As opiate addiction continues to devastate communities across the commonwealth, the state has released data showing prescription rates and overdose deaths for Dukes County.

For the first time in more than five decades, there will be no basketball in Niantic Park this summer due to major renovations planned for the popular Oak Bluffs hangout. Construction is slated to begin mid-April.

Citing a need to divert cars from downtown Oak Bluffs, the town is moving forward with a plan to offer park-and-ride service this summer. The free bus service, provided by the Vineyard Transit Authority, will shuttle passengers between Ocean Park and a parking lot near the town hall starting June 20.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission has taken steps to preserve the historic character of several West Tisbury roadways. Commissioners voted to designate Pine Hill, Red Coat Hill, Mott’s Hill and Shubael Weeks roads as special ways, affording them protections against future development.

For decades, Farm Pond in Oak Bluffs has been closed to shellfishing. But salvation may not be far off. The town has learned that it’s in the running for major federal funding to widen a culvert under Sea View avenue and restore tidal flushing to the pond.

A campaign to revive two historic movie theatres has raised more than a third of its $1 million goal. Mark Snider, who created a nonprofit to renovate and lease the Strand and Capawock cinemas, said he has collected $350,000 in pledges in one week.