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« March 2007 | Today | May 2007 » April 30, 2007Families to be honored for substance-abuse preventionPROVIDENCE -- A Pawtucket family will be honored tonight by First Lady Sue Carcieri with the first "Families Guiding Families Award," which recognizes substance-abuse prevention. The award will be presented at 7 p.m. at a reception in the atrium of the Rhode Island Department of Administration. It was not announced in a press release who the family is. More than a dozen Rhode Island families nominated for the award will be recognized by the First Lady and Governor Carcieri. The families come from Barrington, Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown, North Smithfield, Providence, Scituate, Smithfield, Wakefield, Warren and Woonsocket. Tonight's reception falls on the last day of Alcohol Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of alcohol abuse by young people. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:43 PM | Comment Police break up melee at Central Falls danceCENTRAL FALLS -- Police had to fire pepper spray pellets into crowds of unruly people outside the Knights of Columbus hall to disperse them after several fights broke out during a dance. No one was seriously injured during the melee early yesterday morning in which Central Falls police physically struggled with several men and one officer had to draw his weapon to make an arrest, the police said today. In all, police arrested six men who were fighting, some of whom had knives on them, an ice pick and a small bat, which they apparently had on their person when they entered the hall, police said. All Central Falls units on duty responded to the call. There were about 150 people at the scene. Pawtucket Police were called in to assist the Central Falls Police. -- Journal staff writer Tatiana Pina Sgt. Craig Horton was on detail at the dance yesterday morning around 12:10 when fights began to erupt in and outside the hall. Horton said he noticed that several people appeared to be displaying gang colors and gang tattoos. When Sgt. Steven Bradley arrived there were large groups of people on Claremont Street in front of the Knights of Columbus hall and other large groups of people in the parking lot of the K of C. Bradley said he immediately used the pepperball gun, which is like an air gun that shoots pellets with pepper powder inside, because fights were breaking out everywhere and people refused police orders to leave the area. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:35 PM | Comment CNN's Soledad O'Brien to address Bryant gradsSMITHFIELD -- CNN news anchor Soledad O'Brien will receive an honorary degree and give the keynote address at Bryant University's undergraduate commencement. The university announced today that O'Brien will speak and receive a doctor of humane letters at the May 19 commencement, which starts at 10 a.m. The school says 740 undergraduates are slated to receive degrees. O'Brien is an anchor and correspondent for CNN: Special Investigations Unit, an investigative documentary program. Before that, she anchored the American Morning program on CNN. For the May 17 graduate school commencement, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Ernest C. Torres will deliver the keynote address to about 150 graduate students. Both ceremonies will be held in the main tent next to the Bryant Center and be broadcast live on the Web. Others who will received honorary degrees are Steven S. Reinemund, who is retiring from PepsiCo., Kevin Sharer, who helms Amgen Inc., and, at the graduate-school commencemnt, Thomas A. Tanury, the chairman of metal-finishing company Tanury Industries. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:20 PM | Comment R.I. National Guard assistant adjutant retires SundayCRANSTON -- Brigadier Gen. John L. Enright, the Rhode Island National Guard's assistant adjutant general for army, will retire from military service on Sunday, the state's National Guard office announced today. Enright will relinquish his command at a 3 p.m. Sunday ceremony at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich, according to a news release. Taking command as the new assistant adjutant for army will be Brigadier Gen. Brian Goodwin, who was promoted to that rank on April 1. Enright joined the Army in March 1967 and received his commission from the Army Field Artillery Officer Candidate School on Jan. 16, 1968. He graduated from the Army Rotary Wing Aviator Court in March 1969. Enright served in Vietnam from April 1969 through July 1970, earning the Bronze Star and 23 air medals. After his Vietnam tour, he was an instructor pilot in the Department of Graduate Flight Training at Fort Rucker, Ala. He joined the Rhode Island National Guard in 1971 and was assigned as a pilot in the former Troop E, 43rd Cavalry. A graduate of then-Bryant College, Enright received a bachelor of science in business administration. He has a master's in international relations from Salve Regina University and graduated from the U.S. Army War College. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:47 PM | Comment Citizens leads list of top 100 adoption-friendly firmsPROVIDENCE. – Citizens Financial Group, Inc. has been selected as the No. 1 company on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s list of the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America. The list, released today by the foundation, features the top 100 companies in the nation based on the amount of financial reimbursement offered to employees per adoption and amount of paid leave. Citizens was also being recognized as No. 1 among financial services companies. For each adoption, Citizens’ Adoption Assistance Program offers employees up to $20,960 in support, the most of any company on the top 100 list. It also provides colleagues with one week of paid leave. During the past 10 years, a child has been adopted by a Citizens employee almost each month, according to the press release from Citizens. More than 100 children have been adopted by nearly 100 employees. Two other Rhode Island companies also made the list. Pawtucket-based toymaker Hasbro was ranked No. 27, and The Washington Trust Company was No. 94. Dave Thomas, who was an adopted child and founder of Wendy’s Restaurants and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, started the adoption benefits in the workplace initiative more than 15 years ago, simply by calling other CEOs to suggest they add adoption benefits to their human resource packages because, as he said, “It’s the right thing to do.” See the full list of top 100 companies. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:34 PM | Comment Update: Jury picked for execution-style murder casePROVIDENCE – Opening statements are expected tomorrow morning in the trial of Alonzo P. Shelton, one of the two men charged with murdering one woman and injuring another in the July 27 execution-style shooting in Pawtucket that set off a nationwide manhunt, with pictures of the suspects being broadcast on network TV. A jury selection of three men and nine women was empaneled after 6 1/2 hours of jury selection before Judge Robert D. Krause in Superior Court today. Shelton, 29, of 70 Lincoln Ave., Central Falls, is being tried separately from codefendant Barry Offley, 20, of Providence, who was granted a severance during pretrial proceedings in the murder case and is being held with him at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. Assistant Attorney General Stacey Pires Veroni asked jurors whether they could hear the case without speculating about Offley’s whereabouts, even though he is expected to be the subject of considerable testimony. Veroni also asked jurors whether they could give sufficient weight to the case when they learn that the murder victim, 24-year-old Jessica Imran, was a “person who consumed marijuana, a person who consumed cocaine, and made her living as an escort” placing ads in the personal section of the newspaper. She asked whether they could put credence in the testimony of Imran’s friend, 28-year-old Julie Lang, who survived the shooting, when they learn that Lang used marijuana before she was shot. The trial is expected to take a week and a half.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:06 PM | Comment Barrington woman dies in 2-car crash in SeekonkSEEKONK, Mass. -- A Barrington woman died following a two-car crash yesterday along Route 6. Four others were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident. Police said they were notified at 3:54 p.m. Sunday that Margaret Reade, 57, of 4 Francis St., Barrington, had died at Rhode Island Hospital after being extricated from the passenger seat using a "jaws of life." The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a black Infinity driven by her husband, Howard Reade, 56, tried to take a left turn into the parking lot of the Seekonk Driving Range at 1960 Fall River Ave. (also called Route 6). The passenger side was then struck by a Ford Explorer driven by Amanda Rodrigues, 26, of 102 Worcester Ave., East Providence, who was driving in the right eastbound lane of Route 6. The impact sent the Explorer, which suffered extensive front-end damage, about 100 feet into the driving range parking lot. Also injured and taken to Rhode Island Hospital were the back-seat passengers in the Reade car, Kevin Reade, 27 and Bethany Seibet, 23, both of New York City. Rescue workers from Swansea and Providence helped at the scene. State police are still reconstructing the accident. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:02 PM | Comment New state police head tapped as interim fire marshalPROVIDENCE -- Two days after being sworn in as the new superintendent of the state police, Col. Brendan Doherty is taking on an additional job -- that of interim state fire marshal. Governor Carcieri today announced Doherty's appointment to the post, effective until the governor appoints a permanent fire marshal. The previous state fire marshal, George S. Farrell, left state service Friday to become the new Providence fire chief and was sworn in today. Carcieri said he asked Doherty this weekend to take on the interim role and to designate a member of the state police to directly oversee day-to-day operations at the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Doherty was sworn in Saturday and named to his job about three weeks ago. Doherty has selected Lt. John Blessing to fill that role. Blessing will be based at the Fire Marshal’s Office, but will report to Doherty. This marks the second time the governor has temporarily placed state police in charge of the fire marshal’s office. A similar appointment was made in December 2005, after the retirement of Irving “Jesse” Owens. Blessing was placed in charge of day-to-day operations at that time, too. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Carcieri said in a news release that “I have asked Colonel Doherty and the state police to once again review the operations of the Fire Marshal’s Office and report back to me with recommendations on any changes that may be appropriate. I will then begin the process of searching for a permanent replacement for George Farrell.” Carcieri added in the statement: “George Farrell was an excellent State Fire Marshal, and the state is sad to lose his services. Under George’s leadership, the State Fire Marshal’s Office made significant gains in a short period of time."
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:14 PM | Comment Update: 'Hurricane' bearing down on R.I. / Photo
Rhode Island is hosting the week-long drill, which will involve all six New England states and New York to see how well they can communicate and coordinate their emergency responses. A Hurricane Hunter aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – named Kermit – is visiting Quonset State Airport today to raise public awareness of hurricanes. Schoolchildren were to tour Kermit from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the plane is open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits The mock hurricane -- named Yvette -- will “hit” Rhode Island on Thursday at about 10 p.m., allowing all of the participating agencies to put their hurricane plans into effect. Those agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island National Guard. “We have worked hard over the last two years to increase our planning and preparedness capabilities for a hurricane, and we have developed a comprehensive approach to protecting our citizens from such an event as well as coping with its aftermath,” the governor said in a statement. “This exercise among state, federal and local emergency management agencies will be another important step in strengthening our planning efforts and making our state even better prepared.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:01 PM | Comment Activists to protest circus's treatment of animalsPROVIDENCE -- Activists plan to converge in front of the Dunkin' Donuts Center this week to protest treatment of animals as the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus comes to the city. According to a news release today, activists from southern New England expect to hand out materials two hours before every performance of the circus and to inform the public of "routine abuse used to make animals perform." The circus's performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Ringling Brothers' Web site. "The tricks animals are forced to perform for the circus is not in any way normal. Tigers are solitary and are not only forced to perform with other tigers, but are also forced to perform during the day, both of which are not in their nature," said activist Brianna Mooradian in the news release. Mooradian said in an interview that the protest is not a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals initiative. Rather, she said those participating are from various animal rights organizations, such as Defenders of Animals. She said PETA is providing the leaflet information. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:28 PM | Comment PawSox pitchers will take aim at empty platesPAWTUCKET -- The pitching staff of the PawSox have been handed a new reason to go for the strikeout. The more K's, the more money a team of businesses and organizations will donate to the Rhode Island Food Bank. The Citizens Charitable Foundation will give $50, up to a $50,000 total, this season for each strikeout a Pawtucket Red Sox pitcher gets, according to a news release today. The Pawtucket Red Sox, Citizens Bank, Cox Communications and the nonprofit food bank have teamed up for the initiative. The PawSox will also host a food drive at McCoy Stadium from May 13 through May 18. At each game, the first 1,000 attendees will get free admission with the donation of two can sof tuna fish for the food bank. Summer traditionally brings with it lower food donations, according to the news release, so the initiatives aim to deal with that. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:23 PM | Comment Former doctor plans to plead guilty in steroid casePROVIDENCE -- A former New York doctor charged with illegally prescribing anabolic steroids and human growth hormones has reached a plea deal with prosecutors, her lawyer said today. Ana Maria Santi, charged with 29 counts of health care fraud, conspiracy and illegal drug distribution, plans to plead guilty on June 1 in U.S. District Court in Providence. "It's in her best interests," defense lawyer Edward C. Roy said. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a reduced sentence for Santi, but Roy said he did not know what that would be. Santi also is awaiting sentencing in New York in a state case involving similar allegations. Prosecutors said Santi and other doctors were enlisted by the president of New Jersey-based American Pharmaceutical Group to write prescriptions for bodybuilders and other customers, including some in Rhode Island. -- The Associated Press Santi, who lost her medical license in 1999, allegedly wrote prescriptions for nearly 400 patients despite having never met or examined them. Prosecutors said Santi forged the signature of a doctor living in a California nursing home on the prescriptions she wrote. Daniel McGlone, the president of American Pharmaceutical Group, is charged with advertising steroids and human growth hormone to bodybuilders and other customers and then paying doctors to write medically unnecessary prescriptions. He has pleaded not guilty. Another doctor, Victor Mariani, pleaded guilty in March for his role in the scheme. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for Rhode Island did not immediately return a phone message left by The Associated Press. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:15 PM | Comment Petitions seeking Charlestown voters' action certifiedCHARLESTOWN – The numbers are in. The town clerk today certified signatures on petitions asking voters at the financial meeting on June 4 to authorize action on several controversial issues. At first look, it appears voters will have a say in whether embattled Town Councilman James M. Mageau should finish his term, which expires in November 2008. They would also weigh in whether the salary of Town Administrator Edward M. Barrett should be cut to $300 a month due to irregularities in his appointment. Three councilmen-elect met at a Wakefield restaurant days after the election to offer him the position, a meeting that the state Attorney General’s Office has since ruled violated the Open Meetings Act. But whether the petitions will ever make it to the June 4 ballot depends on a legal ruling by Town Solicitor Robert E. Craven. Craven is to submit his opinion by Friday. A public hearing on the warrant item proposals has been scheduled for May 7. --- Journal staff writer Maria Armental Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:31 PM | Comment Update: Prignano's lawyer challenges pension inquiryPROVIDENCE -- The lawyer for former Police Chief Urbano Prignano Jr. today attacked the legal basis on which the city Retirement Board could decide to change or eliminate the pension of Prignano, who retired after a Police Department promotional-exam cheating scandal. No decision was made in the first session of the hearing. The hearing will resume in June. Stephen R. Famiglietti, Prignano's lawyer, said during today's session that under his interpretation, the city ordinance allows for reducing or revoking a pension if the city employee has been convicted of a felony. Prignano has never been convicted of a crime. However, the city maintains that ordinance, state law and common law provide legal basis, including, if the board chooses, having a former employee pay back some amount of pension he or she has already collected -- what's known as "disgorgement." Prignano was not present at today's session. "It's not good for his health to be here. He's not well. It's his heart ... He's under pretty close scrutiny by his doctor," Famiglietti said before the session. (Editor's note: An earlier version of this post incorrectly gave the timing of this quote.) -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Famiglietti also argued that Prignano is being selectively pursued, in effect, because other police officers over the years have been convicted of crimes and yet the board did not go after their pensions. The ordinance does state that honorable service is a prerequisite for an employee to collect a pension. The Retirement Board has appointed Vincent A. Ragosta Jr. to hold the hearing, who will provide information and a transcript to the full board. The members are not sitting as a board during the hearing. That also drew objection from Famiglietti, who asserted the Retirement Board had no authority to appoint Ragosta and that, rather, the board itself should be hosting the hearing sessions. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:03 PM | Comment Electric Boat marks milestone in submarine productionNORTH KINGSTOWN -- The Electric Boat division of General Dynamics held a keel-laying ceremony this morning at its Quonset manufacturing facility, marking a milestone in the production of the nuclear submarine New Hampshire. The New Hampshire is the fifth ship of the Virginia class that Electric Boat is building for the Navy. In all, the Navy has asked Electric Boat to build at least 10 of the submarines, in partnership with Northrop Grumman Newport News, based in Virginia. Electric Boat has 1,919 employees in Quonset, nearly all of whom are assembling and outfitting the submarines. At today's ceremony, the Navy honored Cheryl McGuinness, whose husband, Tom, was the co-pilot of American Airlines flight 11, which was hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. McGuinness, the submarine's "sponsor," had her initials welded onto a steel plate that is to be attached to the New Hampshire. The New Hampshire is expected to be delivered to the Navy next year. For now, the warship is in four enormous sections, being gradually transported on barges to the Electric Boat plant in Groton, Conn., for additional work. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:40 PM | Comment Union concessions will help Johnston avoid police layoffsJOHNSTON -- Two town unions have made concessions that will ease financial pressures on taxpayers during the fiscal year that begins July 1, Mayor Joseph M. Polisena said this afternoon. A new agreement with one union -- a unit representing Johnston’s police officers -- will allow the town to sidestep layoffs for five police officers, Polisena said. Prior to the recent negotiations, officials were trying to figure out how to generate an extra $525,000 to cover raises during the next fiscal year. Now, the problem involves $176,000 in raises that have been promised to the town’s firefighters, said Polisena, who is expected to provide more information about the situation at a news conference at Town Hall this afternoon. Polisena accused his predecessor, former Mayor William R. Macera, of making contractual agreements for raises without developing the necessary budget plans to pay for the additional expense. Polisena’s recent negotiations with the unions are in sync with his recent efforts to develop a budget plan for the next fiscal year. He has not released his draft budget to the public. -- Journal Staff Writer Mark Reynolds Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:35 PM | Comment Gas prices jump another 8 centsGasoline prices jumped another eight cents in Rhode Island last week in the continuation of a steady increase that started in February, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.899 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price was $2.239 on February 19 when prices began climbing. The price was $2.929 a year ago. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:55 AM | Comment QB Bradshaw speaks at Butler Hospital benefitPROVIDENCE -- Hall-of-Fame quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP for the Pittsburgh Steelers Terry Bradshaw plans to talk about his triumphs over depression today at a luncheon to benefit Butler Hospital. At the hospital’s “Real Stories, Real Recoveries” luncheon, Bradshaw is expected to share how he used the power of positive thinking to reach the height of success and to survive the depths of depression. The educational program is a way for Butler Hospital to create greater understanding of depression, addiction and other illnesses that affect mental health. Seats at the luncheon, held at the Rhode Island Convention Center from noon to 1:30 p.m., cost $150 each and benefit services and programs at the hospital. Read more about Bradshaw's battle with depression. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:30 AM | Comment New Providence fire chief: 'Only great will do' / Photo
Journal photo / Bill Murphy
George S. Farrell, right, returns a salute after being sworn.
