The fall sitting of Dukes County superior court begins next week at the Edgartown courthouse, with several criminal and civil trials on the preliminary docket. Criminal cases currently scheduled for trial include that of a Vineyard Haven man charged with rape.

The bay scallop season is set to open in Edgartown for family scallopers on Oct. 1.

Acting on the recommendation of the shellfish committee and shellfish constable Paul L. Bagnall, the Edgartown selectmen approved dates for the scalloping season on Monday. Recreational scalloping begins Oct. 1, with all areas open and a limit of one 10-gallon wash basket per week.

Six of seven schools on the Vineyard were given top rankings based on results from annual statewide standardized tests, which were released this week. The West Tisbury School received a commendation for high achievement on performance, while Tisbury School second-graders were the second highest performers in the state on the English portion of the test.

The Providence VA Medical Center has awarded a contract to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to provide basic medical care for veterans, one of the last steps in restoring on-Island health care access for Vineyard veterans.

Tisbury selectmen Tuesday approved a common victualler’s license for Cafe Moxie, clearing the way for the long-awaited re-opening of the Main street restaurant.

Incumbent Cong. William Keating fought off a primary challenger Sept. 6 to secure a spot on the November ballot for ninth district, while a Plymouth businessman was finally named the winner in a narrow GOP contest.

The results of the Democratic primary race for the governor’s council are still up in the air, with a recount underway.

The Secretary of State certified Christopher Sheldon, 34, as the winner of last Thursday’s primary, with Mr. Sheldon defeating Adam Chaprales, 28, of Barnstable, by 79 votes. The final tally was 11,046 to 10,967.