New regulations aimed at increasing the coastwide population of striped bass have been approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The rules will reduce recreational catch limits by half and commercial quotas by 25 per cent.

Late ferries were cancelled Sunday as a storm that battered the Island with high wind, drenching rain and sleet began to subside. A sunset broke through late-day storm clouds, but gusty winds and high seas kept ferries from running.

Greater transparency, expanded human services and more state funding are among the goals shared by candidates running for the Dukes County commission. Seven people are running to fill seven seats on the board next Tuesday. Four appear on the ballot, while three are running as write-ins.

A judge hearing the trial in superior court took the unusual step of halting proceedings and admonishing the prosecutor for misconduct, but declined to dismiss the case. The Hon. Richard Chin said assistant district attorney Laura Marshard had improperly hindered the defense.

Five medical students spent the past two weeks on the Island studying elder care and services as part of the rural scholars program. Neglect by a caregiver and self neglect were cited as the top two types of abuse facing Vineyard elders.

Their regular season ended Wednesday with a win before a home crowd, but the Vineyard soccer boys are hoping to keep the wins coming as they enter the postseason. Games begin next week.