PROVIDENCE – Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline swore in George S. Farrell as the city's new fire chief this morning, calling Farrell "an extraordinary manager, one of the best I've ever seen." Farrell, a third generation firefighter, told the audience at the Public Safety Complex that he will hold the department to a high standard. "Good isn't good enough. Only great will do," Farrell said. He said the Providence Fire Department is second to none when it comes to structural firefighting. Farrell is the former Rhode Island fire marshal, and he returns to the department where he began his career 26 years ago, according to the mayor’s office. He is the city's 23rd fire chief. Cicilline’s announcement last month of Farrell as the new chief came about 90 minutes after the firefighters union released a statement condemning the mayor’s choice. Today's ceremony brought standing ovations. Former Fire Chief David Costa was among those in the crowd. After the ceremony, Costa called Farrell "a good friend," and said, "He's the best person for the job." Farrell will manage 479 firefighters in New England’s second-largest department. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Jack Perry at 11:12 AM | Comment God stressed in Brown diet program for black womenResearchers at Brown University are developing a 12-month program called SisterTalk, which uses religion to encourage black women to eat healthier. Several recent studies have found that many mainstream diet programs do not resonate with black women who focus on strengthening their families, communities and churches. Instead of pushing black women to adapt to mainstream diets, researchers are developing new programs that emphasize improving health as a way to better serve God. Brown is planning to distribute its program to at least 30 state health departments, including Connecticut's. -- The Associated Press Health researchers say such programs have promise, particularly at a time when an estimated two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. Federal statistics suggest black women are particularly at risk for weight problems and accompanying health complications such as diabetes. Sandra Mosby of Hartford and her mother take part in a SisterTalk program in Hartford. They are now scrutinizing food labels, taking walks with friends and cooking with seasonings and spices instead of fatty flavorings. Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:39 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photo and story about a Rhode Islander working to develop a honeybee strain resistant to a malady that is wiping out colonies throughout the country. There's also a photograph and story about the Route 95 construction project, which is closing the highway overnight, and a story about a dispute between the Carcieri administration and a Senate panel over the use of a temporary employment agency to fill state positions. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:48 AM | Comment Photo: Commuters see a night's work
Night one of the Route 95 bridge job went pretty-much as scheduled. And commuters this morning got to see the first, 177-ton beam up close. The work will continue -- and Route 95 will be closed -- 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for the next four nights. -- Journal photo Mary Murphy Posted by Peter Phipps at 8:41 AM | Comment New Providence fire chief to be sworn in todayPROVIDENCE – The city’s new fire chief, George S. Farrell, will be sworn in by Mayor David N. Cicilline at 10 this morning at the Public Safety Complex. A third-generation firefighter, Farrell is the city’s 23rd fire chief. He is the former Rhode Island fire marshal, and he returns to the department where he began his career 26 years ago, according to the mayor’s office. Cicilline’s announcement last month of Farrell as the new chief came about 90 minutes after the firefighters union released a statement condemning the mayor’s choice. Farrell will manage 479 firefighters in New England’s second-largest department. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:59 AM | Comment Temps in the low 70s today and tomorrowPROVIDENCE -- It’s just about 45 degrees out now, but we’re heading toward a high of 71 today. There’s a chance of showers between 9 a.m. and noon, and the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook because of the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm late this morning. An isolated wind gust up to 45 miles per hour is possible this afternoon and could knock down small limbs and cause power failures, the weather service predicts. We’ve got a pretty nice week ahead of us, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 70 tomorrow and then in the 60s the rest of the week. However, there is a potential for frost each early morning from Thursday through Saturday in the Rhode Island countryside and southeast Massachusetts. We’ve also got a chance of showers on Wednesday. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:06 AM | Comment Photo: Beam's up
State Department of Transportation workers replace jersey barriers after placement of a beam spanning northbound lanes of Route 95 as work continues overnight on the Route 195 relocation. Posted by Jack Perry at 6:48 AM | Comment Route 95 reopens right on time this morningPROVIDENCE – The hum of cars and trucks moving along the highway around 5:15 a.m. was a good sound. It meant all the overnight work the state Department of Transportation had planned was completed. Hoisting a heavy steel beam across Route 95’s northbound lanes went faster than DOT officials expected it would. The northbound lanes opened first, and the southbound lanes were opening up around 4:50 a.m., 40 minutes before the 5:30 a.m. goal the department had set, according to Edmund T. Parker, the DOT’s chief engineer. It took less than three hours to hoist a 177-ton steel beam into place across Route 95’s northbound lanes, leaving plenty of time to get all the equipment – cranes, trucks, front-loaders and more – off the highway and to reopen the road. By 1:30 a.m., Frank Corrao III, the DOT’s deputy chief engineer, said he expected the highway would be open by about 4 a.m. It would have opened even sooner than that except the DOT took advantage of the closure to do inspection work on the Point Street overpass over Route 95, a short distance to the north. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis, with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Setting the beam across the highway turned out to be finished faster than the inspection work. A crew from Atlantic Bridge & Engineering used a pair of cranes that together can lift more than 600 tons to set the heavy beam into place. That beam, and another like it that is to be put in place across the southbound lanes tonight, will support girders that will hold up the concrete road deck for ramps crossing over Route 95. They are part of the new Route 95-195 interchange the DOT is building south of the existing one. The DOT’s elaborate and heavily publicized detour plan worked. The DOT and police started closing lanes at 8 p.m. When the highway was completely closed at 11 p.m., there was a long backup in the northbound lanes below the Thurbers Avenue exit, where traffic was sent off the highway and onto a detour through local city streets. But that cleared up by about midnight, and the detour, up Allens Avenue, seemed to be working smoothly. Atlantic Bridge is a subcontractor for Cardi Corp., the general contractor for that portion of the DOT’s $600 million Route 195 relocation project. The ramps being built now will carry westbound traffic from the new section of Route 195 across Route 95 and to the southbound lanes of Route 95. It will also carry traffic to an exit onto Eddy Street, serving Rhode Island Hospital. Posted by Kate Bramson at 5:58 AM | Comment DOT began other work during Iway project closuresPROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Transportation did two other construction projects while they had overnight lane closures for the Iway project. With I-95 north and south closed from Exits 18 to 20 in Providence from 11 p.m. to just before 5 a.m., the transportation department also worked on joint repairs to the I-95 South bridge over Eddy Street. That work was expected to begin last night and continue tonight and possibly tomorrow, according to a DOT news release. The work was weather dependent. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:56 AM | Comment Vinny Paz film in spotlight, too, with casting callsBesides Buddy, there's another bit of Rhode Island cinematic action under way. Open casting calls have begun for the film Thunder Doyle, starring retired boxer Vinny Paz, in Pawtucket. Paz will play the title character in the movie about a boxer who kills his wife-beating father, is imprisoned 10 years and, when he gets out of prison, joins a carnival where he befriends a dwarf. The producers seek men and women “all ages, types and sizes,” plus “little people, bodybuilders, circus or carnival acts and those with boxing or acrobatic skills,” according to press information. Thunder Doyle, which has a budget of under $1 million, will be directed by Eugene J. Celico on Rhode Island locations. A mid-May filming start is expected. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:50 AM | Comment April 27, 2007Update: Buddy draws movie-goers from near and farPROVIDENCE -- An hour and 30 minutes after sitting down to see Buddy this afternoon in Providence Place Cinemas, the Charbonneaus of Barrington rendered their verdict on the movie about the man who used to be mayor. "It was good," said Mary Charbonneau. "Seemed to be pretty objective." "Yeah, very good," said Bob Charbonneau. Mary Charbonneau said she enjoyed a moment in the movie in which the then-future Mayor Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci Jr. was a wrestler and took on an opponent who would seem to have an advantage -- but Cianci overcame the odds. They said the ending of the documentary movie, after examining the ups and downs of the flamboyant Cianci's career, conveyed sadness. The Charbonneaus were among those greeted at the cinema today by posters of dueling Transformer movie robots who are sworn to destroy each other. They are safely separated, however, by another poster, showing Cianci -- his arms raised and the Providence skyline behind him -- who helped transform Providence but destroyed himself. Before seeing the movie at its 3 p.m. showing, the couple recalled the mayor as colorful and said he did a lot for Providence, but that he had also had his problems -- a repeated refrain from movie goers today. "You can never say he wasn't interesting," Margaret Charbonneau said of Cianci, now serving time in federal prison for corruption. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Bob Charboneau said he read "The Prince of Providence," by Journal investigative reporter Mike Stanton, and that helped spark his interest in seeing this movie. Guy and Vilma Maiorano, former Rhode Islanders, drove from Stonington, Conn., where they have lived for many years, to see the film. "Just like watching a biography on TV," said Vilma Maiorano. She said it was interesting to see the city's physical changes depicted in the film. Guy Mairoano, who grew up on Federal Hill, said the picture was "good for Buddy." Alexis Smith, a cinema cashier, said the majority of tickets sold for the first show at 12:45 p.m. and for the 3 p.m. shows were to see Buddy. A reporter on the spot shortly before 3 did not see long lines -- none of the skipping-work-to-see-Star Wars phenomenon. But the fascination with the former mayor drew more than Rhode Islanders. Ben Keefe, who hails from Rochester, N.Y., and came to see Buddy with Olga Granados of Providence, said that in his part of New York State, people were no stranger to colorful mayors. But what he heard about Providence's former mayor stood out. Of Cianci, the man, Keefe said: "There's that whole kind of cinematic quality." "I'm just intrigued by the whole thing," said Keefe. But the Buddy picture wasn't enough to keep a couple teen-agers from going to see Blades of Glory, the comedy about an all-male figure-skating duo. Some other young people walked in seemed to have not heard that Buddy was now a movie and wondered aloud if that was really about the former mayor. Nick Stoker, of New York City, and a friend were not disuaded from seeing 300, an action movie. Stoker said that if he goes to documentary, it needs to be something such as one about surfing -- something with a lot of visual action that the big-screen brings out. Thinking of going? The movie is scheduled to play this weekend at: Providence Place: Fri-Sat 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45, 11:50; Sun 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45. Showcase Warwick: Fri-Sat 12:45, 3, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45, 11:45; Sun 12:45, 3, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45. And here's Journal arts writer Michael Janusonis' review of the movie. Want to learn more about Cianci? Revisit Journal reporter Stanton's 2002 series on the former mayor, Vice and Virtue. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:01 PM | Comment 7to7 blog makes news on Poynter Institute's siteOK, we admit, this one is all about us. We here at projo.com and The Providence Journal recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the 7to7 newsblog. Poynter Institute, a leading school for journalists, asked our Managing Editor for New Media Thomas Heslin to write about what we do and how we do it. Today, Poynter published Heslin's explanation on the home page of its Web site, poynter.org. We thought we'd share it with you, our 7to7 readers. Click here to read the full story. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:27 PM | Comment Cranes signal upcoming closings of Rte. 95 / Photo
Work on that part of the project is expected to go on for 13 nights, starting with gradual lane closings after 8 p.m. followed by a complete shutdown of the highway between Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and Exit 20 (Route 195 East). The road will re-open by 5:30 a.m. according to the state Department of Transportation. For more information about the project, see this set of FAQs compiled by projo.com and The Journal. On Monday morning at 6 a.m., come back to projo.com's 7to7 blog for a special early report on the highway's closing, as well as real-time information for motorists available through the DOT's Web site. Late today, the DOT said it will work on two other construction projects while the Route 95 lane closures are on. It plans to make joint repairs to the I-95 South bridge over Eddy Street. That is expected to happen overnight Sunday and Monday and possibly Tuesday. All the work is weather dependent. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:03 PM | Comment 'Homicidal, suicidal' driving gets woman 10 yearsSOUTH KINGSTOWN – Calling her crimes suicidal and homicidal in nature, a Superior Court judge today sentenced an East Greenwich mother to 10 years in prison for the drunken-driving crash that left a Narragansett man with a shattered leg. A Washington County Superior Court jury found Nicki A. Nelson, 44, of 35 Forest Lane, guilty of driving under the influence and driving to endanger, both with serious injury resulting, after a six-day trial in February. At her sentencing today, prosecutor Mark Trovato asked for her to serve the maximum – 15 years – for her failure to take responsibility for the accident that he said left Stanley Bates, a father of two, unable to work or play with his two daughters, even after a series of surgeries to fix his injured leg. Bates, too, detailed his life’s course since he was hit head-on by Nelson’s truck as he drove south on Route 1, just past Mooresfield Road, to deliver The Providence Journal early July 24, 2004. He missed the birth of his first-born; was hospitalized for four months; and had to rely on his others to perform basic tasks. The family, he says, is on welfare and faces $400,000 in debt. “I feel like I am not the father I wanted to be,” he told Judge Stephen Nugent. “I keep wishing I hadn’t gone to work that night.” -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney His mother-in-law, Charlene Aguirre, read a letter from her daughter, Rhiannon, who could not attend the sentencing because she was hospitalized with bone cancer. Nervously clearing her throat, Nelson apologized to Bates, but stopped short of taking responsibility, instead telling a rambling story about delivering a softball glove to a friend in North Kingstown. She did not testify at trial, but has contended a person she refuses to name was driving that morning. Her lawyer, David Cooper, asked for leniency because she has an 18-year-old autistic son who is about to graduate. “Her mistake should not sentence that kid to be out there on his own,” Cooper said. Cooper noted a plea agreement reached Monday in which Brandy Graff, a 20-year-old from Coventry, faces 5 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of driving under the influence, death resulting, in a crash that killed two elderly sisters. He called for consistency: 18 to 36 months to serve. Judge Nugent drew a distinction between the cases, saying Graff, then 18 and with no prior record, “did not engage in a mission to kill.” The victims’ family, in Graff’s case, agreed with the deal reached between prosecutors and her lawyer William J. Murphy, speaker of the House, he said. “It was not a case of mere recklessness … This is far worse than that,” the judge said. Nelson exhibited “homicidal, suicidal” recklessness, he said. He praised South Kingstown police officers who pursued Nelson’s Toyota pickup as it traveled the wrong way on Route 1 south, pulled it over briefly, and watched it speed away and crash head on into Bates’s Saturn. Tests showed her blood alcohol content at .192 and .208, records show. “Miss Nelson should have thought of her family. She should have thought of her son Michael. She should have thought of other drivers on the road” before driving drunk, he said. Nugent sentenced Nelson, who has been held since February, to 10 years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions for driving under the influence, serious injury resulting; plus a two-year loss of license; a $1,000 fine; restitution to the Bateses; and alcohol treatment. She received a five-year suspended sentence, plus probation with substance-abuse treatment, for the driving to endanger charge. “I’m a little bit satisfied. It took something from her. She took so much from me,” Bates said as he wheeled from the court room. He was using a wheelchair because he recently fell and broke his good leg. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:36 PM | Comment Number crunchers calculate R.I. economic forecastPROVIDENCE – Marking an unspectacular spring tradition, 15 number crunchers gathered in a committee room in the State House basement today to craft the state’s economic forecast for the coming year. They agreed that the forecast isn’t bad. But it’s not exactly good either. Rhode Island’s economic outlook is “fairly stable,” said Steven G. Cochrane, an economist from Moody’s Economy.com, one of two experts who attended the four-hour morning session. Cochrane based his forecast on the assumption that the nation avoids a recession – the probability of a recession is between 20 and 40 percent, economists said – and that the state emerges from its “housing funk” ahead of the rest of the country. “Then maybe, the second half [of 2007] won’t look so bad as it is now,” he said. Today's meeting in State House Room 35 was the first of five gatherings known as the spring Revenue and Caseload Estimating Conference, which will play a key role in the current legislative session. -- Journal staff writer Steve Peoples The conference will ultimately produce revised revenue estimates that tell lawmakers how much they can spend this year on children’s health-care programs, education aid to cities and towns, and the number of state police officers who patrol state highways, among other things. Governor Carcieri’s original budget proposal, which contains a host of unpopular cuts to social programs, was based on economic forecasts made in November. Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:13 PM | Comment Rep. Kennedy finishes probation for car crash earlyWASHINGTON -- Rep. Patrick Kennedy has completed the probation and court-ordered drug treatment for his middle-of-the-night car crash near the Capitol last May. District of Columbia Superior Court Magistrate Judge Aida Melendez approved early termination of the Rhode Island Democrat's probation on April 10, more than two months before it was to end. "He fulfilled his court-ordered requirements earlier than the date given," Kennedy spokesman Robin Costello said today. Kennedy met the terms of his probation, including weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and counseling with his physician, Dr. Ronald Smith, according to a review of Kennedy's court records by The Associated Press. "Mr. Kennedy is genuinely and honestly engaged in his recovery process," Smith wrote in a March 22 letter. "He has continued to attend daily AA meetings for the past year and is clean and sober. ... We remain very optimistic." Kennedy, the son of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said in a recent TV interview that he had sought treatment for an addiction to the painkiller OxyContin months before wrecking his car. Kennedy, 39, who won re-election to a seventh term last fall, has been open about his struggles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder, and his addictions to alcohol and various substances. The congressman, who has battled addiction problems since high school, has been a passionate advocate on Capitol Hill for improved mental health care coverage. As part of a plea deal last June, Kennedy, was sentenced to drug treatment and probation. -- The Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:10 PM | Comment Loatian gang members arrested in stingPROVIDENCE _ Four members of a Laotian street gang were arrested last night on drug and weapons charges after they were snared in an undercover sting operation. Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested the suspects at gunpoint on Thursday night at an undisclosed location in Cranston. The gang, members of Laos Pride, were armed with weapons and had agreed to the undercover agent's fictious plot to ``rip off''' a Rhode Islander drug dealer who had six kilograms of cocaine stored in his apartment. Arrested were Souvanh Keosouvanh, 27, of 673 Atwells Ave., Providence; Nheat Nhim, 21, of 329 Webster Ave., Cranston; Vixay Phommarath, 20, address unknown; and Khek Choummalaithong, 28, of 74 Pekin St., Providence. They appeared in U.S. District Court, Providence this afternoon to face charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and conspiracy to commit robbery. Keosouvanh, Nhim and Choummalathong also face charges of being felons in possession of firearms. --- W. Zachary Malinowski Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:04 PM | Comment Loatian gang members arrested in stingPROVIDENCE _ Four members of a Laotian street gang were charged with drug and weapons charges today after they were snared in an undercover sting operation. Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested the suspects at gunpoint Thursday night at an undisclosed location in Cranston. The gang, members of Laos Pride, were armed with weapons and had agreed to the undercover agent's fictious plot to ``rip off''' a Rhode Islander drug dealer who had six kilograms of cocaine stored in his apartment. Arrested were Souvanh Keosouvanh, 27, of 673 Atwells Ave., Providence; Nheat Nhim, 21, of 329 Webster Ave., Cranston; Vixay Phommarath, 20, address unknown; and Khek Choummalaithong, 28, of 74 Pekin St., Providence. Each appeared in U.S. District Court this afternoon where they were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to commit robbery. Keosouvanh, Nhim and Choummalaithong also were charged with being felons in possession of firearms. District Court Magistrate Lincoln D. Almond ordered them detained without bail. Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:04 PM | Comment Photo: A reflection of today's rainy weather
