Gearhart Police Chief Joshua Gregory, left, and Jeremiah Mares.

Longtime volunteer sworn in to Gearhart Police Department

GEARHART — Mayor Kerry Smith swore Jeremiah Mares into the Gearhart Police Department at a City Council meeting on Sept. 6, bringing the force’s staff up to three.

Mares has experience as a volunteer firefighter in Warrenton and with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Mares is set to begin basic police training in December.

Darcelle XV and Co. bring cabaret to Cannon Beach

CANNON BEACH — Darcelle XV and Co. will bring a Las Vegas-style cabaret revue performance to the Coaster Theatre Playhouse at 3 p.m. Sept. 17. Darcelle XV was the stage name of the late Walter Cole, a drag queen and cabaret owner in Portland who died in March.

Darcelle XV Showplace, which opened in 1967, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. The Portland club remains open, operated by family members and collaborators.

The performers of Darcelle XV and Co. have been performing cabaret shows infused with glamour and comedy for more than 50 years. This is an all-ages show and doors open at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $25, available at the theater’s box office or online at www.coastertheatre.com.

Bear sighting prompts secure hold at Seaside schools

A bear and her cub wandering the hills above Seaside Middle School and Seaside High School sent the campus into secure hold on the morning of Sept. 12. Outside doors were locked from around 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while students and staff conducted classes as normal.

Pacific Ridge Elementary opened around 10:45 a.m. for morning recess.

The school worked with the city and the Seaside Police Department to ensure the bears had left before allowing outdoor access. Transportation and pick up in the afternoon operated as usual, but outdoor activities were postponed.