For the first time in many days, weather forecasters were calling for the chance of measurable rainfall this week. But even if it comes, it won’t do much to quench the drought gripping the area. Less than two weeks after Harwich officials voted to ban all automated water irrigation systems in response to the drought and complaints about low water pressure, Chatham officials adopted a similar proposal. Meeting ...

CHATHAM – Chris Doughty has a plan for Cape Cod. A candidate for the Republican nomination for Massachusetts governor in the Sept. 6 state primary, Doughty's “Cape Cod Initiative” broadly aims to end congestion, grow the blue economy, enhance water quality, travel and tourism, and increase workforce housing. “The Cape is a treasure for Massachusetts, but it's also a treasure for America,” he said in a recen...

CHATHAM – Five people, including a baby, were rescued from the waters near the Stage Harbor channel today by a crew from the harbormaster's department. According to a press release from Harbormaster Stuart Smith, about 2:50 p.m. Friday afternoon, Assistant Harbormaster Ron Tayson and EMT crewmember Brooke Hall were on patrol in the Stage Harbor channel when they saw four adults and one baby in the water being ...

CHATHAM — Everyone knows when you are on Cape Cod you have to get a lobster roll. With the town’s recently approved food truck policy now in place, there are two new options to get the classic New England delicacy. Both the Cousins Maine Lobster truck and the Chatham Squire Mobile will be stationed in the town offices parking lot on alternating days as well as on Monday nights for “Mondays on Main.” The Squ...

Potential Closures Not Related To Water Quality CHATHAM — A change in federal rules has the potential to shut down shellfish harvesting in some of the town’s productive waterways in the summertime. And while the implications of the change aren’t yet known, town officials say there’s a need to be prepared. In an update to the select board last week, Shellfish Constable Renee Gagne said that seven of the town...

CHATHAM — The orbs are returning. The Monomoy Orb Project, which began last summer under the aegis of Monomoy Community Services, is back, with plans to distribute 100 decorative ceramic balls throughout town over the next 10 weeks. They'll be placed in public, town-owned locations, according to Graeme Milley, an MCS board member who oversees the project. “They'll be visible and accessible without disturbin...

CHATHAM — They say every dog has his day. Having seen a previous proposal fade away in 2014, local dog owners are looking for a second bite at a plan to create a dog park at Volunteer Park in Chatham. On Monday, the parks and recreation commission unleashed a plan to further investigate the idea. Commission Chair Meredith Fry, who has two dogs, brought up the proposal for consideration. “I heard about th...

CHATHAM – Since the 1940s, non-resident homeowners have gathered each summer to discuss local issues and learn more about the state of the town. In the early years it had the atmosphere of a cocktail party, but over the last two decades, the annual summer town meeting has taken on a bit more serious tenor. A big reason for that is that the session is now sponsored by the town's summer residents advisory commit...

CHATHAM — Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate families and the things we are grateful for. For many, it's also an opportunity to give something back to the community and have a little fun before the heavy cooking – and feasting – begins. For the past 17 years, hundreds, sometimes thousands of local residents have gathered downtown for the 5K Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, which raised money and collected food for th...

CHATHAM – Despite its many programs aimed at active and engaged seniors, there's still a perception that the senior center offers little beyond bingo and chair yoga. The council on aging board hopes to change that stigma by rebranding the facility to more accurately reflect its wide roster of programs. The group is launching a survey Aug. 1 that will poll residents on five potential new names for the senior ce...

CHATHAM — For the third time in less than four months, a longstanding Chatham hotel property has changed hands. This time, it’s the Chatham Seafarer at 2079 Main St., which sold in late June for $4.4 million. The buyer is identified as Melissa Leonard, whose partners are listed as Robert Cochran and Antonino Scimeca. Leonard said she is planning some renovations at the Seafarer, and is interested in keeping it...

CHATHAM – At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive to have the town's council on aging director also oversee the recreation department, dealing with programs at both ends of the age spectrum. But there are synergies between the two, said Leah LaCross, recently named the town's first director of community services. “It can be a dynamic relationship,” she said. “Older adults and young people are, in many...