The fuzz-covered newborns that can be seen unrolling from their fetal positions near the cedar swamp in Wellfleet this week are the fresh fronds of cinnamon fern, Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, an […]
News
Fresh local news that brings you closer to your neighbors and the community.
Browse all News stories below or dive into a topic:
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, May 6 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
PROVINCETOWN: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Motta Field Groundbreaking
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
A Couple of Good Freds
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. […]
WELLFLEET: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Town Election Results
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Wellfleet are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting that interests you on the calendar at wellfleet-ma.gov for details. All meetings […]
EASTHAM: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Meet the Candidates
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 […]
TOWN MEETING
Wellfleet Says Yes to Funding Maurice’s RFP
Seasonal communities label and money for marina repairs are also approved
WELLFLEET — The 328 voters at the April 28 annual town meeting owed their first unexpected vote to resident Brian Stern, who moved to block a $225,000 capital budget item […]
DEVELOPMENT
House Construction Cuts Close to Burial Site
State and town both say they lack authority to protect private cemeteries
PROVINCETOWN — Thom Cusack lives near the town’s Gifford and Hamilton cemeteries and walks daily through the rows of stones marking the final resting places of countless Provincetown residents. Those […]
EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
Against ‘Tyranny of Fear,’ Wellfleet Likes ‘Torture by Democracy’
Despite some applause and boos, Wellfleet wraps 37 articles in a mere 4 hours
WELLFLEET — Monday was a perfect spring evening: warm sunshine lingered, and there was a nice breeze blowing off the bay. While the rest of the Cape was enjoying it, […]
RIGHT WHALES
In the Bay, One New Calf and One Dire Entanglement
Center for Coastal Studies reports numbers are up, but only slightly
PROVINCETOWN — Late April marks the peak of the North Atlantic right whale season in Cape Cod Bay. Since January, more than 180 of these endangered animals have made an […]
ECONOMY
After ‘Nerve-Wracking’ Pause, Feds Resume Processing H-2B Visas
Many Cape Cod employers rely on ‘returning worker’ visas that were delayed
PROVINCETOWN — The seasonal economy of the Outer Cape relies heavily on a workforce that many tourists seldom see: the chefs, dishwashers, and housekeepers who keep hotels looking pristine and […]
REMAINS OF THE DAY
Judge to Decide If Derelict’s Owner Has Kept His Promise
Despite state program and owner’s agreement, an antique house sits open to the elements
WELLFLEET — The formerly grand 19th-century house on Peace Valley Road sat empty and open to the elements all winter despite the town’s efforts, a state program aimed at saving […]
TOWN MEETING PREVIEW
Article 40 Debate Airs Conflicts on DPW Building Committee
A petition to cap Truro’s new facility at $20 million faces skepticism
TRURO — When voters arrive at this Saturday’s annual town meeting, they’ll find a confusing new wrinkle in Truro’s years-long effort to replace its aging Dept. of Public Works facility: […]
TOWN MEETING
Eastham Gets a Preview of 9 (Really 23) Warrant Articles
A petitioned article seeking a ‘tax strategy’ consultation dominates discussion
EASTHAM — The comments at an April 22 select board session on this year’s warrant articles had Town Moderator Scott Kerry looking forward to Monday’s town meeting. “It sounds like […]
TAX POLICY
Exploring the Numbers for a Residential Tax Exemption in Eastham
Because the tax rate changes, financial impact can vary widely
EASTHAM — Ever since the select board voted in January to begin planning for a residential tax exemption (RTE) in the upcoming fiscal year, opposition to the policy from part-time […]