📰 What's Making News

Evergreen Grad James Young-Lewis Takes Over Prairie Football

Prairie High School has a new head football coach, and he's a homegrown talent. James Young-Lewis, a Clark County native who graduated from Evergreen High School in 2009, stepped into the top role in May after more than a decade of assistant coaching across multiple programs. He joined Prairie's staff in 2024 and is now building toward long-term success with the Falcons as the 2026 season approaches. It's the kind of hire that feels right — someone who knows these kids, these fields, and this community from the inside out. Read more at Clark County Today.

How Kelly Nesbitt Helps Clark County Seniors Stay Home Safely

Occupational therapist Kelly Nesbitt has spent years working with older Clark County residents recovering from falls, hip fractures, and other life-changing injuries — but her real mission is helping people avoid those setbacks in the first place. Her focus is on aging in place well, making homes safer and daily routines more sustainable so seniors can stay independent longer. It's a growing need in a county where more residents are entering their later years every day. The Columbian profiles her work and the practical steps families can take now. Read the full story.

County Taps King, Pierce for Neuropathology Expertise

The Clark County Council approved an interlocal agreement this week that allows King and Pierce counties to handle neuropathology consultation requests from the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office. It's a behind-the-scenes move, but an important one — neuropathology is a highly specialized field, and partnering with larger counties ensures Clark County has access to the expertise it needs without having to build that capacity from scratch. The agreement keeps operations running smoothly for a critical public health function. Details from The Columbian.

Neil Cahoon's Recovery Continues After La Center-Area Plane Crash

Camas resident Neil Cahoon is facing a long road to recovery after a small aircraft crash near La Center's Daybreak Airport on Aug. 10. His wife, former State Rep. Liz Pike, shared an update this week revealing that Cahoon has undergone multiple surgeries — including five on Aug. 15 alone — and is now working through physical and occupational therapy. The community has rallied around the family as he begins what will be an extended healing process. Read the full update.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Camas Plein Air Competition Honors Gallery Founder Marquita Call

Plein air painters can compete for a $1,000 first prize at the Camas Plein Air Art Event on Sept. 26, held in honor of RedDoor Gallery founder Marquita Call. Artists will paint outdoors across Downtown Camas, with an awards ceremony wrapping up the day. Registration details here.

Washington Wildfire Costs Blow Past $200 Million in One Month

Firefighting costs for 20 wildfires burning across Washington have hit $207 million in just a month, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Worth keeping an eye on as smoke season continues — The Columbian has the breakdown.

Amazon Drone Delivery Expanding to Nearly 500 U.S. Cities

Amazon announced plans to bring drone delivery of lightweight packages to suburban areas in nearly 500 cities by the end of 2026. No word yet on whether Vancouver made the list, but the Portland metro is exactly the kind of market they're targeting. Full details here.

Seahawks Add Two-Time Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs at Cornerback

Seattle signed cornerback Trevon Diggs to a one-year deal on Wednesday, giving the secondary a big boost heading into the season. Here's what the move means for the roster.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, August 20

