📰 What's Making News

East Vancouver's Startup Incubator Marks One Year of Fueling New Founders

North Bank Innovations, the tech-focused business incubator inside the Vancouver Innovation Center in east Vancouver, has officially hit the one-year mark — and it's been a busy first lap. The program has spent the past twelve months pulling local entrepreneurs together under one roof, offering the mentorship, workspace, and community that early-stage startups need to get off the ground. If you've been curious about what's brewing on the innovation side of town, this is the proof that Vancouver's startup scene is quietly building momentum. Read the full story at The Columbian.

Lilah Chase Scores 2, Assists 2 as Seton Catholic Takes Trico League Lead

Seton Catholic sophomore Lilah Chase put on a second-half clinic Tuesday night, netting two goals and dishing two assists to power a 5-0 rout of La Center in girls soccer. The win gives Seton Catholic sole possession of first place in the Trico League — a statement result heading into the heart of the season. If you haven't had Lilah Chase on your radar yet, now's the time. Full highlights from The Columbian.

Ridgefield's Brody Newcombe Named Week 1 Athlete of the Week

Ridgefield golfer Brody Newcombe earned The Columbian's first high school athlete of the week honor for the 2026-27 season, pulling in 164 of 424 reader votes. The Spudders standout beat out competitors across multiple sports to take the title, sponsored by Killer Burger. It's a strong early-season nod for a Ridgefield golf program worth watching. See the results at The Columbian.

Clark College Penguins Rally from Behind for Five-Set Volleyball Thriller

The Clark College Penguins opened NWAC South Region play with two wins last week, headlined by a gutsy five-set comeback against Rogue. After falling behind, the Penguins clawed their way back — the kind of gritty performance that sets a tone for conference play. It's early, but Clark College volleyball looks like a team that won't quit on a point. Read the full recap at The Columbian.

Hazel Dell's Catio Craze Keeps Cats Happy, Backyard Birds Safer

West Hazel Dell resident Gloria Lionz had a problem: her 18-pound cat Apollo wanted outside time, but a scrappy neighborhood cat kept picking fights. Her solution? A catio — an enclosed outdoor space that lets house cats soak up fresh air without threatening local wildlife or getting into feline turf wars. The trend is catching on across Clark County, where cat owners are finding catios strike the perfect balance between enrichment and safety for pets and songbirds alike. The full story is at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

It's a light news day in Vancouver, so we're keeping this section short and sweet. We'll be back tomorrow with more local happenings worth your time.

Fall Equinox Arrives Today in Vancouver

Today marks the autumnal equinox, splitting daylight and darkness almost perfectly in half across Clark County. It's officially fall — time to break out the flannels and start eyeing the pumpkin patches. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, September 23

• Free Financial Planning Day – 9:00 AM at Johnson Bixby, Vancouver. Get a complimentary 30-minute session with a certified financial planner — in person or on Zoom. Covers budgeting, debt, education planning, and more. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Explore artist Sayaka Ganz's stunning sculptures made from discarded plastic objects — thousands of pieces transform into soaring animals, rushing waves, and fluid forms bursting with life. On view through September 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Open Wednesday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM, by reservation. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet music and contemplative prayer, 12:20–12:45 PM. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge – 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield. Naturalist-led activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Enjoy nature and local wildlife together, 1:30–3:30 PM. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Find the market at its temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, 3–7 PM. Fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at various FVRL library locations. Open game play from 4–6 PM — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, tech, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12, 4–5 PM. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Pokémon Club – 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn, play, and trade Pokémon cards in a casual, inclusive setting for kids and tweens, 4–5 PM. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres – 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, 5–8 PM. Ages 21+. Free. 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
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic – 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original or favorite poetry and enjoy featured poets, 6:15–7:45 PM. Doors open at 6:15, sign in by 6:25. All ages. 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 welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights – Riftbound Weekly Play at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss-format constructed play with prizes for all participants. More info
• Port Lecture Series: "Taming the Mouth" Documentary – 6:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Free screening of this new documentary about the Columbia River jetties and the extraordinary engineering that enabled safe passage to the Pacific Ocean. Q&A follows. More info
• Free Gospel Concert with The Needhams – 6:00 PM at Mountain View Christian Center, Ridgefield. Tennessee-based gospel group performs 6–8 PM, followed by a free dessert social. Free; donations welcome. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes – 6:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Waltz 6–7 PM and salsa 7–8 PM with instructors Julieann and Joseph Platt. Five-week session, $69/person. No experience required. More info
• Sonic Live In Concert – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Celebrate 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with a live ensemble performing iconic music from the franchise. $54.90. More info

