📰 What's Making News

Terminal 1 Dock Enters Final Push, Public Market Eyes Early 2027

The Port of Vancouver is starting the last major phase of dock work at Terminal 1 later this week — the future home of the waterfront public market that's been on everyone's wish list for years. The project is expected to wrap up in early 2027, putting the long-anticipated market one giant step closer to reality. If you've been watching cranes and construction from the waterfront trail and wondering what's happening, this is it. Read the full update from The Columbian.

Camas Schools Crack Washington's Top 10 — Again

The Camas School District has been named one of the top 10 school districts in the state of Washington, reinforcing what local families already know about the east-county district's reputation. The ranking is one more feather in the cap for a community that's seen steady growth and investment in its schools. It's worth noting for anyone in Clark County weighing where to put down roots or watching how our local districts stack up statewide. See the full story here.

Vancouver Youth Forum Gives Students a Seat at the Table

A Monday afternoon youth forum brought Vancouver students face to face with city officials to talk about the city's past, present, and future. The event was designed to gauge how young people feel about growing up in Vancouver and what they want to see change. It's the kind of direct conversation that doesn't always make headlines but shapes how the next generation connects with the place they call home. The Columbian has the details.

BrookLynn Huffman's OT Goal Lifts Woodland Past Hockinson, 1-0

Woodland's BrookLynn Huffman found the back of the net in overtime Tuesday to give the Beavers a 1-0 win over Hockinson in girls soccer — the kind of gritty, low-scoring battle that makes fall prep sports so fun to follow. It was a defensive slugfest through regulation before Huffman broke through. Across Clark County, Tuesday was a packed night for high school volleyball, cross country, boys golf, and slowpitch softball as well. Full highlights here, and check out the complete Tuesday scoreboard for all the results.

Clark College Penguins Hit a Rough Stretch in NWAC Play

It was a tough week for the Clark College Penguins across their NWAC slate, with multiple programs facing stiff competition. Rough patches happen in every season, and the Penguins will look to regroup as conference play continues. If you follow Clark College athletics — or just want to keep tabs on our hometown college — it's worth checking in. Read the full weekly report from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Well, today's a quiet one on the local news front, neighbor. All four stories in the hopper were either national financial news, vital statistics listings, or death notices — none with a specific Vancouver or Clark County angle worth your morning minutes. We'll be back tomorrow with the good local stuff. If you've spotted something happening around town, hit reply and let us know!

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, September 30

• Wednesday Wanders — 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Explore the rich ecosystems along the Columbia River on a guided nature walk. Great for families with kids ages 6+ and curious adults alike. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart — four stories of neo-Georgian brick history. Open Wednesday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM by reservation. Free. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, food carts and more. $10 weekdays, $12 weekends. More info
• Harvest Tours at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery — 12:00–5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Walk the vineyard during harvest season — includes a glass of wine. Ages 21+. $60 per person. More info
• Camas Farmers Market Harvest Festival — 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas along Fourth Avenue. The season closer features live pan music by NW Pan Man Terry Baber, cider sips, pumpkin bowling, scarecrow photo ops, cornhole, and more free family activities. More info
• La Ratoncita Presumida / The Vain Little Mouse Puppet Show — 3:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. A bilingual (Spanish/English) puppet show by Venezuelan Americans Melissa and Carlos Bertran. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00–8:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Giving Pop-Up in the Ripple Space — 5:30–7:30 PM at The Ripple Space, Vancouver. Explore the work of five local nonprofits — including Clark County Historical Society, Elevate Youth, Enspire Arts, Jane Weber Arboretum, and PEACE NW — and donate directly. $15 entry. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 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
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00–8:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Julieann and Joseph Platt lead beginning waltz (6–7 PM) and salsa (7–8 PM). No dance experience required. $69 per five-week session. More info
• DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Create a Healthier Home, Save Money — 6:00–7:00 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, Vancouver. Learn to make your own all-purpose spray, window cleaner, and gentle scrub with Clark County Green Neighbors. Free. More info
• Let's Bug Out: A Beginner's Guide to Packing an Essentials Bag — 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Wild Camp Goods founder Leland Duck walks you through the items you need for a basic emergency essentials bag. Free, space limited — registration required. More info
• Water for Elephants — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The critically acclaimed Broadway musical based on the bestselling novel — called "stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative" by The New York Times. More info

