CHATHAM — Shoaling in Chatham Harbor continues to be a serious problem, with sand choking access to both the North and South Inlets. Now, mechanical problems with the new county dredge are threatening plans to dredge Stage Harbor and its approaches. Town officials say that even if dredging is impossible, the Stage Harbor entrance channel will be navigable this summer, though the passage will be narrow. The M...

WEST CHATHAM — A few hundred brave souls took a dip in Nantucket Sound Monday afternoon in the annual April Fools plunge at Harding's Beach. The air temperature was 45, the water temperature 41, and the sign mounted on a fire engine declared “Feels like: Cold!” But that didn't seem to bother the folks who stripped down to their bathing suits and jumped in the water. Several swam out to where inflatable...

The Chatham Band is a beloved 87-year-old Chatham summertime tradition.  Now, from Tom Jahnke, the band’s director since 2014, comes a children’s book about town bands. He has just published “Little Town Band: A Musical Tale,” a charming picture book illustrated by Deb Hart-Chase of Centerville. It must be said that “Little Town Band” both is and isn’t about the Chatham Band. ...

CHATHAM — Selectmen are advancing a plan to build a new shellfish upweller, floating docks and a public rest room on the small town-owned parcel at 90 Bridge St., next to the Mitchell River drawbridge. The conceptual plan they reviewed Monday evening would cost about $3.44 million to build, less than the $4.17 million projected for an earlier, more ambitious plan. Consulting engineer David Anderson of Stante...

CHATHAM –When Barbara Matteson applied for a teller's job at the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank in 1974, she had no experience in banking. At the time she was living and working at the Dolphin Motel, and a friend suggested working “banker's hours” might make it easier for Matteson to take care of her 4-year-old son. Over the next four decades, she rarely worked “banker's hours,” but certainly found a home at...

CHATHAM – With shoaling creating difficulty in accessing the inlets in Chatham Harbor, the Coast Guard is looking for an alternative location for its rescue vessels that will provide greater flexibility. The agency has suggested creating docking space at the town-owned Old Mill Boatyard on Stage Harbor for its two 42-foot lifeboats. Currently, two of the vessels are docked at the municipal fish pier in Aunt Ly...

CHATHAM -- A few hundred brave souls took a dip in Nantucket Sound Monday afternoon in the annual April Fools plunge at Harding's Beach.  The air temperature was 45, the water temperature 41, and the sign mounted on a fire engine declared "Feels like: Cold!" But that didn't seem to bother the folks who stripped down to their bathing suits and jumped in the water.  Several swam out to where inflatable sharks ha...

Historical Commission Seeks National Register Eligibility Ruling CHATHAM – The mood was somber last weekend as Monomoy Theatre officials and alumni helped clear out the buildings at the Main Street campus in advance of its pending sale. “It's sad to the see the passing of the theater,” said actor Casey Predovic, who performed in “Guys and Dolls” at the theater last year. His parents, Dennis and Marcia, were...

70-Plus Article Town Meeting Warrant Now Closed CHATHAM — The board of selectmen Monday voted to close and sign the warrant for the May 13 annual town meeting, capping a detailed review of more than 70 articles over several weeks. Board members voted to endorse a number of the initiatives, including a possible shark barrier at Oyster Pond Beach, funds to renovate the VFW post, and a measure to change the boa...

CHATHAM – After more than two years of stop work orders, zoning board hearings and court battles, resolution has finally been reached over the use of two properties on Chatham Bars Avenue owned by Chatham Bars Inn. The zoning board recently tied up loose ends on permits for 45 and 20 Chatham Bars Ave., properties that the Shore Road inn had owned for years and bought back in 2015 from a previous owner of the i...

CHATHAM — In the latest effort to fix the sticky Mitchell River drawbridge, crews will begin major repairs on April 8 which could take nearly two months to complete. During that time, Bridge Street will be closed to through traffic. On Monday, MassDOT officials notified the town that the bridge contractor, SPS New England, will be on site starting April 1, installing detour signs and informational message bo...

CHATHAM – For many local businesses, especially larger ones, the biggest problem these days isn't finding employees, it's finding housing for employees. Workforce housing – not means-tested affordable housing, but “attainable” housing for those with good jobs and salaries – is at the root of many of the issues local towns are struggling with, particularly attracting and retaining young people and families. Bro...