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The CEO of a fast-growing company in Battle Ground, Washington, is buying and developing properties at a rapid clip.

His investments in the Southwest Washington town have raised hopes for some who live there. But others are questioning whether the executive, Camden Spiller, has a specific Christian vision for the city.

OPB’s Erik Neumann reports on Spiller’s growing influence in Battle Ground. That story leads today’s newsletter.

Here’s your First Look at Thursday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

How one businessman is transforming the heart of a Southwest Washington town

Battle Ground is a rapidly growing city of roughly 23,000 people in Southwest Washington. Its downtown is being reshaped by business leaders and a pastor engaged in the “Christian localism” movement.

The driving force behind these changes is Camden Spiller, co-owner and CEO of Maddox Industrial Transformer, Battle Ground’s fastest-growing company. Corporations controlled by Spiller have purchased over 30 properties in town.

But the changes have also raised questions about whether there is a religious vision for Battle Ground. (Erik Neumann)

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3 things to know

• More than 25 school districts in Oregon received no funding for summer programming this year after receiving thousands from the state for programs last summer. (Elizabeth Miller)
• Southern Oregon University’s financial crisis will require a complete overhaul of academic programs and other major changes to stay afloat. A consulting firm suggested finding a new home for Jefferson Public Radio or “spinning it off.” (Jane Vaughan, JPR)
• Danielle Bethell knows she’s a long-shot candidate for Oregon governor, but she’s certain she could run the state better than other Republicans and Gov. Tina Kotek. (Lauren Dake)

Northwest headlines

• How hikes to Oregon gas taxes and fees ended up on the ballot (Dirk VanderHart)
• Beleaguered head of Portland public housing agency steps down (Alex Zielinski)
• Have a non-emergency? Maybe Ava can help (Geoff Norcross)
• The Portland Trail Blazers’ season is officially over. What’s next? (Donald Orr)
• Portland Fire lose preseason debut against Seattle Storm 91-81 (OPB staff)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• Researchers say network-forming fungi need more protection

Artificial turf fields are great for rainy Northwest sports, but they also release a salmon-killing chemical

For decades, coho salmon in the Puget Sound region have been mysteriously dying when they enter urban streams to spawn — with mortality rates up to 90%.

In 2020, researchers in Washington pinpointed the cause: a tire additive called 6PPD.

Now, scientists in British Columbia have found a significant source of that chemical in artificial turf fields, many of which use crumb rubber made from ground-up tires to add a little squish to the surface.

Europe has banned crumb rubber in turf fields, but it’s still allowed in the U.S. and Canada. Researchers suggest there are ways to reduce harm to fish by treating water runoff from the fields using soil as a filter. (Jes Burns)

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/30/battle-ground-christian-localism-first-look/