A motorcycle crash in at the intersection of Station Avenue and Wood Road in South Yarmouth on Thursday claimed the life of a 28-year-old South Yarmouth man Keean Laakso was riding south on Station Avenue just after 4 p.m. when he collided with a pickup truck crossing the intersection. According to the Yarmouth Police Department the impact occurred at a high rate of speed and sent the motorcycle into a granite mailbox post Emergency crews arrived to find Laakso with life-threatening injuries Yarmouth firefighters attempted lifesaving measures but Laakso was pronounced dead at the scene The driver of the pickup remained on site and is cooperating with the investigation Police initially received reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a mailbox but responding officers quickly determined the collision involved a second vehicle Laakso was the owner of Laakso Landscaping in South Yarmouth In 2023: Station Avenue in South Yarmouth has problems. Planners want details. Yarmouth Police public information officer Nicholas Giammarco said in a May 2 email that 28 crashes have occurred at the intersection since 2020 Although road construction is underway nearby — with detours and closures posted — the intersection itself remains open and operational Zooming out from the Wood Road intersection county data from 2018 to 2020 show 162 crashes occurred along the full one-mile stretch of Station Avenue In 2023, town and county officials launched a Station Avenue Corridor Study to assess safety and propose both short- and long-term improvements The county conducted a 12-hour traffic count and found no need for a full traffic signal or upgrades to the existing flashing light at Wood Road though officials have considered adding an all-way stop and a crosswalk Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world, in addition to news and features in Barnstable and Brewster. Reach her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.    ”At the Bend in the Road”–Located just past the Old Yarmouth Inn this iconic property presents a rare opportunity to own a fully renovated multi-family dwelling in Yarmouth Port The distinctive offering includes two separate residences ideal for multigenerational living or income potential The main home features 2,381 sq ft of living space with original pine floors a custom kitchen with a built-in breakfast nook and a pantry and two bedrooms–including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and French doors to a balcony overlooking the courtyard The second residence spans 1,085 sq ft with two additional bedrooms Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious patio with a fire pit Minutes from everything Yarmouth Port has to offer this charming property is waiting to be enjoyed The scene on the first weekend of May was reminiscent of one in the early days of a past January Searchers from various ground search and rescue teams in southwestern Nova Scotia had set up a command centre in the parking lot of the Plymouth elementary school in Yarmouth County Subscribe now to access this story and more: Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience But while the determination to find Lefave has not changed one significant factor from these two timeframes had It’s been over four years since the Yarmouth County man went missing on Jan Asked what had triggered this newest large-scale search that was happening over the May 3-4 weekend said it was due to a new development in this missing person’s case “Since we got the initial file of Zack being missing this file has been investigated by many members These last several years it has been with our team from Major Crime that has been following up on all the leads,” he said there was a new development that was learned that the last point of contact may have been made while he was walking down a dirt road which triggered what we’re seeing here today,” Sgt LeBlanc said at the command centre on Saturday “A large sum of people have gathered together to try to find Zack.” The size of the search effort was significant There were search teams from Digby around to Queens There were in excess of 70 searchers from the ground search teams with another 18 or so RCMP officers on the ground A couple of weeks were spent coordinating this search effort “I’d been working at trying to organize this for a couple of weeks now But I’m sure we would have had almost the same amount of people if I had given them 12 hours’ notice,” Sgt “We also have an additional team of RCMP officers that are examining a different gravel road in the back there Asked how this search differs from the initial one in January 2021 and also another one that the RCMP conducted in July 2023 in the Plymouth area where we’re concentrating specifically on two different roads.” knowing where to concentrate efforts had been more challenging The day before this latest search got underway the Nova Scotia RCMP made a post on its Facebook page that read: ‘The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit is preparing a ground search on May 3 and 4 in relation to its ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Zachery Lefave can expect to see approximately 100 searchers in the community over the weekend.” the RCMP post had been shared over 1,100 times with people holding out hope for a break in the case that for four years has left a family and a community heartbroken and searching for answers Missing posters of Lefave – who went missing two days shy of his 21st birthday – remain in the windows and on bulletin boards of businesses and public locations throughout Yarmouth County people continue to share posts speculating over what may have happened to Lefave and repeatedly praying that he is found social media has been particularly active again when it comes to the case on the eve of the anniversary of Lefave’s four-year disappearance the RCMP issued a media release stating that the search for Lefave continues to be investigated Lefave had spent part of the evening at a gathering with friends in Plymouth but left that location and did not return When he didn’t show up for a work shift later that morning on Jan the RCMP has reported that the last eyewitness sighting had put Lefave walking on Hwy the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit said over the years partner agencies inside and outside of the RCMP have collaborated to try and locate the missing man This has included regional ground search and rescue teams; the RCMP Police Dog Services including an RCMP cadaver dog team from British Columbia; officers from RCMP Forensic Identification Services; and various units from Yarmouth RCMP Shelburne RCMP and Lunenburg District RCMP “Through a combination of statements and following up on tips and leads our investigators have spoken with over 200 people during the course of this investigation,” Const Shawn Himmelman of the major crime unit had stated in that Dec “The information and details provided have shaped where and how searches have taken place and will support potential new search efforts going forward.” Four months later in the parking lot of Plymouth school on May 3 LeBlanc spoke about the investigation that’s gone on over the years He said the RCMP knows that people are frustrated and discouraged that the case has gone on for so long with no answers “Every aspect that’s been brought up to us This one here seemed like it may be fruitful triggering the response that we see here today,” he said “I’m hopeful we can find answers … I am hopeful that we are going to have some closure for the family and the community We’re doing everything we can to obtain that LeBlanc reiterated the RCMP still needs people to come forward with any information about the case they may have no matter how small or insignificant they believe it may be we may not have had that piece of information so it’s important to bring that piece of information forward,” he said saying it can be a phone call to an RCMP detachment or anonymously online through Crime Stoppers A reward of up to $150,000 is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the disappearance of Lefave LeBlanc said there will be an RCMP media release updating the public on the outcome of the weekend search The public has been very invested in this missing person case people held vigil praying for Lefave’s safe return After the official boots-on-the-ground search ended people continued to scour areas throughout Yarmouth County looking for him – searching properties in the hopes of finding him or finding clues people have done all they can to keep his name in the public eye – both in the hopes of solving this case and to remind people about Zack’s friendly nature Over the Christmas holidays a few months back there was also a ‘RAK for ZACK’ initiative introduced in which people were encouraged to do a random act of kindness (RAK) in the young man’s name Over the years Lefave’s family has also advocated for more RCMP resources at detachments and major crime units saying added resources are greatly needed to not only help the RCMP but to help families like theirs and other families who are searching and waiting for answers and justice when it comes to their loved ones Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page The British Virgin Islands is an explorer's dream with more than 60 isles and cays to discover Expert-backed tips and a step-by-step breakdown to ward off these pests We tried it: Filtrete Smart Tower and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Maine fishermen optimistic about removal of two dams in Yarmouthby Meteorologist Ryan Munn YARMOUTH (WGME) -- Two dams in Yarmouth are expected to be removed by the year 2028 at a cost of nearly $6 million “I love small stream fishing this time of year as the little creeks and