Proposed skate park hits snag despite support

BRADFORD—Most of those turning out for an unusually well-attended selectboard meeting last week in Bradford went home disappointed.
At least two dozen people were there on Nov. 10 in support of a presentation by Bradford Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Jean Carlan who sought permission from the board to begin fundraising for a $450,000-$500,000 skate park. Carlan said she hoped to begin raising money in 2023 with the aim of beginning construction at Elizabeth’s Park in 2024.

Police make arrests in car device thefts

BRADFORD—Crack cocaine, cash, stolen guns, and even a $10,000 stolen bicycle were found in the possession of the Northeast Kingdom man who was arrested earlier this month in connection with catalytic converter thefts in Bradford and beyond.
Rusty Perry, 33, and three others have been charged after police, including the Bradford Police Department, conducted a search at Perry’s residence in Newark on Nov. 2.

Ryegate makes Fire Department changes

RYEGATE—The Ryegate Selectboard voted on Monday night to form a municipal fire department, which will essentially replace the volunteer organization which has previously overseen the town’s fire department operations.
The move comes after five officers, including the chief, resigned en masse earlier this fall.

Hammer falls for final time at auction house

BRADFORD—On Nov. 11, Ernie Stevens conducted his last auction at the Four Corners in Bradford. For nearly 40 years, Ely Commission Sales has held auctions every Monday and Friday evening.

Arrests made in area thefts

Two local men have been arrested in connection with two break-ins in Topsham last month where multiple firearms and other items were stolen.

 

Rivendell Board cools down heating project

WEST FAIRLEE—The Rivendell Interstate School District Board appears reluctant to move forward on a building renovations project due to costs and fossil fuel use.
After a presentation at a meeting on Oct. 4, the board authorized multinational corporation Honeywell to conduct a deeper dive of the district’s capital project needs.

 

After lengthy closure, small South Ryegate Library reopens

SOUTH RYEGATE—The South Ryegate Library located on Church Street reopened on Oct. 25, after being closed for nearly three years since the start of the Covid pandemic.
At 400 square feet, the tiny Caledonia County library was not well-equipped to weather the storm of the pandemic. But the lengthy closure afforded the five-member library trustee board and librarian Liz Achilles an opportunity to undertake extensive renovations.

 

Ex-Oxbow teacher finds new career as herbalist

PEACHAM—A former Oxbow High School teacher has developed a thriving business as an herbalist out of her home. Her handmade products are made in a barn miles and miles up various dirt roads, then sold and shipped all over the world.

Task force finalizes town manager study

BRADFORD—Bradford is not ready for a town manager, according to a finding by a task force that has spent over a year studying the town’s governance.
In 2021, the Vermont Council on Rural Development facilitated a community visit under the moniker Moving Forward Together Bradford. At the conclusion of the initiative, community members identified three priorities for volunteers to work on in an effort to support local leadership and strengthen civic ties.

Newbury to appeal VPI decision

NEWBURY—The case involving the state’s proposed juvenile detention center in Newbury appears to be head to the Vermont Supreme Court. On Oct. 18, the Vermont Environmental Court overruled the town’s rejection of a zoning permit application to redevelop a former bed and breakfast into a secure treatment facility.