Martha's Vineyard James Kinsella

Steamship Authority Weathers Changes Through Long Year

James Kinsella | Thursday, December 30 2004 - 7:00pm

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.

Black and White: Alison Shaw Is Island Shooter Extraordinaire

James Kinsella

Thirty years ago, two young women walked into the offices of the Vineyard Gazette on South Summer street in Edgartown looking for employment.

One of the women, just graduated from Smith College, was so shy that her friend had to guide her hand into the hand of general manager Dan West.

Mr. West hired the women for part-time work, inserting inside sections into the front section of the Gazette.

Boat Line Bill Moves Quietly

James Kinsella

Boat Line Bill Moves Quietly

Joint Transportation Committee Hosts Surprise Public Hearing on Legislation Believed Dead; Marc Hanover Will Protest

By JAMES KINSELLA

A sleeper bill to change the governing board of the Steamship Authority, reportedly sent into limbo earlier this year, emerged last week for a surprise public hearing before the Joint Committee on Transportation.

Norton Point Closed to Vehicles to Protect Piping Plover Chicks

James Kinsella

Norton Point Closed to Vehicles to Protect Piping Plover Chicks

By JAMES KINSELLA

Over the past four days, public and private officials have closed sections of Norton Point and East Beach to four-wheel-drive vehicles to protect newly hatched piping plover chicks and nests with eggs yet to hatch.

In Massachusetts, the piping plover is a threatened species. After hatching, the chicks take about 30 days before they fly, making them vulnerable to the tires of four-wheel-drive vehicles driving along a beach.

Rates for Trash Disposal Rise; District Managers Align Costs

James Kinsella

Rates for Trash Disposal Rise; District Managers Align Costs

By JAMES KINSELLA

Starting July 1, the cost of trash disposal and recycling will change at the central transfer station operated by the Martha's Vineyard Refuse and Resource Recovery District.

Prices for trash disposal are either rising or falling, depending on what kind of trash container is used.

SSA Revises Oak Bluffs Terminal Plan

James Kinsella

The coastal bank just to the north of the Steamship Authority terminal in Oak Bluffs won't win any beauty awards.

Norton Point Beach Will Close to Protect Piping Plover Chicks

James Kinsella

Norton Point Beach Will Close to Protect Piping Plover Chicks

By JAMES KINSELLA

A vehicle closure to protect piping plovers may be imminent at Norton Point beach in Edgartown.

The action comes against a backdrop in which Dukes County Sheriff Michael A. McCormack has agreed to take on beach management for the county.

Two piping plover nests have been found on the beach, about 400 yards from the western end at Katama. Another nest has been found on State Beach.