Local News
Latest Washington big game hunting regulations and special hunt applications now available
The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released the latest big game hunting season and regulation information. The 2025 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet …
Abbarno bill becomes law, extends cooperative work on infrastructure
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday, April 16, signed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, that will extend the work of a government team dedicated to streamlining infrastructure …
Abbarno bill to protect utility companies and ratepayers one step closer to becoming law
The Washington state Senate on April 8 passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, that would give privately-owned utility companies more options to fund repairs to their …
Anglers descend on the Columbia River Gorge to get piece of $1M Northern pikeminnow payouts
THE DALLES, ORE. — Thomas Ogren stood on the dock at The Dalles Marina boat launch Monday, casting for Northern pikeminnow in the hopes of hooking a piece of the roughly $1 million anglers are …
New state law will outlaw traveling animal circuses in Washington
The Washington state House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 9, passed a bill that would ban the use of large wild animals for traveling performances such as circuses. The bill was passed …
Feds to investigate Washington state schools agency over gender inclusivity conflict
The Trump administration on Monday launched an investigation into the Washington office tasked with overseeing public schools, citing allegations that the state directed a school district to …

State Rep. Jim Walsh offers ‘WA DOGE’ legislation 

The 2025 Washington state legislative session is scheduled to come to a close in less than two weeks, but that’s not stopping Washington Republican Party Chair and state Rep. Jim Walsh, …

SS Pacific Tracker sails by the Woodland Bottoms

The SS Pacific Tracker heads up the Columbia River past Austin Point near Woodland on Saturday, April 5. The Pacific Tracker is based in Portland in the National Defense Reserve Fleet and tracks …
Waterfront Park, located along the Ridgefield waterfront, is part of a joint project with the Port of Ridgefield. While design and construction timelines remain uncertain, the park is included in the city's Parks, Trails and Recreational Facilities Capital Facilities Plan discussed by the council on Thursday, April 10.

Ridgefield city council weighs in on future direction of parks, trails and recreation projects

The Ridgefield City Council received a detailed presentation on Thursday, April 10, on the city’s draft Parks, Trails and Recreational Facilities Capital Facilities Plan and offered feedback …
Sue Marshall

County Chair outlines budget strains, sustainability and affordability during State of the County address

Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall delivered the annual State of the County address Wednesday, highlighting new leadership, fiscal concerns and policy initiatives addressing issues ranging from …
State & Regional News
Tax fight crescendos in Washington state Legislature
Major pieces of a $12 billion tax package passed the Washington state Senate on Saturday without a clear sign that Gov. Bob Ferguson supports them. Democratic senators used their near …
Washington Parents Network files Title VI complaint against OSPI chief Chris Reykdal
Washington Parents Network filed a complaint Friday against Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. …
Washington state health care expansion for low-income undocumented immigrants on track to be maintained
Washington began to offer Medicaid-like health care coverage last year for thousands of low-income immigrants living in the state without legal status. Now, with talks over the next two-year …
Washington state Supreme Court strikes down camping ban backed by 75 percent of Spokane voters
Spokane-based providers are cheering after the Washington State Supreme Court struck down one of the city’s most controversial laws on Thursday. While considered a win for the homeless …
Gov. Bob Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12 billion tax plan as ‘too risky’
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson balked at Democratic lawmakers’ latest tax package on Thursday, calling it “too risky” given the budget tumult that actions by the federal government …
As in D.C., a fight breaks out in Washington state over who gets access to lawmakers
When the Trump administration announced in February that it would handpick the reporters who get access to the White House — stripping that power from the century-old White House …
Washington state Democrats ask feds for universal health care — a long shot in Trump's D.C.
The Washington State Legislature passed a memorial on Tuesday, calling on President Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress to implement a universal healthcare system.  Congress …
House approves legislation to modernize Washington state’s recycling system
The Washington State House of Representatives has approved a bill designed to modernize the state’s recycling system by shifting responsibility to producers to ensure a more efficient and …
Washington state takes ‘historic’ step toward full funding for special education
Washington lawmakers are on the cusp of eliminating a special education funding cap, which critics said was straining school finances, hurting students, and putting the state at risk of a major …
Washington Legislature passes bill to make clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse 
After a third consecutive year of raw, emotional debate over religious freedom and child safety, the Washington Legislature has passed one of the nation’s toughest laws requiring clergy to …
Opinion
Community
Community Calendar
Senior Lunch and Learn: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, Battle Ground Event Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Learn about emergency preparedness in a seminar, hosted by Battle Ground …
Community Focus: What concerns do Woodland residents have?
The community of Woodland has a few major concerns about the city and other issues that surround the community. A post in the Woodland Washington Community Chat Facebook group by Reflector …
Hop into springtime fun with local Easter egg hunts
Families can celebrate Easter with festivities at local parks and churches across northern Clark County on Saturday, April 19. Woodland Moose Lodge Easter Egg Hunt: 10-11 a.m., Horseshoe Lake …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor: The truth hurts, Washington schools are woke

Battle Ground District voters recently said NO to a school levy. The district is allowed another levy this year! Have you changed your mind? Let’s look at some of changes or lack of change …

Sports
Life

Veterans find healing and trust through horse therapy at Windhaven

At a quiet ranch in Clark County, veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are reconnecting with themselves, with each other and with four-legged friends who weigh over 1,000 pounds. …

Outdoors
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Cheril Zumstein: 1931-2025
Cheril Mae (Hess) Zumstein, 94, passed away on her beloved farm in Woodland on Saturday, April 5, 2025.  Cheril was born to Gene and Mae Hess on Jan. 14, 1931 in Ogden, Utah.  …
In Loving Memory of Gloria Garrison: 1933-2025
Gloria Garrison, 91, of Ridgefield, passed peacefully at home on March 15, 2025, after an extended time of home hospice care. Born to Gary and Amelia Carson on Sept. 19, 1933, in White Salmon, …
In Loving Memory of Lura "Toby" Taylor: 1955-2025
Lura “Toby” Victoria (Gaylord) Taylor was born to Fay and Neil Gaylord on Nov. 27, 1955, in Vancouver, Washington, and went home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2025. Her life was marked …
In Loving Memory of Jeannette M. Ely: 1943-2025
Jeannette Ely passed away peacefully at home on the morning of April 7, surrounded by love. A longtime resident of Vancouver, Washington, and later Battle Ground, Jeannette was known for her vibrant …
In Loving Memory of Jeannette M. Ely: 1943-2025
Jeannette Ely passed away peacefully at home on the morning of April 7, surrounded by love. A longtime resident of Vancouver, Washington, and later Battle Ground, Jeannette was known for her vibrant …
Death notices
Ralph Schultz, 78, born in Vancouver, died March 17. No funeral service arrangements will be made. Mary Hadley, 59, of Vancouver, died April 1. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park …
In Loving Memory of Patricia "Pat" Bates: 1928-2025
Patricia (Pat) Bates, the sixth child born to Hubert and Alice Beck, came into the world Aug. 23, 1928, in Castle Rock, Washington. Pat passed away in comfort and peace at her home in Battle Ground …
In Loving Memory of Robert Sandberg
Retired aviator Robert Sandberg piloted his last flight, with God as his navigator and angels as his wingmen; and so it is with profound sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Duane Sandberg share …
In Loving Memory of Mary Lou Wiggins: 1927-2025
Mary Lou (Soehl) Wiggins was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Woodland, Washington. She died April 2, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington. A lifelong resident of Clark County, she was born Mary Lou Freeman. Her …