A Vineyard Haven man already facing rape charges in Dukes County superior court was indicted by a grand jury Wednesday for allegedly soliciting the murder of a district attorney.

David L. Thrift was indicted Wednesday by the grand jury on two counts of solicitation to commit a felony as well as charges of aggravated rape of a child and aggravated rape of a child with force.

The National Weather Service has canceled a flood advisory issued last night for Dukes County. A hazardous weather outlook warning remains in place. According to the latest predictions, rain is expected to taper off throughout the day, and end by nightfall. The Vineyard has received 2.62 inches of precipitation over the past two days.

West Tisbury selectmen took a historic step on Wednesday, unanimously voting to approve the town’s first beer and wine license. State Road restaurant, which spearheaded the campaign to bring wine and beer sales to the town, applied for and was granted a year-round license.

Owner Mary Kenworth said the restaurant would close only during the month of March.

The license must still be approved by the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission before beer and wine may be served. 

Aquinnah voters were slim to turn out to the polls Wednesday night, but approved a large general override question for the town’s operating budget and voiced their disapproval of the proposed roundabout project.

A total of 54 voters turned out to the polls, or 14 per cent of registered voters.

There’s a new business in town, run by some familiar faces. Josh and Angela Aronie cut the proverbial ribbon at the Saltwater Cafe this morning. The new restaurant offers breakfast and lunch at the Saltwater Restaurant location in the Tisbury Market Place. The Aronies will share the space with Saltwater Restaurant chef Joe DaSilva, who will continue to operate the Saltwater Restaurant during evening hours.

Josh and Angela Aronies most recently ran the popular restaurant Menemsha Cafe, which closed in December.

Town meeting season came to a close Tuesday night as Aquinnah voters worked diligently to approve nearly all articles at their annual town meeting, but not before passing on two police department requests.

Voters unanimously approved a $3.35 million operating budget, reduced slightly from the originally proposed $3.4 million after trimmings to police wages and town employee insurance line items.