Bradford to pursue reappraisal

BRADFORD—A state mandate for property reappraisals and the appointment of an assistant health officer were two of several agenda items addressed by the selectboard at the Jan. 11 meeting. Listers Doug Miller and Bob Wing requested board authorization to get bids for the state-mandated reappraisal. There are 157 towns on the state’s list to undergo reappraisal.

Pitch made to expand ATV access

WOODSVILLE—The Haverhill Selectboard fielded a proposal on Jan. 2 to open all town-maintained roads to ATV access. The proposal excludes state highways, such as Route 10 or Route 116. Board members said they are open to the proposal and plan to hold a public hearing in the future.

OESU budget wins approval

BRADFORD—The Orange East Supervisory Union Board voted to approve a $10.8 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year which begins on July 1.

Voting machines on their way

WOODSVILLE—The Haverhill Selectboard voted on Jan. 2 to purchase two devices manufactured by VotingWorks.
The board formally voted to make the purchase after hearing a recommendation from Haverhill Town Clerk Christina Hebert.

Petition seeks vote on rental ordinance

FAIRLEE—Nearly 200 people have signed a petition submitted by David Adams that called a special meeting to repeal the short-term rental ordinance approved by the selectboard in November.

Elizabeth’s Park vandalism could be costly

BRADFORD—Repairs at Elizabeth’s Park could run into the tens of thousands of dollars after a hammer-wielding vandal went on a three-minute spree of mayhem just before Christmas. The incident happened shortly after midnight on Dec. 22. Video surveillance captured a small truck entering Elizabeth’s Park off Fairground Road in Bradford.

Next steps unclear in Newbury after court decision

NEWBURY—The Vermont Supreme Court’s 4 to 1 decision on Dec. 21 upheld the state’s plan for a secure treatment facility for youth on Stevens Place off Fish Pond Road in Newbury. The fate of the project, proposed for a site which housed a former bed and breakfast, was in the hands of the courts for months.

Church study committee makes recommendation

ORFORD—A committee formed to study the municipal acquisition of a church has recommended that the town move forward. Selectboard members will consider warning a special article for a vote at town meeting in March.

Chamber recognizes Little Rivers, Gary Scruton

WELLS RIVER—The Cohase Chamber of Commerce has announced that Little Rivers Health Care has been named the 2023 Business of the Year and Gary Scruton of Haverhill, has been named 2023 Citizen of the Year. Awardees are honored annually for their leadership and impact on the region.

Court brushes aside Newbury appeal

NEWBURY—The Vermont Supreme Court has found that state’s plans to develop a secure treatment facility for youth on Stevens Place cannot be barred by the town. In a decision published on Dec. 21, the court affirmed a lower court ruling permitting the renovation of a former bed and breakfast into an “architecturally secure” treatment facility for up to six boys between the ages of 12 and 17.