See live radar, current conditions and forecasts at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:38 PM | Comment A full PatsBlog on Draft weekendShalise Manza Young will be working the PatsBlog from New York City throughout both Saturday and Sunday. Check back often for the latest news on what the Patriots are up to. Barring any Draft-day maneuvers, New England has the 24th and 28th pick in the first round, picks that are expected to be made between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. Saturday. Posted by Mike McDermott at 3:24 PM | Comment Washington Post official will speak about free pressPROVIDENCE -- A Washington Post executive will give a lecture called "Endangered Species: A Free and Effective Press" this afternoon at Brown University. Carol Melamed, vice president of governmental affairs at the company, will speak at 3 p.m. in room 001 of the Salomon Center, according to a news release from Darrell West, Brown University's John Hazen White professor of public policy/political science and who is director of the Taubman Center for Public Policy. The lecture free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Brown Daily Herald, Taubman Center for Public Policy, Sarah Doyle Women's Center, and the nonfiction writing program. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:08 PM | Comment Sunken New Bedford fishing boat to be scrappedA sunken New Bedford fishing vessel is heading to a scrap yard after investigators finished their search of the Lady of Grace without finding the remaining two crew members who were lost at sea when the vessel sank on Jan. 26. The investigators searched the boat while it was moored at the Quonset Point in North Kingstown, to which it had been moved by barge. The captain of the Port of Providence signed off on moving the vessel from Quonset at the discretion of the owner and commercial contractor. The Lady of Grace sank with four crewmen aboard. The vessel had been deemed a navigational hazard in the main channel of Nantucket Sound, prompting the salvage operation Wednesday by a commercial contractor from New Jersey, Donjon Marine Co. Inc., according to Coast Guard Senior Chief Richard Uronis. The boat will be brought to Donjon's headquarters in Hillside, N.J. -- projo.com staff writers Kate Bramson and Michael P. McKinney State police and Coast Guard investigators entered the boat Wednesday while it was being transported but were unable to do a full search because of rough seas, state police have said. Three days after the sinking, search crews recovered the body of the Lady of Grace's captain, Antonio Barroqueiro. Nearly a month later, state police divers recovered the body of Mario Tavares Farinhas. Still missing are crew members Rogerio Ventura and João Silva. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:02 PM | Comment Judge holds off on decision on Swansea horse trainerNEW BEDFORD -- A Superior Court judge will issue a decision in the future on whether to uphold or reject the district attorney's argument that an equestrian trainer from Swansea -- facing statutory rape and child pornography charges -- be held up to 90 days while prosecutors prepare for trial. That's the word after a two-day "dangerousness" hearing wrapped up today in New Bedford Superior Court with no decision, according to a news release from the office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter. Judge Frances McIntyre took the issue under advisement and issue written opinion on another day. The judge did order that Silva be held until he issues his opinion. Joseph Michael Silva, 32, of 242 Dillon Lane, was arraigned yesterday on a 22-count indictment, which charges him with four counts of statutory rape (three from Swansea and one from Berkley), five counts of posing a child (four from Berkley and one from Swansea), four counts of disseminating harmful material to a child (all from Swansea), two counts of disseminating visual material of a child in the state of nudity (both from Swansea) and seven counts of possessing child pornography (all from Swansea). Sutter's office has used dangerousness hearing successfully several times to have suspects held, though many of the cases have been for gun and assault-type cases thus far. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:57 PM | Comment Ex-Foxy Lady stripper allegedly posed as psychologistBOSTON -- A former Foxy Lady stripper is on trial for allegedly posing as a licensed psychologist and treating children with eating disorders and other serious problems. "This is a case about trust, broken trust, and breaking that trust to commit theft from parents and their children," Assistant Attorney General David Andrews said as Lucy Wightman went on trial yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston. Wightman, 47, of Hull, was a stripper known as "Princess Cheyenne" in Boston's Combat Zone in the 1970s and '80s. Wightman performed at the Naked i in Boston and later at the Foxy Lady in Providence. Prosecutors say she took nearly $40,000 from parents while posing as a licensed psychologist in two Boston suburbs from 1998 to 2005. -- The Associated Press She faces 14 counts of felony larceny, five counts of filing false healthcare claims, five counts of insurance fraud and one count of practicing psychology without a license. Wightman's lawyer, Katie Cook Rayburn, said Wightman has a master's degree in psychology and studied five years at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Rayburn said Wightman bought a doctorate online from Dominica-based Concordia College & University, believing it was legitimate. Wightman denies telling people who sought treatment that she was licensed, Rayburn said. "My client didn't wake up one day and say, 'Today, I'm going to pretend to be a psychologist,'" Rayburn told the jury. "She intended to help people." Neither lawyer referred to Wightman's career as a stripper in their statements to the jury. To obtain a license to practice psychology in Massachusetts, applicants must hold a doctorate from a state-accredited school, complete 1,600 hours of supervised training, and pass a state-administered test. Andrews said Wightman had failed to fulfill any of the requirements before she opened South Shore Psychology Associates in Hingham and later in Norwell. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:54 PM | Comment Ex-traffic judge Yashar has to pay back $38,000PROVIDENCE -- Former Traffic Tribunal Judge Marjorie R. Yashar must pay back nearly $38,000 that she received as part of her pension, the Attorney General's Office announced today. A court judgment last week cut her pension to 75 percent of her salary, but her lawyer said at that time that the question of how much payback she owed was being negotiated. Yashar now must pay $37,597.06 to the state Employees Retirement System of the State. That constitutes the excess pension funds she has received since her resignation in September 2005. Lynch filed a summary judgment motion in Superior Court on June 9 last year, asking the court to reduce Yashar's pension by 25 percent. Providence County Associate Justice Judith C. Savage granted the state's motion on March 20. Yashar has 20 days to decide to pay voluntarily or to appeal the judgment, which Savage entered this week. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Court Administrator J. Joseph Baxter Jr. in 2005 granted Yashar a pension equal to 100 percent of her salary. To qualify for such a lifetime payment, according to state law, judges need to serve on the bench for 20 years. But Yashar took unpaid leave eight months before her 20-year mark, following an arrest for domestic simple assault, a charge that was later dropped. She returned to the court for one day in September 2005, after her 20-year anniversary, and retired the next day. Credit for the extra eight months boosted her annual pension by $38,660. Yashar argued that she retired only after being promised by the court administrator that she would receive a full pension. But in a 76-page decision issued March 20, Judge Savage dismissed those claims. Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:53 AM | Comment Update: Buddy the movie opens todayPROVIDENCE -- Buddy's back today. Well, at least, a film about former Providence Mayor Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci is. The film is directed and produced by Cherry Arnold and narrated by actor, and Rhode Islander, James Woods. Buddy will open today at Providence Place Cinemas and the Showcase Warwick. Showtimes through the weekend are: Providence Place: Fri-Sat 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45, 11:50; Sun 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45. Showcase Warwick: Fri-Sat 12:45, 3, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45, 11:45; Sun 12:45, 3, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45. It is also slated to play Friday, May 4, through Thursday, May 10, at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport. From June 21 through July 12, it is scheduled to be shown at The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. And, from June 22 through June 24, it's scheduled to be shown at the Revival House Theatre in Westerly. Thinking of going? Here's a sneak peek at Journal arts writer Michael Janusonis' review of the movie. Check out the Buddy Web site for more information and other screenings out of state. Wondering when Cianci will really be back? Now in federal prison on a corruption charge, he could return to Rhode Island by June 1 and serve the final weeks of his sentence on home confinement. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:48 AM | Comment Helicopter to drop larvicide on Westerly swampTo kill mosquitoes, a helicopter will drop mosquito larvicide on 500 acres of swamp in Westerly Monday, the state Department of Environmental Management said. If the weather is good, the helicopter will fly from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., dropping the larvicide granules on portions of Chapman's Swamp and the swamp area adjacent to Hespar Drive, according to the DEM. The DEM approved the town's application to appy the larvicide, Bti, which the DEM says is a naturally occurring bacterium and is "extremely safe." The bacterium is used to prevent larval mosquitoes from developing into adults. The DEM is recommending that communities apply larvicide to prevent against the spread of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE. Mosquitoes carrying EEE were found in the Chapman Swamp area in 1996 and 2003, according to the DEM. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:00 AM | Comment Catholic school bars same-sex couple from promATTLEBORO -- Rosanne Strott says she was not trying to make a political statement. She just wanted to invite a close friend to tonight's prom at Bishop Feehan High School. The problem was, that friend was a woman. Catholic Diocese officials barred the same-sex couple from attending the prom together. Strott told The Boston Globe that school administrators are discriminating against her because she is openly bisexual. "I was just trying to bring a friend and have fun," she said. "I decided that if I couldn't go with who I wanted, I wasn't going to take anyone at all." -- The Associated Press Even though Strott bought tickets and her friend paid for a spaghetti-strap dress and brown pumps that Macy's won't let her return, the 18-year-old senior said she will go stag to the "007: Diamonds are Forever" theme prom. She planned to wear an orange and yellow dress and Swarovski crystal necklace. Administrators said the same-sex couples ban is intended to keep the high school proms traditional. "We're not looking for trouble at our prom," said George A. Milot, superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Fall River. "Having boys bring boys or girls bring girls opens the door to all kinds of scenarios that could lead to problems. We're not willing to open the door." Sarah Wunsch, a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, told the newspaper that a same-sex couples ban would be illegal at public schools or even secular private schools. She said the state protects against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, but diocesan schools are not subject to the rules as religious institutions. Ryan Palanza, the student head of the school's prom committee, said he wished Strott could bring her date. "We have to adhere to the diocese's rules," he said. "This is just a diocese thing." Posted by Jack Perry at 9:26 AM | Comment On blog, Schilling responds to sock flapCurt Schilling today broke his silence on the controversy surrounding the "bloody sock" games in the 2004 World Series and American League Championship Series with a 1,500-plus word entry on his blog, 38Pitches. The headline: "Ignorance has its privileges." Schilling adds Gary Thorne, the Baltimore Orioles TV announcer who blithely reported Wednesday night that it was paint, not blood, on the socks, to his growing list of media members he would like to see put on an island somewhere. He says there is a subset of the media who make every effort to become the story themselves, rather than report the news. This will give you a flavor of Schilling's thoughts on his least-favorite reporters: "If you haven't figured it out by now, working in the media is a pretty nice gig. Barring outright plagiarism or committing a crime, you don’t have to be accountable if you don’t want to. You can say what you want when you want and you don’t really have to answer to anyone. You can always tell the bigger culprits by the fact you never see their faces in the clubhouse. Most of them are afraid to show themselves to the subjects they rail on everyday." "Before last night I'd only known who Gary Thorne was due to becoming a hockey fan and enjoying his calls of the NHL playoffs. I’ve always thought he was an awesome hockey announcer," Schilling writes. But he goes on to dispute Thorne's account of events entirely -- saying catcher Doug Mirabelli never told him anything about the subject, that Thorne had simply overheard some clubhouse conversation incorrectly and then reported the error as fact, and then accusing Thorne of lying when confronted by the subsequent firestorm. Schilling reiterates that it was blood on the socks -- something that Thorne has now acknowledged. But to drive the point home, he offers to bet anyone $1 million, with the proceeds going to charity, on the results of a test of the socks in question. Posted by Mike McDermott at 9:05 AM | Comment Photo: Waiting in the rain
Posted by Peter Phipps at 9:04 AM | Comment Local radio station recovers after lightning bolt strikesLocal radio station 92 PRO FM has just come back on the air after a lightning bolt struck the station’s transmitter early this morning and knocked the station off the airwaves for perhaps more than an hour. The station's counterparts at 630 WPRO AM have kept listeners up to date on the incident. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:45 AM | Comment Traffic: Cranston rollover accident clearedAn accident that closed the two right lanes of Route 10 north at Route 95 in Cranston for a rollover accident earlier this morning has cleared. Details about injuries are unavailable at this time, according to both the state's Transportation Management Center and the state police. With this morning's rain, watch out that you don’t hydroplane on area roads. There’s a disabled vehicle on the side of Route 295 north in Johnston, near exit 6 to Route 6, according to the state Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Center. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:37 AM | Comment Coventry woman in fair condition after crash on 95A Coventry woman who was seriously injured in a multi-car crash last night on Route 95 in Warwick is listed in fair condition this morning at Rhode Island Hospital. Linda Makhlouf, 43, was driving north on Route 95 with her two young daughters in the back seat when her car struck a stopped flatbed tractor-trailer and careened across three lanes of traffic, causing four other vehicles to collide, at about 7:30 last night. Makhlouf’s two daughters, ages 6 and 3, were found unharmed in their car seats, the police said, and no other injuries were reported. Makhlouf was admitted to Rhode Island Hospital, where a spokesman said this morning that she’s in fair condition. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:47 AM | Comment Weather Service issues flood watch for stateThunder. Lightning. What this morning's rain will do to flood-prone areas is frightening. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for this afternoon. it expects much of Rhode Island will get 1 to 3 inches of rain today. A low pressure system, formed on a warm front along the New Jersey shore, will cut through the region this afternoon. The weather service warns: "Don't drive across flooded roads and stay off slippery stream banks today as river flows will become swift and dangerous." Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:52 AM | Comment April 26, 2007Advisers: Vote no on 2 CVS/Caremark directorsThere's growing support for a campaign to boot two directors at CVS/Caremark. Institutional Shareholder Services, a firm that advises large shareholders on corporate voting, says it's recommending shareholders vote against Roger L. Headrick and Lance Piccolo because of their role in the sale of Caremark to Woonsocket-based CVS earlier this year. C-t-W Investment Group called earlier this week for the same thing. Caremark's shareholders approved a $27 billion takeover bid by CVS last month -- but only after CVS was forced to sweetened its initial offer several times amid shareholders' protests. Headrick and Piccolo were members of the Caremark board at the time. The company's annual meeting is scheduled for May 9. -- Dow Jones/The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment House OKs day's grace for proof of car insurancePROVIDENCE -- Rhode Island drivers got one gear-shift closer today to having a one-business-day grace period to produce their car insurance card if asked to do so by a police officer, under legislation approved by the House of Representatives. The bill, H-5023, whose prime sponsor is Rep. Al Gemma, D-Warwick, now goes to the Senate for consideration. The bill would require that police who issue such tickets to drivers to withhold submission of that ticket to the Traffic Tribunal until the next business day. The driver would have until then to submit evidence of insurance to the police department giving the ticket, according to a news release. But the bill allows police to immediately process a citation for no insurance if that is in addition to one or more traffic violations. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:24 PM | Comment The pictures to prove it: Dunkin' D's are everywherePROVIDENCE -- It's perhaps the enduring Rhode Island mystery: Never enough Dunkin' Donuts shops, even when you trip over them, and more always on the way. Now an artist has captured the phenomenon. Head over to Providence City Hall, where the exhibit "36 Dunkin' Donuts in a Three-Mile Radius" opens today from 5:30 to 7 p.m on the second floor. Photographer Anna Low, a Chicago native, first moved to Rhode Island and was "struck by Rhode Islanders' love of donuts, coffee and coffee drinks," according to a news release about the display. A tongue-in-cheek project got under way in which Low has combined digital imaging and an old printing process to depict 36 Dunkin' Donuts within a three-mile radius of her Providence home. The show will be on display as part of the "Gallery at City Hall," which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. And, soon, if you find yourself at the corner of Washington and Union Streets, right near City Hall, you won't have to take any more labored steps to find that coffee. That corner is the next expected location for a Dunkin' Donuts. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:18 PM | Comment Reinstated Tiverton chief: 'I've learned hard lessons'TIVERTON -- In his first public comments since being suspended for alleged sexual harassment five months ago and then reinstated this week, Police Chief Thomas Blakey apologized to those he may have offended and pledged to return to work next Tuesday. The Town Council on Monday released an order that overturned Town Administrator Glenn Steckman’s decision to dismiss Blakey but upheld an unpaid suspension until May 1, docking the chief nearly $25,000 in salary. The council also ordered Blakey to forfeit a merit increase in his salary this year and complete supplemental training and certification. Today, Blakey issued a one-page typed statement through his attorney Richard M. Peirce, “The council has acted responsibly and I accept its decision,” he said. “I have learned hard lessons which I hope will make me a better police chief.” Town officials said that Blakey was suspended last November after civilian employees in the Police Department filed a grievance against the chief alleging sexual harassment. Steckman fired him after consulting town attorneys and holding two pre-termination hearings. Under a town law that allows department heads to appeal terminations to the council, Blakey challenged the decision in March. A month-long hearing over six sessions included 35 hours of testimony from 24 witnesses called by Blakey, Steckman and the council. The council voted 4-3 to reinstate Blakey. -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner “I apologize to those who feel offended,” Blakey said in his statement. “While I cannot comment publicly on the specific allegations raised, I am particularly concerned that those employees who have raised complaints feel comfortable at work when I return. I am aware of their right to respect and dignity in the workplace.” “I am committed to redoubling efforts within the department to assure that an appropriate work environment exists for all employees. I will engage the assistance of others to assure that a fair, impartial and independent process is in place.” Blakey, who was hired in August 2003 after 27 years on the Swansea police force, said he looks forward to returning to work. “I will continue to look for ways to improve law enforcement through community policing, technological advances and ongoing training — all of which are vital to keeping pace with the difficult new issues facing every police department including our own,” he said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:48 PM | Comment Water authority: Up to town to remove indicted officialWEST WARWICK — The Kent County Water Authority will not remove Robert B. Boyer from its governing board even though he was indicted yesterday on eight counts of bribery, officials said today. That is a decision the town will be forced to make. “It would be the West Warwick Town Council [that would have to remove Boyer],” said Timothy J. Brown, general manager for the water authority. “It is the appointing body’s decision.” Boyer currently serves as chairman of the board that oversees the authority, which provides service to 26,360 households in eight communities. Police allege that Boyer, who owns a land-surveying business, paid town Building Inspector Stephen D. Murray a total of $2,800 in bribes over a series of months in exchange for preferential treatment. Murray was working with the state police throughout the investigation. Boyer was arrested in September and released on personal recognizance. He is scheduled for arraignment in Kent County Superior Court on May 11. The water authority is governed by a five-member board, including representatives from Coventry, Warwick, West Warwick, East Greenwich and one member appointed by the agency. The community-appointed board members serve 10-year terms and are paid $3,000 annually. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:12 PM | Comment Traffic update: Gradual re-opening of Rt. 295 lanesEvening commuters in the Lincoln-Cumberland area, keep this in mind. Two lanes of Route 295 north between exits 9 and 10, closed today for emergency repair, should be open by 5 p.m., with the highway fully reopened between 7 and 8 p.m., according to the latest update from the state Department of Transportation. Repairs to a wall near that are of the road were more extensive than expected, said Dana Nolfe, director of communications for the DOT. For traffic impact, check the jam-cam factor at the DOT Web site. The project required a crane to take up two lanes in that location, the DOT said. Nolfe said the recent nor'easter caused erosion to mortar in a stone masonry wall next to the bridge, which the crane is fixing. If not fixed, she said, the result could be a large pothole in the area. