History Told: Arthur Railton Publishes Work of Intelligencer

Arthur Railton Publishes Work of Intelligencer

By JAMES KINSELLA

Arthur R. Railton had just taken over what he had been assured was a
temporary post as editor of the Dukes County Intelligencer when he began
to make the acquaintance of Jeremiah Pease.

Gale Huntington, the founding editor of the Intelligencer, the
publication of the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society, had been
running continuing excerpts from the diaries of Mr. Pease, written from
the 1830s to 1857, when he died on the street in Edgartown.

Ferry Island Home Slowly Takes Shape at Mississippi Yard

Pascagoula, Miss. - Machines howl and scream. Bangs, loud and sharp, echo through the steel-frame building. In the shadow under six acres of roof, the tips of welders' torches gleam white hot. The noise is something like a giant dentist's office, or the New York city subway on steroids.

It is a morning in early May inside an aluminum fabrication shop in Pascagoula, Miss. Employees of VT Halter Marine Inc. are working on part of the aluminum superstructure for a vessel now under construction a few miles away at Halter's yard in Moss Point, Miss.

Selectmen Launch Water Company Probe

Selectmen Launch Water Company Probe

By MAX HART

The discovery of a $1.5 million surplus in the Tisbury water
department budget has prompted the town selectmen to launch an internal
investigation, as they try to shed light on an array of questions about
management and financial practices within the department.

Takes the Helm: Felix Neck Has a New Leader: Ms. Bellincampi

Felix Neck Has a New Leader: Ms. Bellincampi

By IAN FEIN

Suzan Bellincampi's favorite animals are mollusks, and her
favorite habitats are tidal ponds and marshes.

She grows animated when talking about the wetlands, her smile wide,
eyes sparkling. There is something about the brackish water flowing in
and out with the tide that strikes a chord with her.

"I don't know what it is," Ms. Bellincampi said
this week. "I guess it's change, but with
consistency."

State Bill to Force SSA Into Binding Arbitration Riles Managers, Islanders

State Bill to Force SSA Into Binding Arbitration Riles Managers,
Islanders

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

A proposed state bill has raised the specters of lost management
control over Steamship Authority labor costs and a possible work
slowdown at the boat line this summer.

The SSA is digging in against Senate bill 2459, which would require
the boat line under certain conditions to submit to binding arbitration
on collective bargaining disputes.

Land Bank Management Plan at Old House Pond Is Unsettled

Land Bank Management Plan at Old House Pond Is Unsettled

By IAN FEIN

Saying there is value in leaving some places difficult to find, West
Tisbury residents this week told Martha's Vineyard Land Bank
officials that the conservation organization will harm Old House Pond by
opening it to the public.

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.

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