Fitzhugh pleads guilty

Christopher Scott Fitzhugh has pleaded guilty to two counts of second degree assault in the beatings that killed his fiancee. 42-year old Evelyn Decker from Astoria was found unresponsive about year ago at her home in the Emerald Heights neighborhood and later died at a Portland hospital. 39-year old Ftizhugh could face 23 years behind bars. The formal sentencing happens September 13.

Astoria starts school a week later

School districts are getting back into the swing of things. The Astoria School District starts regular classes Sept. 13, with a freshman half-day orientation Sept. 12. Last year school started a week earlier, but the delay this year is because of furlough days - five unpaid work days for teachers to conserve the budget. Warrenton-Hammon, Seaside, Knappa, and Jewell school districts start September 6.

If you're wondering about the homecoming game, that's scheduled for Sept. 16, with the dance scheduled for Sept. 17, at the high school for the students and at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds for the alumni.

Retro-fitting homes, the subject of Wednesday lecture

If you have an older home and would like to know how it can become more energy efficient, there's a lecture Wednesday evening at the Alderbrook Community Hall. It's free and open to the public, presented by the Lower Columbia Preservation Society. Speaker Robert Stevens will talk about how to make older homes more energy efficient, without compromising the historical integrity.

Full day of kindergarten coming by 2015

Governor Kitzhaber has signed the bill that mandates full day kindergarten. The law will go into effect four years from now. Right now Oregon funds a half-day of kindergarten, and some districts spend federal funds or charge tuition money to provide the full day. Beginning in 2015 the state pays for a full day of kindergarten.

Fishing Boat Rescued

A Coast Guard crew from Station Tillamook Bay was able to successfully escort the 31-foot fishing vessel Two Sons, to Garibaldi Bay yesterday. The Coast Guard responded after getting an initial report Monday, that the vessel had 500 gallons of water on board that resulted from ice melt in the fish storage compartment. A Coast Guard helicopter from Astoria and the motor life boat crew from Station Tillamook Bay contributed to the effort.

Seaside ok's upgrades

Seaside has given the okay to upgrades at Venice Park. Gravel roads will be paved and storm sewer mains and gutters will be installed. Bids for the project will go out within the next month, and work should begin in the fall. Project organizers say things should be wrapped up by the time the winter rains arrive.

Warrenton Basketball Coach Steps Down

Warrenton is looking for a new girls basketball coach as John Mattila announces his resignation. He steps down after 15 successful seasons and a record of 291 wins and 115 losses. The school hasn't announced a replacement.