Local News
Junebug Play & Learning Space opening in Ridgefield
Junebug Play & Learning Space, an indoor children’s play space in Ridgefield, will host its grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, at 10 S. 65th Ave., Suite …
Programs support urban natural habitats; certifications available
As natural habitats lessen with urban expansion, gardeners can support local wildlife and insects by incorporating native plant habitats in their yards or gardens. Plant habitats can range from …
Energy councilor gives advice for summer savings
As temperatures rise in Clark County, homeowners have options to save money on energy bills while staying cool. Anthony Jeffries, an energy services representative from Clark Public Utilities …
Hockinson florist creates grand displays for competitions and local events
Having traveled across the country for flower competitions, Hockinson florist Kelley Birkinbine loves returning home to share her love of flowers with Clark County locals. Whether large or …
BGHS speech and debate students prepare for national tournament
Battle Ground High School juniors Carter Stafford and Elizabeth McAleer recently qualified for the national speech and debate tournament, which will take place in Des Moines, Iowa, next month. …
County seeks input on climate change planning
Clark County has issued a survey seeking community input on how climate change has impacted residents’ lives. The survey is part of the county’s new comprehensive plan. Feedback …
Dan Masterson has decades of sketchbook experience, and has recently focused on sketching local bridges. Masterson hopes to “bridge the arts” together in upcoming events and workshops held by the La Center Arts Council.

La Center’s dedicated artists to enrich the community in upcoming arts fair

A new art-focused community group in La Center will soon hold its first annual event, with members sharing their passion for the arts. The La Center Arts Council (LCAC), will host its first arts …
The Ridgefield City Council agreed to purchase an estimated 6,000 square feet of land in downtown for $185,000. The land will be used as a parking lot and could be developed further at a later date.

Ridgefield purchases land for downtown parking and stormwater facility

Ridgefield’s City Council voted to purchase two parcels of land in a Friday, April 25 meeting. The land will be used for both short- and long-term projects to accommodate planned developments. …

Public Works hosting meeting on Northeast 179th Street improvements

Clark County Public Works is hosting an open house for residents to learn more about improvements to Northeast 179th Street between Northeast 15th and 26th avenues. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 …

Battle Ground to host parks open house next week

The city of Battle Ground’s Parks and Community Engagement (PACE) Board wants to hear feedback from the community to decide the future of four parks at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, at City Hall …
State & Regional News
Ridgefield’s brightest win second knowledge bowl national championship
Ridgefield High School’s Varsity Knowledge Bowl team won its 2A national championship on Saturday, April 20. This marks the team’s second national championship victory since 2022. …
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, …
U.S. Rep. Perez tours wastewater treatment plant, shares clean water investments at roundtable
District 3 U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenka mp Perez gathered local stakeholders to discuss her clean water priorities in Congress at the City of Vancouver’s Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Plant on …
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 …
Opinion
Community
North Clark County college students earn academic honors, others graduate
Many northern Clark County college students earned academic honors for the fall 2023 term. Honored students achieved a GPA of 3.0 or greater, depending on the institution. Some institutions also …
Battle Ground Public Schools hosting kinder orientations
Battle Ground Public Schools is offering kindergarten orientations for children who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31 at all seven of its primary schools. Students do not need to be enrolled to attend. …
Church hosts Adopt-A-Highway cleanup day
Locals are invited to join Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church (BGCUMC) in its inaugural Adopt-A-Highway cleanup day from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 18, along Highway 503, stretching …
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Durkee family wishes for a park should be honored

Editor, In 1990, My husband and I bought the Durkee farmhouse on 5 acres bordering the remaining 34+ acres that Dorothy and Virginia inherited from their father, RS Durkee. I met Dorothy …

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
Beverly J. Herd, 75, of Battle Ground, died April 30. Arrangements are under the care of Laynes Funeral Services, 360-687-3143. Christine M. Groda, 100, of Chehalis, died April 28. Arrangements …
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 …