Camas-Washougal Post-Record

January 29, 2026

Yvonne Yeh Gee reaches out to touch her rescue cat, Barney, in her huge craft studio on Dec. 19. The room is the site of many workshops hosted through Gee’s nonprofit wellness collective, Embrace Qi. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Force of Nature: Couple create artistic and healing collective in Washougal

The first thing I saw as I drove into Rising Phoenix Farm is an 8-foot-tall woman gazing serenely toward the horizon. She’s seated in a meditative pose with her legs crossed and open hands resting on her knees, her bronze skin impervious to rain or sun. Her name is Shakti and she watches over the farm’s 51/2 acres in the green hills near Washougal. The farm is home to Yvonne Yeh Gee’s nonprofit wellness collective Embrace Qi and the huge studio belonging to Gee’s partner and Shakti’s sculptor, David Van Zandt.

January 29, 2026

Camas library to host ‘Resilience of Washington Tribes’ exhibit in February

“This exhibit offers an important opportunity for our community to learn from Indigenous voices and better understand the living history of the land we share,” Camas Public Library Director Connie Urquhart said in a news release.

January 15, 2026

Washougal natives Keira Mathews and Alan Stogin, pictured above in the United States Capitol Building, are bringing the story of the United States’ World War II female pilots to a New York stage in the spring. (Contributed by Alan Stogin)

Washougal siblings to loose ‘Weapons In Waiting’ play in New York this spring

Two Washougal siblings are teaming up to bring the story of World War II’s female pilots to a New York City stage.

January 8, 2026

Camas Library to host art exhibition

“‘Paperwork’ feels especially well-suited to winter,” Camas Public Library director Connie Urquhart said in a news release. “There is a quiet depth to Autumn’s work that invites people to slow down, look closely, and reflect on their relationship to nature. We are proud to feature an artist whose work is both visually compelling and thoughtfully grounded in place.”

January 1, 2026

Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Eric Christensen presents a medal to Shelbie McQueen, 8, at Woodburn Elementary School in Camas on Dec. 3. (John Hughel/Oregon Military Department)

Camas girl, 8, praised for helping to save two lives

An observant girl’s quick action may have saved two lives in the span of three days.

December 26, 2025

Camas’ First Friday to feature Clue

The Downtown Camas Association will host a Clue-themed First Friday event from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 2. “Many of you love the game Clue, and now is your chance…

December 26, 2025

Park ranger Tom Riggs talks about the history of Battle Ground Lake State Park on Jan. 1, 2017. (The Columbian files)

Clark County New Year’s Eve parties plus something soothing to do on Jan. 1

If you’re looking for a special way to start 2026, you’ll find New Year’s Eve parties in every corner of Clark County this year, as well as kid-friendly celebrations and more contemplative activities.

December 26, 2025

Author Dawn Shipman, left, speaks with student Joshua Sloop and Washougal School District highly capable coordinator Kathlynn Sloop during the Washougal School District’s Night with the Authors event Nov. 12 at Washougal High School. (Contributed by the Washougal School District)

Washougal School District event connects writersSubscriber Exclusive

The Washougal School District recently held its first Night with the Authors event, which connected five young aspiring writers with seven local and regional authors.

December 18, 2025

Vicki Smith, the longtime executive director of Martha’s Pantry, gives a tour of the facility on a recent morning. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Power producer: Longtime leader of Martha’s Pantry expands its services to help anyone in need

How many times have you sat close by while someone has died?

December 18, 2025

Christmas Festival of Lights features holiday light displays, outdoor caroling, indoor choral concerts and more through Dec. 30 at the Grotto in Portland. (Contributed photo)

It’s time to light up the holidays in Clark County

Holiday lights give the darkness of December a sparkling uplift, just like bubbles in Champagne. These local light shows include festive displays that have been family traditions for decades as well as a couple recent additions, like Ridgefield’s Brew Lights in the Park and the Holiday Light Walk at Skamania Lodge. Wherever you decide to enjoy the glittering extravaganza of holiday twinkles, you can be sure that your spirits will be made merry and bright.

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