Barnstable County Commissioners Applaud Resilient Storm Response and Secure $3 Million Federal Grant for Groundwater Remediation

Overview: In a recent Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners meeting, the focus was on the county’s effective response to a severe storm and the announcement of a significant federal grant. The emergency management team was praised for their coordinated efforts during the storm, which involved local and regional partners, while a $3 million federal grant was secured to aid ongoing groundwater remediation efforts.

Yarmouth Select Board Tackles Short-Term Rentals and Storm Response

Overview: During the recent Yarmouth Select Board meeting, two major topics dominated the discussion: the regulation of short-term rentals and the town’s response to a severe winter storm. The meeting delved into the complexities of managing short-term rentals while reflecting on the community’s coordinated efforts during the storm, which affected power and access for many residents.

Dennis-Yarmouth School Committee Faces Tough Decisions Amid Budget Cuts and Staff Reductions

Overview: The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee meeting was dominated by discussions on the proposed FY27 budget, which involves crucial decisions about staff reductions, particularly the elimination of paraprofessional positions, amidst financial constraints. The committee is balancing the need to maintain quality education with the fiscal realities imposed by limited funding and changing financial projections.

Yarmouth Board of Health Bans Kratom Amidst Mixed Public Feedback

Overview: At the March 2, 2026, meeting of the Yarmouth Board of Health, significant action was taken as the board voted to ban the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of kratom, a substance with mixed public sentiment due to its opioid-like effects. The regulation, set to take effect on April 1, 2026, follows extensive feedback from the community, highlighting both the potential risks and benefits of kratom use.

Yarmouth Zoning Board Approves Seasonal Employee Housing and Signage Variance in Key Decisions

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for Sandbar Management Incorporated to continue using the Town and Country Family Resort Motel for employee housing and granted a variance for new signage at a local restaurant. Both decisions were made after thorough deliberations and public hearings, emphasizing the board’s role in supporting the local economy while balancing community standards.