• Plein Air Painting Workshop with Scott Gellatly — 8:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm Arts Initiative, Ridgefield. A two-day workshop exploring the fundamentals of plein air painting with a focus on strategic color concepts to capture light, atmosphere, and emotion. More info
• Mount Adams Car Camp — WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. A "backcountry" trip where you car camp and venture out on day hikes to clear trails of fallen logs on the southwestern corner of Mount Adams. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Foley Pear Orchard — 9:00 AM. Help Urban Abundance harvest fresh, local food for 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, no-frills 3.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain through the Columbia Gorge with Friends of the Gorge. No registration necessary. More info
• On the Road Tour: Herbs, Seeds and Spores — 9:45 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a full-day tour visiting Garden Delight Herb Farm, Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, and Pacific Spore urban mushroom farm with grower Payne Taylor. $40. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Kids Workshops: Farm Olympics — 10:00 AM–Noon at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Today's theme is Farm Olympics — best for ages 6–12, and kids must be accompanied by an adult. $35 per class. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A class for beginning and intermediate players with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week introductory course. $10 per lesson or $50 for the full series. Call Ellie Hood at 360-433-2409 for details. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Join a lively crew for writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping. Free. More info
• Family Storytime at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge — 10:30 AM at the Community Nature Center, Carty Unit, Ridgefield. Ridgefield Community Library hosts storytime from 10:30–11:00 AM, with the nature center open 10 AM–Noon. No registration required. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM–Noon at Clark County Public Service Center, 6th floor, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. A new topic each month with expert staff and Q&A. Free. More info
• Paddlesport Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. Try paddlesports with the NW Association of Blind Athletes. Contact Anneliese Hugo at [email protected] or 360-448-7254 for details. More info
• Graze Craze Grand Opening — 4:00 PM at 14313 NE 20th Avenue, Ste A 102, Vancouver. Join the Greater Vancouver Chamber for a ribbon cutting celebrating this new business specializing in handcrafted charcuterie boards and grazing experiences. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. $20 gets you 10 games with 3 cards each — win a prize and support local off-leash dog parks. Pups welcome on the covered patio. More info
• Vancouver Waterfront Symphony Series: VSO Brass Quintet — 6:00 PM–7:00 PM at Grant Street Pier, Vancouver Waterfront. A free live performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet along the Columbia River. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00 PM–7:30 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Hosted by Jeff Keddie, with a dedicated lineup of songwriters — live on KXRW. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM–9:00 PM in Washougal. Instructor Kat Nichols leads the fun — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• History on Tap: The Campbells and The Columbian — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Learn about the Campbell family's newspaper legacy and The Columbian's future with fourth-generation owner Will Campbell. Doors at 6 PM. $5. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub — 7:00 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Test your music knowledge and sing along 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. Find furniture, home décor, collectibles, and household items. Proceeds go to scholarships and career resources for women. Also open Aug. 22 (50% off) and Aug. 23. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise helping older adults (60+) stay active. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend a community garden — harvested produce goes to those in need. 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–Noon at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of this historic home. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party — 10:00 AM at Homestead Park, Vancouver. Weeding, mulching, and park cleanup — family-friendly and great for teens. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Plant & Seed Swap at Kindred Home — 10:00 AM. Bring plant starts, saved seeds, or extras to share and discover new-to-you varieties. Everyone welcome, even if you have nothing to bring. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — Noon–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+. More info
• Musicians in the Park — Noon at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Live lunchtime music in partnership with the Ridgefield Art Association. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Women's Herstory — Noon at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores the homes and buildings where Vancouver women launched their paths to suffrage and professional life. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative outlet every Friday. Free. More info
• STEM Design Challenge — 2:00 PM–3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids K–5 and their adults solve a STEM challenge using surprise items from a mystery bag. Free, no registration required. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival (Opening Night) — Gates open 3:30 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Featuring Terry Robb & Adam Scramstad, Norman Sylvester Blues Band, and headliner Too Slim & The Taildraggers. Northwest wines, fine art, food, and fun through Aug. 23. Kids under 12 free with a paid adult. More info
• Tween Hangout — 4:00 PM–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 PM–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. More info
• Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library — 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in the Totem Pole Room. Winners receive a Reading Dragon prize. All ages. Free. More info
• Family & Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+, multiple difficulty levels, 1 hour 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience necessary. Equipment provided. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM in Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine for adults. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free paddling — 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. A free outdoor concert featuring high-energy rock and country covers. Food and beverages available for purchase. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Bring your hero and battle it out in this thrilling dice game. More info
