📰 What's Making News

Vancouver's Spencer Tibbits Lands U.S. Open Spot as Alternate

Here's a name to watch this weekend: Vancouver native Spencer Tibbits was one of just five golfers added to the U.S. Open field at Shinnecock Hills on Monday by the United States Golf Association. Tibbits, a former standout at Fort Vancouver High School, will tee it up on one of golf's biggest stages. It's the kind of moment that makes you want to set a reminder and tune in — one of ours, competing against the best in the world. Full story from The Columbian.

Smoke Drifts Into Clark County From Central Washington Wildfires

If you caught a faint whiff of campfire Monday morning and looked around suspiciously, you weren't imagining things. Wildfire smoke from central Washington drifted into Clark County, though air quality levels here remain safe for now. It's an early reminder that fire season is already underway east of the Cascades. Keep an eye on local air quality readings if you're sensitive to smoke or planning outdoor activities this week. Read the air quality update here.

Pacific Lifestyle Homes Sees Strong Buyer Demand Across Clark County

Despite rising interest rates and climbing prices, homebuyers in Clark County aren't sitting on the sidelines. Pacific Lifestyle Homes reports that demand for new construction remains strong in areas like Orchards, Sifton, and Brush Prairie. The local builder's perspective offers a ground-level view of a market that continues to defy the national hand-wringing. If you're curious about what's actually happening in your neighborhood's housing market — not just the headline stats — this one's worth a read. The Columbian has the details.

Washougal Plans Free America250 Kickoff at Reflection Plaza June 29

Mark June 29 on your calendar: Washougal's Reflection Plaza will host a free America250 kickoff celebration featuring historical exhibits, rock painting, activities from the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, and treats from Kona Ice. Community Engagement Manager Rose Jewell is coordinating with local sponsors including Columbia Credit Union, Edward Jones, and Compher Realty. There's even a decorating contest for downtown businesses. It's shaping up to be a perfect small-town afternoon for history buffs and families alike. Get the full rundown here.

Free Summer Meals for Kids Through Evergreen Public Schools

Evergreen Public Schools is once again offering free breakfast and lunch to all children ages 1 through 18 throughout the summer — no enrollment or paperwork required. The program, part of the USDA's Summer Food Service Program, runs at multiple sites across the district. If you know a family who could use the help, or you just want one less meal to plan on a busy day, this is a genuinely useful resource. Meals are available regardless of which school district a child attends. Find meal site locations and times here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Camas QB's European Championship Run Gets the Documentary Treatment

Camas High School alum Reilly Hennessey — who quarterbacked three European teams to championships, including the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns and Parma Panthers — saw the world premiere of Project Euro at Camas' Liberty Theater over the weekend. The surprise documentary, directed by Nick Alfieri, chronicles his unlikely path from Papermaker football to professional stardom overseas. Full story here.

Clark County 911 Center Deploys AI for Nonemergency Calls

CRESA, Clark County's emergency dispatch center, has launched AVA, an artificial intelligence system designed to field nonemergency calls and free up human dispatchers stretched thin by staffing shortages. Read more from The Columbian.

Dr. Susan Huang Takes the Helm at Legacy Health

Dr. Susan Huang started Monday as Legacy Health's new president and CEO. Legacy operates Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, making the leadership change directly relevant to thousands of Clark County patients. Details here.

Seattle Hosts Its First-Ever FIFA World Cup Match

The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup arrived in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday, with Seattle's Lumen Field hosting its first match — which ended in a draw. If you're planning a trip north for a future match day, expect big crowds and a festival atmosphere. Recap here.

Washington State Ferries Shifts to Summer Schedule

Planning a San Juan Islands getaway or an Olympic Peninsula day trip? Washington State Ferries switched to its summer sailing schedule on Sunday, adding extra capacity on select routes. Check the updated schedule.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, June 16

