📰 What's Making News

Seton Catholic Three-Peats With Another WIAA Scholastic Cup

Seton Catholic just locked up its third consecutive WIAA Scholastic Cup in Class 1A — and its fourth in the last five years. The Scholastic Cup recognizes overall athletic and academic excellence across an entire school program, which makes a three-peat no small feat for the Vancouver school. If you're keeping score at home, that's a dynasty in the making. Read more from The Columbian.

Whiskey Lounge, Marshmallow Shop Eye Downtown Openings

Two new spots are taking shape in downtown Vancouver. The former Sedgwick space is becoming Proof, a whiskey and cocktail lounge that'll join The Infirmary and an upcoming speakeasy beneath Loyal Legion — making downtown a bona fide whiskey destination. Meanwhile, the old Yogurt Time at Schofield's Corner on Main Street has construction underway for what appears to be a toasted marshmallow concept. Details are still trickling out, but the downtown lineup keeps getting more interesting. See the full scoop on Reddit.

Flex Industrial Complex Moves Forward Near Old English Pit

Plans for a series of "flex" industrial buildings on the south side of the old English Pit gravel quarry in east Vancouver are still moving ahead. The flex format — designed to accommodate a mix of office, warehouse, and light-manufacturing tenants — signals continued demand for commercial space on the east side. It's a significant piece of the puzzle for a site that's been in transition for years. Read more from The Columbian.

WSUV Researcher Pursues Breakthrough in How Plants Absorb Nitrogen

A researcher at Washington State University Vancouver is working on a way to help plants pull nitrogen directly from the air — a process that could reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, fueling the creation of proteins, amino acids, and chlorophyll, but getting it into soil has long required heavy industrial inputs. If the research pans out, it could reshape how we think about farming from the ground up. Read more from The Columbian.

Raptors' Road Win Streak Snapped by Portland Pickles

The Ridgefield Raptors hit a speed bump Tuesday night, falling 12-5 to the Portland Pickles and losing their first road game of the season. Portland broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning to pull ahead 7-5, and the Raptors never recovered. At 12-5, Ridgefield still sits in strong shape, but the four-game win streak is done. Read the full recap from The Columbian.

Four Churches Unite for Worship Night in Battle Ground

Saving Grace Church of the Nazarene in Battle Ground hosted a Community Worship Night that brought together four local congregations — including Amboy Church of the Nazarene, Lewis River Fellowship, and The Remnant. Pastor Will Swaney says the impact was felt across all four churches, with the evening focused on shared praise and connection rather than any single denomination. It's the kind of cross-community gathering that quietly strengthens a town. Read more from Clark County Today.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Juneteenth Events Across Washington This Friday

Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19, and communities across Washington are marking the federal holiday with celebrations, festivals, and educational events. Whether you're looking for a local gathering or just want to brush up on the history, The Columbian has a roundup of ways to observe the day.

Horizon Air Flight Attendants Vote to Authorize Strike

Flight attendants at Horizon Air — the regional carrier under Alaska Air Group — overwhelmingly authorized a strike Tuesday after more than two years of contract negotiations. No walkout is imminent, but the vote ratchets up pressure as the two sides continue talks over pay. Read more from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, June 18

• Planters Days in Woodland — The 2026 theme is "Woodland, Washington – A Legendary Spirit. America 250." Kick off today with a Kids Parade, Pet Parade, Coronation, and fireworks. The festival continues through June 21 with a frog jump, bed races, car show, and more. Downtown Woodland. More info
• Trapper Creek Wilderness Trail Work — 8:30 AM. Join the WTA Backcountry Response Team for a four-day volunteer trip removing fallen logs and keeping the Observation Trail open in this old-growth wilderness gem. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Browse more than 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products at the Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free 30-minute guided tours of the historic Marshall House in Vancouver. Book your time slot in advance. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM. Aspiring and published writers alike are welcome at this free session of writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping at Vancouver Community Library. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM–Noon. A new topic each month — from building permits to land use review — at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers at Fort Vancouver Regional Library — 11:00 AM. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Golden Corral — 2:00 PM. Social gathering at Golden Corral, 11801 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Preschool Show & Tell — 2:00–3:00 PM. Preschoolers ages 3–6 can bring a toy, photo, or special item to share at Camas Public Library. Register at CamasPL.org/showtell. Free. More info
• Woodland Planters Days — 3:00–10:30 PM. Head to Horseshoe Lake Park, 700 Goerig St., Woodland, for the full festival experience. Fireworks at 10 PM tonight. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 3:30–4:30 PM. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Vancouver Mall Library. Free. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness — 3:30–4:30 PM. An adaptive fitness walk along the Heritage Trail at Lacamas Lake Lodge for those with neurodevelopmental differences. Registration and fee required. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 13–19 at Vancouver Community Library. Every Thursday through August 27. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for a fun, flat 5–10-mile group ride exploring trails and neighborhoods. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00–7:30 PM. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups perform live on KXRW radio. Sign-ups at 5:30 PM. 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Free. More info
• SpongeBob Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 6:30–9:00 PM. Dust off your jellyfishing nets for the ultimate SpongeBob SquarePants Trivia Night. Party size 1–8. Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical — 7:30 PM. The beloved cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical — winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Keller Auditorium, Portland. From $58. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County — 7:30 PM. Tony Award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown brings this sweeping romance to the stage at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. $32. More info
• Switchfoot with Fuel and Lit — 8:00 PM. Three iconic rock bands in one night — hear "Dare You to Move," "Hemorrhage," "My Own Worst Enemy," and more at the Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. $50–$93. More info

