FYI-- About "Billy Gilman" Sign in Hope Valley (Old News)

Hey all,
This is extremely old news. Actually, it's quite ancient to be honest (from 2002), , but I thought it would be a good idea to post this just for informational purposes. This is from www.BillyGilmanFanSite.com. It's about the "Home of Billy Gilman" sign that used to stand on the boarder of Hope Valley, RI welcoming people to Billy's hometown. Some fans are still under the impression that the sign still stands; unfortunately, it does not. It was vandalized and stolen multiple times, and the last time it was sabotaged, it was decided that it was best that the sign not be erected again. Here are the full details:
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This from the Chariho Times, August 15, 2002:

If you frequent Route 3 in Hope Valley, you may have noticed that something is amiss with one of it's landmarks.
The Sign that commemorates national singing sensation Billy Gilman, posted on the grounds of the Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire Station, is lacking an integral piece~Billy's photo.
The sign, which honors Billy and his hometown, greets travelers on Route 3 North as they approach the center of Hope Valley.
Hopkinton Police said that Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire Chief Fred Stanley reported that the sign was vandalized on August 4th.
Police said that they then began searching the Internet to see if someone was trying to auction the photo off.
Days later, a delivery person observed Billy's photo in the area of Camp Yawgoo in Rockville and turned it over to police. Now the photo is back in Stanley's hands.
According to Stanley, community members in both Richmond and Hopkinton donated the signs for Billy Gilman Day last September.
The owners of the Stagecoach House and officials of the fire district approved having signs posted at each respective location.
Stanley said they are trying to get hold of the company that created the signs to see if they can restore the Hope Valley sign.
He added that community members alloted additional donation money for maintenance purposes.
If having the sign repaired using a new photo is not an option, Stanley said it's possible they could use the photo from the Wyoming sign to replace this one.
Currently, Stanley isn't sure whether the Wyoming sign will be reposted or not.
"We're waiting to see what the family wants to do," he said.
Hopkinton police are still investigating the case. Should the person who commited this act of vandalism be caught, he or she could face larceny charges.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Lieutenant Michael Gilman at Hopkinton Police at (401) 377-7751.

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Again, the purpose of sharing this was for informational purposes only. Not to discuss getting angry or frustrated about, because it's been 8 years, and truthfully there's nothing to get fired up about anymore. Over the years, Billy fans have visited Hope Valley in search of the notorious sign, so just know that it no longer stands there.

~Autum