📰 What's Making News

Prairie's Gracie Jacoby Dominates the Net as SW Washington's Top Hitter

If you haven't heard the name Gracie Jacoby yet, you will. The Prairie High School volleyball standout has established herself as one of the most dangerous hitters in Southwest Washington, combining power, versatility, and court awareness that make her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She's not just a one-dimensional attacker — Jacoby contributes across every phase of the game for the Falcons, earning her a reputation as a true all-around player. Keep an eye on Prairie's schedule if you want to see her in action this fall. Read the full profile in The Columbian.

Thor Brody Runs Wild: Camas Rolls Past Curtis 41-14

Camas needed a bounce-back moment after a tough Week 1 loss, and Thor Brody delivered in emphatic fashion. The Papermakers' running back punched in three rushing touchdowns as Camas overwhelmed Curtis 41-14 Friday at University Prep. The offense looked like a completely different unit from the opener, controlling the game from start to finish. It's early, but the Papermakers look like they've found their rhythm heading into the meat of the schedule. Full game recap here.

Kelso's Zephaniah Rutherford Grinds Out 125 Yards in Road Win

Zephaniah Rutherford carried the load for Kelso on Friday, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown as the Hilanders beat Capital 16-6 in Olympia. Jackson Carroll added 92 yards on the ground, and Owen Dahl connected with Jordan Erickson for a scoring strike through the air. But the real story was Kelso's defense, which held Capital to just 16 rushing yards and dominated the line of scrimmage all night. The Hilanders outgained Capital 334-178 in total yardage. See the full box score at The Columbian.

Saturday Scoreboard: Volleyball, Soccer, Swimming Results All in One Place

If your Saturday was spent shuttling between gyms and pools, The Columbian has you covered with a full roundup of Saturday's local high school action. Results from volleyball, girls soccer, and girls swimming are all compiled in one spot — handy for tracking your school's season or scouting the competition. It's shaping up to be a competitive fall across Clark County. Check all the scores here.

Riverview Bancorp Faces Growing Shareholder Tensions

Riverview Bancorp, Clark County's last remaining hometown community bank, is navigating some internal turbulence. Dissent among shareholders appears to be growing following a recent vote, raising questions about the bank's future direction and independence. A local banking expert told The Columbian the friction could have real implications for one of Vancouver's most established financial institutions. For a community that values locally rooted businesses, this is a story worth watching. Read the full report.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Trap Door Brewing Confirms Vancouver Exit as Ilani Pivots

The Columbian's weekly roundup flags two big local stories: Trap Door Brewing is leaving Vancouver, and ilani casino-resort is entering a new chapter. Catch the full breakdown of this week's top stories — including Interstate 5 construction updates — to stay in the loop.

Rain Now, Sun Soon: Your Clark County Forecast

Brace for a soggy weekend, but a sunny stretch follows right behind. The Columbian's Weather Eye column also reports the season's first woolly bear caterpillar sighting — make of that what you will, amateur meteorologists.

Fall Rains Signal Prime Time to Green Up Your Lawn

Local garden columnist Allen Wilson says September's arrival of rain makes right now the ideal window to fertilize. His latest column walks through timing, product picks, and why fall feeding outperforms spring.

La Center's Zayne Latham Back on the Field, Eyes College Ball

After a concussion forced him away from football, La Center senior Zayne Latham has returned as a multi-sport standout and is now chasing a college roster spot. Clark County Today profiles how versatile athletes keep small-school programs competitive.

Lake Shore Athletic Club Drops Basketball Schedules Next Week

Adult basketball players, heads up: Lake Shore Athletic Club releases its new season schedules next week, and at least one local hooper is already looking for a team on Reddit. If your squad needs a roster fill, now's the time to connect.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, September 13

