Archive 2009
Dear Residents, Sept. 10 2009
Labor Day turned out to be a beautiful weekend but a sad one. The weekend boating accident, I’m sure, struck us all hard. I’m sure all our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved especially the Mahoney family. I was in hopes of never having to write a post such as this but it reminds us all to make boating safety our number one priority. Please take this opportunity to sit down with your family to review all the boating rules and safety regulations contained on this web site:
http://newportlanding.net/safety.htm
http://www.newportlanding.net/Lake_rules.htm
http://newportlanding.net/Alcohol.htm
Again I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Mahoney family on behalf of the lake community.
*************************************************************************
August 17, 2009
With school just a few days away we are reminded that the boating season is also winding down. But I'm sure there are many more days of fun yet to be had on the lake. In light of this summers tubing accident I though it would be good to review some tips on pulling tubers and skiers.
Tips for the Boat Operator
The rules of the road do not provide any special privileges for vessels towing skiers. The safety and welfare of the person you are towing is largely in your hands. There is no room for horseplay within the operator’s scope of responsibility. Remember that tubers have no ability to steer and are completely dependent upon you for their safety.
Resist the temptation to turn around and monitor the skier. The observer should be watching to ensure the skier’s safety and let you know if problems arise. Keep your focus on your direction of travel and maintain a course that keeps the skier away from other boats, the shoreline, or any other hazards. Many accidents occur because the operator was watching the skier and failed to see hazards ahead.
Be aware that the towline can cut like a knife. Before pulling the skier or boarder up, make sure the towline is not caught in the propeller or wrapped around the person being towed. Never accelerate until the skier is grasping the towline handle, with the ski or board in proper position, and signals readiness to be towed. Ease the throttle at first, slightly increasing your speed to provide smooth
acceleration until the skier is up on plane. The boat operator should adjust the boat’s speed according to the skier’s ability. A good speed for beginners, depending upon weight and ski size, is 18-25 MPH.
Never make sharp turns with the boat, especially if the skier is cutting sharply outside the wake on either side. If an approaching obstacle forces you into an unexpected turn, throttle back as you turn. Signal the turn to the skier, remembering that it is better to dunk the skier than risk an accident.
When a skier falls, the operator should return without delay. Other boaters may not easily see the skier in the water, and the presence of your boat may keep other boats away from the vicinity of your skier. Since many towing-sport injury accidents are the result of improper operation by the driver during skier pick-up, use good safety practices. Approach with caution, from the driver’s side, so the
skier is always in view and on your side of the boat. NEVER back the boat up to a person in the water. Shut the engine off when the boat nears the skier so there is no danger from the propeller. When the engine is idling, even in neutral, the propeller may still be turning and can injure an unwary skier, or entangle and cut the towline. In addition, anytime the engine is on, carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger. Repeated or prolonged exposure, even in the open air environment, can cause fainting and subsequent drowning. If a skier falls and is injured, proceed with caution. Any injury may be aggravated by trying to pull the person from the water and onto the boat. Get into the water to support the skier until help arrives or the nature of the injury is known.
Tips for the Observer
In addition to relaying the skier’s and operator’s signals, the observer is responsible for watching the skier at all times. Having an observer (who must be at least 12 years old) on board allows the driver to give full attention to the variety of tasks necessary for safe motorboat operation. This includes
maintaining a proper lookout; failure to do so is one of the leading causes of boating accidents.
Tips for the Skier
Be alert for cross-wakes, partially submerged objects, swimmers, rafters, or anything else that might come between you and the boat. The law requires that you wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while being towed. It will allow you to rest in the water while waiting for the boat, protect the rib cage and cushions falls, and its bright color will help others on the water to spot you. Ski belts are not Coast Guard approved and do not offer positive protection to a fallen or unconscious skier.If you know you are going to fall, relax. Try to make a smooth water entry. Never fall forward over the top of your skis. You can stop quickly by letting go of the rope, sitting back over your skis, and putting
your hands in the water on either side of your body to increase drag, or resistance. After falling, hold a ski up vertically in the air to warn approaching boats.
Skiing, boarding or tubing in cold water or weather increases your risk of hypothermia, so wear a wet-suit if appropriate.
When finished skiing, make sure all gear is secured in a storage rack or tied down, and all lines are safely stowed. Injuries have resulted from boards falling off racks, tubes blowing overboard, or boat occupants becoming entangled in ski lines. Read more..
