📰 What's Making News

Ridgefield's Trey Knight Takes Bronze at U.S. Track Championships

Ridgefield's own Trey Knight landed on the podium Thursday night, earning a bronze medal in the men's hammer throw at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in New York. Knight, who first made a name for himself as a Ridgefield Spudder, continues to put Clark County on the national stage in one of track and field's most demanding events. It's the kind of hometown-kid-makes-good story that deserves a standing ovation from all of us. Read more from The Columbian.

Raptors Erupt for 14 Runs, Clinch Series Against Marion

If you haven't been out to a Ridgefield Raptors game this summer, Wednesday night was a reminder of what you're missing. The Raptors pounded out two home runs and three doubles, riding a seven-run third inning to a 14-6 rout of the Marion Berries and a series win. Five Raptors pitchers combined to hold Marion to just six hits in a dominant all-around performance. Summer baseball at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex doesn't get much better than this. Full recap at The Columbian.

Kitten Season Floods Humane Society for Southwest Washington

Kitten season is hitting hard, and the Humane Society for Southwest Washington says its staff and volunteers are stretched thin by a wave of feline arrivals. The shelter is experiencing occasional large intakes and operating near maximum capacity as litters keep coming through the doors. If you've been thinking about fostering, adopting, or donating supplies, now is the moment that makes the biggest difference. Learn how to help via The Columbian.

Bookbinding, Raku, Crochet: Clark County's Summer Art Class Guide

Looking for something to do with your hands that isn't scrolling? The Columbian rounded up a generous list of summer art and craft classes running through August across Clark County — from bookbinding and leatherwork to ceramics, watercolor, jewelry-making, and pastel painting. Studios in Vancouver, Camas, Hazel Dell, and Ridgefield all have spots open, making it easy to try something new without a long-term commitment. Whether you're a seasoned maker or a total beginner, there's a class-shaped hole in your calendar waiting to be filled. Browse the full list at The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Dahlia Season Approaches: Where to Pick Your Own in Clark County

August blooms are almost here, and local growers across Clark County have spent the past year cultivating dahlias that are just about ready to show off. Whether you want to wander a flower farm on a warm summer afternoon or bring home an armful of the season's showstopper bloom, Clark County Talk has rounded up the local spots where you can pick your own. It's one of those quintessential late-summer experiences that makes living here feel special — no need to cross the river. Check out the full guide to local dahlia farms here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

C-TRAN Plans First Median-Design Vine Station at Mill Plain, Chkalov

C-TRAN will build a new westbound Vine bus rapid transit station at Mill Plain Boulevard and Chkalov Drive, with construction targeted for 2027. It will be the first median-design stop in the entire BRT network — a layout that keeps riders closer to the center of the road for faster boarding. Read more from Clark County Today.

Measles Case Confirmed After Visit to Vancouver Clinic at Salmon Creek

Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated child who visited the Vancouver Clinic at Salmon Creek on July 17. If you were at that location that day, check your vaccination status through MyIR Mobile and watch for symptoms. Full details from Clark County Today.

4 Days of Aloha, Camas Days Top a Packed Weekend Lineup

Esther Short Park hosts 4 Days of Aloha while Downtown Camas rolls out the annual Camas Days Festival — and that's just the start. Other highlights include a paella-and-flamenco night at Columbia Ridge Winery and a Tiki Marketplace at Wahi Hana. See the full roundup on Reddit.

Bat Season Peaks: What Clark County Residents Need to Know

Clark County Public Health and Dr. Alan Melnick are reminding residents that bats are especially active right now as they fatten up for winter hibernation. Avoid handling bats you find indoors or on the ground, and contact animal control if one turns up in your home. More from The Columbian.

Fibre Federal Ranks No. 1 Credit Union in Both Washington, Oregon

Longview-based Fibre Federal Credit Union just earned the top spot on the Forbes credit union list for both Washington and Oregon — a rare double crown. If you've been weighing a switch from a big bank, this one's worth a look. Details from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, July 24

