Counsel Probes Water District

Vineyard Haven Town Attorney Finds Independent Practices of Tisbury Water Company Are Outside the Law

By MAX HART

The Tisbury water department, which historically has functioned as an independent entity with separate bank accounts and its own treasurer, has no legal authority to conduct many of these independent practices, a town attorney has found.

State Appellate Tax Board Sees Shake-Up at the Top

By IAN FEIN

Gov. Mitt Romney in an unprecedented shake-up this week nominated two new members to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, including a replacement for the embattled chairman who presided over William W. Graham's high-profile property tax case against West Tisbury assessors.

A Field of Candidates Narrows to Three for Town Police Chief

By MAX HART

A veteran patrolman of the Tisbury police department and two off-Island officers are among the finalists for police chief in Tisbury.

Land Purchase Links Preserves

Land Bank Buys Hilltop Property in Chilmark for $7 Million; Trail Easements to Connect Two Large Sanctuaries

By IAN FEIN

In a strategic acquisition that will connect a vast network of public trails in Chilmark, the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank this week announced the purchase of 21 acres of hilltop land that offers sweeping views of the south shore.

Two days of celebration begin tomorrow with the arrival of the annual Portuguese-American Feast of the Holy Ghost, one of the Island's most revered and riotous rituals.

The event serves as a touchstone for many Islanders of Portuguese descent, and is an example of Vineyarders' capacity to celebrate their heritage, gorge themselves silly and party like there's no tomorrow - all during the same two-day event.

On Cuttyhunk, Sight of Godspeed Brings Joy

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

CUTTYHUNK - Late Monday afternoon, Cuttyhunk residents were sitting around, a popular Island pursuit, when they spied the sails of a 1600s sailing vessel nearing Penikese.

It was the Godspeed!

Residents raced down to the harbor for their boats in unCuttyhunk-like haste.