Thursday, October 1

• Bird Outing at Shillapoo Lake with Vancouver Audubon Society — 7:30 AM. Cindy McCormick leads a walk on the dike trail looking for migrating shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes, and other wetland species. Expect about 2 miles on gravel and grass. More info
• PCTA Trail Work Project at Big Huckleberry Mountain — 8:00 AM. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for volunteer trail work in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, WA. Contact Steven Jones to register; max 6 volunteers. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free, evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+ — instructors tailor movements to each person's ability. No pre-registration required. More info
• Go with the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free 90-minute behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Marine Park facility. Ages 8+. Closed-toe shoes required. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon ride to the patch, one free pumpkin (any size you can carry!), corn maze admission, and more. $14–$16. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this beautiful Queen Anne home at Fort Vancouver — once the residence of General George C. Marshall — featuring stained glass, period furnishings, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Six-week class for beginning and intermediate players with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Dine the Couve Kicks Off — 11:00 AM at locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year, Dine the Couve offers three dishes for $35 or $50 at participating restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and tasting rooms all month long. Grab the free Dine the Couve Pass and start collecting points. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. A 40+ acre pumpkin patch with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Free parking, no admission fee, u-pick fields, and lots of activities. More info
• Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter #19 Meeting — 12:30 PM at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, Vancouver. Member Dina Saunders discusses her ancestors' journey to the Oregon Territory. Bring your own lunch for social time; meeting starts at 1 PM. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30–5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Build your STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 4:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Put your creativity to the test with a surprise building challenge. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Grand Opening: Proof Cocktails & Lounge — 4:00 PM at 801 Washington Street, downtown Vancouver. Raise a glass to this new locally owned cocktail and whiskey lounge featuring craft cocktails, a seasonal menu from Executive Chef Carl Henderson, and more than 2,000 bottles of whiskey and spirits. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Puppets in the Park with Camas Public Library — 4:30 PM at Fallen Leaf Lake Park, Camas. Family storytime and puppet show with Mr. Elliot — rain or shine (there's a covered area). No registration needed. More info
• 2026 Friend Raiser — 5:00 PM at Friends of the Children – SW Washington Clubhouse, Vancouver. An evening of food, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and inspiring stories supporting youth in our community. $100. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis 37th Birthday Meeting — 5:30–7:00 PM at Leonardo's Pizzeria, Vancouver. The group celebrates and plans its upcoming Baby Food Drive to benefit the Clark County Food Bank. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Guest Speaker: Annie Cahill — 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. Annie Cahill from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria discusses wildlife rehabilitation, disease monitoring, and environmental education. Free. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all ages. Fun prizes for bingos, plus a grand prize overnight lodge stay for the blackout round winner. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00–9:00 PM in Washougal. Kat Nichols teaches — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive main haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society Meeting — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, Vancouver. Rachel Burlington, curator at Portland's International Rose Test Garden, shares the history of the world's oldest continuously operating rose garden. Visitors welcome. Free. More info
• Built, Not Broken: A History of the Feed You Can't Leave — 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Kayla Anderson of Vancouver-based Riparian Media traces the history of the social media feed in this Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series event. Doors at 6 PM. Free; registration required. More info

