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 […]
Archives for 2020
Featured
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 […]
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 […]
PUBLIC HEALTH
‘Please Talk,’ Say Coronavirus Contact Tracers
Key Covid containment measure works only if people cooperate
PROVINCETOWN — Massachusetts is ramping up efforts to find positive cases of coronavirus. Asymptomatic screening programs are being expanded around the state, and Provincetown recently announced it will begin a […]
CORONAVIRUS
Two Eastham Covid Cases Linked to Chatham Party
With state form still being created, travelers are told to self-quarantine
EASTHAM — Two town residents tested positive for Covid-19 after a house party in Chatham that resulted in at least 13 positive cases, according to Health Agent Jane Crowley. Crowley, […]
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Planning Board Continues Its Campaign Against Cloverleaf
As ZBA approval nears, opponents change tactics
TRURO — Health and Conservation Agent Emily Beebe told the zoning board of appeals last week that the proposed treatment system at the 39-unit Cloverleaf development would reduce nitrogen in […]
THE COVID EFFECT
Rumors Swirl Over Closing of Restaurants
What were the test results? Answers are not required
Rumors started to circulate last week that a rash of Wellfleet restaurants had closed due to positive Covid-19 tests among staff. According to public notices from restaurateurs, Mac’s Shack closed […]
TECHNOLOGY
As Life Moves Online, Lack of Access Vexes
Comcast’s ‘monopoly’ keeps others from serving the Cape
While debates about in-person schooling rage and doctor visits go virtual, Outer Cape towns are negotiating the next decade of internet coverage in the area. Contracts between the individual towns […]
ENVIRONMENT
Blue-green Algae Blooms Again, but Only Up Cape So Far
Warming and nutrients bring on toxic bacteria in kettle ponds
With summer well underway, higher temperatures coupled with nutrient overload in kettle ponds and lakes brings the dangerous return of cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae. As of Tuesday, […]