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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Clatsop Community College will search for a new president.

Chris Breitmeyer, who has served in the role since 2016, announced his departure this week on the same night as an emotional college board meeting where three board members resigned.

Breitmeyer will leave by the end of July, according to a separation agreement.

“Both President Breitmeyer and the board express their gratitude for the accomplishments achieved during their shared tenure,” according to a joint statement. “Their collaborative efforts have played a pivotal role in advancing the mission and vision of Clatsop Community College, fostering academic excellence and empowering students to pursue their educational goals.

“The Board of Education recognizes President Breitmeyer for his dedication, passion and tireless efforts in advancing the mission of the college over the last six years. They express their gratitude for the strong leadership provided and the positive impact made during his tenure.”

See the stories by Ethan Myers by clicking here and here.

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The Sunset Empire Transportation District is slowly starting to restore services.

Paratransit services were brought back this week, while a few bus routes are returning next week.

The transit district suspended bus service and other operations in late April after a financial collapse.

“These new routes will give riders transportation between Astoria, Seaside and Cannon Beach seven days a week,” Paul Lewicki, the interim executive director, said in a statement. “We are pleased to bring these routes back to the community as we continue to cautiously move forward.”

Read the story by Ethan Myers by clicking here.

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In Cannon Beach, the hospitality industry is pushing back against a potential increase in the lodging tax.

The city is looking at the tax to help finance a renovated former elementary school and a new City Hall and police station. The cost estimates for the projects came in higher than the city initially anticipated.

Leaders in the hospitality industry indicated opposition to a lodging tax increase even if the money was not tied to the projects.

“We do have a strong repeat customer base like many of the properties here in town, but there’s going to be a level where we start getting pushback,” Doug Nealeigh, of Tolovana Inn, said. “And when those taxes start approaching $30, $40, $50 dollars a night, that becomes a potential game changer for those people determining where they’re going to stay.

“I think the tax right now, from the lodging community, and certainly our perspective, is that it’s at a reasonable level. We don’t see a need to increase the (lodging tax) funding for any specific project to help bring more tourists to the community. And I’m not sure the local community would necessarily support that.”

Take a look at Nicole Bales’ report by clicking here.

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— Derrick DePledge