📰 What's Making News

Vancouver, Battle Ground Native Crowned Miss Washington 2026

The new Miss Washington has Clark County written all over her story. The pageant crowned its 2026 winner on July 11 in Olympia, and she brings ties to both Vancouver and Battle Ground — a hometown connection that's already generating plenty of local pride. The Columbian profiles her journey from the Clark County community to the state's biggest stage. Read the full story here.

How a Taco Line Led a Vancouver Writer to Music Royalty

Vancouver biographer David Jacks was standing in a Los Angeles taco line in 2003 when he overheard a distinctive British accent dissecting the finer points of record production — and stumbled into the story of a lifetime. That chance encounter led Jacks to chronicle the life of a legendary musician and producer, and now he's bringing it all back home. He'll speak at an upcoming documentary screening at Kiggins Theatre, one of Vancouver's most beloved cultural venues. Get the details here.

Ridgefield Waterfront Plan Draws Pushback Over Scale, Wildlife

A proposed waterfront development in Ridgefield is hearing plenty from the community — and not all of it is enthusiastic. Residents with the group Preserve Ridgefield Waterfront are raising concerns about the project's scale, its potential impact on bird habitat near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and inadequate boat launch parking. The Port of Ridgefield's plans include a boutique hotel and mixed-use buildings, but voices like Robynne Knight and Wendy McIntire say the proposal doesn't match what residents asked for in a 2022 waterfront survey. Read the community's concerns here.

Constitution Day Celebration Heads to Fort Vancouver Sept. 17

Mark your calendar for Sept. 17: three speakers will gather at Fort Vancouver's Artillery Barracks to explore the Constitution's history and its meaning today. The event is part of the national America 250 celebration and is supported locally by The Historic Trust and the League of Women Voters of Clark County. Washington State Historical Society's Carolyn Long is among the featured voices. It's free, it's local, and it's a good excuse to spend an evening at one of Vancouver's most historic spots. Find out more here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

$5.7 Billion Interstate Bridge Replacement Opens Bidding to Builders

The Columbia River Bridge Replacement program issued a formal Request for Qualifications on Monday, inviting design-build firms to compete for the massive I-5 crossing project. The new earthquake-resilient, fixed-span bridge will include a shared-use path and bus-on-shoulder lanes connecting Vancouver Waterfront Station to the Portland Expo Center. Read more

Amtrak Cascades Trains Roll Again North of Portland Starting Wednesday

Most Amtrak Cascades routes resume Wednesday, with full service back by Thursday, after a warehouse fire and subsequent mill demolition halted rail traffic for weeks. If you've been stuck rerouting trips, your train is almost back. Read more

Devon Witherspoon Now NFL's Highest-Paid Cornerback

Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon, 25, signed a record-setting deal Monday that makes him the top-paid player at his position in the league. He told reporters the big payday won't change his approach on or off the field. Read more

Washington Gas Prices Keep Climbing as National Average Tops $4

Fuel costs ticked up again across Washington and the Columbia Basin this past week, driven by tightening supplies and rising crude oil prices. Worth factoring in if you're planning any late-summer road trips. Read more

Rare Columbia Basin Wildflower Could Win Endangered Species Protection

Scientists have petitioned to list Washington Jacob's Ladder — a wildflower that has grown on the Columbia Basin for thousands of years — as an endangered species, citing growing extinction risk. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, August 19

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. Artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant spirit. Free admission. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Group exercise designed for adults 60-plus, offered Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animal sculptures bursting with motion and color. On view through September 30. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Kiddie and family rides for ages 6 and under, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Kids Workshops: Farm to Table — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Today's workshop theme is Farm to Table. Best for ages 6–12; $35 per child per class. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Museum" — 10:00 AM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Interactive exhibits, guided tours and engaging activities exploring Clark County's history. Free; register on Eventbrite. More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Live lunchtime music in the Downtown Arts Quarter, presented with the Ridgefield Art Association. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet music and prayer from 12:20–12:45 PM. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room — 1:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Navigate an underwater-themed escape room with clues and puzzles designed for teens of all skill levels. Free. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk — 2:00 PM, presented by Parks Foundation of Clark County and partners. Easy 1–2 mile guided walks through local parks for adults 65-plus. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local produce, food and artisan goods every Wednesday. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Make your own squishy stress-busting toys with fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• Forest Walk at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. A guided walk exploring native plants and wildlife along the trails. Great for all ages; trails are not stroller friendly. Free. More info
• Tummy Time — 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. For babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. 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
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19; decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches and make a potholder. Ages 9-plus; registration required, space limited to eight. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14-plus. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session for beginners and experienced 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 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• End of Summer Concert on the Lawn — 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy the Vancouver Community Jazz Band on the front lawn. Free. More info

Thursday, August 20

• Plein Air Painting Workshop with Scott Gellatly — 8:00 AM in Ridgefield. A two-day workshop exploring strategic color concepts to capture light and landscape at Plas Newydd Farm. More info
• Mount Adams Car Camp Log-Out with WTA — 8:30 AM on the southwestern corner of Mount Adams. A backcountry trail-clearing work party — camp at a central car camp and venture out to clear fallen logs by day. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Foley Pear Orchard — 9:00 AM. Help Urban Abundance harvest fresh fruit to share with neighbors across Clark County. Bring boxes, water and sun protection. More info
• Gorge Morning Walks — 9:00 AM at Mosier Totem Pole Plaza. A casual 3.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain, hosted by Friends of the Gorge. No registration needed. More info
• On the Road Tour: Herbs, Seeds and Spores — 9:45 AM–4:45 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a day trip to Garden Delight Herb Farm, Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum and The Pacific Spore mushroom farm. Meet at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. $40. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food and artisan products. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Classes — 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd. Both introductory and advanced competitive bidding classes available. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, craft discussion and workshopping for aspiring and published writers. Free. More info
• Family Storytime at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge — 10:30 AM at the Community Nature Center, Ridgefield. Storytime with the Ridgefield Community Library, plus explore the new nature center and nearby trails. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM at the Public Service Center, Vancouver. Monthly topics from building permits to code enforcement, with expert staff and Q&A. Free. More info
• Paddlesport Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. Contact Anneliese Hugo at [email protected] for details. More info
• Graze Craze Grand Opening — 4:00 PM at 14313 NE 20th Avenue, Ste A 102, Vancouver. The Greater Vancouver Chamber celebrates the grand opening of Graze Craze, specializing in handcrafted charcuterie boards and grazing experiences. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks and good conversation for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop RPG Adventure — 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Ten games of bingo under the covered patio — bring your pup! $20; prizes for winners. Proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. A supportive lineup of songwriters and small groups, broadcast live on KXRW. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Symphony Series at the Grant Street Pier: Brass Quintet — 6:00–7:00 PM at the Vancouver Waterfront, north of Grant Street Pier. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet performs along the Columbia River. Free. More info
• Portland Urban Wildlife Information Network Workshop — 6:30 PM at Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland. Celebrate a year of urban wildlife discoveries with food, drinks and a preview of what's ahead. More info
• History on Tap: The Campbells and The Columbian — 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Learn about the Campbell family's newspaper legacy with fourth-generation owner Will Campbell. Doors at 6 PM; $5 admission. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM in Washougal. Instructor Kat Nichols leads East Coast line dancing; beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub — 7:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Test your music knowledge with hosts Juels & Marissa. More info

Friday, August 21

• Soroptimist International of Clark County Fundraising Sale — 8:00 AM–4:00 PM at 4704 Rolling Meadows Drive, Washougal. Furniture, home decor, collectibles and household items. Proceeds fund scholarships and career resources for women. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Help keep a community garden growing — harvested produce is donated to local families. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM on Mt. Hood. 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 at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a relaxed, no-stakes session. Ages 13-plus. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of the historic property. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party — 10:00 AM at Homestead Park, Vancouver. Weeding, mulching and cleanup — family-friendly, all ages and abilities welcome. Tools, gloves and snacks provided. More info
• Plant & Seed Swap at Kindred Home — 10:00 AM. Bring plant starts, saved seeds or plants you no longer need — or just come browse. Everyone 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-plus, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Women's Herstory — 12:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores the homes and buildings where Vancouver women forged paths to suffrage and professional life. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative space every Friday. Free. More info
• STEM Design Challenge — 2:00–3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade solve a surprise STEM challenge using mystery-bag materials. Free; no registration required. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 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. Opening night features blues guitarists Terry Robb & Adam Scramstad, the Norman Sylvester Blues Band, and headliners Too Slim & The Taildraggers. Runs through Aug. 23; 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 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 plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Family Bingo Night — 5:00–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. All ages welcome; winners receive a Reading Dragons library card. Free; registration required at CamasPL.org/BINGO. More info
• Family & Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4-plus; multiple difficulty levels, all equipment provided. $3–$41. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters and elephant ears. $13–$26. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert Series: Huckle Buck Highway — 5:30 PM at the O.O. Howard House, Vancouver. A high-energy cover band playing rock and country favorites from Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Eagles. Food and beverages available. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14-plus. Free. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 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. Casey O'Neill of Drifter hosts an evening of original music. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Free Range performs acoustic music, bluegrass and folk rock, with food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• Free Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2 — 6:30 PM at Bagley Community Park, Vancouver. Pre-movie activities, food vendors, and the film starts at dusk. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. More info
• Friday Fun Night: The Great Toy Escape at Kids Club — 6:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Obstacle courses, toy rescues, team challenges, crafts and gymnastics room fun for kids. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night — 6:30–8:30 PM at American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. An evening of bingo supporting local veterans. All welcome. More info
• Let's Make Some History Dance — 7:00 PM at the Greely Building, 304 Pioneer St., Ridgefield. The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra plays 1920s and '30s jazz standards, with a preview of the new Meeting History museum. Period costumes encouraged. $33.85. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine and live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Marilyn Swagger and the Band of My Dreams with The 821 Crew and Marlin and the Magic Potion. More info

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