News | Wareham

header_bg

Visit our partners:

News

11th annual Christmas Dinner is a success

none

The 11th annual Christmas Dinner organized by Denned Rose took place Saturday, Dec. 20 to give seniors, veterans and people in need some holiday cheer. The dinner included turkey with…

How one Chili's server keeps giving back throughout the year

none

Jess Hanlon has been a server at Chili’s in Wareham for three years and when customers with kids walk-in, they get more than just a meal. “It’s hard sometimes as a…

Most Popular

Onset Bay Center looks back on a successful year

The beach outside the Onset Bay Center in 2025. File photo

Though Onset Bay is a bit quieter in the winter months, the echoes of a successful year remain in the countless memories made. The Onset Bay Center at 186 Onset Avenue saw over 2,500 participants in outdoor exploration programs, 1,000 swim and...

Wareham Land Trust to celebrate 25 years of conservation and nature education in 2026

none

In 2001, a small group of Wareham residents saw more and more of the town’s natural landscape being taken away for development and they decided someone needed to protect land in Wareham. This call-to-action created the Wareham Land Trust, a...

South Coast Community Foundation scholarship applications now open

Applications are now open for the South Coast Community Foundation Scholarship until Wednesday, Jan. 7. Applications can be found at southcoastcf.org/receive/apply-for-scholarships. Scholarships are available to high school seniors, current...

Things to do Dec. 30 to Jan. 1

none

Tuesday, Dec. 30 Don't fear the cold Join the Wareham Land Trust for their inaugural Tuesday trail day Dec. 30 to maintain the trails at the Fearing Hill Preserve. Volunteers will help trim back overgrown trails and clean up a stone wall. The trail...

From Wareham to Hollywood: Factory Five Racing truck featured on Tim Allen show

Seann William Scott works on the Factory Five truck. Photo source: ABC

Getting calls about car kits is nothing out of the ordinary for the Wareham-based company, Factory Five Racing. But when ABC Studios is on the other line asking to use a vehicle for one of their shows? It's a different story. The company's ‘35 Hot...

Beyond the books: The Wareham Free Library by the numbers

The Wareham Free Library. File photo

As the doors begin to close on 2025, the Wareham Free Library shows off a year stacked full of concerts, patrons and events. The fiscal year of 2025 saw the circulation of 112,399 items, up 4,500 from 2024. Library Director, Patrick Marshall said...

Turning Point continues program to keep people out of extreme cold

none

As winter continues to set in and temperatures drop, Turning Point of Wareham’s program to get homeless people out of the cold is returning. The Emergency Response Plan is a program the Wareham-based non-profit started three years ago that allows...

Wareham's next generation of EMTs get start in high school

Alivia Benitez-Gaudette practices on instructor Daniel Pina. Photos by Brandy Muz

Trading backpacks for medical bags, some select Wareham High School students are on their way to becoming EMTs. Wareham High School started offering an EMT course at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Principal Scott Palladino said the idea came...

Wildlife in Wareham: What birds can you see around town

none

Wareham has over 30 miles of total coastline and nearly another 700 acres of conservation land. This combination of coastline and protected forest makes Wareham not only a great place for people to live, but for birds too. With several different...

Lucky Goat to close Main Street taproom by end of year

The Lucky Goat's taps. Photos by Brandy Muz

After four years of pouring, brewing and bringing the community together, Lucky Goat will be closing its Main Street taproom Dec. 31, 2025. The decision comes after owner and lifelong Wareham resident, Kendall Peabody, looks to focus on other...

Transfer station fully operational following power outage

none

The transfer station is now fully operational after town-wide power outages closed the station Friday, Dec. 19. Wareham Police Emergency Management Director Calib LaRue said Municipal Maintenance checked the station early Saturday, Dec. 20 to...

Damien’s Food Pantry announces new hours for 2026

With the new year comes new service hours for Damien’s Food Pantry. The pantry will continue to be open Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 a.m. and the pantry will also be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. The pantry is located at 242...

Wareham High School names two standout students

none

Two standouts from Wareham High School have been recognized for their work during the month of November. Alton McCane was named the student of the month and Brooke Halloran was named the Scotty Monteiro Jr. Foundation Scotty Award Winner.

Wareham Middle School names cool students of the month

none

With December coming to a close, Wareham Middle School is recognizing three student standouts. Fifth grader Reagan Rooney was recognized by her teachers for being a kind role model in the classroom. “Reagan stands out as a dependable and motivated...

Update: Power restored to transfer station, roadways now open

none

Power has been restored to the transfer station and Cranberry Highway has been reopened after high winds downed a telephone pole Friday, Dec. 19. As of 8:28 p.m. Friday, Eversource is reporting 52 households are still without power with crews...

Before school care to come to Wareham Elementary

The Thursday, Dec. 18 meeting. Photo by Brandy Muz

Following an approval at the Tuesday, Dec. 18 Wareham School Committee meeting, Wareham Elementary is in the process of offering assistance to students before school begins. Director of Beyond School Time, Bethany Chandler, said that the process...

