📰 What's Making News

Kingsley Williams' Grand Slam Launches Seton Catholic to State Semis

Talk about picking your moment. Seton Catholic senior Kingsley Williams crushed a grand slam to propel the Cougars into the 1A state softball semifinals, and the timing couldn't have been more clutch. Williams waited for the right pitch and absolutely didn't miss it, giving Seton Catholic a statement win heading into the next round. If you're keeping track at home, that's another local squad still alive deep in the state tournament bracket. Full story here.

King's Way Christian Falls in Penalty Shootout Heartbreak at State

Few endings sting quite like a shootout loss, and King's Way Christian's boys soccer team lived that pain Friday, falling 1-0 (6-5 in penalties) to University Prep of Seattle in the 1A state tournament. Senior center back emotions said it all — the van rides, the brotherhood, the friendships forged over a season together, all coming to an end on a razor-thin margin. It was a gutsy run for King's Way, and the tears afterward spoke to just how much this group meant to each other. Read the full recap.

Three Local Tennis Stars Reach 2A State Semifinals

Columbia River senior Lucas Walburn and Ridgefield's doubles duo of Brody Wolski and Eli Miller are all headed to the 2A state tennis semifinals in Seattle. Walburn powered through the singles draw while Wolski and Miller — both seniors — kept their partnership rolling on the doubles side. That's three Clark County players still competing for a state title this weekend, which is a pretty strong showing for our corner of Washington. Details here.

Heritage Boys Soccer Bows Out, but Senior Omar Ramirez Sees Bright Days Ahead

Heritage fell 1-0 to Mount Vernon in the 3A state boys soccer playoffs, and a first-ever state playoff win for the Timberwolves program remains just out of reach. But senior captain Omar Ramirez left the field believing the program is closer than it's ever been, pointing to the talent coming up behind him. It's the kind of season-ending loss that stings now but plants seeds for what's next. Read more.

Friday Scoreboard: Mountain View, Columbia River, Seton Catholic All Play Saturday

Friday was a packed day across the state tournament landscape, and Saturday's schedule keeps the momentum going for Clark County. Mountain View baseball faces O'Dea in the 3A round of 16 in Kennewick, Columbia River baseball takes on Selah at Othello, and Seton Catholic baseball meets Klahowya — all with 1 p.m. first pitches. Check the full scoreboard for Friday's softball, soccer, track, and tennis results. See all the scores.

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💬 Community Buzz

NW Furniture Bank Opens Vancouver Location, Ribbon Cutting Set for June

If you've ever tried to donate a couch or dresser and hit a dead end — even Goodwill turns away big pieces these days — this one's for you. NW Furniture Bank just completed its new building in Vancouver and will hold a ribbon cutting in June. The nonprofit connects people who need quality, usable furniture with donors looking for a responsible way to pass along larger items. Whether you're furnishing a first apartment or finally clearing out the garage, this is a resource worth bookmarking.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Minari Market Opens Sunday on Main Street With Build-Your-Own Ramen

Minari Market launches May 25 at 808 Main Street in downtown Vancouver, combining a customizable ramen bar with an Asian marketplace stocked with onigiri, kimbap, mochi, and grab-and-go items. Owner Leah Pluard's concept fills a gap on the Main Street Corridor just in time for the holiday weekend. Full story

Waterfront Way Goes Car-Free Every Weekend Through Labor Day

Starting this Memorial Day weekend, Waterfront Way closes to vehicle traffic from 4 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays all summer long. Stroll, bike, or just claim some extra elbow room along the riverfront through September. Full story

Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Vancouver: Flag Raising at 9:30 a.m.

