Thank you for your interest in reading The Astorian. Here are a few stories that you might have missed this week:

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Arch Cape is taking greater control of the watershed that supplies drinking water.

The water district has signed off on a $4.7 million purchase of commercial timberlands. The project, financed primarily through federal money, would scale back logging and provide recreational opportunities while protecting water quality and wildlife habitat.

“It’s a very proactive approach to drinking water protection and our board should be commended for having that sort of foresight,” Phil Chick, Arch Cape’s water district manager, told The Astorian. “This is really, at its core, a natural infrastructure project for water quality and water quantity for the future.”

Read Nicole Bales’ report by clicking here.

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Astoria has chosen a child care provider to take on the space at Sprouts Learning Center.

Bumble Art Studio will take over in July after Sprouts closes at the end of June, ensuring no interruption for parents and children. The service operates out of the city’s Astoria Recreation Center.

Child care has emerged as one of the most challenging policy issues on the North Coast. 

See Nicole Bales’ story by clicking here.

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Voters in Gearhart will decide whether to approve a $14.5 million bond measure for a new firehouse in the May election.

The beach town has been debating the project for several years.

The new station off Highlands Lane would provide space for volunteer firefighters as well as police. It would replace a 1950s-era building off Pacific Way that is considered vulnerable in an earthquake and tsunami.

City leaders are behind the project, but a vocal segment of the community has questioned the cost.

Take a look at R.J. Marx’s report by clicking here.

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