The Reflector's Best of the Best 2025
Local News
Otis: From political pup to Ridgefield legend
Ridgefield’s downtown has long been shaped by its history, businesses and community figures. One of the most beloved figures among them is Otis, a black-and-white Boston terrier who roamed Main …
Port of Ridgefield CEO resigns
The Port of Ridgefield Board of Commissioners has accepted the resignation of CEO Randy Mueller, effective March 7, following a 60-day notice. Deputy Port Director Ethan Perry will step in as …
Snowpack totals and February dry stretch has Washington in a state of drought
In a March 7 water supply update from the Washington state Department of Ecology titled “There’s snow doubt, we’re still in drought,” questions were raised about how …
County seeks volunteers for Solid Waste Advisory Commission
The Clark County Council is accepting applications for two volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission, due by  5 p.m. on Monday, March 31. The commission advises the county …
Clark County extends golf course contract through 2026
After some uncertainty following the failed sale of Tri-Mountain Golf Course, Clark County extended its management contract while determining the course’s long-term future. The Clark …
Former Battle Ground mayor raises concerns over housing, code enforcement and police payouts
During a March 17 Battle Ground City Council meeting, former mayor Philip Johnson returned to voice concerns during public comment about ongoing housing developments, code enforcement and a financial …
A pre-conference application was filed around the same time of Tractor Supply at a commercially zoned site at state Route 503 and Southwest Rasmussen Boulevard in Battle Ground. The applicant proposing a larger farm store commercial building was labeled as the real estate manager for Wilco at a prior ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new location in Yakima.

Tractor Supply groundbreaking sparks renewed commercial growth in Battle Ground

It has been more than 10 years since Walmart first opened its doors in Battle Ground. Now, the 21,390-square-foot Tractor Supply store looks to be the next big addition to the city’s …

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens to celebrate 50th anniversary at Lilac Days

The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the annual Lilac Days event, running from Saturday, April 19 to Sunday, May 11. Visitors can stroll through the historic …
Properly directed lighting in the Battle Ground Walmart parking lot focuses illumination downward, reducing excess sky glow. The city council is reviewing Dark Sky technology to encourage similar lighting in future developments.

Battle Ground City Council reviews dark sky lighting technology

Battle Ground is on track to become a clearer home for stargazers. The city council signaled its support for requiring Dark Sky-compliant lighting in new developments during its Monday, March …
Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested an armed carjacking suspect after a pursuit ended after a crash at the intersection of Northeast 179th Street and Northeast 15th Avenue.

