James Kinsella

Steamship Authority Weathers Changes Through Long Year

James Kinsella |

Steamship Authority Weathers Changes Through Long Year

By JAMES KINSELLA

As 2004 got under way at the Steamship Authority, there was some question about whether there would be a Steamship Authority in the future.

In mid-January Nantucket governor Grace Grossman confirmed that she had been exploring since the previous summer whether that island should secede from the boat line, an entity created by the state in 1960 to ensure reliable, affordable ferry travel between Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and the mainland.

 

 

 

Campaign to Rebuild Hospital Turns to Year-Round Islanders

James Kinsella

Campaign to Rebuild Hospital Turns to Year-Round Islanders

By JAMES KINSELLA

With summer residents on board with major donations for the Martha's Vineyard Community Hospital capital campaign, volunteers are pursuing the next crucial area of support: the Islanders who call the Vineyard home.

The Islander campaign has gotten under way with a series of by-invitation dinners and an advertising effort asking for donations from the Vineyard community at large. An Islandwide mailing is due to go out by the end of the month.

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Federal Inspectors Find Lapses in Security at Vineyard Airport

James Kinsella

Federal Inspectors Find Lapses in Security at Vineyard Airport

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

A federal inspection last November found lapses in security at the Martha's Vineyard Airport.

Among the findings: the airport was unable to account for keys issued for vehicle and pedestrian gates that provide access to the air operations area and secured areas at the airport.

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Tension Inside Oak Bluffs Fire Department Leads to Emergency Services Separation

James Kinsella

Tension Inside Oak Bluffs Fire Department Leads to Emergency Services Separation

By JAMES KINSELLA

Following mounting dissension in the Oak Bluffs fire department, the chairman of the board of selectmen moved this week to make the ambulance service a separate department.

Selectman and board chairman Gregory Coogan said he made a management decision Wednesday to split the two services, a move he said was long overdue.

"I think there are inherent problems in the two departments," Mr. Coogan said. "I think they have been at odds over time."

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Education Review Hands High Marks to Charter School

James Kinsella

State Study Panel Hands High Marks to Charter School

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

A state education inspection team has given a mostly glowing evaluation of the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School in West Tisbury.

The team's 42-page report, based on a visit to the school from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 last year, will be among the information considered by the state board of education at its Feb. 28 meeting in Malden on whether to renew the school's charter for the next five years.

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