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July 31, 2006

1st winner of new slot game rakes it in at Lincoln Park

LINCOLN -- The first winner of the nation's first multi-state progressive slot jackpot won the prize yesterday at Lincoln Park, it was announced today.

The new Ca$hola game links slot machines at Lincoln, Newport Grand and slot facilities in Delaware and West Virginia. A portion of each dollar gambled at each machine is put toward a jackpot that can be won by gamblers in any state.

The game started on July 18 and is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association, a group of lotteries that runs Powerball. The chance of winning is about 1 in 7 million.

The 20-year annuity was $708,558.20, but the unidentified winner chose to take the cash payout of $454,319.

Higher jackpots are thought to entice more gamblers, creating more money for the slot parlor. The state takes about 60.5 percent of the slot revenues at Lincoln Park, or $205.4 million last year.

-- Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:31 PM | Comment

Chafee, Laffey to engage in series of debates

PROVIDENCE -- Cranston Mayor Stephen P. Laffey and U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee will square off in a series of debates next month, according to announcements today from each campaign.

The first debate in the Republican primary race for Chafee's seat is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. , to be broadcast live on WHJJ radio. Three more debates are scheduled in August, at weekly intervals.

The rest of the debate schedule is as follows:

-Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 6 p.m., live on WPRO radio

- Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 7 to 8 p.m., televised live on WPRI Channel 12

- Thursday, Aug. 24, from 7 to 8 p.m., televised live on WJAR Channel 10

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:56 PM | Comment

National Grid proposes drop in electricity rates

After seven months of record-high electricity rates, Rhode Islanders may soon get a reprieve.

National Grid today proposed reducing its rates on Sept. 1 by about 3.9 percent.
The proposal reflects a projected decline in energy prices over the next few months, the company said in a filing with the Public Utilities Commission late this afternoon.

If the change is approved by the PUC, the monthly bill for a customer who uses 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity would be $77.82, down $3.12, or 3.9 percent, from $80.94 under current rates.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 5:50 PM | Comment

Red Sox fail to make deal prior to baseball's trading deadline

Despite having what he described as ''countless, countless, countless opportunities'' to make a trade prior to today's 4 p.m. trade deadline, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said none of the potential deals they could have made would have benefitted the team in the long term. And, thus, the Sox wound up standing pat and not making a trade.

Continue reading more on the Red Sox blog.

Posted by Art at 5:29 PM | Comment

Newport fatal accident under review

NEWPORT -- The police said today they are still reviewing whether to file criminal charges in a motor vehicle accident involving two pedestrians that left one man dead.

William DePaolo, 67, a former chairman of the Southington, Conn. town council, died at Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday morning, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The driver, Elizabeth Delude-Dix, 54,of 1070 E. Shore Road, Jamestown, told the police that she was using the car's windshield wipers and did not see the pedestrians crossing, said police Lt. Michael Brennan. Brennan said there was no evidence to suggest the driver was speeding, and that she did not run a red light.

"The case is still being reviewed by detectives and the attorney general's office,'' Brennan said. "At this time there are no criminal charges.''

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit, with reports from the Hartford Courant

DePaolo and his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Moran, 37, were crossing America's Cup Avenue at Bannister's Wharf at about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday when they were hit by the 2001 Volkswagen Delude-Dix was driving north through the intersection. DePaolo and Moran are both from Southington.

Moran was treated for her injuries at Newport Hospital. DePaolo was transferred that day to Newport Hospital.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit, with reports from the Hartford Courant

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:10 PM | Comment

Hearing begins on former parks employee's pension

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Kathleen M. Parsons listens to lawyer Jennifer Sternick, left, as Sternick questions Parsons about embezzling money to pay her gambling debts.

PROVIDENCE -- The city Retirement Board, as required by law, began the process today of revoking or reducing a city parks employee's $1,895 monthly pension because she rendered dishonorable service by embezzling money.

Kathleen M. Parsons, a former office manager in the superintendent's office of the Providence Parks Department, is fighting to keep her pension. She blames her actions on a gambling problem.

"I knew it was wrong, of course...I couldn't help myself," she testified. Parsons embezzled at least $26,981.

Lawyer Jennifer Sternick was appointed earlier by the board to conduct hearings and then recommend what the board should do with the pension.

Another hearing session has been scheduled for September.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Jack Perry at 4:39 PM | Comment

Mayor to meet with residents tonight on Federal Hill

PROVIDENCE -- Mayor David N. Cicilline will meet one-on-one with city residents tonight on Federal Hill as part of his "Mayor's Night Out" initiative.

Beginning at 5:30 at the Federal Hill House on Courtland Street, Cicilline will meet privately with residents for 10 minutes each on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no set agenda, and residents are free to discuss whatever they want.

Cicilline's next "night out" will take place Aug. 23.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:34 PM | Comment

Judge to hear 8 Derderian trial motions Wednesday

PROVIDENCE -- With the trial about a month away, lawyers for Station nightclub co-owner Michael Derderian plan to ask a Superior Court judge to ban witnesses from talking about the official capacity of the club, where 100 people died in a 2003 fire.

That's one of the eight motions filed by Derderian's attorneys scheduled to be discussed Wednesday morning before Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr.

The motion is "seeking to preclude testimony by any official of the town of West Warwick regarding 'official' capacity of the Station nightclub as of February 20, 2003."

Another motion by the defense team will ask the judge to preclude amateur opinion regarding the capacity of the club -- presumably from people who were inside the Station the night of the fire.

Prosecutors have subpoenaed more than 250 potential witnesses for the trial, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 5.

Derderian and his brother Jeffrey Derderian, the nightclub's other owner, each are charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 2 for each of the 100 people who died in the fire. Jeffrey Derderian's trial date has not yet been set.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:51 PM | Comment

Update on Red Sox trade rumors, as deadline nears

With the 4 p.m. trade deadline looming, some quick hits on Red Sox trade rumors . . .

-- In the last 90 minutes, a Kip Wells-to-Boston rumor took fire in virtually every corner of the Internet. However, a baseball source says the deal is ''not close.''

-- A high-ranked baseball insider said the Sox were negotiating a contract extension with the agents for Julio Lugo, indicating a deal with the Devil Rays might be close.

For the latest, click over to projo.com's Sox Blog. And check back soon for updates.

-- Journal sports writer Sean McAdam

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:32 PM | Comment

Ways to cool off in Providence

PROVIDENCE – With an excessive heat watch on for tomorrow afternoon through Wednesday evening, the capital city is urging people without access to air-conditioning to take advantage of some cool city spots.

As a precaution, the Providence Emergency Management Agency is opening a shelter at Springfield Middle School, 152 Springfield St., from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow and Wednesday, Alderson said.

People can also head to the Providence Public Library branches and the city’s senior centers, which are open their regular hours, according to Rhoades Alderson, communications director for the city.

The city’s public pools and water parks will stay open until 7 p.m. the next two days, instead of closing at 5 p.m., Alderson said.

In addition, Providence Community Action will be giving out free fans, beginning tomorrow, Alderson said. More details on that program were not immediately available.

And Mayor David N. Cicilline is encouraging people to check in on neighbors and relatives who they think may be vulnerable to heat illness.

“That’s the best way to ensure safety, is for neighbors to go in and help each other out,” Alderson said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:59 PM | Comment

Update: Toddler found in pool remains critical

WARWICK – A 2-year-old girl remains in critical condition today at Hasbro Children’s Hospital after she was found yesterday morning in the family inground pool at 90 Burbank Drive.

The incident is under police investigation, in coordination with the state Department of Children, Youth & Families, Police Lt. Raymond Gallucci said this morning. The police are not releasing the family’s name.

DCYF, which typically steps in for such investigations, is providing support to the family at this time, said Stephanie Perry, the department's assistant director of child protective services.

