Bomb Threat Investigated at Oxbow High

Bradford, Vt. — State and local police searched Oxbow High School Tuesday afternoon after a “written representation of a pipe bomb threat” was found on a bathroom wall, Bradford police said in a news release.

No evidence of an actual explosive was found in the high school or in River Bend Technical Center. Police said the threat was reported at 2:05 p.m. and faculty and students were directed out of the school as a safety precaution. With school buses already arriving for the end of the school day, students did not have to return to the building.

Authorities asked anyone with information about the incident to call Bradford police at 802-222-4727 Ext. 301.

Man Charged With Vandalizing Storrs Hill Released on Bail

Lebanon — A 19-year-old Enfield man charged with vandalizing Storrs Hill Ski Area has been released on $3,000 personal recognizance bail following his arraignment on a criminal mischief charge.

Jordan Whiting appeared in Lebanon District Court on Monday to answer to the felony-level offense. He didn’t enter a plea; he has a probable cause hearing scheduled for June 6.

Lebanon Police Chief Richard Mello said Whiting is the only person who has been formally charged with causing at least $5,000 in damage at Storrs Hill.

Police say on May 11 four to five males vandalized the lower lift shack, the Jump Inn building and the judge’s tower.

Whiting was held at the Grafton County Jail pending his court appearance.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Teachers Union, Claremont Board Dispute to Be Heard June 21

Claremont — The ongoing dispute between the union representing Claremont teachers and the School Board over the class schedule at Stevens High School will be heard on June 21 before the New Hampshire Public Employees Labor Relations Board.

In the latest filings, the attorney representing the Sugar River Education Association has asked the PELRB to issue a cease and desist order against the School Board and force it to comply with an arbitrator’s April 4 decision requiring the district to implement the old block schedule next fall, instead of the new schedule that is being used this academic year.

Attorney James Allmendinger, with the state chapter of the National Education Association, states in his motion that while the School Board does have the authority under state law to set the schedule, it bargained with the SREA on a schedule several years ago and that agreement is binding on both parties. Arbitrator Gary Altman twice ruled the new schedule was in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.

In a motion filed Tuesday by the attorney for the School Board, Mark Broth, of Manchester, said the arbitrator’s award is unenforceable because prohibiting the board from implementing the new A/B class schedule “violates the strong and dominant public policies” in state law that leaves the authority to determine how education is delivered solely in the hands of the board.

Route 4 Bridge Will See Delays

Lebanon — Transportation officials are warning drivers that a lane of the Route 4 bridge that connects White River Junction and Lebanon will be closed today.

Alternating one-way traffic will be allowed over the bridge between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., as crews perform excavation on a White River Junction railway trestle.

The $10.7 million bridge opened to traffic in November, and carries about 13,000 vehicles per day, according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Bethel Street Receives Betterment Grant From AARP

Bethel — South Main Street is going to get a $15,000 makeover, in an effort to boost a broader change in the town’s curb appeal, town officials said.

AARP Vermont announced it had awarded the grant to the town as part of a “Better Blocks” initiative Tuesday, which other communities have used to fund temporary farmers markets, beer gardens, bookstores, fruit stands, playgrounds and performance spaces.

The theory behind the grant is to make an area a showcase that demonstrates its appeal for new businesses, residents and pedestrians. More permanent improvements often follow in the wake of the temporary revitalization, according to the release.

Town Manager Keith Arlund said that, because the grant has just been awarded, it’s not yet clear how, exactly, the money will be spent, but he mentioned vacant storefronts on South Main Street as potential candidates.

— Staff reports