For 43 years, he’s led the annual Fourth of July parade through the streets of Edgartown. But next week’s festivities will be Fred B. (Ted) Morgan Jr.’s last as grand marshal and organizer of the patriotic display.

Mr. Morgan announced that it would be his last year at the Monday selectmen’s meeting this week.

Everyone in the town hall meeting room rose to their feet as the Tisbury selectmen held an official swearing-in ceremony Tuesday for new permanent police officers Ryan Natichioni and Jeremie Rogers.

“We wanted to have them come before the town . . . so their families could be here to honor them for their willingness to serve our community.” said selectman and board chairman Tristan Israel.

The historic Mill Pond Dam in West Tisbury will undergo a comprehensive study this summer due to a state requirement that the dam to be reviewed every five years.

At their weekly meeting on Wednesday, West Tisbury selectmen authorized spending $1,000 on the study. The money is largely for administrative fees associated with filing the report to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Town dam inspector and civil engineer Kent Healy will perform the inspection with help from surveyor Bill Austin.

Elizabeth Warren, the Democratic candidate for the United State senate from Massachusetts, will make an appearance on the Vineyard at a fundraiser

Police Search for Gun

Police from around the Island were called to the town of Tisbury early Tuesday afternoon following reports of a man carrying a gun, though Tisbury police said a search yielded nothing, and it was unclear if there was ever a gun in the first place.

Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, once said, “My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy.” Were Mr. Jefferson able to come to the Vineyard today, he might amend that assessment.

Comcast Scholarship

Megan McHugh of Edgartown has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program. The award, bestowed upon 102 graduating high school seniors from across the state, recognizes students who display leadership skills, academic achievement and a commitment to community service.

Ms. McHugh traveled to the State House to accept the award at a ceremony attended by Lieut. Gov. Timothy Murray.

Jet Service Announced

JetSuite, a private jet charter service started by the founder of JetBlue, announced this week it has introduced service to hundreds of airports throughout the Northeast, including Martha’s Vineyard airport.

The airline operates a fleet of brand-new Embraer Phenom 100s, which travel throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Dean’s List

Ella Barnette of Edgartown has been named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Lasell College in Newton. Ella is a member of Lasell’s 2012 graduating class and majored in fashion and retail merchandising.

Katharine W. Clarke of Edgartown, daughter of John and Nancy Clarke, has been named to the dean’s list at Endicott College in Beverly for the spring 2012 semester. Katharine is a senior majoring in English.

Rick Herrick

508-693-8065

herricklr@verizon.net

Three cheers for our full-time residents. During the off-season, so many of them spent countless hours volunteering their time to improve our community. Rob Hammett and Steve Durkee, the new park co-chairs for the East Chop association, worked hard this winter trimming trees, clearing brush, and removing trash from several association parks. They deserve our special thanks!