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:00 PM | Comment Recount going on in Swansea selectman raceSWANSEA, Mass. -- A hand recount of votes in the tied election for Swansea Board of Selectmen was to get under way at 4:30 p.m. at Joseph Case High School. Candidate Frank H. Kingsley requested the recount. Kingsley and M. Scott Ventura are tied with 984 votes each after the April 9 election. They are competing for the seat vacated by Joseph "Butch" Senna, who didn't seek reelection. Each candidate can have 10 people with him to oversee the recount tonight. A third candidate, Maureen R. Estes, finished third, with 649 votes. Time is allotted for the recount to go as late as 10 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:43 PM | Comment Smoke, but little damage, from EB trash fireNORTH KINGSTOWN -- A chemical reaction in trash at Electric Boat caused a lot of smoke but, so far, little damage today. Emergency crews -- including the local fire department -- were called to the submarine maker's Quonset Point facility at about 7:20 this morning after material that was being disposed of mixed with other waste and began to smoke. According to a memo sent to Electric Boat employees, there was no spillage or an explosion. No employees were hurt. The exact cause of the reaction has not been confirmed. The waste container is in stable condition and will be disposed of properly, according to the memo. -- Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:37 PM | Comment Psychiatrist: Woman was psychotic at time of fatal firePROVIDENCE -- One-time gubernatorial candidate Tonya Fuller Balletta was suffering from a psychotic disorder when she allegedly lit a fire in her house to prevent the police from serving her with a warrant, according to court testimony today. Balletta’s 12-year-old daughter, Talia, died from injuries suffered in the blaze. Balletta is on trial in Superior Court on charges stemming from the fatal fire on Oct. 29, 2004, at her home in Providence. After hearing testimony today from Dr. Joseph V. Penn, a psychiatrist from Rhode Island Hospital, Judge Susan McGuirl continued the trial to May 4. A doctor called by the prosecution is expected to testify next week. Balletta has been indicted on one count of murder, one count of first-degree arson, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of resisting arrest, and one count of assault with the intent to commit murder. -- Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:18 PM | Comment Beacon Mutual board chairman resignsPROVIDENCE -- Carl Hayes, the chairman of the board of at Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, has resigned. Company officials say Hayes and Brendan Doherty, who's been appointed to lead the State Police, turned in their resignations yesterday. A Beacon-commissioned report last year accused the insurer of giving improper price breaks to favored customers. A former Beacon executive has been charged with insurance fraud as part of the investigation. Hayes took over as board chairman in 2006. Governor Carcieri appointed Doherty to the board of directors after the scandal broke. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:58 PM | Comment James DiPrete, Board of Regents chair, is retiringJames A. DiPrete, chairman of the state Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education, will retire at the end of June, Governor Carcieri's office announced today. “Throughout his long and distinguished career as an educator, Jim DiPrete’s first priority has been the students ... and has worked to ensure that Rhode Island students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education,” Carcieri said in a statement. The governor appoints Board of Regents members, subject to Senate confirmation, and designates a board chairman. The chairman is the only board member who serves without a term limit. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney DiPrete was appointed to the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education in 1997 and became chairman in 1999. His career in education began in 1960 as a Spanish teacher in Connecticut. In 1961, he became a teacher at Cranston High School East. He taught English at the University of Pisa in Italy on a Fulbright Fellowship in 1965 and 1966 and has chaired several New England Association of Schools and Colleges visiting committees throughout New England and Europe. He has also served as principal of many schools, including Coventry High School. DiPrete wrote in his letter the governor: “It has been an honor to have served the youth and citizens of Rhode Island in an educational policy leadership capacity over the past ten years.” DiPrete stated that during his tenure, the Board of Regents carried out some of the state's policy and education strategy and its "All Kids Agenda." It also instituted a state assessment and standards program, extended schools days, testing, new building regulations and special education regulations that will soon be revised. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:32 PM | Comment Governor to swear in new state police head SaturdayGovernor Carcieri plans to swear in Rhode Island’s new state police superintendent, Brendan P. Doherty, on Saturday at 11 a.m. on the South Terrace of the State House. Doherty will be the fourth state police superintendent in 40 years, taking over from Col. Steven Pare, who stepped down in mid-February after unexpectedly announcing his retirement. Pare had served for five years as superintendent and was making $149,000. For more background, see Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst's recent column on Doherty. Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:32 PM | Comment A jam-packed calendar for R.I. House lawmakersPROVIDENCE -- It could be a traffic-jam on the floor of the state House of Representatives this afternoon. Lawmakers may consider everything from a bill regulating alcohol sales to one dealing with computer crime to another matching public funds for elections. The list of bills on the calendar tallies to more than 80. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:02 PM | Comment R.I. senators join in passage of Iraq withdrawal bill
Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed both voted in favor of the bill. That made the Rhode Island delegation's response to the bill unanimous. Last night, Reps. Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin, also Democrats, voted for the House's version of the bill. The 51-46 vote today was largely along party lines, and like House passage of the same bill a day earlier, fell far short of the two-thirds margin needed to overturn the president's threatened veto. Nevertheless, the legislation is the first binding challenge on the war that Democrats have managed to send to Bush since they reclaimed control of both houses of Congress in January.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:11 PM | Comment AG files complaint against 10 unregistered health clubsAttorney General Patrick C. Lynch has filed a Superior Court complaint against 10 Rhode Island health clubs, which he says have failed to register with the attorney general's office and shown they have been properly inspected. Lynch is also asking for a restraining order to shut them down until they obtain necessary inspections and register. Principals of each club were sent letters in mid-March advising them that their registrations had expired on or before Dec. 31. 2006, according to a news release from Lynch. The clubs Lynch's office says are violating law by not registering are: -- Gold's Gyms on Bald Hill Road in West Warwick, East Greenwich, Pawtucket, and North Providence. The motion for a restraining order will be heard in Providence County Superior Court on May 17. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:29 PM | Comment Christina Aguilera's concert: It takes an army / Photo
By contrast, rock legend Elton John, who performed in Providence last month, needed just nine trailers to transport his crew and staging equipment. For last night's event, which sold out all 8,339 seats available, Aguilera set up enormous video screens, a hydraulic stage and a trapeze. "One costume change per truck," joked Cheryl Schadone, the marketing director for the arena. "This was a huge show." Read Journal music writer Rick Massimo's review, and add your own.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:28 PM | Comment Update: Sunken New Bedford fishing boat recoveredA New Bedford-based fishing vessel that sank in an icy storm Jan. 26 has been salvaged and sits today at Quonset Point, awaiting further inspection by investigators still looking for the remains of two crewmembers who went down with the Lady of Grace. The 75-foot dragger that sank with four crewmen aboard had been deemed a navigational hazard in the main channel of Nantucket Sound, prompting the salvage operation yesterday by a commercial contractor from New Jersey, Donjon Marine Co., Inc., according to U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Richard Uronis. The salvage operation began yesterday morning, and the boat had been pulled up onto a barge by around 3 p.m. yesterday. It was transported last night via the barge to Quonset, Uronis said. Massachusetts State Police and Coast Guard investigators entered the boat yesterday to search for the remaining crewmembers, but they were unable to conduct a complete search because they were in the boat while it was moving, in rough seas, on the barge from Nantucket Sound to Quonset, state police spokesman Sgt. Robert Bousquet said this morning. Meanwhile, in Washington yesterday, a commercial fishing advocate and U.S. Rep. Barney Frank urged Congress to improve safety measures to avoid tragedies such as the sinking of the Lady of Grace. Read the Associated Press story. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson After the vessel lay for three months on its side on the bottom of Nantucket Sound, debris and gear most likely obstructed certain areas of the boat, Uronis said this morning. The investigators plan to re-enter the vessel today, Uronis said, but he is not sure when they would do so. Bousquet said the state police will bring its canine unit, which has experience recovering human remains, aboard the vessel, and the underwater recovery unit, because that team has already spent time searching the boat while it was underwater and they have the most experience with the ship. Bousquet said the Coast Guard’s role in searching the vessel is to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the ship’s sinking, while the state police role is to search for the crewmembers. Last night’s search began around 5 p.m. and concluded around 8 p.m., according to the Massachusetts State Police. Three days after the vessel sank, search crews recovered the body of the Lady of Grace captain, Antonio Barroqueiro. Then, nearly a month later, state police divers recovered the body of crewmember Mario Tavares Farinhas. Still missing are crewmembers Rogerio Ventura and João Silva. Once the investigation of the boat and its sinking is completed, the Lady of Grace will be taken to a scrap yard, said John Witte Jr., executive vice president of salvage company Donjon. Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:15 PM | Comment Convention Center Authority raises parking pricesPROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority voted this morning to raise the price of parking at its three downtown lots, part of a trend that is straining the budgets of commuters and visitors to the capital city. The independent agency voted unanimously to raise the price of 24-hour monthly parking by 11 percent, from $184 to $195. Event parking is going up, too, from $8 to $9. The convention center authority controls 2,515 spaces, about 40 percent of all downtown parking. The convention center authority chairman, David A. Duffy, attributed the hike to rising expenses. The public lots, he said, are still cheaper than most of the competition. The authority operates the North and South garages at the convention center, and a surface parking lot at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, which is now closed while the Dunk is being renovated. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:05 AM | Comment Journal owner reports 1Q profit declineDALLAS -- Publisher and television station owner Belo Corp., owner of The Providence Journal Co., said today that its first-quarter profit dropped 10 percent due to weakness in newspaper advertising. Earnings declined to $15.5 million, or 15 cents per share, from $17.3 million, or 16 cents per share, in the prior-year period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected profit of 13 cents per share. Revenue for the quarter fell 5 percent to $354.1 million from $371.7 million, missing Wall Street's estimate of $368.7 million. Newspaper group revenue fell 11 percent on soft newspaper advertising conditions, a decline in the Southern California housing market and difficult comparisons to the year-ago period. Excluding an extra Sunday in the 2006 quarter, newspaper group revenue decreased 9.3 percent. Television group revenue rose 2.1 percent. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 10:22 AM | Comment With supplies low, Blood Center seeks donorsThe Rhode Island Blood Center wants you. With blood supplies reportedly at 10 percent below normal, the center is urging donors to consider giving blood over the next several days to assure that blood supplies can meet the needs of local hospital patients. “The Blood Center is constantly challenged to provide a safe, adequate and consistent blood supply,” Blood Center spokeswoman Kathy Connolly said in a statement. “Each day in our community, hospitals require up to 280 pints of blood to take care of the needs of patients.” Blood donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Anyone who wants to donate blood may call the Rhode Island Blood Center for an appointment. For information about community blood drives call (401) 453-8383 or (800) 283-8385. Community blood drives and hours of operation are listed on the Blood Center’s Web Site. Donor Centers are in Providence, Narragansett, Middletown, Woonsocket and Warwick. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:45 AM | Comment Photo: It was a foggy morning in Barrington
-- Journal photo by Mary Murphy Posted by Peter Phipps at 8:35 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on Attorney General Patrick Lynch criticizing former Station club owner Jeffrey Derderian for completing about 70 hours of his court-ordered 500 hours of community service in seven months. There's also a local story reporting that so far cameras at Providence intersections haven't reduced traffic accidents and they may cost as much as they bring in from fines to traffic violators. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment Nice today, heavy rain possible tomorrowThe fog is leaving and the sun is coming. The high today is expected to reach the mid 60s. Then the National Weather Service forecasts light rain tonight and heavy rain tomorrow morning. A thunderstom is possible with up to 1 inch of rain in some areas. The weekend looks like a mix of sun and clouds with a chance of more rain and fog. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:47 AM | Comment April 25, 2007Seekonk IDs source of college threatsSEEKONK, Mass. -- Seekonk Police this afternoon identified the man accused of making statements about potential threats to some area colleges -- which have since been deemed not credible -- as 43-year-old Raymond Ouellette. Ouellette was arrested last Saturday at about 1:30 p.m. at the Motel 6 on Fall River Avenue in Seekonk, the police said in a statement this afternoon. Ouellette, who has a last-known address of 707 Lynch Ave., Leesburge, Fla., has 19 outstanding arrest warrants in Massachusetts and is also wanted in Florida, the police said. Ouellette is wanted by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in Florida. He was arraigned in Taunton District Court on the fugitive-from-justice charge yesterday, according to the police. "During the booking process at the Seekonk Police Station, Ouellette made statements which were potentially threatening to the public. The FBI was notified of the statements for further investigation," said the police news release. The Seekonk statement came after Providence-based FBI special agent Mike Scully said today that possible threats of violence against some area colleges came from a person arrested in Seekonk who claimed to police that he had such information. Scully said the threats had been deemed not credible. He did not identify schools that may have been target of the threats. The FBI had notified some colleges in Massachusetts and one in Providence about threats of violence to the schools, an FBI spokeswoman confirmed this morning. The notification follows the massacre of 32 people at Virginia Tech last week by a lone gunman, a shooting that shook college campuses nationwide. Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly spelled the last name of Raymond Ouellette. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Providence College sent a message to the campus community today saying the college was not contacted by FBI officials about a possible threat to a college campus in the Worcester, Mass., and/or Providence areas. Students at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., received an alert this morning via e-mail that said it had "received information from the FBI concerning a possible threat to a college campus in the Worcester and/or Providence area." Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:55 PM | Comment Drivers, beware: Christina Aguilera's in town tonightPROVIDENCE -- If you're driving downtown tonight, and not a Christina Aguilera fan, well, it may be time to reconsider driving downtown. If a fan, be patient as you head in. Aguilera's show will draw a big crowd and that could mean slow-moving traffic in the capital city. Check the DOT's traffic cams before you go. Her show opens at 7:30 p.m. at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center with opening acts the Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane. Aguilera calls tonight’s performance “an all-female, girl-empowered kind of show.” The set list draws heavily from her most recent CD, Back to Basics, but she promises fan favorites as well. There are some tickets left to the 7:30 p.m. show -- about 150 as of 6:45 p.m., according to Ticketmaster. For tickets -- $57 and $87 -- call (401) 331-2211 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. On the way home, consider the weather. There's a light rain out there already, which may continue after midnight. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:51 PM | Comment Photo: Earth, water and -- shopping cart
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:38 PM | Comment Dow tops 13,000; check its impact locally and on youThe Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 13,000 for the first time today. It was the Dow's 35th record close since the start of October. You can see how your stock performed by using projo.com's personal portfolio tool. You can also check out the market's behavior on our Impact 50 companies, deemed to have the greatest impact on Rhode Island business and economy. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:31 PM | Comment Waterplace Restaurant added to Pinelli-Marra chainPROVIDENCE -- The Pinelli-Marra Restaurant Group has acquired Waterplace Restaurant in downtown Providence from Glenn Ahlborg. Bill Pinelli and Steve Marra’s other restaurants, noted for fine dining at moderate prices, range from The Post Office Café in East Greenwich, Pinelli’s Cucina in South Kingstown, Pinelli’s North End Café in North Providence and Twist in Warwick. Until now, Twist on Angell in Wayland Square was the newest in the local chain. The chef there, Angie Armenise, will head up the kitchen when the restaurant overlooking Waterplace Park reopens in mid-May. Her menu will be a fusion of dishes she has designed for other Pinelli-Marra restaurants and new concepts. Not all parts of the restaurant will be open this summer as a major renovation is planned. The lower level of the restaurant will be open as will two decks overlooking the basin at the park. -- Journal food editor Gail Ciampa The newly renovated restaurant will be renamed in September. For now, it will be called Waterplace and be open weekends only from mid-May until Memorial Day. After that it will be open for lunch and dinner six days a week, closed on Monday. When the restaurant first opened in the clock tower above the park in 1997, it was the nautically-themed Boathouse. The name was changed to Bella Vista in 2000 and then to Waterplace last year. But despite a location especially popular on WaterFire nights, no name change resulted in crowds of diners to support the restaurant. It closed in January. -- Journal food editor Gail Ciampa Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:22 PM | Comment Langevin to vote in favor of Iraq withdrawal billRep. James Langevin will vote tonight in favor of a $124.2 billion war-funding bill that would require troop withdrawals to begin Oct. 1 with the goal of completing the pullout six months later. The Rhode Island Democrat's office announced how he would vote in a press release late this afternoon. Passage of the act would guarantee a historic showdown with President Bush, the first on the war since Democrats took control of Congress in January. Bush has promised to veto the bill and has enough Republican votes to sustain his objection. The bill, already negotiated with Senate leaders, is expected to reach the president's desk by early next week following a final Senate vote tomorrow. Get the latest on the House vote from the Associated Press. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:10 PM | Comment Ex-W. Warwick EDC head indicted on bribery chargesWEST WARWICK — Robert B. Boyer, former chairman of the town Economic Development Commission, was indicted today by a statewide grand jury on eight counts of bribing a public official. Boyer, who was arrested in September, is accused of bribing town building official Stephen D. Murray with cash payments of $300 and $500 on eight separate occasions between March and October 2006. Murray was working in conjunction with the police during the time. State police began investigating corrupt practices in West Warwick after former Town Council President Jeanne-Marie DiMasi hurled allegations of “shady dealings,” during a 2005 Town Council meeting. As investigators probed the situation, they interviewed town officials, one of whom was Murray, who told investigators that Boyer had repeatedly offered to pay him in exchange for preferential treatment. Under police surveillance, Murray met with Boyer 22 times between Dec. 15, 2005 and Aug. 23, 2006, according to state police affidavits. According to the document, Boyer allegedly paid Murray $500 on March 17 and April 28, and $300 on May 22, June 9, July 7, July 20, Aug. 8 and Aug. 23. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford After the arrest, Boyer was removed from the Economic Development Commission, where he served as chairman, and from the Pawtuxet Riverwalk Commission. Town officials had said that if Boyer was cleared of any wrongdoing, he would be allowed to return to the boards. Boyer was also asked to resign from his position on the governing board of the Kent County Water Authority, but he did not comply with that request. A message left at Boyer Associates, the surveying business he operates in downtown West Warwick, was not returned this afternoon. After Boyer’s arrest, he was released on $10,000 personal recognizance, and eventually released a statement where he asked for the continued support of his family and friends, and expressed belief in the justice system. “I regret that I am not able to tell the facts to you at this time on the advice from my attorney,” he said. Boyer is scheduled for arraignment in Kent County Superior Court on May 11. