Beaches in Martha's Vineyard are re-opening immediately in time for Fourth of July weekend.The giant killer shark that has been blamed the deaths of Alex Kitner and Wendy Watson this week, has now been captured and killed. The giant shark had a head as big as an oil drum and was 16 feet long.
The fishermen who caught the shark will receive $3,000 from Marian Kitner. They shark was found in the waters one mile southwest of Amity, coordinates 41 degrees 23'02.4 N Lat., 70 degrees 30'16.38" W Lon.
The shark has been inspected by Matt Hooper, a marine biologist from the Woods Hole, Mass., Oceanographic Institute. He labeled the shark as a nurse shark, one of the most dangerous of all sharks.
The beaches were filled with residents and tourists today after the beaches re-opened. People did not seem phased by the helicopters and the plethora of boats lining the ocean. The sand was packed and the water remained empty until one brave family made the plunge into the clear ocean.
Soon after, children, grown-ups, and teens were enjoying the water and splashing about. Everyone was having fun until a fin was seen above the water near a group of people.
"SHARK," people began yelling. Whistles blew and chaos stirred. Everyone in the water was panicking, pushing people away trying to save themselves. All the boats hurried over towards the fin with guns out.
A circle of guns pointed toward the fin until two boys swam up from underneath. A hoax, a bad prank, by two boys scared away the entire beach and caused much alarm and terror.
"We're not worried about more sharks in the area," said the Police Chief, who seemed confident that this was the shark that did the crimes. "This was the one."
Although he is confident about the shark, he said there is no autopsy being done on the shark to prove that this was the one. An investigation is still taking place to make sure that the first death was even caused by a shark.
No proof has been given if this is the right shark, or if there are any other sharks around, however, the beaches are said to be safe.
The Coast Guard, the Marine Patrol, the Massachusetts State Police, the U.S. Navy, Homeland Security, the FBI, and numerous local municipal and county police agencies will be in the waters off the beaches of Martha's Vineyard to ensure safety. They are a precaution to put visitors at ease.
The chief of police assures all citizens and visitors that any danger of further shark attacks have passed; however, if any shark sightings occur, they should be reported to authorities at the toll-free shark hotline, 1-800-sharksee.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Beaches Closed for 24 Hours in Martha’s Vineyard
Beaches are closed for 24 hours due to the deaths of two people. An announcement has been placed on the bulletin board for $3,000, by Marian Kitner, to any man or men who kill the shark who was possibly responsible for these deaths.
At a town meeting today, Chief Brody and Mayor Farley seemed to be in disagreement as to what plan of action is going to take place.
Chief Brody calmly stated what they were planning thus far. "We’re going to put on the extra summer deputies as soon as possible," he said. When asked if the beaches were closing, he responded in the same cool manner.
"Yes we are [going to close the beaches]," said Brody. Uproar from the audience members occurred.
Confusion and incongruity was apparent between Brody and Farley and Farley quickly responded in a way he thought people would adhere to.
"Only 24 hours," said Farley. However, apparently this is still too long for most beach goers. Brody snapped his head in Farley’s direction, clearly having no idea this was the plan.
"I didn't agree to that," said Brody. Worry spread across his face as though something bad will come about this. The mayor looked nervous as he said these words out loud.
"24 hours is like three weeks," shouted an audience member. July 4th is a day away which is a big tourism holiday, along with many beach festivities. Business owners are nervous about losing good business during this holiday.
As emotions rose and the tension tightened, nails slowly crawling down the chalkboard disturbed the chaos within the room. A grizzly old fisherman, Ben Quint, seemed to have his own plan.
"I'll catch this bird for you, but it ain't going to be easy," said Quint. "It’s not going to be pleasant."
He wasn’t willing to catch the shark for $3,000. It will be too risky to do it for that amount.
"I’ll catch him and kill him for ten [thousand dollars]," said Quint.
The crowd went silent and heads turned to the mayor. The mayor looked surprised and speechless. His response was only that he will have to think it over.
At a town meeting today, Chief Brody and Mayor Farley seemed to be in disagreement as to what plan of action is going to take place.
Chief Brody calmly stated what they were planning thus far. "We’re going to put on the extra summer deputies as soon as possible," he said. When asked if the beaches were closing, he responded in the same cool manner.
"Yes we are [going to close the beaches]," said Brody. Uproar from the audience members occurred.
Confusion and incongruity was apparent between Brody and Farley and Farley quickly responded in a way he thought people would adhere to.
