Published March 17, 2007
[ From LSJ.com ]
Mich. man's charity mower ride derailed for lack of registration
Associated Press
MONTPELIER, Vt. - A Michigan man's effort to drive around he country on a lawnmower to raise money for charity might have been cut short by a police officer who said his vehicle needed to be registered to be used on public roads.
...he was stopped by Montpelier Officer Jim Pontbriand.
''Vehicles that travel on our highways are required to be registered and to have a plate,'' Pontbriand said.
He said he thought that ''as long as I had a slow-moving vehicle sign I would be OK, but my research must not have been thorough enough.''
Ransom's vehicle was escorted to a state parking lot.
Ransom, 48, a cross-country truck driver, said he started his ride in Portland, Maine, on Monday. His vehicle is a Dixie Chopper, loaned to him by the manufacturer for the duration of the fundraiser.
Ransom said he'd done some ''bad things in my life, but I want to make a dent doing some good.''
Ransom said he was committed to continuing his drive. He is raising money for the Children's Miracle Network and Shriner's Hospitals For Children. He also wants to meet people.
''Every child deserves good health care,'' said Ransom. ''Your state is a very good state. Its laws are a hindrance right at the moment, don't get me wrong, but I've already met a lot of great people.''
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Yeah, but was the parking free?
-Jessica