"There's no evidence at this point that this is anything but a tragic accident," Perry said. "However, we’re continuing to investigate."

Yesterday, Lt. Michael J. Higgins said the police did not suspect foul play.

The girl was in the intensive care unit yesterday after the police were called around 8:30 a.m. Preliminary reports from the scene indicate that the pool has a fence around it, Higgins said yesterday.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:52 PM | Comment

Photo: Juice in the park

Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski
Julio Giron, 4, of Providence, drinks orange juice that came today in his lunch, one of thousands served to youngsters every summer by the Providence Department of Recreation.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:26 PM | Comment

SUV crashes into Warren Convenience Store

WARREN -- Two men were inside the Warren Convenience Store at 10 a.m. today when a gray Mercury Mountaineer crashed though the store’s front window and nearly hit one of the men.

No one was hurt in the crash at 630 Metacom Ave., Sgt. Joe DaSilva Jr. said.

When the driver, a 17-year-old Bristol boy, pulled into the store parking lot, he stepped on the brake, but it didn't work, according Lt. Joseph Loiselle.

Kiran D’souza, the nephew of store owner Nalin Patel, was working when the SUV came rolling through the front window.

“I was behind the counter, and there was a customer in the store,” he said. "[The SUV] just missed the customer by a couple of inches."

The building sustained no major structural damage, according to town building official William J. Nash Jr.

The police are still investigating.

-- Journal Staff Writer Justin Amoah

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:07 PM | Comment

R.I. to get $1.65M to repair flood-damaged roads

Rhode Island will receive $1.65 million in federal funding to help repair roads and bridges damaged during last fall’s flooding.

The funding is part of an emergency appropriation passed by Congress in June that went to the Federal Highway Administration’s emergency relief program.

Several rivers flooded last October when 7 inches of rain fell in 24 hours on the heels of a week of steady rain. Among them was the Pocasset, which flooded Cranston streets, filling area basements with sewage and stormwater.

“With the allocation of these federal dollars, Rhode Island can recoup many of the expenses incurred in the wake of last October’s flooding,” U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., said in the announcement. “Now, those costs associated with repairing damaged roads and bridges will not be paid for by the local taxpayer.”

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:02 PM | Comment

Will Sox make a move before today's trade deadline?

The Boston Red Sox will make news this afternoon, whether they do or do not make a trade by the 4 p.m. deadline.

The Sox are rumored to be interested in a host of players, including Roger Clemens, Mark Buehrle and Julio Lugo. And Boston may be willing to move Coco Crisp and Mike Lowell, just to name a few big name starters.

Check back for trade news as Journal reporters Sean McAdam and Steven Krasner monitor the situation.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 11:40 AM | Comment

Gas prices increase for 5th straight week

Gasoline prices in Rhode Island have increased another two cents, the fifth straight week prices have risen, according to AAA Southern New England.

The average price for regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.11 per gallon at self-service pump, according to the car club's weekly survey.

The price has increased 15 cents over the past five weeks, AAA said.

Check on Providence gas prices.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:07 AM | Comment

Pawtucket rail layover station holds grand opening today

PAWTUCKET -- Today's the grand opening for a new commuter rail layover station in Pawtucket.

Deputy Federal Transit Administrator Sandy Bushue will join a host of political leaders this morning to dedicate the new rail yard.

Relocating the layover station from Attleboro to Pawtucket is part of a deal between Rhode Island officials and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The agreement will allow expanded commuter rail service to Providence.

Starting this month, the MBTA is increasing the number of weekday trips from Boston to Providence from 11 to 15. It's also introducing weekend service.

MBTA officials say more than 1,000 people board the commuter rail daily in Providence.

Read more about the Pawtucket station.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:22 AM | Comment

R.I. Guard to help patrol nation's border

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri is expected to attend a farewell ceremony for Rhode Island Air National Guard troops this morning at T.F. Green Airport.

About 40 members of the 281st Combat Communications Group are scheduled to leave today for New Mexico to help patrol the nation's border. They will be deployed for three weeks.

The Rhode Island Air National Guard will help develop a communications plan for New Mexico that fits into a national plan linking the four states on the nation's border with Mexico.

It is the Rhode Island Guard's first assignment on the southwest border.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:09 AM | Comment

Dangerously hot weather predicted for this week

PROVIDENCE – If you’ve been thinking about getting an air conditioner but keep putting it off, today’s forecast could be your motivation to go get it and install it.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for almost all of southern New England, in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. The watch doesn’t include Block Island, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

With temperatures expected to soar well into the 90s Tuesday afternoon and approach 100 degrees in western Massachusetts, the combination of heat and humidity will result in heat indices of up to 105 degrees. With temperatures topping out at 100 degrees over most of southern New England on Wednesday, the hottest day of the week, heat indices are expected to reach around 110 degrees that afternoon.

Such weather is extreme for southern New England and can be life-threatening if precautions are not taken, especially for the elderly, children and people who work outside.

Keep up with the latest conditions and forecasts on our website.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:08 AM | Comment

July 28, 2006

Update: Man who strangled wife gets life in prison

A Providence man convicted in January of strangling his wife and hiding her body in a crawlspace in his apartment was sentenced this afternoon to life in prison.

James "Clyde" Gillespie, 44, killed his wife in 1998, bundled her corpse in cloth and stowed it in a small space behind a padlocked closet. He lived with the stench of the decomposing body for two months before being evicted from the West End house. A cleaning crew later discovered the corpse.

Savage was facing 10 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder conviction and another five years for failing to report a death. Superior Court Judge Judith Colenback Savage gave Gillespie the maximum penalty in both charges.

"To get the life sentence on second-degree [murder] is gratifying, obviously that's the maximum we could get," said Michael Healey, spokesman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:53 PM | Comment

Update: Line of thunderstorms crossing R.I.

PROVIDENCE -- A severe thunderstorm watch is on for the region until 9 p.m. tonight.

Live weather radar shows a line of storms crossing Rhode Island from the west to east now.

An airport weather warning for the state's airports had been issued from 6 to 7 p.m.
These thunderstorms have the potential to produce wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts ...

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:50 PM | Comment

Photo: Navy warship Wasp visiting Newport

Journal photo / Frieda Squires
The U.S. Navy warship Wasp (LHD-1) arrived at Pier 2, Naval Station, Newport, today for a weekend port visit. The ship carries 73 officers and 1,009 enlisted personnel, and a Marine detachment of 1,894. The Wasp is the lead ship of the Navy's first class of multi-purpose amphibious assault ships.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:11 PM | Comment

Underdog: Still here but almost gone

PROVIDENCE – The Disney movie Underdog is nearing the end of its Providence film shoot.

The crew has a few more shots to film at the State House today and on Washington Street tomorrow before its members move on, according to Jenny Peek, the cultural affairs and film manager for the city of Providence.

Beyond that, Peek said Underdog will be filming some basic shots without the crew for a couple weeks at the Armory, but she doesn’t think people will really know they’re there since the full entourage of hard-to-miss trucks won’t be needed.

Peek said the whole shoot has been a “great experience.”

“For a movie that has been so present for such a long time, they were as unobtrusive as a movie with big trucks could be,” she said.

Tomorrow, from noon until sunset, some downtown streets will be closed for the filming. They are: Washington Street between Beverly and Dorrance streets; Mathewson Street between Westminster and Washington; Eddy Street between Fountain and Washington, and Union Street between Westminster and Washington.

No streets were being closed for the State House filming today.

At the Armory, Underdog needs to film in front of a green screen and then fill in the background later, Peek said.

The cast and crew took out a full-page ad in The Journal today, thanking the citizens, businesses and government officials of Providence and Rhode Island for their “encouragement, cooperation and hospitality during the past seven months.”

