In a time of flux for Vineyard public schools, a race is underway to determine the makeup of the Up-Island Regional School Committee. Six candidates are competing for five spots on the committee, half of whom are first-timers. The majority are running as write-in candidates.

As elected officials up-Island balk at the prospect of offshore sand mining, Oak Bluffs is voicing support for the venture. At a selectmen’s meeting early this week, town administrator Robert L. Whritenour said town beaches stand to benefit from new information laid out recently in the draft state Ocean Management Plan.

As leading state environmental officials look to the Island’s offshore resources to further wind energy goals and mine sand for beach fill, a small but vocal crowd of Vineyarders are airing their concerns about tapping these resources to the detriment of the fisheries and other sea life.

A town fuel dock that debuted this summer has far exceeded the expectations of the Oak Bluffs officials who pushed for it. The fuel dock sold about twice as much fuel as predicted.

Islanders and day trippers alike will spend a little more to travel on the Steamship Authority beginning early next year. Parking fees in the off-site ferry lots in Falmouth are also slated to go up in January.

Suzanne Goldsmith's first novel, Washashore, features a main character inspired by Gus Ben David. The novel received the Green Earth Book Award which recognizes books that promote environmental stewardship.