NEWPORT-A campaign to purchase new Christmas lights for Newport has been launched by Kellye and Sarah Stokely, a mother-daughter team of volunteer workers.

Concerned by the shabby state of the town's Christmas decorations and the fact the Newport didn't have pretty lights to welcome visitors to the city, they approached Newport City Council last month with their plan to "light up" the community with sparkling new angels, snowflakes, and other signs of the season.

"This is strictly a volunteer program," said Kellye, "a community service project. Everyone benefits."

Their desire is for businesses, organizations, families, churches, and individuals to sponsor a light.

"The lights cost $635 each, a cost which includes shipping," said Kellye. "They are all LED lights."

The City of Newport has given the organizers $4,000 to buy the first set of lights as a way to kick off the program. "Each set has an average of six lights depending on the size," said Kellye. "We already have a sponsor to purchase lights for all eight poles on the McSween bridge."

For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.