Local News
MGP helps secure $454,436 to support Columbia River barge service
Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) helped secure a $454,436 grant through the Department of Transportation’s United States Marine Highway Program to support Columbia River barge …
Ridgefield certified dog trainer takes training to the next level
What started as a personal passion for Ridgefield resident Stephen Foster has grown into a full-fledged career — and soon, a dedicated space for his work. Foster’s dog-training …
Yacolt mayor highlights 2025 budget items, upcoming growth management plan
As Yacolt continues to grow, Ian Shealy, the mayor of Yacolt, says he wants to keep growth minimal and for his small town not turn into a larger city while officials work on a 2025 Growth Management …
Tiger grad donates roughly 500 items to district resource center, BGHS thrift store
Abby Hertner, a 2023 Battle Ground High School [BGHS] grad, partnered with the Vancouver Mall Maurices store, where she’s an assistant manager, to donate an estimated 500 clothing items to the …
YMCA pool plan for Battle Ground mothballed
After years of discussion, the development of a YMCA-operated pool facility in Battle Ground has been set back. The effort to bring a pool to Battle Ground with the YMCA has been ongoing for …
Pedestrian struck in Battle Ground, stretch of eastbound Main Street closed for hours
The Battle Ground Police Department responded to an incident where a man was struck by a vehicle at 8:17 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, at the intersection of West Main Street and Southwest 15th Avenue. …

Off-duty Ridgefield Police officer shoots self; GoFundme for family organized

An off-duty Ridgefield police officer was found deceased at the Ridgefield Marina on Monday, Nov. 25, according to a news release by the city. Officer Colin Triber, 29, had been a member of the …

County seeks volunteers for Development and Engineering Advisory Board

Clark County is seeking volunteers to fill three expiring positions, and one vacant position, on the Development and Engineering Advisory Board. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31. …

La Center School District seeks volunteers to write voter pamphlet statements

La Center School District (LCSD) is seeking volunteers to write pro/con statements for the Clark County Voter’s Pamphlet for an anticipated measure on the Feb. 11 Special Election ballot. The …

Ridgefield School District seeks volunteers to write voter pamphlet statements

Ridgefield School District (RSD) is seeking volunteers to write pro/con statements for the Clark County Voter’s Pamphlet for anticipated measures on the Feb. 11 Special Election ballot. …
State & Regional News
WSDOT offers online tools for stress-free Thanksgiving travel
The Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) anticipates the roads will be busy this Thanksgiving with people traveling to holiday destinations and suggest people plan ahead for winter …
‘Tis the season: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits now available
We haven’t yet reached Thanksgiving, but Christmas tree season has arrived in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Residents who want a little adventure to go with their holiday …
18th district races close in first week of General Election results
The first week’s results from the general election show several races in the 18th Legislative District were too close to call, though incumbent Republican state Rep. Stephanie McClintock and …
MGP declares victory over Joe Kent in Third District, builds on margins from 2022 race
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, declared victory in her reelection bid for Congress Thursday evening. She did so following a projection by The Columbian. As of Friday morning, the …
Tips sought in ballot box fires, cash reward available
The Portland Police Bureau is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect and suspect vehicle involved in intentionally setting fires at ballot boxes in Southeast Portland and …
Clark County auditor releases update on damaged ballots
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey has released photos of the ballots burned in a fire in the ballot drop box located at the Fisher’s Landing C-Tran Transit Center, 3510 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver, …
First part-time shoulder lane now open to state Route 14 travelers
Drivers on state Route 14 in the Vancouver-Portland metro can avoid traffic during peak congestion with the opening of a part-time shoulder lane. The Washington State Department of …
Yelm student denied permission to use restroom after having period in class
A Yelm Middle School eighth grade student is still recovering from an incident she described as stressful and embarrassing. Byllie Eighinger-Lemm, 13, asked her teacher if she could use the …
Mask requirement at Washington county’s auditor's office produces standoff
An Island County elections observer was escorted out of the Auditor’s Office on Monday for refusing to wear a facemask. The masking requirement came from Island County Auditor Sheilah …
Studded tires allowed on Washington roadways beginning this week
As the cold winter weather prepares to rear its ugly head, studded tires will once again be allowed on Washington’s roadways beginning this week. Under state law, the tires, which cause …
Opinion
Community
Community Calendar
Mercy Incorporated Gala: 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Participate in an evening of fellowship and updates about the impacts of Mercy …
Ridgefield Lions Club serves the community for Thanksgiving
The Ridgefield Lions Club focused on community service this Thanksgiving with a host of activities aimed at helping those in need.   From dinner boxes to children’s gifts, Lions …
Battle Ground Auto License hosts holiday gift drive
Community members can help bring Christmas joy to veterans’ families during Battle Ground Auto License’s holiday gift drive. Drop-off for unwrapped children’s gifts will open on …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor: Braun needs to unify, not separate his constituents

Editor, I was very discouraged reading Mr. Braun’s half page editorial in last week’s Reflector. Although Mr. Braun clearly favors the opinions and values of the Republican party, I …

Sports
Life

Yacolt Christmas Train rides nearly booked out

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Train excursion returns for another year of holiday fun on the rails. Already, the train excursion is 75% booked out, said Randy Williams, the president of …

Outdoors
Obituaries
In loving memory of Garry James Tenold: Oct. 11, 1946 – Nov. 7, 2024
Garry James Tenold, "GTO," passed away on Nov. 7, 2024, surrounded by his family in View, Washington, the place he called home his entire life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother …
Death notices: Dec. 4
Helen Watkins, 94, of Vancouver, died Nov. 23. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 360-574-4252. Michael Santoro, 77, of La Center, died Nov. 22. …
Death notices: Nov. 27
Dorothy "Delores" Anderson, 87, of Vancouver, died Nov. 18. Arrangements are under the care of Northwood Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 360-574-4252. Darrel Wasserman, 89, of Vancouver, died …
Death Notices: Nov. 20
Anita M. Dalmar, 65, of Brush Prairie, died Nov. 11. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Stanley Okinaka, 73, of Ridgefield, died Nov. 10. Arrangements are …
In loving memory of Gary Lee Monfort: Aug 9, 1935-Oct 30, 2024
Gary was born in Huron, South Dakota, to Jack and Ruth Monfort. He traveled as a toddler to Washington with his mom, dad and brother Donald. They settled down on a farm west of Battle Ground. …
Death Notices: Nov. 13
Tina M. Wells, 61, of Kelso, died Nov. 6. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Steven R. Conway, 70, of Brush Prairie, died Nov. 4. Arrangements are under …
In Loving Memory of Brenda Kay Bloomquist: 1942 ~ 2024
Kay Bloomquist passed away on Oct. 21, 2024, in Burns, Oregon, at the age of 81. Kay was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, leaving behind a legacy of her love …
Death Notices: Nov. 6
Paul R. Wyman, 93, of Battle Ground, died Oct. 28. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Robert H. Webberley, 82, of La Center, died Oct. 28. Arrangements are …
In Loving Memory of Laurie Allen Wolk: 1959-2024
Allen Wolk passed away on Oct. 8, 2024, in Everett, Washington, at the age of 65. Allen was a devoted husband, father and “Opa,” and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and …