Nick Clark

Proposed New Local Sign Ordinance: A Solution in Search of a Problem?

Vermont is already widely recognized for its restrictive statewide approach to signage.

Thetford Center Post Office suspended indefinitely due to safety concerns

"The building is not in good shape."

Town Meeting voters rename "Lyme-East Thetford Bridge" to "East Thetford-Lyme Bridge" in bold display of local patriotism

"We grow tomatoes YEAR-ROUND!" shouted another resident, waving a fist in the air. "And we're not afraid to throw them!"

Expect Thetford’s property taxes to go up–again–as households are getting priced out

Affordability in Thetford has declined by roughly 41% in just four years due to rising property taxes and interest rates.

A look at Thetford's school and municipal budgets

Thetford's education spending is down 20%, but the tax rate is up 46%. It's (very) complicated.

New "Pocket Neighborhoods" in proposed zoning bylaws could transform Thetford

Denser housing developments could be built along any paved road regardless of zoning district, and are required to be visible from the road.

Thetford education taxes could jump 26.5% before any new spending

And municipal property taxes could go up substantially as well.

The life and death of the Thetford Center Village Store

Without a likely lender, the list of potential buyers seems small.

Thetford Town Manager: Tom Yennerell may return as interim; Brian Story of Johnson a serious candidate

However, the Selectboard has not taken any votes yet.

Tenants face 26% rent hike in Thetford

There is no limit to how high or how often a landlord can raise rents.

Baker's to reopen by end of month

And there will be gas.

Why small-scale development simply isn't happening

It is within our power to change our local zoning, explore tax abatement options, and if and when a project is proposed in one of our villages, look for a middle road...

Thetford Town Manager takes job in Hartford

Bryan Gazda will be leaving Thetford 2 years into his 3-year contract.

Work planned on Ledyard bridge during Lyme/Thetford closure

One thing is certain: the Lyme-East Thetford bridge will be closed.

Bridge closure will disrupt firefighter mutual aid and raises capacity concerns

Many are concerned that Thetford only has 3 or 4 volunteer firefighters.

Sidenote’s Li Shen shows photography at AVA

If you’ve appreciated Li’s writing on Sidenote, you won’t be disappointed by her photography

The Montague Dam has been removed (with pictures)

The Ompompanoosuc River was an “unfailing source of water” for manufacturing in Post Mills

Latham Road under construction until mid-November

Repairs to Latham Road began in 2016 but encountered numerous delays.

Rich Krzal, former Selectboard, dies at 74

Richard Philip Krzal, 74, died August 11, 2022, at home with his wife and dogs.

Post Mills Montague Dam removal underway

What's all that noise?

Odanaksis: seeking refuge in and around our little villages

Something happens to you when you create art regularly,

A controversial road sign

Cyclists may use the full travel lane, just don't put it on a sign.

Red Clover Cafe and Creamery opens in East Thetford

The weather was perfect on Thursday.

EVENT: Meet Thetford's new state senate district

Thetford had 1 state senator; now it has 3.

The lakeshore wetlands of Treasure Island

The proposed trails could require two separate permits.

Latham Road repair estimate now exceeds $1.3 million

But that doesn't include Culvert #3, which may need to be replaced in 3 to 5 years.

Fairlee receives $100,000 grant for pedestrian access

Perhaps the lesson for Thetford is that having a Plan is only as good as a Town’s willingness, and ability, to execute it.

You can't build that here

Pressures on the Upper Valley's housing market have been growing for decades.

Two roads diverged in a wood

Is road repair prohibitively expensive, or a question of priorities?

Thetford is basketball strong

But don't forget to get some extra sleep, hydrate a little bit better, and make 10% better nutritional choices during the playoff time.

Rehabilitate or replace?

The Lyme-East Thetford bridge has a Sufficiency Rating of 31.5%. Replacement might become necessary.

7-town consortium receives $66,000 grant for zoning modernization

The objective is to support housing development in downtowns, village centers, and concentrated neighborhoods.

A safety review of the Lyme-East Thetford bridge

The bridge is in poor condition, but it's not in serious or critical condition, nor is it in imminent danger of collapse.

A special update from Sidenote

Breaking: We are expanding coverage to another Vermont community!

Thetford Town Meeting on Australian ballot again, budget approved

However, the Warning was only approved by 3 with 2 abstaining.

The history and context of the Lyme-East Thetford bridge

"At the time the Lyme-East Thetford bridge was being worked on, 128 flood projects were nearing completion in New Hampshire, twenty-three were completed, and fifty-two others had received approval and were ready to start…" the HAER report says.

The housing shortage and gender-based violence

While the Upper Valley is recognizing more and more that the shortage of housing is impacting the labor market, the situation is more dire for people living in violent situations.

