CHATHAM – An orca, also known as a killer whale, the only creature known to prey on great white sharks, was spotted off Chatham Monday by a charter fisherman. Bruce Peters of Capeshore Charters was about 11 miles east of the Cape on a tuna charter when one of his customers spotted the orca's distinctive dorsal fin. “I was like, no way,” Peters said Tuesday. “But it was definitely a killer whale.” ...

Watch this week's paper for parade photos as well as a full list of winner.      

CHATHAM — Two Hyannis teens will be facing felony charges Tuesday after they allegedly robbed the Corner Store Friday evening, brandishing a weapon. Shortly after 7 p.m., officers were called to the popular restaurant at 1403 Old Queen Anne Road, where alleged victims told police that two men had entered the store and taken a large amount of cash. The witnesses said the men were armed and wearing masks. Dur...

Great white sharks have been photographed recently feeding close to shore, so this is a good time to remind beachgoers of the need to keep safety in mind when swimming off the Cape’s eastside beaches. While shark attacks on humans are rare, one did occur off Truro in 2012, so authorities urge caution whenever swimming in the ocean. These safety tips were issued this week by the Cape Cod National Seashore: •...

CHATHAM – It just seems to get bigger and more festive every year. Organizers say the town's gala Independence Day parade will the largest ever, with 102 official entries, not counting the more than half dozen groups that traditionally lead off the procession. “This is a record,” said Independence Day Parade Committee Chairman Brad Schiff, noting this is the first time there have been more than 100 groups p...

CHATHAM – The state is considering allowing aquaculturists to sell undersized “petit” quahogs in the state, a move local shellfishermen say could have a devastating impact on the town's shellfish industry. Chatham has the largest quahog fishery on the Cape, with landings last year of 21,295 bushels worth $1.4 million. More than 320 commercial shellfish licenses were issued this year, and while about half that ...

Two Sharks Tagged, More Seen By Researchers Off Chatham CHATHAM – Beginning Friday, July 1, anyone with an iPhone can find out instantly when great white sharks are sighted or tagged off the Cape. The free “Sharktivity” app, developed by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, will enable the public to track shark sightings and shark activity, report sightings and submit photos and videos of sharks, data that...

For Chatham’s summer and year-round residents alike, Chatham Band concerts on Friday evenings evoke memories of summer and childhood “that you don’t get anywhere else,” says the band’s musical director Thomas Jahnke. “It’s where everything comes together at the right moment,” adds Jahnke, who is beginning his third year as musical director. “It’s the perfect spot in the center of town. It is quite magical.” ...

CHATHAM — If you're finding it easier than usual to score a choice parking space on Main Street this summer, thank a downtown merchant. A working group assembled to find ways to increase the number of available downtown parking spaces reports that it is making real progress. The group's leader, Becky Voelkel of the Chatham Merchants' Association, said downtown business owners have largely agreed to discourage ...

CHATHAM — In the wake of the “surprise” demolition of the historic Reuben C. Smith house at 1610 Main St. last month, town staff members are drafting a new policy to ensure closer cooperation with the Historic Business District Commission. Selectmen reviewed the case at the request of resident Norm Pacun, who said the law that enables the HBDC gives it clear authority to review pending demolitions of historic ...

CHATHAM – Growing up the youngest of seven children in the Bronx, Chatham resident Tom Baldwin knew very little about his father Walter’s service in World War I. “I cannot recall my Dad ever talking about his wartime experiences in our home,” Baldwin said. Walter Baldwin passed away in 1965. It wasn’t until 2012 that Tom and his sister discovered a typed manuscript while going through some of their father’s...

CHATHAM – Sharks are on the move. Not only in the waters off the Outer Cape, but in downtown Chatham as well. With Chatham Band concerts beginning in Kate Gould Park Friday, the Sharks in the Park exhibit had to relocate. Seems there's not enough space for both sharks and the throngs of concert goers who fill up the downtown park every Friday through Labor Day. So the sharks – all 40-plus of them, as well a...