Cape Housing Plan Is Studied on the Island

By MANDY LOCKE

Island towns may be ready to learn a few lessons from a cousin across Nantucket Sound.

Two years ago, the town of Barnstable invited year-round residents who were hiding illegal apartments in basements, attics and in the backs of their houses to take advantage of town resources to get such residences up to code. The town offered a detailed plan to comply with local ordinances and a rehabilitation loan to swallow the cost of necessary upgrades.

Islanders Pray for Peace on Remembrance Day

September 11 Service Brings Worshippers from Many Faiths

By MANDY LOCKE

While Americans braced against the threat of another war on the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks that shook the nation, a group of Vineyarders gathered in a cozy chapel on Tisbury's Main street to pray for peace.

"Let us know there can be no understanding where there is mutual rejection," said Carolyn Eddy, one of a half-dozen speakers.

They Sweep Oak Bluffs Streets in the Dark and Sleepy Hours

By MANDY LOCKE

At three o'clock in the morning, Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs belongs to Herbie Landers.

Slurred catcalls and police whistles faded hours ago to the swish of Herbie's broom sliding across the sidewalk. A handful of bartenders and waitresses, trudging home on sore feet, file past Herbie, offering a "good night" and a firm slap on his stooped back.

Opponents to Wind Farm Mount Suit to Block Tower in Nantucket Sound

By MANDY LOCKE

Offshore wind farm opponents took their case to federal court Friday - urging the U.S. district court to overturn the United States Army Corps of Engineers's approval of a 197-foot monitoring tower to be erected by private energy developer Cape Wind Associates in the shallows of Nantucket Sound.

Island Schools Set to Open New Academic Year

Enrollment Figures Show Slight Decline to 2,350 Students

By MANDY LOCKE

It's that time of year again.

Island schoolchildren are double checking their list of school supplies and enjoying the last weekday morning of sleeping past seven o'clock. Teachers are pinning the last of the laminated pictures to bulletin boards and reviewing their lesson plans.

While the Island's young battle back-to-school jitters today, school leaders can't wait to launch another academic year.

Edgartown Great Pond Receives State Assistance

By MANDY LOCKE

Edgartown's beloved Great Pond, a delicate balance of fresh and salt water that has become fragile as a result of the burdens of development, is at the top of the state's priority list to receive a comprehensive estuary restoration plan.

"They will essentially hand us the tools for managing the watershed and an understanding of the mechanics of doing that," said Tom Wallace, president of the Great Pond Foundation, a nonprofit group formed in 1999 to protect the health of the pond.