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:27 PM | Comment Textron shareholders oppose weapons initiativePROVIDENCE -- Shareholders have rejected a proposal calling on Textron Inc. to publish detailed disclosures of all overseas sales of weapons-related products. The initiative received the support of only 6.8 percent of shareholders, most voting by proxy, approved the proposal, according to Lewis B. Campbell, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Providence-based conglomerate. The Textron board of directors opposed the proposal, and Campbell spoke out against it at the company's annual meeting today at The Westin Providence hotel. The request, introduced by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, called for a “comprehensive report” detailing what equipment Textron has sold abroad, as well as the criteria the company uses to determine which countries and entities it supplies. --Journal Staff Writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Peter Phipps at 4:57 PM | Comment RWU radio hosts taken off air for use of Imus phraseBRISTOL -- The hosts of a conservative talk show on Roger Williams University’s student-run radio station are alleging censorship after they were removed from the air today for repeating numerous times the words “nappy-headed hos” -- the phrase used by national “shock jock” Don Imus that led to his recent firing. After being warned beforehand about using the phrase, Dana Peloso and Jon Porter, hosts of “Morning Again” on WQRI were suspended yesterday after a two-hour show aired that morning in which they repeated Imus’s infamous words upwards of 30 times in a brief period of time, according to program director Mike Martelli. After reviewing a recording of the show this afternoon, Martelli permanently removed them from the air. “They used that phrase several dozen times,” Martelli said today. “I lost count after a while. It seems like these guys were trying to be edgy.” But Peloso said they only used the words in the context of a discussion about Imus, who lost his job as a national radio talk show host after making racially disparaging remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team earlier this month. “It was quite a few times, but it was completely tasteful,” Peloso said of he and Porter's use of the phrase. “It wasn’t being derogatory. It wasn’t inflammatory.” In a press release sent out today, Peloso and Porter blamed the decision on the university, saying they were being deprived of their freedom of speech. Although the radio station is funded through the university, students are in charge of its day-to-day management. A spokeswoman for Roger Williams said today that although the school supports the decision to take Peloso and Porter off the air, administrators had no hand in the move. “Our core value of civil discourse calls upon our students, faculty and staff to discuss issues of the day in a way that creates an open atmosphere, not one that offends people,” Vice President of Public Affairs Susan Rivers said. “We had nothing to do with the decision the students made at the radio station regarding the Imus remark, but we feel it was a good decision.” -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:40 PM | Comment B.B. King among 9 who'll get Brown honorsBluesman B.B. King, who bends notes on a guitar named Lucille, ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman and three university presidents who are leading schools through Hurricane Katrina recovery are among those who will get honorary degrees at Brown University's 239th commencement. All told, nine people will receive honorary degrees at the May 27 commencement, the university announced today. Others are actress Kate Burton, Providence Journal editorial contributor Dr. Stanley Aronson, founding dean of Brown's medical school, Nobel Laureate Craig Mello, and human-rights activist Samantha Power. Several of those are Brown alumni. Berman is a graduate of the class of 1977. Mello graduated in 1982, and Burton graduated in 1979, according to the university. The three university presidents to be honored are Scott Cowen of Tulane University, Norman Francis of Xavier University and Marvalene Hughes of Dillard University. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:30 PM | Comment Mock hurricane bearing down on Rhode IslandA mock hurricane modeled after the 1938 storm that ravaged the Northeast is swirling into Rhode Island next week so federal, state and local officials can test their ability to work together if such a disaster strikes again. Rhode Island is hosting the week-long drill, which will involve all six New England states and New York to see how well they can communicate and coordinate their emergency responses. A Hurricane Hunter aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – named Kermit – will visit Quonset State Airport Monday to raise public awareness of hurricanes. Schoolchildren will tour Kermit from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the plane will be open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. that day. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits The mock hurricane will “hit” Rhode Island next Thursday at about 10 p.m., allowing all of the participating agencies to put their hurricane plans into effect. Those agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island National Guard. “We have worked hard over the last two years to increase our planning and preparedness capabilities for a hurricane, and we have developed a comprehensive approach to protecting our citizens from such an event as well as coping with its aftermath,” the governor said in a statement issued today. “This exercise among state, federal and local emergency management agencies will be another important step in strengthening our planning efforts and making our state even better prepared.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:12 PM | Comment Advocates, lawmakers to stump for health-care billROVIDENCE -- Advocates and some lawmakers are expected at an afternoon news conference to stump for legislation they say would help alleviate a shortage of health care professionals. The bill, filed in the General Assembly, would create a Center for Health Professions. A news release from the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, which advocates the measure, says the center would "work to address the shortage and retention of qualified health-care professionals." The bill seeks a one-time $250,000 appropriation to create the center and additional money for several other initiatives. The bill, H-5840, is slated to be heard by the House Finance Committee after the news conference. Its prime sponsor is Rep. Thomas Slater, D-Providence. The 3 p.m. news conference will be in the Senate Lounge at the State House. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:49 PM | Comment Series on R.I. slavery named EPpy finalist"The Unrighteous Traffick: Rhode Island's Slave History, " produced by projo.com and The Providence Journal, has been named a finalist in the annual EPpy awards competition. The multimedia series by Journal staff writer Paul Davis is competing in the category of Best Special Feature, Enterprise, in a Web site with fewer than 1 million monthly visitors. It can be seen at: http: projo.com/slavery Also named as finalists were Belo sister site PE.com, the Web site of The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif, for "Habitat vs. Development" and "Jordan's War", on roanoke.com, the Web site of The Roanoke Times. The EPpy awards, which recognize online journalism and features, are sponsored by Editor & Publisher and MediaWeek magazines. More than 450 entries were submitted for this year's awards. Forty-five judges have been evaluating them since early March. The winners will be announced at Editor & Publisher's Interactive Media Conference in May. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:48 PM | Comment Shellfishing banned after sewage spill in NarragansettA sewer main break that spilled about 20,000 gallons of sewage has forced the closing of all waters of Point Judith Pond's Bluff Hill Cove and Welcome Cove to shellfishing, the state Department of Environmental Management announced today. And the DEM is cautioning people who harvested shellfish from that area not to eat it and instead dispose of it, according to a news release. Though the sewer break was reported to the DEM this morning, it may have happened within the past two days or so. The department says it has closed the shellfishing grounds as a precaution because of a sewer main break on the Galilee Escape Road in Narragansett that sent the sewage into the coves. Narragansett sewer department employees are assessing the damage and figuring whether emergency repairs will be needed. They are also collecting water samples to figure our bacteria levels. The closure takes in all water of Bluff Hill Cove and Welcome Cove west of a line running from the western side of the Great Island Bridge and south of a line running from the northern extremity. Also included is an area running from Horseshoe Point on Great Island to the northernmost point of Locke Point in Narragansett. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:43 PM | Comment Update: FBI: Threat against area colleges not crediblePROVIDENCE -- A Providence-based FBI special agent said today the FBI determined that possible threats of violence against some area colleges were "not credible" and came from a person arrested in Seekonk who claimed to police to have the information. "It was basically a criminal that got interviewed over the weekend ... and had a grandiose story," said Mike Scully, the FBI special agent. Providence College sent a message to the campus community today saying the college was not contacted by FBI officials about a possible threat to a college campus in the Worcester, Mass., and/or Providence areas. "After initiating contact with FBI officials in Providence earlier today, we have been advised that the individual providing the information about the threat was not credible and that the information provided by this person was not a valid threat," says the message from Major John J. Leyden, the college's safety and secuity director, which was posted on the college Web site today. The message states that "we are reassured by the FBI's confidence that there is no cause for alarm," but "we want to remind you, as always, to be alert and aware of your surroundings." If anyone sees a suspicious person or activity, the Office of Safety and Security asks that it be reported to it at 865-2391. Meanwhile, police in Seekonk, Mass., and the FBI may have more information this afternoon about the person who was arrested. The FBI had notified some colleges in Massachusetts and one in Providence about threats of violence to the schools, an FBI spokeswoman confirmed this morning. The notification follows the massacre of 32 people at Virginia Tech last week by a lone gunman, a shooting that shook college campuses nationwide. Special Agent Gail A. Marcinkiewicz said that the threats could not be corroborated but that the agency contacted the colleges and universities that had been mentioned so they could take whatever action they deemed necessary. The FBI would not identify the schools, or provide specific information on the threats.
Marcinkiewicz would only say that "an individual in custody mentioned that there was going to be some threats of violence to various campuses." The FBI was contacted and the agency investigated. Marcinkiewicz would not say why the person was in custody, but said the person was not in federal custody. This afternoon, Scully seemed to not know of the FBI initiating contact with any Providence college. Rather, his understanding was that a Providence college today contacted the Providence FBI office after media outlets began inquiring. Students at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., received an alert this morning via e-mail. "Holy Cross Public Safety has received information from the FBI concerning a possible threat to a college campus in the Worcester and/or Providence area. "We are continuing to actively gather more information on the validity of this threat. "Other colleges in the City of Worcester have received this warning. Federal agents have not provided specific information regarding whether any specific campus was mentioned or any time frame associated with the threat." "At this time law, enforcement agencies have not been able to verify the threat. However, in light of the Virginia Tech tragedy, we want you to be aware of it. We are receiving assistance from the Worcester Police Department and state police while we gather additional information on the validity of this threat." Holy Cross students were told to report suspicious activity or people. Marcinkiewicz said the schools were notified as part of regular operating procedure. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Jack Perry Posted by Jack Perry at 2:04 PM | Comment Providence board cuts embezzler's pension by 99%
Journal photoKathleen Parsons at her pension hearing on Monday.
The vote was 6 to 5 to cut it by 99 percent -- two days after the board voted not to revoke entirely Parsons' more than $1,895-per-month pension. By not revoking Monday, the board continued consideration of reducing the pension until today. One retirement board member abstained from today's vote and another was absent. The board's decision now goes to Superior Court, where a judge will decide whether to uphold the reduction and have it carried out. A judge could decide to modify the decision. Those siding with management Monday had wanted to the board to revoke Parsons' pension while labor represenatives did not want it revoked. Parsons' pension is already reduced by $200 per month to repay loans she took against the pension account in order to gamble. The 99-percent reduction would come off the $1,895-per-month figure. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:45 PM | Comment Textron holds annual meeting in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Textron Inc., an $11 billion global conglomorate based in Providence, is holding its annual meeting this morning at The Westin Providence hotel. The shareholders meeting was scheduled to start at 11 a.m. --Journal Staff Writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Jack Perry at 11:09 AM | Comment Former judge expected to take commission postPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri is expected to appoint former state Supreme Court Justice Robert G. Flanders Jr. as chairman of a special commission that will investigate ways to improve the research environment at the University of Rhode Island. Carcieri will announce the appointment during a meeting of the Rhode Island Science and Technology Council, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the State House, according to the state Economic Development Corporation. Flanders retired from the court in 2004. He is a partner at the law firm Hinckley, Allen & Snyder. --Journal Staff Writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Jack Perry at 11:05 AM | Comment Photo: In the pink
Posted by Jack Perry at 10:08 AM | Comment Update: AG blasts Derderian over community serviceThe state’s attorney general believes 70 hours of community service performed in the last seven months by Station nightclub co-owner Jeffrey Derderian is “inadequate,” given that he was ordered to perform 500 hours during his three years on probation for his role in one of the state’s deadliest fires. Derderian was spared a jail sentence last September when the court accepted no-contest pleas from Derderian and his brother, Michael A. Derderian, who was ordered to serve four years. "The fact that Jeffrey Derderian has finished only 70 hours of community service in the seven months since he was sentenced is, quite simply, inadequate and very disappointing,” Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch said. “I would expect him to have shown more respect to the court and, moreover, to the victims' family members and their loved ones than he has shown with his efforts thus far." Jeffrey Derderian’s lawyer said today that it has been difficult to find places where her client could perform community service, particularly where he could work with burn victims, which had been a request of many family members of fire victims. “He made every effort to do that,” lawyer Kathleen M. Hagerty said. Derderian said in a statement issued today that finding places for him to volunteer has been "a careful, deliberate process." The fire that raced through the brothers’ club on Feb. 20, 2003 killed 100 people and injured more than 200. Jeffrey Derderian is now working with the West Greenwich Fire Department and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Inc., a national organization, Hagerty said. Both organizations have drawn on Derderian’s reporting and writing experience, and he is helping them research what types of grants might be available and then helping them to obtain grant money, Hagerty said. He had worked as a television reporter prior to the fire. Derderian and Hagerty first approached Rhode Island Hospital and then Massachusetts General Hospital, she said – both places where victims from The Station fire were treated. “It was very difficult, quite frankly,” to find the kind of community service Derderian was seeking, Hagerty said. “Jeffrey was committed to doing something to assist fire victims. … We met with people at Rhode Island Hospital and [spoke on the phone with someone at] Massachusetts General Hospital. They weren’t able to secure anything for him.” Over many victims' objections, a Superior Court judge on Sept. 29 accepted no-contest pleas from the owners of the nightclub. Michael Derderian was immediately taken to the Adult Correctional Institutions to begin serving a four-year prison sentence, while Jeffrey went home to spend the night with his family. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson On the day the brothers were sentenced, after four hours of heart-wrenching statements from the family members of fire victims, Jeffrey Derderian wept as he told the court he has many days when he wishes he didn’t make it out of the nightclub because maybe that would make the families feel better. He said he took responsibility for believing the foam that lined the walls of the club for soundproofing – and instead fueled the fire that consumed the building in minutes – was OK. He told the victims he planned to spend his 500 hours of court-ordered community service teaching others about fire safety and “volunteering in a burn unit so I can see firsthand what victims go through every single day.” After a hearing yesterday before the sentencing judge, Francis J. Darigan Jr., it was determined that the probation department will file quarterly reports beginning in June to update the status of Derderian’s community service. Lynch said said he's now "confident" that the court "with the assistance of the probation department, will ensure the defendant meets his obligations in a more timely and consistent way." In late October, Hagerty said Jeffrey Derderian had not yet started the community service. Hagerty said at the time that she was trying to find a burn unit where he could volunteer. If she couldn’t accomplish that, she said she was trying to find a way for him to share his experience with small-business owners. Jeffrey Derderian was charged with the same counts of involuntary manslaughter as his brother. After he pleaded no contest, he was given a 10-year suspended sentence, with 500 hours of "appropriate" community service and 3 years of probation. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:35 AM | Comment N. Kingstown voters approve elderly tax reliefNORTH KINGSTOWN -- Voters yesterday resoundingly defeated $26.5 million in borrowing that would have modernized two schools and preserved a Slocum gravel pit slated for a 290-home development. But an inititive to grant tax exemptions to residents age 65 and older who have lower incomes overwhelminly passed. According to the town Board of Canvassers office, 3,299 voters said yes to the initiative, while 1,117 voted no -- a 74.71 percent to 25.29 percent split among special-election ballots. The town was seeking a $20.1-million bond issue to update Wickford Middle and Davisville Elementary schools. But when all the votes were tallied last night, 59 percent of voters, or 2,620, said the costs were too much to bear. Forty-one percent, or 1,839, supported the proposal, with about 22 percent of the town’s nearly 20,000 registered voters casting ballots. The town also reports turnout was low, only 22.22 percent of North Kingstown's 20,156 registered voters voted in the election: or 4,478 votes cast overall. As for the defeated school initiative, the money would have been be used to improve the lavatories and science rooms as well as build a new library, media room and entrance at the back of Wickford Middle School. Davisville Elementary would have received a new gym, library and media center, in addition to dedicated art and music rooms and upgraded offices. Neither school has a library that meets state Department of Education standards. The North Kingstown Taxpayers Organization savored last night’s results. “The amount that they were asking for was too rich,” said Muriel Camarra, president of the group. She insisted that the district’s proposal was riddled with flaws and that $3 million could have easily been shaved from the plans. Supporters of the project lamented the loss and worried that it will cost taxpayers millions in the long run. “The need for these repairs and renovations is not going to go away,” said Councilman Anthony F. Miccolis Jr. “Further delaying the project is not going to make it less expensive.” Council President Edward Cooney attributed the outcome to the $26.5-million total price tag for both bond issues. “The question in people’s minds is ‘Have we put in jeopardy the 30 percent state reimbursement?’ ” he said. “If, in fact, we’ve lost that, that’s unfortunate.” Maureen Buck, director of administrative services for the district, said yesterday that she expected the state to reimburse the town for 30 percent of the costs, despite reports that legislators were freezing state aid for school construction projects. “I feel confident North Kingstown, if this bond is passed, would be reimbursed,” she said before the votes were counted. “I really have no reason to believe the state would renege.” Voters also rejected $6.4 million in bond money to purchase the development rights to 286 acres off Dry Bridge Road. Composed of a gravel, wetlands and forest, the land is above the Annaquatucket aquifer, which could supply drinking water to residents if the town built new wells. According to state officials, the water is so pure it doesn’t need treatment. Dry Bridge Development had submitted plans to build 290 three-bedroom houses — some of them affordable — on the property that sits east of Buena Vista Circle at the Exeter town line near Route 2. The Peace Dale-based company later agreed to sell the development rights to the town. The land could have been used for ball fields and walking trails, and provided much-needed open space, according to town planning officials. About 54 percent of the voters, or 2,393, opposed the deal, with 46 percent, or 2,041, voting in favor.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 9:16 AM | Comment After storm, Coast Guard still searching for buoysBOSTON -- Last week's powerful nor'easter is causing some lingering problems for mariners and the Coast Guard. At least 45 navigational aides along the coast from Maine to New York are either missing, not working or adrift. Three Coast Guard crews have been conducting restoration efforts over the past several days. The damage has affected shipping channels in Boston, New York and Portland, Maine. The cutter 'Juniper' found the Boston approach buoy 87 miles out of position. Until all the repairs are made, the Coast Guard is urging boaters to use extreme caution while navigating New England waters. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:34 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the funeral for Daniel P. O'Neil, a Lincoln native who was killed in last week's shooting at Virginia Tech. There's also a story about the City of Providence's attempt to void the pensions of former police officials involved in a cheating scandal. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment A little rain, then sunny, then rain againPartly sunny. Kind of warm. Fairly nice. That's today's forecast with a high of 64. Then this afternoon the National Weather Service says there's a 30 percent chance of some rain. That likelihood is expected to increase to 70 percent this evening. Tomorrow looks like it will be clear and warm with a high in the mid 60s. Then, it might rain tomorrow night through Saturday, with thunderstorms predicted as likely for Friday night. Sunday seems to be the day we’ll want to spend outdoors this weekend, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 66. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:48 AM | Comment April 24, 2007Photo: Beach erosion sculpted in stone