brooks are thawing out and the little natives are coming out of the banks,” Maine Fly Company Owner Jeff Davis said Davis runs a fly shop and rod building factory in Yarmouth and is thrilled about the start of the trout season but the season really heats up mid-May when that water temperature gets a little more prime and the river has calmed down a little bit,” Davis said and the stocking trucks are all over the place here in southern Maine putting fish in right now.” Two dams on the Royal River are slated for removal soon I love coming out in the middle of a snowstorm,” Davis said you almost have to put it right in their face you almost have to hit them in the nose with it.” Davis says when the dams in Yarmouth are removed the fishing will improve up and down the Royal River “I think the removal of these and allowing this river and their various stretches to intermingle “The recreation up and down should be amazing.” SOUTH YARMOUTH — It does not always take very long to figure out what type of softball game is about to transpire In the case of Wednesday's tilt between Falmouth and Dennis-Yarmouth Falmouth leadoff hitter Kaylee Shaw cracked a home run to start the game who opened the season with four straight losses Shaw has led the way in that turnaround with her play at the plate and as a four-year varsity player and leader of the team She also made a few key plays in the field on a day where the Clippers really needed them None of this comes as any surprise to Falmouth (5-4) coach Amy Bruce "That's why she's my leadoff batter," Bruce said Other offensive stars for Falmouth included Christina Femino (three runs scored) Shaw made sure her Clippers were steady and unfazed by the Dennis-Yarmouth (3-5) runs The game was maybe the type that Falmouth would have lost at the beginning of the season Shaw noted how they were struggling a little bit we had to stick with it and power through," Shaw said so it is no surprise she did not panic with the 0-4 start Those fluctuations in a given game or season could throw someone else off Shaw was just looking to drive the ball and get on base a state tournament berth may have seemed unrealistic the Clippers have put themselves in that conversation Shaw will keep leading the Clippers forward and I see a good future for us," Shaw said A big reason Dennis-Yarmouth (3-5) made a game of it was the performance of cleanup hitter Brooke Chicoine Chicoine was absolutely crushing the ball all afternoon and was the force behind the Dolphins comeback attempt The home runs were a grand slam in the second inning Chicoine turned on the pitch and sent the ball deep into left "We know she can hit the ball hard," Dennis-Yarmouth coach Michael Bonasia said "She just really impressed all of us today." It would be hard to find someone not impressed with her display The meat of the Dolphins lineup is dangerous Chicoine has only recently moved to the cleanup spot but she is making that decision look better and better "Everyone has a chance to step up and be the hero," Bonasia said Falmouth scored 11 runs in the top of the first A lot of teams would pack it in at that point and were able to slice into the deficit several times D-Y just couldn't keep the Clippers from doing the same and they fought the whole time," Bonasia said The Dolphins have some work to do to get into the state tournament picture but Bonasia likes the makeup of his team and its ability to play hard under any circumstance D-Y did a good job of putting the ball in play and forcing Falmouth to make a play "What we always take pride on is moving the runners," Bonasia said Adam Kurkjian covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at akurkjian@gannett.com and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans BARNSTABLE — A Cape Cod priest and chaplain pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving under the influence at an arraignment in Barnstable District Court on Monday was also charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and marked lane violations Hughes declined to comment following the arraignment said he only just received a police report and declined further comment In an emailed statement on Monday, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River said it "is aware of the charges facing Father Chris Hughes who serves as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville The matter is currently under review by diocesan officials." Yarmouth police responded to a vehicle that crashed into a fence at 56 Route 6A Hughes allegedly told police he was the driver and that he was trying to answer a phone call when he swerved right Police conducted a field sobriety test at the scene with Hughes including a finger dexterity test Hughes allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test Hughes was taken to the police department where he allegedly agreed to a test Hughes' next court date for a pre-trial conference is May 15 Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at DNikfardjam@gannett.com the residents got some local and national history lessons in honor of the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary Town Moderator Ken Mudie reminded the residents that Yarmouth was a major home of the Sons of Liberty West Yarmouth resident Christine Greeley followed by reading the Declaration of Independence and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address The most discussed article was a request to OK a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion for $845,476 to hire four firefighters and a supervisor Voters at the May 20 town election would also have to approve the debt exclusion Financial watchdog resident Norman Holcomb asked why four firefighters were hired last year without an override Town Administrator Robert Whritenour said the hiring is a two-year program to handle a staff shortage but there isn't enough money to pay for it without the debt exclusion Fire Chief Enrique Arrascue gave strong arguments for the extra staff saying the department’s calls have increased by 52% in two years and the extra work burden is leading to injuries to firefighters and hurting morale Employees are going to other departments for better pay The chief explained that the impact of hiring five additional employees will be $54 a year for the average homeowner with a $680,000 house “The Fire Department is doing a really good job supporting itself,” Arrascue said as it brought in $3 million in revenue the past year “We need to make sure we are not overworking and can respond to calls.” PFAS treatment systemAnother challenged article was for a treatment system for perfluoro alkoxy alkanes, known as PFAS in two wells that have exceeded maximum contaminant levels of the so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water 10 off Forest Road was shut down about three years ago and a system design and construction is proposed for $5 million 11 in the same area will remain open until 2028 when the Environmental Protection Agency regulations take effect 11 shouldn’t operate either because it contains high levels of PFAS and “extremely high nitrogen” that can impact infant mortality He also said wastewater from a proposed housing development on Forest Road could further contaminate the wells “All of us are drinking this water,” Rodrigues said Another resident also recommended shutting down Well No Public Works Director Jeff Colby said the town doesn’t have enough water to meet demand without bringing the two wells online The article passed on a two-thirds majority vote with some opposed An unexpected objection came late in the evening from resident Christopher George who asked for reconsideration of an earlier vote to fund a Revolutionary War Monument that is to be placed at the Yarmouth Port playground in recognition of local soldiers George did not explain the reason for his opposition to the project The item was part of six of the Community Preservation Committee's recommended historical preservation projects totaling $872,133 A vote to reconsider was turned down quickly An article to approve $200,000 for maintenance of the former Mattacheese Middle School drew a question on the building’s current and future use  “We need an explanation about the use,” resident Ann Goring said Assistant Town Administrator William Scott said the building is being used extensively by the Recreation Department for youth and adult sports A committee has been looking at future uses and will submit three proposals by January 2026 Other approved funding articles at the meeting: Susan Vaughn writes about transportation and other local community issues affecting Cape Cod residents and visitors. She can be reached at smharris@gannett.com the intersection is also the main artery for ambulances traveling to Cape Cod Hospital from Route 6 Completion dates for the $18.4 million project keep getting pushed back — the latest projection is Oct according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation offcials expected the work to be finished in spring 2026 intended to improve safety and reduce congestion has so far involved moving the railroad tracks across Route 28 and adding new rails relocating utilities and widening the roads continues to install conduits for the traffic signals and lighting Comcast and Verizon – continue to work on relocating the wires according to the latest update from a DOT spokesperson Northern Construction plans to start sewer work and may soon switch to the next phase — installing curb and driveway aprons What still needs to be done?Still to be added a new traffic signal system and a shared use path on the west side of Yarmouth Road crossing Route 28 and connecting to Engine House Road New sidewalks and pavement markings and signs also will be installed The road improvements extend along Route 