Public Transit System Poised for Season

By MARCUS TONTI

The bus speaks.

"Card not valid," says a computerized voice to a boarding passenger who doesn't insert his bus pass into the farebox properly. But the driver quickly lends a hand, and the Route 1 bus is on its way from Edgartown to Vineyard Haven.

Suspicions that tularemia has made a comeback on the Vineyard for the third summer in a row have prompted a series of new health advisories aimed at the group of people at highest risk for the disease - landscapers.

Star Pitcher Carries Vineyard to Playoffs

Sam Reece Becomes One of Top Pitchers in Massachusetts

By JOSHUA SABATINI

He stands on the practice mound, a few yards past the right-field line of the regional high school's baseball diamond. His cleats kick up a cloud of dust as he winds up, lifting his left leg high and raising his right arm over his head before extending it before him. The ball shoots into the catcher's glove in a ritual repeated again and again.

Charter School Graduates Two in 2002: Class Praised for Courage, Fortitude

By ALEXIS TONTI

At a different kind of graduation this weekend, there was no Pomp and Circumstance, no caps and gowns, no valedictorian and salutatorian. In a class of two, such distinctions are unnecessary.

Graduates Receive Generous Scholarships

By MANDY LOCKE

Christmas is coming early this year for 133 graduating seniors at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, as it will for 115 of the school's recent alumni. Gifts will pour in from 123 community groups playing Santa who will deliver checks of all sizes this Friday night - paid to the order of colleges, universities and training institutions across the nation.

About $650,000 will be divided to make continuing education a reality for 248 Island youths.

MVC Power of Review on Housing Projects Upheld in Key Ruling by State Land Court

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

In a groundbreaking decision that affects every town on the Vineyard, the chief justice of the Massachusetts Land Court ruled last week that the Martha's Vineyard Commission has full power of review over low and moderate income housing projects under Chapter 40B, a section of state law commonly known as the anti-snob zoning statute.