The Community Military Appreciation Committee, the National Park Service, and the city of Vancouver host the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Fort Vancouver Barracks Parade Grounds, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd. The flag raising kicks things off at 9:30 a.m. Full story

New Riverboat American Encore Joins Columbia River Cruise Fleet

Ship watchers, take note: American Encore is the newest riverboat sailing the Columbia this season, adding to a growing roster of cruise ships passing through Southwest Washington and stopping at ports in Vancouver and Camas-Washougal. Full story

I-5 Bridge Toll Collection Delayed Again, Now Slated for 2028

Toll collection on the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project has been pushed back once more — commuters now won't see tolling until 2028. Full story

Vancouver VA Campus Lands Funding for Facility Upgrades

The Vancouver campus of the VA Portland Health Care System will receive funding to modernize, repair, and improve its healthcare facilities — welcome news for the thousands of local veterans who rely on the campus for care. Full story

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, May 23

• Vancouver Audubon Young Birders to WSU Vancouver – 7:30 AM at WSU Vancouver. Join a guided two-mile walk on easy trails through the campus natural areas. Meet at the Grey Lot — binoculars provided if you need them. Free. More info
• Bird Walk at Ridgefield NWR with Backyard Bird Shop – 8:00 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Join guide Elaine for a 2–3 hour birding walk. Advance registration required — call the Vancouver Backyard Bird Shop at 503-445-2699, press 5. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park (8th & Esther St). Vancouver's flagship year-round farmers market — come browse local vendors in the heart of downtown. More info
• Exploring the Intersection of Cosmology, Ecology, and Spirituality – 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. A one-of-a-kind retreat led by Portland poet Jeff Howard, blending science, nature, and wonder. More info
• Wildflowers & Watersheds Festival (Road Trip) – 9:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Guided wildflower walks, a hands-on stream table, pollinator activities, yoga, and more. Free admission all day — no registration needed. More info
• Thrillium Mt. Bike Trail Maintenance Work Party – 9:00 AM at Larch Mountain trailhead, Yacolt Burn State Forest. Volunteer with the Southwest Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to maintain trail tread and water features. Bring water and lunch. Contact Sean Callaghan at 360-623-9478. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Practice your skills with an experienced guide. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Step back to 1912 and explore more than 100 authentic artifacts from the wreck site in this immersive exhibition. More info
• PDDBM Black History Month Fashion Show – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Generations Church, 14313 NE 20th Ave, Vancouver. Celebrate the debut fashion show from students in the Please Don't Die Black Men Fashion Design Afterschool Program. $40–$50 (free for Clark County students). More info
• NWCT Presents: Mad Hatter's Tea Party – 10:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. An interactive extravaganza of music, magic, and a touch of madness — tea and treats included. Costumes encouraged! Ages 4+. $20–$25. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event – 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park. Motocross racing action all weekend. $20–$40 admission. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Community Planting Day – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Volunteer with Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo to plant crops and care for existing beds. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• LeRoy Haagen Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Clean-Up – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, Vancouver. Pick up litter and remove invasive plants. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Free. More info
• KATvisions Doll Show – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post #14, 4607 NE St. James Rd, Vancouver. Browse vendor tables of collectible dolls, toys, and bears — plus identification, evaluation, and restringing services. Free admission. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project Volunteer Day – 10:00 AM near Camas/Washougal. Help the East County Citizens' Alliance maintain 8,000 square feet of native wildflowers along the "Gateway to the Gorge." More info
• Spring Geology Hike to Larch Mountain Crater – 10:00 AM. Join Friends of the Columbia Gorge guide and board member Jayson Moorman for a moderate 6-mile hike through old-growth forest. Registration required. More info
• Bookmark Contest Celebration – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Reveal the branch winners, grab one of the new bookmarks, and enjoy refreshments from the Ridgefield Friends of the Library. Free. More info
• NW Children's Theater Presents: Into the Woods – 11:00 AM at Northwest Children's Theater, Portland. NWCT's Youth Company performs the iconic Sondheim musical. $10–$15. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Art Exhibiting Workshop with Sharon Svec – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Arts Hub. A free one-hour session on preparing artwork and artist statements for exhibition opportunities, including the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. More info
• Drawing Part 2: Beginner Art Class with Pamela Gunn – 1:00–3:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Learn freehand still-life drawing and graphite shading. Ages 10+. $20. More info
• Live Music at Windy Hills Winery — Cellar Rats – 2:00–5:00 PM at Windy Hills Winery, Ridgefield. Celebrate the winery's 9th anniversary with live music in the tent. No cover, all ages. Food and drink available for purchase. More info
• Union Theatre Players Presents: Eurydice – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Union High School, Camas. A modern retelling of the classic myth through the heroine's eyes. $8–$12. More info
• Columbia Dance Spring Showcase – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, Vancouver. Watch Columbia Dance students shine in classical ballet, jazz, and modern pieces. $15–$20. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Waterfront Taphouse – 3:00 PM at Waterfront Taphouse, 801 Waterfront Way, Floor 2, Vancouver. Happy hour social. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• NWCT Presents: Camp Granada – 6:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. A charming talent-show performance by Kids Co. young performers — full of humor and heart. $10. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Footloose – 6:30 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. The beloved musical about a teen who dances against the odds. $30. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Catch Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info
• Candlelight: 90s Unplugged – 6:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. Hear your favorite 90s hits performed live by candlelight. 60 minutes. $46.50–$71.50. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM — ballroom, Latin, swing, and country. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Milagro Presents: Brown Face – 7:30 PM at Milagro Theatre, Portland. A world premiere by Carissa Atallah, opened each night by a 15-minute open-mic slam prologue. Ages 13+. $22–$30. More info
• The Music of John Williams — Oregon Symphony – 7:30 PM at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. Fan-favorite movie scores from Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potter, and more, performed live. $35–$145. More info

