A four-year-old boy from Newton is this year's first confirmed case of tularemia on the Vineyard, but state and Island health officials stopped far short of sounding an alarm this week over a new outbreak of the rare bacterial infection.

New Housing Director

By JOSHUA SABATINI

Last year the average house on Martha's Vineyard sold for nearly $600,000. "Unless you are making well over $100,000, it's very difficult to even imagine owning a home here," said Philippe Jordi, the new executive director of the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority. By accomplishing many goals and using several techniques, Mr. Jordi has an optimistic vision of managing 100 affordable housing units by the year 2005.

Mr.

Meet the Valedictorian

By MANDY LOCKE

Alicia Agnoli would rather talk about the playing court than the classroom.

This soon-to-be high school graduate can discuss both with the mastery that only a four-year varsity athlete and valedictorian can. Her fans have watched her kick soccer balls, dribble basketballs and serve tennis balls, but this weekend, all eyes will follow Alicia to center stage as she delivers her valedictory address.

Housing Survey Issued

By MANDY LOCKE

The Island Affordable Housing Fund (IAHF) will put a face to the Island housing crisis this summer through an extensive information gathering effort. Islanders will notice miniature yellow houses stationed across Martha's Vineyard to distribute and gather responses from residents caught in the summer shuffle of the housing crisis.

The private nonprofit group launched the project this week with distribution of the Vineyard Rental Survey in today's Gazette.

Class of 2001 Looks Ahead

By JOSHUA SABATINI

The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School is about to send off the largest graduation class in its history, 158 students. As every class has its own distinct characteristics, the 2000-2001 student body formed its own spirit while dealing with tragedy and triumph.

"One thing about this class is the amount of bonding that has gone on over the 12 years.

The debate may have divided residents of Chappaquiddick, but the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted unanimously last night to designate the little island at the eastern end of Edgartown as a district of critical planning concern (DCPC).