Finding that the Dukes County commission did not act in bad faith, a superior court judge this week overturned the treble damages awarded in a long-standing salary dispute with the current and former Martha's Vineyard Airport managers.

The amended judgment - which was issued Tuesday morning by the Hon. Richard T. Moses and revises an earlier decision from last July - is significant because it lowers the pecuniary penalties owed in the case from roughly $600,000 to $260,000.

Arthur Railton Publishes Work of Intelligencer

By JAMES KINSELLA

Arthur R. Railton had just taken over what he had been assured was a temporary post as editor of the Dukes County Intelligencer when he began to make the acquaintance of Jeremiah Pease.

Gale Huntington, the founding editor of the Intelligencer, the publication of the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society, had been running continuing excerpts from the diaries of Mr. Pease, written from the 1830s to 1857, when he died on the street in Edgartown.

Pascagoula, Miss. - Machines howl and scream. Bangs, loud and sharp, echo through the steel-frame building.

Felix Neck Has a New Leader: Ms. Bellincampi

By IAN FEIN

Suzan Bellincampi's favorite animals are mollusks, and her favorite habitats are tidal ponds and marshes.

She grows animated when talking about the wetlands, her smile wide, eyes sparkling. There is something about the brackish water flowing in and out with the tide that strikes a chord with her.

"I don't know what it is," Ms. Bellincampi said this week. "I guess it's change, but with consistency."

Voters Name Cynthia Mitchell as West Tisbury Town Assessor

By IAN FEIN

Voters in West Tisbury returned a former selectman to elected office last night, naming Cynthia Mitchell to a one-year seat on the town board of assessors.

Mrs. Mitchell outpaced rival Cynthia Riggs 245-189 in the special town election.

"It's nice to be back," said Mrs. Mitchell, who previously served 12 years as a selectman and 17 years as town treasurer. "I appreciate the support of the voters and I look forward to a good year on the board," she added.

Complicated Rank and Grading System Now Slated for a Possible Overhaul by Administrators and Students

By RACHEL NAVA ROHR

High school class rankings yield one winner come graduation, and the competition to become valedictorian requires some strategy at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Taking a class called Stock Market or Sports Management could push you ahead. Architecture and Island Cooking don't help or harm, but Journalism or Introduction to Law could set you back.