Local News
Ridgefield Port imposes tax increments, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue commissioner opposed
In a unanimous decision on April 10, the Port of Ridgefield’s commissioners approved a controversial funding tool to finance industrial developments, which would revive the city’s …
A birder’s paradise can be found in Ridgefield
Spring has sprung and the birds are landing in droves at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with the variety of species peaking over 60 daily this time of year at the River S Unit. Ducks, …
Ridgefield senior gardener shares passion for sustainability and pollinators
Passionate for plants, Ridgefield senior gardener Kathy Winters works diligently at the city’s Community Garden tending plants, weeding the paths and sharing her knowledge with residents. …
Reprise Choir Sings presents piano concert fundraiser
Reprise Choir Sings will present a piano concert, performed by co-directors April Duvic and Janet Reiter-Galbraith at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 5, at Vancouver First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd …
Ridgefield parents divided on upcoming school bond vote
As the April 23 special election approaches, Ridgefield School District parents have differing opinions on whether they support two bond propositions that, if passed, will provide funding for new …
La Center council hires consultant to update city’s transportation plan
To meet future demand, La Center will be evaluating ways to improve bike and pedestrian access and traffic safety between the city’s residential and commercial areas. In an April 10 …
Battle Ground Station developer Parth Partel told The Reflector he hopes to engage with the community to discuss potential additions to the food cart pod after it opens.

Battle Ground Station developer says opening is coming soon

Three local food carts have parked on Battle Ground Station, the city’s first food cart pod, although they are not yet open for business. Battle Ground Station food cart pod developer …
Sam Glackler takes a sample of Exit 16’s upcoming brew, Let it Ride.

Exit 16 craft beer to be featured at ilani Rock & Brews opening

When ilani Casino and Resort’s new restaurant, Rock & Brews, opens next week, one of its offerings will come from an up-and-coming La Center business, Exit 16. The craft …

Botanical garden seeks volunteers for annual sale

NatureScaping of Southwest Washington is seeking volunteers for its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 27, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, April 28, at the Wildlife Botanical …

Yacolt hosts annual town cleanup

Yacolt residents will have the opportunity to load up their vehicles and declutter their homes at the annual town cleanup. The event will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at the railroad …
State & Regional News
Yacolt man to be sentenced for Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol
A Yacolt man is set to be sentenced in September for his participation in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Benjamin John Silva, 36, pleaded guilty April 5 in the District of …
Fatal work zone crashes double in state; SW Washington county sees fourth highest crash rate 
Valerie Bergmann saw headlights in her rearview mirror just before a car traveling 70 mph rammed into her maintenance truck on the side of Interstate 5 in Vancouver. Bergmann, of Woodland, and …
Ecology files administrative order against local railroad
The Washington Department of Ecology is applying pressure on Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR) after issuing an administrative order on March 25. The order demanded that the railroad …
Republican legislators, candidate Joe Kent share priorities during town hall
Southwest Washington Republicans spoke about their priorities leading up to November’s general election during a town hall last week in Battle Ground. The town hall was hosted by 19th District …
Local lawmakers pleased parent rights, police pursuit legislation pass recent session
While 18th and 20th district legislators disagreed with many bills that passed during the 2024 short legislative session, which concluded March 7, the lawmakers were pleased that many area …
Ahead of spring, gas prices on the rise in Washington state
Washington state drivers may have noticed an increase in the price at the pump recently. On Monday, the average cost for a gallon of gas in the Evergreen State increased to nearly $4.31 per …
Salmon recovery proponents say several bills got away this legislative session
Supporters of salmon recovery efforts in Washington state were optimistic going into this year's short 60-day legislative session. There was bipartisan support for habitat restoration, with …
BG city councilor announces campaign for state Senate
Battle Ground City Councilor and former Mayor Adrian Cortes announced his campaign for Washington state Senate in the 18th District last week. Cortes is currently serving his third term in City …
Battle begins over three revenue-cutting initiatives on the ballot this November
Less than eight months from now, Washington state voters will – in addition to casting a ballot for president in November’s general election – decide the fate of three initiatives …
Gov. Inslee signs bill allowing hate crime charges for defacing public property
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a bill that classifies certain types of public defacement as a felony if it's perceived to be an act of "hate." Senate Bill 5917 amends …
Opinion
Community
Ridgefield School District honors April employee and students of the month
Employee of the Month Amber Zirkle, South Ridge Elementary School recess staff Amber Zirkle is the lead staff member at South Ridge Elementary School who supports all 770 students during …
Community Calendar
Senior Lunch and Learn: 12-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, Battle Ground Senior Center, 116 NE Third Ave., Battle Ground. Learn about the myths and truths of senior housing, hosted by Battle Ground …
Battle Ground Senior Citizens hosts monthly coffee social
Battle Ground Senior Citizens (BGSC) will begin hosting a monthly coffee social to give local seniors another opportunity to socialize, meet new people and spend time with friends while enjoying …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: School bond passage will have dire consequences