It has been suggested that Newport Landing start a Neighborhood Watch group. If anyone one is interest in participating and or leading a Watch Group please drop me an email. You can learn more about the program by clicking here.
*******************************************************************
July 2, 2009
Well it sounds like we have a pleasant weekend coming up which should make for a good Independence Day celebration. Just wanted to add a couple of more thoughts.
Remember to keep an eye on your pets. Many times they try to run from all the noise. It seems this happens every year at about this time. One resident dog has already gone on the lamb this week. Luckily a kind neighbor took it in till the owner was found.Small dogs especially are in great danger if they fall in the lake so lets all help out by keeping an eye on our resident pets. Please give me a call if you find one or loose one. Also it is a good idea to get a ID tag for your dog, they sell them at pet stores, this would help bring your pet home sooner.
If you are having your own fire work display please be careful. Remember also to clean them up when the display is over. That empty lot next door might be empty but it still belongs to some one.
So as always be courteous, think safety and have a great Holiday.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
June 23rd, 2009
We have a big weekend coming up shortly. Yes July th is almost upon on us. Again this year the fireworks will be on July 4th with a rain date on the 5th. Hopefully the rain will be behind us by then. I hope everyone will have a safe and fun holiday here at the lake or where ever else you might be.
A big thanks to all of you for putting away your trailers when I asked, it really helps to have such cooperative people to work with. The following is a notice I have handed out to those who have had trailers parked about. I think it had a very good response so for the rest of you who didn't get one I thought I would post it as a review of the covenant concerning boats and trailers.
_____________________________________________
Dear Residents,
It seems every year we get more and mare trailers sitting around on lots and driveways. Now that the Home Owner’s and Lake Assoc. is in full control of the covenants we are trying to do a better job in re-enforcing the rules. The following is the section regarding boats and trailers.
ARTICLE III
BOATING RESTRICTIONS
2. Permitted Watercraft and their trailers, may be parked or stored on a Lot for no longer than 24 consecutive hours unless stored in the garage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Permitted Watercraft on trailers may be parked in a driveway of a Lot during the 15 day period between April 15 and April 30 and October 15 and October 30 to permit Owners to ready their Permitted Watercraft for usage and/or storage.
Please help us in regards to this matter by planning ahead and putting your trailers away in a timely matter.
Thanks for your cooperation,
Rich Melkus
Lake Manager
________________________________________
Again, thank you for such a great response! I hope I will never have to take further action to enforce this rule.
Some of you may have heard of the recent sad news at West Shores the following is an article describing the accident:
New Details: 30-Year-Old Jennifer Dwyer Dies in Tubing Accident
Posted: June 22, 2009 05:29 PM
FEATURED VIDEO Woman Killed in Lake Accident
Omaha, NE - A night on the lake turns deadly, best friends out for some fun, now deal with death and blame. It's a sad day for the community of West Shore Lake near Waterloo.
Two women; critically hurt after the Sheriff's Office says their water-tube smashed into a boat dock. One woman did not make it.
Life-saving measures are taken. Paramedics attend to two women in desperate need of help. The tubing accident sends 29-year-old Kimberly Spangler to the hospital with back injuries. Her close friend, 30-year-old Jennifer Dwyer suffered internal injuries. She later died.
Neighbors tell Action 3 News, they came out onto their deck and saw a boat flying towards them, they looked away and that's when they heard a big boom. The women flew from the water to the beach. The Sheriff's Office tells Action 3 News, Kimberly's husband, 30-year-old Todd Spangler drove the boat. They arrested him for suspicion of boating under the influence of alcohol. However, according to his lawyer, he says alcohol had nothing to do with the accident. "The cause of death was that the ladies when they went around the turn, fell off the intertube and skidded across the surface of the water," said Attorney, James Martin Davis.
Spangler's lawyer wants people to know the man cared deeply for his friend. He was Dwyer's husband's best man in their wedding. "Now he not only lost her but he's sitting there hoping that he doesn't lose his wife. She, up until this morning, wasn't really conscience," said Davis.
As for neighbors in the area, they want this to be a lesson for all boaters. "I'm sick to my stomach because this could happen to anybody, this could happen to anybody," said President of the Neighborhood Home Association, Carol Hoffman.
