WEST HARWICH — The historic Chase Library has undergone some improvements thanks to a $10,000 matching grant provided by Foundation 1772 and Preservation Massachusetts. The grant assisted in funding repair, restoration and painting of the exterior of the 1911 library building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The non-profit, trustee-run public library is also seeking $15,000 in Comm...

While masks have become an important piece of equipment in the fight against COVID-19, Rick White knows one thing is still certain. “You don’t have to see the smile to know it’s there,” he said. White is a member of the Dennis-Harwich Lions Club, which recently embarked on a mission to make and supply masks, free of charge, to Cape Cod residents that need them. Through the Make-A-Mask Challenge, the Dennis-...

HARWICH — Selectmen put in place a hiring freeze early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Several town departments are now pushing to fill what they say are essential positions for the operation of the town. Interim Town Administrator Joseph Powers last week identified six positions department heads say are “critical hiring needs.” They included the social services coordinator at the council on aging; a part-time healt...

HARWICH — There will be a change in command at the fire department Saturday, with longtime firefighter and Fire Chief Norman Clarke, Jr. retiring after 43 years of service. “From a very young age it was my dream to be a firefighter,” Clarke wrote in a letter to selectmen when announcing his retirement several months ago. “That dream was realized on July 17, 1977 when Chief Charles Hall appointed me to the Harw...

HARWICH — The town administrator search committee submitted four names to selectmen Monday night as finalists for the town administrator position. Among those candidates is acting town administrator Joseph Powers, who has served as the interim town administrator since November. The other candidates are Kenneth Gray, who served as mayor of Amesbury for six years and has 20 years of experience in the private sec...

CHATHAM – David Alexander signed his first contract to teach in what was then the Chatham School District 20 years. Last week, he signed his latest contract, as the new assistant principal of Monomoy Regional High School. “In the same room, too,” he said. “I took that as a good omen.” Currently head of the school's history/social studies department, Alexander this week stepped into the position left open wh...

HARWICH – As colleges and universities across the country, including the University of Massachusetts, announce continued remote learning for the fall semester, parents in the Monomoy Regional School District are eagerly awaiting plans for the reopening of schools this fall, which Superintendent Dr. Scott Carpenter said at this point still remain unclear. “The priority from the state is getting people back into...

HARWICH — The weather could have cooperated a little more over the July Fourth weekend, but the gray clouds did not keep people from going to the beaches. “The beaches were still pretty crowded,” Recreation Department Director Eric Beebe said on Monday. In fact, the beaches have been very busy, beginning with the warm weather in June. Beach sticker sales are showing a slight increase over last year, treasurer ...

HARWICH — With the third phase of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Reopening of Massachusetts, municipal government became more accessible on Monday. The doors to town hall and a number of other public buildings are open, but in many instances appointments are required ahead of time to meet with town staff. Town Administrator Joseph Powers said the town has been working on compliance with the mandatory safety standards...

HARWICH — The affordable housing trust will contribute $37,800 to the housing authority's rental assistance program to ensure funding is available as the new fiscal year begins. The housing authority is seeking $200,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for the program in the annual town meeting. Because the session was put off until Sept. 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the funds won't be available until t...

HARWICH – Voters cast ballots in very low numbers in Tuesday's annual town election due both to the absence of any elective races and the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 807 voters, about 5 percent of those registered, cast ballots during limited polling hours. Town Clerk Anita Doucette said 346 ballots were cast by mail. Most, 327, were absentee ballots, and another 19 were early voting ballot requests. She said voti...

HARWICH – Voters cast ballots in very low numbers in Tuesday's annual town election due both to the absence of any elective races and the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 805 voters cast ballots during limited polling hours. Incumbent selectmen Donald Howell and Larry Ballantine were returned to office with 602 and 593 votes, respectively. Incumbent Monomoy Regional School Committee members Meredith Henderson, 633 vote...