Local News
Forest Service hopes to provide ‘alternative’ recreation at Mount St. Helens as surveys of South Coldwater Slide continue
The U.S. Forest Service is hoping, somehow, the travelers from across the world who come to visit Mount St. Helens this summer still get their views of the unique, eruption-severed north face, …
State insurance commissioner highlights new rules under state pet insurance law
After Gov. Jay Inslee signed a new bill related to pet insurance into law in April, Washington residents can expect more protection and less confusion, according to a news release from Washington …
Candidates file for various positions during filing week
Washington state’s candidate filing week for 2023’s municipal elections took place last week as numerous competitive races took shape for seats on city councils and school boards. …
Woodland Police Department seeks help from community following shooting
The Woodland Police Department was advised of an altercation, which led to a shooting in the 1200 block of Pacific Avenue at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 20. A news release from the …
City of La Center looks to fill vacant council position
The City of La Center is accepting applications to fill the unexpired term of city council position 4. The remainder of the council term runs until Nov. 28, according to a news release from the …
Sewer in rural areas a chief concern in short line rail development plan
Whether industrial development along the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad can hook up to urban sewer utilities remains a major sticking point to move forward on a law passed nearly six years ago. The …

First field nearly complete at Scott Hill Park in Woodland

A small group of Woodland residents had the opportunity to see all of the work put into a yearslong effort by the city’s Rotary Club as structures have been put in place and much of the …

More than 20 bills by North Clark County lawmakers signed

Gov. Jay Inslee has finished signing bills following the 2023 Washington State Legislative Session as lawmakers representing North Clark County saw a number of successes on what they authored this …

Clark County Council adds meeting dates to monthly schedule

The Clark County Council decided last week to add public meeting dates to its monthly schedule, according to a news release from the county. In addition to the regular meeting schedule of 10 …

Clark County’s recent COVID-19 case rate slightly rises as three deaths are reported

The recent case rate of COVID-19 saw a slight increase after three weeks of decline in the latest data. Clark County Public Health’s May 18 report included 17.4 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 …
State & Regional News
Gov. Jay Inslee signs drug possession law ‘fix’ 
A one-day special session of the Washington State Legislature concluded with a solution to a lingering issue and provided a “fix” to the state’s drug possession law. On May 16, …
I-5 bridge replacement tolling bill signed into law
Legislation allowing tolling to support the replacement of the aging Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River received Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature last week, though any fees aren’t …
Gluesenkamp Perez asks for $44 million in federal funding for 3rd District projects
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania County, on Thursday announced she has nominated 15 community projects in the 3rd Congressional District for a total of $44 million in federal funding in …
Gluesenkamp Perez joins bipartisan group in sponsoring legislation addressing bank executive compensation
In a statement earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania County, announced she joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing legislation meant to hold executives …
Gov. Inslee not seeking re-election, attorney general Ferguson eyes seat
One of Washington’s longest-serving governors won’t be trying to break the record as Gov. Jay Inslee announced he will not seek a fourth term last week. On May 1, Inslee announced …
Inslee calls special legislative session to create drug possession ‘fix’
The Washington state Legislature’s work this year isn’t finished as Gov. Jay Inslee called back state lawmakers for a special session that will begin May 16. The governor announced …
Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez emphasizes bipartisanship at most recent town hall
Media outlets across the nation called Southwest Washington’s most recent congressional race a major upset. Two political rookies sought the seat held by Jaime Herrera Buetler, R-Battle …
Road to Mount St. Helens observatory reopens
Travelers who enjoy the scenic, tree-lined stretch of highway leading to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument now have access to the upper reaches once again. At noon Wednesday, May …
WDFW approves final coastal razor clam digs of the spring season
Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the final coastal razor clam digs of the season can proceed as planned from May 4 to May 14. “This last tide …
Local lawmakers see several bills pass through statehouse as legislative session ends
Washington State’s 2023 Legislative Session has come to an end as several bills from local lawmakers will be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in the coming weeks. The session adjourned …
Opinion
Community
Community Calendar, May 24 edition
GFWC meeting: 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 25. A meeting for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs will be held at 14208 NE 249th St. in Battle Ground. GFWC is an international women’s …
City announces the return of Battle Ground University
The City of Battle Ground has announced the return of a program that provides people with an in-depth look into how the city operates. Battle Ground University (BGU) was originally introduced in …
Woodland Public Schools to offer free summer meal program
Children and teens who are 18 or younger can enjoy a free summer meal provided at Woodland Middle School. Woodland Public Schools will serve breakfast and lunch at the school’s cafeteria …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor: Eating disorders and suicide

National Eating Disorders Week was held between Feb. 27 and March 5 in our country. The three types of eating disorders that have been studied the most are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and …

Sports
Life

Nu-Life Wellness Center provides a unique approach for its clients

Nu-Life Wellness Center has a variety of services to offer its clients like chiropractic care, a red light therapy bed, foot detoxes, nutritional response testing and massages. Karen …

Outdoors

WDFW approves coastal razor clam digs in April as daily limit increases to 20 clams

Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed the next round of coastal razor clam digging can proceed as planned from April 6 to April 12 with an increased …

Obituaries
Death notices — May 24, 2023
Geraldine L. Ostrowski, 90, of Battle Ground, died on May 12, 2023. Arrangements are under the care of All County Cremation and Burial Services.   Sinh Q. Huynh, 61, of Battle Ground, …
In loving memory of Eugene M. Bleth: 1948-2023
Eugene Michael Bleth passed away in the early hours of May 5, 2023, at the age of 75, having fought a long battle with cancer. He was born March 8, 1948, to Michael and Clara Bleth in Vancouver, …
In loving memory of Lynette Cameron: 1951-2023 
Lynette Elaine Cameron (Gudmunson), of Yacolt, Washington, passed away on May 12, 2023, at the age of 72. She was born in The Dalles, Oregon, on March 22, 1951. Lynn was a big-hearted animal lover, a …
Death notice — May 17, 2023
Kody D. Lee, 24, of Ridgefield died on May 6, 2023 Arrangements are under the care of All County Cremation and Burial Services.
In loving memory of Joseph Heasley: 1943-2023
Joseph Everett Heasley, 79, of Battle Ground, Washington, passed away on May 11, 2023, from cancer. He was born on Nov. 17, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, to Everett andDoris Heasley. Joe was married …
In loving memory of Renee White: 1966-2023
Renee Dian (Hymas) White, a beloved member of the Woodland community, passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2023, at the age of 57. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Renee attended Lincoln Elementary, …
In loving memory of James Andersen: 1938-2023
James “Jim” David Andersen was born on January 23, 1938 in Valhalla, New York to Victor Karl and Dorothea Karen Andersen. He moved with his mother and siblings to Conrad, Montana in his …
In loving memory of David Kooken: Dec. 11, 1924 — March 26, 2023 
David Richard Kooken was born Dec. 11, 1924, to Mildred and George Kooken in Cumberland, Maryland.  During his youth, he lived in West Virginia and Maryland until enlisting in the Marine …
Death notices — May 10, 2023
Paula J. Deschenes, 66 of Amboy, died on May 4, 2023.   Arrangements are under the care of All County Cremation and Burial Services.