📰 What's Making News

Salmon Creek Retiree Logs Enough Trail Miles to Circle the Earth

Mike Stein of Salmon Creek — known to friends as "Mileage Mike" — has officially hiked the equivalent of the Earth's circumference, roughly 24,901 miles, all on local trails. The retired electrical engineer approached the goal the way you'd expect: with spreadsheets, planning, and relentless consistency. Stein's health-driven quest turned a retirement hobby into a mathematical globe-trot without ever leaving Clark County. It's the kind of quiet, determined story that makes you want to lace up your own boots. Read his full story in The Columbian.

America 250, First Friday, Fireworks: Your July 4th Weekend Mapped Out

Clark County is going all-in on Independence Day weekend with celebrations in nearly every corner. The Historic Trust kicks things off Friday with an America 250 Celebration at the Fort Vancouver Parade Ground — free activities from noon to 11 p.m., including live music, cultural dance, living-history characters, and a movie on the lawn at sundown. Camas hosts First Friday, Battle Ground throws a red-white-and-blue bash, Ridgefield has its parade, and Yacolt rounds it out with its own celebration. No single event to choose — you could honestly hit a different town each day. Get the full rundown from The Columbian.

'Dog Days' Season 2 Follows Heritage, Skyview, Washougal Football All Summer

If you loved the first season, mark your calendar: Season 2 of the documentary series "Dog Days" premieres at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 5. This time the cameras follow the summer offseason grind at Heritage, Skyview, and Washougal as all three programs prepare for the 2026 football season. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the weight rooms, film sessions, and team-building that fans rarely see. Think of it as your summer bridge between spring ball and Friday night lights. Details from The Columbian here.

Furry Friends Cat Rescue Sets Date for Annual Dinner, Auction

Furry Friends Cat Rescue, the no-kill shelter that takes in more than 1,200 cats a year, is gearing up for its annual fundraiser dinner and auction at Royal Oaks Country Club. This year's western-themed event — dubbed "Butch Catsidy and the Sundance Kit" — features a live and silent auction, a Dessert Dash, raffles, and a best-dressed competition. Sponsors include Guild Mortgage, Jason Smith CPA, Iron Gate Storage, and Front Door Realty, among others. If you're a cat person (or just auction-curious), it's worth saving the date. Find ticket and event details at Clark County Today.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Fort Vancouver to Yacolt: Your July 4th Weekend, Mapped

Clark County is going all-out for America's 250th birthday this weekend. Highlights include the Go 4th Festival at Fort Vancouver, the Yacolt Freedom Parade, Ridgefield's Fourth of July Celebration, Pomeroy Farm Kids Fest, and a cardboard boat regatta at Lake Sacajawea in Longview. Full event rundown here.

24/7 Emergency Vet Clinic in Walnut Grove Closing — What Pet Owners Need to Know

Columbia River Veterinary Specialists, the area's round-the-clock emergency pet clinic, announced it's shutting down, and other Clark County emergency vet hospitals are bracing for the patient surge. If your pet needs after-hours care, expect longer waits until capacity catches up. Read the details.

$62.95 a Month — for a Dog That Already Died?

A Vancouver woman says Banfield Pet Hospital's Wellness Plan contract locked her into monthly payments even after her dog passed away, and she's not alone in the frustration. The letter spotlights fine-print cancellation policies that catch pet owners off guard during an already painful time. Read her story.

National Archives at Seattle Plans Move to New Facility

The National Archives at Seattle will begin relocating records from its Sand Point center later this year as the agency works toward building a new facility within the city — a yearslong transition that affects anyone in the Pacific Northwest who accesses federal records for genealogy, property, or military research. More on the timeline.

