Delmarva Mission Stories for September

 

Daily State News: Among the most emotional topics in the state legislature in recent years has been a medical aid-in-dying bill (House Bill 140, The Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Law).

 

We have kept a close watch on its fate after passage earlier this year and we have received a number of opinions on both sides of the issue. In September, Gov. John Carney vetoed the bill on Sept. 20 after acknowledging that it was a personal issue for many. The Daily State News was the first local media to ask whether there would be an override attempt in the legislature.

 

We published opinions on both sides of the issue. Olivia Fritz shared a person story in her plea to have Gov. Carney sign the legislation into law.

Moira Sheridan, president of Delaware Right to Life, and Michael Vest wrote in opposition of  the legislation. A physician, Dr. Robert Varipapa, wrote in opposition to Sheridan’s viewpoint.

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times: Editor Richard Crumbacker’s watchdog nature led him to focus on American Rescue Plan money – this time to rescue Princess Anne’s budget. The Sept. 25 edition report said it would pull the town out of a $200,000 deficit due to a budgeting error.

 

Salisbury Independent: Richard Caines gave voice to neighbors of a school who wanted to see its playground open to the public after school hours. The controversy raises interesting questions about taxpayer-funded grounds and security.

 

Dorchester Banner: Reporter Debra Messick had an interesting update on the effectiveness of a juvenile curfew and a city extension of it for another year.  The Banner asked candidates for city council about the curfew in surveys.

Mission stories for Delmarva in August

 

Daily State News: In July, after getting a Dover police news release about arrests for soliciting prostitutes, Daily State News reporters Craig Anderson and Ben Rothstein sought to learn more about the crimes. The four men arrested in the city were busted in a sting operation. We learned, through questions to the Delaware Department of Justice and Dover Police, that prostitutes generally are not arrested, but offered support services as victims of human trafficking. The response was met with some frustration among city council members who hope to do more to curtail the public nuisance aspects.

 Salisbury Independent: Managing Editor Richard Caines has been closely following the planned move of the Wicomico County Public Library to an abandoned wildfowl art museum. It has been somewhat controversial since it takes the library out of Dowtown Salisbury. In his most recent story, Caines wrote about the timeline for the move and a request for $330,000 from the County Council. The coverage is an excellent example of the newspaper as a watchdog.

 Dorchester Banner: Reporter Debra Messick found herself at quite a debate during an August school board meeting. It didn’t involve reading, writing or arithmetic. The topic was repaving a tennis court and on the angry side of the volleying was a group of pickleball players who would no longer be able to play there.

 Crisfield-Somerset County Times: Editor Richard Crumbacker is doing well to keep an eye on the Southern Crisfield Flood Mitigation Project. As he wrote in an Aug. 27 story, it will take nearly six years before it’s built but the Mayor and City Council are trying to figure out how to ramp up now to pay for the comprehensive stormwater maintenance  that comes with it. Crumbacker honed in on possible fees for non-profits and tax-exempt properties.

Mission stories for Delmarva in July

 

Mission stories for Delmarva in July:

Daily State News: Stories about traffic jams and traffic safety always seem to have high readership. The Daily State News had two such stories that topped our most-read list at BaytoBayNews.com.

The state broke ground in early July on a Camden Bypass. The community, south of Dover, has been dealing with growing congestions for years as the population grows and businesses boom on U.S. 13.

An initiative to reduce the potential for fatal accidents on Del. 1 – one of the state’s most highly-traveled routes where speeding and aggressive driving occurs regularly occurs – now has several miles of barriers in the median. The construction, as it happened in June and July, reminded motorists of some horrific crossover crashes in recent years.

The median story drew several comments that we selected for a Speak Up column.

Salisbury Independent: Managing Editor Richard Caines closely followed a a proposal in Wicomico County to allow certain people to carry guns in county parks.  The measure — only applying to those with a valid Maryland wear-and-carry gun permit — begins Sept. 1, according to Council President John Cannon.  Councilman Josh Hastings cast the only no vote. “Firearms don’t make people feel comfortable is what folks wanted me to say,” Hastings said.

Crisfield-Somerset County Times: A top issue for Crisfield has been flooding – something editor Richard Crumbacker has closely monitored. He was among the first to learn and share news that Crisfield was getting $36 million in flood mitigation funding. In June, Crumbacker wrote about a proposal for fees that would  help fund fixes.

