💔 Tragedy in Mashpee

Good morning Cape Cod. Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nolan Barr.

In this week’s Cape Coddah:

• County battles PFAS

• Homeless population on the rise

• Events and live music

  
  Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

Tragedy in Mashpee 💔

On Tuesday, a fatal car crash in Mashpee claimed the life of 17-year-old Nolan Barr, leaving another passenger in critical condition. The crash involved seven teens, all aged 15-17, who were in a Toyota Rav4 that hit a tree around 2 AM on Carleton Drive.

Mashpee Public Schools confirmed Barr's death and posted his obituary. The accident has profoundly affected the community. Sheila Cruz, mother of passenger Joseph, shared that her son attempted to rescue others and perform CPR after the crash.

In response to the tragedy, Kelley Hendricks launched a GoFundMe to support the Barr family, raising over $40,000 by this morning. Hendricks, who lost her own son in a car crash in 2022, expressed deep sympathy for the Barr family.

Mashpee Middle-High School has provided grief counseling and support for students and the community. Assistant Superintendent Hope Hanscom and Superintendent Patricia DeBoer have assured families of the availability of additional resources through the Riverside Trauma Center.

The crash remains under investigation by Mashpee Police and the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office. Read the full story.

County battling chemicals with cash 🧼 

Barnstable County is shelling out $7.8M to clean up its act - or rather, its water - after decades of firefighting foam use at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy. These "forever chemicals" have created a long-term environmental issue, prompting officials to establish a PFAS stabilization cash pot. While specific cleanup plans are still underway, the county is also pursuing additional funding through a loan from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. County Administrator Beth Albert acknowledges that this initial funding is just the first step in addressing what could be a significant ongoing liability for the region. Read the full story.

Beachfront mansion sets new sales record 💰

Cape Cod's real estate market just got a wake-up call as an oceanfront Osterville mansion just sold for a record high: $22.75M. This 7-bedroom, 14-bath behemoth, complete with a golf simulator, wine cellar and massage room was snatched up by Toyota dealership tycoon, James Langway of RI. While most of us can only dream of a home where you can see Martha's Vineyard from your terrace (on a good day, mind you), realtor Paul Grover assures us that Cape Cod's beauty is free for all - even if you're more "beach towel on the sand" than "private 280-foot beachfront." Read the full story.

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Homeless population swells 🚧

Cape Cod's homeless population has hit a 10-year high, with 568 individuals counted in the annual "temperature check" of housing instability. This HUD-mandated headcount, conducted on a January night, saw a spike in unsheltered adults and a dip in those with roofs over their heads - though officials suspect the warm weather might have tempted more folks to embrace the great outdoors. The count helps determine funding for programs like the $2.4 million Continuum of Care. While the numbers paint a sobering picture, they also highlight the need for more affordable housing options on the Cape - because everyone deserves a place to hang their flip-flops. Read the full story.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Summer of change 🍽️

Change is upon us this season with new businesses opening and some old favorites closing. In Harwich Port, the Cape Life Brand Co. has opened, offering stylish Cape apparel, while Dairy Queen is under new ownership. Milano’s, an Italian restaurant, has taken over the former Villa Roma location in West Harwich, and the Bagel Hound is set to open soon.

In Orleans, Surfside Seafood and Navillus have started serving fresh, locally-inspired dishes. For cannabis users, Ember Gardens and Seaside Cannabis Co. have opened new locations. Chatham sees new additions like Liberty Artisanal Bakery and upcoming cafes from Pain D’Avignon and Three Fins Coffee Roasters.

Several businesses have relocated within Chatham, including Vaya Island, Gustare’s Oils and Vinegars, and Cape Shark. New retail spots like Life Is Good and BROdenim have also opened. However, iconic shops like Canterbury Leather’s Chatham location, Lily’s Diner, and the Bagel Shop have closed their doors for good. Read the full story.

