📰 What's Making News

Oksana's School of Art Opens in Vancouver's Heights District

Vancouver has a brand-new art school, and it's already turning heads. Oksana's School of Art and Studio has set up shop in a former fitness center and pool building in the Heights District, trading lap lanes for canvases. The space offers art classes in a neighborhood that's been hungry for more creative programming. If you've been looking for a reason to pick up a brush — or hand one to your kid before school starts — this is worth a visit. Read more from The Columbian.

5,000 Miles by Air, 500 on Foot — All for Battle Ground Healthcare

Amy Light and Mick Robins flew 5,000 miles just so they could walk 500 more, and it's all to raise money for Battle Ground Healthcare. The pair are logging hundreds of miles on foot in a fundraising trek that puts most weekend warriors to shame. Their effort spotlights a community health organization that serves neighbors who need it most. It's the kind of story that makes you want to lace up your own shoes — or at least open your wallet. Full story here.

2A Football Merger Scrapped Weeks Before Kickoff

If you follow local prep football, hold onto your roster: the planned merger between the 2A Greater St. Helens League and the 2A Evergreen Conference has been called off — just two weeks before the season opens. District 4 approved the 12-team structure only four months ago, so the late reversal has coaches and programs at Ridgefield, Hockinson, Columbia River, Hudson's Bay, Washougal, and Woodland scrambling to adjust. The move sends both conferences back to separate operations for the fall. Expect some very interesting scheduling conversations in the days ahead. Get the details.

Wine, Jazz, Fly-Ins, and an Art Walk — Your Weekend Lineup

Clark County is stacking the weekend card. Highlights include a Wine and Jazz Festival for the music-and-Merlot crowd, the Cedars North W58 Fly-In and Car Show for anyone who likes engines on wheels or wings, and the ever-popular Camas Art and Wine Walk through downtown Camas. Whether you want live music al fresco, vintage planes, or gallery-hopping with a glass in hand, there's something worth circling on the calendar. See all the options.

Battle Ground Schools Want You on Their Advisory Committee

Battle Ground Public Schools is recruiting community members to serve on its Citizens Advisory Committee for the 2026-27 school year. The committee gives residents a direct line to share input on district priorities and planning. If you live in the Battle Ground area and want a seat at the table — rather than just commenting from the sidelines — applications are open now. It's a straightforward way to stay involved in the schools your neighbors' kids attend. Learn how to apply.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Friday Night Lights Prep Begins Across Clark County

High school football teams across the area hit the practice field Wednesday for the official first day of fall practices in Washington. The 2026 season is right around the corner — time to pick your favorite local squad. Full story here.

Vancouver Greenlights $1.14M Design Contract for Two New Fire Stations

The city approved a $1.14 million contract to design replacements for two aging fire stations. Construction timelines haven't been announced yet, but the design work gets the ball rolling. Read more from The Columbian.

Ridgefield's Greely Building Gets Stunning New Photo Panels

Large-scale photo panels now grace the Greely Building in downtown Ridgefield, showcasing the wildlife refuge, the Chinookan Plankhouse, and the community's dragon boat traditions. The project was a collaboration between Ridgefield Main Street, the Heritage Society, and several local partners. See the details.

Mariners Call Up Top Pitching Prospect Kade Anderson

Seattle is promoting its top pitching prospect, Kade Anderson, to start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. If you're a Mariners fan, this is one debut worth watching. Get the scoop.

Check Your Freezer: Glass Found in Frozen Treats Sold at WA Stores

A recall is underway for frozen treats sold at Washington grocery stores after reports that some may contain glass fragments. It's worth a quick freezer check this morning. See which products are affected.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, August 21

