📰 What's Making News

Mount St. Helens License Plates Arrive — First 25 Hit the Auction Block Saturday

Clark County drivers, your bumper just got more interesting. A brand-new Washington license plate honoring Mount St. Helens is on its way, and the Mount St. Helens Institute is auctioning the rights to the very first 25 plates — numbered VM00001 through VM00025 — starting this Saturday. After the auction wraps, the plates will roll out to the general public. If repping our most famous volcano on your daily commute sounds like your thing, keep an eye on the auction details. Read more from The Columbian.

Gas Leak Near Covington Park Forces Quarter-Mile Evacuation in Orchards

Machinery work struck a natural gas line Thursday afternoon near 72nd Street and 94th Avenue, close to Covington Neighborhood Park, prompting evacuations within a quarter-mile radius. Vancouver Fire responded and the area was cleared while crews worked to cap the leak. If you live in the Orchards or Sifton area and noticed the commotion, that's what it was — no injuries have been reported. Residents have since been allowed to return. Full details here.

Raptors Blow 5-Run Lead, Drop Heartbreaker in Extra Innings

Rough week for the Ridgefield Raptors. They carried an 8-3 lead into the bottom of the seventh at Yakima Valley, only to watch the Pippins claw back with a four-run eighth inning to force extras. A one-out single in the 10th sealed the 9-8 loss, capping a winless six-game road trip. The bats have been there — holding a lead has been the issue. Here's hoping the homestand brings a reset. Box score and recap here.

Your Weekend Lineup: Amboy Territorial Days, Wine Tastings, Historic Walking Tours

Looking for plans this weekend? The Columbian rounded up five things worth doing, and the lineup is solid. Amboy Territorial Days brings small-town charm and community vibes to North County, Good Times and Wine offers a relaxed tasting experience, and guided historic walking tours let you see familiar streets through fresh eyes. Whether you're craving adventure or just a good glass of wine, there's something on the list. See all five picks here.

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💬 Community Buzz

The community conversation was a little quiet this week — we'll be back with more local discussions worth your time in the next issue!

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⚡ Quick Bites

I-5 to I-205 Ramp Closes Tonight for Paving

Heads up if you use the southbound I-5 to southbound I-205 connection at Exit 7 — it's closing tonight and tomorrow night for pavement repairs and striping work. Plan an alternate route or brace for delays.

$4 Million Wetland Restoration Complete at Heritage Farm

The 78th Street Heritage Farm just cut the ribbon on a major wetland project that restores Cougar Creek's headwaters to benefit salmon, wildlife, and local groundwater in the Salmon Creek Watershed. Read about the celebration here.

Middle Schooler Builds 30-Page District Magazine in Six Weeks

Rye Dilley, a Tukes Valley Middle School student, discovered archived Battle Ground Public Schools newspapers — and turned the inspiration into a full student-run news magazine. The 30-page debut issue came together in under six weeks.

Clark County Eyes 4th Waste Transfer Station

County leaders are exploring options to take ownership of two existing regional waste transfer stations and potentially add a fourth. The transition could take several years but planning is already underway.

First Black Bear Crosses Snoqualmie Pass Wildlife Overpass

A black bear just became the first of its species to use the new I-90 animal overcrossing at Snoqualmie Pass — a milestone for Washington's ambitious wildlife connectivity project. Worth a smile with your morning coffee.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, July 10