28 from Cedar Street to Engine House Road across from Cape Cod Gateway Airport Businesses along the route have been affected with parts of their entrances and parking lots reduced The roadwork is expected to be limited during the summer months to areas not affecting traffic Another nearby project is an extension of the Cape Cod Rail Trail multi-use path connecting Barnstable and Yarmouth for eight miles from Old Town House Road in Yarmouth to Mary Dunn Road in Barnstable, according to the DOT notice. Work began recently with tree and vegetation removal to prepare for construction A future shared use bridge over Willow Street and the railroad is to be completed in spring 2030 and the entire rail trail project is to be finished in summer 2031 The total cost of the rail trail project is $16.4 million The road and rail trail projects are the result of the Hyannis Access Study $100 million vision to improve access to the village of Hyannis the largest and most urbanized area in the town of Barnstable and on Cape Cod A 2013 commission task force comprising local officials business interests and residents recommended the improvements Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. Yarmouth businessman Brian Serpone's latest venture, The Music Room in West Yarmouth has drawn complaints from performers about getting paid and from ticket purchasers about cancelled shows according to interviews conducted by the Times The Music Room opened in 2021 as an 88-seat live performance venue art gallery and recording studio at 541 Main St it was described as a collaboration between mortgage originator Scott Cornella Grammy Award-winning producer and guitarist Paul Nelson was another partner involved with bringing The Music Room to life Ticket prices have ranged from $35 to $150 In an interview at the Times office March 26 Peter Larkin of Dennis said he has joined The Music Room as a partner Serpone sought the in-person interview with the Times but did not show up as arranged on March 26 "The people who haven’t been paid are going to be paid," Larkin said "I'm interested in moving this forward and taking care of what is handed to me from the past Mingace said The Music Room is working on paying artists who haven’t been paid and refunding money to ticket holders “We’re working with rescheduling shows for folks that want to use the money for another show and then we’re refunding the balance to anyone who does not want one of those two options or the show’s not being rebooked,” Mingace said In the bankruptcy settlement approved in 2024 Serpone currently must make monthly payments of $3,906.25 or risk penalties including paying the bankruptcy settlement amount of $750,000 in full His construction and renovation company was dissolved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth on June 20 As it stands now, the M&S Service Bureau, a credit agency for Massachusetts Wholesalers, lists Alpha Entertainment Group on its delinquency report to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has been delinquent with payments for 318 days to wholesalers Colonial Wholesale Beverages Co. Martignetti Companies and Craft Collective licensees can only purchase alcohol from authorized wholesalers or manufacturers executive director of the state commission and manufacturing of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts Licensees on the delinquency list must pay cash for alcoholic products delivered to them; they cannot get credit or purchase alcohol from liquor stores big box stores or from locations out of state Payments sought, musicians sayIn November journalist Nina Pineda with WABC-TV in New York wrote about a Janis Joplin tribute band trying for months to get paid $2,300 for a sold-out show they gave at The Music Room in July The Janis Joplin Experience lead singer Liza Polizzi said in the news video that she called and emailed the owner and talked with the Yarmouth Police Department It wasn’t until after the newscast aired that Polizzi was put on a payment plan Jazz guitarist Gerry Beaudoin said he spent four months trying to get paid for a show he gave at The Music Room on Aug but the signature was the letter B inside a circle When Beaudoin asked The Music Room for payment Beaudoin said he called and emailed Serpone and booking agent Bobbi Lewellyn-Harper for months He said he left messages on The Music Room answering machine He sent registered letters to The Music Room and Alpha Entertainment Group’s resident agent address One was returned after two weeks; the other was returned as undeliverable Beaudoin said he then tried to track down Angela Philbrook an attorney listed on forms filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth for Alpha Entertainment Group but her address was the location of a Christian book publisher Beaudoin filed a complaint with the Yarmouth Police Department Sound technician Andy Aldrich said he is still waiting to be paid for work he did at The Music Room in July He said he worked three weekends and was paid for only two Aldrich said he has repeatedly called Serpone and Cornella to no avail He spoke with the Yarmouth Police Department but did not file a complaint “He’s caused me a lot of grief,” Aldrich said in a March 19 telephone interview referring to Serpone Yarmouth Police Detective Stephen Renzi said one formal complaint and three informal complaints have been lodged against The Music Room The formal complaint ended when the performer who lodged it got paid Renzi told a ticket purchaser to pursue a refund through small claims court The two other parties never told Renzi if they wanted to pursue the matter civilly or criminally Cancellations on the website Eleven of 48 upcoming shows at The Music Room have been cancelled according to the venue’s website on April 7 Tom Rush posted on his Facebook page that he cancelled two March shows because “the venue has defaulted on all their obligations.”   A post on the Eddie Japan Facebook page announced cancellations of two June shows due to “...ongoing managerial issues at the venue,” adding “we feel it’s in the best interest of everyone involved to step away.” Frontman David Santos declined to offer any additional information beyond the Facebook post “We’ve had shows cancelled before,” Mingace said in the March 26 interview at the Times office what the artists are telling us is that someone is purposely trying to cancel the shows We’re going to have an investigator come in and investigate.”   New Hampshire resident Dave Adams spent $309 on four tickets to the Eddie Japan show scheduled for June His credit card was charged but he said never received tickets or an email response from The Music Room as confirmation that he'd bought tickets he said he couldn't leave messages because the mailbox was always full He received no responses to emails requesting information With no record of his purchase besides a charge that doesn't list The Music Room or a ticket agency “When you can’t get a hold of someone and there’s a pattern it just doesn’t feel very good,” Adams said on a telephone call March 29 Three complaints on the Better Business Bureau website as of April 2 are from customers who sought refunds for cancelled or rescheduled shows “we have a no-refund policy for all ticket purchases.”  is that the venue does “honor the ticket for the same seat and same artist in the event of a cancellation or reschedule the ticket holder will be issued credit for any future show or event.”     Denise Coffey writes about business, tourism and issues impacting the Cape’s residents and visitors. Contact her at dcoffey@capecodonline.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.  As they made their way out of the bay doors of the Yarmouth Fire Department hall solemn echo of marching feet hitting the pavement was in poignant contrast to the blazing sound of sirens that normally race out these doors Because all of these things had already been done firefighters marched from the Yarmouth fire hall on Pleasant Street to Beacon United Church in a funeral procession community members and other firefighters to celebrate the life of former Yarmouth firefighter and Platoon Chief Lynn Seeley not just in Yarmouth County and southwestern Nova Scotia but by fire departments and firefighters throughout the province who knew him as a comrade but his impact is so huge ­­– much like his booming voice – that his legacy will forever live on This was evident by the outpouring of grief and accolades at the time of his death in early April and also fire departments from throughout the province took to social media to pay tribute to him “He mentored and taught many of us and helped mold us into the firefighters we are today,” posted the Eel Brook and District Fire Department “He dedicated his life to the service and helping to improve it.” Wrote the Yarmouth Volunteer Fire Department Association and a true embodiment of what it means to serve.” The association noted his commitment to safety extended beyond just the firehouse ensuring that Yarmouth residents were safe whether it was responding to emergencies or advocating for better resources His legacy will not only live on in the firefighters he molded but also in the town he dedicated his life to keeping safe.” Seeley began his firefighting journey as a volunteer in April 1977 he had transitioned into a career firefighter I don’t recall the first time I met this larger-than-life fireman But I do know as a journalist he was very helpful to me over the years I often interviewed him at fire scenes where – covered in soot and with his radio squawking – he described how he and other firefighters mounted their attack against a blaze I was in awe of the properties they were able to save I was equally in awe of their professionalism and bravery when a fire was too destructive