BFD billing ordinance tabled
BRADFORD—A proposed ordinance on fire department billing and consolidating tax billing, were just two of the many issues discussed at the May 14 selectboard meeting.
Bath man sentenced for defrauding veteran
CONCORD—A Bath man was sentenced on May 11 in federal court for stealing $225,200 from an elderly disabled veteran, U.S. Attorney in New Hampshire Erin Creegan announced. Donald Estes, 49, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and one year of supervised release after pleading guilty earlier this year to one count of bank fraud. He was also sentenced to pay $225,200 in restitution.
Ryegate special meeting to reconsider auditor vote
RYEGATE—On Monday, May 18, a special Ryegate town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Ryegate Town House to reconsider a vote at the annual town meeting which abolished elected town auditors.
OUUSD sets vote, trims proposed budget
BRADFORD—At a special meeting on May 6, the Oxbow Unified Union School District Board voted to cut $300,000 from the proposed 2026/27 school budget. The revised amount of $23,039,333 is down from the $23,339,333 proposal rejected at the annual meeting on April 28.
Business Buzz: Yeoman’s new brews serve growing audience
HAVERHILL—Joe Mitchell began cultivating a dream while at Woodsville High School, eventually founding Yeoman Brewing Company.
After initial success with cold-brew drinks and lemonades, Yeoman Brewing recently launched a new line of non-alcoholic wines in partnership with friend and Oxbow High School graduate Darren Sherburne.
In Haverhill, town provides audit update
WOODSVILLE—The Haverhill Selectboard discussed audits among other items at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 11.
Town officials said the 2023 audit is at a “solid standstill.” For several years, the town has lagged in completing contracted audits of its finances.
Wildlife in Benton burns over a dozen acres
BENTON—Wildfire season has begun and area fire departments have been busy. On April 29, nearly two dozen fire departments responded to a forest fire near Owl’s Head in Benton. Haverhill Fire Chief Phil Blanchard told the Journal Opinion on Thursday that he had departments from Plymouth to Lisbon to Thetford respond. Benton does not have a fire department and contracts with Haverhill to serve as its primary.
WRVS budget passes; OUUSD budget fails
TOPSHAM—On Monday evening, Waits River Valley School voters passed a $10 million budget for 2026-2027 in a paper ballot vote of 73 to 42. AND BRADFORD—In a 145 to 119 paper ballot vote, the 2026/2027 Oxbow United Union School District budget failed to pass.
Finding support close to home
BRADFORD—After winter’s isolation, a welcome sliver of sunlight cut through mid-April’s leaden sky. Lifting the mood from cloudy to bright really meant something, especially for those seeking connection and hope on a Monday night. Since Dec. 23, 2025, the Upper Valley Recovery Group has met every Monday evening for one hour on Main Street.
At forums, Rivendell explores options
ORFORD—Democracy is messy and takes time. At a moment when some governing bodies choose to cut corners on the democratic process, the Rivendell Interstate School District invited public participation in not one, but three forums held on April 30. A fourth online forum is planned for May 9.