Washington State Overhauls Public Records Rules by Summer's End

State officials say new recommendations for how governments handle public records requests should be finalized before fall, with the goal of speeding up disclosure timelines across all levels of government. Here's what's changing.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, July 3

• Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day – 7:00 AM. Explore federal public lands across the U.S. for free today in honor of Independence Day weekend — no entrance fees required. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+), with sessions at 8:30 and 10:00 AM. Hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. More info
• Longview Go 4th Festival – 9:00 AM at Lake Sacajawea Park and various Longview locations. A multi-day celebration featuring a vendor marketplace, cardboard boat regatta, Kids Fest, timber show, parade, and fireworks. Free. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM. Join Urban Abundance for a Friday morning garden shift at the SWWA Victory Garden — great people doing good things outdoors. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free drop-in tours of this gorgeous historic building. More info
• Summer Reading Kick-Off: Happy 250th Birthday America! – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at La Center Community Library. Games, crafts, trivia, and prizes for all ages. Free. More info
• HOPE Walk at Salmon Creek Trail – 10:00 AM at 800 NE 117th Street. A gentle, welcoming walk for families, friends, care partners, and people living with dementia. RSVP requested. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch served noon–1:00 PM for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Vancouver Celebrates America 250 – 12:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds. Live music, family games, food vendors, guided tours of Marshall House, historic weapons demos, and an evening screening of "A League of Their Own" (PG) under the stars. Free. More info
• America 250 Celebration by The Historic Trust – 12:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Parade Grounds. Patriotic pet costume contest, live music, food vendors, and family activities all day in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the National Park Service. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free weekly art group. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, bakers, food vendors, and live music. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. 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
• Friday Night Cruise-In at Alderbrook Park – 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus park amenities including disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Battle Ground America 250 Celebration – 4:00–10:00 PM at Maddox Industrial Transformer, Battle Ground. Free hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy, food trucks, a Little Patriots Zone with bounce houses and crafts, costumed historical figures, and fireworks at 9:45 PM. Free. More info
• Nature Lovers Book Group – 4:00 PM (in person and virtual). Discuss this month's title, "Flight Paths" by Rebecca Heisman. For adults 18+. More info
• First Friday Art Walk – 5:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors across downtown. Most locations open 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• One Community, Many Hands: Celebrating America's 250th! – 5:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Carnival-inspired games, community service opportunities, art shows, after-hours shopping, dining, and music. Free. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine. $13–$26. More info
• RedDoor Gallery First Friday Party – 5:00–8:00 PM at RedDoor Gallery, Camas. Complimentary beverages, American birthday cake, charcuterie, and chocolate truffles. Wear your best red, white, and blue. Free. More info
• Attic Gallery presents "America the Beautiful" – 5:00–8:00 PM at Attic Gallery, 419 NE Cedar St., Camas. Opening reception for the July exhibit celebrating 250 years, with live music, free cupcakes, and wine. More info
• Celebration of Youth Art – 5:00–8:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd. Featuring art by young artists ages 6–26, plus lemonade slushies by Sourpuss Lemonade. Hosted by theARTScentered. Free. More info
• Live Music at El Coyote Tacos y Tequila – 5:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Flywheel Trio and Midnight Theory perform as part of First Friday Art Walk. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free paddling for ages 14+. No experience needed; equipment provided. More info
• Rendezvous Days 2026 in Yacolt – 5:30 PM in the Town of Yacolt. Opening ceremonies, awards, and a weekend of celebration for America's 250th birthday including an Air Force fly-over. Free. More info
• Family Fun Night at Salmon Creek Grange – 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and fun for the whole family on First Friday. Free; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Star-Spangled Banner Contest at Drop the Mic Karaoke – 6:00 PM at Drop the Mic Karaoke, 224 NE Third Ave., Camas. Sign-ups start at 5 PM. Winners perform at local sporting events and receive a $25 gift card. Free to enter. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music by Sparrow Wren plus on-site food by Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk – 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay with instructor guidance — no experience needed. $50. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Movie in the Park: "A League of Their Own" – 9:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for this free outdoor screening (PG), sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. More info