Friday, October 2

• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months–6 years to run, jump, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Memory Cafe at Prairie Tavern — 10:00 AM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. A welcoming space for people living with dementia and their caregivers to socialize and participate in activities. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Signaling System Solutions Fire Safety Event — 12:00–4:00 PM in Camas. Free fire extinguisher inspections for businesses and residents in honor of Fire Safety Awareness Month. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department will be on-site. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A creative gathering every Friday. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 4:00–8:00 PM at AQUA Gallery, Vancouver. Artists' reception featuring Carson Legree's vibrant mythological paintings and Abby Ketcham's expressive stuffies. Free. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses throughout downtown open their doors. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM. Multiple difficulty levels for ages 4+ — 1 hour 45 minutes of unlimited climbing, no experience necessary. All equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• October Pumpkin Pageant & Harry Potter Costume Contest — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Camas. The 20th annual Pumpkin Pageant — vote for your favorite decorated pumpkin and enter the Harry Potter costume contest for prizes. Free. More info
• Between Page and Panel at Camas Public Library — 5:00 PM at the Second Story Gallery, Camas. Original artwork by 15 local children's book illustrators — paintings, drawings, and sketches that became picture books and graphic novels. Free. More info
• Open Studios Preview Exhibit & Artists Reception — 5:00 PM at Art at the Cave Gallery, Vancouver. Preview one work from each artist participating in the Clark County Open Studios Tour (Nov. 7–8). Free. More info
• Luminescence Art Show — 5:00–8:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Meet the artists at the opening reception for this light-inspired exhibit by emerging and established Vancouver artists. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Art Alliance Show at A Hall Artworks and Studio — 5:00–8:00 PM at 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. First Friday reception featuring works by Battle Ground Art Alliance members. Free. More info
• Open Hearts, Big Dreams at Vancouver Arts Hub — 5:00–8:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. See original artwork created for a series of bilingual children's books set in Ethiopia, meet the authors and artists, and enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine by Sara's Catering. Free. More info
• Live Music: Two Left Feet at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30–7:30 PM in Ridgefield. All ages welcome, no cover, no reservation needed. Wine by the glass and bottle for the grown-ups. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and laughter — first Friday of every month. Free, all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — 6:00–10:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the maze after dark. $7.50–$9.50. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay into your own creation — mugs, vases, gnomes, animals, and more. No pottery experience needed; staff fire and glaze your piece. $50. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM starting at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead you along Main Street and beyond to uncover Vancouver's haunted past — a mix of stories, memories, and local history. $20. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 7:30 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The perfect musical comedy — 1950s Broadway classic featuring gamblers, showgirls, and romance in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City. $48.25. More info
• Friday Live Music at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Kick off October with Sarah, Noah, Grace, Dolan, and Colin — the Pour Voices — playing live. More info

Saturday, October 3

• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day — 8:00 AM. Join the NW Trails Alliance for a fun-filled day on the trails with the kiddos. More info
• WTA BIPOC Trail Work Party at Beacon Rock — 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. Learn about the trail building process and put that knowledge to use — for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color. More info
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Camas Grand Opening — 8:45 AM at 19542 SE Brady Rd., Suite 101, Camas. Ribbon cutting for OnPoint's ninth Southwest Washington location, plus a $5,000 donation to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Complimentary food and coffee. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Our flagship year-round market in the heart of downtown Vancouver. More info
• BirdFest & Bluegrass in Ridgefield — 9:00 AM in downtown Ridgefield and at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Birding activities, vendor market, kids' crafts, bluegrass performances, and a Pickers Festival — celebrating the return of Sandhill Cranes. Free. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team — 9:00–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids and families use their five senses to explore and wonder about Sasquatch through hands-on activities. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Field, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes, and STEAM education through aviation. Free for all ages. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Hayride down Pumpkin Lane to see dozens of pumpkin people scenes, pick the perfect pumpkin, photo ops, farm animals, and kids' activities. $6–$8. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Society Young Birders at BirdFest — 10:00 AM at Ridgefield NWR Visit Center. Young Birders will be manning spotting scopes — a great chance to learn what the group is all about. More info
• Downtown Longview Harvest Fest — 10:00 AM in downtown Longview. Join the Downtowners for their annual fall celebration. More info
• Adaptive Fall Foliage Kayak Tour with Adventures Without Limits — 10:00 AM on the Willamette River. Inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities. Ages 6+ (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Sliding scale $50–$115. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Concepts — 10:00 AM. The City of Vancouver wants your help designing a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Ave. and 20th St. Review early design concepts, all ages welcome, light refreshments provided. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, harvest them, and cook them into delicious dishes. Registration required. More info
• Vancouver's Old Apple Tree Festival — 11:00 AM at Old Apple Tree Park, Columbia Way. Celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826. Fun, food, music, history, and free apple tree cuttings. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Artist Talk at AQUA Gallery — 1:00–2:00 PM at AQUA Gallery, Vancouver. Hear Carson Legree and Abby Ketcham discuss their mythological paintings and expressive stuffies. Free. More info
• River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey — 1:00–2:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Drop-in hands-on activities exploring the life cycles of salmon and lamprey. Ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult. Free. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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