Local News
Area artists to open their studios during Clark County Open Studios Tour
The 11th annual installment of the Clark County Open Studios Tour highlighting area artists takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at various locations. A total of 53 artists in …
County seeks volunteer for Planning Commission
The Clark County Council is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Planning Commission. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. The volunteer Planning Commission position will begin Jan. 1, …
County Council considering repeal of Chelatchie surface mining overlay
The Clark County Council will soon hold a public hearing on whether or not to repeal a mining overlay, which may cost the county millions in grants, should the overlay continue. In 2022, the …
Ridgefield City Council delays potential speed limit changes on various roads
During its Thursday, Oct. 10, meeting, the Ridgefield City Council postponed a public hearing and potential speed limit changes for several current and future roads. The proposed amendments were …
Ridgefield council signs off on agreement with Clark College
In its Thursday, Oct. 10, meeting, the Ridgefield City Council approved a new development agreement with Clark College, advancing plans for the Boschma Farms satellite campus. The agreement …
La Center High School focuses on expanding post high school opportunities
This school year, La Center High School has doubled its Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes and tripled its advanced placement (AP) classes for students. From baking and other culinary …

Registration opens for local pickleball fundraiser

The Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance will soon hold its inaugural “Pickleball for Prevention” fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local youth wellness and drug …

Whalen Oaks Pumpkin Patch offers something for everyone

The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm offers over 40 acres of family fun with over 60 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds available. The Patch features two corn mazes, pumpkin bowling, hay rides and …

County seeks applicants for Parks Advisory Board

Clark County Council is seeking applications for two volunteer positions on the Parks Advisory Board, due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Both positions will begin Jan. 1, 2025. The Parks Advisory …
In his first decision as a city councilor, Rian Davis drew on his experience as a Ridgefield Parks Board member to offer feedback on a new park development.

Ridgefield Parks Board chair appointed to City Council amid vacancy

Rian Davis, a long-serving figure in Ridgefield’s development, has been appointed to the Ridgefield City Council. During a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, the council voted to fill a vacant …
State & Regional News
Gluesenkamp Perez and Kent spar as poll shows rematch is a dead heat
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Joe Kent’s contrasting personalities and policies came into sharper focus during a debate Oct. 7 as a new poll showed their race to …
Gluesenkamp Perez highlights importance of I-5 Bridge Project meeting constituents’ needs
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, hopes the Interstate 5 bridge replacement is built to reflect the people who use the river crossing every day. The Third Congressional District …
Cowlitz Tribe artist aims to show culture is alive, thriving with new mural
Without opening a history book, it can be hard to see the presence of the Cowlitz villages that once dotted the Cowlitz River. Now, a vibrant reminder of the area’s first inhabitants is …
Database: More than 13,000 gender reassignment procedures on minors between 2019 and 2023
Sex reassignment procedures and surgeries on children have gained national prominence in recent years, and half of U.S. states now have laws passed either restricting or banning them. Newly …
Earthquake activity at Mount Adams increased last month, USGS reports 
September saw an increase in earthquake activity at Mount Adams, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cascades Volcano Observatory and the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. A total of …
Gluesenkamp Perez, Kent spar during first debate ahead of general election
If there was any question of the interest in the Third Congressional District, the collection of state and national media who traveled to Longview Wednesday for a debate between freshman Democratic …
National campaign committees unveil latest ads in Third Congressional District race ahead of debate
As Third Congressional District candidates U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the Democratic incumbent, and Joe Kent, her Republican challenger, prepare to face each other in a debate at Lower …
New Interstate 5 bridge expected to reduce crashes, traffic congestion
The proposed new Interstate 5 bridge could lead to a 13% to 17% reduction in crashes by 2045, according to projections. On Friday, Sept. 20, the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program …
Pungent, mystery stench that burned nostrils in region remains unidentified
The cause of a mysterious stench, a suspicious smell, an odor described as “funky,” “foul,” “putrid,” is still unidentified by experts. The rancid air event …
Interstate Bridge Replacement program releases draft supplemental environmental impact statement
Two in-person and two virtual public hearings will be held in October in response to the Interstate Bridge Replacement program’s draft supplemental environmental impact statement, which was …
Opinion
Community
Battle Ground Lions Club sorts eyeglasses for charity
Battle Ground Lions Club members recently sorted eyeglasses to donate as part of the organization’s effort to improve eyesight for the visually impaired worldwide. The glasses will be sent to …
Area Soroptimist chapter offers award scholarships
Soroptimist International of Clark County is again offering the “Live Your Dream” and “Achieve Your Dream” educational awards aimed at providing assistance to women and girls …
Battle Ground students earn Advanced Placement Capstone Awards
Battle Ground Public Schools (BGPS) announced that eight Battle Ground High School students earned Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Awards for academic excellence. The AP Capstone awards consist …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Support Erickson for utilities