Sheriff's Deputies are still investigating at the scene. They impounded Spangler's boat and will turn over their evidence to the county attorney
I hope this article will act as a reminder of the need for safety. Our lake rules forbid boating any closer than 30 feet from a dock, please pay attention to this rule! I think it may be especially dangerous going through the west bridge as the docks are rather close. If you are hauling tubers or skiers please slow down as much as possible when going through the bridge. Remember that a tuber can not steer away from any danger. If you are pulling a tube please be aware and go slow when near any obstruction. I'm sure we do not want to have Newport on the evening news. Also there should be no skiing or tubing after sundown. This might also add as a reminder not to boat under the influence.
I'm sorry that I have been behind this spring with the web page, but I was having problems with my editor but hopefully they have been resolved. So have a happy holiday and please be careful. There are some new boaters on the lake this year so be neighborly and help those who may not be experienced at boating. If you see a new face give them a big welcome and help them out. Have a Happy Fourth!
Rich
****************************************************************************
March 30th, 2009
March isn't really going out like a lamb this year but at least the ice is gone and the water is starting to warm slightly. Which means boating looms in the near future. I've started passing out the 2009 ramp keys as I have changed the lock. If you are ready to get your boat in and have not yet received your key give me a call to make arrangements to get your key.
I've already received a couple of new boat registrations this year. So if you have acquired a new boat please send in your registration. If you are new to the lake this year or have never registered a boat you need to do so before you can receive a ramp key. Follow the registration link or give me a call if you have any questions regarding this.
If you are under eighteen and want to operate a boat or jet ski here at Newport you must first take a boating safety class, it's the law. There will be one offered in Bennington this year on April 29th. Follow the link to register for this class or others that will be coming up soon.
Stop back again for more lake, boating and fishing information.............
Look out lake here we come!! January 4, 2009
Happy New Year to All!
Well we've had a successful start to the New Year as I have remembered to type 2009. I'd like to welcome all the new residents who have joined the Newport Community this year. I look forward to getting to know you better through out this up coming year. If you have any questions you can call me or send me an email through the "contact us Link". Please take time to review the covenants and review these pages and you'll have a great start toward fun filled lake life.
The New Year also brings us to the annual Lake and Homeowners Meeting coming up in March, you should receive more information about it in the mail soon. You can also keep an eye on the meetings page for more info as it comes available. If you do not receive a letter let me know so I can make sure your on the mailing list.
I am not at the lake on a regular basis in the winter so if you see of any thing that might be in need of urgent care let me know. The one issue that seems to crop up during the windy winter months is blowing trash. This can not always be avoided but can be helped by making sure your cans are covered and your loose trash is in bags when it is set out for the trash man. I do try to pick up anything I see while I'm out there plowing snow and such but I appreciate your help in this matter. Also Christmas trees float so don't throw them in the lake. I will pick them up from the re-cycler if I need any for fish cover. If your one of those people that keeps them up until March or April well you might give me a call then. Also please read the winter safety rules to find out more about winter on the lake. Just click on the picture to the left.
So I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Susie And I enjoyed a joyous Christmas this year at home. Our boys and daughter-in-law were all home and we had a great time together. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year, see you in the spring.
Rich.
Dear Residents, Sept. 10 2009
Labor Day turned out to be a beautiful weekend but a sad one. The weekend boating accident, I’m sure, struck us all hard. I’m sure all our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved especially the Mahoney family. I was in hopes of never having to write a post such as this but it reminds us all to make boating safety our number one priority. Please take this opportunity to sit down with your family to review all the boating rules and safety regulations contained on this web site:
http://newportlanding.net/safety.htm
http://www.newportlanding.net/Lake_rules.htm
http://newportlanding.net/Alcohol.htm
Again I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Mahoney family on behalf of the lake community.
*************************************************************************
*******************************************************************
July 2, 2009
Well it sounds like we have a pleasant weekend coming up which should make for a good Independence Day celebration. Just wanted to add a couple of more thoughts.
Remember to keep an eye on your pets. Many times they try to run from all the noise. It seems this happens every year at about this time. One resident dog has already gone on the lamb this week. Luckily a kind neighbor took it in till the owner was found.Small dogs especially are in great danger if they fall in the lake so lets all help out by keeping an eye on our resident pets. Please give me a call if you find one or loose one. Also it is a good idea to get a ID tag for your dog, they sell them at pet stores, this would help bring your pet home sooner.