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (60+) stay active, with sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Kiwanis Multi-Family Yard Sale – 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at a private residence in Vancouver. The Salmon Creek Kiwanis Club hosts a fundraising garage sale featuring furniture, household items, tools, kids' clothing and toys. Cash only, no early birds. Also open July 11. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM. Spend your Friday morning volunteering with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden — good people, good cause, gorgeous weather. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour – 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring your four-legged friend for a volunteer-led guided walk exploring the park's history through the lens of our canine companions. Free. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning Opportunities: Plums in Camas – 9:30 AM. Join Urban Abundance to glean golden plums in Camas and help share fresh, local food with neighbors across Clark County. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project and join a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. A Maker Station for kids 5+ filled with recyclables, tape, pom poms, wood items and more for open-ended creative fun. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins and art projects for kids ages 1–5, with a Maker Station add-on for ages 5+. $24. More info
• Liquidation and Rummage Sale at Elks Lodge – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd. Clothes, housewares, home decor, furniture and vintage finds. Also open July 11. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ every Friday, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Magic of Reading – 12:00 PM–12:45 PM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Jay Frasier's magic show proves the most powerful magic is found between the pages of a good book. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative art group hosted every Friday. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies – 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers and food vendors plus live music. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens – 3:00 PM at Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, Toutle. Explore the volcanic landscape with scenic trails, playful activities, art and hands-on experiences for the whole family. $275. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days – 3:00 PM–midnight at Amboy Territorial Days Park, 21400 N.E. 399th St. The 66th annual celebration kicks off with artisan vendors, food, a kid's zone, live music, a beer garden and a car show starting at 4:30 PM. Runs through July 12. Free admission. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects — use your imagination and practice new artistic skills. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Preschool Summer Scribbles – 3:30 PM–4:15 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults practice early writing skills with summer-themed activities. Registration required at CamasPL.org. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00 PM–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting and snacks for ages 9–12. Snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, a pool and more — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days Car Show – Registration opens at 4:30 PM, show at 5:00 PM at Amboy Territorial Days Park. Classic cars, muscle cars, custom builds, food and entertainment. Spectators free; vehicle entry $10. More info
• 50+ Climb Night – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A fun evening of climbing for ages 50+ — no experience or special gear needed. $19–$24. More info
• Reception & Artist Talk: High School Art Exhibit – 5:00 PM–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Celebrate local high school artists with a reception in the Second Story Gallery, including student talks about their work. Free. More info
• ZooNights – 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters and elephant ears — experience the zoo after hours. $13–$26. 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
• Tween Night: Bracelet Making at Drip Drop Art Studio – 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Ages 9–14 learn to make Kandi bracelets and shrinky dink charms. Pizza and drinks included. Drop-off only. $45. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle – 5:30 PM–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Bring your knitting or crochet projects (or your unfinished scraps for others to use). Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, 17806 S.E. 1st St., Vancouver. Live music by Guatemalan-American singer and songwriter Idea The Artist, plus the Venue 1903 food truck. Free admission. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown baseball team under the summer sky. More info
• Friday Fun Nights: Mario Mayhem at Kids Club – Drop-off at 6:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Kids race through obstacle courses, collect coins, dodge Goombas, tackle Mario Kart challenges and make a take-home craft. $39.99. More info
• Jesus and Friends: Acoustic Christian Music – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments on the second Friday of each month. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Live music on the pet-friendly patio with food, cocktails and local wine. First come, first served. More info
• Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy – 7:00 PM in the historic Academy Ballroom. Hot jazz and sweet dance music from the roaring '20s and '30s — tunes of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin under the leadership of Sammuel Murry-Hawkins. $16. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Concert: Logan Rombach – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. An evening of incredible guitar work and great tunes to kick off your weekend. More info

