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Friday,  November 22 , 2024

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Photo of Mia Ryder-Marks

Stories by Mia Ryder-Marks

Columbian staff reporter

Melissa Dodge, left, laughs as Dylan Dodge, 17, plays with the family dogs Scooter, left, and Samantha on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Dodge household in Vancouver. Melissa Dodge co-founded the Autism Mom&#039;s Support Group after Dylan was diagnosed and had trouble finding support.

Spurred by advocacy, these Clark County moms champion change for their children

Melissa Dodge, left, laughs as Dylan Dodge, 17, plays with the family dogs Scooter, left, and Samantha on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Dodge household in Vancouver. Melissa Dodge co-founded the Autism Mom&#039;s Support Group after Dylan was diagnosed and had trouble finding support.

May 11, 2024, 6:14am Clark County Health

Clark County is full of mothers who want a better future for their children. Then, there are the mothers who work toward a better future for all children. Here are stories of three such Clark County residents. Motherhood spurred their advocacy — for substance-use recovery programs, environmental protections and access… Read story

Heritage senior Alex Vo, from left, junior Anna Le, senior Lexi Vo, Clark College freshman Ashlynn Fredendall and Heritage senior Kevin Reyes give an educational presentation about sex trafficking. The group hosts community events in and out of their school.

‘Trafficking happens in every school’: Heritage High School students raise awareness of sex trafficking

Heritage senior Alex Vo, from left, junior Anna Le, senior Lexi Vo, Clark College freshman Ashlynn Fredendall and Heritage senior Kevin Reyes give an educational presentation about sex trafficking. The group hosts community events in and out of their school.

May 8, 2024, 6:07am Clark County News

Students from Heritage High School are equipping their peers with tools to spot red flags and prevent human trafficking in the community. Read story

Clark College hosts welding program open house

May 7, 2024, 6:00am Clark County News

Clark College’s Welding Technology department is hosting an open house 4 to 6:30 p.m. May 17 in Building AA2 on the main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Read story

A body was found in a homeless encampment south of Ridgefield.

61-year-old’s body found in wooded area near Ridgefield in April

A body was found in a homeless encampment south of Ridgefield.

May 6, 2024, 2:28pm Clark County News

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the 61-year-old man whose body was found in an encampment south of Ridgefield in April. Read story

James Payne&rsquo;s artwork is being celebrated this weekend at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Mosaic art by James ‘Jimmy’ Payne, who struggled with homelessness, celebrated in Vancouver exhibit

James Payne&rsquo;s artwork is being celebrated this weekend at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

May 2, 2024, 6:05am Churches & Religion

James “Jimmy” Payne told his sister multiple times throughout his life that when he died his artwork would become famous. Read story

Leah Perkel, from left, puts a serving spoon into a dish while Monica Zazueta prepares a plate. They attended Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle&rsquo;s Wednesday workshop that taught people how to safely serve food to homeless people. Participants brought recipes that work for large groups.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle hosts class on properly cooking, serving food for homeless people

Leah Perkel, from left, puts a serving spoon into a dish while Monica Zazueta prepares a plate. They attended Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle&rsquo;s Wednesday workshop that taught people how to safely serve food to homeless people. Participants brought recipes that work for large groups.

May 2, 2024, 6:05am Clark County Health

When someone asked Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle if it was true you could only serve food to homeless people from a commercial kitchen, she knew she had to do something. Read story

The sign for the former Kasper Recovery Housing, also known as Ironhorse Recovery, is no longer visible, as seen Monday morning.

Project Safe Haven fills former site of Kasper Recovery Housing in Hazel Dell; Kasper owner files lawsuit

The sign for the former Kasper Recovery Housing, also known as Ironhorse Recovery, is no longer visible, as seen Monday morning.

April 29, 2024, 8:34pm Business

A Vancouver nonprofit has taken over operations of the former Kasper Recovery Housing site in Hazel Dell, rebranding it as Project Safe Haven. Read story

Clinical supervisor Kami McKinzey-Bartelmie, left, gives a presentation for families during an XChange Recovery Community Educatin and Support Night. &ldquo;Change doesn&rsquo;t happen overnight,&rdquo; she said, but it can and does happen.

XChange Recovery’s message to families of those struggling with addiction: ‘There is hope’

Clinical supervisor Kami McKinzey-Bartelmie, left, gives a presentation for families during an XChange Recovery Community Educatin and Support Night. &ldquo;Change doesn&rsquo;t happen overnight,&rdquo; she said, but it can and does happen.

April 25, 2024, 3:18pm Clark County Health

Becky Berhardt vividly remembers bawling on the phone years ago as she spoke with her son, who was struggling with homelessness and addiction. Read story

James Turner opens the hood of his truck Wednesday at Vancouver Kiggins Village Safe Stay shelter. He used to sleep in the truck, but now he&rsquo;s moving into housing.

With help of Vancouver Safe Stay, former soldier who had lived in truck heads to complex for veterans

James Turner opens the hood of his truck Wednesday at Vancouver Kiggins Village Safe Stay shelter. He used to sleep in the truck, but now he&rsquo;s moving into housing.

April 23, 2024, 6:07am Clark County News

James Turner popped open the hood of his red Ford truck and checked the engine. Soon, he will hop in his truck — which used to be his only shelter — and drive north to his new home. Read story

Debbie Kogan of Portland takes in the beauty at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens while soaking up the sunshine.

Lilac Days are in bloom: Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland opens for the season

Debbie Kogan of Portland takes in the beauty at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens while soaking up the sunshine.

April 20, 2024, 6:07am Clark County Life

The historic Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens opens for the season today and will welcome visitors through Mother’s Day. Read story