The Columbian: Community

The Columbian: Community https://www.columbian.com Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:20:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/columbian-insignia-2025-1-150x150.png Community – The Columbian https://www.columbian.com 32 32 Miss Teen La Center Pageant crowns 2026 court https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/aug/01/miss-teen-la-center-pageant-crowns-2026-court/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:03:33 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2790215 LA CENTER — Celebrating 23 years, the Miss Teen La Center Pageant, now including north county, crowned its new court on July 18 at La Center Middle School. Anneliese Oswald is 14 and will be a freshman at La Center High School in the fall. Bella Mercurio is 15 and will be a sophomore at La Center High School in the fall. Queen Makayla Daniels is 16 and will be a junior at Woodland High School in the fall. Emma Crumbaker is 14 and will be a freshman this fall. Annabelle Ohman is 14 and will be a freshman at La Center High School this fall.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021586192-Aug1Truckies_101-1024x683.jpg Ridgefield Lions gather notes and donations for service members https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/aug/01/ridgefield-lions-gather-notes-and-donations-for-service-members/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:51:26 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2790218 RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Lions Club gathered notes for service members along with donations for care packages at the Fourth of July celebration downtown.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021586192-Aug1Truckies_103-1024x957.jpg PSU students visit Furry Friends cat shelter https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jul/25/psu-students-visit-furry-friends-cat-shelter/ Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:10:08 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2788140 VANCOUVER – Professor Kimberly Mukobi and students from Portland State University paid a visit to Furry Friends cat shelter on July 18. Mukobi is teaching a class on Art for Animal Empathy. The students are tasked with coming up with creative ways to show what is going on with the animal community. They will be using photography, video, graphics and other creative tools to show how Furry Friends is helping the cats in our community through spay and neuter, rescuing the homeless, neglected and abused cats, and adopting the cats and kittens out to good homes.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021547903-July25Truckies_101-1024x683.jpg Community celebrates completion of wetland restoration at Heritage Farm https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jul/25/community-celebrates-completion-of-wetland-restoration-at-heritage-farm/ Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:03:40 +0000 HAZEL DELL – On June 17, approximately 50 members of the community gathered to celebrate the completion of Clark County’s Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration Project. The project restores a wetland at the headwaters of Cougar Creek that was ditched and drained more than a century ago, when such practices were commonplace. The restored wetland features eight “cells” that provide wetland functions and a 35-foot wetland buffer with native plants.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021547903-July25Truckies_103-1024x683.jpg WSU Vancouver alumna selected for Nuclear Abolition Leadership Program https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jul/25/wsu-vancouver-alumna-selected-for-nuclear-abolition-leadership-program/ Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:03:00 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2788175 FOUR CREEKS – Courtney Boswell, an organizer with the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice at Washington State University Vancouver and an alumna of the university, has been selected to participate in the 2026 Dr. David Hall Emerging Leaders in Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program, an intensive leadership initiative hosted by Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021547903-July25Truckies_102-821x1024.jpg Saving Grace Church hosts community worship night https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jul/18/saving-grace-church-hosts-community-worship-night/ Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:03:53 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2786146 BATTLE GROUND — A “joyful noise unto the Lord” was heard on June 13 at Battle Ground’s Saving Grace Church of the Nazarene, where 60 people representing four churches and three denominations came together as one to worship.

