📰 What's Making News

Five Home Runs Power Raptors' Sweep of Bend

The Ridgefield Raptors turned Saturday night into a launching pad, blasting five home runs in a 16-3 demolition of the Bend Elks to complete a three-game home sweep. The Raptors also drew 14 walks — patience at the plate that turned a comfortable lead into a blowout. At 27-18, Ridgefield is playoff-bound and holds the second-best record in the West Coast League's South Division, sitting just a half-game behind Walla Walla. Summer ball at the RORC has rarely looked this fun. Read the full recap.

When Clark County Went to the World's Fair

Here's a gem from the local archives: in the winter of 1904, Washington state scrambled to relocate its exhibit from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis to Portland's 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. The Northern Pacific Railway and Great Northern Railway both pitched in to make the state's display happen. It's a fascinating slice of Clark County history that connects our region to one of the Pacific Northwest's landmark cultural moments. Dive into the full story.

Spokane Grocery Store Scans Every Shopper's Face

Not a casino, not an airport — a discount grocery store in downtown Spokane is using facial-recognition technology on every person who walks through the door. The system captures the distance between your eyes, the width of your lips, and dozens of other measurements, converting them into a unique code. The story raises real questions about how Washington businesses are deploying surveillance tech in everyday retail settings. Worth knowing about, even from a few hundred miles away. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

40-Square-Mile Wildfire Burns Near Sisters, Oregon

A fast-moving wildfire has scorched roughly 40 square miles just north of Sisters in Central Oregon, fueled by dry and windy conditions over the weekend. If you're planning any trips to the Central Oregon Cascades, check conditions before you go. Read more

Mystery Slime Fouls Boise River, Shuts Down Fly-Fishing

Angler Chandler Bondurant says the Boise River has been "pretty much unfishable in town" since early July thanks to a surge of algae-like gunk coating rocks and gear. Idaho's Department of Environmental Quality is investigating the cause. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, July 27

• Audiobook Walking Club – 9:30 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Bring your own audiobook and join fellow listeners for a 60-minute community walk at a different outdoor location each month, followed by optional social time. Free. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library, Battle Ground. Hands-on activities and early literacy tips for ages 0–5 and their grown-ups. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall, Vancouver. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes all summer long (through August 14). More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Louis Bloch Park (160 NE Joy St.), Camas. Bring a blanket and join Camas Library staff for a family storytime outdoors. All ages. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront, Vancouver. Community members are welcome at this weekly lunch gathering, noon to 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing – 12:00 PM at Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub, Vancouver. Bring your canner lid with gauge attached for free accuracy testing before canning season. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays at Camas Public Library – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Catch a family movie upstairs in the Community Rooms. Registration required. Free. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub – 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub. Host Don Elliott brings the questions — bring your crew and try to dethrone reigning champs High Bar Low Expectations. More info

Family & Kids

• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 with parents or caregivers. Free. More info

Teens

• A Beat Happening – 7:30 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. A 21-and-under music producer, DJ, and MC showcase hosted by Friends of Noise — all genres welcome. Bring your bars, laptops, or decks. Free. More info

Seniors

• Line Dancing – 1:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Lace up any shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise, 1:30–3:30 PM. Free. More info

Tuesday, July 28

• Youth Backpacking: Mt. Hood with Opal Creek Center – 8:30 AM, departing for Oregon. Ages 10–12 can join the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center for a backpacking adventure in the Roaring River Wilderness with old-growth forests, lake basins, and plenty of swimming. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles – 9:00 AM at Hazel Dell Elementary School (and 11:00 AM at another location). Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• The Chiro Clinic Grand Opening – 10:00 AM at 104 Grand Blvd, Suite 102, Vancouver. Tour the new clinic, meet the team, and celebrate the ribbon cutting for this personalized chiropractic care practice. More info
• Storywalk at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner. Free. More info
• JuggleMania – 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. A stunt-tacular comedy juggling show full of hilarity and dexterity. Free. More info
• Preschool Color Scavenger Hunt – 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library (5th Avenue entrance), Camas. Preschoolers and their adults search for the colors of the rainbow in nature. No registration required. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. Dedicated writing time for all experience levels — no readings or critiques, just focused work and community. Free parking. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A welcoming group for beginning Spanish speakers to practice conversation. Free. More info

