County Announces Deep Budget Cuts

Officials at Health, Human Services And Housing Agencies Express Dismay Over Austerity Budget for FY2003

By JOSHUA SABATINI

A budget that aims to tighten Dukes County's belt in the upcoming fiscal year was sent off to the state for approval this week amid criticism from leaders of underfunded agencies.

Up, Up and Away

Larry Stone Flies From Schools To Retirement

By MARCUS TONTI

The things people do for love - of a spouse, of a good job. Or, in Larry Stone's case, both.

Mr. Stone retired this week after 28 years teaching in the Island school system. What distinguishes the music instructor from other teachers is that he actually lives across Vineyard Sound - and then across Buzzards Bay - in Acushnet, next to New Bedford.

The Harvard scientists who spent the last four days on the Vineyard collecting clues that could help them solve the Island's biggest medical mystery came armed with an unusual tool kit: an aerosol can of automotive starter fluid, two flowerpots painted blue, a bag of apples and an empty can of Diet Coke.

Island Senator Hits Bias in Boatline Bill Backing New Bedford

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

As a bill to restructure the Steamship Authority moved from the House to the Senate this week, Cape and Islands Sen. Robert O'Leary said the proposed legislation is disappointing at best and was written solely to serve the interests of New Bedford.

New Windemere Administrator Foresees Turnaround at Vineyard Nursing Center

By MANDY LOCKE

Just past the entrance way of Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Philip Hickey sits in a fishbowl.

Voters in Oak Bluffs went on a public health rampage this week. Not only did they reinstate the ban on smoking in town bars, but they also cut back on the number of mopeds that may be rented in town and made sure to put a halt to the presence of bicycles, Frisbees and hacky-sack playing on downtown streets.