Dorchester Banner: Reporter Debra Messick had one of the best lines of the months in a story about a dog that had bolted during a thunderstorm. “The classic cartoon catchphrase, Scooby Do, Where Are You, reverberated across Cambridge area social media for eight days after a visiting pup took flight from the sound of neighborhood fireworks on July 5,” she wrote. The story was a great example of positive news with the community coming together to help find Scooby.

 

Delmarva Mission Stories - May 2024

Daily State News

The hottest topic in Legislative Hall in Dover this spring has been legislation to create a review board to oversee hospital spending.

Reporter Joe Edelen closely followed the topic through the debates, amendments and health care worker rallies against the measure. One committee meeting, with legislation that introduced without notice, brought out some heated conversations.

After much deliberation, a compromise bill made its way through the Senate and House. It awaits the governor’s signature.

The legislation led to multiple commentaries and letters to the Daily State News (including this one from Republican Jane Brady). There were several comments in response to a “Question of the Week” that appeared on the same day as an analysis from Edelen.

Dorchester Banner

In early May, reporter Debra Messick learned about attacks on a 12-year-old girl in Cambridge.  She had been harassed, bullied, and taunted for wearing a hijab, the neck and head covering worn traditionally worn by Islamic women.

Messick interviewed the girl’s mother, school officials and attendees of a gathering to support her. The news story and actions taken in the community were meant to create a greater understanding in the community.

Salisbury Independent

Managing Editor Richard Caines has been closely following division in Wicomico County government and the sides taken by residents in recent weeks.

County executive director Julie Giordano has been at odds with the council over such things as use of county property for a four-wheel drive event and spending. There have been calls to eliminate the executive position and return to a council-only form of government.

The county council wants to put the issue back in front of voters in a referendum.

The Independent has done well to report on this with purposeful neutrality.

Crisfield-Somerset County Times

Editor Richard Crumbacker is a hawk when it comes to watchdog work with local government and always does a nice job covering changes and the potential impact.

As examples of this, Crumbacker broke down the county’s budget and explained the school district’s struggle to fund its needs.

Somerset County’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 does not call for lowering the tax rate but at $56.052 million is 2.6% less than what was approved for FY24. The county will take in 12 percent more in property tax revenue following increases in assessments.

Delmarva Mission Stories - Apr 2024

 Seeds of Need: a look at poverty in the First State

 By Logan B. Anderson

Daily State News

Many Delawareans are just one medical emergency, car problem or other unexpected expense away from financial ruin.

That’s because nearly 1 of 10 individuals in the First State live at or below the poverty line, according to the latest census data.

Further, the number of people in our state who were counted as homeless on a given night doubled between 2020-22, reported the Delaware Journal of Public Health. That study calculated 2,369 homeless persons statewide.

This year, the Daily State News staff will be reporting on poverty in Delaware with our ongoing series, “Seeds of Need.” Our plan is to release segments of the project quarterly.

The first installment ran Sundays over three weeks, starting March 17. The opening readers saw case studies and stories about people and agencies addressing the issues of impoverishment. We defined the problem.

In June, we will focus on poverty and food security. Next is housing before wrapping everything up in December.

Read our “Seeds of Need” project in the “Disclosure” section of BaytoBayNews.com.

Somerset Mission Story November 2023

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times

 County Times shares story of Manonoakin Indian town site

In November, the Crisfield-Somerset County Times delivered a highly readable story on a local effort to identify and mark the Pocomoke Indian Nation’s Manonoakin Indian Town site. Through decades of research from documented sources the village of this subtribe of the Pocomoke Nation was identified and determined to be culturally significant to Maryland history.

As early as 1620 at the fork of what is today Manokin River and Trading Branch, in an area called Trading Point, the Manonoakin people traded goods with European colonists. This history is described on the marker located in the state rest area opposite the Somerset County Visitor’s Center. “This is one of the first if not the first trading points between the colonists and Manonoakin Tribe,” said Pocomoke Indian Nation Paramount Chief Norris Howard Sr.

The story, which mixed historical knowledge with interesting local facts, was well told and well photographed. It was a interesting read.

