Officials at the state medical licensing board confirmed this week that their agency last year began investigating allegations that a Vineyard physician was abusing the highly addictive prescription drug, OxyContin, and writing excessive prescriptions for the drug.

Lagoon Pond has millions of baby bay scallops. On Tuesday afternoon, David Grunden, shellfish constable for Oak Bluffs, was out moving some of them around. There is a gold mine of baby bay scallops out there. While this doesn't help the fishermen of today, it may be a sign of a good year to follow.

Report Finds Windfall for Golf Developer

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The developers of the Down Island Golf Club stand to clear more than $70 million in profits if they are permitted to build a private luxury golf club in the southern woodlands section of Oak Bluffs, while the financial benefits to the town and the Vineyard community will be minimal by comparison.

Cape and Island prosecutors are seeking to charge a former Tisbury police officer with placing a fake inspection sticker on a 1979 Jeep. The vehicle in question later crashed in an accident blamed on defective steering, killing high school senior Eric MacLean.

Community Services Marks Anniversary with Tributes to Volunteers and Staff

By MANDY LOCKE

The staff, volunteers and supporters of Martha's Vineyard Community Services gathered together Saturday night to offer one last happy birthday to the 40-year-old health and human services agency.

Community Services embraced middle age in style this year, and the evening's tribute to volunteers and employees was no exception.

Chasing the Bass and the Blues: It Will Cost You a Few Extra Bucks

By BRETT FERRY

During the month-long fishing derby, while derby fever is running high, people may be questioning what it takes to be a contender in this local, world-class event.

Sure, you can hang around the tackle shops or diners and pick up on the buzz - where the hot spots are, what time of day to be there, what the fish are eating. But what if you're a greenhorn, a landlubber without any gear? Where do you start? And, more importantly, what kind of damage will it do to your wallet?