With gasoline prices at an all-time high across the country, the Vineyard stands in the top ranks for prices paid at the pump, as the cost of premium gas climbed above the four dollar mark at most Island stations this week and regular trailed not far behind.

Large Crowds Gather for Monster Catch, Children in Tow

Marcus Benker, 11, of Holyoke, had never seen a live shark prior to the Boston Big Game Fishing Club's Monster Shark Tournament in Oak Bluffs this weekend.

So when he first glimpsed a 321-pound blue shark on Saturday strapped to the back of the Melissa Kate, a fishing boat out of Scituate, he studied its lifeless eye, its rows of razor sharp teeth and its streamlined body and wondered aloud if he was looking at the real thing.

They sopped up the sopa, boogied to the brinquinho and munched down the malasadas this weekend during the annual Portuguese-American Feast of the Holy Ghost.

Organizers of the two-day event said the turnout was excellent, as people of all nationalities converged under a canopy of clear blue skies to celebrate all things Portuguese.

Controversy Plagues Oak Bluffs Contest; Scientists, Fishermen on One Side, Humane Society on the Other

Several years ago the Boston Big Game Fishing Club Monster Shark Tournament was widely viewed as a simple affair, an event that attracted top fishermen from up and down the East Coast and generated a moderate boost in business for local shops and restaurants.

Two days of celebration begin tomorrow with the arrival of the annual Portuguese-American Feast of the Holy Ghost, one of the Island's most revered and riotous rituals.

The event serves as a touchstone for many Islanders of Portuguese descent, and is an example of Vineyarders' capacity to celebrate their heritage, gorge themselves silly and party like there's no tomorrow - all during the same two-day event.

Fomer Board Member Michael Dutton Is Hired to Post After Other Finalist Pulls Name from Consideration

Only hours after learning that one of the two remaining candidates had withdrawn his name from consideration, the Oak Bluffs selectmen yesterday voted to hire former selectman Michael Dutton as the new town administrator.

Mr. Dutton will replace Casey Sharpe. who resigned abruptly last month and ends her tenure with the town this week.