In a surprise move, Oak Bluffs selectmen on Tuesday unanimously agreed to extend last call and closing time at town bars and nightclubs by one half hour on a trial basis, meaning patrons can now get a drink up until 1 a.m. and stay in an establishment until 1:30 a.m.

Dukes County government will receive only minor polishing and not a complete overhaul, if voters heed the recommendations of the county charter study commission.

With less than three weeks left before they make their final recommendations public, the study group voted unanimously last Thursday to keep much of county government just as it is.

Island homeowners who already pay some of the highest home insurance rates in the nation received some rare good news last week when the state insurance commissioner rejected a proposed 25 per cent rate hike for the FAIR Plan, the state-backed insurance provider of last resort for most Vineyarders.

In her May 8 decision, insurance commissioner Nonnie Burnes said FAIR plan officials failed to demonstrate a need for the proposed rate hike.

Sales Coordinator

Edgartown resident Teresa Yuan has been named an executive coordinator as an independent distributor for Market America, a product brokerage and Internet marketing company.