Delmarva Mission Stories Nov. 2023

 

Daily State News

Bayhealth works to stay ahead of area’s needs

Our neighbors, especially those in Sussex County, are growing older and demanding more from the area’s health care system. It has led to an ongoing wave of construction and expansion, recruitment and retention efforts, and continual improvements in efficiencies, said Terry Murphy, president and CEO of Bayhealth.

In our Sunday, Nov. 26, lead story, Mr. Murphy shared his insights into the state – and future – of the local health care industry. The demands will continue to grow right along with Delaware’s aging population.

“We have to be thinking of an aging and sicker population coming down the road 20 years from now,” he said. “I find myself thinking of Indiana Jones with the boulder coming behind me.”

One incredible insight he shared is that Bayhealth’s hospital in Dover will rise to 10 stories in coming years. Read more about the original Kent General Hospital and its future in today’s “From the Editor” column.

 

Salisbury Independent

 Salisbury Independent kept up with municipal election

 In November, Salisbury Independent continued its coverage of Salisbury’s municipal elections, with last-minute candidate preview coverage, digital updates on two rounds of absentee and mail-in voting, and coverage of the winners taking office.

 This was a tense election in Salisbury, as most candidates had little or no governmental experience and the pending leadership vacuum was large. The newspaper used extensive art, voting tables, digital updates social media alerts and photos to keep readers informed. Through the newspaper’s association with the local public access channel, all candidates were feature in television interviews that were posted on the website.

 

 Dorchester Banner

 Dorchester Banner offers farewell to popular doctor

 Dr. Mahmoud S. Shariff might well be the most popular physician to ever serve the Cambridge community. As a Muslim, he has been saluted for using his charm and compassion to bridge what might have otherwise been a cultural divide in a rural community.

 When he announced his upcoming retirement this fall, concerns about who might succeed him and offer the special level of care he had provided were real. The Dorchester Banner stepped up to write about the doctor’s departure, relay his reminiscences with patients and present mini-biographies of the caregivers taking his place.

 

Delmarva Mission Stories October 2023

 

Daily State News

 Throughout the month of October, Daily State News reporters told the inspiring stories of women who shared their experiences with breast cancer.

 As Laura Walter wrote in the introduction to our annual Think Pink publication,  “Breast Cancer Awareness can raise a lot of emotions: the fear of a scary diagnosis or the discomfort of treatments—but also the comfort in community support, or the joy of gathering together. Not everybody wants to talk about their medical experiences— maybe they’re exhausted, uncomfortable or just prefer to keep their body’s history to themselves. We respect that.

 “But each year in Think Pink, we’re incredibly grateful to the women who share their stories for this publication. They describe their lives, including with cancer, and offer advice for people who are newly diagnosed. By sharing life experiences, they help make the road easier for everyone.”

 Within the pages of the daily, the staff’s work included these stories:

 

• Smyrna breast cancer survivor has great support network

 

• Breast cancer survivor from Seaford works with coalition to help others

 

• ‘Be your own advocate’: Millsboro woman shares her journey to remission

 

• Clayton woman gives back on other end of dire diagnosis

 

• Bear woman gives back as breast cancer survivor

 

As the stories were published, web editor Kitt Parker packaged the stories in a new cancer awareness section at BaytoBayNews.com.

 

 Salisbury Independent

 The Salisbury Independent in October devoted time and space to previewing the city’s upcoming elections. The newspaper covered local debates, dug into fundraising reports and videotaped interviews with all 13 mayoral and City Council candidates. The newspaper’s Oct. 31 four-page election preview included an especially detailed look of the three people running for mayor by exploring their backgrounds and reviewing their campaign platforms.

 

Dorchester Banner

 The youth curfew that has been in effect in Cambridge for the past six months is one of the most-controversial issues to confront the city for years. Correspondent P. Ryan Anthony has stayed on top of the issue, publishing numerous news stories featuring politicians, law enforcement officials, business owners, residents and parents. In October, the City Council voted to extend the curfew into the winter months. Anthony was there to provide a detailed story on the council’s decision-making process, as well as residents’ reactions.

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times

The Somerset County Times produced an entertaining and compelling story about Smith Island’s attempt to create a plan that will attract more tourists to the island. The three villages that make up Smith Island are such a unique part of Americana that its long been wondered why their messaging has never been neatly packaged to attract more visitors and commerce.

As Maryland’s only island community not accessible by car – and home to the State Dessert the Smith Island Cake — the catchphrases “Chesapeake Flavor in Every Layer and The Perfect Slice of Maryland” are being incorporated into literature, signage, logos and a video that will be provided free to the business community.

