📰 What's Making News

Sportsman's Public House Hits 100 Years in Ridgefield

A Model T auto shop turned watering hole is about to celebrate a century. Sportsman's Public House in Ridgefield marks its 100th anniversary on Sept. 25 with a new menu rollout, karaoke, local vendors, and giveaways. Owner Candace Joiner and the team have kept the landmark's storied back bar intact — a piece of Clark County history you can still belly up to. If you've never made the drive to Ridgefield for a pint, this is the week. Full story at Clark County Today.

Skyview Ends 15-Year Drought Against Camas, 38-21

Friday night at Kiggins Bowl delivered a stunner. Skyview receiver Adarius Sparrow hauled in three touchdown passes — two in the fourth quarter — to power the Storm past the Camas Papermakers 38-21 for their first win in that rivalry since 2011. Head coach Matt Hamlin's defense bottled up Camas in the second half while quarterback Toren Baker kept finding Sparrow deep. It's the kind of statement game that reshapes the 4A GSHL conversation. Read the full recap at Clark County Today.

Sovereign Opens at ilani: Cowlitz Tribe's Own Steakhouse

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has taken a major step toward self-operating every restaurant at ilani with the opening of Sovereign, a fine-dining steakhouse replacing Michael Jordan's Steak House. The menu leans Pacific Northwest — think Cedar Plank Salmon, buffalo tenderloins, a Wagyu Filet Flight, and Lobster Thermidor — with weekly specials like Tomahawk Tuesday and Surf-and-Turf Sunday. General manager Andrew Guthrie is leading the kitchen and front-of-house teams. It's a milestone worth tasting for yourself. Details at Clark County Today.

4A GSHL Football Gets a Double Round-Robin Twist

Here's something local prep football hasn't seen since 2015: all four 4A Greater St. Helens League teams — Skyview, Union, Camas, and Battle Ground — will play each other twice this season. The unusual six-game league schedule was driven by an odd number of teams and a push to cut travel costs by keeping matchups regional. Athletic directors Steve Pyne and Adam Mathieson helped shape the format, which means bragging-rights rematches are baked right into the calendar. Clark County Today has the breakdown.

Kenyon Johnson Thrives at Receiver for Linfield

Vancouver's Kenyon Johnson switched from his previous position to wide receiver at Linfield University, and the transition has been seamless. Johnson has been contributing immediately in the Wildcats' offense, showing the same athleticism that made him a standout locally. It's always good to see Clark County talent making waves at the next level. The Columbian has the full story.

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💬 Community Buzz

Not enough compelling community discussions surfaced today to fill this section — we'd rather skip it than pad it. We'll be back with the good stuff next issue!

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⚡ Quick Bites

Dough Zone Dumpling House Now Open in Vancouver

The Seattle-born dumpling chain Dough Zone officially opened its Vancouver location last week, and the local buzz has been building for months. If you've been craving soup dumplings without the drive north, your wait is over. Details here.

Fresh-Hop Season Hits Clark County Breweries

Local brewers are hauling bags of just-picked Willamette Valley hops straight into the kettle for this year's fresh-hop beers — a narrow seasonal window that typically runs late August through October. The Columbian has the full rundown.

Ridgefield's Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co. Closes After 26 Years

The beloved Ridgefield fish market served its last customers over the weekend, thanking the community for more than two decades of support. Read the farewell here.

Free Tool Library Coming to Vancouver

A group called VanWATL is building a free community tool library that will also host workshops and skill-building events. They're making progress toward opening and are looking for a local artist to design their logo. Learn more and share suggestions.

Amtrak's New Airo Trains Debut on Cascades Route Sept. 30

The sleek new Amtrak Airo fleet launches on the Pacific Northwest Cascades corridor on Sept. 30, bringing upgraded amenities to the Seattle-Portland-Vancouver run. Here's what riders can expect.