But they haven’t been here that long. Peek said they began shooting April 8. Seven months ago, Disney was just announcing that it would be filming the movie in Providence.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:46 PM | Comment

Belo, owner of Journal, reports higher 2Q earnings

DALLAS -- Belo Corporation, the publisher of The Providence Journal and projo.com, reported higher second-quarter earnings today.

The increase comes from better-than-expected results from the company's television stations and a tax-related gain.

Belo owns 19 television station and four daily newspapers, including The Journal and The Dallas Morning News.

It earned $42.7 million, or 41 cents per share, in the three months that ended June 30. That's compared to $41.9 million or 36 cents per share a year earlier. Revenue also rose 3 percent to 403.6 million.

-- The Associated Press

The company's shares rose 82 cents, or 5.4 percent, to $16.02 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has slumped in the past year, losing about one-third of its value since hitting a 52-week high of $24.71 last September.

Media stocks have been under pressure in recent months, as newspapers face declining circulation and the loss of advertising revenue to Internet rivals, but shares of most newspaper companies have fared slightly better than Belo's.

More from the Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:34 PM | Comment

Update: E. Providence crash victim was fleeing accident, police said

EAST PROVIDENCE -- A motorist who had been fleeing the scene of a minor accident was injured when his car rolled over and crashed on Interstate 195 this afternoon, police said.

The driver, a 26-year-old male from East Providence, was thrown from the vehicle during the accident near the Route 114 ramp, according to state police.

Apparently, the driver veered quickly onto Route 114, causing his car to roll, according to state police Lt. John LaFraniere.

The driver was admitted to Rhode Island Hospital, where he's expected to stay over night. When released, LaFraniere said, he is expected to be charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

LaFraniere would not release the name of the driver.

-- Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:55 PM | Comment

How to pack it up for Bay Day beach trip

Packing the cooler for a trip to the beach for Governor's Bay Day?

You may need to for relief, with temperatures expected to climb to 90 degrees in the Providence area this Sunday. But you may need to bring that beach umbrella, too, because the day could be marred by showers, according to the National Weather Service.

Parking and entrance fees at all state beaches and parks are waived on Bay Day, an annual event observed this Sunday to honor Narragansett Bay.

Bay Day activities actually start Saturday night with a concert and fireworks display at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly. Free parking at all state beaches will be available starting at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Tomorrow should be mostly sunny with a high near 91 before turning partly cloudy at night with a low near 71 degrees.

Get the latest weather conditions and forecasts, as well as a beach guide and tips for handling the heat, at: http://projo.com/weather/

Posted by Jack Perry at 3:35 PM | Comment

Fatal motorcyle accident in E. Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE – A fatal motorcycle accident occurred this morning on Pawtucket Avenue.

No more information was yet available. Police say they will release more later today.

-- Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:13 PM | Comment

Judge: 'Hate has corroded your personality'

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge ruled against a Warren woman this afternoon in the first case brought by to state's Office of Civil Rights Advocate, which had accused the woman of using anti-gay slurs and threatening a fellow tenant who has AIDS.

Theresa R. Deschenes is barred from having any intentional contact with her downstairs neighbor, Kenneth W. Potts, or repeating the harassing behavior -- such as name calling and playing loud music -- that Judge Netti C. Vogel ruled today was a violation of Potts' rights under the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act.

Deschenes' lawyer characterized the dispute as a "kindergarten name-calling contest" that had nothing to do with Potts' sexual orientation.

Vogel, however, said it had everything to do with bigotry and hatred.

"Hate has corroded your personality,” Vogel told Deschenes, who was not ordered to pay any fines.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:12 PM | Comment

Update: No men-of-war in sight, beaches open

The swimming restrictions at three state beaches were lifted at noon today after no Portuguese men-of-war were spotted.

Those beaches where swimming can resume are East Matunuck in South Kingstown, Roger Wheeler in Narragansett and Misquamicut in Westerly, according to Gail Mastrati, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Management.

At least six beachgoers and a lifeguard have been stung since the jellyfish-like polyps appeared in the Westerly area Saturday afternoon. None was seriously hurt.

Meanwhile, a lively debate is being waged -- safely off shore -- on how to spell the plural of Portuguese man-of-war. Browse projo.com's survey on the subject and add your own response.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:00 PM | Comment

Photo: Lined up and ready in Foxboro

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

Patriots players line up during a field goal kicking drill this morning in the first session of training camp. An afternoon practice is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

For more information and updates, read Pats Blog.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:32 PM | Comment

'Good Samaritan' saves pair from sinking boat

A Warwick father and daughter whose boat began to sink last night are alive today because of good emergency preparations and the help of an unidentified man the U.S. Coast Guard is calling a "good Samaritan.”

Paul Friel and his daughter, Nicole Friel, were hugging the shore along Rocky Point off Warwickin the elder Friel’s 19-foot recreational boat when it struck a boulder and began rapidly taking on water, Coast Guard Petty Officer Etta M. Smith said.

The two knew what to do.

With her cell phone, Nicole called her sister as Paul Friel placed a distress call to the Coast Guard over the international hailing and distress frequency on his marine radio.

As the Coast Guard launched a 41-foot utility boat from Station Castle Hill in Newport and sent an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to assist, dispatchers advised Friel to launch an emergency flare to alert other area boaters of their distress, according to the Coast Guard.

As it turned out, the first rescuer on scene was the “good Samaritan,” who had already begun rescue efforts before a Sea Tow rescue company and state Department of Environmental Management crew arrived, according to the Coast Guard. That man left, however, once official rescue crews arrived and before the Coast Guard learned his name, Smith said today.

The Friels had been boating along Rocky Point, which is off the eastern side of Warwick Neck.

Sea Tow ultimately brought the Friels safely to Oakland Beach, which is at the bottom of the peninsula west of Warwick Neck. Sea Tow also removed enough water from the Friels' boat to tow it to shore, Smith said.

“The Friels are alive today because they had a VHF radio, a cell phone as a second form of communication and were wearing lifejackets,” Chief Petty Officer Scott Carr of the Coast Guard’s first district said. “This case is a perfect example of a boater having the proper safety equipment on board to survive until rescue assistance can arrive.”

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:04 PM | Comment

Pawtucket police plead for help in finding murder suspects

PAWTUCKET -- A couple dozen detectives are searching today for the two men wanted for first-degree murder and attempted murder after one woman was fatally shot and another was seriously wounded.

“We’re pleading with anybody at all who may know their whereabouts to contact us or convince them to turn themselves in,” Maj. John J. Whiting said this morning. “This is not something we’re ever going to forget. … We know who these people are, and we’re looking for them, and there’s a nationwide alert looking for them.”

Arrest warrants were issued yesterday afternoon for Barry Offley, 19, address unknown, of Woonsocket, and Alonzo P. Shelton, 28, of 70 Lincoln Ave., Central Falls.

The police searched a South Attleboro home last evening because detectives thought the men could be hiding there, at 17 Curtis Ave., where one of Offley’s relatives lives, Whiting said. All Whiting would say about the search is that the men were not found.

The two women who were shot at 4:11 a.m. yesterday lived in a second-floor apartment at 86 Lawn Ave., Whiting said. Jessica C. Imran, 24, was shot in the head and killed, Whiting said. Julie Lang, 28, remains under police guard at Rhode Island Hospital, where she was in serious condition yesterday after being shot four times. Whiting said he does not know her condition this morning.

Anyone with information about the men can call Detective Lt. Daniel Mullen, at 727-9100, ext. 723. Or, police dispatchers at 726-3911 can pass him a message if his line is busy, Whiting said.

Whiting said the police know the alleged attacker’s motive, but he will not share that with the media.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:03 AM | Comment

One dead in early-morning car crash in Providence

PROVIDENCE – A passenger in a car crash early this morning died at the scene, and another person in the car is in fair condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

The 2:12 a.m. accident in the vicinity of Huntington Avenue and Cranston Street, just east of Route 10, is under investigation, Patrolman Donald DePalma said this morning.

