Middle Line Worries Center on Funding, Potential Conflicts

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

The Chilmark selectmen this week took up an array of concerns relating to the Island Housing Trust's bid to build the town-sponsored Middle Line Road affordable housing project.

Among the legal questions under discussion were those relating to potential conflicts of interest for a number of people involved, and also relating to the proper use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to build the project.

Secretary of Commerce Proposes Even Stricter Groundfish Rules

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

Concerned about severe overfishing of key stocks in the waters off New England, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on Tuesday stepped in to propose strict emergency measures to curtail overfishing this spring. The proposal supersedes measures enacted by the New England Fishery Management Council, the regional regulatory body that has struggled over the last year to meet a federal deadline for developing a sound plan to save the troubled fishery.

On a recent Wednesday morning, after days of wind, the Edgartown Great Pond was flat calm - perfect conditions for oyster fishing.

Former Interim Schools Superintendent Named to Principal Post in Edgartown

By IAN FEIN

Since moving to the Island a little over a year ago, G. Paul Dulac has had his taste of the Vineyard shuffle - serving first as interim superintendent of schools, and then as interim principal of the Edgartown School.

Now he can settle in for good.

Mr. Dulac was named yesterday as the permanent Edgartown School principal - replacing longtime principal Edward Jerome, who retired in November after 26 years in the front office.

Direct Sale of Fish Eyed at Menemsha

Chilmark Selectmen Explore Options on Waterfront

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

The Chilmark selectmen are exploring ways to enable fishermen to sell their catch directly at the Menemsha dock, part of their ongoing search for ways to support the fishing fleet and boost the village economy in general.

One idea is to attract another market to town, in particular one that would sell fresh fish caught by the Menemsha fleet, with the rest shipped to the mainland by truck, the old-fashioned way.

If this was a children's story, it might be titled Goldilocks Meets Billy Goat Gruff. But the story is true, however bizarre, so instead it must be titled something more straightforward, like Goats Trash Chilmark Home. And the subtitle? Only on Martha's Vineyard.