Pop Culture

Countdown Cinema

Family Fun Movies to Cozy Up To This Christmas, Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.

Five tips for wintertime steelhead fishing

Explore the Pacific Northwest’s winter fishing paradise! Discover tips for targeting winter-run steelhead, the ‘gray ghosts’ of rivers in Washington and Oregon. Learn how weather, water conditions, and timing can boost your chances for success. Equip yourself with rain gear and fishing insights for a thrilling winter adventure. Tune into the ‘Salmon Trout Steelheader’ Podcast for more!

New Year’s Eve Around the Globe

Discover fascinating New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world! From Spain’s 12 lucky grapes to Denmark’s plate-smashing for prosperity, each custom offers a unique way to welcome the new year. Explore how cultures celebrate hope, renewal, and good fortune with rituals that connect the past to an exciting future.

Krampus and St. Nicholas: An Unlikely Partnership

Discover the dark side of Christmas with Krampus, a horned figure from Central European folklore. Rooted in ancient pagan traditions, Krampus punishes naughty children while St. Nicholas rewards the good. From Alpine celebrations to modern pop culture, Krampus offers a chilling counterpoint to holiday cheer, blending mystery, fear, and tradition.

Star Student Caitlyn Lay’s Rise to Varsity Success

Caitlyn Lay discovered her passion for tennis in high school, transforming early losses into motivation. With her coach’s support, she overcame challenges and now aims to lead her team and compete at state. Her journey highlights the power of resilience, hard work, and great mentorship.

Canby Creative Dresses the Stage

Canby native David Kay Mickelsen, a renowned costume designer, designed the costumes for the original stage production of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” His “Who” costume, a “pod” shape that embodies Dr. Seuss’s vision, has been featured in the production for 30 years.

Books to Cozy Up To This Autumn Season

Métis cousins Isidore “Ezzy” Desjarlais and Grey Ginther are fed up with injustices, from racist policies to pipeline encroachment on their territory. In a bold move to disrupt downtown Edmonton, they plan to capture bison from a nearby national park. Meanwhile, Quill, a young woman from the Red Pine reservation, seeks justice for missing women in her community. These narratives explore identity, resilience, and the fight for visibility.

Canby High Honoring Women in History on Stage

Canby High Theatre presents “Radium Girls,” a powerful dramatization of 1920s female factory workers who bravely fought for their safety. Directed by Sullivan Mackintosh and featuring senior Laney Wakefield as Grace Fryer, this production mixes humor with serious themes. Don’t miss this compelling performance on Nov. 7, 8, 9, and 14, 15, 16 at the Richard R. Brown Fine Arts Center!

Cozy Up Warm and Dry to these Fall Classics

Dive into the world of fall films with our top picks that capture the season’s essence! Enjoy the charm of “Matilda the Musical,” where a girl uses her powers against bullies, and the allure of “Edward Scissorhands,” featuring a melancholic Johnny Depp. Experience the inspiring journey in “Dead Poets Society,” where Robin Williams encourages boys to seize the day. Join us as we explore these cinematic treasures for cozy autumn nights!

Five Must Read Page-turners for the Halloween Season

Dive into a world where the extraordinary awaits! From 8-year-old Bela facing the malevolent Other Mommy to Mariana Enriquez’s haunting tales of good and evil, these book recommendations deliver thrills. Experience Melanie Middleton’s ghostly inheritance and Finn, the timid ghost, as he confronts his fears. Each story invites you to explore the shadows of life and the supernatural. Don’t miss out!

Ryan Lewis is Building Community Through Music

Ryan Lewis, a dedicated sixth–12th grade music teacher in Willamina, has transformed the school’s music programs through his innovative approach. He navigated the challenges of remote learning during COVID and fosters a vibrant culture of creativity, inspiring students to explore their artistic potential. His commitment creates meaningful connections and shows how art unites communities, making him invaluable to Willamina Schools.

Battle Ground Equestrian Team Shows Winning Spirit

Discover the inspiring journey of the Battle Ground Equestrian Team, a proud member of WAHSET that promotes horsemanship among high school students. Since the early 2000s, this community has offered young equestrians opportunities to excel while emphasizing sportsmanship. Whether you own a horse or not, there’s a place for you on the team! Celebrate their achievements and learn how to support their mission in the equestrian community!