📰 What's Making News

Union's Leilani Mays Claims 4A State 100 Hurdles Crown

What a finish for a Vancouver athlete. Union High School junior Leilani Mays captured the 4A state title in the 100-meter hurdles on Friday, crossing the line in 14.66 seconds after running a clean race while her closest competitor clipped a hurdle late. It's Mays' first state championship, and she seized it at exactly the right moment — staying composed when it mattered most. The rest of the Day 2 results from the 4A/3A/2A State Track and Field meet included strong showings from several Clark County programs. Full recap here.

40,000 Pounds of Food Arrive at Clark County Food Bank in One Delivery

A single semi-truck rolled up to the Clark County Food Bank this week carrying 40,000 pounds of donated food — enough to feed roughly 1,400 people for a week. The donation was organized through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the JustServe initiative as part of a broader America250 service effort. Clark County Food Bank Executive Director Emily Straw and civic leaders including Anne McEnerny-Ogle were on hand to receive the delivery. It's a stunning visual reminder of what community generosity looks like when it arrives on 18 wheels. Read more from Clark County Today.

Columbia River's Soccer Season Ends in State Semifinal

The Columbia River Rapids boys soccer team saw its impressive postseason run come to a close Friday, falling 3-0 to Squalicum in the 2A state semifinals. The Rapids struggled to break through a stingy Squalicum defense that controlled the match from the opening whistle. It's a tough way to end the year, but reaching the final four is no small thing for the program. Columbia River gave Clark County plenty to cheer about this spring. See the full game recap.

Raptors Drop Tight One to Nanaimo, 7-6

Summer ball is officially in full swing, and the Ridgefield Raptors came up just short Thursday night in a 7-6 loss to the Nanaimo NightOwls. The West Coast League matchup had plenty of offense on both sides, but the Raptors couldn't quite close the gap. It's early in the season, so there's plenty of baseball left at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Box score and recap here.

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💬 Community Buzz

Saint Martin's Students Tackle Real-World Problems in Two-Day Hackathon

Here's a cool cross-discipline story worth knowing about: Saint Martin's University held an Entrepreneurship Hackathon on March 27–28, bringing together business, computer science, and engineering students to solve real-world challenges as mixed teams. From initial concept to final pitch, the student groups had to blend their different areas of expertise — a format that mirrors how problems actually get solved outside the classroom. It's a great reminder that some of the most creative work happens when people with different skill sets sit down at the same table. Read the full recap here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Felida's Shifting Business Landscape Gets a Closer Look

Even one restaurant closing in a tight-knit neighborhood like Felida sends ripples through the community. The Columbian digs into the challenges local businesses face as the area evolves — worth a read if you shop or dine along the Felida corridor.

Mama Beaver, 4 Kits Return to Gifford Pinchot Forest

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe released a rescued North American beaver and her four kits Thursday deep in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, south of Mount St. Helens, in a spot where old dams show beavers once thrived. Read the full story here.

Seton Catholic Falls 5-1 in 1A Baseball Semifinals

Seton Catholic's strong season ended at Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham, where the Cougars allowed just one hit but couldn't overcome Montesano's early 5-run push in the Class 1A state semifinals. Full game recap here.

$18 Million Lost: Washington's Imposter Scam Toll in 2025

Washington residents lost more than $18 million to imposter scams last year, according to new data — and some age groups are far more vulnerable than others. The Columbian breaks down who's most at risk and what to watch for.

Longview Businesses Rally for Nippon Spill Families

After Tuesday's major chemical spill at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, local businesses are stepping up with fundraisers to support affected families. Here's where the community effort stands.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, May 30