Vermont House passes redistricting bill, Thetford unchanged

Towns still have an opportunity to submit feedback to the House Committee on Government Operations as late as February 15th, 2022.

What truck struck Sayre bridge?

Where did it come from, and where did it go?

Jonah Richard explores "human-scale" development in Fairlee

"This is my first true ground-up development project so I want to share the ups, the downs, and the lessons along the way to encourage others that they, too, can do it," Jonah Richard said.

Lyme-East Thetford bridge rehabilitation delayed 1 year

"Its rapid deterioration plus the grueling task of a rehabilitation process is obviously deferring engineers and contractors from touching it," Nick Fabrikant said.

Planning Commission grapples with owner occupancy requirements

In addition to being insulting to potential tenants, these requirements reduce them to commodities rather than individual community members in need of housing.

Selectboard revisits tax stabilization

But not this year.

Volunteers weatherize Thetford Elementary, Efficiency Vermont takes note

The elementary school is the town's largest public facility and consumes approximately 12,000-13,000 gallons of heating fuel per year.

Officer Scruggs named Interim Police Chief

Michael Scruggs is a Thetford native and has worked for the Thetford Police Department since 2010.

Lebanon is at the center of regional housing development

There will be more units under construction in Lebanon in 2021-22 than were built total between 2010 and 2019.

Thetford awarded Municipal Planning Grant for water systems study

The Town Plan focuses housing and economic development in Thetford's 5 villages, but some villages are struggling with access to potable water.

The Town Manager's proposed 2022 municipal budget

Some costs are increasing, some are decreasing, and some are staying the same. Let’s take a look.

Thetford institutes indoor mask mandate

The mandate applies to all public institutions.

Police union files healthcare grievance

The Selectboard has less than 14 days to respond.

A new cinema marks Thetford Center's quiet revitalization

The finest body of films and plush furniture that seats 25.

Thetford to purchase its first hybrid vehicle

Thetford could see at least a 15% reduction in police-related CO2 emissions.

Community Nurse of Thetford seeks level funding

Any Thetford resident is eligible, and services are confidential and free.

Upper Valley Ambulance seeks 6.5% rate increase for 2022 appropriation

Because of a growing population, the increase for Thetford is 14.2%.

Mike Kiess resigns as Town/School Moderator

Mike has taken a job with the Peace Corps in Uganda.

Tri-Valley Transit adds Thetford Connector

And electric buses, too.

ECFiber's annual report

Thetford is a member of this 31-town telecommunications district.

Proposed one-seat House districts would impact Thetford

Thetford would no longer share a House district with Norwich and Sharon.

Thetford Elementary closed Monday following second COVID case

Are there ways to build community despite these difficulties?

Tension builds in Town Hall

"I am hoping for at least an explanation, or better yet, an explanation and an apology."

Different paths forward for Treasure Island

Is there a better way to manage Treasure Island?

After 25 years of service, Charlie Buttrey will not seek re-election to the school board

"I had no motivation other than I just wanted to calm things down."

Willing Hands in Thetford

If you're interested in gleaning, gardening, or donating...

Selectboard approves agreement with police union

The document is now public record.

Thetford's tax rate is above average, and it matters

In 2020, Thetford had the sixth highest tax rate in two counties.

The Town's plan for Route 132 bond payments will need adjustment

It means an automatic 4.9% budget increase in 2022.

First-time homebuyers of Thetford

It seems impossible to buy your first home without help.

Lyme Health and Wellness Fair, and the bridge that connects us

Vaccines available to Vermont and New Hampshire residents.

There's not much to report on local housing initiatives

The Planning Commission could be the body to watch.

FEMA slowly reviewing Thetford's 2017 disaster declaration

The Town didn't notify FEMA of scope changes, and had multiple procurement violations.

Vermont emissions could increase due to reported emissions reduction

Apparently, Vermont is ahead of its 2050 emission reduction goals.

A town-wide assessment of roads, paved and gravel

Stantec will spend the next 60 days studying Thetford's roads.

Masks still required for now

The Town Manager reported that masks are required indoors at Town facilities for the next several weeks at least, following a recommendation from Mariah Whitcomb, Thetford's Emergency Management Director. There has been an increase in cases in the region, including breakthrough cases (positive test results for those who

Thetford approves landfill agreement

Those who have recently purchased punch cards will still be able to use them.

Lebanon asks Towns to sign new landfill agreement

Thet Thetford Selectboard has not yet discussed the topic.

Is it time for an assessor?

There are funds available for a town-wide reassessment without necessarily increasing the municipal budget.

The 2021 tax rate, explained

Property taxes change every year, and typically they go up.

The Lake Fairlee dam

It will be something to watch for at Town Meeting next March.

State to improve North Thetford boat launch

Federal COVID-19 stimulus money is funding the addition of a new dock.