If you are having your own fire work display please be careful. Remember also to clean them up when the display is over. That empty lot next door might be empty but it still belongs to some one.
So as always be courteous, think safety and have a great Holiday.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
June 23rd, 2009
We have a big weekend coming up shortly. Yes July th is almost upon on us. Again this year the fireworks will be on July 4th with a rain date on the 5th. Hopefully the rain will be behind us by then. I hope everyone will have a safe and fun holiday here at the lake or where ever else you might be.
A big thanks to all of you for putting away your trailers when I asked, it really helps to have such cooperative people to work with. The following is a notice I have handed out to those who have had trailers parked about. I think it had a very good response so for the rest of you who didn't get one I thought I would post it as a review of the covenant concerning boats and trailers.
_____________________________________________
Dear Residents,
It seems every year we get more and mare trailers sitting around on lots and driveways. Now that the Home Owner’s and Lake Assoc. is in full control of the covenants we are trying to do a better job in re-enforcing the rules. The following is the section regarding boats and trailers.
ARTICLE III
BOATING RESTRICTIONS
2. Permitted Watercraft and their trailers, may be parked or stored on a Lot for no longer than 24 consecutive hours unless stored in the garage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Permitted Watercraft on trailers may be parked in a driveway of a Lot during the 15 day period between April 15 and April 30 and October 15 and October 30 to permit Owners to ready their Permitted Watercraft for usage and/or storage.
Please help us in regards to this matter by planning ahead and putting your trailers away in a timely matter.
Thanks for your cooperation,
Rich Melkus
Lake Manager
________________________________________
Again, thank you for such a great response! I hope I will never have to take further action to enforce this rule.
Some of you may have heard of the recent sad news at West Shores the following is an article describing the accident:
New Details: 30-Year-Old Jennifer Dwyer Dies in Tubing Accident
Posted: June 22, 2009 05:29 PM
FEATURED VIDEO Woman Killed in Lake Accident
Omaha, NE - A night on the lake turns deadly, best friends out for some fun, now deal with death and blame. It's a sad day for the community of West Shore Lake near Waterloo.
Two women; critically hurt after the Sheriff's Office says their water-tube smashed into a boat dock. One woman did not make it.
Life-saving measures are taken. Paramedics attend to two women in desperate need of help. The tubing accident sends 29-year-old Kimberly Spangler to the hospital with back injuries. Her close friend, 30-year-old Jennifer Dwyer suffered internal injuries. She later died.
Neighbors tell Action 3 News, they came out onto their deck and saw a boat flying towards them, they looked away and that's when they heard a big boom. The women flew from the water to the beach. The Sheriff's Office tells Action 3 News, Kimberly's husband, 30-year-old Todd Spangler drove the boat. They arrested him for suspicion of boating under the influence of alcohol. However, according to his lawyer, he says alcohol had nothing to do with the accident. "The cause of death was that the ladies when they went around the turn, fell off the intertube and skidded across the surface of the water," said Attorney, James Martin Davis.
Spangler's lawyer wants people to know the man cared deeply for his friend. He was Dwyer's husband's best man in their wedding. "Now he not only lost her but he's sitting there hoping that he doesn't lose his wife. She, up until this morning, wasn't really conscience," said Davis.
As for neighbors in the area, they want this to be a lesson for all boaters. "I'm sick to my stomach because this could happen to anybody, this could happen to anybody," said President of the Neighborhood Home Association, Carol Hoffman.
Sheriff's Deputies are still investigating at the scene. They impounded Spangler's boat and will turn over their evidence to the county attorney
I hope this article will act as a reminder of the need for safety. Our lake rules forbid boating any closer than 30 feet from a dock, please pay attention to this rule! I think it may be especially dangerous going through the west bridge as the docks are rather close. If you are hauling tubers or skiers please slow down as much as possible when going through the bridge. Remember that a tuber can not steer away from any danger. If you are pulling a tube please be aware and go slow when near any obstruction. I'm sure we do not want to have Newport on the evening news. Also there should be no skiing or tubing after sundown. This might also add as a reminder not to boat under the influence.
I'm sorry that I have been behind this spring with the web page, but I was having problems with my editor but hopefully they have been resolved. So have a happy holiday and please be careful. There are some new boaters on the lake this year so be neighborly and help those who may not be experienced at boating. If you see a new face give them a big welcome and help them out. Have a Happy Fourth!
