📰 What's Making News

Two Ridgefield Teens, Bystander Honored for River Rescue at Paradise Point

A busy Saturday at Paradise Point State Park could have ended very differently. A father struggling in the East Fork Lewis River with his daughters was spotted by a sharp-eyed bystander, and two local teenage girls jumped into action to help pull the family to safety. All three were recently honored for their quick response by Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue. It's the kind of story that reminds you how much everyday heroism lives right here in our community. Read the full story at The Columbian.

Clark County Couple's Children's Book Tackles Big Feelings — Through a Frog's Eyes

A Clark County couple has written a new children's book designed to help kids navigate the overwhelming emotions that even adults struggle with. The story uses a frog's-eye perspective to meet young readers where they are, giving families a creative tool for talking about feelings that can otherwise feel too big to name. If you've got little ones — or know someone who does — this one's worth a look. Read more at The Columbian.

Why 92nd Avenue in Battle Ground Has Been Closed for Nearly a Year

If you've been wondering what's going on with 92nd Avenue in Battle Ground, here's your answer: a sewer inspection uncovered problems throughout the entire installed line, forcing a much longer closure than anyone anticipated. The road has been shut down for close to a year now as crews work through pipe replacements tied to the Lingle subdivision, Village at Cherry Grove, and BG Commons developments. Battle Ground city engineer Cade Barker and communications manager Alisha Smith have shared updated timelines for when drivers can expect relief. Clark County Today has the details.

Tri-Mountain Golf Course Stays Public — County Seeks New Management Bids

North county golfers, exhale: Clark County has no plans to sell Tri-Mountain Golf Course. Instead, the county is putting out a call for bids from firms interested in managing and maintaining the course going forward. It's a chance to bring in fresh energy and expertise while keeping the popular Ridgefield-area links in public hands. If you've got a favorite tee time out there, it sounds like it's safe for now. Read more at The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Columbia Springs Shares Its August Fix-It Tip

If you love keeping things running instead of tossing them, Columbia Springs just dropped their latest Repair Tip of the Month for August. The local nature and environmental education center has been running this handy series to help folks extend the life of everyday items — a nice little nudge toward less waste and more self-sufficiency. Head over to their site to grab this month's tip before September rolls in.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Camas Cheese Co. Merges Into Cedar Street Bagel for One Delicious Shop

Andy and Tiffany are moving their Camas Cheese Co. operation down the street into their Cedar Street Bagel Co. location, combining both businesses under one roof. The cheese shop's last day at its current spot is Sunday, September 6, so stop in before then if you want one final standalone visit. Details here

Christine Myers Takes the Reins at Downtown Camas Association Sept. 1

The Downtown Camas Association hired Christine Myers as its new event and project manager, bringing more than five years of community engagement experience to the role. She'll oversee programming and partnerships for the Main Street district. Read more

Ridgefield Exhibit Unearths Japanese Farming Families' Forgotten Legacy

A new exhibit at the Greely Building on Pioneer Street traces the Kawamoto family and other Japanese farming families who ran major strawberry operations in Ridgefield before their forced removal during World War II. It's part of a collaboration between the Ridgefield Heritage Society and the Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative. Full story

9-Unit Apartment Project Could Rise at 35th and Main in Downtown Vancouver

A property at 35th and Main — currently a fully leased 3,514-square-foot office building — is on the market with permits already in hand for a 9-unit apartment building with ground-floor commercial space. Recent building code updates removed unit-count caps on the site, potentially opening the door to an even larger project. See the discussion

Village Vendor Applies for New License on Mill Plain

A business called Village Vendor has filed a new license application at 14415 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Suite 1-A in Vancouver, seeking beer, cider, and wine retail privileges among other categories. View the filing

Latest Clark County Health Inspection Results Now Posted

The Columbian published restaurant and food-service inspection results for the week of August 17-22 — worth a peek before your next dinner reservation. Check the list

