📰 What's Making News

Union High Grad Alistair Docherty Locks Down 2027 PGA Tour Card

Vancouver's own Alistair Docherty is headed to the PGA Tour. The Korn Ferry Tour confirmed Wednesday that the 2012 Union High School graduate has officially punched his ticket for the 2027 season — a massive milestone for a hometown talent who's been grinding his way up through professional golf's ranks. If you've ever swung a club at a Clark County course, this one hits a little closer to home. Read the full story at The Columbian.

Yacolt Volunteers Slash $200K Repair Bill to Under $4K

Here's a small-town story worth savoring. Yacolt's town hall needed roughly $200,000 in repairs — money the tiny community simply didn't have. So local volunteers and businesses, including Grants Roofing and Western United Civil Group, rolled up their sleeves and got it done for an estimated $3,000 to $4,000 in materials. Folks like Ian Shealy and Cade Barker helped organize the effort, which also tackled other long-standing projects around town. It's the kind of neighbor-helping-neighbor energy that makes Clark County special. Read more at Clark County Today.

8 Luxury Homes Open Tomorrow in Salmon Creek's Emerald Grove

The 49th annual GRO Parade of Homes kicks off September 11 and runs through the 27th, showcasing eight new luxury builds in the Emerald Grove neighborhood in Salmon Creek. Organized by the Building Industry Association of Clark County, the event is a chance to peek inside some seriously impressive craftsmanship and fresh design trends — no hard hat required. Tickets are available now, and a portion of proceeds benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Get details at Clark County Today.

That Neighborhood Blarney Stone? It's Real, and It's in Central Vancouver

A Vancouver man has installed his own Blarney Stone in his neighborhood, and it's become a full-on local attraction. Passersby are stopping to make a wish, kiss their fingertips, press them to the stone — and yes, do a little dance. It's exactly the kind of unexpected, wholesome whimsy that turns a regular walk around the block into something memorable. If you're in central Vancouver, keep your eyes peeled. Read the story at The Columbian.

Vancouver Elks Lodge Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Saturday

This Saturday marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, and the Vancouver Elks Lodge is holding a remembrance ceremony to honor the day. It's a chance to gather with fellow community members, reflect, and pay respects to those we lost. If you're looking for a meaningful way to observe the anniversary locally, this is it. Details at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

ilani Taps Alan Trantina as New General Manager

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe's casino and resort near Ridgefield has new leadership — Alan Trantina takes over as general manager at ilani, steering the next chapter for one of Clark County's biggest entertainment destinations.

Cedar Creek Cannabis Recovers After Tuesday Fire

A fire damaged Cedar Creek Cannabis in east Vancouver on Tuesday, but the Vancouver Fire Department contained it quickly and no one was injured. Cedar Creek is one of Washington's oldest licensed marijuana cultivators.

Biplane Pilot Walks Away From Grove Field Flip

A biplane pilot spotted smoke in the cabin, turned back to Grove Field in Washougal, and landed safely — though the aircraft flipped on the runway. East County Fire and Rescue responded; the FAA and NTSB are investigating.

Kiggins Theatre Hosts Tim Haller Celebration Sept. 17

Friends of Tim Haller — a key figure in Vancouver's early digital communities — are gathering at Kiggins Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for open-mic remembrances followed by a free screening of his favorite movie, Galaxy Quest.

Heads Up, Commuters: I-5 Portland Closure Starts Soon

A segment of I-5 in Portland is closing for up to five weeks, and Vancouver drivers are already gaming out the ripple effects. Worth bookmarking alternate routes now — the r/VancouverWA thread has neighborhood-specific predictions worth scanning.

Seahawks Open Title Defense With 13-10 Win Over Patriots

Drew Lock stepped in after Sam Darnold left with an early injury and led two late scoring drives as Seattle picked off Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter to edge New England 13-10 in the Super Bowl rematch.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, September 10