The person at the hospital has been upgraded from serious condition this morning, DePalma said.

More details are not available at this time.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:11 AM | Comment

Coast Guard tall ship to visit Newport

PROVIDENCE - The Coast Guard's Tall Ship Eagle will dock at the state Department of Environmental Management's Pier 9 in Newport from today until Monday.

The 295-foot Class A square-rigger is scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. The public can tour the ship from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday at the pier, which is on Long Wharf in back of the Visitors Center on America's Cup Avenue.

The Eagle's homeport is New London, Conn., where it serves as a Coast Guard training ship. The three-masted vessel has 148-foot tall masts and more than 22,000 square feet of sail.

Read more about the Eagle.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:46 AM | Comment

July 27, 2006

Michaud staffer charged with falsifying election records

A staffer with Dennis Michaud’s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign has been charged by the state police with a felony for allegedly falsifying election records.
Robert Cooper, of Coventry, was arrested this afternoon for signing an affidavit attesting that signatures on Michaud’s nomination papers were obtained ``in my presence.’’
Two people listed on papers with his signature are dead.
Michaud submitted 57 signatures -- including those of the 2 dead men -- to the Town of Scituate, but election officials there deemed only 11 to be valid.
Lt. LeRoy V. Rose Jr., state police assistant detective commander, said Cooper was charged with a felony and faces up to 10 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

- Reports from Journal State House Reporter Scott Mayerowitz

Posted by at 6:45 PM | Comment

Update: 2 men sought in fatal Pawtucket shooting / Photos

PAWTUCKET – The police have identified two men wanted in connection with a shooting early this morning that left one woman dead and another seriously wounded.

Authorities are looking for Alonzo Shelton, 28, of 70 Lincoln Ave., Central Falls, and Barry Offley, 19, no address known. Both men are considered armed and dangerous.

Jessica Imran, 24, was killed, and Julie Lane, 28, was shot four times in the incident that took place at 4:11 a.m. at 88 Lawn Ave. Lane was listed in serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital this afternoon.

The department’s major crimes unit is pursuing “many active leads,” but Maj. John J. Whiting said in the release that no further information is available.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer John Castellucci

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:16 PM | Comment

Bank RI targeted by activist shareholder

An Illinois investment firm with a record of agitating for change at companies that it terms underperforming today launched a proxy battle against the parent company of Bank Rhode Island.

PL Capital LLC, of Naperville, Ill., announced it will seek to nominate up to four candidates to oppose the company’s own candidates for election to Bancorp Rhode Island's board of directors.

The investment firm – which has acquired a 7.7-percent ownership stake in Bancorp Rhode Island – announced the proxy campaign in a late afternoon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In the filing, PL Capital portrayed Bancorp Rhode Island as a financial underperformer and raised the prospect of selling the Providence-based bank holding company founded 10 years ago as an alternative to larger banks in the state.

Posted by at 6:08 PM | Comment

Update: Landmark staff picket Blue Cross headquarters / Photo

Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski
Patients and union and non-union staff members of Landmark Medical Center picket outside Blue Cross headquarters in Providence this afternoon.

PROVIDENCE -- Nurses and other medical staff picketed the downtown headquarters of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island this afternoon to protest poor reimbursement rates paid to Landmark Medical Center in North Smithfield.

"Landmark may not be as big as some of the Providence hospitals, but we are just as important to the community that we serve," said Jan Peso, president of the Northern Rhode Island United Nurses & Allied Professional union, in a statement.

The protest was held late this afternoon outside Blue Cross' headquarters, 444 Westminster St.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:07 PM | Comment

Fall River man nabbed on Rt. 195 on heroin charge

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A 39-year-old Fall River man was arraigned today in District Court on multiple drug charges after he was arrested at a Route 195 rest stop in Swansea in possession of about $1,000 worth of heroin.

Mark S. Stawicki, of 426 Tecumseh St., Apt. 3, was released on $50,000 surety bail after his arraignment in the morning on one count each of unlawful possession of a Class A controlled substance, intent to distribute a Class A controlled substance and conspiracy to violate drugs laws.

Stawicki was arrested as part of Operation Crossover, an ongoing investigation into the illegal drug trade in Rhode Island and Massachussets by the South Coast Anti-Crime Taskforce, which is made up of officers from law enforcement agencies in both states.

-- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner

At about 2:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Swansea officers pulled Stawicki over while he was driving east on Route 195 toward Fall River. According to court documents, the Swansea police were acting on information from the East Providence Police Department.

After the car was stopped, a passenger told police that she had “five bricks,” about 250 packets, of heroin in her possession but said the drugs belonged to Stawicki, according to the documents.

In a subsequent search, police found the heroin, which Swansea Police Chief George Arruda estimated had a street value of about $1,000.

As of this afternoon, the passenger has not been charged with any crimes.

-- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:00 PM | Comment

Health officials identify fatal drug combination

PROVIDENCE -- Evidence of a powerful and potentially lethal drug, fentanyl, was discovered at the death scenes of three of four people who died of drug overdoses last week.

The state Department of Health confirmed the discovery this afternoon, adding that fentanyl, when mixed with heroin and cocaine, produces an "extremely lethal effect."

"We are alerting the community about this situation to help save lives," said Health Department director David R. Gifford in a statment. "Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine."

The state agency issued an alert last week that a powerful chemical may have been added to street drugs in Rhode Island, putting drug users at an extreme risk of overdose.

The drug combination is believed to be responsible for scores of deaths across the country in recent months, according to the Health Department. Fentanyl is available legally in a patch form for some people suffering extreme pain, but illegal labs have popped up across the Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions since last year, according to a U.S. Justice Department memo.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:47 PM | Comment

Convention center boosts sales, but loses money

PROVIDENCE – Visitors to the Rhode Island Convention Center spent $360,298 more on food and concessions last year than they did in fiscal 2005, but they didn’t buy enough cups of coffee to push the complex into the black.

For the fiscal year, which ended June 30, the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority reported $17.1 million in revenue, up about 23 percent from the prior year. But the authority ended up with a $710,232 loss for the year.

The revenue increase was due to additional concession sales and in large part to the authority assuming control of the Dunkin' Donuts Center at the end of 2005, according to the quasi-state agency’s year-end financial report.

The Dunk added about $3.5 million in revenue to the convention center in fiscal 2006. And concessions and food generated $4 million.

-- Journal staff writer Andrea L. Stape

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:18 PM | Comment

Update: Police looking for 2 in fatal Pawtucket shooting

PAWTUCKET – The police have confirmed the identity of a woman shot to death early this morning.

Jessica Imran, 24, was killed and another woman was seriously wounded in the attack.

The police are looking for two men in their 20s as part of their investigation, according to Harvey E. Goulet Jr., the city's director of administration.

The shooting was at 4:11 a.m. at 88 Lawn Ave.

The Pawtucket police have not released the name of the other victim, citing her “personal protection," according to a news release issued by Maj. John J. Whiting.

The department’s major crimes unit is pursuing “many active leads,” but Whiting said in the release that no further information is available.

Check back on projo.com for more information later.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer John Castellucci.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:52 PM | Comment

Exhibit looks back at I-95's impact on Providence

PROVIDENCE -- Photographs, plat books and newspaper clippings at the State Archives all work in a new exhibit to tell the story of the impact that Interstate 95 construction had on Providence.

Looking back at the decade from 1955 to 1965, the exhibit, “Where it used to be: The construction of I-95,” examines the homes, businesses and churches affected by the construction.

Launched by Secretary of State Matt Brown, whose office oversees the State Archives, the new exhibit follows a popular offering at the archives last fall, “Where it used to be: Providence, then and now,” spokesman Peter Kerwin said. That exhibit chronicled the changing landscape of the capital city over the last 150 years.