School committee adds U.S. history, new grade average in MCAS replacement requirement

Chair of the school committee Geoff Swett. Photo by Brandy Muz

Beginning with the class of 2027, passing U.S. history will now be a requirement for Wareham tenth-graders following an approval at the Thursday, Dec. 18 Wareham School Committee meeting. Additionally, starting with the class of 2029, students must...

Paraprofessional's plead for change as contract renewal remains undecided

A gift of support given to the school committee. Photos by Brandy Muz

With wrapped gifts in hand, a group of paraprofessionals, parents and community members appeared in front of the Wareham School Committee to bring attention back to paraprofessional contract negotiations. The meeting, held Thursday, Dec. 18, saw...

Wareham hits state affordable housing benchmark, gives town more control over development

none

Wareham received notice earlier this week from the office of Housing and Liveable Communities, the state agency that oversees affordable housing, that just over 11% of the town’s total housing is affordable. Under Chapter 40B, the state’s...

Town employees decorate the halls for the holidays

Robin Carbone and Samantha Monast bring the world of "Frozen" to Town Hall. Photos by Brandy Muz

In the Saint Nick of time for Christmas, Wareham's Town Hall is decorated from head to toe. Each year the administration within Town Hall compete for best decorated office. For the second year in a row, the Board of Health has taken first place....

Update: Select board issues comment on allegations made against Selectmen Jared Chadwick

The Tuesday, Dec. 16 Select Board meeting. Photo by Brandy Muz

Following allegations of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old made against Selectmen Jared Chadwick, the Select Board issued the following written statement. "The allegations are matters for the court to address. Our subjective...

A winter-ful Wickets wonderland

The group gathers around the fire. Photos by Brandy Muz

Though snow blanketed much of Onset, the cold never bothered the Onset Bay Center, anyway. The Onset Bay Center held its first annual Wickets Wonderland Monday, Dec. 15 through Wednesday, Dec. 17. Participants bundled up and jetted across Onset Bay...

Town receives $150,000 to help attract businesses, redevelop Main Street

none

After receiving $150,000 in state grants, plans are moving forward to redevelop Main Street and attract new businesses. Director of Planning and Community Development Josh Faherty said the $150,000 is broken into two grants, one for $100,000 and...

Old Saint Nick makes a stop at Redmen Hall

Elizabeth Wingert leads the elf parade. Photos by Brandy Muz

With a gaggle of elves and Mrs. Claus at his side, Santa spent a day away from the workshop Sunday, Dec. 14 to meet and greet the children of Wareham at Redmen Hall. Roy Brenton has been using his ability to grow a beard to give back to the...

Oh what fun: Onset celebrates Christmas event

Morgan Sousa gets a new ornament. Photos by Brandy Muz

Though Santa isn't due in Onset for 12 more days, the town came together to bring the spirit of Christmas to every corner early. The Onset Bay Association held its annual Christmas In The Village, Saturday, Dec. 13. As businesses and organizations...

Christopher Donovan Day School to close after nearly 20 years in business

none

The Christopher Donovan Day School and Donovan Day Center for Child Development located in Onset is closing its doors after nearly 20 years of serving kids and families all across South Eastern Massachusetts. The school and center is a private...

Selectman Jared Chadwick accused of inappropriately touching minors, charged with two felonies

none

Selectman Jared Chadwick has been charged with two separate felonies of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old. Chadwick appeared in court Wednesday, Dec. 10 for a brief pre-trial hearing. He has pleaded not guilty to both...

Former West Wareham Academy building to become condos

The old schoolhouse that will be developed into condominiums. File photo

The halls of West Wareham Academy that once held hundreds of students will be seeing life once again, this time as condominiums. The property, located at 1073 Main Street, will be developed into condominiums by developer Schoolhouse Rocks, LLC and...

Request to change GPS home confinement denied in explosion case hearing

none

Following a chemical explosion at his home in early October, Mark Halpin’s defense attorney said he posted his $10,000 bail but a change to his current GPS home confinement was denied. Halpin, 50, is being charged with one count of the possession...

Road cleared, power restored following downed electrical pole

The pole across Route 28, Cranberry Highway at the gateway. Photo source: Wareham Police Department

A downed pole at the gateway sign closed a portion of Cranberry Highway Tuesday, Dec. 9 causing power outages and detours to the area. Wareham Police Department Lieutenant Bryan Whalen said the accident occurred around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, the...

Downed pole closes section of Cranberry Highway

The pole across Route 28, Cranberry Highway at the gateway. Photo source: Wareham Police Department

A downed pole at the gateway sign closed a portion of Cranberry Highway Tuesday, Dec. 9 causing power outages and detours to the area. Wareham Police Department Lieutenant Bryan Whalen said the accident occurred around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, the...

Solar array project at 370 County Road reapplies for approval with several new changes

none

A ground mounted solar array could introduce 2,700 solar panels to 370 County Road but this isn’t the first time a solar project has been proposed there. In October of 2024, the Planning Board denied an application for an approximately 10 acre...

