Islanders without health insurance will receive an invitation to band together next year in a community-based plan that aims to open the doors to a comprehensive health care system now out of reach for one-fifth of the Vineyard's 15,000 year-round residents.

But many doctors and health care agencies worry that the plan may tip the already fragile financial balance of caring for patients under a paperwork-laden and reimbursement-stingy health maintenance organization system.

Sheriff's Department Deputies Seek Union for Employees at the House of Corrections

By MANDY LOCKE

Complaining of inconsistent leadership and frequent deviations from department policies, deputies at the Edgartown House of Corrections will vote this month to seek union representation from the Massachusetts Correctional Officers Federated Union.

According to many current and former correctional officers, employee-management relations inside the jail have been strained for a long time.

Brazilians Try to Repair Lives After Fire

By MANDY LOCKE

Three weeks after an Edgartown house fire destroyed the home of 14 Brazilians, the displaced immigrants still struggle to secure a new foothold on the Island.

"A lot of the people are still recuperating. Much of that money [they lost] was to get them through the winter. They are trying to get on their feet again," said Elio Silva, a member of the Brazilian community familiar with those who lost their home.

Edgartown Planning Board Faces Dilemma on Size of Mansions

By MANDY LOCKE

The Edgartown planning board is torn.

The fracture - slow yet certain - led to a tense clash last week.

Only one item appeared on the board's agenda - a project that has inched toward a vote since Richard Schifter filed his intentions with the board last spring.

Night Fire in Edgartown Leaves Fourteen Brazilians Homeless

By MANDY LOCKE

Charred Portuguese prayer books, scalded refrigerators and a few box springs are all that remain of the worldly possessions of 14 Brazilians who had been living in a three-bedroom house in Edgartown.

The Edgartown planning board criticized wireless phone companies Tuesday night for claiming space on the North street telephone tower.