 

 

 

Delmarva Mission Stories for September 2023

 

Delaware State News Mission Report for September

Sussex County reporter Glenn Rolfe attended a public forum in September that led to a spirited discussion about highway safety.

The story, which appeared on the Sept. 21 front page, carried the headline, “What would make state roadways safe?”

Highway fatalities have been in the news steadily in recent years. At the time the story was published, Delaware had recorded 99 fatalities.

In addition to a box with the story, we asked readers what they thought in a question in our Daybreak newsletter and with our Question of the Week. We published five letters to the editor within days of the story’s publication.

A sampling of the reader thoughts: Marc Kucek, John Byrd, Liz Killian, Tonya R. Rothermel and Cheryl Szczechura.

Salisbury Independent Mission Report for September

In September, Salisbury Independent followed the reporting trail on a complicated issue in the community -- whether and how to apologize for two historic lynchings that occurred in the county early in the last century.

The Independent explained the motives and wishes of the local NAACP and added historical elements to put the issue in context.

Dorchester Banner Mission Report for September

In September, Dorchester Banner offered readers a solid dose of governmental reporting by relaying details about the county’s fiscal woes.

A continued leadership vacuum has led to questionable financial decisions on the part of elected leaders. Correspondent P. Ryan Anthony was able to obtain documents that are now subject to an external audit and offer readers insights into the potential crisis.

Crisfield-Somerset County Times Mission Report for September

The most populated subdivision in Princess Anne, the Somerset Landing and North Gate neighborhoods, has had stormwater drainage problems for many years.

Engineering studies are now underway and residents received a comprehensive update of that progress through the coverage in the Crisfield-Somerset County Times.

August Mission Stories for Delmarva

 

August Mission Stories

Delaware State News: Intrusion shuts down Kent County’s network

For more than a month, mystery surrounded an intrusion which shut down Kent County government’s network.

On August 23, reporter Craig Anderson learned more about what happened and what the county has been doing since.

According to Kent’s information technology director Joseph Simmons, a BlackCat virus had erased everything on the county’s network.

“What they do is come in and attack your servers and encrypt everything and then delete certain control files,” he explained. “Let me put it like this: They come in and basically blank out your brain.”

Not only was there a loss of access for Kent Countians to services, there was a huge cost to restore operations: $419,240.

Salisbury Independent: Mayor’s departure headlines election coverage

A flurry of activity occurred on candidate filing deadline day Aug. 22 in Salisbury, and Salisbury Independent was there to sort out and report on the last-minutes entries and withdrawals.

In a surprise move, the city’s incumbent mayor announced his departure from the race, clearing the way for three divergent contenders headed into the fall. The newspaper’s coverage also included pertinent details on the five City Council races.

The extensive filing day coverage will position the newspaper as the go-to source for all election news through November.

Dorchester Banner: Empowerment Center offers good news

In August, reporter Debra Messick delivered a charming and encouraging story on the Cambridge Empowerment Center, the Pine Street neighborhood’s community hub.

This summer, the center has welcomed a full roster of 45 area youngsters, many participating in the Pine Street Enrichment Program, which is fully licensed by the state of Maryland.

Readers and participants reacted positively to Messick’s story, which told of the array of kid-friendly weekly themes, with subjects like arts and crafts; land, air and water creatures; careers; food around the world; music, dance and drama; STEM; and sports and physical movement.

Crisfield-Somerset County Times: Correctional officer memorialized

The memory of a correctional officer murdered by a former inmate in a case that went unsolved for nearly 20 years will not be forgotten as a sign dedicated to the late Gregory G. Collins was unveiled by his family on Ocean Highway near where he worked at Eastern Correctional Institution.

The Crisfield-Somerset County Times reported on the emotional service in early August.

“This is a very bittersweet moment, (and) a long time coming,” said former Assistant Warden Ronnie Dryden. “Twenty-two years now, and 18 years as a cold case, I cannot imagine what the family went through.”

Mission stories for Delmarva

 

Delaware State News Mission Story for July

 What’s popping up in Delaware farm fields?

 In the Sunday, July 30, edition, our lead story shined a light on solar energy and interest in planting solar panels where farmers have grown crops for generations.

