Katrina's Wake: Devastation of Hurricane Touches Life on Vineyard

By James Kinsella
Gazette Senior Writer

Devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina may delay the delivery of the new Steamship Authority ferry Island Home for six months or more.

But the likely postponement of the new $30.5 million ferry for the Vineyard is just one of the ripples reaching the Vineyard in the aftermath of the hurricane, which authorities now say may have left thousands dead in New Orleans and beyond.

Key Witnesses End Longest Tax Appeal Case

By IAN FEIN

BOSTON - On the final day of a protracted property tax appeal hearing that poses broad implications for West Tisbury, selectman John Early yesterday undercut critical testimony from the town's principal assessor.

Mr. Early bracketed the case as both the first and last witness to testify in the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board hearing that began May 3 and became the longest and costliest residential property tax appeal in the history of the commonwealth.

Ending months of speculation, a federal advisory commission voted unanimously Friday to close the Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod, a move

The boaters on the water were not the only winners Sunday at the 15th annual Martha's Vineyard Oar and Paddle Regatta.

Housing Bank Legislation Open for Review at Public Forum in Tisbury Senior Center

By BRIEN HEFLER

The Martha's Vineyard Community Housing Bank Coalition will hold a public forum to discuss and review draft legislation for the proposed Martha's Vineyard Housing Bank tonight at the Tisbury senior center from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Commission Peppers Architect with New Hospital Questions

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Members of the Martha's Vineyard Commission last week raised serious doubts about the wisdom of expanding the Martha's Vineyard Hospital at its current Oak Bluffs site.

Hospital architects came before the commission Thursday night to give an informal presentation on proposed building plans, and were rocked by a series of questions and comments challenging assumptions underlying the $42 million building project.