Sunday, May 24

• Ridgefield Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM from Ridgefield. A full-day, 10-mile paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek's Ridgefield team — wildlife, history, and beautiful flat water. More info
• NW Trail Sisters' Women's Beginner Ride (Road Trip) – 10:00 AM at Gateway Green, Portland. A chill, guided mountain bike ride for beginners — ride at your own pace and meet fellow riders. More info
• Garden Gnomes Workshop – 3:30–5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Create a ceramic gnome using the pinch pot method — hats, mushrooms, and button noses included. Ages 8+. $65. More info
• Healthy Kids Run Series – 4:00 PM at Pacific Community Park, Vancouver. A five-week running series for kids ages 2–14 with trophies and medals. More info
• Stars on Ice – 4:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Portland. See Olympic gold medalists Alysa Liu, Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Ilia Malinin, and more skating live. Starting at $79. More info

Monday, May 25

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day — Memorial Day – All day. Explore federal public lands across the U.S. with no entrance fees in honor of Memorial Day. More info
• Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Vancouver – 9:30 AM flag raising, 10:00 AM ceremony at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd. Hosted by the Community Military Appreciation Committee with the National Park Service. Hot dogs and snacks follow the ceremony. Free. More info
• Audiobook Walking Club – 9:30 AM, hosted by Camas Public Library. Bring your own audiobook and join a 60-minute group walk at a different outdoor location each month, followed by optional social time. Free. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime and Ice Cream in Ridgefield – 11:00 AM. Story time at Copperbell Bookstore followed by ice cream at Eight Cow Creamery — buy a scoop, get a free kid scoop! For pre-K littles. More info
• Memorial Day Commemoration at American Legion Post 14 – 11:00 AM at 4607 NE Saint James Rd, Vancouver. Music, taps, a wreath-laying, and refreshments. Scouts from Troop #320 and American Legion family members participate. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Art Association Monthly Meeting – 5:00–6:00 PM on the second floor of the TMI Building, 101 Mill St., Ridgefield. Everyone is welcome. Free. More info

Tuesday, May 26

• Southwest Washington Watercolor Society Spring Exhibit – 10:00 AM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. More than 40 regional artists on display, juried by award-winning painter Tess Myers. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Red Robin – 12:00 PM at Red Robin, 8311 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Shut Up & Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Co-working for writers of all levels — focused writing time followed by casual conversation. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wildlife League Monthly Meeting – 6:00–7:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. Hear from Daron Hauswald, Chris White, and Amy Eliot about new volunteer registration for WA Fish and Wildlife — plus last chance to sign up for the annual dinner on June 5. Free. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society: Finding African Ancestors – 7:00–9:00 PM at Clark County Genealogical Society and Library, Vancouver. A presentation exploring clues and historical context for African American genealogy research. Free. More info

