The Plymouth Philharmonic is now the official artist in residence at Memorial Hall by a unanimous vote of the Select Board on Tuesday. The Philharmonic asked for the partnership to reduce its costs of operating at Memorial Hall, which have nearly tripled since 2018. “What really threw us in the last year was a huge […]
Author Archives: Fred Thys - Independent Staff
Posted inPolice & Fire
Afghan teenager ordered released on bond
An Afghan teenager whose detention by federal immigration agents became a national story was ordered released Monday on $1,500 bond from the Plymouth County Correctional Facility. “Rihan is coming home, and that is a win,” said Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan Evac, a coalition of veterans, national security professionals, human rights advocates, and Afghans. “But […]
Posted inGovernment
Town meeting codifies ICE restrictions, rejects Town Square rehab
By a narrow margin, Town Meeting members on Saturday voted to codify in-town law restrictions on police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The hour-long ICE discussion was the culmination marathon spring gathering of Plymouth’s legislative body lasting 9 hours. The debate over an ICE bylaw, expected to be the most contentious part of […]
Posted inGovernment
Town Meeting to decide contentious issues
Saturday’s Town Meeting will focus on fiscal restraint, local immigration policy, and the timing of the twice-yearly gathering of 162 residents who will decide each issue. The session is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at Plymouth North High School. On the table are decisions to spend up to $100,000 on July 4 and […]
Posted inGovernment
Schools rehire private bus contractor until 2031
Plymouth Public Schools is signing up for another five years with First Student to provide yellow-bus transportation for students. The School Committee approved the contract by a unanimous 7-0 vote Monday. The contract begins in July and runs through fiscal year 2031. The $6 million a year the schools spend on yellow-bus transportation represents 9.3% […]
Posted inGovernment
Proposal to revamp Town Square unveiled
Ambitious efforts to return Town Square to some of its former pedestrian-friendly charm were unveiled at this week’s meeting of the Select Board. Among the proposed enhancements include nine new trees, cobblestone pavement, and native landscaping, according to town planners. “It is probably the most historical longitude and latitude in North America,” said Select Board […]
Posted inGovernment
Badger seeks second term as State Representative
State Representative Michelle Badger is running for reelection. “It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the residents of the 1st Plymouth District,” said Badger in a press release. “I am seeking re-election to continue delivering responsive leadership and focusing on the issues that directly impact Plymouth residents.” If she wins the Sept. […]
Posted inBusiness
The former site of Bert’s to become big-tent venue
There is a new plan for the old Bert’s site. The spot – finally demolished last year after years as a dilapidated wreck – has been leased by a Plymouth businessman who has big plans to turn the waterfront lot into a tent-style venue with a variety of offerings. Scott Hokanson, chair of the Plymouth […]
Posted inGovernment
Keohan demands faster agenda consideration
Tensions between Select Board members erupted Tuesday when chair David Golden faced a mini revolt about his handling of the board’s agenda. After a heated exchange, the board voted 4-to-1 – with Golden dissenting – to speed up certain items left off the agenda “for months.” The most visibly upset was member Bill Keohan, who […]
Posted inPolice & Fire
Two youths reach plea deal in Harvard explosion
A Plymouth teenager and his friend from Bourne have agreed to plead guilty in a Halloween explosion involving fireworks at Harvard Medical School. Logan Patterson, of Plymouth, and Dominick Cardoza, of Bourne, each agreed to plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to damage a building by means of fire and an explosive. According […]