyone who needs a low-key reset on a sunny afternoon. The Columbian's latest feature captures why regulars call it one of Vancouver's most underrated community spaces. Read the full story.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Local Prep Athletes Head to State Semifinals This Week

Washington's high school state semifinal pairings are set for baseball and boys soccer, with track and field state meets kicking off Thursday at Mt. Tahoma in Tacoma (4A-3A-2A) and Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima (1A-2B-1B). Baseball semifinals follow Friday at Everett Memorial Stadium. Full schedule and pairings here.

Eli Lilly Snaps Up Bothell Biotech Firm for $1.5 Billion

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly plans to acquire Curevo Vaccine, a biotechnology company based in Bothell, Washington, in a deal valued at $1.5 billion. Read more from The Columbian.

Mariners Sweep Oakland, Claim First Place in AL West

Rob Refsnyder and Julio Rodríguez each launched three-run homers while Logan Gilbert tossed six shutout innings as the Seattle Mariners routed the Athletics 9-1 Tuesday night to complete a series sweep and move into sole possession of first place. Full game recap here.

Crater Lake's Rare Newt One Step Closer to Federal Protection

The Mazama newt — found only in and around southern Oregon's Crater Lake — may soon gain Endangered Species Act protection after federal officials agreed to issue a decision by October, ending a three-year legal push. Details from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, May 28

• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM at Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. Bring a current project and swap ideas with fellow quilters of all skill levels. Sessions at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Free. More info
• General Federation of Women's Clubs Meeting — 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Battle Ground. Social time followed by a presentation from Dustin Waliezer of Fire District 3, plus club business and Ladybug Bazaar prep. More info
• Preschool Flower Shop — 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Preschoolers can sort flowers, take orders, and arrange bouquets in this hands-on dramatic play experience. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Ages 5–12 can spark their imagination building with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Free. More info
• National Burger Day Celebration — 4:00 PM at Bless Your Heart Burgers, Vancouver. Free classic single burger for everyone from 4–9 p.m., plus merchandise giveaways, a DJ, and raffles. Free. More info
• Library Trivia Nights — 5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Play solo or with a team, enjoy refreshments, and test your knowledge. Family friendly. Free. More info
• Oak Gall Ink Making Workshop — 5:00 PM at 105 E. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon. Artist Molly Holmlund leads a hands-on workshop making ink from oak galls and other local natural ingredients, hosted by Columbia Land Trust. Ages 12+. $50. More info
• Understory: NW Film Festival — 5:30 PM (doors) / 6:30 PM (show) at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Cascade Forest Conservancy presents films about adventure, conservation, and our connection to the natural world, including The Grand Salmon, Speaking Eep!, The Lost Fish, and Living Legacies. $22–$30. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, Vancouver. Monthly gathering to learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, Ridgefield. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons — 7:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Line dancing with instructor Kat Nichols. All ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info

Friday, May 29

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+). More info
• Homeschool Open House at Pomeroy Farm — 9:00 AM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Grades 2–5 explore children's work and play on a pre-electric farm. Groups under 20 welcome. $8. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with experienced guides from Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More info
• Volunteer Clean-Up at Countryside Park — 10:00 AM at Countryside Park, Vancouver. Help pick up litter and remove invasive plants. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Free. More info
• Flora & Fauna Friday at Countryside Park — 10:00 AM at Countryside Park, Vancouver. A work party and educational event in a spring volunteer series from the City of Vancouver. More info
• 2026 Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes: New & Remodeled — 11:00 AM at various locations. Tour beautifully finished projects by Clark County's top builders and remodelers, ask questions, and discover the latest trends. More info
• Paint, Sip and Celebrate the Stars and Stripes — 11:00 AM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. July 4-themed watercolor painting with picnic boxes and Firecracker Fizz sparkling lemonade. $60. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Cameo Cafe — 12:00 PM at Cameo Cafe, Vancouver. Seniors meet for lunch. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. Weekly art group every Friday. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 9–19 create characters and play Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ enjoy unlimited climbing for 1 hour 45 minutes across multiple difficulty levels. $3–$41. More info
• Collaborative Art at Rebecca Anstine Gallery — 5:00 PM reception at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery, Vancouver. Two exhibits by Vancouver School of Arts and Academics students, including "Evidence of an Art Occurrence." Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free, no experience needed, ages 14+. Equipment provided. More info
• Inspire Vancouver Information Sessions — 5:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. Learn about the new $6 million annual grant program for public arts, culture, heritage, and science. Free. More info
• Cake, Canvas and Coffee — 5:30 PM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. Decorate a cake canvas with frosting and sprinkles, plus a fruit pizza dessert bar. $50. More info
• Catalyst Spring Musical Revue — 6:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. NWCT's Youth Company performs a revue of Broadway's greatest hits. $5. More info
• Hockinson Fun Days — 6:00 PM bingo at Hockinson High School on Friday, plus pancake breakfast, marketplace, parade, and carnival on Saturday. Free. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Monthly Meeting — 6:00 PM at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, Battle Ground. For anyone who loves restoring vintage farm equipment. Free. More info
• Evergreen Dance Center Presents: Coppélia — 6:30 PM at Columbia Theatre, Longview. A performance of the timeless ballet classic. $18–$25. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free (donations encouraged). More info
• Journey Theater Presents Seussical — 7:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant in this family-friendly musical. $16–$18. More info
• Drunken Shakespeare — 7:00 PM at Tap Union Freehouse, Vancouver. A 21+ fundraiser supporting Metropolitan Performing Arts' free summer production of As You Like It. Craft brews and bites. $25 suggested donation. More info
• God of Carnage by Starbird Theatre — 7:30 PM at Sherman Auditorium, Vancouver. A Tony Award-winning dark comedy about two couples whose civilized meeting devolves into hilarious chaos. $23–$25. More info
• Clark College Theatre Presents [title of show] — 7:30 PM at Clark College Decker Theatre, Vancouver. A musical love letter to collaboration and the joy of creating something new. $12. More info
• Live Music Fridays at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Live music with Jeremy Ross. More info