"Only 24 hours," said Farley. However, apparently this is still too long for most beach goers. Brody snapped his head in Farley’s direction, clearly having no idea this was the plan.
"I didn't agree to that," said Brody. Worry spread across his face as though something bad will come about this. The mayor looked nervous as he said these words out loud.
"24 hours is like three weeks," shouted an audience member. July 4th is a day away which is a big tourism holiday, along with many beach festivities. Business owners are nervous about losing good business during this holiday.
As emotions rose and the tension tightened, nails slowly crawling down the chalkboard disturbed the chaos within the room. A grizzly old fisherman, Ben Quint, seemed to have his own plan.
"I'll catch this bird for you, but it ain't going to be easy," said Quint. "It’s not going to be pleasant."
He wasn’t willing to catch the shark for $3,000. It will be too risky to do it for that amount.
"I’ll catch him and kill him for ten [thousand dollars]," said Quint.
The crowd went silent and heads turned to the mayor. The mayor looked surprised and speechless. His response was only that he will have to think it over.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Two Deaths in Two Days-- Possible Shark Attacks
A possible shark attack has just occured on Village Beach about one hour ago. Alex Ferguson, 10, of Mayfair Court in Amity was killed while floating on a rubber raft.
Many children were playing in the water at the time, splashing and having fun. Parents relaxed on the beach as there was no previous warning about a possible shark in the area.
Panic arose as blood was seen spurting from the water and Ferguson was taken under by what appeared to be a shark. Children started yelling and parents immediatley ran to find their child and evacuate them from the water. Marian Ferguson panicked as she was the only mother not able to find her child. She is currently being treated for shock at Amity Hospital and is reported to be in fair condition.
Ferguson's body has not yet been recovered, but his raft floated ashore, in a pool of blood, with what looked like a big bite taken out of it.
No other injuries took place at this time, but this case could possibly be linked to the Watson death, which would mean two possible shark attacks in two days.
A press conference will be held by the mayor, Chief Brody, and the Amity Board of Selectmen at 5 p.m. today in Town Hall. New business discussed will be regarding these two incidents. A request by Chief Brody to close the beaches will be made and Ben Quint, a grizzled old fisherman, has offered to hunt down the assumed shark.
A shark has not been confirmed as the prime killer for these two incidents, but it is highly likely. An investigation continues to be held.
Many children were playing in the water at the time, splashing and having fun. Parents relaxed on the beach as there was no previous warning about a possible shark in the area.
Panic arose as blood was seen spurting from the water and Ferguson was taken under by what appeared to be a shark. Children started yelling and parents immediatley ran to find their child and evacuate them from the water. Marian Ferguson panicked as she was the only mother not able to find her child. She is currently being treated for shock at Amity Hospital and is reported to be in fair condition.
Ferguson's body has not yet been recovered, but his raft floated ashore, in a pool of blood, with what looked like a big bite taken out of it.
No other injuries took place at this time, but this case could possibly be linked to the Watson death, which would mean two possible shark attacks in two days.
A press conference will be held by the mayor, Chief Brody, and the Amity Board of Selectmen at 5 p.m. today in Town Hall. New business discussed will be regarding these two incidents. A request by Chief Brody to close the beaches will be made and Ben Quint, a grizzled old fisherman, has offered to hunt down the assumed shark.
A shark has not been confirmed as the prime killer for these two incidents, but it is highly likely. An investigation continues to be held.
A decaying body covered with crabs was found washed up on South Beach this morning. The body was identified as Wendy W. Watson, 16, of 23 Sharkstooth St. in Amity. Her body was mangled as if severely mauled by an attacker.
She was last seen alive leaving a beach party at 11 p.m. with an unknown male companion. She and the male then decided to go skinny-dipping after a night of drinking and partying. Although the weather was clear and the water was calm, Watson did not return from the water, and shortly after her companion notified the police.
Watson’s body has been sent to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. There have been no charges on the case, for police are continuing to investigate the incident. A shark attack has not been completely ruled out, but all visitors should remain calm. The beaches will continue to stay open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.
Updates will occur throughout the investigation.
She was last seen alive leaving a beach party at 11 p.m. with an unknown male companion. She and the male then decided to go skinny-dipping after a night of drinking and partying. Although the weather was clear and the water was calm, Watson did not return from the water, and shortly after her companion notified the police.