• Soroptimist International of Clark County Fundraising Sale — 8:00 AM–4:00 PM at 4704 Rolling Meadows Drive, Washougal. Score deals on furniture, home décor, collectibles and household items (50% off starting Aug. 22). Proceeds support scholarships and career resources for women. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Free evidence-based group exercise for adults age 60-plus, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Help keep a community garden growing strong — harvested produce is donated to neighbors in need through LULAC. More info
• Family Mt. Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. 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, no-cost hangout for ages 13+. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of one of Vancouver's most storied historic homes. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Kids Workshops — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Today's theme wraps up a week of hands-on farm fun for ages 6–12. $35 per class or $150 for the series. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party — 10:00 AM at Homestead Park, Vancouver. Help weed, mulch, and tidy up — tools, gloves, water and snacks provided. Family-friendly; youth under 18 need a signed consent form. More info
• Plant & Seed Swap — 10:00 AM, hosted by Kindred Home. Bring plant starts, saved seeds, or plants you no longer need, and take home something new. No plants to swap? Come browse anyway — everyone's welcome. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Free lunchtime live music in the Downtown Arts Quarter. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Women's Herstory — 12:00 PM starting at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly leads a free one-hour walk exploring the homes and buildings where Vancouver women first forged paths to suffrage and professional life. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A free, weekly creative gathering. More info
• STEM Design Challenge — 2:00–3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in K–5th grade (plus their adults) tackle a surprise STEM challenge with mystery-bag materials. Free, no registration required. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival — Gates open 3:30 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Tonight's lineup: Terry Robb & Adam Scramstad, the Norman Sylvester Blues Band, and headliner Too Slim & The Taildraggers. Festival runs through Sunday. Kids under 12 free with a paid adult. $25–$110. More info
• Tween Hangout — 4:00–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool and more. $10 adults, $5 kids/veterans/seniors, free for ages 3 and under. More info
• Family Bingo Night — 5:00–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Totem Pole Room. Winners take home a Reading Dragon prize. All ages, free. More info
• Family & Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ can tackle multiple difficulty levels for 1 hour 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience needed; all equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• ZooNights — 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters and elephant ears under a summer sky. $13–$26. 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+. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert Series: Huckle Buck Highway — 5:30 PM at the O.O. Howard House, Vancouver. Free outdoor concert featuring high-energy country and classic rock covers. Food and beverages available for purchase. More info
• Good Times and Wine: Free Range — 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live acoustic, bluegrass and folk rock on the patio. Free admission; wine and food available for purchase. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays — 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Weekly dice battle game night — bring your hero and roll. More info
• Songwriters Showcase Open Mic — 6:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Original music, hosted by Casey O'Neill of the band Drifter. Free. More info
• Free Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2 (PG) — 6:30 PM (movie at dusk) at Bagley Community Park, Vancouver. Arrive early for family-friendly activities. Bring low-backed lawn chairs or blankets. More info
• Friday Fun Night: The Great Toy Escape — 6:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Obstacle courses, toy rescues, team challenges, crafts, gymnastics room fun and more. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night — 6:30–8:30 PM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. All welcome; proceeds support local veterans' assistance in North Clark County. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine and live music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Let's Make Some History Dance — 7:00–9:00 PM at the Greely Building, Ridgefield. The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra plays 1920s and '30s jazz standards to kick off the new Meeting History museum. Period costumes encouraged. $33.85. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Marilyn Swagger and the Band of My Dreams, The 821 Crew, and Marlin and the Magic Potion. More info

