Local News
Antique farm tractor collection in Battle Ground still sees use
Battle Ground resident Richard Marini started collecting small tractors as a young man and now has 10-plus antique farm machines, which he still puts to use regularly. Marini’s top tractor …
Research at Ridgefield farm could benefit Washington agriculture
Research into regenerative agriculture and water conservation has farm owner Debbie Boe and garden manager Rachel Feston abuzz with excitement at Edible Acres Farm in Ridgefield. The …
County looking for volunteers for Historic Preservation Commission
Clark County is seeking appl icants for two seats on the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 15. The seven-member volunteer …
Gene Simmons headlines Rock and Brews opening at ilani Casino and Resort
The newest restaurant in ilani’s arsenal, Rock and Brews, opened to the public with a bang on Tuesday, April 23, with rock and roll legend Gene Simmons of KISS performing with his newest band, …
County Public Facilities District board hosting public meeting about tourism
The Clark County Public Facil ities District board will host a public meeting from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday, May 6, to discuss further community development to promote tourism. The meeting will be …
County Permit Center moves locations at Public Service Center
The Clark County Permit Center has a new home within the Public Service Center. The permit center is now located on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. …
Bob Puckette occasionally plays the mandola, a cousin of the mandolin with a similar string composition as the viola.

Mandolin maestro from Hockinson recounts his musical journey

Retired engineer Bob Puckette’s journey from calculations to concerts has struck a chord with the Pacific Northwest community. Since moving from Corvallis, Oregon, eight years ago, …
Vivian Angerman

Clark County’s bustling quilting scene ideal for beginners

The bustling quilting scene in Clark County is a haven for budding quilters seeking to delve into the art form. With a historic and helpful quilting community, a wealth of knowledge is available for …
Abrams Park in Ridgefield will receive enhancements to its many trails, depending on available funds and implementation. A master plan that the City Council approved includes asphalt pavement of trails south of Gee Creek.

Ridgefield City Council approves Abrams Park master plan

Abrams Park in Ridgefield is expected to maintain its natural beauty, though the future of its ballfields are uncertain. The City Council approved a master plan for the park last week, outlining …
Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an online report of partially decomposed human remains found at a transient camp in a wooded area north of Northeast 179th Street near Northeast 10th Avenue on April 22. On April 23, Clark County Search and Rescue and Silver Star Search and Rescue volunteers cut a path through the woods, allowing easier access to the transient camp to remove the remains.

CCSO uncovers human remains in encampment near fairgrounds

Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) patrol deputies located partially decomposed human remains in a tent structure at a transient camp near the Clark County Fairgrounds on April 22, CCSO …
State & Regional News
Candidate filing period for government positions begins May 6
Those interested in running for public office can file their declarations beginning May 6. This year, many offices are open for federal and local candidate filings, such as U.S. senator, …
Yacolt man to be sentenced for Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol
A Yacolt man is set to be sentenced in September for his participation in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Benjamin John Silva, 36, pleaded guilty April 5 in the District of …
Fatal work zone crashes double in state; SW Washington county sees fourth highest crash rate 
Valerie Bergmann saw headlights in her rearview mirror just before a car traveling 70 mph rammed into her maintenance truck on the side of Interstate 5 in Vancouver. Bergmann, of Woodland, and …
Ecology files administrative order against local railroad
The Washington Department of Ecology is applying pressure on Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR) after issuing an administrative order on March 25. The order demanded that the railroad …
Republican legislators, candidate Joe Kent share priorities during town hall
Southwest Washington Republicans spoke about their priorities leading up to November’s general election during a town hall last week in Battle Ground. The town hall was hosted by 19th District …
Local lawmakers pleased parent rights, police pursuit legislation pass recent session
While 18th and 20th district legislators disagreed with many bills that passed during the 2024 short legislative session, which concluded March 7, the lawmakers were pleased that many area …
Ahead of spring, gas prices on the rise in Washington state
Washington state drivers may have noticed an increase in the price at the pump recently. On Monday, the average cost for a gallon of gas in the Evergreen State increased to nearly $4.31 per …
Salmon recovery proponents say several bills got away this legislative session
Supporters of salmon recovery efforts in Washington state were optimistic going into this year's short 60-day legislative session. There was bipartisan support for habitat restoration, with …
BG city councilor announces campaign for state Senate
Battle Ground City Councilor and former Mayor Adrian Cortes announced his campaign for Washington state Senate in the 18th District last week. Cortes is currently serving his third term in City …
Battle begins over three revenue-cutting initiatives on the ballot this November
Less than eight months from now, Washington state voters will – in addition to casting a ballot for president in November’s general election – decide the fate of three initiatives …
Opinion
Community
Ridgefield High School junior awarded $10,000 scholarship by employer
Ridgefield High School junior Matthew Parrish earned a $10,000 scholarship after he submitted a two-minute video talking about his passions and what he wanted to study in college. Parrish, a …
Woodland announces Hot Summer Nights & Movies in the Park
Hot Summer Nights & Movies in the Park will return this year at Horseshoe Lake Park, Park Road, Woodland. Events will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an optional $5 dinner by Veterans Of Foreign …
Battle Ground schools continue LEGO Summer Academy
Creativity was on display last week at Captain Strong Primary, as third and fourth grade students in the school’s Aspire program showed off their LEGO creations. The event, overseen by …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: America needs to return to Trump politics and policies