Lock Throws 3 TDs to Smith-Njigba as Seahawks Rout Cardinals 31-7

Drew Lock connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for three touchdowns in his first start filling in for injured Sam Darnold, and the Seahawks rolled past Arizona on Sunday. Full game recap here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 21

• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Nearly two miles of corn maze pathways, plus all the pumpkin patch fun. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at the AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join this weekly gathering from noon to 1 p.m. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile round-trip jetboat ride to Multnomah Falls with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Cliff Barackman. $64–$72. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting — 2:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Visitors and non-members welcome to learn about growing gorgeous fall chrysanthemums. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 with a parent or caregiver. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 3:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 can build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in 1st–5th grade can practice reading with a therapy dog in 15-minute sessions. Registration required. Free. More info
• Teen & Tween Hangout: Pizza & Games — 5:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Games, crafts, chatting, and free pizza for ages 9–19. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Women's MTB Adventure — 5:30 PM at Gateway Green, Portland. Mt. Hood Dirt Divas invite riders for a Monday evening mountain bike meet-up. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes all abilities for an evening of cycling with bikes and volunteers on-site. Free. More info
• Holiday Chorus Kick Off Night with Northwest Harmony — 6:30 PM at Vancouver United Church of Christ. Love singing holiday music? Drop in to learn about joining the Holiday Chorus. Free. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques. All supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM. Bring your crew and challenge host Don Elliott's questions for a fun start to the week. More info

Tuesday, September 22

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various Clark County locations. Free evidence-based exercise classes tailored to adults age 60 and older, from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration required. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A safe indoor play space for ages 9 months–6 years with clean toys while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Drop off non-perishable food, lunchbox snacks, hygiene items, and laundry pods through Sept. 30. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. More info
• Elite Recovery Northwest Grand Opening — 10:00 AM at 1825 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Tour this new wellness and performance space featuring Finnish steam saunas, cold plunges, and gym access. More info
• Storytime at Be the Village in Kalama — 11:00 AM at Mountain Timber Market, Kalama. Free story time for little ones at Be The Village Children's Boutique. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop-in creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Ages 5–9 can build reading confidence with a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 4:30 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Design, build, and problem-solve through a surprise challenge for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Putting Your Garden to Bed — 6:00 PM at a Fort Vancouver Regional Library location. A free Master Gardener class on fall garden prep, including tips to reduce work next year. No registration required. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society: Fort Vancouver DAR — Who Are We? — 7:00 PM at Clark County Genealogical Society, 3205 NE 52nd St., Vancouver. Peri Muhich shares information about this historic service organization and ways to get involved. Free. More info
• Liverpool Legends: The Complete Beatles Experience — 7:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Four world-class musicians recreate the band that changed the world, personally curated by the late Louise Harrison. $65–$85. More info

Wednesday, September 23

• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Complimentary one-on-one sessions with a certified financial planner, available on Zoom or in person. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into stunning, motion-filled animal sculptures. On view through Sept. 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour this stunning 1873 building constructed by Mother Joseph, featuring neo-Georgian architecture, stained glass, and decorative woodwork. Free, by reservation. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet music and prayer from 12:20–12:45 p.m. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities for individuals living with dementia, their care partners, and families. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Farm-fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods every Wednesday 3–7 PM. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play with decks provided, or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Pokemon Club — 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn, play, and connect through the Pokemon Trading Card Game. All experience levels welcome, ages 5–12. 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 from 5–8 PM. Ages 21+. Free entry. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this exciting team sport — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• Vancouver Public Schools Understanding and Insight Tour — 5:30 PM at Hudson's Bay High School, Vancouver. Superintendent Rocky Torres-Morales shares updates on academics and the district's path forward. Free. More info
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original or favorite work aloud and listen to featured poets. All ages welcome. 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 — 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. A free screening of this new documentary exploring the Columbia River jetties that enabled safe passage to the Pacific, followed by a Q&A. More info
• Free Gospel Concert with The Needhams — 6:00 PM at Mountain View Christian Center, Ridgefield. This Tennessee-based gospel group performs from 6–8 PM. Free admission with a dessert social to follow. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Complex, Vancouver. Five-week beginner sessions taught by Julieann and Joseph Platt — waltz at 6 PM, salsa at 7 PM. $69 per person. 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 games. $54.90. More info

