The Island has the second lowest seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in the state, according to recent data released by the state’s executive office of labor and workforce development. The office reports that the Tisbury labor market area, which includes all six Island towns, had a seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent in July, while the state average was 6.6 per cent. Statewide, Nantucket had the lowest unemployment rate for July, calculated to be 2.9 per cent.

Cape Wind, the controversial 130 turbine project slated for construction in Nantucket Sound, announced last week that it will purchase property in Falmouth Harbor for its operations headquarters.

Meanwhile, the wind farm’s opposition continued its fight against the project in court.

Pretty soon, ferry passengers and devotees will be able to show their Steamship Authority pride even while on dry land.

At their monthly meeting last week, Steamship Authority governors authorized the development of an online store to sell SSA merchandise starting late this fall.

According to notes from the board’s meeting in Hyannis, New York-based corporate gift firm Scarborough & Tweed will develop and launch an online merchandise store for the boat line for a start-up cost of $5,000, plus $25,000 for merchandise.

Laura Kimball of Oak Bluffs and Bonita Springs, Fla. has been named to the dean’s list at Eckerd College for the spring 2012 semester. Ms. Kimball is majoring in interdisciplinary arts .

Amanda Filley and Marco Canora of Chappaquiddick announce the birth of a daughter, Zadie Moira Canora, born on August 22 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Zadie weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces at birth. She joins her big sister Stella.