Welcome to the Seaside Signal. We’ve got local breaking news stories, features and opinion you won’t find anywhere else.

– Lawsuit settled

A lawsuit involving a prominent Seaside businessman has been settled.

In May 2022, Masudur Khan, a hotelier and investor involved with several projects on the North Coast, sued his former business partners for $2.5 million.

Khan’s lawyer said in a court document that the parties are finalizing the settlement agreement and executing terms.

Khan will file a notice of voluntary dismissal and appropriate judgment once the terms of the agreement are executed.

Last week, the court provided notice to all parties that the case had been settled or resolved.

The case could have long-lasting impacts as Seaside business as terms shake out. Read more here.

– Gearhart police chief

After Chief Jeff Bowman announced his retirement, Gearhart contracted a search firm to find a replacement. Rather than hire new personnel, some residents discussed a department merger with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office. That was one of the proposals at a February City Council meeting.

With Bowman’s official retirement as of March 31, the conversation returned to the council this month.

What emerged was a sense of city pride in its department.

Councilor Reita Fackerell said the February town hall showed that residents really like the police department.

“They’re really proud of it,” Fackerell said. “They’re proud of what it does. … It’s something that our community has pride in.”

The search for a chief as recruiters narrow candidates.

Consultants are hoping to schedule final interviews this month. 

Read more here.

– Wine, with river view

Tucked away in a downtown hotel is a new wine and beverage bar on the Necanicum River.

The River Bar offers Northwest wines from the Willamette Valley and the Columbia Gorge.

The new concept, which also offers appetizers and light plates, coincides with a lobby remodel completed earlier this year. A small marketplace store also offers various grab-and-go foods, snacks, wine, beer and beverages.

Owner Terry Bichsel, a longtime hotelier, teamed with his son, chef Blake Bichsel, and Rivertide Suites manager Nia Ridley to propose the idea of a wine bar to replace the former breakfast area in the lobby.

The bar celebrated its soft opening in March and plans to open with covered outdoor seating overlooking the river in late spring. Future plans include the offering of select spirits to go along with an expanded menu.

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