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.

Ex-board member demands resignation

WOODSVILLE—For the second time in seven months, Haverhill resident Matthew Bjelobrk has asked a sitting selectman to resign.

Power outages after early week storm

Hundreds of homes and businesses were left without power throughout the day on Monday after a snowstorm swept through the area on Sunday night and Monday morning.

Bridge restored after flood

WAITS RIVER—As of last week, a bridge is back over troubled water.
After being unable to cross the iconic, one-of-the-most photographed bridges in Vermont, for a second time in less than two years, local residents are happy Pike Hill Bridge is fixed and quick access to Route 25 is restored.

Tarleton project approved amidst objections

PIERMONT—Lake Tarleton, nestled in the thick forests of the White Mountains, attracts plenty of summer tourists and local boaters and hikers looking for a place of quiet contem- plation. But for the last two years, a heated debate has swirled around the serene setting, stemming from the U.S. Forest Service’s plan to cut and harvest 690 acres of trees around the lake.

Rivendell could consider building closure

WEST FAIRLEE—At their most recent board meeting on Nov. 14, the Rivendell School directors struggled to adopt a preliminary plan to change the configuration of the four-town district. Rising tax rates and soaring real estate values have put additional pressure on the system to make program and budget reductions in order to ease some of the tax burden.