Friday, June 19

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day (Juneteenth) — All day. No Discover Pass needed — explore millions of acres of Washington's public lands for free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Free group exercise for adults age 60+ at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Friends of Washougal Library Book Sale — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Thousands of gently used books — paperbacks $1, hardcovers $2, kids' books $1 or less. Bethel Community Church, 1438 B St., Washougal. Continues Saturday. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM. Roll up your sleeves Friday mornings with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden. Good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour at Fort Vancouver — 9:30 AM. Bring your four-legged companion for a guided walk through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn about the BARK Ranger program and the park's history. Free. More info
• Cannon Beach Sandcastle Festival (Road Trip) — 10:00 AM. Founded in 1964, Oregon's oldest sandcastle contest draws thousands to Cannon Beach each year. Worth the drive! More info
• Flora & Fauna Friday at Campus Community Garden — 10:00 AM. Hands-on volunteer event supporting natural systems with the City of Vancouver's Naturespaces program. Snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — Noon–1:00 PM. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• FIFA World Cup Watch Party: USA vs. Australia at Kalama Harbor Lodge — Noon. Catch the action on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots at the Cove Bar. All ages. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — Noon. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26. Head to Big Al's for massive screens and stadium energy. More info
• Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament — Noon–5:00 PM. Four-person scramble, raffles, hole-in-one contest, and awards dinner at Fairway Village Golf Course, Vancouver. $70/person or $280/team. More info
• Book Launch: "Pip, the Old Apple Tree" — 1:00 PM. Author Richard Wing and illustrator Pamela Gunn celebrate the story of the Pacific Northwest's first apple tree, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826. Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM. Weekly art group at the NAMI Southwest Washington office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM. Local vendors, small businesses, and community vibes at Washougal Reflection Plaza. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9 at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more at 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. $5–$10. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, and animal encounters — a perfect summer Friday evening. Portland. $13–$26. More info
• Family Bingo Night — 5:00–6:00 PM. All ages welcome at the Camas Public Library's Totem Pole Room. Winners get a Reading Dragons library card. Registration required. Free. More info
• "It's the Little Things" Artist Reception at Corridor Gallery — 5:00–7:00 PM. Textile art by Eva Kelley and nostalgic still lifes by Maxine Swodeck in the Esther Short Building, 610 Esther St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM. Try dragon boat paddling for free at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed; equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM. Bring your hero and roll dice in this thrilling weekly battle game. Vancouver. More info
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting — 6:00 PM. Meet fellow vintage farm-equipment enthusiasts at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, 813 W. Main St., Battle Ground. Come early to eat and socialize. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Bingo Night — 6:30–8:30 PM. Bingo in Amboy supporting local veterans and their families. All welcome. 21400 NE 399th St. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio — 6:30–8:00 PM. Make a ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8+. 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. $55. More info
• Voices of the Enslaved and the Free: The Road to Juneteenth — 7:00 PM. A community readers theater by Msanii Creative Expressions exploring the origins of Juneteenth through spoken word, music, and poetry. Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. More info
• Dayley Dance Academy: Step into the Light — 7:30 PM. An all-studio showcase at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School. Continues Saturday. More info

