Local News
Clark County to host free 2025 Composter Recycler Certification training
Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a free eight-week certification training for residents interested in low-waste living and sustainability. Classes will be held from …
Security cameras coming to town of Yacolt
The Town of Yacolt will soon install 26 security cameras throughout the town, including parks, as officials take steps to improve public safety and reduce expenses to town coffers. Yacolt Mayor …
Vancouver director’s debut film celebrates local community spirit and craft beer culture
Set to premiere at Kiggins Theatre on Thursday, Jan. 23, Vancouver author and Battle Ground Film House Group member Brian Tashima’s debut film, “Hold My Beer,” is poised to …
La Center locals weigh in on preferred changes to downtown, Timmen Landing
During a Wednesday, Jan. 15, open house, La Center residents gave feedback to two proposed subarea plans, indicating a mix of support and skepticism for projects posed in the downtown and Timmen …
Ridgefield Police Department raises over $2,400 to support breast cancer patients in 2024
The Ridgefield Police Department has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting breast cancer patients through its annual fundraising efforts. During a Ridgefield City Council meeting …
La Center adopts tree protection ordinance in pursuit of Tree City USA recognition
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the La Center City Council approved Ordinance 2024-08, updating the municipal code to strengthen tree protection measures and support the city’s application for Tree City …

Battle Ground seeks volunteers for Climate Policy Advisory Team

In preparation for a major update to the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Battle Ground is seeking community members to contribute to the city’s further development and climate strategies …

County seeks volunteer for Community Action Advisory Board

The county is seeking a representative for the Community Action Advisory Board, which makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency and housing programs. …

Ridgefield City Council opens applications for vacant seat

Following Ridgefield City Council member and Mayor Ron Onslow’s resignation, which took effect Jan. 10, the city has begun its application process to fill his Position 1 seat. The council is …

Clark County Elections mailing out special election ballots this week

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 22, Clark County Elections will mail ballots to all eligible registered voters for the Feb. 11 special election. If a voter does not receive a ballot by Thursday, Jan. …
State & Regional News
No out-of-state fire vehicles turned away from California due to emissions testing
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) have cleared up misinformation spreading across social media regarding out-of-state …
FBI needs help from the public in identifying October ballot box arsonist
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) field offices of Portland and Seattle are still seeking information from the public related to the series of dangerous attacks in October at ballot box …
North Clark County fire crews head to California to assist in firefighting efforts
Three engines from north Clark County departments traveled south Thursday to provide aid to Southern California in an effort to not only assist fire crews battling the fires raging in the city, but …
Interstate Bridge Replacement complete public comment period for draft
The 60-day public comment period for key design alternatives for the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement has officially concluded. In its December newsletter, the Interstate-5 Bridge Replacement …
Christmas Bird Count returns for 125th year
The Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC) returns for another year where the public can participate in a tradition of appreciating and protecting feathered friends. The bird count is a …
Democrats flip southwest Washington state Senate seat following recount
A recount has confirmed Democrat Adrian Cortes’ victory in a fierce contest for an open seat in the Washington state Senate. Cortes, a Battle Ground council member, defeated Republican …
Chinook Indian Nation chairman calls for federal legislators to act on promise
Instead of celebrating Native American Heritage Day on Friday, Nov. 29, Chinook Indian Nation Chairman Tony Johnson said tribal leaders continue to focus on their fight for federal recognition as a …
MGP helps secure $454,436 to support Columbia River barge service
Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) helped secure a $454,436 grant through the Department of Transportation’s United States Marine Highway Program to support Columbia River barge …
WSDOT offers online tools for stress-free Thanksgiving travel
The Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) anticipates the roads will be busy this Thanksgiving with people traveling to holiday destinations and suggest people plan ahead for winter …
‘Tis the season: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits now available
We haven’t yet reached Thanksgiving, but Christmas tree season has arrived in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Residents who want a little adventure to go with their holiday …
Opinion
Community
Community Calendar
BGPS Virtual Dual Credit Night: 4-5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, online via Google Meet. Battle Ground Public Schools parents and eighth through 11th grade students are invited to an educational seminar …
The Scott Law Firm, PLLC supports Battle Ground High School students with coat drive donation
The Scott Law Firm, PLLC recently donated six large boxes of winter coats to Battle Ground High School. The donation, organized in partnership with Battle Ground High School’s staff and …
Love Street Playhouse presents historic drama ‘The Miracle Worker’
Love Street Playhouse’s upcoming theatrical performance “The Miracle Worker” will debut at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. “The …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor; Proposed traffic safety legislation will benefit police, residents

Editor, Recall the last time you were driving and you were stopped by the police. How did you feel? Were you excited to meet a new friend? Were you looking forward to a pleasant conversation? …

Sports
Life

19-year-old opens CrossFit gym to share positive impacts the sport has provided him

19-year-old Emerson Forrester opened Milestone CrossFit in Brush Prairie in October last year, and, since then, his mission of providing an inclusive gym in a supportive environment has continued to …

Outdoors

The road to 100: Photographing the bird species of southwest Washington

For 2025, I will be setting out on a backyard and beyond adventure to photograph 100 bird species that call southwest Washington home. From year-round avian residents to migratory birds, my goal …

Obituaries
In loving memory of Martha Ann Cresap: 1938-2025
Martha Stephens Cresap passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. She was 86 years old. Martha was born April 9, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Kermit and Jean …
Death notices
Fay L. Pearson, 92, of Ridgefield, died Jan. 14. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Donald Nikolas, 89, of Battle Ground, died Jan. 13. Arrangements are …
In loving memory of Janet Eileen (Kreinbring) Bellcoff: 1945-2025
Janet Eileen (Kreinbring) Bellcoff was born Jan. 9, 1945, in Vancouver, Washington. She died Jan. 6, 2025, in Brush Prairie, Washington Janet passed at home with family by her side, three days …
In loving memory of Gordon R. Bloomquist: July 1950 - December 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gordon (Gordy) Bloomquist on Dec. 12, 2024, at the age of 74.  Gordy’s passing was unexpected. He died while digging clams on …
In loving memory of Betty Valerie Baudoin: 1925-2024
Betty Valerie Thomas was born in Townsville, Australia, on Aug. 27, 1925.  As Betty grew, she excelled at academics and piano. She met her future husband, Joseph C. Baudoin, a U.S. Army …
In loving memory of Rodney Lee Berry
Rodney Lee Berry, aged 77, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, in Battle Ground, Washington, with his wife, Cherry, at his side. Born in Vancouver, Washington, on Feb. 8, 1947, Rodney was known for his …
Death notices: Jan. 15
Susan L. Paladeni, 77, of Vancouver, died Jan. 8, 2025. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Dena L. Allmaras, 7 3, of Ridgefield, died Jan. 7, 2025. …
Death notices: Jan. 8
Emberly K. Polos, 42, of Battle Ground, died Jan. 1, 2025. Arrangements are under the care of Brown’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 360-834-3692. Linda J. Merz-Perez, 74, of Battle …
In loving memory of Tai Allyson Mansigh/Motzkus: Nov. 3, 1978 - Dec. 12, 2024
Tai was born Nov. 3, 1978 in Longview, Washington, to Kenneth M. Mansigh and Tanya Mansigh. She will be missed by her family: husband, Josh Motzkus; father, Mike Mansigh; mothers, Trish and Tanya …