Thursday, September 24

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free, evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ — instructors tailor movements to every ability level. No pre-registration required. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this gorgeous Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall lived from 1936–1938, featuring period furnishings, stained glass, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Six-week class with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker covering opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club – 11:00 AM at Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books — bring a current project and swap ideas. Sessions at 11 AM and 6 PM. Free. More info
• Artstra Open House at RedDoor Gallery – 3:00 PM at RedDoor Gallery, Camas. Complimentary wine, charcuterie, desserts, and door prizes while viewing local art and learning about Artstra's programs. RSVP to [email protected]. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more for ages 5–12 to spark imagination and build STEM skills, 3:30–5 PM. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19, 4:30–6:30 PM. Free. More info
• Zero Waste: Everyday Ways to Cut Household Trash – 4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Clark County's Solid Waste Division shares practical tips on smart shopping, reuse, and recycling, 4:30–5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop at Pomeroy Farm – 5:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Learn from longtime "Pumpkin Lane" expert Martha Todd and take home your autumn creation, 5:30–7:30 PM. $35/person. More info
• Silent Book Club – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Bring your own book (or borrow one) for an hour of quiet reading followed by optional socializing, 5:30–7:30 PM. Light snacks provided. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting – 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• The Sound of Music – 6:00 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal. Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents the beloved musical. All tickets are pay-what-you-will. More info
• Salvation Army "Share the Joy" Fundraising Dinner – 6:00 PM at Royal Oaks Country Club, Vancouver. Mingle over hors d'oeuvres and support programs like Hope Market food pantry and Say Klub afterschool program. $85. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners – 6:00 PM, Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop. A beginner-friendly class on skills and tools for accurate mushroom identification — more than just a slideshow. Free, no registration required. More info
• Volcano Views and Brews: Under the Ash with Michael Cairns – 6:30 PM at Heathen Brewing and Kitchen, Vancouver. Veteran helicopter pilot Michael Cairns shares firsthand stories and never-before-seen photos from flying rescue and recovery missions after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. $10. More info

Friday, September 25

• Washington Outdoor Women – Fall Workshop Weekend – 9:00 AM in Stanwood, WA. Three hands-on, 4-hour outdoor skills classes over the weekend with expert instructors and all equipment provided. Ages 18+, $395. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat – 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Bring your fiber arts project — knitting, crochet, spinning, needlepoint, or mending — and socialize, 10 AM–12 PM. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Costume Swap at Kindred Vancouver – 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver. Bring clean costumes, accessories, or Halloween decor and swap for something new. Sustainable, free, and fun. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost two miles of corn maze pathways plus the pumpkin patch — open Friday–Monday in September, 10 AM–5 PM. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center – 10:00 AM. Indoor play for ages 9 months–6 years with safe, clean toys while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, noon–1 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. Creative art group from 1–3 PM every Friday. Free. More info
• Oktoberfest at Oaks Park – 4:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. German food and beer, Kinderplatz kids' activities, cooking shows, wiener dog races, and more. Runs through Sunday, September 27. More info
• Live Music: Gina de Noble at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery – 5:30 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery, Ridgefield. Live music in the tasting room, 5:30–7:30 PM. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. More info
• Ricotta Gnocchi and Ragu Cooking Class – 5:30 PM at Class Cooking, Vancouver. Chef Fabiola Donnelly teaches you to make the dough and sauce from scratch, 5:30–7:30 PM. $100 includes all ingredients and tools. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Pleasant Valley Schools 50th Anniversary Celebration – 6:00 PM. Alumni, families, staff, and community members are invited to enjoy memorabilia, music, and connections, 6–8 PM. Free. More info
• English Country Line Dancing – 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Every dance is walked through first — newbies welcome. Usually 40–80 people. $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours – 7:00 PM starting at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides share tales of lingering spirits and mysterious happenings through downtown Vancouver. About one mile. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks – 7:00 PM starting at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour of the historic barracks and its ghostly lore. $17–$22. More info
• The Lowdown Line Dancing – 7:00 PM at The Cedars Public House, Brush Prairie. Lesson 7–8 PM, social dancing 8–10 PM. Full food and drink menu. All ages. $5. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors – 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. Five actors play over a dozen roles in this 90-minute, laugh-out-loud send-up of Bram Stoker's classic. Running through October 11. $28–$30. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class – 7:30 PM at Columbia Dance Center, Vancouver. No partner or special clothing needed (soft-soled shoes recommended). First class free, then $8. More info
• Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift – 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. Live multi-sensory concert under the glow of candlelight. $42.50–$66. More info