Saturday, June 20

• Mount St. Helens Loowit Trail with Mazamas — 5:00 AM. A challenging 29-mile, 6,500-foot-gain circumnavigation of Mount St. Helens on the longest day of the year. Epic views and volcanic debris fields. More info
• Tour de Blast Road Bike Event — 6:00 AM. Cycle through the historic blast zone of Mount St. Helens with breathtaking views. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A guided single-day scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Lake to Bay Relay & Ultramarathon — 7:00 AM. A 62.2-mile relay or ultramarathon from Frenchman's Bar through Vancouver and Camas to the Vancouver Waterfront. 1–7 person teams. More info
• Volunteer at the Pollinator Festival — 7:00 AM. Help the Vancouver Bee Project spread the buzz at the 3rd annual festival at Marshall Park. More info
• Ape Canyon (Plains of Abraham) Hike with Mazamas — 7:00 AM. An 11–12-mile hike with gentle, rolling elevation. Meet at WinCo on 119th Street to carpool. Watch for mountain goats! More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Our flagship market next to beautiful Esther Short Park, running since 1990. 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. More info
• Vancouver Pollinator Festival — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Free, family-friendly celebration with tours, speakers (including keynote by Dr. Doug Tallamy), kids' zone, bee walks, and vendor booths. Marshall Park, 1069 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. More info
• Community Build Project: Compost Bins — 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. Stop by the Ridgefield Farmers Market at Davis Park to make mini composters. Free. More info
• Hockinson Meadows Disc Golf Classic — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Two rounds of 18 holes, amateur and pro divisions, lunch included. Hockinson Meadows Community Park. $60. More info
• Battle Ground Art Alliance Open Doors Art Tour — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Tour four studios displaying work by 11 artists with demos and artmaking activities. Battle Ground. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail parkrun — 9:00 AM. A free, fun weekly 5k — walk, jog, or run. 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. Register online first. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Camas — 9:00 AM (early tour) or 11:00 AM (late tour). Guided walking tour of Camas's charming historic buildings with the Clark County Historical Museum. $10. More info
• Yacolt Burn Experience — Mountain Bike Race — 9:00 AM. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's annual shuttle fundraiser event. Bigger than ever for 2026. More info
• Whipple Creek Regional Park Trail Maintenance — 9:00 AM. Volunteer for brush cutting and trail graveling. Meet at the main North Parking area off NE 179th St. Email whipplecreekproject@gmail.com to sign up. More info
• Ridgefield Learn-to-Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition — 9:30 AM. More than 100 authentic artifacts from the wreck site in an immersive experience at OMSI, Portland. More info
• Repair Event — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Bring broken household items to be fixed for free by experienced volunteer fixers. Washington Grange No. 82, 7701 NE Ward Rd., Vancouver. Check-in ends at 12:30 PM. More info
• Nature Day at Columbia Springs — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Hands-on science and nature experiences exploring cultural ecosystems. All ages. Drop in anytime. 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Juneteenth Freedom Celebration — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. A community celebration at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. 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. Perfect for curious kids. Vancouver. Free. More info
• Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden Fair — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Meet naturalists, explore rose displays, watch watercolor demos, and enjoy a beer and wine garden (noon–5 PM). Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden. Free. More info
• NW Trail Sisters' Women's Beginner MTB Ride (Road Trip) — 10:00 AM. A chill, guided beginner mountain bike ride at Stub Stewart State Park. Meet at the main parking lot. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 11:00 AM. Feel the rhythm of the Pacific with traditional dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand. Vancouver Mall Library. Free. More info
• Second Annual Chicken Fashion Show — 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Fabulously fashionable chickens, food trucks, a vendor market, and a kids' zone at Stellar Luxe, 415 N. Amboy Ave., Yacolt. Free to attend and enter. More info
• Hiking Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes (Road Trip) — Noon. Programming for athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. More info
• Clark County Community Concert Band Festival — 1:00–5:00 PM. Four community bands — Vancouver Pops, Battle Ground Community Band, Vancouver Community Band, and Westwinds — perform at Columbia Tech Center Park Amphitheater. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Sing-Along — 1:00 PM. Join the fun at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Touchmark at Fairway Village Car Show, Music Fest & BBQ — 2:00–5:00 PM. See 100 vehicles, enjoy live music on multiple stages, a barbecue, and a beer garden. Proceeds support the Alzheimer's Association and Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. 2911 SE Village Loop, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM. Let your inner entertainer shine at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. More info

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