Sara Brown

 

 

 

The Oak Bluffs selectmen this week got a look at the fiscal year 2013 budget, which totals $24.35 million and emphasizes sustainability and steering the town out of tough financial straits that include a free cash deficit of more than $800,000.

In creating the budget, “we went through the budget bottom up,” said interim town administrator Robert Whritenour. “We looked at every dollar.”

The new budget represents an increase of less than 1.5 per cent, Mr. Whritenour said.

0

A New Year’s Day fire caused severe damage to an Oak Bluffs home, with Oak Bluffs fire chief Peter Forend saying the home is likely “a total loss.”

0

Edgartown selectmen Tuesday praised a proposal to have the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust take stewardship of the Edgartown library building, possibly transforming the building into a cultural and educational center, if it is replaced by a new library.

0

Jennifer Tseng began her reading at Wednesday’s night’s Speakeasy benefit for the West Tisbury Library held at State Road restaurant with an apology for being morbid. Her poem, When You Are Gone, was in honor of Andrew Jephcote, a “beloved regular and friend” who leaves little found-object sculptures around the library.

0

For the first time in several years, Island residents looking to welcome the New Year with dancing, champagne and yes, fireworks, need look no further than Edgartown. Hoping to usher in a new tradition along with 2012, the Harbor View Hotel will sponsor a fireworks show over the Edgartown harbor, with attendees at the hotel’s New Year’s Eve party having a prime view of the display.

0

Mirroring debates around the country about the health of school lunches and the constraints of shrinking budgets, a Tuesday hearing about the Up-Island Regional School District’s 2013 operating budget centered around whether and how the schools could fit a healthier but more expensive food program into their budget. The well-attended hearing included a vocal group of parents and teachers advocating for the schools to take over the school lunch program.

0