Two dolphins rescued from Beaver Dam Creek

The dolphins were loaded onto a soft mat and transported by a team from International Fund for Animal Welfare. Photos by Brandy Muz

A Cromesset Road home was transformed into a marine rescue station when two dolphins became stranded alongside Beaverdam Creek. At approximately 10:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8 the Wareham Department of Natural Resources received a call about two live...

Wareham's crafters show the holiday spirit

Dale Winters, Jan Barton and Kathy Doyle at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Photos by Brandy Muz

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season at its peak, many look to local crafters and artisans to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Saturday, Dec. 6 saw three craft fairs across town. The Wareham Garden Club, The Church of the...

Recognize National Homeless Day with Turning Point of Wareham

Turning Point of Wareham and the Wareham Area Committee for the Homeless will recognize National Homeless Day with a memorial tree in Besse Park and a ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 17. The ceremony will honor those that have lost their lives due to...

Sleigh what? Annual Christmas parade brings holiday cheer

There's snow place like Main Street. Photos by Brandy Muz

Christmas music hits and the sounds of jingle bells could be heard all throughout Wareham… alongside the blaring horns from emergency vehicles. The Wareham Village Association's annual Christmas parade brought the holiday spirit down Route 6 and...

Get to know Amy Hartley-Matteson, the next superintendent of Wareham Public Schools

none

Amy Hartley-Matteson is set to be the next superintendent of Wareham Public Schools but the lifelong educator is also a mother, lover of athletics and a proud South Coast native. Hartley-Matteson grew up on what she calls the compound in Rochester,...

Changes are coming to Swifts Beach Road, tell the town what you think

none

After voters approved allocating $250,000 at Spring Town Meeting to make improvements to Swifts Beach Road, the town now has two proposals for the project they are seeking public comment on. The overarching goals of the project are to remove...

Town donates to Turning Point ahead of holiday season

none

With the holidays right around the corner, several town officials got together to donate toys to Turning Point. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, town officials and employees presented their donation of toys to Turning Point which will be given out to seven...

Wareham Fire Chief out on injury

Wareham Fire Chief John Kelley is sworn into office on March 31, 2022. File photo

Wareham Fire Chief John Kelley is out on injury for the second time this year. Serving as Acting Chief will be current Assistant Chief, Mark Rogers, who stepped into the role Thursday, Dec. 4, presenting the chief’s report at the Wareham Fire...

Wareham High principal Scott Palladino named Massachusetts High School Principal of the Year

none

Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino was recently named the Massachusetts School Administrators Association High School Principal of the year. The Massachusetts School Administrators Association is a state association dedicated to...

The Old Company Store could be yours

The historic Old Company Store. Photos by Brandy Muz

The historic Old Company Store is on the market alongside two homes and a storefront as owner Shari Aussant prepares for her next chapter. Aussant has had the buildings in her family since she was 19-years-old, when her family purchased the...

Bridge construction to impact traffic on Charge Pond Road

none

Correction: This article previously stated the construction was on Glen Charlie Road which was incorrect. The construction is on Charge Pond Road. Construction on Charge Pond Road will temporarily close one lane on the bridge over Route 25 for the...

No humbugs to be had with Viking Theatre's upcoming Christmas Carol

There is no Christmas spirit to be had with Scrooge. Photos by Brandy Muz

The past, present and future can be found all in one place as the holidays draw closer. The Wareham Viking Theatre Company will present "A Christmas Carol" Friday and Saturday Dec. 6 with doors opening at 6 p.m in the high school auditorium, 7...

Pour Farm Tavern to come to Main Street

The empty Scarlett Rose. Photo by Brandy Muz

The little red building on the corner of Main and Center Street will be getting a new name and purpose. From flower shop, to wine bar and now a craft beer tavern, 196 Main Street will be bringing a bit of night life to the heart of Wareham....

Middle school makes big donation to Damien’s Food Pantry

none

Wareham Middle School’s student council recently held their annual food drive and donated over 900 items to Damien’s Food Pantry. The food drive was also a competition to see which homeroom class could donate the most food which was won by Mrs....

Meet the Middle School’s students of the month

none

Wareham Middle School has announced the three students of the month for November. Arianna Lorizio was named the student of the month for the fifth grade and her teachers commended how hardworking she is. “Ari is a fantastic student who always...

Wareham elementary looks to raise money for Friends of Jack Foundation

none

Wareham Elementary School is taking the Friends of Jack challenge to raise money and awareness for programs that benefit the physical, mental and emotional well-being of kids in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Friends of Jack is a nonprofit...

Wareham Elementary students float to engineering success

none

Every Thanksgiving, millions watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade march through the heart of New York City but at Wareham Elementary School, it’s used as a learning opportunity. Five years ago, Elizabeth Costa, a science, technology,...

Cranberry Highway restaurant demolished for new Taco Bell

The sign for BB's Bar and Grille still stands during demolition. Photos by Brandy Muz

From the Nest, to Zeadey's to BB's Bar and Grille, the building at 2424 Cranberry Highway has officially had it's last days as a sitdown restaurant. Demolition began on the former restaurant Tuesday, Nov. 25 to make way for a Taco Bell. The new...