• Cape Horn (Lower Trail) — WTA Work Party & Cape Horn Conservancy Day, 8:30 AM. Help brush back vegetation and restore trail tread on the newly reopened lower section of Cape Horn. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes, 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60-plus — two sessions (8:30–9:30 AM and 10–11 AM). More info
• Volunteer Gleaning at SWWA Victory Garden, 9:00 AM, 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend a community garden whose harvest goes to neighbors across Clark County. More info
• Family Mt. Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge, 9:30 AM on Mt. Hood. Kids 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket — bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a laid-back, no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Camas Days 2026, 10:00 AM–11:00 PM in downtown Camas. Two full days of parades, live music, street vendors, a wine & microbrew street, Kids Street with inflatables, and more. Free. More info
• School Supply Swap at Kindred Vancouver, 10:00 AM. Bring extra supplies, take what you need for the new school year — community giving at its best. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play at Drip Drop Art Studio, 10:00 AM in Vancouver. Maker Stations for ages 5+ and sensory art projects for littles. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play, 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins, art projects for ages 1–5, plus a Maker Station add-on for ages 5+. $24. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal, 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour — Kauffman Ave: Urban & Rural, 12:00 PM. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores Vancouver's First Fruit Valley, historic brickyards, and more. Meet at the corner of Fourth Plain and Kauffman. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group, 1:00–3:00 PM at the NAMI office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative space hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Washington. Free. More info
• Adaptive Mountain Bike Skills Camp, 1:00 PM. Oregon Adaptive Sports hosts a three-day aMTB camp for off-road hand cycles — skill building, confidence on trails, bikes provided. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers, 1:30–2:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. A beginner-friendly tabletop adventure for ages 5–9 (with caregivers). Free. More info
• HOPE Walk at Columbia River Trail, 1:30 PM. A gentle, supported walk for people living with dementia and their care partners, celebrating connection and community. More info
• Kids Outdoor Games, 2:00–3:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Run, jump, and activate your brain — free fun for kids. More info
• Washougal Community Market, 2:00–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Artisans, bakers, food vendors, live music, and local authors. Free. More info
• Base Camp at Mount St. Helens, 3:00 PM at the Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake. Camp on the north side of the volcano — guided hikes, dinner, and stunning views all weekend. $275. More info
• Kids Create, 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Four Days of Aloha, 3:30 PM at Esther Short Park & Clark College. Hawaiian cultural workshops, the Hapa Haole Hula Competition, Mele on the Lawn, and more through July 26. More info
• Shoestring Circus — "Dreamland," 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM at Hazel Dell Commons. Aerialists, acrobats, and delightful oddball comedy under a vintage circus tent. $17–$55. More info
• Tween Hangout, 4:00–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In, 4:00–8:00 PM in Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Teen Bad Art, 4:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Make your worst art on purpose, talk about your process, and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Free. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo, 5:00 PM. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine. $13–$26. More info
• Bag Charm Bar Class: Girls' Night Out Edition, 5:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Design a custom bag charm with beads and charms — beginner-friendly. $15. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with MSHI, 5:00 PM. Geologists and pro mountain guides lead you past canyons, pumice fields, and wildflowers to the edge of the youngest glacier in the world. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle, 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free, no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Summer Concert Series: Bottleneck Blues Band, 5:30–8:30 PM on the lawn at the O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Live blues, food trucks, and a beer garden. Free admission. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery, 6:00–8:00 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. Heather walks you step-by-step through decorating six sugar cookies with royal icing. Ages 16+. $60. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers at OMSI Planetarium, 6:00 PM. A heart-pounding laser show set to RHCP's greatest hits. Arrive five minutes early — no late entry. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts presents "The Prom," 6:00 PM, 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A Drama Desk Award–winning musical performed by the summer intensive company. $16–$20. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery, 6:00–8:00 PM, 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Nashville-recorded country artist Tom Mann performs live. Food truck on-site. Free admission. More info
• English Country Line Dancing, 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Beginners welcome — every dance is walked through first. 40–80 people usually show up. $5–$10 suggested donation. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball, 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team. More info
• Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons, 6:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A multi-sensory tribute concert under the gentle glow of candlelight. $42–$66. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro, 7:00 PM, 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: UN4CALLED, 7:30 PM, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Classic rock with a shot of country — grab friends and kick off the weekend. More info
• La Center Our Days Celebration — Twilight Parade, 8:00 PM in downtown La Center. The beloved "Steamboat Celebration" kicks off with a parade, followed by a full day of festivities on Saturday. Free. More info
• Christmas in July Lighted Kayak Parade, 8:30 PM at Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland. Decorate your kayak, paddle board, or canoe with lights and paddle the lake. Free. More info