Rich
Labor Day turned out to be a beautiful weekend but a sad one. The weekend boating accident, I’m sure, struck us all hard. I’m sure all our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved especially the Mahoney family. I was in hopes of never having to write a post such as this but it reminds us all to make boating safety our number one priority. Please take this opportunity to sit down with your family to review all the boating rules and safety regulations contained on this web site:
http://newportlanding.net/safety.htm
http://www.newportlanding.net/Lake_rules.htm
http://newportlanding.net/Alcohol.htm
Again I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Mahoney family on behalf of the lake community.
*************************************************************************
August 17, 2009
With school just a few days away we are reminded that the boating season is also winding down. But I'm sure there are many more days of fun yet to be had on the lake. In light of this summers tubing accident I though it would be good to review some tips on pulling tubers and skiers.
Tips for the Boat Operator
The rules of the road do not provide any special privileges for vessels towing skiers. The safety and welfare of the person you are towing is largely in your hands. There is no room for horseplay within the operator’s scope of responsibility. Remember that tubers have no ability to steer and are completely dependent upon you for their safety.
Resist the temptation to turn around and monitor the skier. The observer should be watching to ensure the skier’s safety and let you know if problems arise. Keep your focus on your direction of travel and maintain a course that keeps the skier away from other boats, the shoreline, or any other hazards. Many accidents occur because the operator was watching the skier and failed to see hazards ahead.
Be aware that the towline can cut like a knife. Before pulling the skier or boarder up, make sure the towline is not caught in the propeller or wrapped around the person being towed. Never accelerate until the skier is grasping the towline handle, with the ski or board in proper position, and signals readiness to be towed. Ease the throttle at first, slightly increasing your speed to provide smooth
acceleration until the skier is up on plane. The boat operator should adjust the boat’s speed according to the skier’s ability. A good speed for beginners, depending upon weight and ski size, is 18-25 MPH.
Never make sharp turns with the boat, especially if the skier is cutting sharply outside the wake on either side. If an approaching obstacle forces you into an unexpected turn, throttle back as you turn. Signal the turn to the skier, remembering that it is better to dunk the skier than risk an accident.
When a skier falls, the operator should return without delay. Other boaters may not easily see the skier in the water, and the presence of your boat may keep other boats away from the vicinity of your skier. Since many towing-sport injury accidents are the result of improper operation by the driver during skier pick-up, use good safety practices. Approach with caution, from the driver’s side, so the
skier is always in view and on your side of the boat. NEVER back the boat up to a person in the water. Shut the engine off when the boat nears the skier so there is no danger from the propeller. When the engine is idling, even in neutral, the propeller may still be turning and can injure an unwary skier, or entangle and cut the towline. In addition, anytime the engine is on, carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger. Repeated or prolonged exposure, even in the open air environment, can cause fainting and subsequent drowning. If a skier falls and is injured, proceed with caution. Any injury may be aggravated by trying to pull the person from the water and onto the boat. Get into the water to support the skier until help arrives or the nature of the injury is known.
Tips for the Observer
In addition to relaying the skier’s and operator’s signals, the observer is responsible for watching the skier at all times. Having an observer (who must be at least 12 years old) on board allows the driver to give full attention to the variety of tasks necessary for safe motorboat operation. This includes
maintaining a proper lookout; failure to do so is one of the leading causes of boating accidents.
Tips for the Skier
Be alert for cross-wakes, partially submerged objects, swimmers, rafters, or anything else that might come between you and the boat. The law requires that you wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while being towed. It will allow you to rest in the water while waiting for the boat, protect the rib cage and cushions falls, and its bright color will help others on the water to spot you. Ski belts are not Coast Guard approved and do not offer positive protection to a fallen or unconscious skier.If you know you are going to fall, relax. Try to make a smooth water entry. Never fall forward over the top of your skis. You can stop quickly by letting go of the rope, sitting back over your skis, and putting
your hands in the water on either side of your body to increase drag, or resistance. After falling, hold a ski up vertically in the air to warn approaching boats.
Skiing, boarding or tubing in cold water or weather increases your risk of hypothermia, so wear a wet-suit if appropriate.
When finished skiing, make sure all gear is secured in a storage rack or tied down, and all lines are safely stowed. Injuries have resulted from boards falling off racks, tubes blowing overboard, or boat occupants becoming entangled in ski lines. Read more..
