Travis Tuck, metal sculptor, died on Monday evening in the company of a band of close friends. Mr. Tuck, 59, of Vineyard Haven, was the Island's most celebrated artisan. He made weather vanes of copper and bronze, but saying that doesn't come close to describing the many facets of either his artistry or his personality.

The land search for a plane carrying two people that is believed to have crashed near or on Martha's Vineyard Tuesday night was suspended yesterday afternoon at 3 p.m., pending new information.

For two long days and a night, local firemen, police and volunteers combed the woods of the Island in search of the remains of a single-engine airplane that went missing in foul weather. As the Gazette went to press, there was still no trace of the plane.

The membership of the Martha's Vineyard Rod & Gun Club paid tribute to two of its founding members at a dinner in their honor on Wednesday night. W. Howard Andrews Jr., 79, and Edward G. Tyra, 85, both of Edgartown, were treated to numerous accolades.

Club president Bob DeLisle stood before more than 60 people in the clubhouse and talked about how Mr. Andrews and Mr. Tyra had long been supporters of the club through good and bad times. They are directors emeritus.

Top scientists at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and fish conservation advocates are reporting a significant increase in the numbers of swordfish swimming in the North Atlantic. Although waters around the Vineyard have yet to see any recovery, the numbers of juvenile fish have improved significantly.

Chilmark residents interested in owning a home may find the going a little easier since voters at a special town meeting Monday night approved a significant rewriting of zoning bylaws to create new homesites in the years ahead.

The special town meeting at the Chilmark Community Center drew 174 voters.

Lagoon Pond has millions of baby bay scallops. On Tuesday afternoon, David Grunden, shellfish constable for Oak Bluffs, was out moving some of them around. There is a gold mine of baby bay scallops out there. While this doesn't help the fishermen of today, it may be a sign of a good year to follow.