Saturday, July 25

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI, 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble led by professional mountain guides and certified volunteer stewards — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• 42nd Ride Around Clark County (RACC), 7:00 AM, starting and finishing at Fort Vancouver. Five new routes (18 to 100 miles) showcase seven standout local sights. This year's theme: "See the Wonders of Clark County." More info
• Help Restore Bird Habitat with Vancouver Audubon, 7:30 AM at Sam Walker Day Use Area in Skamania County. Youth ages 10–18 with an interest in nature and wildlife photography (plus parents) are invited. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM next to Esther Short Park. The flagship market since 1990 — local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Run the Ridges at Royal Ridges, Yacolt, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. A family-friendly trail run through beautiful forest — walkers welcome too. $25–$50. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI, 9:00 AM. Hands-on engineering challenges for ages 3–5 and their families. Bilingual STEAM programming. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun, 9:00 AM, 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run. All ages, all abilities, dogs welcome. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Remove invasive species, maintain trails, and enjoy the beautiful natural area. Tools and gloves provided. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Arnada Neighborhood — Early Tour, 9:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Guided walk through tree-lined streets and beautifully preserved homes. $10. More info
• Litter Pickup at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park, 9:00 AM. Join Clark County Parks & Nature volunteers to clean up this summertime favorite along the Columbia River. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play, 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• Jenks Music and Juggling, 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM at Three Creeks Community Library. A high-energy show of music and juggling for the whole family. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display — STEAM through aviation. Free. More info
• Wild Neighbors Nature Day at Columbia Springs, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Hands-on science and nature experiences for all ages — drop by anytime, no RSVP needed. Free. More info
• Open Days & Hometown Summer Market at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, 115 S. Pekin Road, Woodland. Food, entertainment, vendors, and a stroll through the beautiful historic gardens. More info
• Stewardship Day at Mount St. Helens, 10:00 AM. Help remove invasive weeds, then stay for an optional 2.4-mile guided hike on the Hummocks Trail. Free (registration required). More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver waterfront. Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours, 10:00 AM in Hazel Dell. A Master Gardener docent leads you through the historic "poor farm" turned demonstration garden — on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, 10:00 AM. Help remove ivy and spread mulch — family-friendly and great for teens. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Intro to Bokashi Composting, 11:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Learn to turn food scraps — including meat and dairy — into nutrient-rich soil, even in small yards. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus, 11:00 AM–11:45 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and plate spinning. Free. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at Woodland Community Library. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff, 11:00 AM at Cascade Park Community Library. Silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Arnada Neighborhood — Late Tour, 11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum. Same great guided walking tour, second time slot. $10. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Free art and nature activities brought to you by Fourth Plain Forward and community partners. More info
• Bridge Play (0–150 Masterpoints), 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Summer Treats at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — Blueberry Pancake Day, 12:00–4:00 PM, 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland. Free admission and free blueberry pancakes at this beautiful historic mill. More info
• North Clark Historical Museum: Territorial Days Exhibit, 12:00–4:00 PM, 21416 NE 399th St., Amboy. "Territorial Days Through the Years" plus the 140th anniversary of the Amboy Post Office. Free. More info
• Wildcrafting at Mt. Hood Meadows, 1:00 PM. Join wildflower expert Jesse Eaton for an educational hike about gathering plant materials for culinary and medicinal use. More info
• Nature Photography for Beginners at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, 3:30 PM. A park ranger covers composition, perspective, and getting the best shots — camera or phone welcome. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance, 7:00 PM, 9212 NE Highway 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Battle Ground Lake Interpretive Program: Leave No Trace, 7:00–8:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Park Ranger Breanna Friend teaches the seven Leave No Trace principles. Free (Discover Pass required). More info
• Hot Summer Nights — The Low Keys, 7:00–10:00 PM at The Neighborhood Refuge, 113 S. Main Ave., Ridgefield. Live music, food, and craft cocktails. $5 cover. More info
• Screening of "Hitman Struck 1.2," 7:00–8:00 PM at the Hilton Vancouver, 301 W. Sixth St. A 52-minute feature film followed by Q&A with director/actor John Roco. Signed poster included. $25. More info
• Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute: Riverboat Ruckus, 8:00–11:30 PM at Cascade Bar & Grill, 15000 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Featuring Barry Minniefield and the Current, with The BSides opening. $5 cover. More info

Sunday, July 26

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp, 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to scenic locations for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• Crater Glacier Overlook Hike with MSHI Geologist, 9:00 AM. Follow washes, ridges, and mountain goat paths into the Mount St. Helens crater for a view of one of the world's youngest glaciers. More info
• Edible Plant Walks at Nature's Haven Nursery, 10:00 AM, 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Tour the property with guide Allie to discover native plants you can actually eat — then shop the nursery. Free (registration required). More info
• Picnic in Color, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM in downtown Camas on Fourth Ave. & Cedar St. Free family arts and crafts — tie-dye bags, a puppet show, duck decorating and racing, painting, and more. More info
• Summer Plant Walk, 1:00 PM in the Brush Prairie area. Join guide Erin for a slow, intentional wander through a botanical garden and surrounding forest to meet the plants of high summer. $35. More info

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