The Duke County sheriff has secured $1.7 million in state funding for the next phase of upgrading radio communications for Martha’s Vineyard emergency departments.

The fish are beginning to climb their way up the scales as the 74th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby approaches the halfway mark. More than 3,500 anglers have registered and 665 fish have been weighed in.

As the sun rose over State Beach Saturday morning, it illuminated the faces of hundreds gathered to help break the stigma associated with mental health disorders, and to reflect on the lives lost to suicide.

Thanks to the American Heroes Saltwater Challenge, a group of 12 veterans and their families from all over the United States had the chance to participate in the derby.

A report card on late bar closings, staff shortages for highway, fire and police, and mooring management in town waters were all topics for discussion with town department heads this week.

Edgartown selectmen set dates for the upcoming bay scallop season at their meeting Monday. Family scalloping begins Oct. 1 in all areas; the commercial season begins Nov. 4.