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free, evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, tailored to every ability level. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early to sign up on-site. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, prepared food and artisan goods. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free tours of this stunning Queen Anne–style home featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, period furnishings and military memorabilia from General George C. Marshall's time as Commander of the Barracks. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes — 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at the Emerald Grove community in Salmon Creek. Eight custom homes showcasing contemporary design, smart home tech, indoor-outdoor living and energy-efficient innovation. $20 admission (ages 12+). More info
• Soil Health and Cover Crops Workshop — 11:00 AM with the Clark County Conservation District. Learn practical soil health practices, watch a rainfall simulator demo, and take home fall cover crop seed. More info
• Menchie's Hazel Dell Fundraiser for Naydenov XCEL Booster Club — 3:00 PM at Menchie's in Hazel Dell. Grab frozen yogurt and support local gymnasts raising funds for competition expenses. More info
• Preschool Shape Detective — 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–5 and their grown-ups use shape finders as magnifying glasses to explore the library. Free; register at CamasPL.org/shapedetective. More info
• Celebrate the Grand Opening of Exit 16 Sips and Scoops — 4:00 PM at 305 NW Pacific Highway, La Center. Meet the team and tour this brand-new hometown spot for food, craft beverages and handcrafted ice cream (including alcohol-infused flavors for adults). More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM. Ages 13–19 can play games, craft, chat and enjoy snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• "Take Learning Outside" Kick-Off Event for Educators — 4:30 PM at 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. Free workshop for teachers to earn up to 2 STEM clock hours while connecting with community partners for outdoor teaching ideas. More info
• Composting: Find the System That Works for You — 4:30 PM. Free workshop from the Clark County Composter Recycler program covering indoor and outdoor composting methods to turn kitchen scraps into garden gold. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop at Pomeroy Farm — 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Learn the art of scarecrow making with longtime Pumpkin Lane expert Martha Todd and take your creation home. $35 per person. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Dinner is included. Learn more at glnw.org. Free. More info
• Backpacking 101: Adventure by Bicycle — 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Free workshop from Wild Camp Goods featuring Jasmine "Tater Tot" Baker, a local bike mechanic and lifestyle cyclist, introducing the world of bikepacking. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — 7:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Adrienne Awen — 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Awen weaves harp melodies, vocals and effects into performances inspired by the natural world. Suggested $5 donation. More info

Friday, September 11

• Patriot Day Ceremony — 9:00 AM at Vancouver City Hall. A community gathering to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, with local dignitaries, first responders and community members paying tribute. Free. More info
• Adult and Teen Craft and Chat at La Center Community Library — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning, quilting or any stitchery project for a social fiber arts circle. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• The Portland Maize and Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost 2 miles of corn maze pathways plus a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn crib and more. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes — 10:00 AM–7:00 PM in Salmon Creek. The annual single-site home show continues with high-end, innovative custom homes. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months–6 years. A safe indoor play space for little ones to run, climb and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Book Swap at Kindred Vancouver — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Bring clean, gently used books and take home as many new-to-you reads as you like — no trade required. Free. More info
• Canopy Time at Plas Newydd Farm — 10:00 AM. A nature walk on the farm with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan — part nature journaling, part phenological observation of migratory birds, native plants and seasonal rhythms. More info
• Fall Watercolor Workshop — 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at the Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole of Kathryn By Design teaches painting florals, apples and pumpkins. Beginners welcome. $125 includes all materials. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM–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
• Home School Rides at Oaks Park — 12:00 PM at Oaks Amusement Park, Portland. Unlimited ride bracelets for homeschool families. $21.50; non-riders enter free. More info
• Blood Drive at Magenta Theater — 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Donors receive a $5 discount on tickets for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors plus a free Hello Kitty item. Sign up at redcrossblood.org with code magentatheater. More info
• Rose City Comic Con — 1:00 PM at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland. A fun, family-friendly three-day pop culture convention celebrating comics, cosplay and all your favorite fandoms. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies — 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A musical screening on the second Friday of every month. $10 per person. More info
• Base Camp at Mount St. Helens — 3:00 PM at the Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake. A weekend camping experience on the north side of the volcano with guided hikes, campfire dinners and grand views of the blast zone. Ages 21+. $275. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, the pool and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Ridgefield Lions Oktoberfest — 4:00 PM–10:00 PM at Abrams Park, 400 Abrams Park Rd., Ridgefield. Hammerschlagen, live music by Freight Train Jaine and Double Down, stein-hoisting and best-dressed contests. Ages 21+ on Friday. $27.38. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list guided adventure into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and mountain guides. 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
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle — 5:30 PM–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Bring your projects or unfinished scraps to share. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Legacy Night — 6:15 PM–9:00 PM at Battle Ground District Stadium. All Battle Ground alumni are invited to watch BG vs. Prairie football, with alumni recognition at 6:30 PM. Dress in the style of your graduation decade. $10 adults. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free; donations encouraged. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown sharing tales of lingering spirits, forgotten tragedies and mysterious happenings. About one mile. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — 7:00 PM starting at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour of the historic barracks and its ghostly goings-on since 1849. $17–$22. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
• The Weeds: Trio of Innovative Original Irish Melodies — 7:30 PM at Old Liberty Theater, Ridgefield. A family trio from Carmel, California blending traditional Irish melodies with original compositions on fiddle, mandolin, tenor banjo, Celtic harp and more. $22. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class — 7:30 PM–9:00 PM at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. No partner or special clothing needed. $8 at the door; first class free. More info
• Friday Live Music at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Featuring Colin Fox and Abigail Judge. More info