The I-95 exhibit highlights the impact of construction around the areas of Orms and Davis streets, Federal Street, Broadway, Atwells Avenue and the area around the Cathedral of Peter and Paul.

The State Archives are located at 337 Westminster St. in Providence and are open Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:22 PM | Comment

Update: Getting fit at Capitol Hill farmers' market / Photo

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Joanna Williams, left, the work-site wellness champion for the state Department of Health, leads fellow workers in stretching exercises outside the department's Cannon Building today at the opening of the second annual Capitol Hill Farmers' Market. Besides selling produce, Health Department staffers offered free smoothies and stretching tips for anyone who came to the opening.

PROVIDENCE -- A special farmers' market opened for the season today on Capitol Hill, giving state employees a chance to buy fresh fruit and produce from area growers.

While the market was offered on Capitol Hill last year, it opened today for the first time this year.

The market will run every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the rest of the growing season, according to state Health Department spokeswoman Maria Wah-Fitta. It is open to the public.

The farmers’ market, which is set at 3 Capitol Hill, is sponsored by the "Governor's Get Fit, Rhode Island! State Employees Wellness Initiative" and the Department of Health’s Initiative for a Healthy Weight.

More farmers' markets around Rhode Island ...

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:45 PM | Comment

Rally opposes limiting compensation for crime victims

PROVIDENCE -- People who've been convicted drug dealing may receive reduced state compensation or none at all if they are victims of crimes.

This morning, the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and several organizations that assist people with drug addictions criticized a little-known change in the state's compensation regulations that takes effect next month. The current rule says a crime victim who has pleaded no contest or has been convicted of a violent felony may be denied compensation, or receive a reduced award.

Already, people who have been convicted of drunken driving receive reduced or no award.

The new regulation, approved by General Treasurer Paul Tavares, would also cover people who have pleaded no contest or have been convicted of drunken driving or felony drug possession or drug-dealing.

Elizabeth V. Earls, president of the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations, and Neal Corkery, executive director of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island, said the regulation would penalize people who may be overcoming their drug addictions.

-- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits

The victims' compensation fund, which caps awards at $25,000, has been distributed to victims of crimes for various uses -- such as paying for counseling after a crime, or paying for victims' funeral expenses.

Anne Mulready, the supervising attorney of the Rhode Island Disability Law Center, said the regulation may be "discriminatory."

Steven Brown, the Rhode Island ACLU's executive director, said the morning news conference was meant to raise the issue in "the court of public opinion." The organizations were also looking at possible legal action.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:00 PM | Comment

Raytheon reports strong earnings

Raytheon Co., the nation's fifth-largest defense contractor, today reported that second-quarter net income jumped 54 percent, buoyed by strong military equipment sales, and the company raised its guidance for the year.

For the latest quarter, Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon, which has facilities in Portsmouth, posted net income of $310 million, or 69 cents per share, compared with $201 million, or 44 cents per share, last year.

Sales were $5.71 billion, up 6 percent from $5.41 billion last year. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial were expecting a profit of 63 cents per share on sales of $5.77 billion.

Shares of Raytheon -- maker of Tomahawk and Patriot missiles and other weapons systems -- were down 63 cents to $45.33 as of 1:45 this afternoon.

-- The Associated Press

Raytheon, which employs 80,000 workers, now expects that its full-year profit will fall in the range of $2.60 to $2.70 per share, excluding one-time items, up from the company's previous expectations of $2.55 to $2.65 per share. The company's sales forecast was unchanged, at $23.1 billion, to $23.6 billion for the year.

Wall Street predicts earnings of $2.68 per share on revenue of $23.38 billion.

Raytheon competitors Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp. and General Dynamics Corp. this week also reported strong second-quarter profits and boosted their full-year earnings outlooks. But Boeing Co., stung by steep costs to settle a government investigation, reported its first quarterly loss in three years and lowered its full-year guidance.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:50 PM | Comment

Judge hears complaints about CRMC head

Did the chairman of the state's Coastal Resources Management Council threaten council members and improperly communicate with Governor Carcieri's staff on the Block Island Champlin's Marina case?

Lawyers for the marina believe that's the case.

Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato Jr. today instructed Champlin's attorneys to submit their allegations about Chairman Michael Tikoian in writing within 20 days. State lawyers say the charges are groundless.

In February, by a 5-to-5 vote, the CRMC blocked Champlin's proposal to expand its marina on Block Island. Champlin's had asked for permission to build 4,000 more feet of piers that would extend an additional 240 feet into Great Salt Pond.

-- Journal staff writer Peter Lord

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:40 PM | Comment

Cicilline outlines pension reform plan

PROVIDENCE -- City officials today announced plans to close the municipal pension system to new employees and create a new “defined contribution” plan, like the 401(k) plans offered by many private sector employers.

The pension reform package was announced this morning by Mayor David N. Cicilline and City Council member John J. Igliozzi. It is a preliminary step to resolve the city’s unfunded pension liability, which is more than $600 million.

The changes do not affect Providence teachers, who belong to the state pension system.

Under the proposed ordinance, municipal, police and fire employees hired after July 2007 would not be a part of the pension system. The reform measures also would increase the retirement age from 55 to 65 for city workers, and from 55 to 60 for public safety workers.

-- Journal staff writer Cathleen F. Crowley

Posted by Steve Peoples at 11:53 AM | Comment

Mass. Turnpike Chair resigns in wake of Big Dig troubles

BOSTON -- Embattled Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Chairman Matthew Amorello has agreed to resign after weeks of pressure on him to step aside.

Amorello's resignation will be effective Aug. 15. He announced his decision an hour before a scheduled hearing in the governor's office during which Governor Mitt Romney planned to seek his removal.

Amorello has been under fire since heavy ceiling panels in a Big Dig tunnel collapsed on a motorist on July 10, killing her.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:37 AM | Comment

School success conference kicks off today

PROVIDENCE -- About 200 community leaders from New England and the mid-Atlantic states will gather at the Providence Marriott this morning to launch a two-day conference designed to help students succeed in school.

The event is sponsored by America's Promise, a national alliance founded by retired Gen. Colin Powell that is focused on improving the futures of children and families.

Providence Schools Supt. Donnie Evans, Warren Simmons, executive director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, and Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman are among the speakers.

The program began this morning at 7 a.m.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:18 AM | Comment

Hot, sticky day with hazardous storms predicted

PROVIDENCE – Expect more hot and sticky weather today with a high near 89 and humidity levels at 88 percent.

Plus, the showers and thunderstorms predicted for this afternoon bring a hazardous weather outlook back to the area.

The National Weather Service predicts that isolated thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and brief flooding in poor-drainage areas are expected between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. today. Affected areas could include central and northern Rhode Island, much of Massachusetts and parts of northern Connecticut and southern New Hampshire.

Check out the health department’s tips for dealing with hot weather, and check back with us throughout the day for the latest conditions and forecasts.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:02 AM | Comment

July 26, 2006

Photo: These Portuguese men-of-war are out of action

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Captured: Portuguese men-of-war in a bucket. The smaller one was found washed up today at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett, while the larger one, still alive, was discovered in the water a few feet off shore. Swimming was restricted at the beach today, while some other South County beaches -- where the creatures have stung several people in recent days -- lifted swimming bans.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:21 PM | Comment

Towed boat catches fire on Rt. 95 in Warwick

WARWICK -- A boat being towed by a car caught fire on Route 95 South at Exit 13, the airport connector, at about 5:50 p.m., according to a traffic alert from the state Department of Transportation.

All south-bound lanes were temporarily blocked. The left and center lanes had re-opened by 6:10 p.m., but traffic was moving extremely slowly through the area.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:10 PM | Comment

Photo: Red Sox lose in Oakland

AP photo
Oakland slugger Frank Thomas slams the first of his two home runs today.

