Dean’s List

James Todd of Oak Bluffs was named to the dean’s list at Villanova University for the fall 2011 semester. Todd is enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Edgartown National Bank has scaled back plans to replace the Oyster Bar and Grill in Oak Bluffs with a three-story structure that would have maxed out town zoning limits. Responding to concerns voiced at a Martha’s Vineyard Commission public hearing last week, the bank returned to the commission on Monday to present a two-story version of the plan.

Named Fire Chief

Following a year marked by critical staff shortage and leadership changes in the Aquinnah fire department, the town selectmen appointed Simon Bollin as their new fire chief this week.

“Welcome aboard as chief,” said board chairman Jim Newman. “In the time you’ve been acting chief you’ve done a great job in bringing the department almost up to speed. It’s really appreciated and the entire town appreciates it.”

Joseph Alosso, the superintendent of the Oak Bluffs wastewater treatment plant, has announced his retirement.

Mr. Alosso, 50, told the Gazette Thursday that his last day at the plant will be May 18. He said he informed the board of selectmen and the wastewater commission about his decision at the end of April.

The renovated historic Tashmoo Spring Building will be open for business this summer, and Tisbury selectmen approved the Vineyard Playhouse on Tuesday as its first tenant.

Like most residents and visitors, he enjoys a change of pace when he comes to the Vineyard.

But in nearly every other way, the Hon. Cornelius J. Moriarty 2nd is unlike most residents and visitors. An associate justice of the superior court, Judge Moriarty divides his time between Springfield and the Vineyard, sitting in both superior courts.

And when he is not presiding over a civil and criminal trial here, he might just as easily be found in his garden or at the beach with a saltwater fishing rod in his hand.

By REMY TUMIN

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has no authority to build a casino on the Vineyard under state or federal law, town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport said in an opinion this week.

The opinion was requested by the chairman of the Aquinnah selectmen three weeks ago, following an announcement by the tribe that it would consider some kind of casino operation on the Vineyard as it scrambles to compete for one of three state gambling licenses expected to be issued in the coming months.

By REMY TUMIN

The cost of doing business is going up in Aquinnah this year, where voters will face a sizeable increase in the annual town operating budget at their annual town meeting Tuesday night, followed by a large general override question at the annual town election the next day. Aquinnah is the only town on the Island to seek a Proposition 2 1/2 general override this year.

“It’s a reality that it has to happen — costs are going up for all of us,” selectman Jim Newman said this week.

More than a year after adopting new, state-mandated anti-bullying regulations — including a requirement to report all instances of bullying or related behavior — teachers and administrators at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School say they are already seeing positive effects in the school community.

While bullying is a rare occurrence, school leaders said, students have warmed to the new rules, which have created a more considerate environment at the school and helped quell burgeoning conflicts.

For the first time in living memory, Wasque Point on Chappaquiddick, a famed spot where riptides attract thousands of saltwater fishermen each year, will be inaccessible for much of the summer. The reason is the ferocious erosion now eating away huge chunks of the southeastern corner of Chappaquiddick at a rapid rate. The once-wide sandy beach at Wasque Point has been replaced by 20 to 28-foot sheer cliffs, with truckloads of uprooted pine and oak trees stuck in the crashing surf at their base.