A Dukes County superior court judge last week ruled that Oak Bluffs fire chief Peter Forend had no legal or justifiable reason for dismissing fire investigator Peter Martell two years ago, soon after he took the position, and ordered that Mr. Martell be reinstated while awarding him damages, attorney’s fees and back wages.

Mr. Martell said yesterday he felt vindicated.

Edgartown’s failure to act on a request to operate a van tour through town has resulted in the loss of a full season of profit for one Vineyard business owner, and he said the town should be held accountable.

A Vineyard Haven man being sought for deportation by the federal authorities stands accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year old child. Jose Matos, 49, was arraigned in Edgartown district court last Friday on charges of rape of a child by force, indecent assault and battery of a child under 14 and assault and battery.

In what would be a first for Massachusetts, the town of West Tisbury is considering a way for homeowners to bequeath property to the affordable housing pool in exchange for a tax abatement based on its reduced value while they live.

At a joint meeting of the selectmen and affordable housing committee Tuesday, the two boards agreed to send the concept to town counsel for a legal review.