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM. Embark on a single-day, non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides from the Lower Columbia Nature Network. Designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Crossroads Fall Kickoff — 8:00 AM. Crossroads Community Church (7708 NE 78th St, Vancouver) kicks off the fall season with a new sermon series, a fresh round of small groups, and a church picnic after the last service featuring free hot dogs, inflatables, field games, snow cones, cotton candy, and prizes. Free. More info
• Sunday Brunch at Sons of Norway Lodge — 9:30 AM–12:30 PM. Enjoy Scandinavian pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, lingonberries, and a beverage at the Sons of Norway Columbia Lodge (2400 Grant St, Vancouver). Free pancake refills! $12. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. The flagship Vancouver Farmers Market at Esther Short Park — fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes. More info
• Rose City Comic Con — 10:00 AM. Portland's premier pop culture convention at the Oregon Convention Center — cosplay, creators, and family-friendly fun. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Get lost (on purpose) in nearly two miles of corn maze pathways on Sauvie Island. The pumpkin patch is open too. More info
• Book Swap at Kindred Vancouver — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Bring clean, gently used books to Kindred Vancouver (2213 Main St, Vancouver) and take home as many new-to-you reads as you like — no trade required. Free. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM. Ride from Yacolt through the tunnel and across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24; kids under 3 free. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival — 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Last day of the 2026 Sunflower Festival! Entry includes one cut sunflower, a free hayride, photo ops, and visits with farm animals. $12. More info
• Laundry Love — 12:00 PM–2:00 PM. Saving Grace Church of the Nazarene volunteers visit two Battle Ground laundromats (Sunshine Laundry and Cleanworks) and pay for patrons' laundry — washing, drying, and even folding. No cost or obligation. More info
• Waterfront Vancouver Bluegrass Festival — 12:00 PM–5:45 PM. Free, family-friendly bluegrass at Waterfront Park (695 Columbia Way, Vancouver) featuring Thunder Ridge, Tuesday String Band, Whiskey Deaf, and headliner Never Come Down. Bring blankets or chairs, and grab food and drinks on site. More info
• 2nd Annual Leadbetter Walk & Roll — 1:00 PM. Camas Parks & Recreation closes Leadbetter Road to vehicular traffic from the Lacamas Lake Boat Launch to Camp Currie so you can walk, roll, or ride the route of the future North Shore Trail. More info
• Spooky Ghosts Hand Building Workshop — 3:30 PM–5:00 PM. Craft your own ceramic ghost at Kilnfolk Clay Studio (108 W. Sixth St, Vancouver). No experience needed; best for ages 8 and up. $55. More info
• Healthy Kids Run Vancouver — Fall 2026 — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. A five-week Sunday running series for kids at Pacific Community Park with age-appropriate dashes and distance races. All abilities welcome, including the Challenger Division. $8–$54. More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success — 4:00 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners and FVRL share tips to protect plants, enrich soils, and care for irrigation systems before winter. Free. More info

Monday, September 14

• Tiny Toppings Storytime — 11:00 AM. Bring your little ones to Copper Bell Bookshop in Ridgefield for story time — every participant gets a coupon for a free kids ice cream scoop at Eight Cow Creamery. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM. Community members are welcome at the Rotary Club of Downtown Vancouver's weekly lunch at the AC Marriott on the waterfront. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM. A high-speed jetboat tour from Portland to Multnomah Falls on the Columbia River, with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM–3:30 PM. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers at the Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Stained Glass Art — 4:00 PM. Kids in K–5th grade can create faux stained glass using glue and paint at the Camas Public Library. Free. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM. Adaptive Sports Northwest hosts open adaptive cycling at Portland International Raceway. Bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. All participants welcome. More info
• Story Explorers — 6:30 PM. A book discussion group for 2nd–3rd graders and their adults at the Camas Public Library. This month's read: Ratnip by Cam Higgins. Registration required. Free. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques at Vancouver Arts Hub (1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd). No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 15

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ at locations around Clark County, including Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas, and Washougal. Instructors tailor exercises to each person's ability. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM. A drop-in indoor play session for ages 9 months to 6 years at Firstenburg Community Center. Kids run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items, and laundry pods. Drop-off box inside the library near the north entrance through Sept. 30. More info
• Pink Lemonade Project Kicks Off Pink October — 10:00 AM. Ribbon cutting at Pink Lemonade Project (1207 Washington St, Suite 125, Vancouver) spotlighting their work supporting people affected by breast cancer in SW Washington and Oregon. More info
• Dough Zone Dumpling House Opens — 11:00 AM. Dough Zone Dumpling House opens its 30th location right here in Vancouver with signature dumplings, noodles, and Chinese comfort food. They're also bringing their Bao Buddies School Program for hands-on dumpling-making at local elementary schools. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM. Drop in for creative and interactive art projects at the Vancouver Community Library (also Sept. 16 at Cascade Park and Washougal libraries). Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM. Play Dungeons & Dragons at FVRL libraries (Ridgefield and Three Creeks). Ages 9–19; new and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM–6:45 PM. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels at Vancouver Arts Hub (1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd). Dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM–6:30 PM. Practice your beginning Spanish at the Camas Public Library. No registration required. Free. More info
• Canoe Journeys: Traveling with Our Cousins and Ancestors — 6:00 PM–7:30 PM. Sam Robinson, Mildred Robinson, and their granddaughter Destany share the history of tribal canoe journeys — with songs, dance, photos, and videos — at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center. Free. More info
• Cover to Cover Book Club — 6:30 PM. A general fiction book club for adults at the Camas Public Library. No registration required to participate in the discussion. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 16