• Columbia River Volleyball Future Rapids Camp – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Columbia River High School, Vancouver. First through fifth graders can learn new skills from state champion players during this three-day camp (June 16–18). $200, includes a camp t-shirt; bring your own lunch. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Breakfast at Kitchen Table Cafe – 10:00 AM at Kitchen Table Cafe, 705 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations (Ridgefield and Three Creeks). Ages 9–19 can dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E — beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Pints and Pottery at Brothers Cascadia – 5:00–7:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Kilnfolk Clay Studio brings a pottery painting pop-up — $32 gets you a piece to paint plus all materials. Group demo kicks off at 5:15 PM; staff will fire your finished work and have it ready for pickup. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels with dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free, with free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward adults and beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Learn to Granny Square Crochet at Craft Collective – 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Beginner-friendly two-hour class taught by Becka of Radiant Beans — learn foundational crochet skills and create your own modern granny square. $60. More info
• Aram Arslanian (Orphan Train) Live at Kascadia Public House – 6:00 PM in Washougal. Catch original music from Aram Arslanian, who performs under the name Orphan Train. Free. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 6:00 PM at 1919 N.E. 78th St. (Hazel Dell), Vancouver. Stroll the 79-acre Heritage Farm with WSU Master Gardener docents and learn about its history, horticulture education, and community enrichment. Free. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The beloved film is now a Broadway musical — winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Tickets from $58. More info
• Tomorrow Never Dies at Kiggins Theatre – 7:30 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Part of the Kiggins' 90th birthday celebration spotlighting the best films of the '90s — Pierce Brosnan stars as 007. Sponsored by the Rekindling Our Bonds podcast. $12. More info

Wednesday, June 17

• TOPS WA 1056 Meeting – 8:15 AM at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting 9:30–10:30 AM. Call 206-915-4627 for details. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program for adults age 60+ from the Area Agency on Aging. More info
• Camp Hope of SW WA – Summer Camps for Kids – 9:00 AM. Outdoor Discovery Camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts, and nature adventures. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe – 10:00–11:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Feel the rhythm of the Pacific with dance and authentic music celebrating the traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand. All ages, free. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Reserve a tour or walk in with a small group. Free. More info
• Summer BBQ with the Vancouver Chinese Association – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Blue Lake Regional Park, Shahala Shelter A, Fairview. Grilled meats, local specialties, and a warm welcome for newcomers and long-time residents alike. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Hatchery Tours & Forest Walks at Columbia Springs – 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Guided tours of the Vancouver Trout Hatchery plus rotating-topic forest walks led by knowledgeable staff. All ages, free. More info
• Trainer in the Park – 3:30–5:30 PM at Lucky Dog Park, 10100 N.E. 149th St., Brush Prairie. Free dog training tips and advice with Julie Mills from Paws Down Pets — look for the green DogPaw flags. More info
• Tummy Time – 3:30–4:45 PM at Camas Public Library. For babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime or call 360-834-4692. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches, and make a drawstring pouch. Ages 9+; kids under 12 need an adult. Space limited to eight — registration required. Free. More info
• Teen STEM: Solar Oven – 4:30–5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Grades 6–12 turn a pizza box into a working solar oven — and maybe make s'mores. Registration required at CamasPL.org/solar. Free. More info
• Clark-Skamania Fly Fishers Monthly Meeting – 5:00 PM doors (Wet Fly Hour), talk at 7:30 PM at Prairie Tavern, 14925 N.E. Caples Rd., Brush Prairie. Guest speakers Andrew and Rob from Big Y Fly Company of Hood River on local fisheries and destinations. Free and family-friendly. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this fun, team-oriented sport — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. Free. More info
• Ripple Impact NW Giving Pop-Up – 5:30–7:00 PM at the Hurley Building, 275 W. Third St., Vancouver. Meet leaders from local nonprofits including Ballet Folklorico, NW Furniture Bank, and Urban Abundance. Registration $15, suggested donation $100. More info
• Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration Celebration – 5:30 PM. Clark County Public Works invites you to celebrate the completion of the Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration and learn how the project restored Cougar Creek's headwater wetlands. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W. Ninth St., 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
• The Butterflies of Oregon – Online Workshop – 6:00 PM. Bird Alliance of Oregon covers how to identify Oregon's roughly 150 butterfly species, when they emerge, and what plants they love. More info

