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Articles written by Rick Bannan


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  • 1 million planted: StreamTeam celebrates environmental milestone

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Nov 2, 2023

    Clear but chilly weather provided a perfect environment for hundreds of trees and shrubs to be planted in the ground on Bells Mountain, Saturday. Volunteers swarmed the hillside to install a variety of native plants for Clark Public Utilities' celebration of Make a Difference Day, Oct. 28. The event was organized under the utility's "StreamTeam" - an initiative intended to improve habitat that impacts Clark County's waterways. The StreamTeam is a group of volunteers,...

  • I-5 bridge tolling could last until the 2060s

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Jul 27, 2023

    One of the largest sources of funding to replace the aging Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River will tax travelers a few bucks as they cross the water. During its meeting July 18, the Washington Transportation Commission heard from officials involved with the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP), a multi-billion-dollar project set to fix a major infrastructure issue at Clark County's southern border. The major development for the project was the Oregon state...

  • 'Tree of Life' springs at Ridgefield High School

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Nov 28, 2022

    On a chilly November day, rods of steel arose from the ground at Ridgefield High School. When completed, the metal will resemble grass blowing in the wind, and if the sculpture’s designer has his desire fulfilled, it will bring life to the outdoors of the high school. On Nov. 16, Battle Ground-based artist Curtis Pittman began the installation of the “Tree of Life,” his latest public artwork. The sculpture is part of a statewide program, which aims to install public art at co...

  • Old Cedars golf course reopens as Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Nov 11, 2022

    What was once the Cedars at Salmon Creek Golf Course officially reopened on Nov. 2 as the Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area. The remnants of sand traps were the only clear signs that the land was once used as a golf course as vegetation overtook what were once manicured fairways and greens. The titular cedars and other tall trees flanked the sides of the now meadows, save for patches of trees strategically placed to challenge the golfers of days past. Now those trees serve to...

  • Records requests put a strain on Woodland staff

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Sep 15, 2022

    A rash of recent public records requests has led to some tough conversations on how the city of Woodland will handle what some councilors have denounced as nothing more than a taxpayer burden. During its Sept. 6 meeting, the Woodland City Council discussed options on how to handle a significant increase on the number of public records requests relating to the city’s operations. A letter dated Aug. 16 was mailed out to thousands of Woodland residents alerting them of a request asking for copies of all utility bills issued o...

  • Local winemakers seek federal recognition

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Sep 1, 2022

    Winemakers across Southwest Washington hope to federally recognize the region for its grape-growing and production. On Aug. 15, the Southwest Washington Winery Association announced it had submitted a petition to be recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA.) The distinction comes through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which is part of the Department of the U.S. Treasury. It would allow wineries in the area to mark their labels with a...

  • I-5 bridge project has Washington lawmakers feeling left out

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated Jun 23, 2022

    The project to replace the aging Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River is set to hit a milestone next month with endorsements from key stakeholder groups, though legislators on the Washington side aren't sure their priorities are being addressed in the project's current form. During a meeting of the Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee on June 17, lawmakers from both states heard from project staff on the current "locally preferred alternative" (LPA) for...

  • Woodland Police Department welcomes new wellness dog

    Rick Bannan, The Reflector|Updated May 19, 2022

    The Woodland Police Department's newest employee spends a good amount of time sleeping on the job, but that's to be expected of an 11-week-old Labrador retriever. When fully trained, the puppy named Bolo will serve to provide a friendly and comforting face for the department. On April 25, the police department officially received Bolo from local breeder Jaymee Lockwood. The puppy was part of a second litter from Lockwood's dog Brienne, a number of which have gone on to be...

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