The Red Sox' bats, which had produced 28 runs in the last three games, were held in check this afternoon by Oakland pitcher Dan Haren. The Athletics won today's game, 5-1, to avoid a Boston sweep.

The Red Sox finished their West Coast swing with a 3-3 record, and will now return to Fenway to face the Los Angeles Angels in a series that begins Friday.

Frank Thomas hit two home runs, both of them off Red Sox starter Kyle Snyder, to pace the Oakland offense.

Boston managed just four hits. Haren went seven innings for the A's, giving up the Red Sox' only run. Kiko Calero and Huston Street each pitched a perfect inning to close out the game.

Posted by Mike McDermott at 6:08 PM | Comment

TV reporter Taricani lends support to Mass. shield law

BOSTON -- Rhode Island television reporter Jim Taricani appeared before Massachusetts lawmakers today, urging them to pass a shield law protecting the use of unnamed sources.

Taricani, who was sentenced to home confinement in 2004 for refusing to reveal an anonymous source, said sometimes the only way for a reporter to get information that's vital to the public is through anonymous sources.

The WJAR-TV reporter served four months for refusing to say who gave him a videotape related to an FBI investigation into former Providence Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. and corruption at Providence City Hall.

Taricani was one of about a dozen reporters and lawyers at a public hearing before a legislative committee today considering a shield law in Massachusetts.

The bill would protect reporters from having to reveal unnamed sources, except in cases where terrorism is involved or when there's an imminent public threat.

Thirty-two states -- including Rhode Island -- have similar laws. Opponents say a shield law would make it more difficult to prosecute criminals.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:27 PM | Comment

Share ideas for Providence's future tonight

PROVIDENCE -- Local officials are holding a planning workshop tonight, open to city residents who are interested in helping steer growth and development in Providence neighborhoods.

The workshop, "Providence Tomorrow: Our City, Our Neighborhoods, Our Future," will offer detailed information about changes in the city's comprehensive plan, including shifts in demographics, economic trends and current development projects.

Attendees will be asked to participate in a brainstorming session, sharing ideas about the city's future.

The workshop, which starts at 6 p.m., at the Roger Williams Park Casino, will include an ice cream social and a free raffle with door prizes.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:26 PM | Comment

Derderian defense subpoenas state officials

PROVIDENCE -- Lawyers for Station nightclub co-owner Michael Derderian have subpoenaed two state officials with intimate knowledge of Rhode Island fire inspections and building codes.

According to a statement released by the court this afternoon, chief of inspections for the state fire marshal's office, William Howe, and state Building Code Commissioner Daniel DeDentro have been ordered to appear in court on Sept. 5, the first day of Derderian's trial.

Michael Derderian and his brother Jeffrey Derderian, the nightclub's other owner, each are charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter, 2 for each of the 100 people who died in the 2003 fire.

Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr., who is presiding over both cases, ruled last month that the Derderian defense team can access detailed training information about former West Warwick Fire Marshal Denis Larocque.

The Derderians want "copies of any and all itineraries, syllabi, records, reports, or written materials of any kind relative to training received by Denis Larocque," according to a motion approved by Darigan.

The prosecution team last week issued 257 subpoenas for potential witnesses, the majority of which are survivors of the fire. Several police and fire officials, including Larocque, are also on the list.

-- Steve Peoples, projo.com staff writer

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:48 PM | Comment

PawSox win; Red Sox about to get started

The Pawtucket Red Sox got off to an early lead and held on to beat the Toledo Mud Hens, 6-5, in a matinee game today at Toledo. First baseman Jeff Bailey paced the PawSox attack with three hits, two runs scored and two RBI. Catcher Corky Miller contributed a solo home run.

Abe Alvarez started for Pawtucket and pitched four scoreless innings before running into trouble in the fifth. Staked to a 5-0 lead, Alvarez surrendered three runs in the inning on two homers by the Mud Hens, who are the Triple A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.

Toledo drew to within 6-5 by scoring two runs in the eighth inning off Pawtucket reliever Barry Hertzler. But Javier Lopez got the final six outs of the game to pick up his 15th save. Alvarez got the win to move his record to 6-7.

The win moved Pawtucket to 53-51 on the season, 6 1/2 games behind first-place Rochester.

Out in Oakland, the Boston Red Sox are set to start their series finale with the Athletics. Dan Haren will toe the mound for Oakland at 3:35, with Kyle Snyder going for Boston.

Posted by Mike McDermott at 3:28 PM | Comment

Providence celebrates Liberian independence

PROVIDENCE -- Members of the city's Liberian community will gather at City Hall this afternoon to celebrate the 159th anniversary of Liberian independence.

Mayor David N. Cicilline will host a ceremony that will feature performances by Mama Africa Cultural Troupe and the Liberian Community Association’s Choir.

There are approximately 15,000 Liberians living in Providence, according to Cicilline's office.

Today's celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:44 PM | Comment

R.I. cancer researchers get $665,000

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island Hospital researchers have been awarded a five-year grant of $665,000 from the National Institutes of Health to continue research into how a particular type of bacteria leads to stomach cancer.

Steven Moss, a gastroenterologist and researcher in the COBRE Center for Cancer Research Development at the hospital, said their main focus is how Helicobacter pylori bacteria (known as H. pylori) causes cancer.

Most people who become infected with the bacteria, which lives in the stomach, are infected as young children. People probably contract the bacteria through the water supply, but that’s not certain, Moss said.

The bacteria can be detected through a blood test, a stool sample or an endoscopy, Moss said. About one-third of the patients who undergo endoscopy at Rhode Island Hospital have H. pylori, according to Moss.

“It’s very frustrating because by the time we diagnose someone with gastric cancer, there’s very little we can do about it,” Moss said in a news release.

“Most patients are going to die within five years, so it would be nice to prevent it. It’s one of the few cancers in which we can clearly identify a cause that could be preventable.”

With funding from another grant, Moss is also working on a vaccine to combat H. pylori, he said.

-- Kate Bramson, projo.com staff writer

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:33 PM | Comment

Motiva to reopen terminal for deliveries in 6 to 8 weeks

Motiva Enterprises said this afternoon that it plans to reopen its Providence terminal in six to eight weeks after a fire last week forced its closure.

The fire occurred during a severe thunder storm while a tanker was offloading gasoline. The fire may have been sparked by lightning, according to fire officials.

The company said it has thoroughly inpected its storage tanks, associated piping and truck loading facilities and found they were unaffected by the fire.

The company said it will begin receiving petroleum shipments through a smaller north berth, which sustained "minimal" damage in the fire.

That berth has historically been used to off-load oil products from ocean-going barges.

The fire heavily damaged the south pier, prompting the terminal's closure since Tuesday evening.

Motiva also said it was was committed to fully rebuilding the south berth for tanker shipments.

Gov. Carcieri plans to tour the Motiva terminal today to seek information about the status of repairs and to determine what, if any, impacts the recent fire might have on energy supplies this winter.

Carcieri's office said that Motiva will not allow members of the media to accompany Carcieri to the foot of the pier for safety reasons.

Motiva's Providence terminal is one of two major ports of entry for gasoline used in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The other is the ExxonMobil terminal in East Providence.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 2:20 PM | Comment

State high court upholds Washington's gay marriage ban

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The state Supreme Court upheld Washington's ban on gay marriage today, saying lawmakers have the power to restrict marriage to unions between a man and woman.

The 5-4 decision leaves Massachusetts as the only state to grant full marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples. It was the latest in a series of significant court rulings favoring gay marriage opponents.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:47 PM | Comment

New England mail lost in truck accident

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Some Rhode Island-bound certified mail from central New York was lost in last month's flooding.

