Today in Newport / Derby
The Haskell's new comedy “Two Tents” opens at 7 p.m. tonight in Derby Line, a fundraiser for the Haskell Free Library and Opera House.
Derby holds a public hearing Monday, October 26, at 6 p.m. on zoning changes to allow more housing near Derby Line and Derby Center.
The Derby Selectboard meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28, to interview town and zoning administrator candidates.
Newport votes November 3 on an amended city charter, on a separate city ballot; an informational hearing is Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m.
Derby Line is flushing hydrants and water mains through October 30, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Newport's City Council approved an application for a $19,000 clean water planning study October 19, draft minutes show.
NEW: newly reported developments or upcoming opportunities. UPDATE: later substantive information on a covered story. ONGOING: continuing useful information. RESOLVED: the reported issue has ended. BACKGROUND: dated historical context, not a new development or confirmation of current availability. UNCONFIRMED: a story, continuing story or detail that could not be confirmed against its cited source on the edition date; the note under the headline says what is not confirmed. Today and countdown lines carry "(unconfirmed)" for the same reason. All local times are Eastern Daylight Time.
Elections
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Newport votes on an amended city charter November 3
Newport voters will decide on Tuesday, November 3, whether to approve an amended city charter dated September 21, 2026. The question is on a separate City of Newport Special Meeting ballot, voted by Australian ballot at the Newport Municipal Building, 222 Main Street, with polls open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The city's August notice called the proposed amendments substantial. The ballot lists 31 charter sections, from the mayor's powers and the City Council to police and fire services, water and sewer systems, a city manager and a harbor commission.
An informational hearing on the article is set for Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building, in person or online. The full charter amendment is posted on the city website and available at the City Clerk's office.
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How to return general election ballots in Newport and Derby
Vermont mails general election ballots to all active registered voters, and the Town of Derby reminds residents that ballots come from the State of Vermont. Voters can return a ballot by mail, put it in their town's drop box, bring it to the clerk's office during business hours or vote early at the clerk's office.
The Secretary of State's office says ballots must reach the town or city clerk before the office closes on Monday, November 2, or be brought to the polling place before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Voters who did not receive a ballot can still vote at the polls after signing an affidavit, and ballot status can be checked on the Vermont Voter Portal.
City, Roads & Planning
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Derby hearing October 26 on zoning changes for more housing near the villages
The Derby Selectboard holds a public hearing Monday, October 26, at 6 p.m. in the Selectboard Room of the Municipal Building, 124 Main Street, Derby Center, on proposed zoning bylaw and map amendments.
The proposal would move several parcels from the Residential 2 Acre and Rural Residential districts into the Residential Medium Density district. The town's notice says the intent is to allow more housing units per acre just outside the villages of Derby Line and Derby Center. A second change would require a 50-foot minimum right-of-way for streets in subdivisions of more than three lots.
The same night's agenda lists consideration of the bylaw amendments, road crew applications, equipment auction bids and two liquor licenses. Copies of the proposal are available from the Zoning Administrator's office. The board has not yet voted on the changes.
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Derby Selectboard to interview town and zoning administrator candidates
The Derby Selectboard has scheduled meetings at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28, to interview candidates for town and zoning administrator. The interviews are listed for executive session, and the agenda shows no other business besides public comments.
No hiring decision has been announced.
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Derby Line flushing hydrants through October 30
The Village of Derby Line is flushing hydrants through Friday, October 30, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and is also flushing sewer lines. The village says flushing may briefly discolor water but does not affect its safety, and asks residents to keep water use to a minimum and plan laundry for other times.
Village tax bills have been mailed and are due Monday, November 2. The trustees meet in special session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, at the Village Hall to interview candidates for a part-time road crew job.
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Newport council backs $19,000 clean water planning study application
The Newport City Council voted October 19 to approve an application for a Clean Water loan feasibility and planning study, according to draft minutes. City Manager Joe Gunter told the council the study is required because Newport's system is combined with Derby's. The minutes put the cost at $19,000, with half funded by the state.
Before the meeting, the council held the final hearing on a $100,000 Vermont Community Development Program grant that paid for the redesign of the Gardner Park playground, including new accessible play structures, a sail shade and misting features, rail fencing and a new sidewalk. The council's next regular meeting is Monday, November 2. The minutes have not yet been approved.
Arts, Culture & Events
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Haskell comedy “Two Tents” opens tonight in Derby Line
Two Tents, a new comedy by Stanstead, Quebec, playwright Ross Murray, opens at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, October 23, at the Haskell Opera House. The play is a fundraiser for the infrastructure needs of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House and part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.
Evening shows follow October 24, 30 and 31 at 7 p.m., with matinees Sunday, October 25, and Sunday, November 1, at 2 p.m. The cast is Sarah Hardin, Mic Hallinan, Holly Lillis and Benj Tabah, and Murray directs. The Vermont Public events listing gives the ticket price as $25 and recommends the show for ages 13 and up. U.S. visitors use the Caswell Avenue entrance in Derby Line.
Still Developing
The latest confirmed movement, the open question and the next checkpoint.
OPENFuture of the North Country Union High School and Career Center buildings
The North Country Supervisory Union says North Country Union High School and the North Country Career Center, both approaching 60 years of age, have major building systems nearing or past their expected lifespan, and that PCB contamination found through the state's testing program has added urgency. A building committee of staff, parents, community members and others is studying the buildings' condition and possible long-term solutions. A community survey on the facilities' future was open through October 13.
First covered October 23, 2026.
OPENNorth Country and Orleans Central begin Act 170 merger talks
Board members from districts in the North Country and Orleans Central supervisory unions met in Newport October 8 to begin merger discussions required under Act 170, the Barton Chronicle reported. The law does not require districts to combine, but it does require good-faith consideration of a merger plan. The state named Heather Boucher, a former interim secretary of education, to facilitate.
First covered October 23, 2026.
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