NEWBURY—Grimy ooze has taken over.
Many back road travelers are moaning, “This is the worst mud season we’ve ever had!”
The snow on March 12 followed by a quick warmup brought out the mire which is putting fear in the hearts of the most experienced drivers.
GROTON–While it was smooth sailing for most town meetings in Vermont this year, Groton voters rejected a 2022 general fund budget by Australian ballot on March 1.
But while the general fund budget article was voted down 132-106, the highway budget was approved in a separate article. So, what’s next?
Approximately 50 people assembled at the Groton Community Building on the evening of March 17 to offer their thoughts on what should happen as officials will have to schedule a special vote in the coming weeks.
NORTH HAVERHILL–Approximately 50 people approved a $15.3 million budget for 2022-2023 during the annual school district meeting on March 12.
Some 200 people had gathered at the Haverhill Cooperative Middle School gymnasium that started at 9 a.m. But after more than three hours of debate and discussion on town business and a brief recess, there was a noticeable dip in attendance.
The disparity drew criticism.
CORINTH–Federal regulators hope to have a cleanup plan for a defunct copper mine ready for public scrutiny later this year.
The Pike Hill Mine in Corinth is one of three former Orange County copper mines on EPA’s Superfund site.
NEWBURY—Lt. Gov. Molly Gray met remotely with Newbury residents on March 9 to discuss the proposed juvenile detention facility that would be located in Newbury.
Gray, who grew up in Newbury and graduated from Newbury Elementary School, spent an hour answering Newbury residents’ questions about the status of the detention facility, which has been the subject of local debate since it was proposed in 2020.
BRADFORD—As the Bradford Selectboard considers changes to the town’s traffic ordinance, several residents have objected to proposals that would reduce parking along a stretch of Route 5 between the downtown and the town offices on North Main Street.
The 14-page ordinance identifies speed zones throughout town and signed intersections. It also establishes parking regulations and outlines enforcement mechanisms.
On March 10, the board held the first of two hearings soliciting public input on the potential changes. Two new parking regulations drew the most attention.
NORTH HAVERHILL—Haverhill voters approved appropriations for Woodsville precinct through petitioned warrant articles during the deliberative session of town meeting on Saturday.
Nearly 200 voters gathered at the Haverhill Cooperative Middle School gymnasium at 9 a.m. ahead of a snowstorm that intensified throughout the morning.
More than $5.1 million in municipal spending was approved for 2022 during the morning while nearly $15.5 million in school spending was approved for 2022-2023 during the afternoon.
Two petitioned warrant articles related to the town’s dispute with Woodsville precinct took center stage and voters moved them up on the warrant for consideration.
WARREN—Voters at town meeting on March 8 endorsed increased funding for the local ambulance service despite a 139% increase in its budget.
An early motion by Warren Treasurer Sheila Foote to cut funding for the 24/7 Warren-Wentworth ambulance service was eventually withdrawn after discussion over the reasons behind the request. Meanwhile a potentially controversial noise ordinance petitioned by a local resident displeased with a noisy campground was tabled without discussion.
Voters approved a combined total budget for school a-nd the town of over $3.9 million, an increase of about 4.4% over the previous year. Property taxes are expected to rise even more due to higher costs for the Warren Village School and decreased state aid.
BRADFORD—Some area students and school staff breathed sighs of relief on March 7 when several schools began implementing a mask-optional policies took effect.
Other schools are due to transition on March 14, per a recommendation from Vermont state officials.
PIERMONT—Piermonters will be asked whether they want to discontinue their membership with Upper Valley Ambulance and instead join Woodsville Ambulance on town meeting day.
“We’ve had people ask,” said selectboard chair Wayne Godfrey in an interview. “I think it should be discussed.”