Oak Bluffs town officials have entered negotiations with the East Chop Association to take ownership of the coastal bluff on scenic East Chop Drive, following a report which concluded the slope is in danger of imminent failure.

The takeover plan is still in the very early stages, but those on both sides of the negotiations believe transferring ownership of the East Chop bluff to the town is the only way to secure state and federal funding for repairs of the fragile coastal bank.

President Obama and his family arrived on the Vineyard for a week’s vacation Sunday, to a warm Island welcome.

Marine One touched down at Martha’s Vineyard airport shortly after 3 p.m. The Obamas had transferred from Air Force One on Cape Cod at 2:40 p.m.

The family had a ten-minute motorcade ride, as they were transported from the airport to the Obamas’ Chilmark vacation home at Blue Heron Farm.

Pockets of well wishers lined the road waving signs that welcomed Mr. Obama and the First Lady, Malia and Sasha and the family dog, Bo.

South Beach in Edgartown was closed to bathing today at noon, due to high surf.

South Beach and all of the beaches on Nantucket will be closed until Monday morning.

The announcement came from Governor Deval L. Patrick at a telephone press conference Friday, as he reported on preparations for Hurricane Bill.

Tabor Academy Honors

Alex Nugent has been named to the honors list at Tabor Academy for the second semester of the 2008-2009 academic year.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Nugent of Edgartown.

First Solo Flight

Cameron Alexander, 17, son of Sandy and Bonnie Alexander of Tisbury, made his first solo flight at Katama Airfield in a Citabria aircraft on June 30, 2009 under the watchful eye of his instructor Paul Santopietro.