CHATHAM — In an effort to avoid a water supply shortage this summer, selectmen have declared a state of water supply conservation, effective June 15. Starting then, and continuing through Sept.15, there will be voluntary restrictions on lawn watering and other non-essential water consumption. If the voluntary steps don't adequately control water use in town, selectmen will consider more stringent measures, pos...

CHATHAM – Bob Gale has fond memories of vacationing in Chatham, so when Jeff Ippoliti, owner of the Chatham Inn at 359 Main, asked if he'd be willing to participate in a “Back to the Future” fundraiser here, there was really no question about his response. Especially when his wife found out about it. “She's usually leery about going to these events,” said Gale, co-creator and co-writer of the series of classic...

CHATHAM — Completed in part with public funds, the exterior renovation of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church should be nearly finished by the end of this week. “We feel very grateful and honored to be here and to do our part to keep Main Street Chatham looking so quaint and historic and beautiful,” said the Rev. Brian McGurk, the church's rector. About $147,000 in historic preservation funds from the Communi...

CHATHAM ─ Though commercial fishing has changed a great deal since the days of Chatham's forefathers, it's still a profession fraught with unpredictability. Safety precautions help ensure the well-being of a boat and all on board, and every blessing helps, which is why a supportive crowd eagerly ventured to the fish pier Saturday for the annual Women of Fishing Families' Blessing of the Fleet. The Women were...

With rain threatening, Chatham held its annual Memorial Day ceremony inside the community center Monday. Dozens of residents joined color guards from the Chatham VFW and Chatham Coast Guard Station, Coast Guard Auxiliary, scouts and local officials in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the nation's conflicts and wars. Master of Ceremonies Ted Miller of the Chatham VFW Post thanked those who attended for...

At least on a trial basis, you're now able to use your computer or smartphone to let town officials know about potholes, clogged storm drains, balky streetlights and other such annoyances. The board of selectmen has authorized a one-year trial of a system called “See Click Fix,” and is waiting to see if the public uses the new technology, or possibly over-uses it. Town Information Technology Director Craig Row...

The elements seem to be conspiring against two would-be adventurers who are planning to row across the Atlantic this summer. James Caple and Cindy Way remain ashore, waiting for a break in the easterly winds, ocean storms and high seas. “We were really expecting to be able to leave Monday morning first thing,” they wrote Sunday in an email to supporters. They consulted with their weather service Sunday morni...

The upper portion of the new stairway to the beach at the end of Water Street is in place, with the lower level soon to follow. Funded by a combination of community preservation money and donations from the Old Village Association, the stairs will restore traditional access to the beach at the Chatham Harbor end of the town landing. According to Coastal Resources Director Ted Keon, the bottom section is currently...

This video was filmed by Chatham Orpheum Assistant Manager Geoff Bassett to promote the upcoming showing of "Back to the Future" featuring stars Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson along with co-writer and creator Bob Gale.

Peter Hartnett and his daughter, 3-year-old Allie, take a selfie of her first catch. ROBIN LITWIN PHOTO

“Good things happen to those who wait.” Those were the words of Chairman of Selectmen Jeffrey Dykens at Sunday's dedication of the town's new $11 million fire station. Nobody knows that better than Deputy Fire Chief Peter Connick. When he was hired by the department in 1979 and was shown around the then-27-year-old building, he was told they'd be getting a new station. “They were right,” he said, standing i...