to let firefighters gain the upper hand I always heeded Lynn’s advice when he cautioned me to be careful at a fire scene He was always concerned with making sure no one was injured In 2022 when a provincial announcement came that workplace injury insurance for thousands of firefighters would cover more types of cancer and heart attacks the news was welcomed by firefighters and their families across Nova Scotia Seeley called the announcement long overdue and needed speaking as president of the Yarmouth Professional Firefighters Association “It means firefighters will no longer have to rely on their own financial means to receive the care and treatment they deserve for on-the-job medical issues covered by the presumptive legislation.” He was part of the fight to see this happen Seeley had also fought extremely hard to try to keep four fire dispatcher jobs based in Yarmouth It was further testament that he would fight any fire or emergency that presented itself it wasn’t just the physical health of firefighters that he was concerned about Their emotional and mental health mattered a lot to him too when Yarmouth experienced a community tragedy following the heartbreaking death of young person we must all keep an eye on each other and reach out to our brothers and sisters There is no shame in seeking help in any situation whether it was the older generation of firefighters Seeley’s guidance and mentorship were extremely valued He describes his mentor as being not just a firefighter “He taught me my first firefighter course back in 2003 Fast forward through co-op in high school at the Yarmouth fire station and all the years of visiting between then and when I joined (the department) in 2010,” Cosman wrote in tribute in a Facebook post saying he had the pleasure from 2017 to 2022 of working as Seeley’s firefighter/engineer “To get to work with the guy who taught me the basics 15 years prior was a full circle moment and something I’ll always be glad I got to do,” Cosman said When Seeley was around there were a lot of laughs and a lot of pranks But his gruffness and kindness were intertwined but inside that tough exterior was one huge heart.” he began working at Sobeys at the age of 16 He later joined Butternut Bakery where he was known as the Flying Bread Man when meeting delivery deadlines He also spent some time working as a security guard he was involved in various fire service organizations He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Yarmouth Volunteer Fire Department and the Atlantic Provinces Professional Firefighters Association He was president of the IAFF local 2094 for many years and its vice-president after he retired until his passing and he loved ‘the camp.’ He loved playing lob ball and bowling He even named a specific deer who used to repeatedly visit his backyard Ruby sharing both heartwarming and comical memories of her dad This was a family who shared their husband but who also had the privilege of calling him their own Donations in Seeley’s memory can be made to the Gilles Boudreau and Friends Cancer Help Fund the Fire Fighters Museum of Nova Scotia or a charity of people’s choice when Seeley’s celebration of life ceremony ended and with an honour guard of firefighters formed his ashes were taken to the cemetery in the way they were absolutely meant to From an appreciative and thankful community and fire service This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy To meet a critical staffing shortage, the Yarmouth town meeting on April 29 will be asked to approve a Proposition 2 ½ override to hire four firefighters and a supervisor at a cost of $845,476 at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate School in South Yarmouth Strategic planning by the Fire Department with the Select Board previously determined the department was short eight people so officials decided to spread the staffing increase requests over two years Whritenour said in an interview about the proposed 2026 town meeting warrant and budget Last year the town meeting approved hiring four firefighters that did not require an override but staffing has not kept up with the calls for ambulances an explainer says not keeping up with staffing levels “creates stress in managing emergency services which over time can make it difficult to recruit and retain talented emergency personnel and could cause service gaps.” The fire department staffing is in a separate article in the warrant from the municipal operating budget because it will require also a vote in the town election on May 20 The select board and the finance committee unanimously recommended the override Yarmouth operating budget request is $51.5 millionThe town’s proposed 2026 operating budget of $51.5 million is balanced and within the parameters of Proposition 2 ½ The increase from the current $49.8 million budget is 3% The largest expenses in the operating budget are $19.3 million for public safety elected officials and general government at $13 million and public works at $8.67 million Whritenour was pleased that the proposed school budgets are under the Proposition 2 ½ limit and praised the Dennis and Yarmouth school districts for being prepared and communicating well with town officials The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District total budget proposal is $44.8 million Cape Cod Regional Technical High School District’s budget proposal is $3.8 million about $100,000 less than this year’s total budget Capital improvements for various programs from all departments $5 million for PFAS treatment system for municipal wellA separate capital spending measure calls for $5 million to design and construct a treatment system for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in two wells that exceeded the state’s maximum contaminant levels in drinking water The system would allow the town water division to return Well No 11 in service when new regulations take effect in 2028 The Community Preservation Act appropriations include six historical preservation projects Ancient Cemetery grave marker preservation historic signage and restorations at the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church and the Friends Meetinghouse “We’ve put a real focus on improving our historic awareness,” Whritenour said Three cruise ships from Ponant – a world-renowned French cruise line celebrated for its luxury small-ship expeditions – are scheduled to make inaugural port of call visits to Yarmouth in October Le Lyrial and Le Boreal will be stopping in Yarmouth as part of the 14-day Montreal-to-New York cruise: From Québec to the Big Apple: nature & remarkable cities Le Champlain will be stopping in Yarmouth as part of the 11-day Boston-to-Boston cruise: A Musical Cruise in Nova Scotia and the East Coast of the United States in part: The luxury ships “will sail along the coastline of Nova Scotia whose towns and villages are full of history and undeniable character a cultural crossroads and provincial capital surrounded by sumptuous nature The rocky coast of western Nova Scotia will emerge slowly before you During an all-new port of call in Yarmouth immerse yourself in Acadian culture and discover their traditions and ancestral customs through encounters with the population.” The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) in partnership with local tour operators will greet Ponant’s guests with French-speaking guides and vibrant communities that define the region “Attracting world-class cruise lines like Ponant and others is a direct result of YASTA’s targeted business development initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) and the Cruise Canada New England Alliance (CCNE),” says YASTA CEO Neil Mackenzie “We are focused on positioning Yarmouth & Acadian Shores as a must-visit destination for small to mid-sized luxury vessels.” The cruise ship visits complement the continued three-year growth in ferry passenger traffic between Nova Scotia and Maine “This marine tourism surge helps diversify tourism markets and build future demand for the region,” says YASTA Yarmouth & Acadian Shores hosted two ship calls by the Silver Endeavour from the Silverseas cruise line in the port of Yarmouth “We had two ship cancellations in 2024 from other cruise lines,” says Mackenzie noting more visits had initially been planned YASTA hosted five bus tours from ships that made port of call visits to Shelburne from the cruise lines Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises The tours included Yarmouth County and local attractions and experiences such as Cape Forchu and the Yarmouth County Museum “We are currently expecting eight cruise calls to the Port of Yarmouth over the next three years,” Mackenzie says “We are working to grow that number as well yet tremendous growth in a new market for us.” YASTA already has three scheduled visits from cruise ships in 2026 “The Port of Yarmouth is an emerging hub for marine tourism We currently host the high-speed CAT ferry welcoming luxury expedition-class cruise ships,” Mackenzie says we accommodate visiting superyachts at our marina,” he adds “Growth opportunities include whale-watching tours all of which leverage Yarmouth’s rich seafaring history and ocean access.” YASTA will be participating in June at the Cruise Canada New England Symposium in Halifax Mackenzie says it will be “another key opportunity to meet with cruise executives promote our region’s unique marine and cultural assets and deliver a comprehensive familiarization tour showcasing our marine facilities “Marine tourism is a critical piece of our strategy to grow and diversify visitation across our beautiful region.” “Cruise tourism is more than just economic development — it’s a celebration of who we are Welcoming Ponant and other prestigious lines allows us to share our local culture with the world and foster pride among our communities We’re excited about the future and ready to grow our marine tourism sector thoughtfully and sustainably.” either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources The Yarmouth town council voted unanimously this month to remove two town-owned dams on the Royal River and consider fish passage improvements at a stretch of rapids in between them a historic vote more than two decades in the making The decision follows a federal proposal released last spring and is the most authoritative step to removing the Bridge Street Dam and East Elm Street Dam since 2009 when the town first began studying how their removal could improve the Royal River’s health and fisheries.  