NEWBURY—Eager to start a farm and spread their values, a local couple searched long and hard for inspiration. They finally found it by growing the most expensive spice in the world — saffron.

NORTH HAVERHILL—The central office will begin employing a social worker in the 2025-2026 school year to be shared among all SAU #23 schools. The new position was included in a budget for the next fiscal year and approved by school board members on the night of Dec. 4 following a public hearing at Haverhill Cooperative Middle School.

WEST FAIRLEE—Bean Hall, a community building in the center of town that has been unused for over 15 years, will kick off a major renovation project after receiving funding through the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development, and the Vermont Community Foundation.

BRADFORD—The Wilder Dam owner wants Bradford to lower its appraisal of the value of flooding rights the company maintains on the Connecticut River shoreline. Great River Hydro, which was purchased by Hydro-Québec last year, has filed a lawsuit in state court after town officials denied an abatement request earlier this year.

WELLS RIVER—Village residents will face steep increases in water and sewer bills in 2025. In a special public meeting on Nov. 14, Chip Conquest, chair of the trustees, said there was no way to “sugarcoat” the issue.