With blaring sirens, waving flags and shouts of welcome, Master Sgt. Gerard Thomas and his wife Antonya arrived Friday for their first visit to the Vineyard.

Surveys of a future wind energy site south of Martha’s Vineyard are beginning Sept. 23, according to a notice to fishermen.

The West Tisbury selectmen hope to get a sense of community opinion about bike lanes when the town gathers for a special town meeting Nov. 1.

Three downtown Vineyard Haven shops will close permanently this fall. Juliska and Vardo are shutting their doors after Columbus day weekend while Mix had a final sale this weekend.

Amid growing concerns over finances in Aquinnah, town officials have taken steps to form the town’s first finance committee since 2010.