In addition to removing the two dams and their corresponding fishways, the town resolution also provides for monitoring and managing fish passage beyond and between the dams revegetating and stabilizing sections of the Royal’s riverbanks and protecting against invasive species To preserve bird and fish habitat around Gooch Island where the East Elm Street Dam slows and diverts water to the backside of the island the removal plan calls for somehow maintaining that flow — which could be done through leaving and redesigning a small segment of the dam At the top of the resolution is recognition that Yarmouth occupies the traditional homeland and unceded territory of the Wabanaki people and the significance of the Royal River watershed the Wabanaki refer to as “Westcustogo.” Town council members and environmental advocates rejoiced during the Dec. 19 meeting when the dam removal resolution was introduced and again on Jan. 2 when it was ultimately tweaked and adopted reflecting on the years of work that led to the moment “This resolution to restore the Royal River to a more natural free flowing state is a culmination of years of study and debate,” said town councilor David Craig complex and sometimes emotional process and a productive one … Now it’s time to free the Royal.” The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined in April that removing the dams has the greatest potential to improve river habitat and restore fish access toward the headwaters of the Royal River, historic spawning grounds for sea-going fish like alewives that have largely disappeared upstream of the dams both the town council and a town-assembled Royal River task force have been meeting with the Corps taking public comment and crafting a resolution that aligns with the Corps’ recommendations.  The Corps followed up with a more thorough draft environmental impact assessment the agency published in October which affirmed removing the dams would not have adverse effects on the environment nor the town harbor at the mouth of the Royal River Marina owners in Yarmouth Harbor have long voiced concerns about the potential presence of chemical contaminants in sediments that have accumulated behind the dams and the Corps’ affirmation was a pivotal final step towards removal “Chemical concentrations in sediment samples taken at the dams were found to be very low,” the Corps found predicting that removal would only cause short-term increases in water turbidity (murkiness caused by floating sediment) minor riverbank erosion and some air and noise pollution from the construction equipment.  “None of these short-term effects will significantly affect the environment,” the report concludes The resolution also instructs the town to assist local businesses in obtaining and financing “risk mitigation insurance” to support the marina owners, leaning on tax increment financing “when appropriate and available.” The tactic is a common one used by municipalities to divert future property tax revenues to fund public projects Although councilors were confident in the safety of removal Craig said that the insurance measure is key in “addressing the financial risks faced by those businesses against the very low but non-zero risk from sediment transport and sediment quality.” marina owners voiced lingering skepticism of dam removal and the proposed financing plan at the Dec you have a responsibility to choose the best procedural financial path forward The best financial path forward is unknown,” said Deborah Delp president of the Yankee Marina and Boatyard in Yarmouth “You don’t even know how much this will cost in total or what it may cost the taxpayers of Yarmouth yet you’re directing and authorizing the town manager to move forward… writing a blank check for which the taxpayers might ultimately be responsible.” The Corps estimated the total cost of the project to be around $5.7 million in its October draft report Should Yarmouth move ahead with the Corps and its proposal the town would be liable to cover 35 percent of that cost though the resolution does not make that commitment Town councilors refuted Delp’s criticisms and others saying that even though a concrete funding plan isn’t in place the town has done its due diligence and is confident in its fundraising abilities They cited grant opportunities available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that would provide the town with more flexibility than strictly contracting with the Corps “We don’t have everything we would love to have We have to make a decision with the best information in front of us,” said Karin Orenstein explaining that similar town decisions rarely have a 100 percent plan before they’re made To alleviate concerns about the costs of dam removal for Yarmouth taxpayers 2 meeting that forbids the town from financing the project with property tax revenues instead authorizing outside funding sources from government agencies nonprofits and philanthropic organizations.  The resolution also includes assurances that Yarmouth would pursue outside funding to maintain recreation and access to the Royal River both within town limits and upstream in North Yarmouth where the river’s flow would be reduced to historic Yarmouth resident Landis Hudson reflected on her years of work advocating for the dams’ removal and restoration of the Royal River as executive director of environmental nonprofit Maine Rivers commending the town for navigating the contentious removal decision that other towns like Dover-Foxcroft have recently rejected “It’s not easy to have conversations with people who are worried about the future who see what they see and don’t want it to change,” Hudson said The Maine Monitor is committed to deeply researched nonpartisan reporting that informs Mainers about issues of public interest but we believe it is worth doing because it is critical to a functioning society and democracy The Maine Monitor is a nonprofit newsroom that relies on the contributions of our community to sustain our in-depth If you value this type of reporting, please consider donating and becoming a part of the community that makes this reporting possible Report an error | Contact the newsroom | Republish our stories Emmett Gartner is an environmental reporter for The Maine Monitor Emmett has long been interested in stories of adaptation and accountability Howard fellow and now explores how environmental policy aligns with Mainers’ lived experiences and where climate change complicates the status quo he reported for a daily newspaper in Maryland and spent separate summer stints working as a trail maintenance worker in Nevada a wildland firefighter in Oregon and an environmental educator on Maryland’s Eastern Shore Contact Emmett with questions, concerns or story ideas: emmett@themainemonitor.org We rely on our community of supporters to fund our nonprofit newsroom and make our reporting happen Know of a story The Maine Monitor should look into nonpartisan journalism that informs Mainers about the issues impacting our state and inspires them to take action Through investigative and in-depth stories we engage readers to participate and connect to create a better Maine The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit MEET THE MAINE MONITOR TEAM WHO FUNDS OUR NEWSROOM MEET THE MAINE MONITOR TEAM | WHO FUNDS OUR NEWSROOM In the town of Yarmouth, 445 soldiers and seamen answered the call during the American Revolution yet there has never been a marker or monument to honor them Now, on the 250th anniversary of the start of the war in 1775, the town is working on changing that with plans to install a monument at the Yarmouth Port Playground, also known as Thacher Park The Yarmouth Historical Commission is heading the effort as part of the Yarmouth 250 celebration and is seeking public comment on two proposed designs on Thursday A selection committee of town staff and historical commission members hired Skylight Studios of Woburn to design a monument with $25,000 awarded through the tourism revenue preservation fund for design, Community Development Director Karen Greene said The town is trying to promote more awareness of its historic past After receiving community comments Thursday the historical commission will recommend a design to the Select Board on April 15 That recommendation then will be brought to the April 29 annual town meeting for approval of $235,000 from the town's Community Preservation Act money to build the monument The selection committee is also filing an application with the Massachusetts 250 grant program to offset the local funding The monument project was spearheaded by the historical commission with members Bob Kelley and David Geanacopoulos as leaders Local historians Jack Duggan and David Schafer did the research to find all the war participants’ names the historical commission recommended Thacher Park as the most appropriate given its critical significance to Revolutionary War history in Yarmouth and its visibility  That land was the location of mustering and militia drills during the Revolutionary period all town meetings were held at the Congregational Church that was there The monument will be set at the back of the triangular shaped park behind the flagpole where it will not restrict park activities The park is between Playground Lane and Church Street off Route 6A near the intersection with Union Street The historical commission is planning another Revolutionary War project to mark the graves in the Ancient Cemetery in Yarmouth Port of the veterans who died in the war Susan Vaughn writes about transportation and other local community issues affecting Cape Cod residents and visitors She can be reached at smharris@gannett.