Town Fathers Steer Middle Line Project Away from Conflicts, Starting Bids Over

High school class rankings yield one winner come graduation, and the
competition to become valedictorian requires some strategy at
Martha\'s Vineyard Regional High School. Taking a class called
Stock Market or Sports Management could push you ahead. Architecture and
Island Cooking don\'t help or harm, but Journalism or Introduction
to Law could set you back.

High School Studies Ending Class Rank

Complicated Rank and Grading System Now Slated for a Possible
Overhaul by Administrators and Students

By RACHEL NAVA ROHR

High school class rankings yield one winner come graduation, and the
competition to become valedictorian requires some strategy at
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Taking a class called
Stock Market or Sports Management could push you ahead. Architecture and
Island Cooking don't help or harm, but Journalism or Introduction
to Law could set you back.

Voters Name Cynthia Mitchell as West Tisbury Town Assessor

Voters Name Cynthia Mitchell as West Tisbury Town Assessor

By IAN FEIN

Voters in West Tisbury returned a former selectman to elected office
last night, naming Cynthia Mitchell to a one-year seat on the town board
of assessors.

Mrs. Mitchell outpaced rival Cynthia Riggs 245-189 in the special
town election.

"It's nice to be back," said Mrs. Mitchell, who
previously served 12 years as a selectman and 17 years as town
treasurer. "I appreciate the support of the voters and I look
forward to a good year on the board," she added.

Two Cynthias Vie for One Seat in West Tisbury Assessors Race

Two Cynthias Vie for One Seat in West Tisbury Assessors Race

By IAN FEIN

They share the same first name and a passion for West Tisbury town
politics, but the similarities end there, and voters in West Tisbury
will be faced with a clear choice when they go to the polls in a special
election for town assessor next week.

Boatline Governors Eye Commuter Book Rules to Change and Simplify

NANTUCKET - The Steamship Authority is considering loosening
restrictions on the transfer of regular tickets, as well as on the
10-ticket discount books that are a staple of ferry travel for Vineyard
residents.

At present, the boat line restricts the use of regular tickets and
of the 10-ticket books to their buyers.

State Law Eclipses Stalled Health Plan

State Law Eclipses Stalled Health Plan

Health Insurance Reform Bill May Spell an End for Vineyard-Based
Project, but Backers Are Still Optimistic

By JAMES KINSELLA

The ground-breaking mandatory health insurance law signed by
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney last month could spell the end of a
Vineyard-based health insurance program that has been struggling to get
off the ground for the past four years.

Vintage Year: Women Pursue the Mathiesen Family Legacy at Chicama Vineyard

The gnarled grapevines that snake along two dozen rolling acres on Stoney Hill Road stand as survivors, straight rows that have withstood the cold, the creatures who would rob their fruit, and, perhaps most of all, the critics.

Dead Seabirds Are Found on Beaches, Studied for Disease

Dead Seabirds Are Found on Beaches, Studied for Disease

By ROBERT A. CULBERT
Special to the Vineyard Gazette

Oak Bluffs Town Administrator Resigns

Oak Bluffs town administrator Casey Sharpe resigned unexpectedly
early this week, setting off a ripple of finger-pointing and innuendo
around town as to the cause. The announcement about Ms. Sharpe's
resignation was made at the start of the selectmen's meeting on
Tuesday following a brief executive session.

"It is with great sadness that I announce we just accepted the
resignation of Casey Sharpe," announced board chairman Duncan
Ross, adding:

Aquinnah Voters Tangle Over Budget; Town Meeting Adjouned Until June

Aquinnah Voters Tangle Over Budget; Town Meeting Adjourned Until
June

By IAN FEIN

Aquinnah town finances were left in tatters after a tumultuous town
meeting on Tuesday. But at the polls on Wednesday voters approved more
than $120,000 in Proposition 2 1/2 overrides, giving the town some
breathing room to balance its budget.

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