Goats on the Lam Wreak Havoc in Chilmark Home

If this was a children's story, it might be titled Goldilocks
Meets Billy Goat Gruff. But the story is true, however bizarre, so
instead it must be titled something more straightforward, like Goats
Trash Chilmark Home. And the subtitle? Only on Martha's Vineyard.

County Commission Puts Charter Study Question on Ballot in November

County Commission Puts Charter Study Question on Ballot in November

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Come November, voters in Dukes County will decide whether to launch
a formal process to study and possibly change the structure of their
county government.

The Dukes County Commission on Wednesday voted 6-0, with
commissioner Leslie Leland absent, to place the question of a county
charter study commission on the state election ballot, scheduled for
Nov. 7.

Study Pinpoints Source of Pond Pollution

Appraisal Company President Sends Out Missive on Tax Case

By IAN FEIN

The head of Vision Appraisal Technology Inc. has stepped into the
fray surrounding the Graham property tax case against West Tisbury
assessors.

Defending his Northboro company, Vision Appraisal president Kevin
Comer sent to clients across the commonwealth last week a letter that
criticized press coverage of the case and comments attributed to West
Tisbury resident William W. Graham and his attorney.

Appraisal Company President Sends Out Missive on Tax Case

Appraisal Company President Sends Out Missive on Tax Case

By IAN FEIN

The head of Vision Appraisal Technology Inc. has stepped into the
fray surrounding the Graham property tax case against West Tisbury
assessors.

Defending his Northboro company, Vision Appraisal president Kevin
Comer sent to clients across the commonwealth last week a letter that
criticized press coverage of the case and comments attributed to West
Tisbury resident William W. Graham and his attorney.

Study Pinpoints Source of Pond Pollution

Study Pinpoints Source of Pond Pollution

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

The primary reason for the decline in water quality in Lake Tashmoo
and Lagoon and Sengekontacket ponds is nitrogen coming from septic
systems.

Mr. Double Double: Senior Shooter Matt Rivers Is Force on Court

With a wide grin and a deep laugh, Matt Rivers would be the first to
say that he is not the most athletic kid on the court.

Beacon Hill Lawmakers Debate Housing Bank at Legislative Hearing

Beacon Hill Lawmakers Debate Housing Bank at Legislative Hearing

By IAN FEIN

BOSTON - With an affordable housing crisis spreading across
the commonwealth, state legislators on Beacon Hill this week took up a
controversial bill to create a Martha's Vineyard Housing Bank.
Senators from western Massachusetts to the Cape and Islands debated
whether the Vineyard housing predicament warrants special legislation.

Edgartown Businessmen Plan Luxury Club

Edgartown Businessmen Plan Luxury Club

By James Kinsella
Gazette Senior Writer

A high-end Edgartown investor group is proposing to build a
members-only recreational facility in Katama as part of an ambitious
effort linked to the reconstruction of the Navigator restaurant on the
town harbor, and a wider revival of downtown Edgartown.

Highway Officials to Close Drawbridge

Highway Officials to Close Drawbridge

Four-Day Shutdown Begins Tuesday to Repair, Replace Concrete
Decking; Alert Goes Out to Island Motorists

By MAX HART

Against the backdrop of a visit last week from the Massachusetts
Highway Commissioner and pledges of greater cooperation with the Island
community, state highway officials announced abruptly this week that the
Lagoon Pond drawbridge will be closed to traffic for four days while
repairs are made to the aging structure.

West Tisbury Voters Acquiesce on Bills

West Tisbury Voters Acquiesce on Bills

By IAN FEIN

West Tisbury voters at a special town meeting this week reversed
their previous opposition and agreed to pay $150,000 in legal bills
associated with the Graham property tax case against town assessors. The
vote came almost exactly two months after a town meeting where voters
rejected payment.

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