Look for the upcoming story and more photos on projo.com and in tomorrow's Journal. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:07 PM | Comment Cicilline administration pitches mass-transit programPROVIDENCE -- The Cicilline administration pitched its ambitious mass-transit program to top transit officials and a legislative commission today. Garry Bliss, the mayor’s director of policy and legislative affairs, said a bigger, better transit system offers an enormous opportunity for economic development because investments in transit, particularly projects like streetcars running on rails, attract intensive development. On the other hand, he said, missing the opportunity will probably mean gridlock. Rhode Islanders are doing so much more driving, Bliss said, that by the year 2022 the number of cars on Route 95 will cause as much as congestion as would the elimination of one lane from the highway. Arguing that the state has little choice in the matter, Bliss said that vehicle miles traveled, the federal government’s yardstick for measuring driving, has doubled in 25 years in Rhode Island, while highway capacity has increased only 5 percent. The plan comes at a time when a series of nighttime closures and lane restrictions on Route 95 in Rhode Island are expected to impact motorists in and out of Providence through most of the summer. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis Speaking at a meeting of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Transit Service in the state, Bliss told the several Rhode Island Public Transit Authority officials at the meeting that they are doing a good job and should get more money to do a better one. "RIPTA does an excellent job with severely-constricted funding," he said. The agency’s leaders, he said, are "very innovative thinkers, and committed to making the transit system better." In March, the mayor’s Transit 2020 Working Group proposed adding more permanent, and much more expensive, railed vehicles, to RIPTA’s buses, and adding more transit "hubs" to the present one, the over-capacity Kennedy Plaza. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment Raytheon finalizes $184M radar equipment contractRaytheon, which has a Portsmouth facility, has finalized a $184-million Navy contract to provide radar equipment to the Australian and Spanish navies. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based firm will manufacture, integrate and test the radar systems transmitters and fire control systems. Raytheon will perform the work at facilities in Sudbury and Andover in Massachusetts, and at its Maritime Mission Center in Portsmouth. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:19 PM | Comment UnitedHealthcare fined for failing to show complianceUnitedHealthcare of New England has been fined $67,500 for violating a state law intended to protect insurance coverage for small-business employees. United failed to provide documentation showing that it had complied with the law, and overcharged members who were in poor health, according to documents released by Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller. The Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act of 2000 sets rules that limit variability in rates offered to businesses with 50 or fewer employees. It also constrains insurers’ ability to exclude sicker people by refusing to cover them or charging them exorbitant rates. Every three years, the law requires the state to examine whether health insurers are complying with its terms. The health insurance commissioner hired independent examiners to study documents and take testimony on 2006 data. United did not return the Journal’s phone calls seeking comment. The original fine was $75,000, but United got a 10 percent discount for accepting the commissioner’s findings and agreeing to supply the required documents in six months, when the insurer faces reexamination. United paid the fine in March, but state law requires a 30-day waiting period before the order could be made public. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island was found to have substantially complied with the law, except for a few technical deficiencies. (Blue Cross spokeswoman Kim Keough said the insurer had already submitted a plan to correct the problems). -- Journal medical writer Felice J. Freyer Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:14 PM | Comment Update: Prison escapee caught in Central FallsCENTRAL FALLS -- A state prison escapee was caught by police in Central Falls Monday evening when he was spotted in a vehicle on Broad Street, the state police said. Dean Dumont, 38, who had gotten out of the minimum security facility at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston Saturday night, was spotted at about 6:15 p.m. by investigators who were out looking for him, state police said. Dumont was arrested without incident when members of the State Police’s Violent Fugitive Task Force, the State Police detective division and members of the corrections department’s Special Investigations Unit converged on the vehicle. After being processed at the state police Lincoln barracks, Dumont was returned to the ACI. He is expected to be arraigned on escape charges soon. Dumont, whose last known address was in Pawtucket, was serving a three-year sentence for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He was scheduled to be released in October 2008. ACI officials discovered Dumont was missing at the 11:30 p.m. count of inmates Saturday. The minimum security part of the ACI is a dormitory-style unit, with more than one inmate per room. Corrections officials have not explained how he got out, citing security concerns. -- Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:08 PM | Comment Bristol Harbor will re-open day early for shellfishingBRISTOL -- Bristol Harbor waters will reopen to shellfishing at sunrise tomorrow, one day earlier than planned, the state Department of Environmental Management announced this afternoon. Bristol Harbor was one of two areas closed to shellfishing beginning April 17 because of sewage overflows driven by heavy rainfall. The area that will reopen in takes in all waters north and east of a line running from the southern tip of Poppasquash Point, Bristol, to Southwest Point on Hog Island. The area to reopen also runs to the southwestern extremity of Arnold Point in Portsmouth, where there is a DEM marker. Another shellfishing area that had been closed on April 17, Dutch Harbor, reopened this morning. Extra: Take a look at shellfish closure maps for Rhode Island waters. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Man killed by C. Falls police died of 'gunshot wound'PROVIDENCE -- The state Medical Examiner's Office today described the cause of death of a man killed by Central Falls police as "gunshot wound to torso and upper extremity." The information was contained in a one-sentence press release, issued this afternoon, from Chief Medical Examiner Thomas Gilson. More than two weeks later, Central Falls police have not disclosed the names of the officers who shot him, how many shots they fired or what happened that night in the apartment. The officers involved are on administrative leave and are undergoing counseling, according to Central Falls Police Chief Joseph Moran. Moran told The Providence Journal that disclosing more information would interfere with the grand jury proceedings and that, under the Access to Public Records Act, he is not required to release the information. He said that he would not release any new information until a grand jury has had a chance to hear the events of that night based on witness accounts and police findings. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:00 PM | Comment State Police say accident clearing up on Route 295CRANSTON -- Traffic should start moving more smoothly on Route 295 north, as the state police say an accident that closed several lanes has been cleared. The state's traffic management center had said in an advisory this afternoon that the breakdown lane was the only lane opened on Route 295 north in the area of Exit 3B (Route 37 west/Phenix Avenue), due to an accident, according to an advisroy from the state's traffic management center. The police said it was believed to be a three-car accident, for which details were not yet available. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:53 PM | Comment Tiverton council overturns police chief's firingTIVERTON -- Police Chief Thomas Blakey will be back on the job May 2 after the Town Council last night overruled Town Administrator Glenn Steckman's decision to fire the chief. But Blakey is suspended without pay from Jan. 8 until May 1 for the violations, according to the order from the council. Blakey will also not receive a merit increase in salary for the second year of his current contract. And he will complete "supplemental training and certification" as outlined in the council's decision. The council heard approximately 35 hours of testimony over six sessions that included 23 witnesses and 36 exhibits, according to the council's order outlining its decision. The details of what led to the firing have not been made clear, but officials have said he was suspended after civilian employees of the Police Department filed a grievance against him alleging sexual harassment. There are no criminal allegations against Blakey. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner Blakey was dropped from the town payroll in January. Blakey's last paycheck, in the amount of $3,053, was paid Jan. 4. He was making $79,397 a year, according to information provided by town officials. Under the Town Charter, as a department head, Blakey was allowed to appeal the decision to the Town Council. In March, he filed the appeal, setting in motion a series of hearings before the council. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:04 PM | Comment Judge clears release of more Station fire evidenceA Superior Court judge has cleared the way to release additional evidence that the attorney general gathered while investigating The Station nightclub fire, a spokesman said today. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch filed a motion in November with Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. for permission to release certain photographs, test results and expert reports that were gathered during the investigation. The photographs include ones taken before the 2003 fire, showing conditions inside the West Warwick nightclub, as well as crime scene photographs -- excluding those showing victims -- taken after the fire. The test results and expert reports include information about the burning characteristics of polyurethane foam. The highly flammable foam had been placed on the building’s walls as soundproofing after neighbors complained about noise. A rock band’s fireworks ignited the foam, which helped the fire spread quickly and ultimately claim 100 lives. Lynch had maintained that the photographs, test results and reports were subject to an earlier order by Darigan that barred their distribution. Lynch’s request for permission followed a public records request by The Providence Journal for all the evidence in the Station fire case. -- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker As late as last week, lawyers from the attorney general’s office sought a hearing in front of Darigan on the November motion. On Friday, Darigan held a hearing on a separate motion, submitted by a company being sued in federal court as a result of the fire, dealing with six of the photographs. At Friday’s hearing, Assistant Attorney General James R. Lee tried to bring up the November motion, but Darigan kept the proceeding focused on the six photographs. It was not until after the hearing that another assistant attorney general, while reviewing docket sheets for the case, discovered that Darigan had already granted the November motion. Darigan’s signature is dated Jan. 29. Lee and a spokesman for Lynch, Michael J. Healey, said the Attorney General’s Office never received a copy of the order until discovering it listed on the docket sheet after Friday’s hearing. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:57 PM | Comment Mollis announces ideas for improving state votingPROVIDENCE – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis today announced his ideas for improving the integrity of the voting system and increasing convenience for voters. Among them: Requiring photo identification at the polls and allowing voting over several days. Mollis also announced the members of a commission charged with studying his proposals, holding public hearings around the state, and crafting legislation for introduction next year. Mollis said his ideas are just that -- ideas -- and the proposals may change significantly based on input from the commission and the public. “We expect this to truly change the way Rhode Islanders are used to voting,” Mollis said, noting that last November, roughly half of those registered to vote in Rhode Island actually voted. Of the list of 10 bullet points -- dubbed the “Voters First” initiative -- the proposals to require photo ID and open polls across several days were the most concrete suggestions. Many of the others named problems, rather than proposing specific ways to solve them. -- Elizabeth Gudrais of the Journal State House Bureau Mollis says the state should: - Consider easing the requirements for absentee voting - Look at ways to clean up the voter rolls, such as decreasing obstacles to removing voters who have died, have moved or are registered at more than one address. - Consider ways to increase voting booth privacy, such as adding curtains to voting booths - Consider expanding the no-canvassing zone around polling places from the current radius of 50 feet - Standardize training and compensation for poll workers across the state - Revisit the voter registration form, and consider requiring additional documentation and proof of residency - Examine poll opening and closing times. - Study expanding in-person registration of voters by trained and authorized canvassing agents.
In particular, the groups – which included International Institute Rhode Island, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Rhode Island Disability Law Center – called the photo ID proposal “an overreaction to a largely nonexistent problem of alleged voter impersonation.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:20 PM | Comment College grad career fair today at the IMAXThe projoJobs College Graduate Career Fair will be held today at the Feinstein IMAX Theatre at the Providence Place mall from 4 to 7 p.m. Employers will be conducting interviews for job openings at the event sponsored by The Providence Journal, in partnership with the Feinstein IMAX Theatre. The career fair is free and features résumé critiquing, on-the-spot interviewing and networking opportunities plus food, music, a free movie screening and giveaways. Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:14 PM | Comment Photo: O'Neil mourners hold on to each other
Read our report on the funeral and a prepared homily for the funeral. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:50 PM | Comment Police chief gets job back after harassment claimsTIVERTON -- The police chief in Tiverton has his job back -- after being terminated following allegations he sexually harassed some female employees. The town administrator decided to terminate Thomas Blakey's contract in January after two closed-door hearings were held on the allegations. But Blakey appealed, and the Tiverton Town Council overturned the decision -- saying Blakey will be back to work May second. The details of the harassment allegations have not been made public. But as part of the order the council made to reinstate him, Blakey will have to pay a 19,000 dollar penalty equal to about four months' pay. He'll also have to complete unspecified training. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 2:19 PM | Comment Roger Williams U. auction to aid Virginia Tech fundBRISTOL -- Part of the profits from both a sale and an auction this Sunday at Roger Williams University will go to a memorial fund for Virginia Tech. The White Elephant Sale and Silent Auction will begin at 4 p.m Sunday, and Roger Williams Universiy announced today that profits will be divvied among the Virginia Tech memorial, Special Olympics athletes and the Roger Williams University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America -- the organization that is helping organize the event Sunday. The sale and auction will feature things donated by local merchants. And the university says there will be complimentary food and beverages for those who attend. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:15 PM | Comment Skakel's trial attorney says book deal corrupted caseSTAMFORD, Conn. -- The attorney who represented Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel at his 2002 murder trial testified today that the case was corrupted by a book deal involving the lead investigator and a former Newsday reporter. "The primary investigator was looking at a pot of gold" if Skakel was convicted of murdering Martha Moxley in 1975 in Greenwich, Skakel attorney Michael Sherman said. "There was a motive here as opposed to just looking for justice for all parties." Sherman, testifying today during Skakel's bid for a new trial, said he asked about the book deal before Skakel was convicted, but was dissuaded from seeking further information because the judge glared at him. Skakel, 46, is serving 20 years to life in prison. -- The Associated Press To win a new trial, his attorneys must prove that new evidence not available before his conviction could have changed the jury's verdict. The non-jury hearing is expected to conclude tomorrow or Thursday, but the judge does not plan to rule for weeks or months. In addition to questions about the book deal, Skakel is pinning his hopes for a new trial on a former classmate's claim that two other men told him they got Moxley "caveman style." Skakel's attorneys are also challenging another former classmate's claim that Skakel confessed to him. Sherman testified today that his trial strategy would have changed had he known about a book on the case by former Newsday reporter Len Levitt. Defense attorneys are trying to prove that Levitt had a financial agreement with lead investigator Frank Garr. Prosecutor Jonathan Benedict has said Garr's involvement in the book and the financial arrangements were made after Skakel's conviction. "Any agreements I made with Mr. Levitt was done after the proceedings, after the trial," Garr said today. Garr also testified that he did not give Sherman profile reports about Skakel and two other suspects in the case because Benedict had told him not to. Prosecutors say the state Supreme Court rejected that issue during a separate appeal. They say the substance of the reports was disclosed in numerous police reports and other records turned over to Sherman. Levitt testified last week that he planned to write the book regardless of how the trial ended and that Garr always told him that he couldn't help until Skakel's trial was over. He said the two men split the profits from the book, with Garr receiving less than $10,000. But Sherman said he would have used information about the planned book to develop the theme that witnesses were being coerced or ignored. "It shows all along there was not a perfect motive but a very substantial motive to win that case at any cost," he said. Under cross-examination, prosecutors questioned why Sherman didn't pursue the matter after the judge glared at him. He said he had filed a motion before the trial for information about any financial interests investigators may have had, including plans to write books. Also today, Cliff Grubin, who attended a reform school in Maine with Michael Skakel in the late 1970s, testified that he never heard Skakel confess to killing Moxley. Another former classmate at Elan School, Gregory Coleman, said at a hearing before Skakel's trial that Skakel confessed to killing Moxley and said he would get away with murder because "I'm a Kennedy." Coleman admitted to being high on heroin during his grand jury appearance and he died in 2001 after using drugs, but his testimony was read into the record during Skakel's trial. Grubin said Skakel did not confess, but did express concerns about his brother's possible involvement in Moxley's death. Thomas Skakel was an earlier suspect but was never charged. "It was more concern about his brother's involvement," Grubin said. "There was no confession." Prosecutors brought up what Michael Skakel's private investigator said Grubin told him in 2005. "Skakel confessed to Grubin several times that his brother, Tommy Skakel, killed Martha Moxley," according to a transcript. "Grubin told me he will never say this again and will not testify to it. Grubin explained that he believes Skakel is protecting his brother and it is up to Michael Skakel to come forward and tell the truth." Pressed by Benedict about his statement today, Grubin initially denied that Michael Skakel told him Thomas had killed Moxley. He also said he didn't remember telling the private eye he wouldn't testify. "I don't remember exactly that," he said. "If he was concerned with his brother, I guess it was between them." Posted by Jack Perry at 2:04 PM | Comment Poll: Providence ranking higher as arts destinationPROVIDENCE -- Providence isn't just artsy, it's even artsier than it was last year. At least readers of AmericanStyle magazine say so. A magazine poll ranks the capital city 17th among the top 25 mid-sized arts destinations in the country -- up two spots from 2006, Mayor David N. Cicilline's office boasts today in a news release. The city made the "Top 25 Arts Destination" list for the third year in a row. The list put Providence just behind Cleveland, Ohio, and ahead of Kansas City, Mo. Pittsburgh, Pa., led the list of mid-sized cities, followed by Albuquerque, N.M. And what stays in Las Vegas apparently does not include its appeal as an arts destination. The magazine's poll ranked 'Sin City' third in the category to which Providence belongs. The mid-sized-cities group is for places with populations from 100,000 to 499,999. An article on the magazine's Web site said a record number of people cast votes in the poll. New York City was numero uno in the big-cities category and Santa Fe, N.M., was tops in the small-cities rankings. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney AmericanStyle readers voted based on the “unique and interesting ways” in which cities use the arts to draw tourism, according to the magazine. In a letter to Cicilline, AmericanStyle publisher Wendy Rosen said, “Cities such as yours clearly understand the value of the arts in their community, putting significant effort behind promoting cultural institutions as tourist destinations.” “This designation recognizes the quality of arts experiences in our city, from exceptional galleries and museums to live performing arts, and validates the extraordinary work of our talented arts community," Cicilline said in the press release. Cicilline cited the city's Department of Art, Culture and Tourism for working "tirelessly" over the past four years, including with local artists. The voting opened in October, according to the magazine's Web site. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:49 PM | Comment Reconfirmation hearings for 2 Carcieri directors on tapSenate confirmation hearings are scheduled this afternoon for two Carcieri appointees seeking reconfirmation. Department of Business Regulation Director A. Michael Marques is scheduled to appear before the Senate Corporations Committee at the rise of the Senate. At the same time, Department of Children, Youth and Families Director Patricia Martinez will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Marques, who previously worked with Governor Carcieri at Old Stone Bank, heads a department with 103 full-time employees this year and a budget of $11.7 million. The governor has recommended increasing the DBR budget to $12.5 million next year, according to his 2008 executive summary. Martinez’ department has 789 full-time employees this year, a number projected to grow to 810, according to the governor’s 2008 executive summary. But Carcieri has recommended substantial cuts to the DCYF budget, asking that it be reduced from $293 million to $215 million.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:36 PM | Comment Driver in Charlestown crash diesCHARLESTOWN -- Michael P. DaSilva, the driver of the car involved in a late-night accident, died this morning, the police said. DaSilva, 49, with a last known address of 155 Balsam Rd., South Kingstown, was taken by ambulance to South County Hospital, where he was stabilized, and then to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, where he died at about 3 a.m., according to the police. Passenger Benjamin D. Sumner, 42, with a last known address of 43 John St., Westerly, is in critical condition in the Rhode Island Hospital trauma and intensive care unit, said Sgt. Patrick McMahon. Sumner was airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital.