It has been suggested that Newport Landing start a Neighborhood Watch group. If anyone one is interest in participating and or leading a Watch Group please drop me an email. You can learn more about the program by clicking here.
*******************************************************************
July 2, 2009
Well it sounds like we have a pleasant weekend coming up which should make for a good Independence Day celebration. Just wanted to add a couple of more thoughts.
Remember to keep an eye on your pets. Many times they try to run from all the noise. It seems this happens every year at about this time. One resident dog has already gone on the lamb this week. Luckily a kind neighbor took it in till the owner was found.Small dogs especially are in great danger if they fall in the lake so lets all help out by keeping an eye on our resident pets. Please give me a call if you find one or loose one. Also it is a good idea to get a ID tag for your dog, they sell them at pet stores, this would help bring your pet home sooner.
If you are having your own fire work display please be careful. Remember also to clean them up when the display is over. That empty lot next door might be empty but it still belongs to some one.
So as always be courteous, think safety and have a great Holiday.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
June 23rd, 2009
We have a big weekend coming up shortly. Yes July th is almost upon on us. Again this year the fireworks will be on July 4th with a rain date on the 5th. Hopefully the rain will be behind us by then. I hope everyone will have a safe and fun holiday here at the lake or where ever else you might be.
A big thanks to all of you for putting away your trailers when I asked, it really helps to have such cooperative people to work with. The following is a notice I have handed out to those who have had trailers parked about. I think it had a very good response so for the rest of you who didn't get one I thought I would post it as a review of the covenant concerning boats and trailers.
_____________________________________________
Dear Residents,
It seems every year we get more and mare trailers sitting around on lots and driveways. Now that the Home Owner’s and Lake Assoc. is in full control of the covenants we are trying to do a better job in re-enforcing the rules. The following is the section regarding boats and trailers.
ARTICLE III
BOATING RESTRICTIONS
2. Permitted Watercraft and their trailers, may be parked or stored on a Lot for no longer than 24 consecutive hours unless stored in the garage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Permitted Watercraft on trailers may be parked in a driveway of a Lot during the 15 day period between April 15 and April 30 and October 15 and October 30 to permit Owners to ready their Permitted Watercraft for usage and/or storage.
Please help us in regards to this matter by planning ahead and putting your trailers away in a timely matter.
Thanks for your cooperation,
Rich Melkus
Lake Manager
________________________________________
Again, thank you for such a great response! I hope I will never have to take further action to enforce this rule.
Some of you may have heard of the recent sad news at West Shores the following is an article describing the accident:
New Details: 30-Year-Old Jennifer Dwyer Dies in Tubing Accident
Posted: June 22, 2009 05:29 PM
FEATURED VIDEO Woman Killed in Lake Accident
Omaha, NE - A night on the lake turns deadly, best friends out for some fun, now deal with death and blame. It's a sad day for the community of West Shore Lake near Waterloo.
Two women; critically hurt after the Sheriff's Office says their water-tube smashed into a boat dock. One woman did not make it.
Life-saving measures are taken. Paramedics attend to two women in desperate need of help. The tubing accident sends 29-year-old Kimberly Spangler to the hospital with back injuries. Her close friend, 30-year-old Jennifer Dwyer suffered internal injuries. She later died.
Neighbors tell Action 3 News, they came out onto their deck and saw a boat flying towards them, they looked away and that's when they heard a big boom. The women flew from the water to the beach. The Sheriff's Office tells Action 3 News, Kimberly's husband, 30-year-old Todd Spangler drove the boat. They arrested him for suspicion of boating under the influence of alcohol. However, according to his lawyer, he says alcohol had nothing to do with the accident. "The cause of death was that the ladies when they went around the turn, fell off the intertube and skidded across the surface of the water," said Attorney, James Martin Davis.
Spangler's lawyer wants people to know the man cared deeply for his friend. He was Dwyer's husband's best man in their wedding. "Now he not only lost her but he's sitting there hoping that he doesn't lose his wife. She, up until this morning, wasn't really conscience," said Davis.
As for neighbors in the area, they want this to be a lesson for all boaters. "I'm sick to my stomach because this could happen to anybody, this could happen to anybody," said President of the Neighborhood Home Association, Carol Hoffman.
