BRADFORD—In an atmosphere charged with anticipation, the Bradford Armory was abuzz with chatter, tears and hugs on Saturday as Vermont National Guard soldiers departed for a year-long deployment abroad.
Approximately 80 soldiers were given the big send-off by well-wishers at the armory and beyond. Flags, horns and sirens, balloons and “thank you” signs and banners enlivened Main Street and the Lower Plain as scores of people from throughout the area turned out to support the Guard members and their families.
The National Guard unit of Bradford will be part of Task Force Avalanche within Operation Spartan Shield, a U.S. Department of Defense operation in the U.S. Central Command.

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.