-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:21 AM | Comment Update: 22 officers called to fights at URI; no arrestsTwenty-two officers from five police departments took more than an hour to break up small fights and a crowd of more than 450 at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus early Sunday morning. Maj. Stephen Baker of the URI police department said "the crowd was extremely hostile and refused to move away.'' He said the officers, including four state troopers with dogs, broke into small groups to disperse the crowd. No arrests were made, Baker said, "because it would have put the officers at risk and would have enflamed the crowd." The fights broke out near the end of a dance sponsored by Uhuru SaSa, a student organization, at the university's Memorial Union. URI’s student newspaper, The Good 5 Cent Cigar, reports this morning that URI officers responded to a call around 2 a.m. after a man was punched in the face during the dance. Uhuru SaSa is described on the university’s Web site as among the most influential student organizations. The group was founded around 1973 to promote an understanding of black culture and politics. Baker said Charlestown officers who were working at the dance called URI and South Kingstown officers after “several” fights broke out. South Kingstown police then called the Rhode Island State Police for backup. The man who was punched in the face declined medical treatment, Major Baker said. Baker said the university is meeting to evaluate security procedures to prevent a reoccurrence of Sunday morning's fighting. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:15 AM | Comment Newport headliners: Linda Ronstadt, Dianne ReevesNEWPORT -- The Newport folk and jazz festivals today announced some of the top performers signed up for this summer's festivals. Linda Ronstadt, a 10-time Grammy winner, will the 2007 Dunkin’ Donuts Newport Folk Festival on Friday, August 3 with a concert at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This will be Ronstadt’s first appearance at the festival. Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. today at the Festival box office at 770 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown. Ronstadt tickets will cost $85, $65, $50 and $30. This year’s JVC Jazz Festival-Newport will open Friday, August 10 at the hall of fame with a program entitled, Newport ’57 Revisited: The Legacy of Ella, Billie & Basie. Dianne Reeves and her band will perform at the Tennis Hall of Fame with The Count Basie Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon. Fifty years ago, the Newport Jazz Festival presented several of the greatest jazz divas on successive nights. Shortly thereafter came the original LP, Ella Fitzgerald & Billie Holiday at Newport. Festival producer Wein and Artistic Director Dan Melnick will celebrate those concerts with the present day Basie Orchestra, led by long-time trombonist Bill Hughes and jazz vocalists, Dianne Reeves and Nnenna Freelon. Posted by Peter Phipps at 10:37 AM | Comment N. Kingstown resident? Don't forget to vote todayNORTH KINGSTOWN — Residents will vote today on two bond issues totaling more than $26 million to update schools and purchase land that could supplement the growing town’s water supply. Residents can vote until 9 p.m. If voters approve the bonds, the town will borrow more than $6 million to buy a gravel pit and the surrounding woods and wetlands off Dry Bridge Road. The owners of the 290-acre lot, Dry Bridge Development, have submitted plans for a subdivision to the town Planning Board but agreed to sell the development rights, and later the land, for $6.4 million. Below the land is the Annaquatucket aquifer, which could supply residents with more drinking water if the town builds more wells. Town officials have also said that the land would provide much needed open space and, possibly, sports fields and walking trails. If the bond is not approved, the development, Goose Nest Commons, would go ahead, subject to a “fast track” local approval process because of its inclusion of affordable housing. The second bond issue is for $20.1 million for updating the Wickford Middle and Davisville Elementary schools. The money would be used to improve the lavatories and science rooms, as well as to build a new library, media room and a secure office at the Wickford School. At Davisville Elementary School, the money would be spent on office upgrades, a new gym and a library. Neither school has a library that meets state standards. Voting Districts 1 and 4 vote at Davisville Middle School, 200 School St. Districts 2 and 3 vote at Stony Lane School, 825 Stony Lane. Districts 5, 6 and 9 vote at Quidnessett Elementary School, 166 Mark Drive. Districts 7 and 10 vote at Cold Spring Community Center, 36 Beach St. Districts 8 and 12 vote at Wickford Middle School, 250 Tower Hill Rd. Districts 11, 13 and 14 vote at Hamilton Elementary School, 25 Salisbury Ave. --By Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Pam Cotter at 9:34 AM | Comment 2 seriously injured in late-night Charlestown accidentCHARLESTOWN – Two people were seriously injured during a late-night motor vehicle accident that required both victims of the single-car crash to be extricated and one of them airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. One man was in cardiac arrest and had to be transported by ambulance to South County Hospital, where he was stabilized, Police Sgt. Patrick McMahon said late last night. The man was later transported to Rhode Island Hospital's trauma center, according to the police. The two South County men were listed in critical condition late last night. In a statement issued early this morning, the police said the 42- and 49-year-old men had been identified, but because of their serious injuries the police are withholding their names as they contact family members. The accident happened on Old Coach Road, just south of the Nordic Lodge entrance at East Pasquiset Trail, McMahon said. -- Journal staff writer Maria Armental A medevac helicopter landed on the lodge’s parking lot. A second medevac helicopter was canceled after the second victim fell into cardiac arrest, McMahon said. The driver of the 1996 Toyota Camry appeared to have lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over and crashed against a tree, McMahon said. The accident remains under investigation. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:59 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and story about the wake of Daniel P. O'Neil, a 22-year-old Lincoln native who was among 32 people murdered last week at Virginia Tech. There's also a story about construction on Route 95 that will bring detours and other changes for drivers. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment Think San Diego; It's going to be like that todayIt's going to be a wonderful day, assuming that is that you favor sunny skys, temperatures in the mid 70s and a light wind from the west. But alas, it's just for a day. Perfection can't last. The National Weather Service forecasts a little rain tomorrow and Friday. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:56 AM | Comment April 23, 2007Photo/100s line up to pay respects to Daniel P. O'Neil
LINCOLN -- By 4:30 this afternoon, several hundred mourners stood in line outside Lincoln High School waiting to pay their respects to Daniel P. O'Neil. Many seemed to be O'Neil's age. O'Neil, 22, and a graduate of the school, was killed last week in the murderous rampage at Virginia Tech. The gym has never before been used in this way, but the director of Lincoln Funeral Home said O’Neil’s father, William, requested that calling hours be held at the gym. As they entered the gym, mourners saw a poster with a collage of photos from O'Neil's life. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at the school, located at 135 Old River Rd. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:30 PM | Comment Woonsocket mother found not guilty of assaultWOONSOCKET — Woonsocket mother Robin L. Sevigny was found not guilty today of assaulting her teenage daughter’s 14-year-old rival yesterday. She says she’s looking forward to putting the incident behind her. “I just want to move on with our family and get our lives back to normal,” she said today alongside her husband, Paul Sevigny, a retired juvenile detective of the Woonsocket Police Department. “Justice was served as far as I’m concerned,” he said. Sevigny, 36, was accused of slapping her 14-year-old niece to the ground and then holding her down while Sevigny’s 14-year-old daughter assaulted the girl near a South Main Street school bus stop on Feb. 2. In his decision today, Judge Walter Gorman noted that even the victim testified that it was not Sevigny, but her 14-year-old daughter, who tackled the girl when the fight occurred. The girls, who are cousins, are both 9th graders at Woonsocket High School. “I am not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt or anything close to it that this defendant assaulted anybody,” Gorman said in District Court, Providence. Gorman called the entire incident “a fiasco.” -- Journal Staff Writer Kia Hall Hayes During her testimony, the victim attributed a large scratch across her eye to Sevigny, who she said was pulling her by her hair while the girls were fighting on the ground. But after questioning by defense attorney Terence Livingston, the girl -- who also hit her head on rocks during the scuffle -- said she didn’t actually see Sevigny scratch her. “While we were fighting I felt a lot so I’m pretty sure,” she said. Sevigny was the third mother arrested for fighting alongside her daughter in less than a month. Another mother, Ana Rivera, 44, is scheduled to appear in District Court on May 7. She is accused of punching a 13-year-old girl after getting involved in a brawl with four girls and another mother outside Woonsocket Middle School on Jan. 8. That mother, Maribel Santiago, pleaded no contest to a simple assault charge and her case was filed for one year. In Sevigny’s testimony, she said the victim’s constant harassment of her daughter prompted Sevigny to start picking her daughter up from the bus stop every day in November last year. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:23 PM | Comment Update: Corrrections won't say how prisoner got outCRANSTON -- The state Department of Corrections won't say how it thinks a minimum-security inmate walked away from the facility Saturday night, according to a corrections spokeswoman this evening. "Because of the investigation, I can't really release any detail like that," said spokesman Tracey Poole. She added: "I'm not sure whether we would release that -- probably not, because of security concerns."
The ACI learned that Dumont was missing at the 11:30 p.m. count of inmates Saturday. At that time of day, he was not part of a work detail from which prisoners have sometimes walked off. But Poole said this was not the first time someone has gone missing from the facility itself. Dumont was due to be released in October 2008. The corrections departments' Special Investigations Unit is working with the State Police and a fugitive task force to find Dumont, according to a statement. Dumont will face additional charges when captured. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:53 PM | Comment National Medicare initiative launched in R.I.PROVIDENCE -- A national initiative was launched in Rhode Island today to encourage and educate people to have themselves screened and take advantage of other preventive benefits offered through Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will work with organizations in Rhode Island and nationally at health events and community forums to provide the information through the new initiative called "A Healthier U.S. Starts Here." "Rhode Island was selected to kick off this national tour because of Governor Carcieri's commitment to health and wellness," according to a news release from the governor's office. "Earlier this month, Rhode Island was designated as the first 'Well State' in the nation by the Wellness Councils of America. That designation results from 20 percent of Rhode Islanders were found to be working for companies that were deemed "well workplaces." Carcieri, community representatives and officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helped launch the program this morning. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:38 PM | Comment Theatre-by-the-Sea may come back for an encoreSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Theatre-by-the-Sea, the historic South County landmark that closed in 2003, may be back in business. The theater's owners say they signed a purchase and sale agreement Friday with Massachusetts cinema chain owner, Bill Hanney, who plans to reopen the theater and its restaurant. "His intention is to run it as it has been run in the past," said co-owner Renny Serre, "and hopefully improve upon it." Serre, one of the principals in FourQuest Entertaiment, which owns the 73-year-old theater, said he is hopeful a deal can be wrapped up in 60 to 90 days, which leaves open the question whether Hanney would be able to put together even a partial season this summer. No sales price was disclosed, and Hanney was not available today for comment. Hanney is president of Entertainment Cinemas, a South Easton, Mass. firm that owns 10 movie complexes in four states, including an eight-screen theater in South Kingstown. Serre was careful to point out that there are still many details to be worked out before a closing. "We're excited, it's positive but it's just one step in the process, he said. "Anything can happen." He is cautious because FourQuest has entertained any number of offers for the venue over almost four years and they have all come to naught. "All along we've been looking for someone with theater experience, a good business mind, and financial backing and he has all three," Serre said of Hanney. "And those aren't easy to find apparently, because we've been doing this for a long time. "But I think he might just be the right guy at the right time." Serre said that Hanney first expressed interest in buying the theater in May 2003, soon after he and partner Laura Harris announced they were getting out of the theatrical producing business to publish children's books. "He's been on the radar since then," said Serre. "Now circumstances have conspired to make it possible for him to do something about it." He wouldn't say what those circumstances were. The 500-seat theater in Matunuck, along with several other properties, went on the market back in July 2003 for $5.9 million. At the time, the package included a Charlestown motel and an inn in Narragansett used to house actors. Both those latter properties have been sold. The theater, which includes a restaurant and almost seven acres of manicured grounds near the shore, has been on the market for an asking price of $1.795 million. There is also a rehearsal hall in Wakefield that is officially not on the market, said Serre. "We're holding it back as part of the package," he said. A news release said the rehearsal space was part of the deal. Theater-by-the-Sea, one of the last of the old-fashioned barn style theaters in the country, has been producing summer stock and musicals since the 1930s. During its glory days, in the 1950s, it featured such stars as Judy Holliday, Mea West, Groucho Marx and Marlon Brando. The theater did not close for lack of popularity. Up until its final season, it played to near sell-out crowds. Although it has been closed the buildings and grounds have been maintained, which Serre said has been time consuming and costly. -- Journal arts writer Channing Gray Posted by Pam Cotter at 4:17 PM | Comment Erosion plus piping plovers closes Moonstone BeachSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Due to shoreline erosion in last week’s nor’easter, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is closing about a mile of Moonstone Beach to the public until May 10. The closure is related to efforts to protect the endangered piping plovers. Generally at this time each year, the Fish & Wildlife Service closes the beach above mean high tide to protect the plovers while they nest on the beach. The public has been allowed to pass by if they walk close to the water. But last week’s storm cut the dune line at Moonstone back from 20 to 25 feet, according to Janis Nepshinsky, visitor services manager for the agency’s Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The storm waves destroyed several of the markers used to delineate the refuge boundary and the areas closed to protect the plovers, Nepshinsky said. They also left several rusted poles, spikes, concrete rubble and other debris on the beach. “We are early in the nesting season, and female plovers will be laying their eggs soon,” said wildlife biologist Suzanne Paton. The agency said it wants to close the beach so it can re-survey and mark the plover nesting areas, and to monitor how the birds react to the changed beach profile. “We regret the need for implementing this emergency closure, and we will re-open the intertidal area as soon as we can,” refuge manager Charlie Vandemoer said in a statement today. -- Journal environment writer Peter B. Lord Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:56 PM | Comment 20-year-old pleads guilty in death of elderly sistersSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Brandy Graff, a 20-year-old from Coventry, pleaded guilty to drunken driving in the April 20, 2005 crash that killed two elderly sisters. Theodora Mastracchio and Victoria Riccio were taking a scenic drive on Ocean Road after a day at the beach in Narragansett two years ago when a gold Mazda veered across the center line and hit their car head-on. Riccio, 86, was pronounced dead that evening; 95-year-old Mastracchio died four days later. Under a plea deal reached today with prosecutors, Graff will serve 5 to 10 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. As her mother and members of the victims’ family wept, Graff admitted to one count each of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving to endanger. Two similar charges were dismissed in the agreement. At times choking back tears and dabbing a tissue to her eyes, Graff, a college sophomore, agreed to 15 years for each charge, with 5 to 10 years to be served concurrently. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:43 PM | Comment Resist your good intentions -- DEM says seals are fineLast week’s nor’easter and the weekend’s summer-like weather equals more seals on Rhode Island beaches. The seal population has grown in recent years, according to the state Department of Environmental Management, and with more sightings reported this weekend, the DEM takes this time to alert beach-goers that most seals hanging out on the beaches are just fine. Chances are good they’re just resting, the DEM said in a statement issued today. Unlike other marine mammals, seals need to come up on land to rest. They can stay on land for days without eating or getting wet. However, that tends to make people nervous, and beach-goers often call the DEM because they think the seals are in danger. This weekend, “there were a lot of sightings, and we get calls,” spokeswoman Stephanie Powell said. Particularly after last week’s storms, the seals really needed to rest, Powell said. Given the public concern that arises as seal sightings increase, the DEM and Mystic Aquarium today offer some cautionary advice: Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from marine animals on land, such as seals and sea turtles. Remember, they are resting. If your presence causes an animal to increase its vocalizations, to begin shaking, to lift its head and keep its eyes on you, or if a seal on the beach eats rocks and sand, you are too close to it. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Remember that seals do not get cold -- they have a thick layer of blubber. Putting a blanket on a shaking seal or putting the animal into a warm car will only cause stress. Stress can kill a wild animal. Do not feed the seals. Limit your viewing time and keep dogs away from the seals. Seals bite, and they carry diseases. Loud noises and quick movements are likely to scare or agitate seals. For more information on the types of seals seen in southern New England, head to the DEM’s statement about seals. Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:02 PM | Comment Download today's front page.Stories on health benefits for legislators and the Red Sox sweep of the Yankees led today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 1:34 PM | Comment A $600,000 grant will help homeless veteransPROVIDENCE – Congressmen and state officials this morning announced a $614,882 grant to help the state's homeless veterans through the new program at the Nickerson Community Center. The money, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will help expand transitional housing and transportation services for the state’s homeless veterans at the center, at 154 Delaine Street. Some $585,000 of the grant will be used to nearly triple the number of beds at Gateway to Independence. The remaining $29,882 will be used to buy a handicapped-accessible van to aid in transporting homeless veterans. Those who were expected to attend included U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Mayor David Cicilline, Nickerson Community House executive director Stephen Day, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:18 PM | Comment Witness: Woonsocket mother took a swingPROVIDENCE – In the trial today of the Woonsocket mother accused of fighting alongside her 14-year-old daughter, a witness testified she saw Robnin Sevigny swing her arm at her daughter’s cousin and then hold her down while her daughter attacked the cousin. But under cross examination in District Court, the witness, Pamela Sege, who lives near the school bus stop where the fight occurred, said she could not remember what any of the girls looked like. The police say the Feb. 2 fight involved a conflict over a boy. “I’ve been trying to forget about that day. So I’can’t” remember what they were wearing, Sege testified under cross examination on the first day of Sevigny's trial. Judge Walter Gorman is presiding. Sevigny picked up her daughter at the the bus and tried to talk to her niece on her daughter's behalf when Sevigny allegedly assaulted the girl. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal Staff Writer Kia Hall Hayes. The cousin testified that she got a scratch on her forehead after Sevingy pulled her hair while Sevigny’s daughter was taking part in the fight. The cousin also testified that it was Sevigny’s daughter, not Sevigny, who knocked her to the ground. However, under cross examination, defense lawyer Terence Livingston pointed out that there were rocks on the ground in the area where they were fighting, and the cousin admitted she fell on the rocks. Sevigny, 36, of 26 Bernice Ave., told the police she touched the alleged victim only in an effort to break up the fight and offered to take a lie-detector test after she was arrested, the police havr said. She pleaded not guilty to a simple assault charge on Feb. 8 and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:09 PM | Comment Pension OK'd for ex-parks employee who embezzledPROVIDENCE -- The city's Retirement Board voted today not to revoke the pension of a former parks employee convicted of embezzling and then could not decide whether to reduce the pension she is receiving. A hearing officer had recommended that the board revoke the $1,800 monthly pension of Kathleen M. Parsons, who was the office manager for the city Parks Department. She admitted embezzling $26,981 to feed a gambling habit, never went back to work, and began collecting a pension almost two years ago. After the 13 board members today decided against revoking her pension, they tried, but failed, to get a majority vote on how much to reduce her pension by. One proposal was for a 50-percent reduction, a second for 20 percent. The board will take up the matter again at its meeting Wednesday. Parsons pleaded no contest -- the equivalent of guilty under Rhode Island law -- to one felony count of embezzlement over $100. In a plea bargain, she received two years' unsupervised probation and made restitution of $26,981. City ordinance requires that an employee give honorable service to receive a pension. A hearing has been conducted to compile a record of the evidence against Parsons and to allow Parsons to explain herself regarding the embezzlement. Robert Breen, director of the Rhode Island Gambling Treatment Program, testified last fall that Parsons is a compulsive gambler fascinated by video slot machines. Her gambling compulsion was a major factor in prompting her embezzlement, he said. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:43 PM | Comment Emmanuel College teacher fired over shooting demoBOSTON -- An adjunct professor at Emmanuel College has been fired following a classroom discussion about the Virginia Tech shootings that included him pointing a marker at some students and saying "pow." Nicholas Winset, who taught financial accounting, said the Catholic liberal arts college was stifling free discussion about a controversial topic and the move would have a "chilling effect" on open debate. "A classroom is supposed to be a place for academic exploration," Winset told the Boston Herald. The five-minute demonstration was last Wednesday, two days after the massacre left 33 dead, including the gunman. It included a discussion of gun control, whether to respond to violence with violence and the public's "celebration of victimhood," Winset said. Winset pretended to shoot some students in the class. Then one student pretended to shoot Winset to illustrate his point that Virginia Tech gunman Seung-Hui Cho may have been stopped had another student or faculty member been armed. Winset, 37, has posted a video defending his actions on YouTube.com under the title "Fired Professor Speaks Out!" A message dated last Tuesday from the Emmanuel College president, posted on the school's Web site, says that "the safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount" in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacure. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:48 AM | Comment Red Sox World Series ring offered on eBay