Family & Kids

• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Kiddie rides and select 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
• Sensory Storytime – 10:30 AM at Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield. An interactive storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and reduced group size for ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Preschool Color Scavenger Hunt at Camas Public Library – 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library (5th Avenue entrance). Find the colors of the rainbow in nature. Free. More info

Teens

• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E with other players ages 9–19. Free. More info

Wednesday, July 29

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest – 8:00 AM at Rebecca Anstine Gallery (6th floor, Clark County Public Service Center), Vancouver. A new exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest landscapes by artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, on view through September. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (60+) become more active, with classes at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. More info
• Wednesday Wanders – 9:30 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free guided nature walk exploring ecosystems along the Columbia River and wetlands — 2 miles on paved and unpaved trails. Great for adults or families with kids 6+. Registration required. Free. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animal sculptures in this jaw-dropping exhibit running through September 30. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Officers Row home featuring period furnishings and General George C. Marshall's study, 10 AM–2 PM. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild – 10:00 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. This week's theme: Reptiles and Amphibians — Scales and Tales. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. The annual showcase of artwork from Camas School District high school students, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM starting at Autumn Leaf Books, Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses throughout July. Completed passports earn prizes. 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
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM at Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vendors every Wednesday, 3–7 PM. 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 — leave with a genuinely cool leather piece. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch, Ridgefield. Try this growing team sport at no cost — paddlers must be 14+. No experience needed; equipment provided. 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
• The Last Picture Shows – 7:30 PM at Camas Liberty Theatre, Camas. Director Rustin Thompson introduces his film exploring over 100 rural movie theaters across the American West, followed by a Q&A. $10. More info

Family & Kids

• Reading in the Wild at the Water Resources Education Center – 10:00 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. This week's theme: Reptiles and Amphibians — Scales and Tales. Free. More info

Teens

• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play every Wednesday — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info

Thursday, July 30

• Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower – Peak viewing the night of July 30–31. The Southern Delta Aquariids are active through August 23. Best viewed from a dark location looking south. More info
• Volunteer: Painting Park Signs at Lewisville Regional Park – 9:30 AM at Lewisville Regional Park, north of Battle Ground. Help Clark County Parks spruce up picnic tables at this historic park. Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather; all tools provided. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Part of a six-week series for new players. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. The beloved Tiny Art Show returns for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products every Thursday, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic Officers Row home, Wednesday–Friday from 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club – 11:00 AM (and again at 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books — bring a current project for inspiration. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Lux X Charters Grand Opening – 4:00 PM at 909 N Hayden Island Drive, Portland. Tour the luxury yacht, meet the captain and crew, and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers dockside along the Columbia River. More info
• Pollinators & Pints: Invasive Insects – 5:30 PM on 6th Street, downtown Vancouver. Vancouver Bee Project hosts a casual gathering featuring the Yellow-Legged Hornet and Spotted Lanternfly — learn about invasive insects over food and drinks. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for a fun Thursday evening group ride exploring trails and bike-friendly roads. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Trash Pickup at Wintler Park – 6:00 PM at Wintler Community Park, Vancouver. Riparian Media is adopting Wintler Park — join their first community cleanup from 6–8 PM. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park, Vancouver. This week: Cha Wa brings Mardi Gras Indian funk and brass band sounds to the waterfront. Bring a picnic or grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Free. More info

Family & Kids

• Pasta Paleontology at Camas Public Library – 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade can pretend to be paleontologists and bring prehistoric creatures to life with pasta shapes. Registration required. Free. More info

Teens

• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Hang out with friends, play games, craft, and chat for ages 13–19. Snacks provided. Free. More info