Thursday, June 18

• Planters Days in Woodland – All day through June 21 in downtown Woodland. This year's theme: "Woodland, Washington — A Legendary Spirit. America 250." Thursday features the Kids Parade, Pet Parade, Coronation, and fireworks. More info
• Trapper Creek Wilderness – WTA Logout Backcountry Response Team – 8:30 AM. Join fellow volunteers for a four-day trip to remove fallen logs and keep the Observation Trail open through this old-growth wilderness gem. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours — book ahead or walk in. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instruction by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Editing practice, writing exercises, and workshopping for aspiring and published authors alike. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at Clark County Public Service Center, sixth floor. This month's topic covers building permits, land use, and more with expert staff. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers at FVRL – 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 at Golden Corral, 11801 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Preschool Show & Tell – 2:00–3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Ages 3–6 bring a toy, photo, or special item to share. Register at CamasPL.org/showtell. Free. More info
• Woodland Planters Days (continued) – 3:00–10:30 PM at Horseshoe Lake Park, 700 Goerig St., Woodland. Full schedule of events with fireworks at 10 PM. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch – 3:30–4:30 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness – 3:30–4:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness program for those with neurodevelopmental differences — group warm-up, Heritage Trail walk, and stretching. Registration and fee required. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles, flat terrain, 10 mph pace. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00 PM at 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups perform live on KXRW radio. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• SpongeBob Trivia at Firehouse Axes – 6:30–9:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Teams of 1–8 test their Bikini Bottom knowledge at Vancouver's only full-service axe throwing bar and restaurant. Free. More info
• Circle of Light: The Love of Rumi & Shams – 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. An immersive 360-degree dome experience featuring living Persian architecture and the voice of renowned vocalist Shahram Nazeri. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County – 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning sweeping romance based on the best-selling novel, with music by Jason Robert Brown. Through June 28. $32. More info
• Switchfoot with Fuel and Lit – 8:00 PM at The Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. Three iconic rock bands in one night — hear "Dare You to Move," "Hemorrhage," "My Own Worst Enemy," and more. $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
• Friends of Washougal Library Book Sale – 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Bethel Community Church, 1438 B St., Washougal. Thousands of gently used books — paperbacks $1, hardcovers $2, kids' books $1 or less. Also open June 20 (last hour is $5/bag). Proceeds support the new Washougal Library building. 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. Good people, good cause, gorgeous weather. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour – 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring your four-legged companion for a guided walk exploring park history and the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest (Road Trip!) – 10:00 AM in Cannon Beach, OR. Oregon's oldest sandcastle contest draws thousands of visitors — a classic coastal day trip. More info
• Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday – 10:00 AM. Roll up your sleeves for a mid-day volunteer event with Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces — hands-on habitat work plus snacks. 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
• FIFA World Cup Watch Party: USA vs. Australia at Kalama Harbor Lodge – 12:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge Cove Bar. Big screen, beer, burgers, and tots. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party – 12:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. As an Official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone, Big Al's hosts massive screens and stadium energy for the FIFA World Cup. More info
• Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament – 12:00–5:00 PM at Fairway Village Golf Course, 15509 S.E. Fernwood Dr., Vancouver. Four-person scramble, raffles, hole-in-one contest ($7,500), and awards dinner. $70/person or $280/team. More info
• Book Launch: "Pip, the Old Apple Tree" – 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd. Friends of Fort Vancouver celebrates the new illustrated book by Richard V. Wing and Pamela Gunn, telling the true 200-year story of the Pacific Northwest's first apple tree. Free event; book $30.99. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free weekly art session. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM at Washougal Reflection Plaza. Local talent, small businesses, and downtown energy. 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 at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, 24414 N.E. Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Admission includes disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears — the ultimate summer Friday evening. $13–$26. More info
• Family Bingo Night – 5:00–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library (Totem Pole Room). All ages welcome — winners snag a colorful Reading Dragons library card. Registration required at CamasPL.org/BINGO. Free. More info
• "It's the Little Things" Artists Reception at Corridor Gallery – 5:00–7:00 PM at the Esther Short Building, 610 Esther St., Vancouver. Meet artists Eva Kelley and Maxine Swodeck and enjoy their textile art and nostalgic still lifes. Free. 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
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Bring your hero, roll the dice, and outsmart opponents in this weekly battle game night. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the summer sky. More info
• Voices of the Enslaved and the Free: The Road to Juneteenth – 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. A one-night community readers theater by Msanii Creative Expressions featuring spoken word, music, and poetry bringing to life Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth. Free. More info
• Dayley Dance Academy Presents: Step Into the Light – 7:30 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School. An all-studio showcase performance (additional shows Saturday June 20 at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 7:30 PM). More info

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