Fourteen Island residents are vying for nine open seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission this year — a larger field than usual in recent years for the regional planning agency.

Impressed by her lifelong experience with animals and dedication to the town, West Tisbury selectmen Wednesday appointed Prudence Fisher as the new town animal control officer.

A planned solar array on land owned by the Oak Bluffs water district remains in the slow lane as developers prepare to return to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission later this month.

West Tisbury selectmen heard from five finalists in the running for town animal control officer at their meeting last Wednesday.

A state-ordered shellfish closure due to toxic algae blooms was extended to Martha’s Vineyard late Sunday. All Island ponds and harbors are closed to shellfishing — except for bay scalloping.