The Gay Head selectmen voted yesterday to take the property of Andrew and Brenda Warshaw through eminent domain, seizing the couple's retirement property but shielding the rare geology and wildlife of the Moshup Trail.

The taking of the Warshaw land was authorized by voters at a special town meeting Dec. 7. But since then, a selectmen's vote has repeatedly been postponed, as the community has struggled with questions about fairness. The Warshaws were not notified of the town meeting.

From the lantern room of the Gay Head Light to the bathrooms at the Circle, Aquinnah has many capital improvement needs.

Aquinnah selectmen are interested in renting out the historic Manning property situated just below the Gay Head Light, with an eye on potentially bringing the former snack bar back to life.

Menemsha Pond is officially open for scalloping — despite some spirited protestations from the town administrator at a meeting of the selectmen Tuesday.

Aquinnah will postpone a special town meeting originally scheduled for Oct. 8 due to the Jewish high holiday Yom Kippur, and Cranberry Day potluck set for that night. The meeting is now set for Oct. 22.

For much of the past summer, residents of Aquinnah have been plagued by a foul odor wafting from the normally pristine beaches near Dogfish Bar.

Mounting legal bills have prompted the Aquinnah selectmen to tentatively set a special town meeting and special town election for early October.

Aquinnah police will receive a formal commendation from the town after a quick response to an incident at Philbin Beach last week.

Capping a months-long battle with their board of assessors, Aquinnah selectmen moved to outsource assessor services last week.

Selectmen in both towns said this week they would call special town meetings to address school spending questions.