• Hidden Gems of the Columbia River Gorge Tour — 8:15 AM–3:45 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners take you on a guided day trip through the Gorge — explore an old apple orchard at St. Cloud, a historic homestead at Sams Walker, learn about forest bathing at Columbia Gorge Landscape, and visit J & J Flowers dahlia farm. Departs from 78th Street Heritage Farm. Bring a sack lunch. $40. More info
• HR Excellence Lab — 9:00 AM. A 3-part pilot program from VDA equipping business leaders with practical HR strategies, templates, and AI-driven tools. More info
• Seaside SandFest — 9:00 AM. Head to the Oregon coast for a day of sand sculpture and seaside fun. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this 3D impressionist exhibit at OMSI through Sept. 30. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Tour this Queen Anne beauty named for General George C. Marshall, featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, and period furnishings. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian brick building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, which served as a school, orphanage, and governance offices. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM–7:00 PM. Find the market in its temporary new location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in downtown Camas. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community spirit every Wednesday. More info
• Trout Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs — 3:00 PM–4:00 PM. Tour the Vancouver Trout Hatchery at Columbia Springs (12208 SE Evergreen Hwy) and learn how the hatchery works, how old the fish are, and more. All ages; best for older kids and adults. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Shadow Puppet Craft — 3:30 PM. Design, cut out, and assemble your own shadow puppets at the Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Perler Bead Play — 3:30 PM–5:00 PM. Get creative with colorful Perler fuse beads at the Camas Public Library. Grades 1–5. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic: The Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM. Open game play at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Art and Craft Swap at Caps N' Taps — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM. Clean out your craft stash and trade art supplies and materials at Caps N' Taps (337 NE Fourth Ave, Camas). Half-finished project leftovers welcome. Stick around for a beer and a snack. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM. Try dragon boat paddling for free at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed; equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dome Ring Workshop — 5:30 PM–8:30 PM. Learn traditional silversmithing techniques with instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry at Craft Collective (21506 NE 83rd St, Vancouver). Make your own sterling silver dome ring. Ages 18+. $160. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM. East Coast and Lindy Hop style swing dancing — 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
• We Compost: Community Action for Zero Food Waste — 6:00 PM–7:00 PM. Learn about Clark County's free We Compost Community Hubs at Washougal United Methodist Church. Tips on preventing odors, fruit flies, and mold. Free kitchen compost pail while supplies last. More info

Thursday, September 17

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM. In honor of Constitution Day, entrance fees are waived at national parks, forests, and other federal public lands across the country. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products at the Columbia Tech Center (17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd). Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Tour the Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall, featuring stained glass, military memorabilia, and period furnishings. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. A six-week class at the Vancouver Bridge Club (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd) with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Essential Estate Planning Conversations for Families — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM. Johnson Bixby hosts a free workshop at The Ripple Space (275 W. Third St, Suite 400, Vancouver) on navigating family conversations about estates — also available online. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. A new topic each month — building permits, land use, code enforcement, and more — at the Public Service Center. Free. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics — 12:00 PM–1:30 PM. Get the scoop on Clark County's recycling system at Vancouver Fire Station 2. Bring your trickiest recycling questions. Optional Organics 101 follows. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more at the Vancouver Community Library and Three Creeks Community Library. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Art Chat — 4:00 PM. Share your art, learn techniques, and connect with creative peers at the Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM. The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters host speakers, Constitutional trivia, a write-your-own-constitution exercise, and discussion at the Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks. First 100 guests get free pocket Constitutions. Free. More info
• LEGO Club — 4:00 PM–5:00 PM. Kids in K–5th grade play with the Camas Public Library's LEGO collection on the third Thursday of every month. Free. More info
• Welcome to 440 West — Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM. Celebrate the opening of 440 West, a new luxury apartment community on Vancouver's Waterfront (440 W Columbia Way). Tour the property and enjoy refreshments. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks (provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library). Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Family Trivia Night — 6:00 PM. Brain-teasing fun for all ages at Firstenburg Community Center — prizes, snacks, and refreshments. $25–$31. More info
• Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Paddling Volunteer Training — 6:00 PM. Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club (CROCC) hosts training for OTs, PTs, adaptive sports staff, and anyone interested in supporting adaptive athletes ahead of their Sept. 19 clinic in Portland. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM–9:00 PM. Line dancing with instructor Kat Nichols in Washougal. Beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info

Friday, September 18

• Growing Vegetables Without Soil Workshop — 10:00 AM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners teach container and hydroponic vegetable growing — perfect if you're short on garden space. Registration required. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time — 10:00 AM. A guided walk on Plas Newydd Farm in Ridgefield to explore the land, observe migratory birds, and enjoy the rhythms of the season. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver (6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd), sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Adaptive Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting — 1:00 PM (Sept. 18–20). Paddle Class II–III rapids through Oregon's high desert with expert guides on a multi-day adaptive rafting adventure on the Deschutes River. More info
• Realms Unknown Festival — 2:00 PM. A 3-day, all-genre fantasy festival with camping on 50 acres in Woodland — knights, mystical creatures, interactive adventures, and more. $40–$120. More info
• EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM. Celebrate Educational Opportunities for Children & Families' new outdoor classroom and educational garden next to their Battle Ground Early Learning Center. Free community BBQ, greenhouse tours, sensory play areas, and raised garden beds. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM. Free community dragon boat paddling at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+; no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM. Guides from the Clark County Historical Museum lead you through downtown Vancouver's spooky past — strange tales, local lore, and unexplained happenings along Main Street and beyond. $20. More info

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