The US Postal Service reports that two of its trucks plunged into a chasm that opened across Interstate 88 in New York during late June's torrential rains.

Both drivers were killed and mail being transported in one of the vehicles was lost.

Postal officials say the lost mail was sent June 27 and 28 from zip codes that include the Syracuse and Binghamton areas. The mail was heading to Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

The postal service says people who may have mailed letters on those days should contact whoever the letters were being sent to.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:43 PM | Comment

Health Dept. reminds: 'Don't play with wild animals'

With summer upon us, the state Health Department is starting to see more rabies activity.

While that’s typical for this time of year, it’s still a good chance to remind people about the dangers of touching wild animals, spokeswoman Maria E. Wah-Fitta said today.

“Don’t play with wild animals,” Wah-Fitta said. “They’re cute, but don’t pet them.”

So far this year, the Health Department has tested 189 animals for rabies and has found 14 of them to be positive. It’s an average year, according to state epidemiologists, Wah-Fitta said.

Raccoons lead the rabid pack, with 11 testing positive. The other three rabid animals this year are one bat, one fox and one skunk, Wah-Fitta said.

So far this year, 110 people have been treated with the rabies vaccination, a series of multiple shots given over a 28-day period. The Health Department normally treats about 200 people each year, Wah-Fitta said.

Last year, the Health Department tested 373 animals and found 29 positive for rabies. The rabid animals included 10 skunks, 9 raccoons, 6 bats, 2 cats and 2 foxes.

Now is also the time of year that many bats living in the attics of older homes find their way into people’s living quarters. The Health Department urges anyone who wakes up and finds a bat in their home to trap the bat and have it tested for rabies.

If the bat cannot be trapped and tested, anyone who was asleep while the bat was in the house should be vaccinated against the deadly rabies, according to the department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:42 PM | Comment

Woman pleads guilty to selling fake immigration papers

PROVIDENCE -- A Providence woman has pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal sale of fake immigration documents, according to an announcement released this morning by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Julia Pansoy-Calel, 51, admitted to selling counterfit resident alien cards, or green cards, and fake Social Security cards for $125 a set. Federal agents worked with the Providence police to arrest Pansoy-Calel in May.

She pleaded guilty to four counts of transferring identification documents for unlawful use and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15. Pansoy-Calel is being held in lieu of bail.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:32 PM | Comment

Update: Men-of-war sightings continue in S. County

SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- A half dozen Portuguese men-of-war were spotted at Roger Wheeler State Beach this morning, prompting lifeguards to limit swimming there, the third state beach with a waist-deep swimming restriction today.

Department of Environmental Management spokeswoman Gail Mastrati said that a 10-year-old Connecticut boy was stung at Wheeler yesterday afternoon, the second reported incident yesterday. At least seven swimmers have been stung at Rhode Island beaches since Saturday.

Swimming restrictions at state beaches in Westerly and South Kingstown remain in place this afternoon as lifeguards and beach staff patrol the water from kayaks.

Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly and East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingstown will again enforce the waist-deep swimming restrictions that have been in place all week, according to Mastrati.

Yesterday afternoon, a 15-year-old girl was stung by a man-of-war while swimming at East Matunuck and at least two of the polyps were spotted at Misquamicut.

Read more about the beach closures from today’s Journal.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:31 PM | Comment

Hasbro to make Monopoly with debit cards, no cash

PAWTUCKET -- If you're passing Go and want to collect $200, better bring a debit card.

A British version of the classic Monopoly board game released this week substitutes a debit card for the stacks of play money long hoarded by children worldwide.

Cheating just got a little tougher.

Pawtucket-based Hasbro makes the game. Company officials in the United Kingdom say they introduced the debit card so the game will better reflect real life. They say an increasing number of consumers prefer swiping a card to carrying cash.

The company is considering making a similar change in the U.S.

In the new British version of Monopoly Here and Now, players type amounts into a palm-sized scanner and swipe their debit cards to seal the deal.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:25 AM | Comment

Hot and humid, but no rain in today's forecast

PROVIDENCE – Looks like we’ve got another hot and sticky day.

Expect a high around 85 and a humidity level of 88 percent. It should be partly cloudy.

That’s better than the rain that was predicted earlier this week for today, isn’t it?

Enjoy today since the next three days could bring rain and thunderstorms.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:03 AM | Comment

July 25, 2006

Lawmakers debate oversight role in URI project

PROVIDENCE -- At an unusual hearing today, state lawmakers debated their role in the development of the $50-million biotechnology center at the University of Rhode Island.

Two members of the House Finance Committee were upset about plans to include 10,000 square feet of administrative space in the 140,000-square-foot building, approved by voters in 2004 and scheduled to break ground this fall.

State Reps. Peter L. Lewiss, D-Westerly, and Eileen S. Naughton, D-Warwick, said the plan to include administrative offices was not made clear to voters two years ago.

URI President Robert L. Carothers told the finance committee that the plans always included space for administrative functions, adding that administrative offices comprised about 9 percent of the building's overall space, which is not unusual for academic buildings.

Just a few minutes into the hearing, however, several committee members questioned the reason for the meeting. Some said that questioning university officials about the biotechnology building felt like micromanaging, not overseeing the project.

"Are we here because we don't like the fact they have some administrative offices on the fourth floor?" said state Rep. Carol A. Mumford, R-Scituate. "I've been on the finance committee for eight years and we've never had a hearing like this before."

More to come in tomorrow's Journal and on projo.com. For more background on the dispute, read today's Journal story.

-- Journal staff writer Jennifer D. Jordan

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:23 PM | Comment

Judge: Ban on Sunday car sales is constitutional

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge ruled against a group of auto dealers today, deciding that a 1950 statute banning auto sales on Sunday is constitutional.

Lawyers for five auto dealers contended that revisions made last year to the state's "blue laws" had the practical effect of doing away with the long-standing prohibition on Sunday auto sales.

But Superior Court Judge Susan E. McGuirl disagreed, issuing a 25-page decision today siding with Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who asked the court last August to weigh in on the situation.

"There were, and are, credible arguments on both sides. For that reason, I sought the clarity that only the Court can provide," Lynch said in a statement released this afternoon. "By ruling that the law prohibiting auto sales on Sundays is, indeed, valid and constitutional, the Court today has provided just this needed clarity."

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:11 PM | Comment

Photo: Lettuce introduce you to a new farmers' market

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Sandra Saucier, right, a Cranston native now living in Florida, talks with Aimee Lamarre, left, of Absalona Greenhouses in Chepachet about the hydroponic lettuces that she had for sale today at the opening of a new farmers' market at the Blackstone River State Park Visitor Center on Route 295 in Lincoln. The market will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through October.

For more information on farmers' markets in Rhode Island, click here.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:33 PM | Comment

Two bicyclists hit by falling tree in N. Smithfield

NORTH SMITHFIELD -- Two bicyclists were slightly hurt this afternoon when a large oak tree fell on them as they rode by, North Smithfield Police said.

The men were riding their bikes west on Greenville Road around 2:30 p.m. when the the tree, about 4 feet wide and possibly 30 feet tall, uprooted and tumbled over, blocking the road, said Sgt. Bruce R. Senecal.

The men sustained only minor scrapes and bruises, Senecal said. One was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for examination.

The tree has been cleared and the street is open, Senecal said. Police do not believe any foul play was involved.

"It might be just a curse of nature," he said.

-- Journal staff writer Talia Buford

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:21 PM | Comment

Men-of-war strike again

SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- A teenage girl was taken to the hospital this afternoon after being stung by a Portuguese man-of-war while swimming at East Matunuck State Beach at about 2 p.m., according to Stephanie Powell, a spokeswoman for the Department of Environmental Management.

At roughly the same time, beachgoers at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, spotted at least two of the sea creatures, prompting the closure of a portion of the beach.

