Forced out of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, John Hirt and his wife sought refuge with family on Martha's Vineyard. Ten years later, Mr. Hirt, the new West Tisbury postmaster, is still calling the Vineyard home.

Edgartown selectmen agreed Monday to form a new committee to study options for mobile phone service on Chappaquiddick amid concern from residents that a cell tower will be built on the small, rural island.

The winners of the 2015 Best of the Vineyard awards will be announced on Friday, June 12 at a party hosted by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, the sponsor of the annual readers’ choice contest. The party at The Loft at Dreamland will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the magazine. More than 3,000 people participated in this year's balloting, selecting winners in 84 categories.

Acting director Rose Cogliano won the support of the Oak Bluyffs selectmen at their regular meeting last week, nearly 16 months after she took over from former director Roger Wey. Her salary has not yet been determined.

Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge has been closed to vehicle traffic to protect newly-hatched piping plover chicks.