]]> Vancouver Elks deliver 342 pounds of food to FISH https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jul/18/vancouver-elks-deliver-342-pounds-of-food-to-fish/ Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:02:32 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2786147 ESTHER SHORT — Diana and Bart Reid recently delivered 342 pounds of food to FISH Westside Pantry of Vancouver. This food was compiled from the generous donations of the Vancouver Elks 823 members and the Food Basket fund.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021472287-July18Truckies_102-1024x820.jpg Columbia Mothers of Twins Club welcomes new officers https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jul/18/columbia-mothers-of-twins-club-welcomes-new-officers/ Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:01:05 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2786151 VANCOUVER — On June 2, the Columbia Mothers of Twins Club held its annual Installation Banquet in the Pagel family’s party barn. Installed were: treasurer, Joyce Vierck; secretary, Shannon Young; vice president, Tawnya Doherty; and president, Kirstee Stevens. Peggy Sedwick was chosen Outstanding Member of the Year.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1021472287-July18Truckies_101-768x1024.jpg Chief Umtuch Middle School teacher contributes to Silent Heroes Project https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/27/chief-umtuch-middle-school-teacher-contributes-to-silent-heroes-project/ Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:03:50 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2781511 BATTLE GROUND — Earlier this year, teacher Beth Doughty was selected to contribute to the National History Day’s Researching Silent Heroes project conducted in partnership with the American Battle Monuments Commission. Doughty is one of just 61 educators nationwide and the only educator from Washington selected to participate in the highly competitive program.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021392902-June27Truckies_104-895x1024.jpg Camas Lions Club helps deliver mobility trainer to Oregon child https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/27/camas-lions-club-helps-deliver-mobility-trainer-to-oregon-child/ Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:02:18 +0000 CAMAS — The Camas Lions Club is proud to announce the successful delivery of a custom 3D-printed toddler mobility trainer to Amelia, a young girl from Salem, Ore.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021392902-June27Truckies_101-1024x1024.jpg Music Teachers Association of Clark County names 2026 Collegiate Scholarship winners https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/27/music-teachers-association-of-clark-county-names-2026-collegiate-scholarship-winners/ Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:01:54 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2781502 CAMAS — The Music Teachers Association of Clark County recently named Adisynn Ackley and Addyson Finley as co-winners of its 2026 Collegiate Scholarship competition.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021392902-June27Truckies_102-916x1024.jpg Junior Market generates record community engagement https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/20/junior-market-generates-record-community-engagement/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:46:51 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2780235 ESTHER SHORT — About 300 young entrepreneurs showcased their businesses June 6 during the 2026 Junior Market hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber and presented by OnPoint Community Credit Union.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021359658-June20Truckies_102-1024x576.jpg Woodland school board and teachers honored for pioneering first Civic Seal https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/20/woodland-school-board-and-teachers-honored-for-pioneering-first-civic-seal/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:45:00 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2780224 WOODLAND — Bill Basl of the Civic Learning Council presented a commemorative plaque to the Woodland school board at its May 28 meeting to recognize the Woodland High School social studies department for launching the very first Civic Seal program in the state of Washington.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021359658-June20Truckies_103-1024x768.jpg Community celebrates new Curtin Creek Community Park https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/13/community-celebrates-new-curtin-creek-community-park/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:51:48 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2778628 CURTIN CREEK — Community members recently gathered to celebrate the new Curtin Creek Community Park, decades after it was first envisioned.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021319529-June13Truckies_102-768x1024.jpg Furry Friends thanks participants of annual garage sale https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/13/furry-friends-thanks-participants-of-annual-garage-sale/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:50:41 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2778644 VANCOUVER — Furry Friends cat rescue recently held its annual garage sale at the American Legion Hall. The sale brought in $6,050 for the kitties. The nonprofit said thank you to everyone that came to the garage sale; it was the best one ever. Thank you to all the volunteers — it was a huge job for them and thank you to everyone that donated items to sell.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021319529-June13Truckies_101-1024x858.jpg Silver Star Masonic Lodge plants Liberty Tree in Battle Ground https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/13/silver-star-masonic-lodge-plants-liberty-tree-in-battle-ground/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:39:19 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2778646 BATTLE GROUND — Silver Star Masonic Lodge No. 286 Free and Accepted Masons donated and planted a historic Liberty Tree at Kiwanis Park in Battle Ground on June 3. The public was welcomed to a brief ceremony recognizing community service, civic pride and the preservation of American history and traditions.