Saturday, August 22

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit with professional guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day at Fort Vancouver NHS — 8:00 AM. Explore, learn and protect U.S. National Parks — activities available at Fort Vancouver and NPS sites everywhere. All ages welcome. More info
• Soroptimist International Fundraising Sale (Day 2) — 8:00 AM–4:00 PM at 4704 Rolling Meadows Drive, Washougal. Everything 50% off starting today. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at 8th & Esther Street, Vancouver. The flagship market next to Esther Short Park, running since 1990. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00 AM in Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and families explore early science using their five senses — all in the name of Sasquatch research. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run or just cheer. All ages, abilities and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Cedars North W58 Fly-In and Car Show — 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at Cedars North Airpark, Battle Ground. Classic cars, exotic vehicles, motorcycles, fly-in aircraft and local vendors. Free admission. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Old Town Ridgefield — 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM tours at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Walk through Ridgefield's storied downtown with Clark County Historical Museum guides. $10 (free for CCHM members). More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup — 9:00 AM at 9612 NW Lower River Road. Help Clark County Public Works keep the beach beautiful. Tools provided; wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI — 9:30 AM in Portland. More than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site bring the 1912 voyage to life. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes and hands-on STEAM fun. Free admission, all ages. More info
• Junior Ranger Day at Fort Vancouver — 10:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Pick up a scavenger hunt and explore the reconstructed Hudson's Bay Company fort. Free–$10. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Meeting History — 10:00 AM at the Greely Building, Ridgefield. Explore Ridgefield's founding, its civic institutions, and the little-known stories of Japanese farmers displaced during WWII. Free. More info
• Hidden Journey of Wastewater — 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Tour the Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant, then walk to the Columbia River to see where clean water is released. Ages 8+. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver Waterfront. Vibrant paintings by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tour — 10:00 AM at 78th St., Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardener docents lead a tour of the historic "poor farm" turned demonstration garden. More info
• Adopt-A-Park at LeRoy Haagen Community Park — 10:00 AM, Vancouver. Remove ivy and non-native plants to support forest health. Tools, gloves, water and snacks provided. Family-friendly. More info
• Family Pocket Monsters: Ruby & Sapphire Celebration — 11:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Earn badges through activities and games inspired by the Hoenn region. Free. More info
• The Reser Presents: Musical Playground — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Kids 10 and under explore drums, guitars, pianos, violins and ukuleles with trained instructors. Free, no ticket needed. More info
• Ring-Making Workshop at Craft Collective — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry teaches metalsmithing basics — you'll leave with a sterling silver and 14K gold ring with a small diamond. Ages 18+. $210. More info
• Free Lunch with Our Neighbors — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at East Woods Presbyterian Church, Vancouver. More info
• Trusts 101 Seminar — 11:00 AM at Pettis Webber Pacific P.S., 1500 D St., Vancouver (also online). Attorney Karen Webber covers the basics of protecting your assets. Free; RSVP required at 360-216-4007. More info
• Community Lake Day with Adventures Without Limits — 11:00 AM at Hagg Lake Sain Creek Pavilion. Food, live music, kayaking, and inclusive recreation to celebrate 25+ years of adaptive adventure. Registration required. More info
• Longview Rotary's SquirrelFest 2026 — 11:00 AM in Longview, WA. Celebrate the city's famous squirrel bridges with kids' activities, squirrel bridge tours, vendors and more. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Vancouver. Free art and nature activities for families, presented by Fourth Plain Forward and community partners. More info
• Camas Art & Wine Walk — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Stroll tree-lined streets sampling wines, discovering local art, and popping into boutique shops. More info
• Brewing Bridges Collaboration Festival — 3:00–8:00 PM at Heathen Estate Winery, Vancouver. Unlimited tastings from 30 breweries, food trucks, a vendor market and live music. $49 general / $64 VIP. More info
• Tween & Teen Video Game Night — 4:00–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Nintendo Switch gaming, snacks, and new friends. Free, no registration needed. More info
• Hooked on Nature at Columbia Springs — 4:30–8:00 PM at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Celebrate Columbia Springs' 25th anniversary with the Invasive Species Cook-Off, dinner, drinks and a silent auction. $115. More info
• Live Music: North City Juke at Windy Hills Winery — 5:00–8:00 PM in Ridgefield. Free outdoor show under the tent. All ages welcome; food and drinks available for purchase. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival (Day 2) — 11:00 AM–10:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Full day of jazz, blues, gospel and pop plus Northwest wines, fine art and food. $35–$40 at the gate; kids under 12 free with paid adult. More info
• Muse: The Wow! Signal Tour — 7:00 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. The British rock icons bring their 10th studio album to Clark County. $35+. More info
• Music Bingo PDX: 80s Hits! — 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Match song clips to your bingo card for three rounds of totally tubular fun. $5. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Somethin' Fishy's Going On — 7:00–8:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Fish hatchery specialist Adam Sullivan shares the life and times of Battle Ground Lake's rainbow trout. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info
• Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift — 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A multi-sensory live concert under the glow of candlelight. $42.50–$66. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine. More info

Sunday, August 23

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Full-body muscle and cardio workout at scenic locations around Vancouver. All fitness levels welcome. Fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before attending. More info
• Community Cuts at Saving Grace Church — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM in Battle Ground. Free haircuts from licensed stylists and barbers, plus a free community meal with hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. All ages. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival (Final Day) — 11:00 AM–9:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Last chance to catch the music, wine and art. Kids under 12 free with paid adult. More info
• Tween & Teen Creative Crafts: Map Masterpieces — 1:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn cartography basics and create a map of a real or imagined place. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Changing Hearts Foundation Backpack Giveaway — 2:00 PM at Bagley Community Park, Vancouver. Free backpacks with school supplies, plus bounce houses, face painting, barbecue, raffles and free haircuts. More info
• Ceramic Coaster Workshop — 3:00–5:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Hand-build a set of four coasters and a matching holder, guided step-by-step. $65. More info

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