Editor, In 2022, my family visited Sweden. Unfortunately, during our visit, we thought we were in a different foreign country. With 20% of the Swedish population being of non-native …

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

A birder’s paradise can be found in Ridgefield

Spring has sprung and the birds are landing in droves at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with the variety of species peaking over 60 daily this time of year at the River S Unit. Ducks, …

Obituaries
In Loving Memory Martin M. Brosseau 1939-2024
Martin “Marty” M. Brosseau, a lifelong resident of Clark County, was born in Vancouver, Washington, to Adolf “Buck” and Elizabeth “Elsie” Brosseau and passed away …
In Loving Memory Of Kevin Meck 1964 ~ 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we share, Kevin Thomas Meck, 59, of Battle Ground, Washington, suddenly passed away the morning of Sunday, March 31, 2024.  Kevin was born to Bill Meck and …
In Loving Memory Of Gerald Johnson 1934 ~ 2024
Gerald “Jerry” Johnson passed away April 17, 2024. He was born on Aug. 30, 1934, in Newport, Washington, to Lawrence and Marienne Johnson.  Lawrence and Marienne moved their …
Death Notices
Richard Larry Smith, 90, of La Center, died April 24. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 360-574-4252. Heidi K. Leitgeb, 75, of Battle Ground, died …
F*bombs, Boobs & Jesus: David Malcolm 1947 ~ 2024
Editor's note: Obituaries are written and approved by the family.  David Malcolm, 77, born in National City, California, passed away on March 23, 2024, in Vancouver, Washington. He fought a …
In loving memory of Richard Alan Robertson
Richard Alan Robertson was born Oct. 4, 1957, in Fort Lewis, Washington, to Archie and Marilynn Robertson. On Feb. 28, 2024, at age 66, Richard passed away from a heart attack. Beloved husband, …
Death Notices
Gerald D. Johnson, 89, of Ya colt, died April 17. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Sandra Kestner, 77, of La Center, died April 16. Arrangements are …
In Loving Memory Of Marjorie Cummings 1956 ~ 2024
Marjorie “Margie” Cummings, 67, of Clarkston, died after a long battle with cancer on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Lewiston. Margie was born on May 2, 1956, in California. She grew up in a …
In loving memory of Elizabeth "Beth" High Stoller
Elizabeth Valiant Stoller, age 86, passed away peacefully April 1, 2024. She was born Jan. 7, 1938, in the state of Missouri to Theodore and Millie Heaberlin. She married Donald High in 1955. He …