 A 351-acre project along Calhoun Road, on the outskirts of Milford, is one of the latest efforts in a wave of solar farms proposed for southern Delaware, likely stimulated in part by state mandates to increase the amount of power that comes from renewable energy sources, like solar.

 Will more and more farmers opt for solar over soybeans?

 Freelance writer Maddy Goss’ byline is on the Delaware Journalism Collaborative piece. The idea grew from this editor’s brainstorming session with Delaware Business Times Editor Jacob Owens.

The Delaware Journalism Collaborative is a partnership of local news and community organizations working to bridge divides statewide.

 

 

Salisbury Independent Mission Story for July

 Independent helping readers sort out Wicomico controversy 

 Wicomico’s County Executive and County Council are now on a war footing – and Salisbury Independent is right in the middle of it, seeking to explain to readers what it all means.

 For seven months, the executive has been openly resentful over the council’s continued refusal to approve some of her office appointments. To get her way, the executive seems to have exploited a miniscule window in the County Charter and appointed two people to key positions – in contradiction to the council’s verdict.

 Now, the dispute is headed to court; the latest action is the executive has asked a judge to force the council to fund an attorney to represent her.

 Salisbury Independent has gone deep in its coverage, publishing numerous documents and emails between the parties. The newspaper has also interviewed the pertinent figures on public access television and included links to public meetings where the disputes have spilled into public.

 

Wicomico council, executive at bitter odds over administrative appointments

 

 

Dorchester Banner Mission story July

 

NPR-linked station makes a comeback

 In July, the Dorchester Banner provided endearing coverage on the return of WHCP-FM, the Cambridge-based public radio station that has been in decline for several years – but is now making its way back as a community institution.

 Local volunteers and supporters have been able to secure a more-powerful transmitter for the station, which has increased its footprint. The station is also now linked to National Public Radio, which ensures consistently important content. The return of the station is culturally significant in the community; the newspaper's focus on the rebirth was publicly applauded.

 

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times Mission story for July

 

County Times helps shine light on private school board meetings

 Late in July, the Crisfield-Somerset County Times produced some solid reporting on the county Board of Education’s handling of closed session business.

 In response to the newspaper’s coverage in June and July, the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board found that the school board met several tenets of the law but “failed to include enough details in its public disclosures before and after convening in closed session.”

 The initial reporting relied on a parent of a Crisfield High School student, who voiced his concerns about the sufficiency of the closed meeting announcement. In particular, he said the explanations parroted the Open Meetings Act without providing details which the board has pledged to be more careful about going forward.

 

 

Salisbury Independent, Delaware State News and Dorchester Banner Mission Stories June 2023

 

Salisbury Independent

Readers react after Independent’s coverage of parking plans

In June, Salisbury Independent devoted a lot of news space and reporting time to Downtown Salisbury – it’s the parking wars!

Residents reacted harshly when work commenced on construction projects years in the making. Therse projects had been dutifully reported in the newspaper but were still apparently news to many. In addition to providing current coverage – which included some alterations to previous development contracts – Salisbury Independent took the opportunity to re-report details of the six planned projects while there was a public focus on the issue.

The coverage:

Salisbury moves parking lot development plans

Longtime goal has been to add residential housing to Salisbury’s downtown

Unity Square construction will affect downtown Salisbury parking

Commentary: Salisbury parking lot decisions do not benefit taxpayers

 

During a tension-packed June 20 Salisbury City Council meeting, several residents complained to the council about new parking regulations in Downtown Salisbury. It quickly became apparent that the residents were turning out in response to coverage in the Salisbury Independent. One man (pictured) even waved the paper around while making his case to council members. The same sort of scene occurred during early-June’s debate about a tax increase – numerous speakers cited the newspaper’s coverage as foundational facts in their publicly aired concerns.

Delaware State News

Property transaction alerts pitched as safeguard

Of all the stories on BaytoBayNews.com in June, the most viewed was a public service story.

Reporter Craig Anderson wrote about a new initiative in the Kent County Recorder of Deeds office to catch property fraud.

Kent County Recorder of Deeds Eugenia Thornton announced the availability of free software alerting citizens when their names are part of property transactions.

“Statistically rare, property theft is still devastating,” she said, “With ever-increasing cyberthreats, better safe than sorry.”