And officials in Westerly ordered all public and private beaches closed at 3 p.m. today because of multiple confirmed sightings of the men-of-war that started coming in around 1 p.m., according to town recreation director Paul T. Duffy, who also reported the first confirmed sighting on a Block Island beach today.

State beach staffs have been monitoring the water in kayaks for signs the men-of-war, Powell said.

Today's incident is the fifth stinging at Rhode Island beaches by men-of-war since Saturday.

A waist-deep swimming restriction remains in effect today at Misquamicut State Beach and Matunuck State Beach.

Read a full story about the recent rash of sightings and stingings.

-- Steve Peoples and Maria Armental, Journal staff writers

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:56 PM | Comment

Public invited to celebration of Peruvian independence

PROVIDENCE -- They will sing, dance and eat traditional South American cuisine early this evening at City Hall, where Mayor David N. Cicilline has invited the public to celebrate 185 years of Peruvian independence.

The party starts at 5:30 p.m. inside the City Council chambers.

The Consul General of Peru, Jose Benzaquen, from the Peruvian Consulate in Hartford, Conn., will be joined by the dance group Central Folklorica Imperial and Stephanie Diaz. Singer Carlos Revolledo will sing traditional folk songs.

The event is free.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:43 PM | Comment

Finance Committee discussing URI's biotech building

PROVIDENCE – The powerful House Finance Committee is meeting in an unusual summer session to discuss the University of Rhode Island’s plans for a $50-million biotechnology building.

Two state representatives have concerns about how much of the space will be dedicated to administrative offices. They want to examine the university’s plans.

University officials dispute the lawmakers’ claim that office space will not be used for biotechnology.

Read more about the biotechnology building and the hearing in today’s Journal.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:10 PM | Comment

Police release ID of motorcyclist killed in Warwick

The Warwick police have released the name of the motorcyclist killed in an accident last night on West Shore Road.

Robert Kilner, 27, of Warwick, was pronounced dead at 9:36 p.m. at Rhode Island Hospital, according to the Warwick police.

Witnesses and evidence indicate that Kilner had been driving erratically on West Shore Road before the motorcycle struck a telephone pole near 2470 West Shore Road at about 7:10 p.m., according to the police.

Kilner was not wearing a helmet and was found bleeding from his head, according to the police.

The police are continuing their investigation.

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:21 PM | Comment

Romney: More problems delaying tunnel openings

BOSTON -- Gov. Mitt Romney said today that delays in opening the Big Dig tunnels that were closed to traffic after falling ceiling panels crushed a motorist have been caused by the discovery of more problems as crews inspect the safety of $14.6 billion highway system.

"The challenge has been continuing revelations of new problems and then a need to engineer new solutions to those problems," Romney said, as he briefed reporters on the latest closures and repairs in the tunnel network.

Romney had originally hoped that at least one of the tunnels could open by this week, but now he says he won't "guesstimate" on a timeline for repairs.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:46 PM | Comment

Update: Celona fined $130,000 by Ethics Commission

PROVIDENCE – The state Ethics Commission this afternoon fined former state Sen. John A. Celona $130,000 after he admitted this morning to 10 violations of state ethics laws.

Celona said he was ashamed of what he did.

His fine is believed to be the largest ever leveled by the state Ethics Commission. The commission reached their decision after deliberating in closed session for about an hour.

Celona made no statement after the ruling and was quickly ushered with his lawyer to the elevators in the building.

The former state senator from North Providence resigned from office two years ago and pleaded guilty last year to federal charges of influence peddling involving the Woonsocket-based CVS pharmacy chain, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Roger Williams Medical Center.

The commission's lawyer Jason Gramitt called for the former state senator to be fined $85,000.

Celona's lawyer, Lauren Jones, urged the commission, whom he said is "made up of fair-minded people," to take into consideration Celona's admission of guilt and the cooperation he has given the commission and federal prosecutors. Jones did not recommend a penalty that he would consider appropriate.

"I am sorry,'' Celona told the commission this morning. "I am sorry that I let my personal financial needs overwhelm my duty to act ethically."

Celona said he didn't start out intending to violate the code of ethics but at some point "I knew I had stepped over the line.''

"I am ashamed," said the former senator, adding that he was raised by ethical parents. "I shamed myself, my late parents, my family, my wife..."

"By doing the right thing now, I hope I can salvage whatever I have left," he said.

After hearing from Celona, the commission adjourned into executive session to consider Gramitt's request for an $85,000 fine.

"I find this to be the most egregious conduct that I've ever seen before the Rhode Island Ethics Commission,'' Gramitt told the commissioners

Some additional charges against him have been dismissed by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, which voted unanimously this morning to accept his admissions.

Celona initially faced fines of up to $350,000 on the 14 total counts against him..

Read more about today's hearing and the charges against Celona.

-- Kate Bramson and Steve Peoples, projo.com staff writers

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:37 PM | Comment

Photo: Learning to row

Journal Photo / Mary Murphy

Children in the Learn to Row program at the Narragansett Boat Club in Providence head out on the Seekonk River this morning for their lesson. With humidity increasing and the temperature expected to climb into the 80s today, the water should provide relief, but National Weather Service forecasters have issued a high-surf advisory for the coast.

Posted by Jack Perry at 9:31 AM | Comment

Carpet-cleaning van burns outside restaurant

EAST PROVIDENCE – A fire broke out early this morning in a carpet-cleaning van that was parked next to the Roast House Pub & Restaurant as crews cleaned the rugs inside the 40 Newport Ave. restaurant.

There were no injuries, and the fire that began at 12:11 a.m. was extinguished in 15 or 20 minutes, East Providence Fire Captain David Rave said.

Most of the fire was contained to the van, but it did cause some damage to the side of the restaurant and the roof, Rave said. Firefighters also opened a small section of the restaurant’s ceiling to make sure the blaze hadn’t spread.

Crews haven’t determined the official cause of the fire, but they believe something malfunctioned with a water heater in the carpet-cleaning van that is fired by two 40-pound propane cylinders, Rave said.

The health department must inspect the restaurant today, Rave said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:44 AM | Comment

Hot and sticky and the surf's up

PROVIDENCE – It looks and feels like summer today.

The temps should rise to a high near 86, and it will be sticky today. Humidity levels should hover at 88 percent today.

If you’re heading to the beach to ease the effects of the humidity, beware of the National Weather Service’s high-surf advisory, in effect from early this morning to 8 p.m. tonight for the south coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. That includes south-facing beaches of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island.

The expected swells bring a greater threat of rip currents through this afternoon. The weather service offers some detailed advice on how to swim out of a rip current, which the weather service says can exhaust and drown even the strongest swimmer if that person tries to swim back to shore directly against the current.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:10 AM | Comment

July 24, 2006

Sidewalk stand raises funds for injured utility worker / Photo

Journal photo / Bob Thayer
Judy Hahn, left, and Sarah Collins, age 10, center, both of Cranston, help set up a lemonade and bake sale stand at the corner of Lofty Road and Briar Hill Drive in Cranston on behalf of Joseph Allard.

CRANSTON -- Local children working at a lemonade stand have raised $1,200 for their neighbor, Verizon employee Joseph Allard, who was badly burned while working on utility lines in Providence last week.

Allard, who has two young daughters, has been hospitalized in serious condition since the incident, in which he sustained serious burns over 80 percent of his body.

Children set up a lemonade stand near Allard's home in the Briar Hill neighborhood at the intersection of Lofty Road and Clear View Drive. Yesterday they raised $400. By 6:30 this evening the total exceeded $1,200.

And they plan to re-open the stand tomorrow afternoon from 4 to 7 p.m., offering lemonade and homemade cookies. The money will be given to Allard's family to help with childcare costs, among other things.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:51 PM | Comment

Photo: Ocean State Women's Golf Am under way