Saturday, September 12

• VAS BirdBlitz 2026 on iNaturalist — 6:00 AM. Team up with Vancouver Audubon Society to find and document birds across Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties. Upload photos and recordings to iNaturalist to contribute to community science. More info
• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, 8th and Esther St. The flagship year-round market, operating since 1990. More info
• Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Free admission. Browse 48 exhibitor booths and enjoy live music and cultural performances by Red Rubies Vietnam Dancers, Punjabi Sikh Dancers, Portland Sage Singers, Bard Owls, Addy Conrad Drumming and local poets. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog or run at your own pace. All ages and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team — 9:00 AM–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids and families use their five senses to explore the natural world through a Sasquatch-themed adventure. More info
• Litter Pick-Up Volunteer Event — 9:00 AM–11:30 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Wear close-toed shoes, bring a water bottle and snack. Rain or shine. More info
• Uptown Vancouver Community Clean-Up — 9:00 AM. Meet at Kindred, 2213 Main St., Vancouver for gloves, pickers and buckets. Help keep Uptown beautiful. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. An outdoor makers market featuring local vendors with skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts and more. More info
• 2026 Catio Tour — 10:00 AM in SE Portland. Tour creative outdoor cat enclosures, from simple spaces to standout backyard showpieces. $15. More info
• Flower Bouquet Workshop at OMSI — 10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Learn to process and arrange seasonal, locally grown flowers with Lexie Criscola of Fruits of Orange. Take-home bouquet included. $55. More info
• Nature Days at Columbia Springs: Fire, Fungi and Community Builders — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Free hands-on science and nature experiences for all ages. More info
• 5K/10K Oktoberfest Fun Run — 10:00 AM at 54°40' Brewing, 3801 S. Truman St., Washougal. Scenic routes along the Columbia River. Oktoberfest attire encouraged. $50; includes bib and finisher medal. More info
• KatVisions Doll Show — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post #14, 4607 Saint James Rd., Vancouver. Collectible dolls and toys, restringing services, evaluations and more. Free admission. More info
• Bird Stories of Plas Newydd Farm Writing Workshop — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Author Kate Gray leads a writing workshop inspired by the farm's feathered visitors. No writing experience necessary. Coffee, tea and snacks provided. More info
• Sensory Storytime — 10:30 AM–11:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Smaller group storytime with sensory play, visual aids and freedom of movement for ages 3–9. Free; registration required. More info
• Spanish Storytime — 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Bilingual stories and songs in Spanish and English for children and families. Free; no registration required. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Oktoberfest at 54°40' Brewing — 11:00 AM–7:00 PM at 3801 S. Truman St., Washougal. Live music by Festival Brass, stein-holding contest, silent auction, raffle and local beer. Hosted by the Camas Lions Club. $10. More info
• 440 West Market and Mingle Grand Opening — 11:00 AM at the Vancouver Waterfront. Tour the newest waterfront community and shop local vendors including Fe Cafe, Sourdough by Lana, Boop Club Pop-Up Pet Portraits and Charcuterie Cutie. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave — 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, stress-free collage session every second Saturday. Bring supplies or use what's there. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival — 12:00 PM–8:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Photo ops with beautiful sunflowers, hayrides, farm animal visits and one cut sunflower included with admission. $12. More info
• The Waterfront Vancouver Bluegrass Festival — 12:30 PM at Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way. Free admission. Saturday lineup: Jackstraw, The Rosa Lees, Stillhouse Junkies and Jason Carter Band. Continues Sunday. More info
• Camas Car Show — 2:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Classic and custom cars and trucks fill the streets for this 19th annual event. Free admission for spectators. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duets: Annie Averre and Christopher Woitach — 6:00 PM. The last of the summer jazz duet series, with wood-fired pizza and Dovetail Wines. More info
• Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson — 6:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A multi-sensory concert experience under candlelight. $43–$65. More info
• OMSI Public Star Party: Autumn Night Sky — 8:00 PM at Stub Stewart State Park, Buxton, OR. Free stargazing with telescopes and binoculars for all ages, hosted by OMSI and Rose City Astronomers. Parking $10/vehicle. More info
• Karaoke Theme Night: Love Songs at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Grab the mic and sing your favorite love ballads, power anthems or breakup songs. More info

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