• Hockinson Fun Days — 7:00 AM. Pancake breakfast at Fire District 3 (7–11:30 AM), marketplace bazaar outside Hockinson School District offices (9 AM–3:30 PM), parade starting at the high school (noon–1 PM), and community carnival at the Hockinson Community Center upper parking lot (10 AM–3:30 PM). Downtown Hockinson. Free. More info
• Our Time to Shine Family Festival — 8:00 AM. Seedling Psychological Services and WSU's Human Development Department host a 5K fun run, 1K kids trot, resource fair, bounce house, face painting and more at WSU Vancouver. All proceeds support free and low-cost mental health services for new and expecting families. More info
• Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk Day — 8:30 AM. Join Washington Trails Association for a work party designed for veterans and service members to build camaraderie, enjoy the outdoors and maintain hiking trails. More info
• 3rd Annual Coyote-palooza (Road Trip) — 8:30 AM. A family- and pet-friendly event by Portland Coyote featuring booths on coyote identification and biology, hands-on activities for adults and kids, and tips to keep pets and people safe. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Vancouver's flagship year-round farmers market at 8th and Esther St., next to Esther Short Park. More info
• Move With MADD Vancouver — 9:00 AM. Mothers Against Drunk Driving's signature fundraising walk at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Registration at 9 AM, ceremony at 9:30 AM. $35. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM–Noon. Volunteer to remove invasive species, maintain trails and improve site accessibility at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy. Tools and gloves provided. Free. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital — 9:00 AM. The Historic Trust takes you inside the 1903–1904 Post Hospital, one of the first in the nation with purpose-built X-ray facilities. $35. More info
• Girls on the Run End of Season 5K (Road Trip) — 9:00 AM. Girls on the Run Greater Oregon's celebratory 5K for all program participants. Volunteers welcome. More info
• Portland Rose Festival (Road Trip) — 9:00 AM. Head across the river for Portland's iconic Rose Festival celebrations. More info
• Weave a Willow Market Basket — 9:00 AM. A two-day class with Ridgefield artist Robin Brady, weaving a round handled basket in the traditional European stake-and-strand style using locally grown willows. More info
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop — Part 2 — 9:00 AM–Noon. WA State certificated educators can earn 5 STEM clock hours at this free workshop by the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM. Free bridge lesson and assisted play at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. More info
• Pollinators and Predators: Beneficial Insects for the Garden — 9:30–10:30 AM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, 317 E Main St., Battle Ground. Take a bug safari, learn about native pollinators and record sightings with the iNaturalist app. $15. More info
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek — 9:30 AM. Join City of Vancouver staff for a springtime walk along Burnt Bridge Creek identifying flowering native plants and listening for migrating songbirds. Registration required. More info
• Bookmark Contest Celebration — 10:00 AM–11:00 AM (and 3:00–4:00 PM). Celebrate the winners of the library's Bookmark Contest at Cascade Park Community Library. Refreshments provided by the Cascade Park Friends of the Library. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Hands-on STEAM education through aviation: flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. Free. More info
• Mural Installation in Washougal — 10:00 AM. The Two Rivers Heritage Museum dedicates a stunning new 24×8-foot mural by local artist Travis London featuring historic images of early Camas and Washougal. Free. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 10:00 AM. Free guided tours of the 79-acre Heritage Farm in Hazel Dell with WSU Extension Master Gardener docents. Learn about the property's history and role in horticulture education. More info
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair — 10:00 AM. The Latino Community Resource Group hosts performances, cultural demonstrations and a resource fair with nonprofit organizations and community partners. More info
• Summer Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop — 10:00 AM. Part two of a hands-on pruning class with fruit tree expert Monica Maggio. Learn techniques to improve shape, strength and fruit set. More info
• Vancouver Lake Rowing Club: Return to Rowing — 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. Designed for former rowers and adults who miss being on the water. Reconnect with teammates, tour the boathouse, and get back in a shell. Free. More info
• 2026 Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes: New & Remodeled — 11:00 AM. Tour beautifully finished projects by Clark County's top builders and remodelers, ask questions and discover the latest design trends. Various locations. More info
• Northwest Children's Theater Presents: You'll See — 11:00 AM. An inventive adaptation of James Joyce's epic, designed for ages 8 and up, combining live performance, paper design and an original score. Northwest Children's Theater, Portland. $15–$20. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Paint Your Pet at Craft Collective — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Kaylynn of Pepper Hill Art leads a beginner-friendly acrylic painting class at Craft Collective, 21506 NE 83rd St. Submit a pet photo in advance. Ages 18+. $65. More info
• NAMI Walks — 12:00 PM at Marine Park, Vancouver. A community mental health fundraising walk supporting NAMI's mission of Mental Health for All. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM. Depart from Yacolt through the tunnel and across the East Fork of the Lewis River with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Summer Treats at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — Bread Day — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM. Enjoy fresh bread made from flour milled on-site at the historic water-powered grist mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland. Free. More info
• Hiking Clinic — NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. Programming for athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society's 71st Annual Rose Show: A Rosy Affair — 1:00–4:00 PM at the Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Gorgeous rose displays, a photography competition, a new Garden Market with local vendors, and on-site rose care experts. Free. More info
• Journey Theater Presents: Seussical — 1:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton the elephant in this beloved musical for young audiences. $16–$18. More info
• Sidewalk Chalk Day with British Swim School — 1:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver. Chalk provided, just bring your creativity. Free. More info
• Celebrating 121 Years at Oaks Park — 1:00 PM–7:00 PM. Unlimited ride wristbands for $19.05 (advance online purchase), beer tasting, free cake and balloons around 2 PM. Oaks Park, Portland. More info
• Book Launch: Ellie May and the Midnight Search — 1:00–3:00 PM. Meet search-and-rescue dog Ellie May and handler JW Jones at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center for the launch of their children's book. Free; register at friendsfortvancouver.org. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Attend Rose Show — 1:00–4:00 PM at the Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar — Metropolitan Performing Arts Broadway Minis — 1:30 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Actors ages 3–6 perform an original adaptation of the beloved story. Free. More info
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Dreamers of Dreams — 2:00 PM. Sapphire Wind Symphony performs at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Pay what you want. More info
• God of Carnage by Starbird Theatre — 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM at the Sherman Auditorium, 2289 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. A Tony Award-winning dark comedy about two sets of parents whose civilized conversation hilariously derails. $23–$25. More info
• Pop-Up Mini Golf — 3:00–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Putt through a course designed and built by the Teen Library Council. Free. More info
• Bingo, Dinner and Auction — 5:00–9:00 PM at Battle Ground Farmers Market, 15 NE Grace Ave. Pulled pork dinner, bingo for prizes, dessert auction and silent auction supporting Clark County Fair Swine Barn youth. More info
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Ode to Joy — 6:00 PM. Symphony Topaz with special guests Carnation and Scarlet at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Pay what you want. More info
• Catalyst Spring Musical Revue — 6:00 PM. NWCT's Youth Company performs Broadway's greatest hits at The Judy, Portland. $5. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM. Catch Clark County's hometown team at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. More info
• Evergreen Dance Center Presents: Coppelia — 6:30–8:45 PM at the Columbia Theatre, Longview. The timeless ballet classic. $18–$25. More info
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák's New World Symphony — 7:00 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St. Featuring rising-star violinist Inés Issel Burzyńska performing Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, plus Adams' The Chairman Dances and Dvořák's Symphony No. 9. $15–$63. More info
• Karaoke with The Party People — 7:00–9:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge. All ages welcome. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance and Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Suite 110, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Clark College Theatre Presents: [title of show] — 7:30 PM at Decker Theatre, Clark College. A musical love letter to collaboration, following two struggling writers racing to create something new. Free–$12. More info
• Pour Choices Pub: Studio 54 Costume Party Karaoke — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Disco-themed karaoke night with a costume contest. More info