Editor, I’m writing in support of Sherry Erickson for Public Utilities District commissioner. I’ve known Sherry personally for 15 years. She’s reliable, hard working, clear …

Sports
Life

Health officials urge influenza vaccination to shield seniors, other vulnerable groups

As flu season approaches, Clark County Public Health Director Alan Melnick urges all eligible individuals to get their flu vaccine now, especially people 65 and older. As Clark County residents …

Outdoors

Oaks to Wetlands Trail offers fall colors, wildlife close to urban setting

Just one mile from the heart of downtown Ridgefield, the sights of fall colors and the sounds of fall migratory birds can be enjoyed at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge’s Carty Unit. …

Obituaries
In Loving Memory Of Irma Blomquist: 1931 ~ 2024
Irma Elizabeth Blomquist, 92, passed away peacefully on Aug. 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born Nov. 25, 1931, to Christian and Elizabeth Foley in Spearfish, South Dakota. She moved to …
James Matthew Clayton Kellar: June 19, 1939 - October 2, 2024
James Matthew Clayton Kellar, born June 19, 1939 in Mandan, N.D., passed into the arms of Jesus, his loving family at his side, on October 2, 2024. Jim often reflected on his life, continually …
In loving memory of Jerry Arvi Kouvo: June 10, 1948 - Oct. 2, 2024
Jerry Arvi Kouvo was born on June 10, 1948, at St. John's Hospital in Longview, Washington. He died on Oct. 2, 2024, at his home In Woodland, Washington. He was born in 1948 to father Robert Henry …
Death Notices: Oct. 16
Mildred I. Olin, 81, of Battle Ground, died Oct. 7. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Jane E. Wilson, 90, of Amboy, died Oct. 6. Arrangements are under …
Death Notices: Oct. 9
Michael L. Pitman, 72, of Battle Ground, died Oct. 2. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Chris Demos, 94, of Vancouver, died Oct. 1. Arrangements are under …
In loving memory of Beverly Ann Thurlow: Feb. 24, 1947 - Sept. 23, 2024
Beverly Ann Thurlow, age 77, passed on Sept. 23, 2024, from ovarian cancer. She was born in Bangor, Maine, Feb. 24, 1947. She graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1965. Beverly attended …
In loving memory of Dennis Author Baxter: Oct 5, 1944 - Sept. 9, 2024
Dennis (Deni) Author Baxter, 79, passed away Sept. 9, 2024, at his home in Apache Junction, Arizona, surrounded by family and friends from Alzheimer’s. Deni was born on Oct. 5, 1944, to Lewis …
In loving memory of Judith Ann Oja: 03/10/1945 - 09/26/2024
Judith Ann Oja passed away peacefully, beautifully and on her terms on Sept. 26, 2024, after a short battle with brain cancer. She was born to Ed and Venita (Mitchell) Neely in Portland, Oregon. Judy …
In loving memory of Thomas Lee Harris: Jan. 11, 1951 - Sept. 17, 2024
Thomas Lee Harris, longtime resident of Battle Ground, Washington, passed away on Sept. 17, 2024, at the age of 73. He was born on Jan. 11, 1951, in Vancouver, Washington. Tom grew into a man known …