TRURO — Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough for the piercing inhalations or “whoops” that punctuate its painful coughing attacks, has re-emerged in New England this year after four […]
News
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TAXATION
Eastham Board Votes 3 to 2 Against RTE
‘Need-based alternatives’ dominate 90-minute discussion
EASTHAM — For the fifth year in a row, the select board voted 3 to 2 on Monday against adopting a residential tax exemption (RTE) for the coming fiscal year. […]
TRURO TREASURE
DPW Price Tag Will Be $26M to $30M, Says Project Manager
Updated cost estimates reignite concerns as design process lags
TRURO — The projected cost of an upgraded Dept. of Public Works (DPW) facility, which has been on the town’s agenda for at least 13 years, has climbed back up […]
NUMBERS GAME
When Housing Stability Arrives by Lottery
Provincetown’s affordable-ownership lotteries offer a chance at an elusive dream
PROVINCETOWN — Humberto Ortega and Maria Pinelo were working at Shirts N Stuff on Commercial Street on Aug. 1 when Deputy Housing Director Mackenzie Perry called Ortega on his cell […]
WAVE ACTION
Complexities of ‘Coastal Erosion Structures’ Come Into View on Mayo Beach
Commission weighs effects of bulkhead and added sand on neighbors and shellfish
WELLFLEET — Seawalls and bulkheads built to fend off coastal flooding are becoming a thing of the past here and in communities all along the Massachusetts coast. They are, with […]
NATURAL SELECTION
She’ll Be Green, Come Spring
What future does Cassandra see for herself in the winter reflection of a Wellfleet kettle pond? Probably one that involves rain or snow. Or ducks. The ericaceous shrub Chamaedaphne calyculata, […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Jan. 7 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
TOWN HALL
Wellfleet Gets New Assistant Town Administrator
John Bugbee, who formerly worked in Wayland and Tisbury, started on Dec. 4
WELLFLEET — Millis resident John Bugbee began work as Wellfleet’s assistant town administrator on Dec. 4, filling a key staff position that had been open for nearly a year. A […]
MENTAL HEALTH
ARPA-Funded Behavioral Health Clinician Serves the Outer Cape
Short-term counseling is free, designed as a bridge to longer-term care
EASTHAM — Even in the best of circumstances, accessing mental and behavioral health care can become a Herculean journey. The country’s mental health care system is byzantine, there are rarely […]
PROVINCETOWN: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Raising a Bulkhead
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Provincetown are held in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar at provincetown-ma.gov for a […]
TRURO: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Not Just Wednesdays
Meetings Ahead Meetings in Truro are often held remotely. Go to Truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you are interested in for an agenda and details on how to join. Thursday, Jan. […]
WELLFLEET: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Just a Little More Time
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Wellfleet are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you are interested in on the calendar at wellfleet-ma.gov for details. All […]
EASTHAM: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
No More Dock Work at Rock Harbor
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Eastham are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you are interested in on the calendar at eastham-ma.gov for details. All […]
PARENTING
Piecing Together Postpartum Care on the Outer Cape
Nurses, doulas, and support groups provide reassurance and company
TRURO — On a Thursday morning in early December, Rana O’Laughlin arrives at Jelena Duarte’s house, greeted by Pickle the cat and Duarte’s 18-month-old daughter, Vera. The atmosphere is subdued, […]
WATER QUALITY
Sewer District Lots Exempted From Upgrades
Board of health considers triggers for fixing Wellfleet septic systems
WELLFLEET — The board of health got mixed reactions when it brought an amended version of its new septic system regulations to the select board on Dec. 10. The resulting […]