]]> Assistance League of Southwest Washington holds annual luncheon https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/06/assistance-league-of-southwest-washington-holds-annual-luncheon/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:00:49 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2776999 OGDEN — Assistance League of Southwest Washington held its annual meeting and luncheon on May 21 at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021282178-June6Truckies_102-1024x683.jpg 40,000 pounds of donated food headed to Clark County Food Bank https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/06/40000-pounds-of-donated-food-headed-to-clark-county-food-bank/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:26:39 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2776994 VANCOUVER – A semitruck carrying up to 40,000 pounds of donated food arrived at Clark County Food Bank on May 28, bringing together civic, nonprofit and faith leaders in support of households struggling with the rising cost of food in Clark County. The delivery, part of the JustServe and America250 service initiative, is expected to provide enough food to feed about 1,400 people for one week.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021282178-June6Truckies_101-1024x683.jpg Walk and Knock announces new president and volunteer achievement award https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jun/06/walk-and-knock-announces-new-president-and-volunteer-achievement-award/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:04:38 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2777383 VANCOUVER — Reese Carpenter took over the reins as president of Clark County Interservice Drive & Drop food drive, formerly Walk & Knock, during its annual meeting May 11.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1021282178-June6Truckies_103a.jpg Vancouver Elks deliver food boxes to Clark County Veterans Assistance Center https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/may/30/vancouver-elks-deliver-food-boxes-to-clark-county-veterans-assistance-center/ Sat, 30 May 2026 12:52:40 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2775168 ESTHER SHORT – On May 1 Frank Wilson, Bart Reid and Diana Reid from Vancouver Elks 823 delivered 25 food boxes to the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center, CCVAC. Delivery of these boxes has been an ongoing effort as CCVAC space is limited.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1021242267-May30Truckies_102-1024x768.jpg Clark County students earns top honors at Superintendent’s High School Art Show https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/may/30/clark-county-students-earns-top-honors-at-superintendents-high-school-art-show/ Sat, 30 May 2026 12:02:12 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2775172 VANCOUVER – Three talented student artists from Southwest Washington earned state-level recognition at the 53rd Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show, which celebrated the creativity and artistic achievements of high school students from across Washington. The annual awards presentation, hosted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, OSPI, was streamed live on May 19.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1021242267-May30Truckies_103-1024x512.jpg Battle Ground High School teacher receives honor from University of Washington https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/may/30/battle-ground-high-school-teacher-receives-honor-from-university-of-washington/ Sat, 30 May 2026 12:01:12 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2775174 BATTLE GROUND – Battle Ground Public Schools is proud to announce that Jonas Fridriksson, a U.S. history and world studies teacher at Battle Ground High School, has been named the 2026 recipient of the University of Washington’s Thomas J. and Cameron Pressly Endowed Prize for Outstanding History or Social Studies Teacher. This is the second time that Fridriksson has received the award.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1021242267-May30Truckies_101-944x1024.jpg Ridgefield School District celebrates May Employees and Students of the Month https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/may/23/ridgefield-school-district-celebrates-may-employees-and-students-of-the-month/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:47:24 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2772998 RIDGEFIELD — On May 12, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the May 2026 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular board of directors meeting.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1021198265-May23Truckies_102-1024x682.jpg Bridge the Gap receives support of 100 Women Who Care https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/may/23/bridge-the-gap-receives-support-of-100-women-who-care/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:46:16 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2772996 CAMAS – Members of 100 Women Who Care Clark County presented over $8,700 to Bridge the Gap on May 6 at the second quarterly meeting of 2026 held at The Hammond Kitchen & Craft Bar. Emily Weiss, chair, and Jayne Salisbury, co-chair, of the Bridge the Gap Board accepted the funds on behalf of the organization. 100 Women selected the Bridge the Gap at the February 2026 meeting. The Historic Trust and the Pink Lemonade Project were the other nonprofit nominees at the February meeting.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1021198265-May23Truckies_101-768x1024.jpg Three Battle Ground Schools earn state recognition https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/may/23/three-battle-ground-schools-earn-state-recognition/ Sat, 23 May 2026 12:45:09 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2772992 BATTLE GROUND – Three Battle Ground schools were recently recognized by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Washington State Board of Education for their performances in the previous school year. Two primary schools and one alternative learning environment in the district were among the 379 public schools highlighted as part of the Washington School Recognition Program for the 2024-25 school year.

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