Watson’s body has been sent to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. There have been no charges on the case, for police are continuing to investigate the incident. A shark attack has not been completely ruled out, but all visitors should remain calm. The beaches will continue to stay open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.
Updates will occur throughout the investigation.
Friday, April 17, 2009
4/6/2009
I didn't like this paper. I browsed through it and I couldn't even finish reading headlines.
4/7/09
Youtube and the supreme court? This really interests me because so much more of society is becoming internet savvy-- including politicians. I wish there was more about this and less of the trial, but I guess that the trial is more important anyway.
4/8/09
I never really thought about it, but abandoning a boat is littering! It's a dangerous kind too, because not only is it going to fall apart into the environment, but it's a hazard to those around it. People are abandoning their boats because they can't afford them anymore and this could really harm this environment. I thought it was supposed to be trendy to go green?
4/9/09
Human fat cells burning calories... I'd like to see this more often. The is an interest to basically everyone and considering so many people are obese these days, well, they should be researching this way more.
4/13/09
I can't believe we've come to the point where we are trying to erase memories. I think it is ethically wrong to do so. People learn from their memories, or help other people through tough times considering what they might have gone through. Then again, I guess if someone has the money, and really wants to erase some of their memory, then it's up to them. Not me.
4/14/09
I wish I could get into politics more. I really try to read about Obama and I get to the end of the article thinking about something totally different. Right now it's pointless to try, but maybe I'll keep trying.
4/15/09
Gay marriage is passed in Vermont. New Hampshire is trying to get it passed and I think that's great. I never really decided whether I was for or against gay marriage, and since I don't really have an opinion either way, I guess I shouldn't argue for either side.
I didn't like this paper. I browsed through it and I couldn't even finish reading headlines.
4/7/09
Youtube and the supreme court? This really interests me because so much more of society is becoming internet savvy-- including politicians. I wish there was more about this and less of the trial, but I guess that the trial is more important anyway.
4/8/09
I never really thought about it, but abandoning a boat is littering! It's a dangerous kind too, because not only is it going to fall apart into the environment, but it's a hazard to those around it. People are abandoning their boats because they can't afford them anymore and this could really harm this environment. I thought it was supposed to be trendy to go green?
4/9/09
Human fat cells burning calories... I'd like to see this more often. The is an interest to basically everyone and considering so many people are obese these days, well, they should be researching this way more.
4/13/09
I can't believe we've come to the point where we are trying to erase memories. I think it is ethically wrong to do so. People learn from their memories, or help other people through tough times considering what they might have gone through. Then again, I guess if someone has the money, and really wants to erase some of their memory, then it's up to them. Not me.
4/14/09
I wish I could get into politics more. I really try to read about Obama and I get to the end of the article thinking about something totally different. Right now it's pointless to try, but maybe I'll keep trying.
4/15/09
Gay marriage is passed in Vermont. New Hampshire is trying to get it passed and I think that's great. I never really decided whether I was for or against gay marriage, and since I don't really have an opinion either way, I guess I shouldn't argue for either side.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Biddeford Airport causes tumult between citizens and pilots. Some argue that it is too expensive to keep around such a dangerous place; however, others argue how resourceful the airport is.
The ballot for a June 4 general election in Biddeford, Maine has this referendum question: “Shall the city authorize the Airport Authority to close the Biddeford City Airport at a cost of about $3 million, to be taken from general operating funds?”
The airport takes in about $56,000 annually from sales of gas, property taxes, and land leases. The cost of running the airport, which includes maintenance, utilities, and improvements, was $72,000 in 2007 and $60,000 in 2008. The 126-acre property is worth $1.6 million.
The airport has been considered dangerous, allowing public access. There are regulations enforced, but the community doesn’t seem to adhere.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four-wheelers (and) ATV’s all using it,” said Tom Bryan, the airport manager. “They just use it as a backyard and that’s against regulations.”
Federal safety regulations have been enforced a few years ago in order to keep funding from the Federal Aviation Administration. No trespassing rules are being enforced causing the airport to be less dangerous.
Phyllis Landry, a private pilot who keeps his single engine plane at the airport, believes the airport to be a great resource.
“Once about five years ago I had to abort a takeoff because a bunch of neighborhood kids ran onto the runway right in front of me,” said Landry. “The FAA is just doing its job. People need to understand that. Maybe it’s expensive to run the airport, but it’s a great resource. I know business people who fly in here all the time.”
Although the airport is costing more money to exist, it is allowing convenience for many business people and pilots.