• Songwriters Showcase Open Mic at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 6:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Original music night hosted by Casey O'Neill of the band Drifter. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Live acoustic music, bluegrass, and folk rock from Free Range, plus on-site food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• Friday Night Movies in the Parks: Zootopia 2 — 6:30 PM at Bagley Community Park, Vancouver. Pre-movie activities, free admission, all ages. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food available for purchase. 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. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night — 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. An evening of bingo supporting local veterans and their families. All welcome. 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. More info
• Let's Make Some History Dance — 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at the Greely Building, 304 Pioneer St., Ridgefield. The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra plays 1920s and '30s jazz. Preview the new Meeting History museum from 6–10 PM. Period costumes encouraged. $33.85. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Featuring 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 non-technical scramble to the summit with professional guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards. Designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• National Junior Ranger Day at Fort Vancouver — 8:00 AM at national park sites everywhere, including Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore, learn, and protect U.S. National Parks — all ages welcome. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, 8th & Esther St. The flagship year-round market with local produce, food, and artisan vendors. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, fun weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Register online for your barcode before your first visit. 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 arrivals, and local vendors. Free admission. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Old Town Ridgefield — 9:00 AM (early tour) and 11:00 AM (late tour) starting at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Walk through Ridgefield's historic downtown and explore landmarks like the Ridgefield Hardware Store, Union Ridge Presbyterian Church, and Liberty Theater. $10. Early tour | Late tour
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup — 9:00 AM at 9612 NW Lower River Road. Join Clark County Public Works for litter pickup. All tools supplied. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. 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 science and wonder about Sasquatch. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI — 9:30 AM in Portland. Step back to April 1912 and explore over 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. 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 in Ridgefield — 10:00 AM at the Greely Building, Ridgefield. Explore Ridgefield's founding, industries, and untold stories as part of the nation's 250th anniversary. 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 take a nature walk to the Columbia River. 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 Tours — 10:00 AM at Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. Master Gardener docents lead tours of the historic 79-acre property, including demonstration gardens. More info
• Adopt-A-Park at LeRoy Haagen Community Park — 10:00 AM. Help remove ivy and other non-native plants to support the health of the forest. Family-friendly. Tools, gloves, and snacks provided. 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 Ruby and Sapphire games. Free. More info
• The Reser Presents: Musical Playground — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Free interactive event for families with children 10 and under — explore drums, guitars, pianos, violins, and ukuleles. No ticket needed. More info
• Ring-Making Workshop at Craft Collective — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Learn metalsmithing basics with instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry and create a ring with sterling silver, 14K gold, and a small diamond. Ages 18+. $210. More info
• Free Lunch at East Woods Presbyterian Church — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM. Lunch with Our Neighbors on the fourth Saturday of every month. Free. More info
• Trusts 101 Seminar — 11:00 AM at Pettis Webber Pacific P.S., 1500 D St., Vancouver (also online). Attorney Karen Webber presents everything you need to know to protect your assets. Free, RSVP required. More info
• Longview Rotary's SquirrelFest 2026 — 11:00 AM in Longview. Squirrel bridge tours, kids' activities, and a celebration of Longview's famous furry residents. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Fourth Plain Forward hosts free art and nature activities at Downs Neighborhood Park. More info
• Community Lake Day with Adventures Without Limits — 11:00 AM at Hagg Lake, Sain Creek Pavilion. Enjoy food, live music, kayaking, and community at this inclusive recreation celebration. Registration required. More info
• Camas Art & Wine Walk — 3:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Stroll tree-lined streets sampling wines from Southwest Washington and Oregon, discover local art, and pop into boutique shops. More info
• Brewing Bridges Collaboration Festival — 3:00 PM–8:00 PM at Heathen Estate Winery, 9400 NE 134th St., Vancouver. Sample one-of-a-kind brews from 30 breweries, enjoy food trucks, a vendor market, and live music. $49 general, $64 VIP. More info
• Tween & Teen Video Game Night — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Test your skills on Nintendo Switch, enjoy snacks, and make new friends. Free. More info
• Hooked on Nature at Columbia Springs — 4:30 PM–8:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Celebrate 25 years with the Invasive Species Cook-Off, where local chefs transform invasive species into creative dishes. More info
• Live Music: North City Juke at Windy Hills Winery — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in Ridgefield. Live tunes under the tent, no cover, all ages. Food from Steakburger Mobile. More info
• Muse — The Wow! Signal Tour — 7:00 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. Catch Muse on their North American tour supporting their 10th studio album. $35+. More info
• Music Bingo PDX: 80s Hits at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Match song clips to your bingo card for three rounds of 80s fun. $5. More info
• Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift — 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A multi-sensory concert experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. $42.50–$66. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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