GOVERNMENT

CHATHAM – Two months late, the Army Corp is expected to begin dredging the Stage Harbor entrance channel this week. The Corps hopper dredge Murden was due to arrive in town at the end of this week, according to Coastal Resources Director Ted Keon. It will spend approximately 13 days in town, dredging daily with 24 hour shifts. The Murden was originally scheduled to dredge the entrance to the town’s only federal channel in late June, but repairs diverted the vessel to New Jersey. The repairs took longer than expected, and after they were completed the dredge did work in Baltimore and New Jersey before heading north, Keon said. Even though it’s coming at the tail end of the boating season, the dredging is still welcome, he said. “Definitely it’s later in the season than we’d hoped,” he said. But shoaling in the channel is “not as severe as it has been” in years past, so the lack of dredging prior to the season did not cause any major problems. Over the summer, the channel was in “pretty good shape, more or less,” he added. The dredging can be considered “advanced maintenance,” Keon suggested, as it may lessen shoaling over the fall and winter. In recent years prevailing currents have brought sand into the channel from the Morris Island area, sometimes building up large shoals that impede navigation. That pressure from the east has lessened some, he said, but not stopped completely. “It’s definitely not as severe as it has been,” Keon said. There’s no guarantee that will continue, however, should the winter bring easterly winds and storms. “That will still push a lot of sand into the channel.” The channel is on the schedule for the Barnstable County dredge in the winter, and the Army Corps has budgeted to bring the Murden back next spring, Keon said, which will address any shoaling that happens over the fall and winter. Permitting could be an issue, however. The town is closing in on completing renewal of 10-year dredging permits for town waters. While he’s confident state permits will be in place in time for next spring, Keon said he’s not as certain about the timing of the necessary Army Corps permit. While the Corps can dredge under its own authority, work by the county dredge will require a new federal permit. The town received a state grant to cover the county dredging cost. If there are delays, the scheduled Corps dredging could be the only project to clear shoals for next summer’s boating season. “We are never sure if the Corps is going to come back, even though they’ve said they’re scheduled to come back in the spring,” Keon said. “You just never know. But when the Corps says its available to come, you don’t want to say ‘never mind.’” Material dredged from the channel in the coming weeks will be deposited in an offshore area off Harding’s Beach. Because of the restricted channel width, mariners are urged to exercise caution when navigating around the dredge. Navigation buoys may also be temporarily relocated during the dredging.

HARWICH – Three candidates for Eagle Scout Badges were recognized by the select board for their contributions to the town. Cemetery Administrator Robbin Kelley praised Eagle Scouts Thomas M. Chase, Dennis Theohardis and Jared Cox for their Eagle Scout work on cemetery projects. “We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for their outstanding dedication and hard work,” she said at the Aug. 19 board meeting. “They have made a significant positive impact on our community.” Kelley recognized Chase for his Hawksnest Cemetery revival project that included removing broken fencing and replacing it with new cedar split-rail fences. The project was coordinated with state Department of Conservation and Recreation approval and involved Boy Scout Troop 76, who helped clean up bushes, downed trees, and undergrowth. Hawksnest Cemetery is a small family cemetery plot containing the grave of Ebernezer Eldredge, a decorated Revolutionary War veteran, Kelley said. “This initiative not only preserved our town’s rich history, but also educated residents and visitors about our heritage, ensuring that these landmarks are appreciated for generations to come,” said Kelley. Theohardis demonstrated leadership in restoring fencing around the Old Smith Burial Grounds in the Bell’s Neck Cemetery, a historic landmark in West Harwich, according to Kelley. Theohardis led the project, which included removal of old fences and cleaning up the area. Kelley said he picked out native shrubs for planting outside the fenced-in gravesite. The private burial ground is for members of the Smith family. Samuel Smith was a Minute Man of Falmouth in 1778, and he served two enlistments under different commands, Kelley said. Cox’s project focused on preserving veterans information through technology and consisted of two phases, Kelley said. The scouts were directed to locate veterans’ graves within Island Pond Cemetery. Cox led the scouts as they identified veteran gravesite locations so that markers could be photographed. Photographs were taken using a 360-degree camera on a tripod and uploaded to the Island Pond database, she said. “This project has enhanced our community’s access to our veterans by providing ease of access and community awareness of those residents who have proudly served our country,” she said. “These projects not only showcase their ability to lead and inspire others, but also enhance the quality of life for our residents,” Kelley said. “The improvements made through their efforts will be enjoyed by many in the years to come, and stand as a testament to the positive contributions that our young leaders can make to society. We are proud to recognize these accomplishments and celebrate the lasting impact they will have on our town. The Eagle Scouts received a standing ovation from the audience at the select board meeting.

HARWICH – After a successful first year, the town is considering hiring a program manager to oversee its preschool subsidy program. The program is currently administered by Council on Aging Director Julie Witas and the COA staff, and there are concerns that continued oversight could work against COA programming.

PLYMOUTH – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced a second confirmed case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a human and a second confirmed case in a horse this year as the region sprays for mosquitos. The human case is a woman in her 30s. Both were...

This Saturday is Overdose Awareness Day in the Commonwealth and local officials are highlighting available resources for those in need. Opioid use, and especially deadlier fentanyl, has seen an uptick on Cape Cod in recent years, but Barnstable County Substance Use Prevention Program Manager Angela Rossi says individuals or their loved ones don’t have to handle addictions alone. A remembrance ceremony for those who have died due to substance-related challenges will be held on Saturday at the Village Green in Falmouth.

BREWSTER – Brewster Fire is officially accepting applications for their Citizens Fire Academy this fall! Everyone is welcome with preference given to the residents of Brewster. Be sure to get your application in before the limited spots available fill up. Get a front-row seat to the action at the...