WOODSVILLE—There is another entry in what has been an unusual town meeting season after accusations of unlawful electioneering were reported to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, which enforces state elections laws.
The first complaint made to the DOJ has been addressed. The DOJ determined that a letter written and mailed to Woodsville residents constituted two counts of unlawful electioneering by Woodsville Fire District Administrator Kevin Shelton.
On March 3, NH Deputy Attorney General Jane Young sent a letter ordering the Woodsville Fire District to “cease and desist” engaging in further electioneering activities. According to the letter, the DOJ received a complaint that Shelton violated New Hampshire’s electioneering statute.

WOODSVILLE—A New Hampshire House of Representatives committee will hold a public hearing next week on a proposed bill that would change state law on the highway department revenue-sharing formula between the town of Haverhill and the precinct of Woodsville.
Though dating back to the 19th century, the niche provision is at the center of a very big 21st century dispute that has driven a wedge in the community and prompted Woodsville to file a lawsuit against the town.

WOODSVILLE—On Friday evening, Chelsea Anderson of Warren was one of several people waiting in line at Sunny Garden restaurant for takeout. She and the others in line were all wearing masks and observed the recommended 6 feet of social distancing.
It was the same day that New Hampshire statewide mask mandate, in place since Nov. 20, expired. On April 15, Gov. Chris Sununu said a reduction in the state’s seven-day average of daily deaths to the lowest level since before the mask mandate warranted the decision. He added that hospitalizations were at manageable levels and over 70% of those 65 and older have been vaccinated.

BRADFORD—The Oxbow Unified Union School District budget for the 2021-2022 school year was approved on the first try last week.
On April 13 in Australian ballot voting, 243 people, or 59%, in Bradford and Newbury approved the $17,171,968 budget. There were 166 votes, or 41%, against the budget.
The 409 votes cast were fewer than the number of votes cast in the four rounds of voting required to pass the 2020-2021 budget. That $16,780,183 budget was approved on Jan. 13 after a pandemic-induced delay and subsequent voter revolts.