Wednesday, May 27

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+ through the Area Agency on Aging. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day – 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Complimentary 30-minute sessions with a certified financial planner — in person or on Zoom. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free tours featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Walk-in or reserved tours of this beautifully historic space. Free. More info
• Wednesday Wanders – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A guided family nature walk along the Columbia River and adjacent wetlands. For families with kids 6+ and nature-loving adults. Registration required. Free. More info
• Community Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Rheingarten Park, White Salmon. Stories, songs, and fun activities for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Makoto Japanese Buffet – 11:30 AM at 1119 SE 163rd Pl., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Sing-Alongs with Coyote Moon Band – 12:00–2:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, 1700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Vocalist Yvonne Mancini and guitarists Jim Moody and Cliff Butler lead the fun. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and reflection. Free. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk (New!) – 2:00 PM at Orchards Park. A brand-new walking program for adults 65+ from Parks Foundation of Clark County, Community in Motion, and Vancouver Parks. Easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks — monthly outings all summer. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, tech, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop (Part 1) – 4:30–6:30 PM. WA State educators can earn 5 STEM clock hours through this free two-part workshop from the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. Part 2 is May 30. More info

Thursday, May 28

• Oak Gall Ink Making Workshop (Road Trip) – 5:00 PM at 105 E. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon. Columbia Land Trust hosts local artist Molly Holmlund for a hands-on workshop making ink from oak galls and other natural ingredients. Ages 12+. $50. More info
• Understory: NW Film Festival – Doors at 5:30 PM, films at 6:30 PM at the historic Kiggins Theatre, downtown Vancouver. Cascade Forest Conservancy presents stories of adventure, conservation, and connection to the natural world. Early-bird tickets available through May 15. More info

Friday, May 29

• Flora & Fauna Friday at Countryside Park – 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces for a hands-on work party supporting local ecosystems and learning about native wildlife. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM in Ridgefield. Try the exciting team sport of dragon boat paddling at no cost. Ages 14+, no experience needed. Community paddles run through October 3. More info

Saturday, May 30

• Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk – 8:30 AM. Washington Trails Association hosts a trail maintenance day tailored to veterans and service members — build camaraderie, enjoy the outdoors, and earn volunteer credit. More info
• Coyote-palooza! (Road Trip) – 8:30 AM in Portland. A family- and pet-friendly event all about coyotes — booths, hands-on activities, and tips for keeping pets and people safe. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital – 9:00 AM. The Historic Trust opens the doors to this 1903 building — one of the first in the nation with purpose-built X-ray space. A rare look at original structural features. $35. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Remove invasive species, maintain trails, and help improve the site. Tools and gloves provided. More info
• Girls on the Run End-of-Season 5K (Road Trip) – 9:00 AM in Greater Portland. A celebratory run for all program participants — volunteers welcome to bring the high fives and superstar energy. More info
• Portland Rose Festival (Road Trip) – 9:00 AM in Portland. The iconic multi-week celebration returns — one of the city's biggest annual events since 1907. More info
• Weave a Willow Market Basket – 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. A two-day class with artist Robin Brady using cultivated and wild willows grown locally. Learn the traditional European stake-and-strand style. More info
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop (Part 2) – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. The concluding session for WA State educators earning free STEM clock hours. More info
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek – 9:30 AM. Join City of Vancouver staff for a springtime walk along the creek — identify native wildflowers, listen for migrating songbirds, and learn how waterways support local ecosystems. Registration required. More info
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair – 10:00 AM. Hosted by the Latino Community Resource Group with music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and connections to community resources and services. More info
• Hiking Clinic — NW Association of Blind Athletes – 12:00 PM. An inclusive hiking clinic open to athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. More info
• Cedar Creek Grist Mill Bread Day – 1:00 PM at 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd, Woodland. Watch the water-powered mill in action and take home fresh-milled flour and cornmeal. More info
• NPS Book Launch: "Ellie May and the Midnight Search" – 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver. Meet search-and-rescue hound Ellie May and handler JW Jones as they launch their beautifully illustrated children's book. For all ages. More info

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