HARWICH — “It's with a little joy, a little sadness and a little apprehension,” Health Department Director Paula Champagne said on Monday of her decision to retire after 30 years of service to the town, which included developing that department. Among her accomplishments, Champagne said was “building a department that is seen as a professional model across the county.” Champagne worked for the Barnstable Co...

HARWICH — Selectman Jannell Brown was in court Wednesday answering an assault charge, the second time she has done so in as many years. Brown pleaded not guilty to a single misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a family or household member, and a single charge of malicious destruction of property valued at less than $250. She was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim, and will return to court fo...

HARWICH — Nearly two years ago, Department of Public Works Director Lincoln Hooper proposed a “stand-alone” project for the reconstruction of Lower County Road. By “stand alone,” he meant town funded, without any help from state highway grants. Hooper was before selectmen Monday night to provide a status report on that project. He cited numerous deficiencies in the roadway, including poor surface conditions, s...

HARWICH — Brooks Free Library will not be getting a facelift this summer after bids for the work came in above the appropriated amount. The town has $490,000 set aside for the project. In the first round of bids, the low bidder was $143,200 above the allocated funds. A second round, which elicited a single bid, also came in too high. “There was only one bidder and the total cost of the project to include th...

HARWICH — Officials here have received word from the state Attorney General's Office that the temporary moratorium on recreational marijuana approved in May's town meeting is in compliance with the state constitution, even as the state legislature put forward changes last week to the recreational pot law approved in a ballot question in November. The town's moratorium placed a ban on the creation of recreation...

HARWICH — The sign outside now identifies the former middle school as the Harwich Cultural Center, and members of the community are being invited inside to explore the transition during an open house from Thursday to Saturday of this week. “There seems to be quite a bit of interest,” Community Center Director Carolyn Carey, who has been charged with leasing rooms in the center, said this week. “I'm excited abo...

PLEASANT LAKE — Forget canoeing and s'mores. How about a summer camp that gives kids a chance to try a career? For the second summer, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School is inviting middle school-age kids to spend a week learning vocational skills, without sparing the fun activities. In the first session, held last week, cosmetology students learned about hair care and nails, and carpentry and electrical...

HARWICH PORT — For two decades, Cove Clubhouse has been more than a place where people with mental illnesses can share meals, access services and prepare for a job or school. It's been a lifeline for hundreds of Lower Cape residents. Last Friday, Cove clients and supporters came together for a cookout to celebrate the organization's 20 th anniversary. Some of their tributes were included on a hand-out sheet...

HARWICH — Selectman Jannell Brown was in court Wednesday answering an assault charge, the second time she has done so in as many years. Brown pleaded not guilty to a single misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a family or household member, and a single charge of malicious destruction of property valued at less than $250. She was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim, and will return to court fo...

HARWICH — After National Grid gas line replacement tied up traffic along Route 39 this past spring, a spokesman for the company made it clear work would not be done on that main road in the next couple of months. However, gas main replacement will be done on Depot Road and side streets throughout the summer. Brad Wheeler, a senior project manager for National Grid, explained to selectmen last week that work wa...

HARWICH — Grey skies and a few rain drops may have held down the crowd, but it could not contain the excitement generated by those who attended the inaugural Harwich Cape Verdean Festival held in Brooks Park on Saturday. The voice of Cape Verdean International singer Candida Rose and the heart healthy beat of Cape Cod African Dance and Drum brought warmth and eventual sunshine to the festival. The event was an...

HARWICH — With both the waterside and landside renovation projects now out to bid, there is likely going to be a lot of activity in and around Saquatucket Harbor over the winter. However, it will take a trip to the former Harwich Middle School building to locate harbor and natural resources departments staff. Harbormaster John Rendon said there are only a couple of more permits to put in place which are expect...