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.       The definitive guide to Portland's food scene A new restaurant is under development in North Yarmouth at the location formerly occupied by Trudy Birds at 424 Walnut Hill Road. Kristen Mixter, Michael Christina and Ramsey Fakhouri have leased the main building and adjacent event space where they plan to open a restaurant called Vesta (instagram) Vesta will draw its inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean as well as from traditional Italian cuisine The team plans to serve a seasonal menu with an approachable selection of appetizers Plans are also in the works to retail their pasta and naturally leavened breads Some light renovations are planned for the restaurant The main dining room will seat 55 with room for an addition 30 in the adjacent event space and outdoor seating for 20 during the warmer months of the year When Vesta launches early next year it will be open Thursday through Monday The team hopes to launch Vesta sometime in January Mixter and Fakhouri have worked together at Crispy Gai where she was the bar manager and he was the sous chef Mixter previously was the bar manager at Tipo where she gained an appreciation for Italian cuisine Christina has been the general manager at CBG for the last four years and has nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry Do you have some details you’d like to pass on about an upcoming business or development in the Portland food scene? Then please fill out our Contact Form Looking for a one-of-a-kind Cape house? A church dating back nearly 200 years on Cape Cod has been repurposed as a home, and it's now for sale. The 3,400-square-foot, three bedroom Yarmouth Port home was recently listed for sale for $1,990,000, according to the property listing. The home is unique enough to be recently featured on popular Instagram account "Zillow Gone Wild." "I know it (isn't) SUNDAY but this #zgwCHURCHSUNDAYS couldn’t wait because this Yarmouth Port, MA goth revival church built in 1836 has one of "New England’s oldest working organs” and a Ben Franklin fireplace and BONUS: the clock works so you’ll never wonder what time it is," the account wrote on Tuesday The Church Street property was restored in 1973 and inspired by the Strawberry Hill House museum in Twickenham Among the past owners were acclaimed set designers Herbert Senn (1924-2003) and Helen Pond (1924-2017) well-known locally for having designed some 400 sets for the Cape Playhouse in Dennis But they also did sets for many shows on Broadway created award-winning scenery for the Boston Ballet’s "Nutcracker."   it's a living piece of history where the past and present converge in the most stunning of settings," the property listing says the interior features a large hall with one of New England's oldest working organs a Ben Franklin fireplace and a restored tower clock "The current owners have been devoted custodians of this rare gem carefully restoring its historical elements while thoughtfully incorporating modern amenities," the listing says The home's listing agent is Lisa Hassler of Sotheby's Realty. Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network - New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated news organizations across New England. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com This beautiful ranch in South Yarmouth includes both space and comfort in a peaceful neighborhood 86 Captain Bacon Road was built in 1965 and "has good bones,” says John Mahan of William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services 1.5-bath ranch has hardwood floors through the living room and dining area The living room is large and flows into the dining room and kitchen area There is also a 16-by-14-foot screened porch and a deck outside that could be the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the sun and warm weather 86 Captain Bacon Road comes with 1,090 square feet of interior livable area making it a "good value for that kind of space,” says Mahan Rounding out 86 Captain Bacon Road is a one-car garage a full basement that could serve as space for a home gym including an updated boiler and replacement windows making it perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services Excellence in innovation and technology are coming together for the launch of the novAI Labs: Everyday AI for Everyday Business which is happening at IGNITE Southern in Yarmouth on May 5 The four-stop roadshow throughout the province – which also includes New Glasgow Sydney and Halifax – is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence the novAI Labs sessions are designed to introduce small and medium-sized businesses to accessible AI tools that can help improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness – particularly within rural industries and community leaders at all stages of their AI journey “By introducing small businesses to practical novAI Labs will help rural and urban companies alike become more innovative and resilient,” said Doug Jones “AI is giving us powerful new tools — opening doors we’ve never seen before and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive in ways we could only imagine a few years ago,” said John Leahy and we have an incredible opportunity to ride it Those who learn how to use these tools will lead the next generation of innovation and success.” Argyle MLA and Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc is slated to deliver remarks highlighting new initiatives to support innovation and economic development across Nova Scotia Each session will connect entrepreneurs and business leaders with demonstrations of real-world AI applications and expert guidance on integrating AI into their business operations The novAI Labs workshops are also scheduled for May 14 at the NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus; May 20 at IGNITE Northern in New Glasgow; and May 23 at The PIER IGNITE Atlantic is a rural innovation hub dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs IGNITE creates spaces where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive With over 25 years of experience and 4,000 projects delivered across Canada under its belt immediac is a Halifax-based software and web development firm specializing in creating customer-focused websites Digital Nova Scotia is the industry association representing the tech sector in Nova Scotia YARMOUTH (WGME) -- Fire destroyed a home in Yarmouth Monday Crews were called to Rogers Road for a report of a house fire They showed up and found heavy fire coming from the first floor Yarmouth's fire chief says the cause of the fire is likely related to electrical wiring A South Yarmouth man hit a woman with his 2012 Jeep Wrangler Tuesday — and then backed over her — in the Ryan Family Amusements parking lot in South Yarmouth, according to Yarmouth police The man told police he was focusing on an empty parking space at the time A charge of negligent operation of a vehicle is pending against the driver according to Yarmouth Police Officer Nicholas Giammarco Dunbar was searching for a parking spot when he hit the woman Dunbar was turning left in front of the building Dunbar backed over the woman after hitting her adding Dunbar possibly reversed because he was unsure if he had hit something Dunbar admitted to police that he was "focused on an empty parking spot and not what was in front of the vehicle," according to the report (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy and to add new information.) Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at DNikfardjam@gannett.com Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.   The last day to register to vote in the election is Wednesday There will be no vote by mail or early in-person voting for this election A person should fill out a ballot application on the town clerk website Precinct 1 polling place will be moved to the Yarmouth Senior Center The candidates for the Select Board seat are Elizabeth D Elizabeth (Liz) Argo spent her youth on the Cape acting singing and dancing with her two siblings at her parents’ Orleans Arena Theater They started in the old town hall in 1949 and it later became the Academy Playhouse Argo realized she couldn’t make a good living in the theater so went into the film business as a script supervisor in New York City and Los Angeles focusing on commercials and television movies Argo moved back to the Cape in 1990 as a single mom with two children A trip to Denmark to videotape its offshore wind farms got her intrigued with that field Since 2006 she has worked for renewable energy entities in Rhode Island and Cape Light Compact where she oversaw the sales and installation of several renewable energy projects across the Cape then sole administrator of Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative She said the new sewers also will attract developers “What’s confronting all the Cape is exacerbated in Yarmouth,” with its focus on water quality She said housing is the most important issue to be solved before bringing more commercial endeavors Argo is currently serving on the Old Kings Highway Commission