Local News
Clark County Historical Museum celebrates 60th anniversary
Clark County Historical Museum will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special presentation by Executive Director Brad Richardson at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 2, Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 …
A glimpse at the rich history of Clark County
Enjoy snapshots of local history written in past issues of the Reflector from 30, 20 and 10 years ago, respectively. A look back at April, 30 years ago An undercover sting operation …
Fight the frizz, and keep hair healthy, with hydration and protein treatments
Humidity and hair damage cause unruly, frizzy hairdos for women and men across Clark County this time of year. Battle Ground cosmetologist Tara Dunn from Could 9 Salon,   614 E. Main St., Battle …
Home and Garden Idea Fair returns this weekend in Ridgefield
For over 30 years, the annual Clark Public Utilities (CPU) Home and Garden Idea Fair has been Southwest Washington’s show to inspire homeowners and gardeners with the latest products and …
Community rooted in Ridgefield’s history promotes native plants in gardens, landscaping
Planted in the heart of the city, the historic Ridgefield Garden Club continues to advocate for the conservation of local plants nearly a century after its creation. Through donations and …
Ridgefield seeks applicants for Parks Board and Planning Commission
The City of Ridgefield is seeking volunteers to fill vacant positions on the Parks Board and Planning Commission. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on April 29. The Parks Board advises the City …

Battle Ground City Council selects interim city manager

As Battle Ground continues to search for a new city manager, the City Council unanimously approved a contract for Kristina Swanson to fill the soon-vacant role last week. Swanson, a Silver Lake …
As Woodland’s public works director, Riley Bunnell will lead the city through major infrastructure projects, including future developments on the Interstate 5 interchange that will alleviate traffic congestion.

Woodland hires new public works director

Riley Bunnell plans to apply ni ne years of operating experience and three high-level certifications in his new position as Woodland’s public works director. In a unanimous vote, the …
Brad and Melissa Yahn have made it their business goal to lift others up in the north Clark County community through their vehicle repair shop, Impact Automotive, in Yacolt.

Impact Auto strives to make positive impact in north Clark County community

An automotive repair shop in Yacolt has a goal to positively impact the northern reaches of Clark County. Impact Automotive owners Brad and Melissa Yahn thrive on focusing their business around …

Chief Umtuch D.R.E.A.M. Team hosts drive-in movie event

Students from Chief Umtuch Middle School, who are part of the youth leadership group known as the D.R.E.A.M. Team, will host a drive-in movie night aimed at promoting drug-free lifestyles among their …
State & Regional News
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 …
Gov. Inslee signs bill allowing hate crime charges for defacing public property
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a bill that classifies certain types of public defacement as a felony if it's perceived to be an act of "hate." Senate Bill 5917 amends …
Opinion
Community
Ridgefield students win history and essay video contest
Two Ridgefield high school students displayed their creativity and won first place in the Fort Vancouver Sons of The American Revolution (SAR) Chapter’s 2024 Knight Essay and Youth Video …
Prairie, BGHS finish first and second in welding event
Prairie High School and Battle Ground High School competed in the 2024 SkillsUSA state welding fabrication competition at Centralia College last month, with Prairie claiming first place and Battle …
Community Calendar
Battle Ground Community Resource Fair: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE Eighth Way, Battle Ground. Learn more about resources within the community, such …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Inslee should repeal freight rail legislation

Editor, Based on the ever-growing opposition to the freight rail dependent use, the governor should consider repealing the legislation that allows for this chaos to continue. As reported by The …

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
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 …
In loving memory of Bruce Delbert Kenworthy 1942-2024
Bruce Delbert Kenworthy was born in Kirkland, Washington, on Feb. 7, 1942, and passed away in Portland, Oregon, on March 27, 2024. From being a tugboat deckhand and soil technician in Alaska, an …
In loving memory of Donald Homer Ellertson June 29, 1928 - March 18, 2024
Donald Homer Ellertson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, March 18, 2024. Don was born to Homer and Marie (Mattox) Ellertson, joining big brother, Ken, on June 19, 1928, in Hockinson, …
Death Notices
Edward A. Kiessling, 75, of Woodland, died April 10. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Linda Westerling, 78, of Portland, died April 9. Arrangements are …
In loving memory of Judith Ann Ost Jan. 4, 1944 - March 23, 2024
Judith Ann Ost, née Collier, was born in Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 4, 1944, to Una and Robert Collier. She was the eldest of eight children. She and her family emigrated to the United States in …
In loving memory of Carol Lynn Andrews (Cahoon) Sept. 13, 1950 - March 25, 2024
Carol Lynn Andrews, a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024, at the age of 74 in Salmon Creek, Washington.  Born on Sept. 13, 1950, in …
In loving memory of Ed Gerald DeClusin April 24, 1959 - March 26, 2024
Ed Gerald DeClusin, 64, of Amboy, Washington, was born April 24, 1959, and died March 26, 2024. He was born to Marylin Erickson and Gerald DeClusin in Bemidji, Minnesota. He is survived by his …