In the Sept. 1 primary election, three Democratic candidates for the Barnstable County Commission are vying for two places on the Nov. 3 ballot. They’re hoping to replace Mary Pat […]
News
Fresh local news that brings you closer to your neighbors and the community.
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ENVIRONMENT
Withering Heights: Dying Pines Tell a Complex Tale
With heathlands lost, forest die-offs aren’t always a bad thing
TRURO — From her house on a hill near Higgins Hollow and Longnook Beach, Melinda Krasting has a clear view of a patch of pitch pines that are slowly turning […]
COLLEGE WOES
Pandemic Forces Students to Make Difficult Choices
Remote learning doesn’t cost schools any less, so tuition is the same
For local students just about to begin college or preparing to return to university, the pandemic summer of 2020 presents unique and daunting choices. CDC guidelines say the lowest-risk option […]
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Young People’s Participation in Politics Is Growing
Allowing 16-year-olds to vote in town elections could boost engagement
The day Nauset High senior Garrison Guzzeau went to take his driver’s test, he left the Registry of Motor Vehicles with both his license and his completed voter preregistration, so […]
RESILIENCE
Nonprofit Groups Adapt and Persevere in a Crisis
Virtual services and fundraising aren’t easy, but there are a few surprising benefits
Updated Aug. 18, 2020. When the lockdowns of mid-March first hit, the Cape’s nonprofits were faced with a series of questions. Organizations like the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod […]
TRANSITIONS
A Decision Well Beyond Their Years
How Outer Cape eighth graders choose a high school
For Jen Rhodes of Wellfleet, it was obvious where her eighth-grade son, Jack, should attend high school in the fall. She’d sent two daughters to technical schools, and knew that […]
CANDY
The Chocolate Sparrow Flies Away
A beloved store is now a sweet memory
WELLFLEET –– On Main Street, there isn’t much to do if you’re under 10 years old. Sure, there are art galleries, coffee shops, and clothing stores, but those are pretty […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 11, included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
A Good Bite on the Backside
The bonito are bigger, and the fluke just might be back
The dog days of summer blaze on, bringing water temperatures up to the mid to high 70s. The lack of rain also contributes to the almost tropical feel of our […]
HYPERSHARKTIVITY
Swim at Your Own Risk
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy reported 25 separate ocean beach closures because of shark sightings on the Outer Cape in the week ending Tuesday: 5 in Provincetown, all at Race […]
DEBT OF GRATITUDE
Friends of Willy’s Coach Press Niggel to Pay His Widow
Remembrance and protest on the anniversary of Joe Abbott’s death
EASTHAM — About 50 people gathered outside Willy’s World Wellness & Conference Center on Aug. 7, marking one year since the death of tennis coach Joe Abbott, who collapsed at […]
TRUE CRIME
Larceny Suspect Blames Long-lost Identical Twin
Framed photo of Provincetown police among stolen goods
PROVINCETOWN — The goods cluttering his BMW convertible might have been stolen, David Sprindzunas admitted to Provincetown Police Officer Tyler Dow on Aug. 5. But according to Dow’s report, Sprindzunas […]
CURRENTS
This Week in Provincetown
Meetings Ahead Meetings are held remotely. Go to provincetown-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. Thursday, Aug. 13 Board of Health, 4 p.m. Planning Board, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. […]
currents
This Week in Wellfleet
Meetings Ahead From wellfleet-ma.gov, hover your mouse over a date on the calendar on the right of the screen, and click on the meeting you’re interested in to open its […]
currents
This Week in Eastham
Meetings Ahead Meetings are held remotely. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on a particular meeting to read its agenda. That document will provide information about how to view and take […]
