For four years now, since its inception in 1997, the state-sponsored special English language program has been growing. From three classes that first year to seven classes today - and it's still not enough. Ninety-seven adult students enrolled, and 154 filled the waiting list during September registration earlier this year. Another 86 added their names to the list several weeks ago, when a second registration was held - a mid-session adjustment to enroll students replacing those no longer in the course.

On a crowded court docket last September, it was just another
run-of-the-mill drunk driving trial. But for the six jurors who spent
the day in Edgartown district court, it demanded a gut-wrenching
decision.

Threat of Housing Plan Overshadows Hearing on Oak Bluffs Golf Course

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Reports on wildlife habitat, turf management and fiscal impact were
the scheduled fare at a public hearing last night on a proposal to build
a luxury golf club in the southern woodlands section of Oak Bluffs
- but in the end, discussion about the golf course plan was
overshadowed by a discussion about housing.

Tisbury Town Counsel Declares Contract with Hospital Illegal

BY JOSHUA SABATINI

Tisbury's town counsel said this week the controversial
amended contract among Island towns, the county and Martha's
Vineyard Hospital is not a legal document.

David Doneski, of the Boston law firm Kopelman and Paige, sent his
legal opinion to the Tisbury selectmen Monday afternoon.

County manager Carol Borer asked to address the town's
concerns at a selectmen's meeting Tuesday after learning last week
that the board questioned the legality of the agreement.

In a barrage of invective and noisy statements to the press, New
Bedford city officials lashed out at the Steamship Authority governors
from Falmouth and Nantucket this week for their vote to kill a pilot
high-speed ferry project between New Bedford and the Vineyard.

This was a great season for Vineyard farmers. There was plenty of
warm sunshine and enough rainfall throughout most of the growing season.
It was more normal than normal, says Jim Athearn of Morning Glory Farm
in Edgartown.

The hour is ripe - just around midnight Friday - and Edgartown police officer Mike Delis, cruising up Airport Road, knows what he's looking for.

Athletic Field Plans Call for Expansion at the High School

BY JOSHUA SABATINI

Two diamonds each for baseball and softball and four soccer-sized
athletic fields is what athletic director Paul Harrison envisions at the
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School.

At a meeting last week of the school's land use subcommittee,
Mr. Harrison presented an initial layout for his proposal. He said it
could become a reality in five years.

"This is terrific," committee member Ralph Friedman
said, looking over the plans.

SSA Board Sinks New Bedford Ferry Plan; Shaky Financial Footing
Collapses Proposal

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

In a 2-1 vote that left Vineyard Steamship Authority governor J.B.
Riggs Parker visibly seething, the SSA board yesterday killed a trial
high-speed ferry project between New Bedford and the Vineyard that would
have cost $10 million over the next three years.

"A $10 million investment over three years with no market
study? This is not the right deal or the right time," said
Falmouth SSA governor Galen Robbins.