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West Fairlee

In West Fairlee yesterday morning, Shay Paffenroth reaches for the fish she just caught, which she called a “pumpkin seed.” Paffenroth, of West Topsham, Vt., and her husband, David, were fishing in Lake Fairlee for the first time. “A lot of people don’t like catching small fish,” she said, laughing. “I don’t give a damn, as long as I catch something.” (Valley News - Jennifer Hauck)

Catch of the Day

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

In West Fairlee yesterday morning, Shay Paffenroth reaches for the fish she just caught, which she called a “pumpkin seed.” Paffenroth, of West Topsham, Vt., and her husband, David, were fishing in Lake Fairlee for the first time. “A lot of people don’t like catching small fish,” she said, laughing. “I don’t give a damn, as long as I catch …

A crew grinds up pavement on Route 113 in West Fairlee on the way the Vershire in preparation for resurfacing. (Valley News - James M. Patterson)

Fiber-Optic Internet, Fixed Road Finally Reach Long-Ignored Town

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Vershire — By the end of the summer, life is likely to speed up in this tiny Orange County town tucked into the narrow valley where the Ompompanoosuc River begins its 25-mile run to the Connecticut. If work continues on schedule, not only will very high-speed broadband Internet be available to half the …

Rivendell District Passes Budget, Asbestos Abatement Project

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Orford — The Rivendell Interstate School District’s $9.5 million proposed budget didn’t face too much opposition last night, as voters passed the spending plan, 149-40. By voice, they also approved borrowing $495,000, for an asbestos abatement project, as well as $50,000 to be put in a capital needs reserve fund. The asbestos money, which only received a smattering of “no” votes, will be …

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Oxbow’s Nate Smith slides into home for a run during the Olympians’ home game with Randolph yesterday. Oxbow prevailed in eight innings, 4-3. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) O’s Nip Ghosts
Randolph at Oxbow baseball in Bradford, Vt., on May 21, 2013. Oxbow won, 4-3. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) Photo Gallery: Randolph at Oxbow Baseball
In West Fairlee yesterday morning, Shay Paffenroth reaches for the fish she just caught, which she called a “pumpkin seed.” Paffenroth, of West Topsham, Vt., and her husband, David, were fishing in Lake Fairlee for the first time. “A lot of people don’t like catching small fish,” she said, laughing. “I don’t give a damn, as long as I catch something.” (Valley News - Jennifer Hauck) Catch of the Day
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Health Insurance Drives Increase in Rivendell’s $9.5M Budget

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Voters in the Rivendell Interstate School District towns of Fairlee, Orford, Vershire and West Fairlee will decide on the 2013-14 budget at a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Rivendell Academy in Orford. Voting for the district’s elected positions will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the academy. …

West Fairlee Residents Elect Selectman by Write-in

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

West Fairlee — Selectman Fred Cook was re-elected without opposition yesterday, and Jim Brigham narrowly defeated Maurice Austin, 10-7, in a write-in race for a Selectboard seat. Twenty-one other write-in votes for other candidates were also cast. West Fairlee’s proposed $474,520 operating budget, up 12 percent from the …

Brian Boland of Post Mills and Jeff Johnson of Warwick, R.I., take off attached to a hot air balloon with a harness at Westshire Elementary School on Tuesday. (Valley News - Jennifer Hauck)

School Notes: Hot Air, and Big Ideas in West Fairlee

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Even the students least excited to be at Westshire Elementary School last Tuesday morning couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the scene that awaited them, as Post Mills balloonist Brian Boland and his friend Jeff Johnson inflated a …

West Fairlee Voters OK Borrowing

Sunday, March 3, 2013

West Fairlee — Voters at Town Meeting yesterday took the first steps toward fixing the town offices and the dam that forms Lake Fairlee. Following a short discussion, a single person in the gathering of about 30 residents called “nay” in a voice vote on whether to borrow …

Oxbow coach Brian Musty during an Oxbow girls lacrosse game in Chelsea in Spring 2011. (Valley News - Tris Wykes)

Oxbow High Teacher Is Terminated

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Bradford — Oxbow High School gym teacher Brian Musty, who faces charges of sexually assaulting a former student, has been fired, Orange East Supervisory Union Superintendent Don Johnson said, after school officials completed an internal investigation into his …

West Fairlee Faces 12% Budget Rise

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The West Fairlee Town Meeting will be held on at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2 in the Community Building for all warning articles not involving Australian ballot. Voters will choose town officers and vote on the budget by Australian ballot on Tuesday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to …

Rivendell Residents to Hold Forum on School Spending

Friday, February 15, 2013

Orford — Residents concerned about their high tax bills to the Rivendell Interstate School District have planned a forum tomorrow to discuss why school spending continues to rise despite declining enrollment. The K-12 Rivendell district has seen enrollment fall by about 100 students in its three Vermont towns, …

A go-ahead basket in overtime by Rivendell left Woodsville’s Abby Simano, center, down in the dumps. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap)

Rivendell Basketball Tips Woodsville

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Woodsville — Points were hard to come by during last night’s game between the Rivendell Academy and Woodsville High girls basketball teams. The visiting Raptors prevailed in overtime, 34-31, during a contest in which neither side gave much …

Letter: Thanks to Morey’s Sixth-Grade Band

Saturday, December 29, 2012

To the Editor: The Orford Senior Center wishes to thank the sixth-graders and their music teacher, Ms. Blake, of the Rivendell District’s Samuel Morey School for entertaining us with their 6th Sense band. They were terrific and brightened our spirits with their Christmas and rock songs. Mary L. …

Oxbow at Woodstock boys basketball in Woodstock, Vt., on December 20, 2012. Woodstock won, 47-40. (Valley News - James M. Patterson)

With New Coach, Hartford Has High Hopes

Sunday, December 23, 2012

After a six-year stint as coach of the Hartford girls basketball team, which culminated with the program’s first state championship last winter, defensive specialist Steve Landon brings his skills and dedication to the Hurricane boys this season. While …