Thursday, September 24

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Thursdays 10 AM–2 PM through September. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver. Tour this beautifully preserved Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall once lived, featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, taught by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (and again at 6 PM) at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, get project ideas, and share inspiration. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Artstra Open House at RedDoor Gallery — 3:00 PM at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas St., Camas. Complimentary wine, charcuterie, desserts, and door prizes while viewing local art and meeting gallery artists. RSVP to [email protected]. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark your imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 13–19, provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. 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. Free. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop — 5:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Learn the art of scarecrow making with longtime expert Martha Todd and take your creation home. $35. More info
• Silent Book Club — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. An hour of quiet reading followed by optional socializing. Bring your own book or borrow one. Light snacks provided. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, Vancouver. Learn about fly tying and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents The Sound of Music — 6:00 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal. Pay-what-you-will tickets for this beloved musical, running Sept. 18–26. More info
• Salvation Army "Share the Joy" Fundraising Dinner — 6:00 PM at Royal Oaks Country Club, Vancouver. Hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and a program supporting local programs including Hope Market food pantry and free afterschool activities. $85. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners — 6:00 PM at a Fort Vancouver Regional Library location. A free beginner-friendly class on skills and tools for accurate mushroom identification. 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 stories and never-before-seen photos from flying rescue missions after the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption. $10. More info

Friday, September 25

• Washington Outdoor Women: Fall Workshop Weekend — 9:00 AM in Stanwood, WA. Three hands-on 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, quilting, cross-stitch, or mending — and enjoy a social circle. 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. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative session from 1–3 PM. Free. More info
• Oktoberfest at Oaks Park — 4:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Authentic German food and beer, Kinderplatz children's activities, cooking shows, wiener dog races, and rides. Continues Saturday and Sunday. 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 with hands-on practice and a shared meal after. $100. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• English Country Line Dancing — 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. All ages and experience levels welcome — every dance is walked through first. $5 per person or $10 per family. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. A 90-minute, laugh-out-loud, gender-bending romp through Bram Stoker's vampire tale. $28. More info
• Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift — 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A multi-sensory live concert experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. $42.50–$66. More info

Saturday, September 26

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM statewide. No Discover Pass needed! Celebrate National Public Lands Day with free access to all Washington state parks. More info
• Camas Plein Air Event & Tribute to Marquita — 8:00 AM at RedDoor Gallery, Camas. A premier art exhibition and competition honoring the late Marquita Call, with $2,800 in cash prizes. $30 entry fee. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship year-round market with local produce, food, and artisan goods. Saturdays 9 AM–3 PM. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 work with families on playful hands-on engineering challenges. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Remove invasive species, maintain trails, and enjoy a morning outdoors. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. Free. More info
• National Public Lands Day: Ivy Removal at Historic Covington House — 9:00 AM in Vancouver. Help remove ivy to protect trees around Clark County's oldest Euro-American structure, built in 1848. Tour the inside of the house and learn its history. More info
• NW Trail Sisters Guided Falls Creek MTB Ride — 9:00 AM in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A guided mountain bike ride on the spectacular Falls Creek trail with groups divided by ability. More info
• Annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup — 9:30 AM in Camas. Join Lacamas Watershed Council and the City of Camas for litter picking 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 starting at 1605 N. Devine Rd., Vancouver. See how native species thrive in restored landscapes and learn how to bring them to your own yard. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM at Pearson Field, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes for kids of all ages. Free. More info
• Cleanup at Operation Understanding — Couve Collective — 10:00 AM in Vancouver. Litter cleanup from 11 AM–noon, followed by a block party with food, live music, and local vendors until 5 PM. More info
• Cameraderie: Youth Birding Photography Walk — 10:00 AM with the Vancouver Audubon Society. Youth ages 8–18 connect with experienced birders and photographers for a nature photography outing. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park — 10:00 AM at 13200 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver. Remove ivy and non-native plants to support forest health. Family-friendly; tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Weed Pulling Rodeo at Mt. St. Helens — 10:00 AM at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. Remove invasive species, then enjoy a free guided Hummocks Trail hike with MSHI staff. Snacks provided. More info
• Vancouver Bee Project Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day — 11:00 AM. Pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to create habitat for pollinators in your yard, patio, or community. More info
• Cedar Creek Grist Mill Cornbread Day — 1:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Watch milling demonstrations, sample cornbread, and take home fresh-milled flour and cornmeal. More info

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