Saturday, May 30

• Our Time to Shine Family Festival — 8:00 AM at WSU Vancouver. A 5K fun run, 1K kids trot, resource fair, bounce house, face painting, and more. Proceeds support free and low-cost mental health services for new and expecting families. More info
• Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk — 8:30 AM. A trail work party for veterans and service members to build camaraderie and maintain hiking trails. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Shop local produce, artisan goods, and more at the flagship Saturday market. More info
• Move With MADD Vancouver — 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Park, Vancouver. Walk/run fundraiser to support road safety awareness. $35. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Volunteer to remove invasive species, maintain trails, and improve the natural area. Tools and gloves provided. Free. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital — 9:00 AM. Step inside the historic 1903 Post Hospital at Fort Vancouver, one of the first in the nation purpose-built for x-ray imaging. $35. More info
• Weave a Willow Market Basket — 9:00 AM. A two-day class with Ridgefield artist Robin Brady, weaving a round handled basket in the traditional European stake-and-strand style using locally grown willows. More info
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop (Part 2) — 9:00 AM. Free workshop for WA State certificated educators; earn 5 STEM clock hours. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Pollinators and Predators: Beneficial Insects for the Garden — 9:30 AM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. Bug safari and native insect identification with the iNaturalist app. $15. More info
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek — 9:30 AM. A springtime guided walk to identify flowering native plants and listen for migrating songbirds. For adults and families with youth 8+. More info
• Bookmark Contest Celebration — 10:00 AM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Celebrate branch winners, pick up new bookmarks, and enjoy refreshments from the Cascade Park Friends of the Library. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free. More info
• Mural Installation in Washougal — 10:00 AM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. Dedication of a 24x8-foot historic mural by local artist Travis London depicting early life in Camas and Washougal. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 10:00 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Free guided tour of the 79-acre historic farm covering its history in horticulture, agriculture, and community enrichment. More info
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair — 10:00 AM. Music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and connections with nonprofit organizations and community partners. More info
• Vancouver Lake Rowing Club: Return to Rowing — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Lake Rowing Club, Vancouver. Reconnect with the sport, tour the boathouse, and get back on the water. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. $10. More info
• Paint Your Pet at Craft Collective — 11:00 AM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Beginner-friendly acrylic painting class led by Kaylynn of Pepper Hill Art. Ages 18+. $65. More info
• NAMIWalks — 12:00 PM at Marine Park, Vancouver. A signature mental health fundraising walk. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, cross the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Bread Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 12:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Enjoy fresh bread made from flour milled on-site. Free. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society's 71st Annual Rose Show — 1:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. "A Rosy Affair" features stunning rose displays, a photography competition, a Garden Market with local vendors, and expert rose care advice. Free. More info
• Book Launch: Ellie May and the Midnight Search — 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Vancouver. Meet search-and-rescue dog Ellie May and handler JW Jones for the launch of their children's book. Free. More info
• Sidewalk Chalk Day with British Swim School — 1:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver. Chalk provided, creativity required. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Attend Rose Show — 1:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. More info
• Celebrating 121 Years at Oaks Park — 1:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Unlimited ride wristbands for $19.05 online, plus beer tasting, free cake, and balloons. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents The Very Hungry Caterpillar — 1:30 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Broadway Minis actors ages 3–6 perform an original adaptation. Free. More info
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Dreamers of Dreams — 2:00 PM at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Sapphire Wind Symphony performs. Pay what you want. More info
• Pop-Up Mini Golf — 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Putt through a mini golf course designed and built by the Teen Library Council. Free. More info
• Bingo, Dinner and Auction — 5:00 PM at Battle Ground Farmers Market, Battle Ground. Pulled pork dinner, bingo for prizes, and auctions supporting Clark County Fair Swine Barn youth. More info
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Ode to Joy — 6:00 PM at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Symphony Topaz performs with special guests. Pay what you want. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing in all styles. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra featuring Violinist Inés Issel Burzyńska — 7:00 PM at Skyview High School Concert Hall, Vancouver. Season finale with Adams' The Chairman Dances, Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, and Dvořák's Symphony No. 9. $15–$63. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Karaoke: Studio 54 Costume Party — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Sing your heart out in disco-era glam and compete for best costume. More info

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