Editor, From my geezer perspective, I’ll provide a few comments regarding the proposed Ridgefield School District construction bond of almost $200 million. Many recent letters have …

Sports
Life

Thanksgiving: From our family to yours this holiday season

Easy, “Almost” Consomme Madrilene From Reflector editor Jessica Keller While traditional recipes for Consomme Madrilene are much fancier, this is easy to make and hard to mess …

Outdoors

Community members help spruce up Ridgefield

Volunteers cleaned up litter along the waterfront and removed invasive plants from Abrams Park in Ridgefield on Saturday, April 6, during a community event. For Ridgefield First Saturday’s …

Obituaries
In Loving Memory Of Marjorie Cummings 1956 ~ 2024
Marjorie “Margie” Cummings, 67, of Clarkston, died after a long battle with cancer on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Lewiston. Margie was born on May 2, 1956, in California. She grew up in a …
In loving memory of Elizabeth "Beth" High Stoller
Elizabeth Valiant Stoller, age 86, passed away peacefully April 1, 2024. She was born Jan. 7, 1938, in the state of Missouri to Theodore and Millie Heaberlin. She married Donald High in 1955. He …
In loving memory of Bruce Delbert Kenworthy 1942-2024
Bruce Delbert Kenworthy was born in Kirkland, Washington, on Feb. 7, 1942, and passed away in Portland, Oregon, on March 27, 2024. From being a tugboat deckhand and soil technician in Alaska, an …
In loving memory of Donald Homer Ellertson June 29, 1928 - March 18, 2024
Donald Homer Ellertson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, March 18, 2024. Don was born to Homer and Marie (Mattox) Ellertson, joining big brother, Ken, on June 19, 1928, in Hockinson, …
Death Notices
Edward A. Kiessling, 75, of Woodland, died April 10. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Linda Westerling, 78, of Portland, died April 9. Arrangements are …
In loving memory of Judith Ann Ost Jan. 4, 1944 - March 23, 2024
Judith Ann Ost, née Collier, was born in Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 4, 1944, to Una and Robert Collier. She was the eldest of eight children. She and her family emigrated to the United States in …
In loving memory of Carol Lynn Andrews (Cahoon) Sept. 13, 1950 - March 25, 2024
Carol Lynn Andrews, a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024, at the age of 74 in Salmon Creek, Washington.  Born on Sept. 13, 1950, in …
In loving memory of Ed Gerald DeClusin April 24, 1959 - March 26, 2024
Ed Gerald DeClusin, 64, of Amboy, Washington, was born April 24, 1959, and died March 26, 2024. He was born to Marylin Erickson and Gerald DeClusin in Bemidji, Minnesota. He is survived by his …
In loving memory of Barbara Jean Kreinbring
Barbara Jean Kreinbring, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died on March 26, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born on March 15, 1933, to Lawrence Albert Herman Fisher and Emma Mae …