and the board of Eventide Theater in Dennis earning a bachelor’s at Goddard College and working toward a master’s in business administration at UMass-Dartmouth has had strong connections to Yarmouth for most of his life since his grandfather owned a family business in 1960 He later started his own construction business TNT Enterprises in Yarmouth as a general contractor Nickinello has been active in the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce for about 10 years in several capacities He also served on the town Zoning Board of Appeals and Personnel Board for several years One of his main concerns is to bring more businesses back to Yarmouth as the proportion of commercial taxes has dwindled to 4.7% of the total town revenue He believes having sewers currently being installed along Route 28 will help that effort He would like to expand Yarmouth’s efforts as the only town on the Cape to reclaim water for its golf courses He is also supportive of the current work on the new Marina Park in West Yarmouth that was approved at town meeting Nickinello said improvement of education is constant work “There is nothing better than a well-educated child,” he said He ran for the Select Board in the May town election and said “I was overwhelmed by the support I got,” coming in third with more than 1,200 votes he said residents encouraged him to run for the vacant seat Yarmouth is Number One when is comes to action-filled adventure,” he said Built in 1850, a captain’s house on Old Main Street in South Yarmouth became the town library in 1869 and has been loaning books from there ever since The small half-Cape has been added onto several times cramped rooms does not meet the needs or standards of modern libraries Armed with a $100,000 state grant and $150,000 raised by town meeting Yarmouth is now getting serious about getting a new library that will better serve its patrons Now is the time,” said Yarmouth Library Director Jane Cain The town has hired a project manager and has placed an ad for an architect The Select Board is now putting the finishing touches on forming a building committee That committee will choose a location for the new library and submit schematics based on that location “South Yarmouth Library and West Yarmouth libraries together are 13,000 square feet “That impacts the ability to provide robust collections How big does a new building need to be?The standard for a town the size of Yarmouth is 26,000 square feet The recommended typical size of a renovated/new (modern) library building is about one square foot per capita Construction will require additional state funding that will cover up to 45% of the total cost Tentative plans call for building a new library and consolidating the operations of the two old ones Yarmouth isn't the only community planning for a new or improved library. With a $100,000 state grant in pocket, Falmouth is set to begin the planning and design for a new East Falmouth Library branch That funding will augment $150,000 already set aside by a 2024 town meeting vote marking the start of the project to replace the current library at 310 East Falmouth Highway with a new building A recent tour with staff of the South Yarmouth Library illustrated how cramped the building is for both the public and the staff Both libraries have structural problems and require costly repairs “We have to weed books because of lack of space,” Principal Office Assistant Toby Wilson said The South Yarmouth Library has bathrooms only on the main floor and no separate bathrooms for staff or families Wilson showed the tour group his tiny office in the original captain’s house entrance Reference and Adult Services Librarian Phoebe Acheson described how she shares her cozy alcove with the public and Select Board member Mark Forest during his constituent office hours Wilson led the group through a series of back rooms with desks surrounded by supplies to a staff room with one small table The lunchroom is also where new books are delivered and sorted Youth Services Supervisor and Librarian Mindy Herington’s cheery children’s room in the basement was repainted a bright blue a year ago with money from the South Yarmouth Library Association She pointed to one bench for families to sit on during story time and book aisles that are blocked when the Lego Club meets Herington and her assistant organized 367 programs for youth and children last year Those programs move to the West Yarmouth Library on Route 28 in the summer but staff members have to drive back and forth with supplies The South Yarmouth Library is on .69 acres with a gazebo for outdoor programs New libraries are required to have a certain amount of outdoor space Herington’s wish list for a new library includes spaces for children to do homework and for summer residents to do their work and facilities for more community events “I’d like to showcase who we are,” she said “We are now being constrained by the building.” Wilson said libraries have now become community centers “The library is a place where people come for social interaction,” Wilson said That could include older residents who live alone or moms with toddlers “A lot of patrons are our friends,” Herington said Many plans have been proposed for library renovations or new construction for the past 25 years A proposal for a new state library grant was unanimously approved at a 2004 town meeting but defeated at the 2004 town election by 33 votes The latest plans started with a study committee in 2018 and culminated in November 2024 town meeting approval of two articles totaling $150,000 for library planning and design president of the South Yarmouth Library Association which raises money for programs like Freedom to Read unbiased entity that welcomes and provides services to everyone A new library will help “provide traditional materials State grant generates excitementGeorge Bovino is heartened by the state's financial contribution “I am so excited about this grant and what it will mean for all our citizens and visitors," he said in an email to the Times The grant process is in three phases: research and support Cain thinks the current funds will cover the planning and design work we will have a site chosen and one to two design options,” Cain said Town meeting needs to approve site and design as does the state library commission in December or January Yarmouth's annual St. Patrick's Day parade is Saturday The massive parade, now in its 20th year, will feature more than 100 groups with the theme "Heart of Ireland: 20 Years of Music and Tradition." "Every float will be based off their interpretation of the theme," said Keogh Father Ray Kelly, known worldwide as "The Singing Priest," will be Grand Marshal so it's like you're watching a theater," said Des Keogh It is two miles long, starting at the intersection of Route 28 and Long Pond Road all the way through downtown Yarmouth, ending at Higgins Crowell Road. According to the parade's Facebook page What happens if it rains Saturday?The parade will go on The weather is a downside of having a parade in March, but Keogh said the fact that they've never missed a year is something to be proud of. In 2021, the parade was only postponed because of the pandemic the 'Singing Priest' and this year's grand marshal?From County Westmeath Kelly became a Roman Catholic priest in 1989 and his singing talents perfectly match this year's theme "It's the first time it's ever led by a priest from Ireland According to the organizers' statement, Kelly became an "internet phenomenon" after a video of him singing a cover of "Hallelujah" got 46 million views online. He was also a contestant on Britain's Got Talent "We've pretty much done everything you could possibly do I can't think of anything else that we could that would make it any bigger than getting the priest from Ireland," said Keogh Father Kelly will be presented a shillelagh Father Kelly will then tap the ground three times "One of the committee member's grandmother was from Ireland and that was the story of the shillelagh tapping the ground," said Keogh "So he taps the shillelagh and sets the march off and the bagpipes start It's all about family and creating memories that's what Keogh hopes people will take from the parade Generations standing together watching the parade," said Keogh Visit the Cape Cod St. Patrick's Day parade website for more information Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans. Two Cape Cod residents pleaded not guilty during their arraignments on March 25 in Barnstable District Court on charges connected to a fire that burned down Anthony's Cummaquid Inn in Yarmouth Port in November Isabella Medeiros, 18, of West Yarmouth and Jacob Ladner, 22, of Forestdale are charged with burning of a building breaking and entering into a building and property destruction of more than $1,200 The judge released both on personal recognizance under the condition that they be drug and alcohol free and subject to random testing Ladner is additionally required to abide by a curfew of 11 p.m The next court date is a pretrial conference on April 10 a person came forward to police saying they'd seen a video of the fire at Anthony's on Snapchat Ladner and Medeiros were arrested on March 24, after a search warrant was issued by Yarmouth Police Department for both phones Police found video proof of a fire inside a building On Nov. 3, 2024, Yarmouth Fire Department responded to a fire at the vacant restaurant on Route 6A. By the time the fire was put out, there was not much left of the building but walls, chimneys and debris The assessed value of the property at 2 Route 6A is $2.4 million The property is owned by Anthony's Pier Four Inc The town has mostly ignored his pleas to find a new location for the pumping station, Wilson said on Dec. 23 at