Sheriff's Deputies are still investigating at the scene. They impounded Spangler's boat and will turn over their evidence to the county attorney
I hope this article will act as a reminder of the need for safety. Our lake rules forbid boating any closer than 30 feet from a dock, please pay attention to this rule! I think it may be especially dangerous going through the west bridge as the docks are rather close. If you are hauling tubers or skiers please slow down as much as possible when going through the bridge. Remember that a tuber can not steer away from any danger. If you are pulling a tube please be aware and go slow when near any obstruction. I'm sure we do not want to have Newport on the evening news. Also there should be no skiing or tubing after sundown. This might also add as a reminder not to boat under the influence.
I'm sorry that I have been behind this spring with the web page, but I was having problems with my editor but hopefully they have been resolved. So have a happy holiday and please be careful. There are some new boaters on the lake this year so be neighborly and help those who may not be experienced at boating. If you see a new face give them a big welcome and help them out. Have a Happy Fourth!
Rich
****************************************************************************
March 30th, 2009
March isn't really going out like a lamb this year but at least the ice is gone and the water is starting to warm slightly. Which means boating looms in the near future. I've started passing out the 2009 ramp keys as I have changed the lock. If you are ready to get your boat in and have not yet received your key give me a call to make arrangements to get your key.
I've already received a couple of new boat registrations this year. So if you have acquired a new boat please send in your registration. If you are new to the lake this year or have never registered a boat you need to do so before you can receive a ramp key. Follow the registration link or give me a call if you have any questions regarding this.
If you are under eighteen and want to operate a boat or jet ski here at Newport you must first take a boating safety class, it's the law. There will be one offered in Bennington this year on April 29th. Follow the link to register for this class or others that will be coming up soon.
Stop back again for more lake, boating and fishing information.............
Look out lake here we come!! January 4, 2009
Happy New Year to All!
Well we've had a successful start to the New Year as I have remembered to type 2009. I'd like to welcome all the new residents who have joined the Newport Community this year. I look forward to getting to know you better through out this up coming year. If you have any questions you can call me or send me an email through the "contact us Link". Please take time to review the covenants and review these pages and you'll have a great start toward fun filled lake life.
The New Year also brings us to the annual Lake and Homeowners Meeting coming up in March, you should receive more information about it in the mail soon. You can also keep an eye on the meetings page for more info as it comes available. If you do not receive a letter let me know so I can make sure your on the mailing list.
I am not at the lake on a regular basis in the winter so if you see of any thing that might be in need of urgent care let me know. The one issue that seems to crop up during the windy winter months is blowing trash. This can not always be avoided but can be helped by making sure your cans are covered and your loose trash is in bags when it is set out for the trash man. I do try to pick up anything I see while I'm out there plowing snow and such but I appreciate your help in this matter. Also Christmas trees float so don't throw them in the lake. I will pick them up from the re-cycler if I need any for fish cover. If your one of those people that keeps them up until March or April well you might give me a call then. Also please read the winter safety rules to find out more about winter on the lake. Just click on the picture to the left.
So I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Susie And I enjoyed a joyous Christmas this year at home. Our boys and daughter-in-law were all home and we had a great time together. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year, see you in the spring.
Rich.
Dear Residents, Sept. 10 2009
Labor Day turned out to be a beautiful weekend but a sad one. The weekend boating accident, I’m sure, struck us all hard. I’m sure all our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved especially the Mahoney family. I was in hopes of never having to write a post such as this but it reminds us all to make boating safety our number one priority. Please take this opportunity to sit down with your family to review all the boating rules and safety regulations contained on this web site:
http://newportlanding.net/safety.htm
http://www.newportlanding.net/Lake_rules.htm
http://newportlanding.net/Alcohol.htm
Again I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Mahoney family on behalf of the lake community.
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July 2, 2009
Well it sounds like we have a pleasant weekend coming up which should make for a good Independence Day celebration. Just wanted to add a couple of more thoughts.
Remember to keep an eye on your pets. Many times they try to run from all the noise. It seems this happens every year at about this time. One resident dog has already gone on the lamb this week. Luckily a kind neighbor took it in till the owner was found.Small dogs especially are in great danger if they fall in the lake so lets all help out by keeping an eye on our resident pets. Please give me a call if you find one or loose one. Also it is a good idea to get a ID tag for your dog, they sell them at pet stores, this would help bring your pet home sooner.
