Homicide investigation leads to gun charges

An investigation into a recent suspected homicide case in Orange County has led to federal gun charges against a three-time convicted felon from Bradford, officials said. James D. Nickles Jr., 42, is facing federal charges for possessing a shotgun and handgun this week while being a convicted felon, Vermont State Police said.

Oil spill didn’t affect village water supply

WELLS RIVER—A fuel oil spill in the Baldwin Block at 31 Main Street in early January continues to be monitored by Wells River Village’s water department as well as state officials, but, so far, it does not appear to be impacting the public water supply.

Ambulance costs set to rise

PIERMONT—An eight-year-old arrangement to supplement ambulance services in the lakes region of Piermont could be on the chopping block at town meeting next month.

After 50 years, Piermont business closes doors

PIERMONT—One of Piermont’s longest-standing businesses has closed. Piermont Plant Pantry shut its doors last month after founder and owner Abby Metcalf died on Jan. 4. The business had celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Piermont plans new town office building

PIERMONT—Approx-imately 30 people turned out for a hearing on Saturday morning at Piermont Village School. The hearing was held in advance of town meeting next month when Piermonters will vote whether to authorize a $950,000 bond to build a new building to house the town offices and the police department.

Burke Mountain’s path from fraud to an uncertain future

As Burke enters 2025, the mountain truly does stand alone, and its survival is being tested like never before by a prominent lawyer 1,500 miles away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Michael I. Goldberg, who controls Burke’s fate.

Bath garage plans headed to town meeting

BATH—Hopes for a new town garage in Bath have been percolating for several years. Last year, a plan to replace the aging town garage was in the works, but ultimately no warrant article was brought forward to voters. This year, there will be a vote on funding a new town garage building after a committee of volunteers developed a plan they believe will suit the town’s future needs while remaining an affordable option for taxpayers.

Orange County taxes expected to decrease

CHELSEA—Spending by Orange County government in 2025 will be at its lowest levels in years. This year’s operating budget, which came into effect on Feb. 1, is $685,886.74. That is down 24% from $955,380 in 2024.

Stolen truck seized in Fairlee

FAIRLEE—Authorities in Vermont briefly shut down Route 5 in Fairlee Village and placed Samuel Morey Elementary School on lockdown on the morning of Jan. 24 as part of an investigation into an assault at a short-term rental property.

Board delegates to town administrator

BRADFORD—After officially appointing an Interim Town Administrator earlier this month, the Bradford Selectboard voted last week to delegate its authority on a dozen tasks to the newly formed office.