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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 24, 2017)
BEACH LIFE IN PROPERTY LINES INSIDE 144TH YEAR, NO. 171 ONE DOLLAR WEEKEND EDITION // FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Highs, lows on the coast Economy examined at Columbia Forum By EDWARD STRATTON The Daily Astorian Photos by Danny Miller/The Daily Astorian Seaside Jazz Festival kick off party at the Elks Lodge Patricia Raine and Jim Cavanaugh dance on Thursday during the in Seaside. During Thursday’s Columbia Forum, r egional economists Erik Knoder and Josh Lehner explained why the North Coast’s beauty and proximity to Portland can be both a charm and a challenge Erik Knoder economically. Lehner works for the Oregon Offi ce of Economic Analysis, providing an out- look for the state govern- ment. Knoder provides regional economic data for Clatsop, Columbia, Tilla- Josh Lehner mook and Lincoln counties. “There’s only so much coastline in America,” Lehner said. “And so if you want to live on the ocean, you better go to one of these places that have it. And so, the prices get bid up.” See FORUM, Page 7A JAZZ FESTIVAL SWINGS INTO TOWN Astoria will miss two city stalwarts By R.J. MARX The Daily Astorian EASIDE — The audience for Dave Bennett and the Speed Kings at the Seaside Elks Lodge Thursday night was ready to dance. As soon as the group launched into their rockabilly jazz set, the crowd erupted and fl ocked to the fl oor. Bennett brought the dancers to a frenzy with Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven, ” before heading into the Jerry Lee Lewis hit “High School Confi dential ” and “Crazy Arms” by Ray Price. This was just another Seaside Jazz Festi- val night, an annual event featuring 14 bands through Sunday at venues throughout town. Yuill, Williams retire from administrative posts By ERICK BENGEL The Daily Astorian Opening night Drummer Hal Smith from Searcy , Arkan- sas, and Gino Meregillano from San Diego, California, joined leader Bennett and bassist Joe Jazdzewski onstage for the Seaside festi- val’s debut night. See FESTIVAL, Page 7A Jazz enthusiasts take to the dance floor Thursday at the Seasid e Jazz Festival at the Elks Lodge in Seaside. Astoria will lose two longtime employees to retirement next week: Julie Yuill, execu- tive assistant to the city manager; and Sherri Williams, administrative assistant to the community development department. Yuill, a native-born Astorian who lives in Warrenton, joined the city more than 31 years ago, a period that spans three mayors and six city managers. And Williams, hired in 1993, has worked under four community development directors. See EMPLOYEES, Page 7A Q&A Real estate, psychology in Miss Oregon’s future Mather returned to Astoria High By EDWARD STRATTON The Daily Astorian In July, Alexis Mather became the fi rst Miss Oregon from Astoria High School and the fi rst from Clatsop County since Knappa’s Margie Huhta in 1969. Mather’s reign ends July 1, when she will crown the next Miss Oregon at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. Now 21 years old and a junior at Portland State Uni- versity, Mather returned to her alma mater Thursday to speak about her experiences, receive awards and snap photos with students and staff. Q: How does it feel coming back to Astoria High School as the fi rst alumni to win? It feels surreal, because I remember sitting in the seats and just watching people come back, and thinking about maybe being there one day. So now to fi nally be here, it’s just incredible. Q: How did you get into pageants? My mother took me to go watch Miss Oregon when I was 10, and I just remember being in awe and amazed by it. I always kind of remembered that. When I turned 13, I was interested in doing it and gave it a shot and fell in love with it. Q: What was the journey like, getting to Miss Oregon? I started at age 13 as a teen, and then I had my fi rst title as Miss Clatsop County at 18 years old. Then I was Miss Mount Hood, and I was Miss Clatsop County again. Then I was Miss Portland, and here I am as Miss Oregon. It defi nitely took a few tries, but I think that See MISS OREGON, Page 7A Alexis Mather, the only Miss Oregon from Astoria High School, returned to her alma mater Thursday, where she spoke about her experience, took pictures with students and received an Ore- gon-shaped wood- en plaque engraved with her tiara. Edward Stratton The Daily Astorian