the bog property. The pumping station will be built close to his family's bogs and agricultural wetlands. Wilson's Fresh From The Vine farm stand — a repurposed cranberry-red RV — is also in jeopardy because the proposed pumping station and shed cover will overlap a parking area he uses Known as pump station No. 2, the structure is planned at 316 Route 28 The bogs at Zero Route 28 have been owned by Mello-Wilson Cranberry Corp Steven and Brian Wilson of West Yarmouth are company officers The two officers are family members of Chris Wilson The farm stand is also on the bog property He has started an online fundraiser to pay an attorney Select Board member Mark Forest referred questions on the town's response to Town Administrator Robert Whritenour and town Department of Public Works Director Jeff Colby Whritenour and Colby were not immediately available Dec In a nonbinding measure in Article 2, residents at a Dec. 9 special town meeting voted to move the planned pumping station away from the Wilsons' bog property some voters said they were concerned that the pumping station could malfunction during extreme weather conditions like flooding Craig Williams of South Yarmouth called the Wilsons' bog a "scenic vista," and said the proposed location of the pump station was the worst possible the town could've chosen During the session Town Attorney Elizabeth Lydon made clear the measure cannot be enforced Town meeting is "essentially the local legislature," but its powers are defined and limited under the law "Town meeting authority does not extend to designing Especially projects that have already been funded," said Lydon "This project has already been designed and approved and town meeting has already appropriated funding for it." Lydon said she provided advice to the town about the petition article at the town's request Colby said that any and all contracts have already been approved for Phase 1 Colby estimated that the change could cost the town roughly $1 million The delay could also impact the town's 0% loan phase and 6.6% debt forgiveness deal it has with the state Town meeting voters in April of 2023 agreed to spend $207.2 million to embark on Phase 1 of a wastewater system There are five proposed pumping stations included in Phase 1 Pumping stations move sewage on its way to a treatment facility at 99 Buck Island Road What are Wilson's concerns about the pump station?Chris Wilson said he is fearful that a natural disaster could damage the system and leak sewage into the bogs He is equally worried that an existing retaining wall — between the bogs and the property where the pumping station is planned — could be damaged or weakened with construction the town is negotiating with Johnson to secure an easement to his property at 316 Route 28 for the pumping station Any structures will be located 10 feet away from the retaining wall The wall will be monitored throughout construction and contractors will be responsible for any damage to existing infrastructure The pumping station will also have vault linings daily operator inspections and multiple backup generators It will also designed to handle peak summer flows and there will be an on-site emergency generator All critical equipment will be elevated three feet above 100-year flood elevation The pumping stations need to be adjacent to low points in the collection system which is why the town had trouble finding locations Town officials considered placing the pump across the street from Wilson's bog but conservation restrictions prevented that option "I am one of the last four (cranberry) growers in this town and as far as I'm concerned the elevations are not going to work," said Chris Wilson Is there an easement?Johnson told the Times on Dec 22 that he has corresponded with the town through email "At this point the towns is talking about me— but not to me," he said He is also worried about the retaining wall Johnson has owned 316 Route 28 for just over a year, he said, but just began running his business Midnight Mail at the site three months ago He said he has growing concerns surrounding the future health of the bog and surrounding wetlands that the town needs some kind of wastewater treatment system Johnson said he's trying to let the dust settle "I want to do what is healthy for the town from a sanitation and sewage standpoint," said Johnson "But before I would ever allow an easement to go in I want to know that everyone is protected." (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.      YARMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) –Yarmouth firefighters and members of the International Fund for Animals helped several dolphins who stranded themselves in Yarmouth on Sunday. The dolphins were stuck near Halley’s Mill Pond Bridge In Yarmouth Port. The fire department said that the animals were trapped by shallow water. YARMOUTH (WGME) -- Fire destroyed a home in Yarmouth Monday. Crews were called to Rogers Road for a report of a house fire. They showed up and found heavy fire coming from the first floor. Yarmouth's fire chief says the cause of the fire is likely related to electrical wiring. CBS13 and FOX23's annual Shred-A-Thon is Friday 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at our studios at 81 Northport Drive in Portland. New restaurant Vesta opens in North Yarmouth with Mediterranean comfort cuisineby WGME Staff There's a new restaurant in North Yarmouth exploring Mediterranean cuisine while bringing comfort food to customers It's called Vesta In this segment, co-owners Mike Christina and Kristen Mixter tell us more about Vesta. BARNSTABLE — A 36-year-old Yarmouth man charged with killing another man in a Hyannis parking lot pleaded not guilty during his Monday arraignment at Barnstable District Court Alex Greene was held without bail without prejudice after he was arraigned on the murder charge In court, a prosecutor said Barnstable police officers went to a North Street parking lot near Washington Street in Hyannis around 1 a.m. Sunday to answer calls about a gunshot The first officer on the scene found a man who had been shot in the head and immediately began life-saving measures Hyannis Fire and Rescue personnel soon arrived to treat and bring the victim – 41-year-old Hyannis resident Tony D Johnson – to Cape Cod Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 1:30 a.m Officers also found one spent shell casing and one live round near Johnson's body Witnesses told officers after they heard a gunshot One witness told an officer that he and Johnson were at a nearby bar together when Johnson left to get his jacket from the witness's car and did not return a Barnstable officer found the dark pickup truck with Greene and his wife in a Yarmouth convenience store parking lot had exited the car and was pointing officers to the firearm on the ground Greene had his hands in the air and was sobbing Greene was eventually taken into custody and charged with murder and booked at the Barnstable Police Station authorities claim Johnson had been urinating next to a car and exposed himself to Greene's wife before Greene allegedly shot Johnson Greene is scheduled to appear in court on April 7 for a probable cause hearing Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz For the past year, anyone who regularly drives on the well-traveled Route 28 through South Yarmouth has been confronting various detours caused by the multi-million dollar sewer construction project For the last two weeks, however, drivers have dealt with a lengthier detour that took them through Dennis because construction closed off the Bass River Bridge in South Yarmouth The next closest route across the river is on Highbank Road into Dennis where early morning traffic has been backing up for more than a mile from around the Bass River Golf Course to Route 134 primarily on the Dennis Police social media site led the police to station officer to direct traffic at the corner of Highbank and Main streets in South Dennis during commuting hours from 7 a.m There was a level of frustration,” Benson said that drew both good and bad comments about the delays both on the Dennis side of the Bass River on Route 28 and on Highbank Road which is in charge of the $207 million wastewater improvement project approved by voters in 2023 is also well aware of the delays endured by the drivers of business vehicles public transit and school buses as well as cars and trucks driven by local residents “We are trying to adjust the plan for traffic,” Yarmouth Public Works Director Jeff Colby said Monday “there is no way to get traffic by,” Colby said The work was paused on Monday after workers last week found an unexpected Verizon utility duct in the way The problem will extend the work into the third week but barring any further unforeseen problems In the meantime, the public works department has some recommendations for drivers affected by the Bass River delays, Colby explained. Every morning at 7, the department posts the best route around the construction that day, using the Waze GPS navigation app. It can be found on the Yarmouth town website, Yarmouth.ma.us and by clicking on the wastewater construction tab and Bass River project Colby said the department is also recommending taking Route 6 as it was found to be quickest around the current construction Other Route 28 detours caused by the ongoing construction from Bass River to Parker’s River should be over by April which will mean almost half the wastewater project will be completed The next portion along Route 28 from Parker’s River to the Barnstable town line will begin in the fall along with repaving of the current routes Susan Vaughn writes about transportation and other local community issues affecting Cape Cod residents and visitors. She can be reached at smharris@gannett.com