The Barton Chronicle

by Trisha Ingalls IRASBURG — Roger Gagnon has been giving his time, treasure, and talent to the town of Irasburg for over forty years, and just completed another major contribution: restoring the Orne Covered Bridge. Mr. Gagnon was born in Nashua, New Hampshire. After serving in the Vietnam War, he wanted to get away from the city and live a quiet life. He has lived in Irasburg since 1982. In that time, he has been a member of the select board and the planning commission, a lister, and more.

by Maria Amador BARTON — Classes may be out for the summer, but the work of a school is year-round. At least that is the case in Orleans Central Supervisory Union (OCSU), where last week two new principals began preparations for the coming school year, and a meal distribution program continues to be a welcome resource for community members. On July 1, Andrew Kulak and Matthew Allen began their tenures as the newest principals in the county.

by Joseph Gresser BARTON — A couple of new projects should make noticeable changes to Barton according to information provided to select board members by Zoning Administrator Sarah Bailey on July 1. Board chair Jeff Cota was off celebrating his birthday, leaving colleagues Dee McDowell and Ted Gattino to do the heavy lifting in his absence. Mr. Gattino introduced the first project.

Earl Francis Griffin April 15, 1954-June 25, 2026 Earl Francis Griffin, 72, of West Charleston died on June 25, 2026. He was born on April 15, 1954, to Francis and Mary Griffin of West Charleston. Earl was a graduate of North Country Union High School, where he was recognized for his accomplishments in mechanics. He spent his life appreciating the quiet comfort of a simple, predictable routine.

Newport chooses city manager Published 38 seconds ago Joseph Gresser38s ago NEWPORT — Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase announced Friday, that the city council will appoint Joe Gunter to the post of city manager at its July 6. Mr. Gunter has served as Fair Haven City Manager for the past eight years.Prior to Fair Haven, Mr. Gunter held a similar position in New Hampshire and led a $130 million municipal infrastructure program in Afghanistan with U.S. Agency for International Development.

by Joseph Gresser DERBY LINE — A Chilean woman bought tickets for a performance at the Haskell Opera House, entered through the Canadian side of the border-straddling landmark and, when the show was over, left through the American door.

by Gabrielle Gervais WESTMORE — On Monday, directly following the bustling opening day of the Westmore Farmers’ Market, complete with live music, food trucks, local produce, and handmade goods, the select board met to discuss concerns about dirt bikes and ATVs, bringing power to North Beach, and updates on contracts with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Westmore Fire and Rescue. In the absence of David Stevens, select board member Bill Perkins acted as chair.

by Maria Amador GLOVER — Residents here took a break from perusing the townwide yard sale Saturday morning to attend a public forum about the future of the Glover green. Though the idea of enhancing the space first arose in 2022, some residents — especially those who own houses directly surrounding the green — say they believe the town has failed to meaningfully consider community input on the project.

By Maria Amador EAST HARDWICK — Driving by the swaths of green lining the Center Road between East Hardwick and Greensboro, it is easy to miss the driveway with a wooden sign reading “Whitefield.”  The name belonged to the first owner of the land just beyond the marker, land which today sustains an ambitious farming operation rooted in history. The farm at Green Mountain Merino and Whitefield Hop Yard began in 2012 with Kevin and Karen Broderick.

by Gabrielle Gervais MORGAN — As of late, this town’s “four corners” bustles with improvements, boasting a completely refreshed family-owned country store, revival of the Morgan Community House, and nearly complete bays at the Newport Ambulance Services outpost. On June 22, days of rain let up just enough for the Chronicle to embark on a pleasant tour of recent developments guided by Jane Malgeri, chair of the Morgan Community House Committee.