Saturday, July 11

• Clark County Parks Fee-Free Day: National Wildlife Day – 7:00 AM. Celebrate National Wildlife Day with free access to Clark County regional parks. More info
• La Center Our Days: City-Wide Garage Sale – 8:00 AM–4:00 PM throughout La Center. La Center's premier summer tradition kicks off with a community-wide garage sale. Free. More info
• Youth Photographers CAMERADERIE Field Trip – 8:00 AM at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Young photographers ages 10–18 explore a top birding hotspot with seasoned guides from Vancouver Audubon and Cameraderie PNW. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a guided birding walk at the Carty Unit of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship market, running strong since 1990, with local produce, artisans and more. More info
• Vancouver GoFest Celebration 2026 – 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park and downtown. A free, family-friendly Pokémon-themed festival with a Kids Zone, interactive activities, local businesses and more. Also runs July 12. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI – 9:00 AM in Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and families use their five senses to explore the world of Sasquatch through early STEAM concepts. Bilingual program. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome, dogs too. Register at parkrun.us. More info
• Garlic Growing Workshop – 9:00 AM–10:30 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardeners cover choosing varieties, planting, fertilizing, harvesting and curing. Take home a clove with planting instructions. $10. More info
• Wander Clark County Walking Tour: Historic Parkersville – 9:00 AM (early tour) and 11:00 AM (late tour). Explore one of Washington's oldest incorporated communities with guides from the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. More info
• C10s at the Lake Classic Truck Show – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Lake Regional Park. Classic trucks from 1998 and older, plus food, coffee and shave ice. Tailgating encouraged. Spectators free; truck registration $25. More info
• Muscle Car Mania – 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Liberty Bible Church, Salmon Creek. The Evergreen Mustangs Car Club's 10th annual show with classic and custom muscle cars, raffles, vendors and a K-9 demo. Spectators free; registration $25. More info
• Second Saturday at Jane Weber Arboretum – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 9215 S.E. Evergreen Highway, Vancouver. Volunteer work party to maintain and improve the arboretum grounds, followed by refreshments. Free. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus – 10:00 AM–10:45 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic and plate spinning — a show that'll dazzle the whole family. Free. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair – 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. A summer makers market with local vendors selling skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts and more. More info
• Vintage Car Show at Vancouver Elks Lodge – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd. Trophies for men's, women's and people's choice. Raffles, door prizes, food and refreshments. Free for spectators. More info
• Kids Crochet at Hook & Needle – 10:00 AM–11:00 AM at Hook and Needle, 621 Broadway, Vancouver. Beginner crochet for ages 10+ taught by Becka of Radiant Beans — make your own bookmark. Supplies included. $45. 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. STEAM fun for all ages. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Summer Series: Skatepark Pop-Up – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Riverside Bowl Skatepark, Camas. Rose City Rollers bring the Skatemobile with gear and coaching, plus 360 Grindz with giveaways. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Lake: Native Plant ID Walk – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen leads a one-mile walk identifying native plants. Email to sign up. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver waterfront. Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Lavender U-Pick and Farm Stand – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Ridgefield Lavender, 6203 N.W. 172nd St. Pick your own lavender bundles, sip lavender lemonade and browse handcrafted products. Free admission. More info
• Frogs & Friends: Life in the Lagoon Workshop – 10:00 AM in Washougal. Learn about native frogs, habitat creation and wildlife-friendly native plants with Good Year Farms and Frog & Twig. Brunch included. Registration required. More info
• Volunteer Gardening at Heritage Farm – 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for a few hours outdoors caring for the farm. No experience needed — everyone welcome. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Intro to 3D Design – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Learn the basics of Tinkercad and start creating objects for 3D printing. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Spanish Storytime – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. No registration required. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Clark County Heritage Organization Fair – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Meet the organizations preserving local landmarks, family histories, artifacts and traditions. Free. More info
• Silver Stacking Rings Workshop – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry teaches metalsmithing basics — leave with three sterling silver rings you made yourself. Ages 18+. $120. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Fourth Plain Forward brings free art and nature activities to the community — kick off the summer series. Free. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave – 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, stress-free collage day every second Saturday. Bring supplies or don't — all are welcome. More info
• Vancouver Community Library's 15th Birthday Celebration – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM. Celebrate this milestone with refreshments provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL – 2:00 PM. A monthly community gathering to branch out and discuss the best gardening techniques for our neck of the woods. Free. More info
• Teen Creative Crafts: Decorate Your Own Water Bottle – 2:30 PM–4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. DIY decorating with craft supplies and snacks. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Mahjong Summer Social – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School, Ridgefield. Chinese Mahjong for a fun summer evening. Free. More info
• As You Like It – 6:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. MPA's Community Theater presents Shakespeare's beloved comedy as part of their 8th annual summer touring show. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: Glitter & Gasoline – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sternwheeler Park, La Center. Enjoy rock, blues, funk and Americana at La Center's family-friendly concert series. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duets – 6:00 PM. Annie Averre (vocals, guitar) with Steve Christofferson (piano) — plus wood-fired pizzas made on site. More info
• The Gallery: An Original Dance Production by Groove Nation Performing Arts – 6:30 PM. When the lights go out, the art comes to life — a creative dance story exploring imagination, memory, emotion, movement and inspiration. More info
• Karaoke with The Party People – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Step into the spotlight and belt out your favorite tunes. All ages. Free. More info
• Poetry Night Featuring Poetry about Malcolm X – 7:00 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. An evening of spoken word, poetry and community conversation exploring themes of empowerment and self-determination. More info
• Saturday Night Karaoke at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine. More info

Sunday, July 12

• Learn About Native WA Bats – 10:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 N.E. 277th Ave., Camas. A free class on local bat species, their habitats, their role in pollination and how you can help protect them. Registration required. More info
• Science Heroes: Digging It! – 12:00 PM–12:45 PM at Vancouver Mall Community Library. A hands-on, high-energy STEM show packed with audience interaction and wow moments. Free. More info
• Sunday Sounds Concert Series – 6:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center Park, Vancouver. The summer series kicks off with genre-defying crowd favorites. Bring a picnic or grab food from local vendors. Free. More info

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