If you are having your own fire work display please be careful. Remember also to clean them up when the display is over. That empty lot next door might be empty but it still belongs to some one.
So as always be courteous, think safety and have a great Holiday.
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June 23rd, 2009
We have a big weekend coming up shortly. Yes July th is almost upon on us. Again this year the fireworks will be on July 4th with a rain date on the 5th. Hopefully the rain will be behind us by then. I hope everyone will have a safe and fun holiday here at the lake or where ever else you might be.
A big thanks to all of you for putting away your trailers when I asked, it really helps to have such cooperative people to work with. The following is a notice I have handed out to those who have had trailers parked about. I think it had a very good response so for the rest of you who didn't get one I thought I would post it as a review of the covenant concerning boats and trailers.
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Dear Residents,
It seems every year we get more and mare trailers sitting around on lots and driveways. Now that the Home Owner’s and Lake Assoc. is in full control of the covenants we are trying to do a better job in re-enforcing the rules. The following is the section regarding boats and trailers.
ARTICLE III
BOATING RESTRICTIONS
2. Permitted Watercraft and their trailers, may be parked or stored on a Lot for no longer than 24 consecutive hours unless stored in the garage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Permitted Watercraft on trailers may be parked in a driveway of a Lot during the 15 day period between April 15 and April 30 and October 15 and October 30 to permit Owners to ready their Permitted Watercraft for usage and/or storage.
Please help us in regards to this matter by planning ahead and putting your trailers away in a timely matter.
Thanks for your cooperation,
Rich Melkus
Lake Manager
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Again, thank you for such a great response! I hope I will never have to take further action to enforce this rule.
Some of you may have heard of the recent sad news at West Shores the following is an article describing the accident:
New Details: 30-Year-Old Jennifer Dwyer Dies in Tubing Accident
Posted: June 22, 2009 05:29 PM
FEATURED VIDEO Woman Killed in Lake Accident
Omaha, NE - A night on the lake turns deadly, best friends out for some fun, now deal with death and blame. It's a sad day for the community of West Shore Lake near Waterloo.
Two women; critically hurt after the Sheriff's Office says their water-tube smashed into a boat dock. One woman did not make it.
Life-saving measures are taken. Paramedics attend to two women in desperate need of help. The tubing accident sends 29-year-old Kimberly Spangler to the hospital with back injuries. Her close friend, 30-year-old Jennifer Dwyer suffered internal injuries. She later died.
Neighbors tell Action 3 News, they came out onto their deck and saw a boat flying towards them, they looked away and that's when they heard a big boom. The women flew from the water to the beach. The Sheriff's Office tells Action 3 News, Kimberly's husband, 30-year-old Todd Spangler drove the boat. They arrested him for suspicion of boating under the influence of alcohol. However, according to his lawyer, he says alcohol had nothing to do with the accident. "The cause of death was that the ladies when they went around the turn, fell off the intertube and skidded across the surface of the water," said Attorney, James Martin Davis.
Spangler's lawyer wants people to know the man cared deeply for his friend. He was Dwyer's husband's best man in their wedding. "Now he not only lost her but he's sitting there hoping that he doesn't lose his wife. She, up until this morning, wasn't really conscience," said Davis.
As for neighbors in the area, they want this to be a lesson for all boaters. "I'm sick to my stomach because this could happen to anybody, this could happen to anybody," said President of the Neighborhood Home Association, Carol Hoffman.
Sheriff's Deputies are still investigating at the scene. They impounded Spangler's boat and will turn over their evidence to the county attorney
I hope this article will act as a reminder of the need for safety. Our lake rules forbid boating any closer than 30 feet from a dock, please pay attention to this rule! I think it may be especially dangerous going through the west bridge as the docks are rather close. If you are hauling tubers or skiers please slow down as much as possible when going through the bridge. Remember that a tuber can not steer away from any danger. If you are pulling a tube please be aware and go slow when near any obstruction. I'm sure we do not want to have Newport on the evening news. Also there should be no skiing or tubing after sundown. This might also add as a reminder not to boat under the influence.
I'm sorry that I have been behind this spring with the web page, but I was having problems with my editor but hopefully they have been resolved. So have a happy holiday and please be careful. There are some new boaters on the lake this year so be neighborly and help those who may not be experienced at boating. If you see a new face give them a big welcome and help them out. Have a Happy Fourth!
Rich