Saturday, July 4

• The Elbow Room First Anniversary – Festivities kick off at midnight (the night of July 3) and continue until 2 AM. Later at 11 AM, enjoy a special brunch from Paul's Restaurant. Chefs Monique King and Paul Rosenbluh and bartender Toby Maloney celebrate one year of ownership at Vancouver's first James Beard-nominated bar. More info
• Ridgefield Fourth of July Celebration – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Parade at 11 AM, fun run, outdoor entertainment, contests, games, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Free parking at Ridgefield Costco with shuttle service. Free. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM at the Carty Unit. Join experienced guide Ron Escano for a relaxed birding walk — great for beginners and seasoned birders alike. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. The flagship market with local produce, artisan goods, and more. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome; dogs too. Register at parkrun.us. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event – 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park. Motocross racing action. $20–$40 general admission. More info
• Kids' Fest at Pomeroy Farm – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Farm fun for kids all weekend. $3 for ages 6+; ages 5 and under free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes, and hands-on STEAM activities. Free for all ages. More info
• Yacolt Freedom Parade and Party in the Park – 10:00 AM in Yacolt. The parade starts at Railroad Avenue and West Hoag Street. Awards for Most Patriotic, Most Original, and more, followed by a party in the park. Kids — bring bags for candy! Free. More info
• Independence Day: America 250 at Two Rivers Heritage Museum – 12:00–4:00 PM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, 1 Durgan St., Washougal. Learn about the Camas-Washougal area from 1776 to today and try the History's Mysteries scavenger hunt. Free. More info
• La Center Historical Museum – 12:00–4:00 PM at La Center Historical Museum. Free admission on the first Saturday of the month. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides – 1:00 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. $16–$24. More info
• Family Fourth at AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront – 5:00 PM on the patio. Games by Bounce-N-Battle, face painting, bubbles, a caricature artist, and live music by Baz Moto at 7 PM. No cover charge; restaurant reservations recommended (360-993-8895). More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM — ballroom, Latin, swing, and country. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Battle Ground Lake Interpretive Program: Owls – 7:00–8:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Columbia Springs volunteer Ellen M. Wilson discusses owl adaptations and local species. Bring folding chairs. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info

Sunday, July 5

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit, designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. Professional guides share insights on geology, ecology, and history. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year!" Volunteer Cleanup – 8:00 AM at five WA State Parks including Cape Disappointment. Help clean up after the holiday weekend — just show up, no registration needed. More info
• 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. Free. More info
• Forest Floor Ecology Hike with MSHI – 10:00 AM. Explore the world of snails, slugs, and salamanders on Mt. St. Helens with an MSHI wildlife biologist — you might spot rare Van Dyke's Salamanders and Malone Jumping Slugs. More info
• Intro to WA Native Butterflies and Caterpillars – 10:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Learn which native plants best support Northwest butterfly species and their caterpillars. More info
• Make a Full-Size Broom – 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vampire Unicorns, 3510 NE Third Ave., Camas. Learn the age-old art of broom-making and earn a spot in the monthly Broom Club. $125. More info
• Fruit Jar Workshop at Kilnfolk – 3:30–5:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make a lidded vessel using pinch pot and coil techniques. Ages 8+, beginner-friendly. $75. More info

Monday, July 6

• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids – 9:00 AM. Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17 with science explorations, creative crafts, and nature adventures that build confidence and leadership. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00–11:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on activities and early literacy tips for ages 0–5. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes all summer long (through August 14). More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day – 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for a Monday morning of stewardship, shared labor, and food access in the field. More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, 2023 NW 23rd Ave., Camas. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family storytime outdoors with Camas Library staff. All ages. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Art Workshop – 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd. Guided art projects with instructor Tricia Hall for participants with dementia. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck – 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Grab any shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays: "Ice Age" – 2:00–4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Free screening upstairs in the Community Rooms. Registration required at CamasPL.org/movies or call 360-834-4692. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Sodas and Stories at Camas Public Library – 4:30–5:30 PM. Teens in grades 6–12 make a dirty soda (creamy soda treats!) and explore new Young Adult releases. Free; register at CamasPL.org/sodas. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — FIFA World Cup 26 – 5:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Massive screens, stadium energy, and world-class soccer. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26! More info
• ROAD TRIP — Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series – 6:00–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Everyone is welcome to try adaptive cycling. Bring your own bike or use one provided. Helmets required. More info

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