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, August 29

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM. Embark on a single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards, designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Kerry Island Volunteer Workday w/ Columbia Land Trust — 8:00 AM. Help preserve access at Kerry Island (Westport, OR) by assisting with vegetation control along trails and parking areas. Brush cutters, trimmers, and hand tools provided. More info
• Veterans' Work Party at Seminary Hill with WTA — 8:30 AM. Washington Trails Association hosts a trail work party tailored to veterans and service members — a chance to form up, build camaraderie, and maintain hiking trails at this 73-acre urban natural area. More info
• TSMC WA Mulching Stewardship Party — 8:30 AM. Join the Camas Earth Day Society and TSMC WA employees for late-summer mulching at the rewilding project site across from TSMC. Meet at the Skyridge Middle School site. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. The flagship year-round farmers market next to beautiful Esther Short Park in the heart of downtown. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on challenges — building, testing, and designing like real engineers. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery — Early Tour — 9:00 AM at Washougal Memorial Cemetery, Washougal. Discover the stories of Washougal's pioneers in the historic Pioneer Sections with the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. More info
• Wander Clark County Walking Tours — 9:00 AM. The Clark County Historical Museum's knowledgeable guides lead groups through fascinating historic neighborhoods. Tours at 9 AM and 11 AM. $12.51. More info
• 2026 Camas Vintage & Art Faire — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. The 17th annual street faire features 60+ vintage and local art vendors, live music, and delicious food on the charming tree-lined streets. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome, dogs too. Register at parkrun.us. More info
• Kayaking Clinic for the Visually Impaired — 9:00 AM. The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosts a free kayaking clinic for individuals who are blind and visually impaired, all ages and ability levels. More info
• American Legion Fundraising Rummage Sale — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver. Proceeds support veterans, military families, and Truman Elementary students. 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
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free admission, all ages. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Meeting History — Exploring Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories — 10:00 AM at The Greely Building, Ridgefield. Explore Ridgefield's founding, civic institutions, and little-known stories as part of the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration. Free. More info
• Garden Gnomes Workshop — 10:00 AM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Ages 8+ learn the pinch pot method to create a ceramic garden gnome with personalized flair. $65. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Mount Tabor MAMAzamas — Kids Hike — 10:00 AM at Mount Tabor, Portland. A gentle family wander perfect for babies in carriers, big kids on foot, and parents figuring out how hiking with little ones works. More info
• Saturday Volunteer Day at LUYF Farm — 10:00 AM at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Spend the morning with Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo preparing the community farm for fall. All experience levels welcome. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Chunky Blanket Workshop — 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Craft Collective, 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Learn hand-knitting basics — no needles or experience needed — and leave with an oversized chunky knit blanket. $89. More info
• Summer Style Social Women's Networking — 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at a private garden and pool in Vancouver Heights. Analee Styling hosts pop-up shops, curated fashion, small bites, music, and mocktails. $25 (includes a $25 Analee Styling gift card). More info
• Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery — Late Tour — 11:00 AM at Washougal Memorial Cemetery. The second tour of the day exploring pioneer history. $10. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival — 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Enjoy gorgeous sunflowers, hayrides, adorable farm animals, and beautiful photo ops. Every ticket includes one cut sunflower. $12. More info
• Treat Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 1:00 PM at 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd., Woodland. Cookies, cakes, muffins, scones, and even dog biscuits — all free — at this historic water-powered mill. More info
• Teen & Adult K-Beauty and K-Drama — 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Portland State University Professor Jungmin Kwon discusses digital culture, and Yoo Be Skin Care esthetician Yooseon Hwang shares K-Beauty essentials. Trivia, mask samples, and more. Free. More info
• Vancouver Community Library Radio Theater — 3:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Light melodrama, old-time radio style — read from a script or provide sound effects. 1930s attire optional. Free. More info
• Blacktail Deer Foundation Annual Fundraising Banquet — 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Heathman Lodge, Vancouver. An evening of raffles, games, auctions, and prizes including hunting gear and outdoor equipment. $27.09–$1,297.84. More info
• Wine for Wildlife at the Oregon Zoo — 6:00 PM, Portland. Sip offerings from 30 wineries while strolling the zoo's forested grounds after hours, with live music and winemaker meet-and-greets. More info
• Appletree Sunset 5K & Hot Rods Classic Car Show — 6:00 PM at Officers Row, Vancouver. Run through history on a scenic course through Fort Vancouver, then vote on the best car in the classic car show with food, a beer garden, and live music. $54–$139. More info
• TRAIN — Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere — 6:30 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. Train celebrates the 25th anniversary of their Grammy-winning hit on a massive North American tour. $45–$184. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. 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 performances from local artists on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Horsing Around: Equestrian Safety at Battle Ground Lake — 7:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Meet senior park aide Mindy Lahti-Phillip's loveable horses and learn trail safety. Bring a folding chair. Free (Discover Pass required). 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

