Local News
Santa’s Posse needs volunteers to bring Christmas cheer to families across Clark County
Registered families in need across Clark County will receive packages, containing food and toys, delivered by Santa’s Posse volunteers on Dec. 17.  Santa’s Posse, a nonprofit …
Columbia Dance performing Fort Vancouver-inspired ‘The Nutcracker’ this weekend
Columbia Dance will perform a special retelling of “The Nutcracker” that is inspired by local history. The reinvention of the classic ballet by Tchaikovsky will be interwoven with the …
Bridge #299 in Yacolt and bridge #275 in Brush Prairie closed due to high water
Bridge #299 in Yacolt and bridge #275 in Brush Prairie closed due to high flood waters on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Clark County Public Works issued the bridge closures. Bridge #299 carries NE. CC Landon Rd. over Yacolt Creek. Bridge #275 carries Northeast 112th Avenue over Salmon Creek. The bridges are …
Battle Ground weaver Connie Ford collaborates with local artists to expand her artistic horizons
Using locally sourced materials, multimedia artist Connie Ford combines traditional and unusual fibers to weave unique artworks in her Battle Ground studio. Ford seeks to stretch the boundaries of …
15,000 lights, a tradition and a scene creates smiles in Yacolt
For the Schultz family in Yacolt, Christmas isn’t complete without their 14-foot tall inflatable polar bear. After putting up an estimated 15,000 lights and a yard full of decorations, the …
Battle Ground Citizen of the Year Committee seeking nominations
The Battle Ground’s Citizen of the Year Committee is asking the community to submit nominations for 2023. The Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually to a Battle Ground local, couple or …

Battle Ground hosting open house for parks master plan

The City of Battle Ground invites community members to participate in an open house event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 to share their input on the parks site master plans for Remy, Gardner …
CAM Academy eighth grader Anastasia Royenko, left, and 11th grader Elsa Bice, right, cut the ribbon with Principal Ryan Cowl during the dedication ceremony on Monday, Nov. 27.

Estimated 150 in attendance for CAM Academy campus dedication ceremony

The Battle Ground Public Schools district’s saying of “Working Better Together” came alive during the dedication ceremony for the new Character Academics for the Marketplace Academy …

Community efforts return tree lighting to Hockinson

The Hockinson Community Holiday Tree Lighting is returning this holiday season thanks to a community effort. This year’s ceremony, organized by the Hockinson Community Church, Hockinson …
Dennis Flynn

Battle Ground hosting meet-and-greet with police chief finalists

The City of Battle Ground is hosting a reception for the public to meet the final five police chief candidates this week. The reception will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, …
State & Regional News
Southwest Washington lawmaker Jim Walsh looks to lead state Republicans to success in 2024
Months after he was chosen to lead the Washington state Republican Party, and following his first election cycle in the new role, 19th District legislator Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, continues to plot his …
US Fish and Wildlife unveils plan for grizzly reintroduction in WA State
The federal government has revealed a comprehensive blueprint for the reintroduction of grizzly bears to the North Cascades in Washington state. Once integral to the ecosystem of north-central …
Former Washington resident helping spacecraft land on moon in 2024
When the United States returns to the moon for the first time since 1972, a piece of Yelm will take part in the mission as well. David Johnson, a former Thurston County resident who grew up in …
Gluesenkamp Perez co-sponsoring bipartisan Farmland Security Act
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, Southwest Washington’s congresswoman and two other lawmakers introduced the Farmland Security Act of 2023. The bill is meant to “increase transparency and …
State makes first hire for indigenous cold case unit
In a historic move, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson unveiled the nation’s first-ever Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Cold Case Unit earlier in November. Heading …
Temporary ‘fix’ after landslide on Spirit Lake Highway has failed, WSDOT says
Johnston Ridge, which offers the best crater viewpoint in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, is unlikely to be open any time soon, despite initial optimism from the Washington State …
Clark Public Utilities earns Smart Energy Provider designation
Clark Public Utilities earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed …
WSDOT offers travel charts for ‘drama-free’ Thanksgiving travels
Travelers with plans of long trips throughout Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season can now plan their routes by using Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) holiday travel charts …
Changing of seasons can cause drowsy driving
As days get darker due to the tilt of the planet for winter, many individuals experience disrupted sleep patterns, which can lead to drowsy driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration …
WSDOT is ready for winter: Are you?
With winter on its way, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has tips on how to stay safe and keep everyone moving this wintertime. “Many mountain pass closures, for …
Opinion
Community
Local D.A.R. members working to honor all veterans at Brush Prairie Cemetery
After placing 175 flags for veterans holidays and starting a project of cleaning veterans’ tombstones at Brush Prairie Cemetery, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Fort …
Local eco print artist receives inspiration, unexpected colors through nature
Cheasanee Hetherington For The Reflector Amazing colors are hidden in nature, and Battle Ground artist Kim Wessa enjoys discovering them through eco printing. Self-taught, Wessa has …
‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ program collecting presents for older adults in Clark County
As seasonal holiday festivities begin, home care franchisor Home Instead encourages Clark County residents to participate in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program and share joy by giving a …
Letters to the Editor