Citizens, however, do not understand the need for their tax dollars to go towards something they don’t believe in. Granted by paying a little more money, the airport is a little safer, but it’s not a price they’re willing to pay. Roland Pelletier lived next to the airport for 25 years. He doesn’t mind airport noises and festivities, but he does have an opinion about the money.
“Taking my money bothers me, airplanes right over the schools where my grandchildren go bothers me,” said Pelletier. “NTSB has a report of a pilot, who was also an instructor pilot, hit the trees at the end of the runway because he did not do a correct pre-flight check and at take off speed could not pull back on his controls because he forgot to take off his control lock. Some residents no longer have trees to protect them, this bothers me.”
The airport began cutting down trees for safety reasons a few years back, but having trees present seems to be a comfort to many citizens.
Paul Archambault continues to live, after 24 years, in the house at the end of the runway. He is the chairman of Can Our Little Airport (COLA).
“Sure this started out as a fight about trees and public access,” said Archambault. “But it’s not just about that anymore. Now it’s about money, too.”
The airport continues to be a tax burden among citizens.
“The money is the biggest thing,” said Pelletier. “If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go on.”
Danger seems to be an issue of the past. It has taken more money to make this less of a problem, thus creating an even bigger concern.
“Times are tough in the economy,” said Pelletier. “We can’t afford to support operations that don’t support themselves.”
There are 47 planes based at the airport and about half of them are owned by corporations. These planes would be losing business and people would have to arrive at an airport most likely less convenient for them.
“If I couldn’t fly out of here I’d have to go to Sanford or Portland,” said Landry.
The ballot for a June 4 general election in Biddeford, Maine has this referendum question: “Shall the city authorize the Airport Authority to close the Biddeford City Airport at a cost of about $3 million, to be taken from general operating funds?”
The airport takes in about $56,000 annually from sales of gas, property taxes, and land leases. The cost of running the airport, which includes maintenance, utilities, and improvements, was $72,000 in 2007 and $60,000 in 2008. The 126-acre property is worth $1.6 million.
The airport has been considered dangerous, allowing public access. There are regulations enforced, but the community doesn’t seem to adhere.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four-wheelers (and) ATV’s all using it,” said Tom Bryan, the airport manager. “They just use it as a backyard and that’s against regulations.”
Federal safety regulations have been enforced a few years ago in order to keep funding from the Federal Aviation Administration. No trespassing rules are being enforced causing the airport to be less dangerous.
Phyllis Landry, a private pilot who keeps his single engine plane at the airport, believes the airport to be a great resource.
“Once about five years ago I had to abort a takeoff because a bunch of neighborhood kids ran onto the runway right in front of me,” said Landry. “The FAA is just doing its job. People need to understand that. Maybe it’s expensive to run the airport, but it’s a great resource. I know business people who fly in here all the time.”
Although the airport is costing more money to exist, it is allowing convenience for many business people and pilots.
Citizens, however, do not understand the need for their tax dollars to go towards something they don’t believe in. Granted by paying a little more money, the airport is a little safer, but it’s not a price they’re willing to pay. Roland Pelletier lived next to the airport for 25 years. He doesn’t mind airport noises and festivities, but he does have an opinion about the money.
“Taking my money bothers me, airplanes right over the schools where my grandchildren go bothers me,” said Pelletier. “NTSB has a report of a pilot, who was also an instructor pilot, hit the trees at the end of the runway because he did not do a correct pre-flight check and at take off speed could not pull back on his controls because he forgot to take off his control lock. Some residents no longer have trees to protect them, this bothers me.”
The airport began cutting down trees for safety reasons a few years back, but having trees present seems to be a comfort to many citizens.
Paul Archambault continues to live, after 24 years, in the house at the end of the runway. He is the chairman of Can Our Little Airport (COLA).
“Sure this started out as a fight about trees and public access,” said Archambault. “But it’s not just about that anymore. Now it’s about money, too.”
The airport continues to be a tax burden among citizens.
“The money is the biggest thing,” said Pelletier. “If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go on.”
Danger seems to be an issue of the past. It has taken more money to make this less of a problem, thus creating an even bigger concern.
“Times are tough in the economy,” said Pelletier. “We can’t afford to support operations that don’t support themselves.”
There are 47 planes based at the airport and about half of them are owned by corporations. These planes would be losing business and people would have to arrive at an airport most likely less convenient for them.
“If I couldn’t fly out of here I’d have to go to Sanford or Portland,” said Landry.
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