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

CIVIL NEWS

Car crash reveals deadly secret 🔪

Juscelene Guedes, was arrested Wednesday evening after police discovered her in a crashed car with a man fatally stabbed in the chest, according to the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office. The 29-year-old Centerville resident now faces charges of murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. The incident unfolded near a TD Bank on Route 28 in Hyannis, where first responders found the victim critically injured before he succumbed to his injuries at Cape Cod Hospital. Guedes was promptly arrested at the scene, though authorities remain tight-lipped about the motive, relationship, and circumstances leading to the stabbing and subsequent crash. Read the full story.

PET OF THE WEEK

👋 Meet: Chef Boyardee
🐾 Pit Bull Terrier
🎂 11 Years Old
♀︎ Male
Available to adopt at MSCPA-Cape Cod

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Friday

• Jabberwocky Fishing Tournament, CC Maritime Museum, Hyannis

• Behind the Scenes @ The Cape Playhouse, Dennis

• Mermaid Mission! @ Onset Beach, Onset

• 23rd Annual Picnic & Fireworks @ Mashpee High School

• Get to the Bottom of It @ SEA Space Marine, Provincetown

• Portuguese Festival @ Portuguese Square, Provincetown (Fri-Sun)

• Betrayal @ Harbor Stage Co, Wellfleet (Fri & Sat)

Saturday

• Kids Night Out @ Color Me Mine, Mashpee

• Annual Book Sale @ Eastham Library (Sat & Sun)

• Kayak Poker Run @ Shell Point Beach, Onset

• The Drowsy Chaperone @ CC Theatre Co, Harwich

• Mermaid Day @ Parkers River Beach, Yarmouth

• Meet a Mermaid Day @ S. Yarmouth Library

• 51st Annual Antiques Fair @ Drummer Boy Park, Brewster

• 1st Annual Summer Kickoff @ Cotuit Center for the Arts

• Taste of the Towns @ Wellfleet Preservation Hall

• Come On-A My House @ Cape Rep Theatre, Brewster

Sunday

• Amplify POC @ Hyannis Village Greene

• Chatham Makers Market @ Chatham Community Center

• Pints with Pics @ The Pheasant, Dennis

• Sunday Funday @ Naukabout, Mashpee

Live Music 🎸

Friday

• Pearly Baker Band @ Naukabout, Mashpee

• That 80s Band @ Sundancer’s, W. Dennis

• Three Dog Night @ CC Melody Tent, Hyannis

• Julian Loida @ Devil’s Purse Brewing, W. Dennis

• Draw the Line @ The Music Room, W. Yarmouth

• Barry Hynes @ The Sand Dollar, S. Dennis

• Chris Lebeau @ CC Beer, Hyannis

• Thee Midnight Society @ CC Beer, Hyannis

• Silent Trees @ CC Winery, E. Falmouth

• Kris Adams Trio @ Wellfleet Preservation Hall

• Million Dollar Quartet @ The Cape Playhouse, Dennis

Saturday

• Studio Two @ Village Green Bandstand, Hyannis

• Sheridan Rúitín @ CC Irish Village, Hyannis (Sat & Sun)

• Elle King @ CC Melody Tent, Hyannis

• 80s Night @ Flying Bridge Restaurant, Falmouth

• Sarah Burrill @ CC Beer, Hyannis

• James Montgomery @ The Music Room, W. Yarmouth

• Liam & Johnny @ CC Winery, E. Falmouth

• Dezi Garcia @ Chapin’s Bayside, Dennis

• Erin’s Guild @ The Sand Dollar, S. Dennis

Sunday

• Pop 2000 @ CC Melody Tent, Hyannis

• Viva Las Elvis @ The Music Room, W. Yarmouth

• Bryce Elizabeth @ CC Beer, Hyannis

Cape Cod Music in the Park - Free Outdoor Concerts Guide

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

WEATHER

Friday

72 🌡️ 58 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 NNE 9 mph

Saturday

72 🌡️ 68 | 🌩️ | 1% | 💨 S 13 mph

Sunday

78 🌡️ 65 | 🌩️ | 95% | 💨 SSW 14 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 66ºF

LISTING OF THE WEEK

38 Chickadee Ln, Orleans, MA
Asking $700,000
3 🛌 
2 🛀
1,471 square feet
0.51 acre lot

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

THANKS!

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