Newport - page 3

NEWPORT — On Tuesday, a group calling itself FIGHT BACK 05855, submitted a petition opposing the recently passed ATV ordinance that would allow ATV’s on select routes in Newport City from mid-May until October.

As per state guidelines regarding municipal ordinances, the city must hold a public vote within 60 days after a valid petition is submitted.

Newport City resident Amy Gillespie, the chief organizer of the group, says the petition is a way to allow the community to have a say, whether the ATV ordinance gets voted in or voted down.

“The media has misrepresented us as anti-ATV fun-haters, and that just isn’t valid,” Gillespie said. “I’m personally just really hoping that everyone can work together eventually to create a safer plan for us all.”

The group says the petition signatures were gathered by dedicated people with varying backgrounds, concerns, and beliefs.

They worked together canvassing neighborhoods, collecting signatures at the recycling center, craft fairs, and on social media.

Gillespie says she believes the community wasn’t included in the real discussion and planning process for the ATV routes, nor was the city council.

“They refused to consider any suggestions made by city residents and dismissed safety concerns,” Gillespie said. “According to Borderline Ridge Riders Facebook group, they started discussions with the city in July, behind closed doors. The mayor and city manager have defended their actions and have offered neither compromise nor transparency in the process.”

According to Gillespie, this could have easily been a win-win for the community and the ATV clubs alike.

She says there are alternative ATV routes that are safer for the members of the community.

“No one involved in the planning has responded to my request of what information they used to determine their version of the safest, most beneficial, and least intrusive routes,” Gillespie added.

FIGHT BACK 05855 says they are encouraging all Newport residents to get registered to vote and exercise their democratic rights.

NEWPORT — The local “Splash & Play” initiative received a big boost this month as North Country Hospital stepped forward as the first major sponsor for the project.

Significant renovations at Gardner Memorial Park planned for the fall of 2020 include upgrades to restroom facilities, improvements to pedestrian safety, major playground restorations and installation of a new 40’x40’ splash pad.

To date, the Newport Recreation Committee and the municipality have successfully raised over $300,000 toward the half-million-dollar ticket price through fundraising and grants.

North Country’s contribution will give another big push to close the gap between here and the finish line.

“We do our best to support health and wellness outside the walls of the hospital which includes encouraging projects that promote family activity and opportunities for healthy exercise,” Brian Nall, President and CEO of North Country Hospital, said. “This is going to be a wonderful addition to our community and we’re excited to be part of it.”

A fundraising plan outlined in the Splash & Play Sponsorship Packet indicates that organizers hope about $200,000 will come in through corporate donations.

North Country’s contribution as a “Platinum Sponsor” represents the highest tier on the scale and is the type of support needed to reach fundraising goals.

Amy Pickering, a member of the Recreation Committee and long-time school counselor at North Country High School understands the impact this project has on families in our community.

“Playgrounds are more than just a place to play,” Pickering said. “These spaces contribute immensely to the physical, social and cognitive development of our children and that’s an idea we’re really trying to bring to light. Strong acknowledgment and support from the medical professionals at North Country Hospital really helps drive that message home.”

Some of the structures in the play area at Gardner are over thirty years old and parents have expressed concerns about safety over the past few years.

“We’re definitely overdue,” says Jessica Booth, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Newport. “But, restoring a playground is no small task, especially one as old as we have. It takes time, energy and a huge commitment from those who want to see it happen. In Newport, we’re lucky to have driving forces like the Recreation Committee and cornerstone institutions like North Country Hospital who are ready to support the work. Without those crucial pieces, none of this would be happening.”

Fundraising for the project will continue through the winter with a goal to have everything committed by early spring.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting the Gardner Park Playground & Splashpad are encouraged to call the Parks & Recreation office at (802) 334-6345 or visit www.NewportRecreation.org/SPLASHPLAY to see donation opportunities.

ORLEANS — A rifle was found on I-91 yesterday.

Police say at around 3:00 p.m. a concerned citizen called in after finding the rifle off of I-91 south.

The rifle was near mile marker 161, by exit 26 in Orleans.

If you have lost or know anything about the rifle, please contact the State Police barracks in Derby, at 802-334-8881.

NEWPORT — The Newport Police Department is investigating a weekend burglary at Harvest Equipment.

Police were dispatched to 29 Industrial Drive, for a report of a break-in on Sunday, at 8:44 p.m.

Police say the building’s glass front doors were shattered using a tractor hitch.

A variety of items had been stolen from the facility, including 13 chainsaws, a set of four John Deere Gator rims, and tires and a guitar.

Newport Police are actively investigating this incident and ask that anyone with information call Officer Colin Sykes at 802-334-6733.

NEWPORT — Police say they recently arrested a man in connection with a home burglary in Newport.

Joshua Mandigo, 23, of Newport, was arrested and charged with burglary.

Back in October police were dispatched to Glen Road for a report of a burglary.

Police say several items had been stolen, including a rifle, jewelry, gold coins, and cash.

During a separate investigation, Newport Police took possession of a suspicious firearm magazine, which was subsequently identified as one of the magazines stolen from the burglary victim.

The victim’s in-home surveillance system captured the burglary and investigating officers were able to identify Mandigo, who was known to police, as the suspect.

Officers located Mandigo at a home on Outlook Street, where he was located and taken into custody without incident.

Police say a search of the home yielded many of the items described as having been stolen from the victim’s residence, as well as another firearm that was reported stolen following a car break-in a week prior in Newport.

Mandigo had also removed a court-ordered GPS tracking device, and as a result, was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Vermont Department of Corrections.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and Mandigo remains in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

NEWPORT — A convicted sex offender from Newport was recently sentenced to serve three to five years in prison.

The Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office says that on October 22, 2019, 27-year-old Ryan John was in court for a sentencing hearing.

John pled guilty to a felony charge of aggravated domestic assault, a misdemeanor charge of sex offender registry failure, and a misdemeanor charge of false information to a law enforcement officer.

He was also facing two misdemeanor charges of violating conditions of release.

According to court records, the assault charge stems from an incident in 2018 when John allegedly shot a woman with a BB gun inside a vehicle.

Court records state that the BB was lodged 2 inches into her skin, and she needed to contact a surgeon to have it removed.