LTTE: Sarcastic kudos to local public education

Having received the district report card, I would like to say kudos to the Battle Ground School District for another fine year. As proof of the results, I see that the captains of industry from …

Sports
Life

Thanksgiving: From our family to yours this holiday season

Easy, “Almost” Consomme Madrilene From Reflector editor Jessica Keller While traditional recipes for Consomme Madrilene are much fancier, this is easy to make and hard to mess …

Outdoors
Obituaries
In Loving Memory Of Helen Uskoski 1924 ~ 2023
Helen Uskoski was born Aug. 7, 1924, in a downstairs bedroom of her parents Axel and Alma Uskoski’s Hockinson farmhouse. The same day, her cousin, Clarence Uskoski, was born to Helen’s …
In Loving Memory of Leighten John Cormican
Leighten John Cormican of LaCenter passed away Oct. 31, 2023 after a long time in failing health, surrounded by his family and the Lord. Leighten John was born in Crookston, Minnesota on Oct. 25, …
Death notices
Christina M. Kille, 50, Battle Ground, died on Nov. 16. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Debbie A. Piesch, 72, Battle Ground, died on Nov. 19. …
Death Notices
Miriam A. Otey, 89, of Estacada, Oregon, died on Nov. 15. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Katherine F. Lindersmith, 86, of Vancouver, died on Nov. 12. …
In Loving Memory Of Harold Tegthof 1/4/1935 ~ 10/30/2023
Harold (Hal) Tegthof, 88, passed away on Oct. 30, 2023. He was born on Jan. 4, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee.  His memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at Fernhill Cemetery in …
In Loving Memory of Matthew Paulson 1978~2023
Matthew Brian Paulsen was born Aug. 23, 1978 and passed away Nov. 3, 2023.  Matt grew up in Vancouver, Washington and was a true outdoorsman from his earliest years. He spent as much time …
In Loving Memory of Charles Murray, 1939 - 2023
Charles Murray passed peacefully surrounded by family on Nov. 8, 2023. Chuck lived in Battle Ground for the past 30 years.  He is survived by his wife, Lynda, at home; daughters, Becki …
Death notices, November 15, 2023
Gwendolyn M. Wainwright, 87, of Battle Ground, died on Nov. 4. Arrangements are under the care of All County Cremation and Burial Services, 360-718-7948.   Adam T. Snyder, 38, of …
In loving memory of Billy Voshell 1939-2023
Billy (Bill) Voshell, 83, of La Center, Washington, went to be with his Lord in Heaven on Oct. 17, 2023, after some time in failing health. He was born in Atwood, Colorado, on Dec. 21, 1939, to …