Compared with the other nine developers who have expressed interest in building commercial-scale wind farms across some 3,000 square miles of federal ocean south of Martha’s Vineyard, the Vineyard Power cooperative looks like a minnow.

If it’s a weeknight in Vineyard Haven then the strains of B.B. King or Howlin’ Wolf are likely spilling from the third story of an unassuming white house on Church street. There the Mourning Sons are crammed into the attic, mired in a tangle of extension cords and lit only by a bare lightbulb and that most uncompromising American form of music, the blues.

“We play until [drummer Zion Harris’] mom tells us to shut up,” says frontman and bassist Evan Hall.

Jeff Kristal won a second term as Tisbury selectman on Tuesday, in a second close race with the man he replaced three years ago, Tom Pachico.

At the end of a campaign marked by personal attacks by the candidates on one another, Mr. Kristal prevailed by a mere 12 votes, 461 to 449. Three years ago, when Mr. Pachico was a three-term incumbent, the margin was 14.

Simmering tension between neighbors and the owners of Goodale’s sand and gravel pit bubbled over before the Oak Bluffs selectmen this week, who decided to refer the entire matter to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for review.

Neighbors claim the pit is expanding without permission in possible violation of zoning rules for the area and encroaching on their use and enjoyment of their property.

Caleb’s Crossing, By Geraldine Brooks, Viking, 2011, Hardcover, 320 Pages, $26.95, in bookstores May 3.

Prescription Drug Collection

On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Tisbury police department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Tisbury police station on Water street in Vineyard Haven. The service is free and anonymous — no questions asked.

The Dukes County commission approved a $5.57 million budget at their monthly meeting on Wednesday, a three per cent increase over last year.

The increase is due to a larger Martha’s Vineyard airport budget and a two per cent cost of living increase for county employees. County employees have not received a COLA in the past two years and $10,000 has been set aside for the adjustment.

Incumbent Aquinnah selectman Camille Rose will face a challenge in the annual town election this year, as Beverly Wright has thrown her hat into the ring as a candidate. Mrs. Wright is former chairman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Ms. Rose, the current chairman of the selectmen, is seeking a third term.

The election is Wednesday, May 11; the annual town meeting is Tuesday, May 10.

There are no other contested races on the ballot.

Sewering the Ocean Heights section of Edgartown could go a long way toward restoring Sengekontacket Pond, a prominent marine scientist told the Martha’s Vineyard Commission this week.

Town Provisions owner Brion McGroarty told the Edgartown selectmen this week that he is making another attempt to build a liquor store near the airport.

The selectmen gave Mr. McGroarty their blessing to proceed with the permitting process to build an addition to the building now owned by Nectar’s and the Vermont pizza company Flatbread. Mr. McGroarty will need approval from the town, airport commission, the state alcoholic beverage control commission and likely the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.