Friday, July 31

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend a community garden — harvested produce goes to LULAC to support neighbors across Clark County. More info
• Family Mountain 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
• A Positive Approach to Dementia Care – 10:00 AM at The Foundation Family Resource Center, Vancouver. Mike Davis of Highgate Senior Living leads a session on Teepa Snow's Positive Approach, offering practical strategies for communicating with individuals living with dementia. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, bakers, food vendors, and live music, 2–6 PM. Free admission. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars and trucks, plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and the pool. Spectator admission $5–$10; tots 3 and under free. More info
• Parkersville Heritage Fair – 4:00 PM at Parker's Landing Historical Park, Washougal. Start with the Van Vleet Detective Quest mystery hunt in the apple orchard, then explore history with the Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, and more. First 200 finishers earn a treasure bag. Free. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute – 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and professional mountain guides. See the youngest, fastest-growing glacier in the world. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling for free — ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music from singer-songwriter Raeann Phillips plus food from on-site truck Venue 1903, 6–8 PM. Free admission. More info
• Journey Theater Arts presents Into the Woods – 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. The beloved Sondheim musical follows a baker and his wife, Cinderella, and Jack on a journey through fairy tales and consequences. Running July 31–Aug. 8. $22–$26. More info
• Port of Camas-Washougal Summer Concert – 7:00 PM at Marina Park, Washougal. 5 Guys Named Moe brings the live music from 7–10 PM. Vendors on site starting at 4 PM for the Parkersville Day celebration. Free. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine with live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle – 7:00 PM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Join Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for a three-hour guided paddle north to the Columbia River to watch the sunset and share snacks on the beach. All skill levels welcome; reservations required. More info
• Birds, Bats & Bugs Evening Walk – 8:00 PM. Join FBC.PDX and Bird Alliance of Oregon for a magical summer evening watching birds settle in for the night, bats emerge, and moths gather at a UV light sheet. Bat detector provided. More info

Saturday, August 1

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM at Carty Unit, Ridgefield. Join experienced guide Ron Escano for a relaxed birding walk — great for beginners and seasoned birders alike. More info
• Sons of the American Legion Squadron 168 – Amboy – 9:00 AM at American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. Sons and grandsons of veterans are welcome at this monthly meeting supporting veterans and families in North Clark County. Free. More info
• Washougal Arts and Music Festival – 9:00 AM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Twenty local and regional artists selling original work in all mediums, plus live music from the Washougal Songcraft Festival and a kids' activity area, 9 AM–3 PM. Free. More info
• Marine Park Beach Cleanup – 9:00 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Help remove litter from the beaches before it enters the Columbia River. Tools provided; expect a 2.5-mile walk on uneven sandy terrain. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run – 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Regional Park, Salmon Creek. A free weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run at your own pace. All ages and abilities welcome (dogs too). First-timer orientation at 8:50 AM. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Day of Festivals – 9:00 AM at Downtown Ridgefield. Five events in one day: City Days, Ridgefield Farmers Market, Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Races, Children's Entrepreneur Market, and the Washington Duck and Goose Calling Championship. Free C-Tran shuttle between locations. Free. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Blueberries in La Center – 9:00 AM. Bring the whole family to glean from 230 blueberry bushes — harvested fruit supports neighbors across Clark County through Urban Abundance. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. A free bridge lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newcomers. Free. More info
• The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 – Amboy – 10:00 AM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. Monthly meeting supporting veterans, their families, and the North Clark County community. Free. More info
• Outdoor Writer's Workshop at Ridgefield NWR – 10:00 AM at Carty Unit, north of downtown Ridgefield. Join Clark County Poet Laureate Susan Dingle for 1.5 hours of writing, drawing, and reflection on the refuge trails. No experience required. All ages welcome. More info
• Amazing Aquifers at Water Resources Education Center – 1:00 PM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free drop-in program — all ages welcome. The exhibit hall and shaded outdoor garden are also open noon to 4 PM. Free. More info

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