All Of MA Now In 'Significant Drought': Patch PM
Today is Friday, Aug. 14. Here are some of the top stories we are covering today:
All Of MA Now In 'Significant Drought,' State Officials Say
A tropical storm swept across Massachusetts just about a week ago. Now we're in a significant drought.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) on Thursday declared the entire state in a level 2 significant drought. That comes after multiple scorching heat waves and very little rain so far this summer — Tropical Storm Isaias only brought brief periods of rain to eastern Massachusetts on Aug. 4.
"All levels of government are coordinating to address these critical drought conditions, and it is essential that residents and businesses across the Commonwealth take extra care to conserve water both indoors and outdoors and be mindful of the increased risk of wildland fires when using any fire or smoking materials," EEA Secretary Kathleen Theoharides said Thursday in declaring the drought.
The U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday also upgraded much of the state from "abnormally dry" to a D1 "moderate drought." In a D1 drought, the state is at risk of more wildfires, a decline in honey production, and higher stress in trees and fish.
Other top stories
Dive Teams, Detectives Looking For Car Off Black Falcon Pier In Boston
Massachusetts State Police dive teams and detectives were called to Black Falcon Pier on Friday afternoon to search for a car in the water. Multiple crews were in the area around 1:30 p.m.
A WBZ-TV photographer on scene saw two bodies being removed from the water.
It is unclear why the car ended up in the water.
Somerville Keeps Phase 3 Reopening On Hold
Phase 3 of reopening remains on hold in Somerville, the city announced Friday. Officials cited data released by the DPH this week, showing elevated rates of COVID-19 in nearby communities.
The aim is to mitigate community spread, reducing the chances of an unmanageable spike and providing a safe context to open schools later in the 2020-2021 school year, according to a news release.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation in two-week intervals, with the next update coming on or before Thursday, August 27.
Small Waltham Gym Adjusts Amid Coronavirus, Looks Ahead
Grace Clackson owns a small gym Blue Fusion Fitness on Winter Street. When the state allowed for the reopening of gyms indoors, she heaved a sigh of relief and flung open her doors, prepared to welcome back her members with the new precautions.
But after four months of closure, the number of people willing to step inside her gym is concerning she said. Her story is emblematic of a number of small fitness studios around Waltham and beyond.
"Many people are just scared," she said. "I've had clients who haven't left their home in months."
Also
Medford Reports Error In Some Mail-In Ballots
An important component was left out of some mail-in voter packages. Residents should not send their ballot back until they receive it.
Cape Man Faces Child Pornography Indictment In Federal Court
Bryan Mileikis, 33, was arrested in July after federal prosecutors said he had child pornography on his phone.
Police Search Mill Pond Area After Alleged Sexual Assault
Police searched the area after a woman said she was sexually assaulted on the side of the road, Thursday night.
'Serious Deficiencies' Will Close Wayland Route 27 Bridge
A reconstruction project will begin this week to repair the Route 27 bridge connecting Wayland to Sudbury center.
This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch
