Even though the vote to change the school start times was several months ago, the issue is still causing tension in the community and on the School Committee itself.

The tag line for the Africa Rally is “fighting to make the world less boring.” That just about sums up the extreme rally race, which takes participants from Europe to Africa in a vehicle that wouldn’t get you past the first crossover on Duxbury Beach.

Superintendent of School Susan Skeiber wants to focus on the budget, 21st century skills and communication in the coming year, according to a summary of her goals presented at the last School Committee meeting.

The ninth Annual Cranberry Hospice Kitchen Tour takes place on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 1-5 p.m. in Duxbury. The tour features the kitchens of six Duxbury homes—none have been included in previous tours.

Tickets are $25 and available in Duxbury at Westwinds Bookshop, The Studio, and Casey’s Fine Wine & Spirits. In Plymouth tickets are available at Daisy Riley’s in the Village Landing Marketplace or by calling Bonnie Casey at 781-934-4617. Those attending the tour are invited to stop during the tour from 3 to 5 p.m. for a wine tasting at Casey’s Fine Wine & Spirits, 35 Depot Street.

Raffle tickets for a dinner for two at SABOR in Plymouth, a full kitchen design by Timeless Design, Cook’s Delight kitchen basket and other prizes are available during the Kitchen Tour or by calling Patti Ryan at 508-830-2465. Raffle tickets are $5 a ticket, or book of ten for $25.

All proceeds will benefit Cranberry Hospice. Cranberry Hospice, a department of Jordan Hospital, has provided quality hospice care to Duxbury and surrounding communities for 28 years. For information on Cranberry Hospice services and programs, call 508-746-0215.

Members of the Duxbury Business Association’s Holly Days Committee have been busy planning this year’s festivities. The Nov. 29 event will include trolley rides, music, face painting, magic shows, a storyteller and of course a visit from Santa. Meeting this week were Anne Antonellis, Allison Sinclair, Nick O’Connor, Don Reed, Nancy Reed, Sandy Childs, Laura Doherty, Sue Lawrence, Phil Markella and Josh Cutler (behind the camera.) Stay tuned for more details closer to the event.

High winds took down a large tree near the corner of Chandler and Vine streets Wednesday afternoon, knocking down an adjacent power line in the process. Duxbury police and fire were on hand to divert traffic away from the area. The tree will be cut up as soon as electric crews arrive on the scene. No power outages were reported.

Mark DeLuca reached a tentative contract settlement with the Board of Selectmen Monday, ending his ten-year tenure as Duxbury police chief, and Lt. Lewis “Chip” Chubb was appointed interim police chief on Tuesday.

The buyout was originally reported as $240,000, but according to Town Counsel Robert Troy the final figure will be lower.

Selectmen Christopher Donato said that during the closed-door executive session held Monday night, he made a motion to fire Town Manager Richard MacDonald.

Selectman Christopher Donato said Tuesday that part of the town's settlement with Police Chief Mark DeLuca involves allegations made against the chief.

Town Counsel Robert Troy said today that the settlement between the town and outgoing Police Chief Mark DeLuca is still being worked out, and that the $240,000 number initially discussed during an executive session Monday night is high.

The Board of Selectmen and Police Chief Mark DeLuca appear to have come to an agreement on a dispute over the chief's contract status, although officials aren't saying much about what was said behind closed doors.