Saturday, September 26

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day – 7:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed — explore millions of acres of Washington's state parks for free in honor of National Public Lands Day. More info
• Camas Plein Air Event & Tribute to Marquita – 8:00 AM at RedDoor Gallery, Camas. A premier plein air art exhibition and competition honoring founder Marquita Call, with $2,800 in cash prizes. $30 entry fee for artists. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market, 9 AM–3 PM on Saturdays (plus Sundays 10 AM–3 PM through October). More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond/Salmon Creek Regional Park, Vancouver. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run at your own pace. All ages and abilities welcome (dogs too). Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Help remove invasive species and maintain trails, 9 AM–12 PM. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. Free. More info
• National Public Lands Day Ivy Removal at Historic Covington House – 9:00 AM at Covington House, Vancouver. Remove ivy and tour the historic house, 9 AM–12 PM. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free. More info
• NW Trail Sisters Guided Falls Creek MTB Ride – 9:00 AM in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Shuttle to Oldman Pass and ride the spectacular Falls Creek trail with groups divided by ability. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on engineering challenges together, 9–10 AM. More info
• Annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup – 9:30 AM in Camas. Join Lacamas Watershed Council and the City of Camas for litter pickup and ivy pulling around Round, Fallen Leaf, and Lacamas Lakes. Registration required. More info
• Burnt Bridge Creek Native Plant Walk with WREC – 9:30 AM at 1605 N. Devine Rd., Vancouver. Guided walk along the greenway to see how native species thrive — perfect timing for fall planting season. 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 on display, 10 AM–3 PM. Free for all ages. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze – 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon ride, pick-your-own pumpkin, corn maze, and harvest festival fun. $14–$16. More info
• Oregon Trail & Cider Press Family Day – 10:00 AM at Camp Hope, Battle Ground. Your family becomes a wagon train — cross rivers, find water, push your wagon over the mountain, and press cider. $50. More info
• Cleanup at Operation Understanding – Couve Collective – 10:00 AM, Vancouver. Join SOLVE and Couve Collective for a litter cleanup 11 AM–12 PM, then stick around for a block party with food, live music, and local vendors until 5 PM. More info
• Cameraderie: VAS Youth Birding Photography Walk – 10:00 AM. Vancouver Audubon Society's youth program for ages 8–18 connects young people with experienced birders and photographers. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park – 10:00 AM, Vancouver. Remove ivy and non-native plants to support forest health. Family-friendly, great for teens. Tools and snacks provided. More info
• Weed Pulling Rodeo at Mt. St. Helens – 10:00 AM at Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. Remove invasive species, then enjoy a free guided Hummocks Trail hike. Snacks and beverages provided. More info
• Sensory Storytime – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Interactive storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and freedom of movement in a smaller, quieter setting for ages 3–9. Registration required. Free. More info
• CouveCon – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. The 5th annual pop culture event featuring local artist showcases, celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay contests, fandom panels, and interactive activities, 11 AM–7 PM. Free–$30. More info
• 2026 Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day – 11:00 AM. Join the Vancouver Bee Project to pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources for pollinator-friendly gardening. While supplies last. More info
• Giant Breed Rescue Event at 54°40' Brewing – 11:30 AM at 54°40' Brewing Company, Washougal. Giant breed dog owners — registration is open for this Newfie X-Travaganza. Free. More info
• Cornbread Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – 1:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Cornbread with fruit jam, hot peppers, bacon, cheese, herbs — you choose the best. More info
• Eleventy-First Birthday Party at Vancouver Community Library – 1:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Step through a life-sized round door for snacks, crafts, trivia, a costume contest, and a screening of The Fellowship of the Ring. Free. More info
• Family Movie Matinee at Three Creeks Community Library – 3:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Family-friendly movie and free popcorn. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Video Game Night at Ridgefield Community Library – 4:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Nintendo fun, snacks, and new friends, 4–6 PM. Free. More info

Adults

• 2026 CCHM Spooky Soiree Fundraising Dinner and Auction – 5:00 PM at Summit Grove Lodge, La Center. An evening of eerie elegance with the Clark County Historical Museum — macabre amusements, dinner, and auction in a hauntingly beautiful setting, 5–8:30 PM. More info

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