Sunday, May 31

• Vancouver Audubon's Youth Nature Photo Contest — Deadline — Last day to submit entries for youth ages 8–18. Photos must be taken in Clark, Skamania or Klickitat counties. Up to 5 photos in four categories. Free. More info
• Ridgefield — Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM. Paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe. Ridgefield Waterfront Park. More info
• Sound Bath at The Lilith House — 11:00 AM–12:30 PM. Rachel Fouts-Carrico leads a healing sound bath with crystal singing bowls at 1017 NW 45th St., Vancouver. $44.52. More info
• HOPE Dementia Fundraiser Brunch with Taylor Family Farm — 11:00 AM. A four-course brunch supporting HOPE Dementia Support with food from Taylor Family Farms. Two drinks included per person. More info
• Tandem Bike Clinic — NW Association of Blind Athletes (Road Trip) — 12:00 PM. Programming for athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. More info
• Healthy Kids Run Series — Spring 2026 — 4:00 PM at Pacific Community Park, Vancouver. A running series for children ages 2–14 with divisions from 50-yard dashes to quarter-mile runs. More info
• Lewis and Clark Young Marines Fiesta Fundraiser — 4:00–6:00 PM at the American Legion, Vancouver. Tacos, ice cream, 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Adults $21.05, kids 10 and under $10.38. More info
• Dinner and Jazz with the Brent Follis Trio — 5:30–7:30 PM at The Grant House, 1101 Officers Row. Live jazz in the dining room. $20 cover goes to the band. Reservations via OpenTable or 360-433-2206. More info

Monday, June 1

• First of the Month Bird Walk — 7:30 AM. A casual morning of birding with the Vancouver Audubon Society. Check the VAS website for location details. More info
• SW Washington Down Syndrome Community Walk About — 10:00 AM. A relaxed, family-friendly walk for families, self-advocates, caregivers, siblings and supporters. Meet by the softball fields. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support Creative Art Experience — 11:00 AM. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects encouraging expression and joy. CDM Caregiving Services Building, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info

Tuesday, June 2

• Who Do You Think You Are? Discovering Your Family Tree — 10:00–11:30 AM. Professional genealogist Hannah Allan leads a workshop at the Clark County Genealogical Society, 3205 NE 52nd St. Free. More info
• Mobility City Grand Opening — 10:00 AM. Join the Greater Vancouver Chamber for a ribbon cutting celebrating Kristin and Bill Babby's new mobility equipment showroom at 9301 NE 5th Ave., Suite 104. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time for all experience levels — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Pencils and Pints — 6:00–7:30 PM at A Beer at a Time, 216 NE Third Ave., Camas. A low-key sketch meetup co-hosted by the Artisans Guild of Camas and Camas Public Library. Paper and pencils provided. Free. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. For kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners, then pick up the book for free. More info
• Clark College Orchestra Spring Concert: "Connections" — 7:30 PM at Joyce Garver Theater, 1500 NE Garfield St., Camas. Featuring soloist Erasmo Solerti, Schumann's Manfred Overture and Brahms Symphony No. 3. Free. More info

Wednesday, June 3

• TOPS WA 1056 Vancouver — 8:15 AM. Weigh-in 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting 9:30–10:30 AM at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. Call 206-915-4627 for info. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (60+). More info
• Lyle Cherry Orchard Day Trail Work Party — 8:30 AM. Help Washington Trails Association build a new staircase and install check steps. Note: poison oak is present in the area. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Tours by reservation or walk-in at Providence Academy. Open during Sacred Heart Plaza construction. 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

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