Sunday, August 30

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp — 9:00 AM. Northwest Personal Training's free Sunday bootcamp series wraps up — meet at 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to a scenic outdoor workout location. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Timberline Ladies Ride Days — 10:45 AM at Mt. Hood. Bring a friend for buy-one-get-one half-off day tickets, plus light instruction from Timberline's Bike School and group rides with Mt. Hood Dirt Divas. Raffle at 3 PM. More info
• Paddleboarding Clinic with NW Assoc. of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. A free paddleboarding clinic for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Contact NWABA for location details. More info
• Back to School Swim & Social at Goldfish Swim School — 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM at Goldfish Swim School, Vancouver. A free community event with open swim — the perfect way to wrap up summer and celebrate the new school year. More info
• Board Game Social Club — 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in for board games — play an old favorite or learn something new. Free. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop — 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Ages 8+ learn to make a ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly. $55. More info
• Celebrate National Park Week! — 4:00 PM. Wrap up summer exploring nature and history at your nearest national park — join ranger programs, earn Junior Ranger badges, and more. Entrance fees are waived Aug. 25 for all U.S. citizens and residents. More info

Monday, August 31

• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at various Camas parks. Bring a blanket and join the Camas Library for a family storytime outdoors. All ages. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join for the weekly lunch. Free. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Learn line dances for fun and exercise — any shoes (or slippers) will do. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile roundtrip high-speed jetboat ride to Multnomah Falls with exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman of "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes everyone for adaptive cycling — bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques for galactically inspired coasters. No experience needed. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 1

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ — instructors tailor to each person's ability. No pre-registration required. More info
• River Nutrient Enhancement Volunteers — 9:00 AM. The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group needs volunteers to place salmon carcasses in streams, returning marine nutrients to our watersheds. Physical but rewarding work outdoors. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI — 9:30 AM, Portland. Step back to April 1912 and assume the role of a Titanic passenger, exploring 100+ authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D art exhibition (through Sept. 30). More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Kiddie rides, select family rides, and snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. Ages 6 and younger. $13.50 per child. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A safe indoor space for ages 9 months – 6 years to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library (runs Sept. 1–30). Donate non-perishable foods, lunchbox snacks, hygiene items, and laundry pods to benefit Camas School District families. More info
• Vancouver Wellness Studio Celebrates 10 Years! — 10:00 AM at 301 W. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Join the ribbon-cutting celebration honoring a decade of health, healing, and community connection. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at Ridgefield & Three Creeks Community Libraries. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• OutdoorAfro's Little CampOut — Virtual Campfire Storytelling — 5:00 PM. A live virtual campfire experience with stories, laughter, and connection for families across the country. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels — dedicated writing time, no critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A monthly group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Pencils and Pints — 6:00 PM at A Beer at a Time, 216 NE Third Ave., Camas. Sketch, paint, or doodle while sipping a craft brew — co-hosted by the Artisans Guild of Camas and Camas Public Library. Free. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book club for kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults — read together, then keep the book for free. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: "The Wildlife Center of the North Coast" — 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, Vancouver. Speaker Annie Cahill explores the role of wildlife rehabilitation in conservation. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 2

• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore this beautiful historic building with a free guided tour. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic Officers Row home. Book a time online. More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy live lunchtime performances by local musicians in the Downtown Arts Quarter. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• Vesta Hospitality Celebrates 30 Years! — 1:00 PM at 15605 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Celebrate three decades of this Vancouver-grown hospitality company's growth and community investment. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch St. between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local goods, and community celebration every Wednesday. More info
• Tween Bad Art — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Random supplies, zero rules — create something perfectly ugly or awkwardly brilliant. 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 at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, hands-on projects. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Speed Friending — 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. A fun, low-stress way for adults to meet new people with conversation prompts and quick rounds. Registration required at CamasPL.org/SpeedFriending. Free. More info
• WSU Extension & FVRL: Grow and Arrange Cut Flowers Year-Round — 5:00 PM. Learn how to grow your own beautiful cut flower garden and enjoy a flower arrangement demonstration. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session for all skill levels — leave with something genuinely cool. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop lessons followed by social dance until 9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Friendly competition, fantastic prizes, delicious snacks, and fun for the whole family. $10–$13. More info
• Vaux's Swifts 101 — 6:00 PM. Learn the fascinating life history of these tiny migratory birds before September's spectacular chimney-entry shows begin. Where are they going? What do they eat? Get all your questions answered. More info
• VanPort Jazz Open Rehearsal — 7:00 PM at Cascade Inn Assisted Living Center, Vancouver. Listen and dance along as VanPort Jazz rehearses. Free. More info

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