Orange appoints five members to Preliminary Fire Chief Screening Committee

ORANGE — The Selectboard has appointed five people to the Preliminary Fire Chief Screening Committee that will be tasked with seeking a replacement for Fire Chief James Young Jr., who has taken a job as chief in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

The committee will be made up of Athol Deputy Fire Chief Eric Jack, retired Barre Fire Chief Rich Stevens, Orange Town Administrator Matthew Fortier, Orange Selectboard Chair Tom Smith and Assistant Assessor Kristen Cormier.

Fortier mentioned he expects a three- to four-week turnaround from the committee.

Orange Bylaw Revision Committee gets seven members, one alternate

ORANGE — The Selectboard appointed seven members and one alternate to the Bylaw Revision Committee.

Chris Woodcock, Keith Lyman, Lisa Aldrich, Fred Heyes, Pamela Oddy, Tom Sexton and Todd Soucy are voting members. Nancy Blackmer was appointed as the alternate.

Selectboard member Jane Peirce said the eight people will make a great committee.

Nomination papers available for special town election

ORANGE — Nomination papers are available for the special town election set for May 4.

Nomination papers must be obtained at Town Hall by 4 p.m. on March 12 and must be returned by 5 p.m. on March 17.

There are two vacant Selectboard seats up for grabs — one with 10 months remaining in the term and one with 22 months left. Andrew Smith recently resigned from his three-year seat to become assistant town clerk, and Mike Bates is stepping down because he feels the position requires someone who can dedicate more time to it.

Cub Scouts bring cards to American Legion Post 172

ORANGE — Members of Cub Scout Pack 40 recently visited the Donald J. Hurtle American Legion Post 172, where they and their families were thanked for making and sending cards to the organization.

The Scouts were briefed on the American Legion’s role in the community and encouraged to continue their journey in Scouting. A reception of hot chocolate and treats followed the meet and greet.

Anyone who is interested in the American Legion is encouraged to call 978-544-6023 or stop by 40 Daniel Shays Highway.

Applications available for Dollars for Wendell Scholars

WENDELL — It is time to apply for scholarships from Dollars for Wendell Scholars.

All students who live in Wendell and will pursue any type of accredited post-secondary education in the next academic year can apply by completing an application at dollarsforwendellscholars.org.

Hard copies are available at local high schools, at the Wendell Free Library, or by contacting Carolyn Manley at 978-544-7028 or dollarsforwendellscholars@gmail.com or Christine Heard at 978-544-2282 or cheard59c@aol.com. Applications must be sent back electronically to dollarsforwendellscholars@gmail.com or mailed to P.O. Box 232, Wendell, MA 01379 by April 15.

Donations to Dollars for Wendell Scholars are tax-deductible. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 232, Wendell, MA 01379, with checks payable to Dollars for Wendell Scholars.

New Salem appoints committee members tasked with finding next police chief

NEW SALEM — The Selectboard has appointed five people to a committee tasked with selecting a new police chief.

The committee is made up of current Police Chief John Bonafini, Fire Chief Matt O’Donnell, retired Fire Chief Joe Cuneo, Selectboard member Richard Taupier and Finance Committee member Dara LaPlante.

“I think we have a fine team to assist us in getting the person who will be our new police chief. It is always challenging to make these decisions,” Selectboard Chair Susan Cloutier wrote in an email. “The town is moving toward designing contracts as well as job descriptions and steps within departments. The process is being formalized, with specific review periods.”