Newport’s new education task force believes it has found a middle ground between tradition and reform —a lab school model that would bring university expertise into the classroom without compromising local identity. The Newport Education Task Force was established in 2019 to support the Newport Independent School District in improving performance. It created three reports […]
Tag: Ken Rechtin
Posted inNews
Newport commissioner calls on residents to help fund tree planting after grant loss
Newport Commissioner Ken Rechtin is asking residents to donate money for trees to make up for a $1 million grant that was lost. Newport announced in February that it would no longer receive a $1 million grant for tree planting in its West end. Through the grant, the city planned to have volunteers plant 1,000 […]
Posted inNews
Newport approves key bond for $90M housing project on old steel mill site
The $90 million townhome-style rental development planned for Route 9 in Newport is one step closer to becoming a reality. The Newport Commission passed the request for an Industrial Revenue Bond, also known as an IRB, 4-1, with Newport Commissioner Ken Rechtin voting no at a meeting on April 7. The site along Route 9 […]
Posted inNews
Newport deems medical cannabis operations not feasible in city
After further investigation into allowing cannabis operations in Newport, the city found that it is unachievable under the state’s current guidelines. Newport has held multiple discussions surrounding medical cannabis operations in the city, with some commissioners for and against the idea. City management said they began looking into the state’s zoning tool, which tells them […]
Posted inNews
Newport to advance medical marijuana discussion with split vote
As many municipalities around the region have already passed legislation regarding medical marijuana in their cities, Newport has been meticulous in its process. The Newport Board of Commissioners held the first reading of an ordinance regarding medical marijuana in August 2024; however, now that time has passed and a new board member has joined, they […]
Posted inNews
Resurgence of explosions at RMR in Newport: ‘It’s unacceptable’
Residents of Newport have reported explosions coming from River Metals Recycling, and the city is considering taking action against the recycling facility for violating noise ordinances.
Posted in2024 Primary Election, Elections, News, Politics
Newport’s top vote getter named vice mayor
Vice Mayor Julie Smith-Morrow received the most votes in the Newport City Commission race earning her the title of vice mayor.
Posted inNews
Tom Fromme reflects on a 44-year career
Tom Fromme, a third-generation resident of Newport, is set to retire after 44 years of service, having served as police chief and city manager and leaving a legacy of civic pride and successful development projects.
Posted inNews
Medical cannabis in Newport? Commission mulls possibilites, faces opposition
Newport Commissioners Julie Smith-Morrow, Mike Radwanski and mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. expressed interest in allowing medical cannabis operations in the city, while Commissioner Ken Rechtin intends to vote no, and multiple residents spoke at the meeting asking the city to vote no.
Posted inCulture
Newport receives grant to aid in riverfront park planning
Newport received a grant from the National Park Service to plan the parks along the river and engage the community.