Sheriff eyes a major expansion of services

MIDDLEBURY — Addison County Sheriff Peter Newton is seeking community support in raising $1.5 million to transform his organization into a one-stop shop for law enforcement and community services ranging from jump-starting stranded cars to connecting people with mental health and addiction counseling. He’s calling it the Addison County Community Support program. It’s primary feature calls for two deputies on the road throughout the county, around-the-clock, seven days per week. “We will be forging a series … (read more)

Vergennes police chief cleared of fraud allegation

MONTPELIER — Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan on Friday announced his office had cleared Vergennes Police Chief George Merkel of allegations of that he had fraudulently reported overtimes. The investigation was begun by Addison County Sheriff Peter N … (read more)

Letter to the editor: Man recounts unsettling stop by sheriff’s deputy

Sheriff Peter Newton’s assertion that “If someone complains about one of my deputies I will certainly investigate it thoroughly and take action as needed” is utter baloney (the quote is from “Deputy stops speeding trooper” in the June 25, 2020, edition of … (read more)

Sheriff Newton touts progress in first 5 months

MIDDLEBURY — Peter Newton spent almost a year campaigning hard to become Addison County sheriff. Now five months into that job, Newton said he’s begun to realize some of his campaign goals, including developing a better trained and better outfitted roster … (read more)

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