Daily brief · Ipswich, MA
Rain closure threshold raised for shellfishers
September 11, 2026
Top story
Rain Closure Threshold Raised for Plum Island Sound
Improved water quality in Plum Island Sound has allowed state officials to raise the rain closure threshold from 0.5 to 1 inch, giving shellfishers up to 72 additional harvesting days per year. The change takes effect immediately and reflects ongoing environmental improvements in the estuary.
The Local News
Village Pancake House Closes After 23 Years
The Sutherby family closed the popular restaurant on the Ipswich-Rowley line on Sept. 9, retiring after 23 years.
The Local News
Ipswich Police Warn of Phone Scams
Police alert residents to scams involving fake international bank transfers and criminal investigations.
The Local News
Town Weighs $500K for Former Candlewood Golf Course
Voters at fall Town Meeting will consider allocating $500,000 toward purchasing the 29.2-acre former golf course for $1.82 million, with Greenbelt partnering to preserve it as open space.
The Local News
Proposed Bylaw Targets Nuisance Outdoor Cats
Article 15 at October Town Meeting would regulate nuisance or aggressive cats using rules patterned after dog control bylaws.
The Local News
Ipswich West Nile Virus Risk Elevated to Moderate
The Public Health Department recommends repellent use and removal of standing water after mosquito testing raised the risk level.
Town of Ipswich
School Committee Communications Subcommittee Meets Today
The subcommittee meets via Zoom at 8:00 AM to review outreach goals and prepare community newsletters.
Town of Ipswich
Castle Hill Cart Tours Today at 1 and 2:30 PM
The Trustees offer guided open-air tours of Castle Hill today at 1:00 and 2:30 PM.
The Trustees of Reservations
Tigers Girls Field Hockey at Rockport Today at 4 PM
Ipswich High School varsity girls field hockey plays at Rockport at 4:00 PM.
NFHS Network
Graveside Service with Military Honors Today for Benjamin Alhowik Jr.
A ceremony at Cowles Memorial Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. honors the passing of Benjamin W. Alhowik Jr., who died Sept. 3.
The Local News
Cape Ann Pride Masquerade Ball Tomorrow at Castle Hill
The Masquerade Ball runs Saturday from 7-11 PM with a string quartet and catering.
The Trustees of Reservations
Pre-Bid Site Walk for Field House Today at 9 AM
Contractors meet at Jack Welch Memorial Stadium at 9:00 a.m. for the athletic field house project.
COMMBUYS
Funeral Mass Today for Carolyn Stitson
A funeral mass at St. Joseph Church in Malden at noon for the Ipswich resident who died Sept. 3.
The Local News
Sunset Kayak Paddle at Crane Wildlife Refuge Today
A guided kayak excursion through salt marshes around Choate Island runs 4:30-7:00 PM.
The Trustees of Reservations
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