WELLS RIVER—Several positive COVID-19 cases in the community prompted pre-k-12 Blue Mountain Union School to move to remote learning on a full-time basis for the next three weeks.
At least five people with Covid were within the school building last week.
In a letter posted on Facebook, Orange East Supervisory Union Superintendent Emilie Knisley said none of the cases confirmed last week were a result of in-school transmission. Knisley did not return a voice mail.

NEWBURY—Less than two years after the Oxbow Senior Independence Program celebrated its 30th anniversary, its day program has had to call it quits. The adult daily services program is yet another victim of the coronavirus pandemic.
OSIP was founded in 1987 with a dual mission. The organization provides subsidized, independent housing for older adults and adults with disabilities at three properties in Newbury and Wells River.
Built in 1988, the Montebello Hill Apartments in Newbury has 15 units. Spear House Apartments and Spear House in Wells River opened in 1992 and have 18 units, according to Robin Barone of Newbury. She has been the chair of the DOSIP board of directors for almost 23 years.

NORTH HAVERHILL—Grafton County’s new administrator will be a familiar face to some in the area. After serving as Littleton Town Manager for 5.5 years, Andrew Dorsett will start his new position on Feb. 16. He succeeds Julie Libby, who will become the county’s finance manager.
Previously, Dorsett was a town administrator on both sides of the Connecticut River in Warren and Bradford. He was also served as a selectboard member in Groton.
During his tenure as Littleton’s Town Manager, Dorsett helped manage the River District revitalization—a project, like others, made possible in large part by community volunteers. In an interview, Dorsett said the vision comes from residents, then he gets to embrace it, find community partners, and put together a finance package to oversee the project to completion. Volunteerism has been a critical part of Littleton’s progress, he said

BRADFORD—A mysterious void lies beneath.
For nearly a decade, the so-called “vault” under a Main Street sidewalk has vexed town officials. The vast empty cavern is a remnant, some believe, from a fire more than 50 years ago that reshaped one end of the downtown.
There is little wistful nostalgia, however, for this pest from the past. It is an expensive problem as aging supports crumble and deteriorate undermining sidewalk and building integrity.
There may, however, be some light at the end of the tunnel. With preliminary repair work underway and an upcoming property auction, there is renewed enthusiasm in finding a long-term fix.

WELLS RIVER—“This year has been like no other for the chamber,” Cohase Chamber of Commerce Board President Andrew Barter said at this year’s annual meeting held on Jan 19.
The organization pivoted in response to the pandemic from its regular lineup of activities and tackled projects that strengthened its foundation. Although it produced at least one annual event along with a virtual summit, the overall theme for 2021 was organization and a new level of leadership.
The first big change of the year came in the first quarter with a new executive director, Ruth Ann Hacking.