In Times Past…Sing a song of Christmas

“Beneath the familiar melodies and words, Christmas songs reveal a portrait of the American psyche past and present, wishing simultaneously to embrace nostalgia, commerce, charity, carnival, romance, and travesty.” Ronald B. Lanford Jr. “A Cultural History of American Christmas Songs.”

Community staple vows to re-open after fire

WAITS RIVER— The Waits River Country Store and Deli is temporarily closed after a gas-operated clothes dryer caught fire earlier this month, causing severe smoke damage throughout the store.

Woodsville man accused of killing cop, utility worker

WALTHAM, MA—A Woodsville man is facing manslaughter, armed robbery, and other charges after he allegedly crashed into a Waltham, Massachusetts roadside worksite killing a police officer, a utility worker, and injuring two others last week.

Rivendell opens community food pantry

ORFORD—Food insecurity does not recognize state lines. New Hampshire and Vermont both battle the problem, and that’s where Rivendell Academy stepped in. The small interstate school in Orford has added a food pantry to aid in the fight against hunger among the district’s students and the community at large.

BMU budget could get boost from new law

WELLS RIVER—Blue Mountain Union could be one of the beneficiaries of a 2022 state law that ‘dramatically shifts’ Vermont’s education funding system. Although a budget for the 2024-2025 school year has yet to be finalized, officials are considering adopting a proposal that raises education spending by 20%. Despite the hefty increase, projections show there may be minimal impacts on local tax rates.

Man sentenced in 2017 Newbury fatality

BARRE—David Gilbo of Newbury can avoid prison time after pleading guilty on Nov. 30 to a misdemeanor criminal charge of grossly negligent operation in driving a pickup truck that struck and killed a Ryegate man at P&H Truck Stop.

Thetford board considers voting changes

THETFORD—With town meeting deadlines approaching next month, the Thetford Selectboard considered three potential articles during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night.

Groton to appoint new fire chief

GROTON—The Groton Fire Chief has resigned. Wade Johnson Sr. confirmed to the Journal Opinion that he stepped down after 20 years with the town’s fire department.

Ryegate home destroyed in fire

RYEGATE—A 2.5-story family home was destroyed in a fire just before Thanksgiving. The fire happened at 2899 South Bayley-Hazen Road.

Bradford Board approves grant for sidewalk study

BRADFORD—A divided selectboard narrowly approved a request by the Bradford Planning Commission Chair to apply for grant funding to improve pedestrian access between the village and the Bradford Park and Ride near the I-91 interchange.