Falmouth's Level 2 Drought Designation Remains in Effect
FALMOUTH — Falmouth officials closed shellfishing waters and posted "no swimming" warnings within the past two days after heavy rainfall and elevated bacteria levels raised public health concerns at two separate waterways.
TOWN HALL
The town's News Flash service reported that the most recent water sample, taken July 7, showed elevated bacteria levels at Wood Neck River. "No swimming" signs went up within an hour of the county's report reaching town officials, who said they are awaiting further test results before deciding next steps.
Separately, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries ordered all South Coast Falmouth waters closed to recreational and commercial shellfishing effective July 7, citing excessive rainfall. The closure remains in place until further notice.
Road crews also continued sewer project work this week: Brick Kiln Road, open through Wednesday, July 8, closes between Sandwich Road and Oxbow Road starting Thursday, July 9, while Maravista Avenue Extension closes between Teaticket Highway and Mattapan Street. Both closures run 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
The Select Board meets Monday, July 13, and the Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing Thursday, July 9, according to the town calendar.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Falmouth Public Library's East and North Falmouth branches have a full slate of programming this week, including Slime Making and Why Knot Knit Nite at East Falmouth on July 9, a Scavenger Hunt and Family Music Fun with Tom Sieling at North Falmouth on July 10, and Maker Mondays: Popsicle Stick Catapults at East Falmouth on July 13. North Falmouth also hosts Games on the Library Lawn July 13 and a T-Rex Storytime and Tea Party July 15.
The library's ongoing "Falmouth Reads Together" series continues to spotlight local history and conservation themes, including recent posts on the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and native pollinators, alongside a featured historical postcard collection documenting the town's past.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Falmouth Disturbance Leads To Narcotics Seizure And Arrest: Cops" — Patch reports detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence and vehicle following a disturbance, resulting in a narcotics seizure and arrest, according to Falmouth Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/falmouth).
"Swift response at Heights Beach helps save distressed swimmer's life" — Falmouth Patch reports that quick action by beachgoers and lifeguards helped rescue a swimmer in distress at Heights Beach (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/falmouth).
"Cape Cod Marine Veteran Memorializes His Best Friend With Documentary" — CBS Boston, via Falmouth Patch, profiles Marine veteran Andrew Coville's documentary project honoring a friend, describing his path from an anxious night-school student to filmmaker (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/falmouth).
A Google Alert listserv item also flagged an NBC Boston report that Falmouth police are seeking a missing man, Jose Ricardo Campos Fuentes, last seen Saturday evening at Woods Neck Beach.
COMING UP
The Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing and open meeting Thursday, July 9. The Select Board meets Monday, July 13. The Falmouth Historical Society's Locust Street Historical Walking Tour is set for Monday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m., with the Village Green Historical Walking Tour following Tuesday, July 21, at 10:30 a.m., both departing from Museums on the Green, 55 Palmer Ave. The library's North Falmouth branch hosts a Stay & Make Drop-In Craft July 14 and a T-Rex Storytime and Tea Party July 15.