A bitterly divided Dukes County Commission shuffled the power structure of the Steamship Authority governing board this week in a surprise vote to replace J.B. Riggs Parker, the embattled Vineyard boat line governor. The majority of the commission turned instead to a newcomer to the Vineyard political scene - Kathryn A. Roessel, a Tisbury resident and retired attorney.

The vote was 4-3 to appoint Ms. Roessel.

The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission is no longer actively negotiating with Corey Kupersmith for the possible purchase of his property in the southern woodlands, but in a letter to the Martha's Vineyard Commission this week, the executive director of the land bank did not rule out the prospect of future talks.

County Commissioners Face Decision On Three-Year Appointment to SSA

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The Dukes County Commission faces a crucial battle this week that will set the course for Island policy at the Steamship Authority in the years ahead, as it prepares to appoint a Vineyard boat line governor at a special meeting Wednesday night.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Oak Bluffs School.

Falmouth SSA Member Brings Board Consensus On Fast-Ferry Proposal

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

In a dramatic act of leadership that swept away two months of tension, threats and personal attacks, the freshman member of the Steamship Authority board of governors yesterday led his board into a unanimous vote of approval for a two-year pilot high-speed ferry program between New Bedford and the Vineyard.

Golf Club Hearing Draws Large Crowd For an Evening of Passionate Discussion

By JULIA WELLS

Quoting Thomas Jefferson and Joni Mitchell, conservationists squared off against golf enthusiasts last night as a public hearing wore on over a proposal to build a luxury private golf club in the last unbroken stretch of woodlands in the town of Oak Bluffs.

Hospital Nurses Union Takes Its Case to Island Community

By JULIA WELLS

Nurses at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital this week fired back at chief executive officer Kevin Burchill, charging that he has forced them into a bitter contract dispute that, left unresolved, could spell the end of high-quality nursing at the Island's only hospital. The nurses also said they will now take their case into the Vineyard community in a public appeal for support.