 

Dorchester Banner

Post-pandemic graduations return to full glory

In June, Dorchester Banner went all-in on high school graduation coverage, as the ceremonies returned to their pre-pandemic standing as community moments of life coverage.

Dorchester published a special 12-page insert featuring headshots of each graduate in the county’s two high schools.

Graduates were featured on the cover, with four full-pages  of inside photos. The newspaper also included separate coverage of each school’s top academic achievers. The section and coverage was well-received.

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times Mission Story June 2023

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times

 

Lessons from Superstorm Sandy

 

Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 taught Crisfield a lot of lessons about being resilient for the next storm.

 

Replacement housing built by the Somerset County Long Term Recovery Committee showed when homes are elevated well out of the floodplain they can be spared from devastating tidal surges.

 

Now as the Crisfield-Somerset County Times reports, the successor organization, the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee, has an ambitious goal of raising more then $5 million to elevate 100 houses.

 

 

Maryland Mission Reports for May 2023

 

Salisbury Independent

 Independent takes watchdog approach to city tax, fee proposals

 Salisbury stringer Liz Holland delivered a succession of thoroughly reported local government stories in May, centering around a city-county dispute over fire services reimbursements.

 The city of Salisbury provides protection to addresses outside the city limits, for which the county is routinely assessed a per-call fee. A Fire Services Agreement inked six years ago recently expired – when negotiations on a new pact broke down, the county significantly reduced its fire services support.

 The city at first tried to directly charge county residents who fell under its coverage zones. When that was legally questioned, the city quickly had to enact budget cuts, and increase sewer and property tax rates. The ordeal has raised tensions between the two governments to an extraordinary degree.

 Through Holland’s reporting, Salisbury Independent has led the local coverage of the issue, ensuring the Independent remains the source on authoritative reporting that deals with pocketbook issues, as well as public safety.

 

Salisbury council cuts budget, gets tax hike to 5 cents

 

Salisbury scraps fire fee proposal, considers tax hikes

 

As expected, opposition mounts against proposed Salisbury fire fee

 

 

Dorchester Banner

 Banner explores plant’s revitalization

 In May, stringer Debra Messick produced a well-executed package that reviewed renovations and new purposes for the long-neglected warehouse operated by Phillips Packing Co.

Long known as Factory F, the structure the last remaining relic from what was once Dorchester County's largest employer; today it stands as an example of revitalization, as well as economic and civic growth. Vacant for decades, Factory F retains many features of its 19th century design, including historic masonry, large warehouse-style windows and industrial doors.

Among the new uses is a dynamic office space hub, known as MERGE.

Reaction from readers has indicated a definite interest from entrepreneurs and mobile businesspeople looking for new collaborative, in-town workspaces.

 

Crisfield-Somerset County Times

  Princess Anne Town Commissioner Lionel Frederick has stayed in the news since he was first elected in 2014. There have been stories about his personal and professional scrapes with the legal system, including his conviction in 2016 for interfering with the municipal election – which was overturned a year later – to now being censured for the third time by the other four elected commissioners for violating the Code of Conduct.

 

Delaware State News Mission Report for May 2023

 

State News analyzes compensation data

 In the Sunday, May 21, edition, we offered some insights into victims' compensation in the state and in the nation.

The Associated Press, in a special report, found that Black victims and their families are disproportionately denied compensation.

Following up on this, reporter Craig Anderson took a close look at what has been happening in Delaware.

Statistics show that, while Black applicants made more than 49% of all claims in 2021, they accounted for around 70% of denials in Delaware.

“State compensation programs are downstream resources in a criminal justice system whose headwaters are inextricably commingled with the history of racial inequity in our country,” said Mat Marshall, a spokesman for the Delaware Department of Justice, which administers the Delaware’s Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program. “Even race-neutral policy at the programmatic level may not accomplish neutral outcomes under the shadows that race and criminal justice cast on one another.”

 

Dorchester Banner Mission Report for April 2023

 

Skipjack Nathan returns to Cambridge

 In April, correspondent Debra Messick delivered a spring-season curtain raiser on the Skipjack Nathan, the Cambridge community's iconic maritime ambassador.

 The historic boat has returned to its home harbor at Long Wharf Park and will soon be offering sailing-season tours. Messick interviewed volunteers and history lovers who have spent recent weekends engaged in a rite of spring – uprigging, or reattaching, the Nathan's majestic sails.