CCSO arrests armed carjacking suspect after pursuit in Salmon Creek area

On Monday, March 17, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) requested Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) assistance in locating a vehicle stolen following an armed carjacking. The victim had …
State & Regional News
Gov. Bob Ferguson cancels parole for man convicted of murdering three people
Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an order Tuesday afternoon canceling the planned release of convicted triple murderer Timothy Pauley. Ferguson’s decision reversed an order made …
Bill to amend parents’ bill of rights draws more criticism, some support in state Legislature
Monday’s public hearing on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5181 before the House Education Committee saw supporters and detractors make their respective cases for and against the controversial …
Natural gas initiative backers plan to take their case to Washington state Supreme Court
Backers of Initiative 2066, which protects natural gas as an energy choice in Washington state, say they will take their case to the Washington Supreme Court after a judge’s ruling last week …
Republican-backed Washington state bill addresses ‘vexing problem’ of unlawful gun possession
A Republican-backed bill that cleared the Washington State Senate with a unanimous vote would impose mandatory community custody for anyone guilty of unlawful firearm possession. Community …
Washington state bill would speed up pardon reviews for immigrants facing deportation
Federal immigration law allows the government to deport a person for a decades-old criminal conviction, regardless of their ties to the United States and whether they’ve completed their …
Democrats in Washington state Legislature pitch competing budget plans
Democrats in Washington’s House and Senate agree on one thing when it comes to the state’s budget shortfall: it’ll take hefty taxes on wealthy individuals and companies to solve. …
Gov. Bob Ferguson cancels parole for man convicted of triple murder
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday reversed a decision by former Gov. Jay Inslee to allow a man convicted of a triple murder more than four decades ago to be released from state prison. …
Debate lingers over Washington state bill's impact on public health policies
Proponents and critics of a Washington state bill regarding public health continue to argue over the exact impacts it will have on matters such as vaccine mandates or restrictions in response to the …
‘Zombie tax increases’: Republican lawmaker derides Washington Senate Dems’ $78.5B budget proposal
Democrats in the Washington State Senate on Monday released a proposed $78.5 billion operating budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, up from the $72.4 billion in the current 2023-2025 biennium. The …
Washington state Democrats push bill to pay picketers — GOP says it tilts the field
After Boeing workers went on strike for over seven weeks last year, Washington state may soon provide up to three months of benefits to those on the picket line if a Democratic bill becomes law. …
Opinion
Community
Community Calendar
Lawn Reduction Seminar: 1-2 p.m., Saturday, March 29, Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE Eighth Way, Battle Ground. Learn about grass lawn alternatives during a seminar, hosted by Washington …
Ridgefield honors community service through annual Make a Difference Awards
On Tuesday, March 18, the City of Ridgefield celebrated outstanding community service at its annual Make a Difference Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact. …
Community Calendar
MOMS Club Social Hour: 12:30-2 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE Eighth Way, Battle Ground. Meet and mingle with local moms during a kid-friendly social hour, hosted …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor: Pass the levy, save the teacher librarians

I have known that I wanted to be a librarian since the age of 9. Even before that, my life was one surrounded by books and literature. My mother always said that she used to read to me …

Sports
Life

Restoring riparian habitat benefits water quality, fish and much more

Homeowners with creeks, ponds or other riparian zones can boost the surrounding landscape thanks to a new program offered by the Clark Conservation District. The Clark Conservation …

Outdoors
Obituaries
Death notices: March 26
Cheryl Scherger, 60, of Ridgefield, died March 12. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 360-574-4252. Gloria Garrison, 91, of Ridgefield, died March 15. …
In loving memory of Fredrick Antone Malinowski: 1940-2025
Fredrick "Rick" Antone Malinowski, 84, of Amboy WA passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Fredrick was born in Aberdeen, Washington on July 31, 1940. A viewing will be held from 6:30 to 8 …
Death notices
Cary Joiner, 64, of Battle Ground, died March 4. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 360-574-4252. James Avery Jr., 68, of Vancouver, died March 7. …
In loving memory of Daniel Glaser: 1934-2025
Daniel S. Glaser, 90, passed away peacefully at home in Vancouver, Washington, on Feb. 28, 2025. Born on Sept. 27, 1934, in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, Daniel, affectionately known as Dan, later moved …
In loving memory of Ruth Williams: 1929-2025
Ruth Marian Williams was born on Feb. 20, 1929, to John and Hilda Luokkala in Thomson Township, Minnesota. She died on Jan. 17, 2025, at Gabriela’s Quality Care adult family home, where she had …
In loving memory of Teri Davis: 1943-2025
Harriet “Teri” C. Davis, born 81 years ago, experienced a childhood marked by moving from Framingham to Waterbury, Connecticut; Crown Point, Indiana; Weston, Connecticut; and Westport, …
In loving memory of Robert Slawson: 1938-2025
Robert M. Slawson, 86, passed away on Feb. 18, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by family. Born on Dec. 18, 1938, in San Diego, California, Bob grew up in Battle Ground, Washington. He …
In loving memory of Carol Adolphine Domench: 1944-2025
Carol Adolphine Domench was born in Kingsville, Texas, in 1944 to Lena Ewing (Heller), a masters-level high school teacher, and Harry Ewing, a Navy Officer and Aviator, who trained pilots for the …
In loving memory of James (Jim) Wayne Cook: 1959-2025
It’s with great sadness the Cook family announces the death of their brother, James (Jim) Wayne Cook. He was a loving husband to Caroline and father to Melissa Ordway-Cook, Jessica Staggs, …