Local News
Board of Health seeks nurse representative for Public Health Advisory Council
The Clark County Board of Health is seeking a volunteer representing the working nurse community to join the Public Health Advisory Council. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. The …
Ridgefield Pioneer Street to close for construction this week
The City of Ridgefield will close Pioneer Street between Discovery Drive and 53rd Place from 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, until 6 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28, as construction continues to widen the road and …
Take a journey through this area’s rich history
Enjoy snapshots of local history written in past issues of the Reflector from 30, 20 and 10 years ago, respectively. A look back at October, 30 years ago On Oct. 3, 1994, La Center …
Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance set to host inaugural fundraiser
Community members are invited to join a fundraiser aimed at promoting youth wellness and preventing substance abuse through the sport of Pickleball. The event, hosted by Prevent Together: Battle …
MGP champions small business reforms, questions state’s green energy approach at local forum
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, highlighted her refusal to play “party politics” and her commitment to local priorities, including support for small businesses and the middle …
Celebrated local artist earns county Lifelong Achievement Award
The Clark County Council proclaimed Oct. 15, 2024, as James Lee Hansen Day in honor of the celebrated sculptor and Battle Ground resident. Hansen, a lifelong Clark County resident, was subsequently …
The Battle Ground Police Department unveiled a fresh graphics design that will be on eight new patrol cars rolling out onto city streets soon. The new design features Mount St. Helens and evergreen trees.

BGPD rolls out in style with personalized design, new vehicles

Community members will start noticing a new look on Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) vehicles as eight new squad cars will hit the streets in the coming months.  The cars will sport …
Since taking a step back from a larger donut variety in 2020, Sadie and Josie’s Bakery in La Center have been working to bring back the broad selection of fried treats that are fresh and ready at 7 a.m. each morning the bakery is open.

Family-owned and operated bakery in La Center has it all, from sourdough breads to donuts

Sadie and Josie’s Bakery has been a staple in the La Center food scene for over 18 years, and continues to expand its offerings to treat the taste buds of more customers each year.  …
Participants in Battle Ground's annual decorated pumpkin contest will showcase their creative designs in front of the Main Street Floral Company. The contest, open to all ages, invites community members to vote on their favorite pumpkins, with prizes awarded to the top three entries. People can drop their pumpkins off for free between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at 717 W. Main St., Suite 118.

BG Trick or Treat Trail returns Oct. 31

The Battle Ground Main Street community will continue its tradition of bringing the magic of Halloween to local trick-or-treaters. The Battle Ground Festivals Association will host its annual …
Jose and Xeleus Flores of Vancouver attempt to launch a mini pumpkin into a barrel at the Bi-Zi Farms pumpkin patch in Brush Prairie on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch brings smiles to all ages

 The Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival at Bi-Zi Farms in Brush Prairie, 9504 NE 119th St., will be open Thursday through Sunday this weekend, Oct. 24 through Oct. 27. On Thursday and Friday, …
State & Regional News
State investigates Longview paper mill as possible source of September's mysterious odor
The mysterious odor people reported from Kelso to Portland last month may be tied to Longview's WestRock mill, according to a spokesperson from the Washington Department of Ecology . Brittny …
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 …
Opinion
Community
Community Calendar
Meaningful Movies Ridgefield: 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, Old Liberty Theater, 115 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield. Learn about voter suppression, election sabotage and the threat to democracy while …
Love Street Playhouse presents comedic farce ‘Live in 3,2,1’
Love Street Playhouse’s upcoming theatrical performance, “Live in 3, 2, 1,” will have its world premier at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., …
Clark County encourages pumpkin composting
Clark County Public Health is encouraging residents to compost pumpkins after fall festivities, keeping the gourds from rotting in landfills and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Christians should vote to protect America’s laws

Editor, It is sad that millions of Christians registered to vote probably will not. This silence allows non-believers to choose America’s direction, its laws. Millions more Christians …

Sports
Life

How to overwinter geraniums for vibrant spring blooms

Annual geraniums, known for their vibrant blooms and low maintenance, can be overwintered for fuller blooms in the following year.  Washington State University (WSU) Extension Clark County …

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
Death Notices: Oct. 23
Charles Cooper, 87, of Vancouver, died Oct. 17. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 360-574-4252. Cynthia D. Webb, 53, of La Center, died Oct. 14. …
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 …