Thetford has a history with bridges

Thetford used to have as many as seven covered bridges.

Lyme/East Thetford bridge closed in 2022/23

Bridge closed: April 1, 2022 to November 4, 2022 and April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023.

Town receives grant for Stowell Road bridge work

The state is covering 90% of project costs.

Speeding is always a problem

"There's no point in making a decision right now," Selectboard member Li Shen said. "We don't have any budget [for signs]."

Thetford pastor, lister - vaccinated - test positive for COVID-19

The couple sought testing after the onset of summer cold symptoms.

How did Thetford end up with a big-city police union? A brief history

Should the police union have more power than the Selectboard or the taxpayers the Selectboard represents?

Town Hall reopens to the public

Town Clerk Tracy Borst reminds the public that the late penalty on dog licenses is no longer suspended. Dog owners have until September 15th to renew their 2021 dog licenses before the penalty will kick in.

Latham Road repair delayed another year

The Town could receive $200,000 in grant funding in 2022.

The full scoop on Isabell's

"The need to meet and be together is just as important as what’s on the menu," the new owner said.

For whom the bell tolls in North Thetford

It tolls for thee.

ANR seeks conservation near proposed tower, Town stumbles

Nothing has been warned on a Selectboard agenda, but discussions are well underway.

Construction scheduled to begin for Route 132

Northwoods' bid was roughly $1.2 million lower than Pike's.

Labor shortage delays Treasure Island opening

Housing is where jobs go to sleep at night.

Structure fire on Cream Street contained

No one was hurt.

A Thetford-based nonprofit housing initiative?

Solving Thetford's housing crisis will take a village.

Bids opened for Route 132 paving project

The contractor will have 180 days to complete the project.

Latham Library is slowly re-opening to in-person use

In-person use by appointment, but curbside service will continue at both Latham and Peabody library

It's Valley Quest season

If you stumble upon one of the Quest boxes that Trebitz monitors, leave her a note!

What are those structures on Old Route 132?

Drones are not allowed to be used by the public at Union Village Dam

Thetford's villages added to state's Village Center Designation Program

There are new financial incentives for East Thetford, North Thetford, Post Mills, Thetford Center, and Thetford Hill.

Green Up Day and... garlic mustard?

Drive carefully – people are out on the side of the road picking up litter and (hopefully) pulling garlic mustard.

Box truck damages Sayre Bridge

The bridge, which is the only Haupt Truss bridge in New England, appears to have sustained only minor cosmetic damage.

School Board shows interest in solar expansion proposal

The School Board gave an unanimous nod to solicit a draft proposal that would see a 380kW expansion.

Town sells 26.8 acre portion of Town Forest to abutters

The proceeds from the sale, which total $40,200 (or $1,500/acre), are being deposited into the Town Lands Maintenance Fund.

L&M constructs new access to Towle gravel pit via Route 5

Trucks were backing up the southbound travel land of Route 5 to access the pit via Rabbit Road.

LFA, Private Donors back Treasure Island in one-time donation

The Treasure Island Coordinator will focus on “enhancing Treasure Island’s educational and recreational infrastructure," according to the donation offer.

COVER announces Stuff-a-Truck event at Thetford Recycling

“Tools are some of our bestsellers at the COVER Store,“ their pamphlet says.

Lead found in TES classroom drinking fountains, again

"We are working on fixes to permanently lower levels of lead in the water," the notification to parents read.

AT&T requests additional time to review vernal pool at proposed tower site

The commencement of the 30-day comment period would be delayed until Friday, April 30th, 2021. The Town of Thetford has raised no objection.

Treasure Island: a year in review

It was a transformative year for Treasure Island, yet the Treasure Island Exploratory Committee's work is just beginning.

Green Mountain Power buries lines on Academy Road

"Currently our line is horrible and exists on the top of the hill in the woods," Kevin Matte, designer for Green Mountain Power, wrote.

Thetford's 'Big Trash Day' postponed

No decision will be made on re-scheduling the event until after July 1.

Post Mills Airport owner seeks diner enthusiast for new build

Brian Boland, owner of the Post Mills Airport, is searching for someone interested in running and living in a diner he hopes to build on his property. You can read Rob Gurwitt's article [https://www.notion.so/Brian-Boland-on-a-Diner-for-Post-Mills-021f5af098964f49b45aad53f433f486] in Daybreak. According to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources&

Town of Thetford sells Post Mills land to abutter

While veteran members of the housing committee resign, others advocate for preserving agricultural land: "The benefits run deep."

VTrans removes trees on Thetford's southbound onramp

Most of the trees are hardwood, and will be used at the State Garage for heating.

FAA says: no tower light required on Thetford Town Forest

"No hazard to air navigation" also means reduced nighttime hazard to birds.