A 2004 Boston Red Sox World Championship ring is on auction on eBay, and as of this morning the bidding was near $16,000. According to the posting, the ring was given to Cucho Rodriguez, a former team scout based in Puerto Rico. The ring contains 45 diamonds with a total weight of 1.89 carats, according to the eBay posting, and is cast in 18-carat white gold. "The ring is the exact same ring that players such as Manny Ramirez, Curt Schilling, David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek, Pedro Martinez, and Johnny Damon received," reads the posting. "This particular ring was given to a Red Sox Scout. It comes with the elegant display box that is beautifully designed to house the ring. It also comes with the official certificate of appraisal detailing the qualities of the jewels that make up this wonderfully designed ring." Posted by Mike McDermott at 10:58 AM | Comment R.I. gas prices rise for 10th straight weekFor 10 consecutive weeks, gas prices in Rhode Island have risen – this time by 2 cents per gallon, on average. At least this week’s increase is less than the increases of the last four weeks, which were as high as 8 cents. Gas prices now are the highest they have been since last Labor Day, according to AAA Southern New England. Self-serve regular unleaded gasoline is averaging $2.81 per gallon, according to the AAA survey conducted today. The last time local prices averaged more than today was Sept. 5, when self-serve unleaded was $2.85. Still, prices were even higher onel year ago, when the average price was $2.91 per gallon. On AAA’s Gas Savings Tips & Tools Web page, find the most up-to-date local gas prices. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:55 AM | Comment RIC holds day of remembrance for Va. TechAs Virginia Tech students return to class today after the murderous rampage on campus a week ago, Rhode Island College has declared a day of remembrance for the Virginia school today. The local college will hold a moment of silence to remember the victims – which include a Lincoln graduate student at the Virginia school, Daniel P. O’Neil – at exactly 11:50 a.m. today at the entrance to the Murray Center. School officials are encouraging students to wear the Virginia Tech colors of maroon and orange throughout the day. Lapel ribbons will be distributed. People are invited to sign a 10-foot banner bearing the Rhode Island College and Virginia Tech seals that will be erected on the quad and then sent to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, later this week. Imprinted on the banner are words once spoken by Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:39 AM | Comment HUD official to address fair housing issuesFair housing is not an option. It’s the law. That’s the message that a leader within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to share in a keynote address this morning at a fair housing forum sponsored by HUD and held at the University of Rhode Island. HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Kim Kendrick will speak at 9:30 a.m. in URI’s Shepard Building auditorium, located at 80 Washington St. in Providence. Recent data show that housing discrimination from mortgage lenders, real estate agents, property managers and apartment rental agents is still prevalent, according to HUD. The Fair Housing Act, enacted in April 1968, makes it illegal to deny housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, disability and sex. The forum is held during Fair Housing Month, which has been designed to help people recognize the signs of housing discrimination, according to HUD. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:17 AM | Comment Hasbro reports 1st quarter growth in core brandsPAWTUCKET -- Toymaker Hasbro Inc. reports a first-quarter profit today on growth in its Marvel product line and core brands such as Littlest Pet Shop, Nerd and Play-Doh. The company reported a profit of $32.9 million for the three months ended April 1. The company said quarterly revenue rose 34 percent to $625.3 million. Hasbro said it had growth in several brands including My Little Pony, Playskool, Transformers and board games. The Pawtucket-based Hasbro is the nation's second biggest toymaker after Mattel. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:04 AM | Comment Wake at Lincoln High today for VTech victimLINCOLN – Friends and family members of Daniel P. O'Neil, the graduate student from Lincoln killed in the Virginia Tech massacre last week, will gather today at the Lincoln High School gym for his wake. The gym has never before been used in this way, but the director of Lincoln Funeral Home said O’Neil’s father, William, requested that calling hours be held at the gym because Daniel attended the school and a big crowd is expected. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at the school, located at 135 Old River Rd. A 2002 graduate of Lincoln High School, O'Neil, 22, was a graduate student in environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. He was also an athlete who ran track and cross-country in high school, a songwriter who posted his songs on the Internet, and a musician who played guitar with a pickup band of friends and former classmates when he was home. O’Neil’s funeral will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. at St. Jude Church, Front St., Lincoln. Read his obituary and sign an online guestbook. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:12 AM | Comment Traffic: Accident at exit 27 cleared on Route 95 SAll lanes are now cleared after an accident this morning in the Pawtucket S curves closed several lanes and the right shoulder on Route 95 south at exit 27, according to the state police. The multi-car accident did not appear to be too serious. Some people were transported to a hospital for precautionary measures but did not appear to have serious injuries, according to a state police dispatcher. Traffic was backed up to exit 29 shortly after 7 a.m. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:25 AM | Comment Gorgeous weather also brings brushfire warningsPROVIDENCE – Our beautiful weekend weather is lingering. Expect a high near 80 on this sunny day. However, the National Weather Service also reports a red flag warning will be in effect from noon today to 8 p.m. That means the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures we’ll have today will create an elevated risk of brushfires. Also, all you allergy sufferers who feel a little stuffy already, it’s a high pollen count today, and we’ll have more of the same tomorrow. Temps will drop into the 50s, with a 40 percent chance of rain, for Wednesday through Friday. If you’re looking for a bright side to that part of the forecast, pollen counts will drop, too. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:05 AM | Comment April 20, 2007Ocean State gets bluesy tonightIf you're feeling the blues or just want to hear other people who are, well, tonight's the night. If you happen to be in Charlestown, Black & White, featuring Gary "Guitar" Gramolini, is due to perform at General Stanton Inn, Route 1, at 9 p.m. Call (401) 364-8888. Or check out Roger Ceresi’s All Starz, performing in Narragansett at Okie's. Mariner Square, 140 Point Judith Rd. Call (401) 789-5454. Open from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. In Pawtucket, the Bobby Fleet Band, the Mark Ray Band and the Last Call Band are slated to play at Corinne's Restaurant and Lounde, 67 Garrity St., in Pawtucket. Call (401) 725-4260. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. And, in Central Falls, The Hitmen are slated to play rock and blues at the American Legion Post 79, 44 Central St., starting at 7 p.m. Call (401) 726-9437. -- Journal Staff Writer Michael P. "Guitar needs tuning" McKinney Erik Narwhal and the Manatees, rock and rhythm and blues, and Bad Luck and Trouble, blues, swing, oldies and Motown, Effin’s Last Resort, 325 Farnum Pike Smithfield. (401) 349-3500. 9 p.m. Graham Parker and the Latest Clowns, rock and rhythm and blues, Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. (508) 324-1926, www.ncfta.org. 8 p.m. $20 advance; $23 day of show. Professor Harp, rhythm and blues, Narragansett Cafe, 25 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown. (401) 423-2150. 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover. The Rockin’ Soul Horns, rhythm and blues, River Falls Restaurant and Lounge, 74 South Main St., Woonsocket. (401) 235-9062. 9 p.m. The Soul Ambition Band, blues, jazz, rock, reggae, funk, fusion, soul and rhythm and blues, Sixth Bristol Social Club, 736 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford. (508) 998-3755. 9 p.m. Sunday Nite, open rhythm and blues jam, The Room at Waterstreet Cafe, 36 Water St., Fall River. (508) 672-8748, www.waterstreetcafe.com. 9 pm. The Kim Trusty Band, blues, The Mediator Coffee House, 50 Rounds Ave., Providence. (401) 461-3683. 7 to 10 p.m. $5; children no cover. A Week Ago Saturday, blues and rock, Lucky’s, 143 Danielson Pike (Route 6), Foster. (401) 647-2537. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:47 PM | Comment ACLU weighs in for URI's College RepublicansSOUTH KINGSTOWN — The American Civil Liberties Union has weighed in on the side of the College Republicans in the dispute over the ad for a “White Male Heterosexual Scholarship” at the University of Rhode Island. In a two-page letter dated April 19, the ACLU urges the URI Student Senate to halt its efforts to force the Republican club to apologize for the ad or face “de-recognition” by the university. The First Amendment “simply does not allow the Student Senate to require the College Republicans” to make statements they do not want to make, wrote Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island Affiliate of the ACLU. The Republican club’s ad ran last fall in the college newspaper. The club accepted applications but its chairman, Ryan Bilodeau, said this week that the goal was to make a statement against affirmative action, not to award any money. -- Journal Staff Writer Randall Edgar The Student Senate’s Organizations Advisory and Review Committee has recommended that Republican club be “de-recognized” for not apologizing and not publishing a “brief and accurate description” of the university’s rules on non-discrimination. The Student Senate is expected to vote the recommendations next Wednesday. Brown’s letter echoed the stance taken by URI President Robert L. Carothers, who has also called on the Student Senate to put a stop to its effort to penalize the Republican club. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:05 PM | Comment Friends of Daniel O'Neil plan CD of his musicPROVIDENCE -- The songs Daniel O'Neil posted on his MySpace page have been played more than 65,000 times since he was murdered along with 31 others at Virginia Tech, and many listeners have left messages to say how touched they are by the music he wrote and recorded. His friends said Friday they would honor O'Neil with a memorial fund and CD of his music -- acoustic songs about love and the range of human emotion, delicately sung by O'Neil with occasional backup vocals by his friends. O'Neil was among those killed in Virginia Tech's engineering building by gunman Cho Seung-Hui in the deadliest shooting rampage in modern U.S. history. The 22-year-old from Lincoln was a graduate student in environmental engineering, but also loved music and played guitar. Several of his songs are posted on his MySpace page, and many more are on his own site, http://www.residenthippy.com . Friends said they're touched by the response to his music. "It's amazing. I can't even believe it," said Amanda Burbank, one the people organizing the CD and memorial fund. "It just means a lot to us." -- The Associated Press Burbank said she thinks his music has struck a chord because it's become representative of what people have lost. "It's really helping people heal," she said. Burbank said proceeds from the CD would go toward the Daniel O'Neil Memorial Fund for scholarships and charities that O'Neil supported. It was too early to say when the disc would be available. Virginia Tech student radio station WUVT-FM also has received requests to play O'Neil's music, station news director Aydin Akyurtlu said. But because there's no CD yet, the station hasn't been able to. He said the station would quickly consider playing the CD once it's out. Steve Craveiro, a high school friend of O'Neil's, said if O'Neil knew how many people had listened to his songs this week, he would be pleased, but modest. "He would make jokes about it, he was so down to earth," Craveiro said. "I think inside he would also be really happy." O'Neil graduated from Lincoln High School in 2002 and from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., in 2006. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday. O'Neil's friends also organized a remembrance and celebration of O'Neil's life for Saturday evening. They asked people to bring candles and flowers, and said there would be an open mic for people to talk about their memories of O'Neil or to play music. "We kind of want to do the things that we would have done if he were here," Craveiro said, "and one of the things we did together was play music."
Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Update: Arson causes Olneyville mill fire
Assistant Fire Chief Michael J. Dillon said today that especially heavy charring at several locations on the Magnolia Street side of the complex showed those to be the fire’s points of origin. Those signs combined with the fact that there is no electrical power in the building led firefighters to quickly conclude that the blaze was set. Firefighters were sent to the site — the former Colonial Knife manufacturing complex at 287 Oak St. — at 11:30 p.m. yesterday and stayed throughout the night in order to take care of hard-to-extinguish hot spots and to safeguard the building until arson investigators completed their work, according to Dillon. There was heavy fire damage to the interior of the two-story structure but no significant damage to the outer walls, according to Dillon. The wooden floors of the brick-and-wood mill building had buckled in some places and firefighters wanted to wait until daylight to negotiate the interior for safety’s sake, the assistant fire chief said. “The main body of the fire was knocked down within 30 minutes,” Dillon said. “They kept it from spreading to other buildings in the complex. They did an excellent job of doing that.” The firefighters finally left at about 9 a.m. today, according to Dillon. There was another fire of suspicious origin in a warehouse in the complex, at 28 Agnes St., in November 2006. -- Journal Staff Writer Gregory Smith Posted by Kate Bramson at 5:22 PM | Comment Fire reported in unoccupied E. Greenwich buildingEAST GREENWICH – Firefighters are on scene of a fire reported to be on the roof of the former On Semiconductor building at 2000 South County Trail (Route 2). The call came in around 4:10 p.m. There appears to be no one in danger; the building, which has been a rehabilitation project, is unoccupied, save for workers at the site. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:02 PM | Comment 'You bash him,' 2 men plead guilty to extortionPROVIDENCE – Two Rhode Island men have pleaded guilty to federal extortion, admitting that under orders from Anthony “The Saint” St. Laurent Sr. -- for years a key figure in the New England underworld -- they went to Taunton, Mass., to extort more than $100,000. If one of the people targeted for the extortion didn’t pay up, according to a statement this afternoon from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrent, St. Laurent told them: "If the guy's not going to pay nothing, you bash him.” The two men, James G. Manning of Cranston and Ricky E. Silva or North Providence, entered guilty pleas during separate hearings before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi. Silva is slated to be sentenced on July 20 and Manning is to be sentence Aug. 3. The maximum penalty for traveling interstate to commit a crime is five years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Prosecutors said at the plea hearings that they could prove that on April 6 last year, St. Laurent told Manning and Silva to got o Taunton to meet “a man named Larry” who would lead them to the two intended extorting victims, according to a statement this afternoon. One of the targets was to pay $100,000 up front and $2,000 a week later. Silva and Manning allegedly met with Larry Crites in Taunton, according to an FBI affidavait. Crites “tried to lead them to one of the intended victims,” who was believed to be at Raynham, Mass., bar, according to the news release. They could not find him. Last July, St. Laurent Sr. pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to extort more than $200,000 from two Massachusetts men. In January, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced him to 56 months in prison. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:30 PM | Comment East Providence Police look for assault suspectEAST PROVIDENCE – The police said today they are looking for a Providence man wanted turning the wheels of his car toward an officer, stepping on the gas and striking her. According to a news release, the police identified the suspect as Jose A. Artilles, 32, who they accuse of felony assault. The police have a On April 11, at 2:30 p.m., Officer Maari Stainer was on a traffic detail at Cross and Summit streets when a car, driven erratically, approached her. Stainer signaled for the driver to stop and he eventually did. The police ask that those with information about the suspect call the detective divisions at (401) 435-7625. Stainer spoke to the driver, who appeared nervous, the police said. When two unmarked police cars turned onto Cross Street, the suspect turned his car’s wheels toward her and his the gas. His car struck Stainer, and he drove off, according to the police. One unmarked police car pursued, with a marked police cruiser joining in. But the pursuit was eventually called off With help from Seekonk Police, East Providence detectives said they identified the driver. The police said Artilles has aliases of Jose Pena and Jackson Artiles. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:00 PM | Comment Update: Body identified; it's Adrianne Lynn MatoneyThe Medical Examiner today says that the body found yesterday on a Portsmouth beach is that of Adrianne Lynn Matoney, 58. Medical Examiner Thomas Gilson said his office is still working to determine the cause of Matoney's death. Matoney, the wife of a professor of accounting at the University of Rhode Island, disappeared Feb. 22 after her house burned in South Kingstown.
“This is a moment of reflection for them and it brings some degree of closure to the tragedy that they have experience,” said James O’Neil, a family spokesman and former state attorney general. "She was just a wonderful wife and mother," O'Neil said. On the night of Feb. 22, came home about 9 p.m. to find his house at 19 French Rd. on fire. Concerned that his wife might be inside, he rushed into the building, but he was forced out by smoke and fire. Her car was later found parked on the Sakonnet River Bridge O'Neil today said the Matoneys were married for 38 years. They have three children. O’Neil said the family wanted to let their friends know they are planning a May 5 Mass for Mrs. Matoney at Christ the King, a Catholic church close to the University of Rhode Island campus in South Kingstown. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:55 PM | Comment Officials say they have the money to refloat subPROVIDENCE — Juliett 484 will rise again now that museum officials have determined that there is enough insurance to pay for refloating the Russian submarine, which sank during the spring Nor’easter that swept through the state earlier this week. "The best news is the problem will be solved and it’s not going to be a burden,” museum director Frank Lennon said today. “We are insured for this salvage.” Lennon said the museum has $1 million in liability insurance, half of which is allocated for salvage operations. The insurance company has hired David Dubois from Marine Safety Consultants Inc. of Fairhaven, Mass., whose firm will coordinate the refloating effort. The first step is to send a diver down to assess the safety of the salvage operation. Once the U.S. Coast Guard approves, a diver will inspect the vessel on Sunday or Monday. Then, the Fairhaven firm will send another diver down to assess the damage and survey the hull. At this stage, it’s too soon to say when the sub will be refloated. -- Journal Staff Writer Linda Borg Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:43 PM | Comment Update: Man ordered held on $100,000 bailFALL RIVER -- A 30-year-old Fall River man was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail at District Court arraignment today on charges that he recklessly or wantonly endangered his 7-month-old son and assaulted him. Christopher J. Cerce, 30, of 81 Webster St., was arrested yesterday by State Trooper Scott Flaherty, who is assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and Fall River detectives, according to a district attorney new release this morning. Fall River Sgt. Ronald Furtado said Cerce was also charged with assault and battery on a child with substantial injuries. Cerce called 911 yesterday afternoon and told police his son was not breathing, according to the release.
Hasbro doctors told Fall River Police the infant is in critical condition, and said his condition “was most likely the result of a beating of violent shaking of the child,” according to the release. Cerce was placed under arrest without incident. The arraignment result was not yet known. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:38 PM | Comment Supreme Court: Violator asked the wrong questionPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court today upheld the probation revocation of a man with a “prodigious criminal record, spanning his entire adult life.” His latest transgression was that he asked the wrong question at the wrong time. Russell Wiggins, 37, was sentenced in Newport Superior Court in 2001 to 10 years, with 30 months of that to be served at the Adult Correctional Institutions and 90 months suspended, for possession of a controlled substance. In a 2005 probation revocation hearing, Wiggins was accused of violating his probation conditions by assaulting his girlfriend. He also faced a misdemeanor assault charge for that incident. He admitted to violating probation and won an agreement in court to serve six months of the suspended sentence. But, the Supreme Court states, “shortly, thereafter, whatever modicum of good fortune Mr. Wiggins may have enjoyed abruptly ran out.” At hearing’s conclusion, Wiggins asked “ ‘Is there a no-contact order in effect?’” The judge told Wiggins there was an order in effect for the domestic-assault charge. Then Wiggins asked: “ `When will it come off?’’’ “Take him back.'' the judge replied. " I vacate the admission. It is not voluntary. Take him back to the cellblock. Hearing at 2:00.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney At that hearing, the prosecution recommended Wiggins serve five of the seven and a half years remaining on the suspended sentence. Wiggins urged the court to stick with the six-month sentence. The Superior Court imposed the longer sentence. Wiggins appealed, arguing that the Judge erred when he vacated the defendant’s admission “and chose to proceed with a full hearing,” according to the Supreme Court decision. Wiggins argued that the Superior Court judge “effectively placed him twice in jeopardy for the same offense ... after the six-month sentence had been pronounced.” Wiggins also asserted that, procedurally, the Superior Court judge either violated a court rule when he increased the sentence or another rule when he set aside the six-month sentence “without the consent of the parties.” The Supreme Court concluded that Wiggin’s trial lawyer did not raise the double-jeopardy argument or any other objection. The court also ruled the defendant failed "to provide us with any reference to the hearing transcript that would substantiate this purported objection.” The Supreme court decision “acknowledges that the vacation of Wiggins’ admission was something of a thunderbolt, and that the sudden upheaval of a previously negotiated plea agreement undoubtedly caught all parties by surprise.” But, the court says, the defense lawyer had “ample opportunity” to make an objection. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:55 PM | Comment Bells to ring at noon to honor Virginia Tech victimsPROVIDENCE – Bells will ring at noon today across the state to honor the victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech – a tragedy that struck Rhode Island with the loss of Daniel Patrick O’Neil, who graduated from Lincoln High School. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has asked the governors of other states to have bells sound at the same time. “The scope of the tragedy at Virginia Tech is almost unimaginable,” Governor Carcieri said in a news release. “Rhode Island and our neighboring state of Massachusetts have been deeply affected and struck by grief,” Carcieri added. “Here in the Ocean State, we are grappling with the loss of Daniel Patrick O’Neil of Lincoln.” State flags are flying at half-staff through Sunday evening, under a previous call from the governor. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:31 AM | Comment Need a passport? Special hours SundayIt’s Passport Sunday this weekend. So if you’re planning a trip outside the United States and need a passport, this could be your day. Agencies have been dealing with a glut of passport applications following federal changes that now require passports for air travel to all destinations outside the United States and its territories. The U.S. Postal Service will hold special hours – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Sunday at the following local branches to process passport applications: Coventry, 1550 Nooseneck Hill Rd. Pawtucket, 40 Montgomery St. Providence, 24 Corliss St. Wakefield, 551 Kingstown Rd. Warwick, 325 Strawberry Field Rd. Westerly, 110 Tom Harvey Rd. Fall River, Mass., 2 Government Center Passport processing is now taking up to 12 weeks. For expedited service, add $60 to the U.S. Department of State fee. You must submit overnight delivery form and postage for processing turn-around time of up to 5 weeks. To check the status of your passport, call the Boston passport agency at (877) 487-2778, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TDD for hearing impaired, call (888) 874-7793. Passport applicants should bring the following required documentation to complete the application process: A completed passport application form DS-11: This form will be available on site. You can save time and download this form and fill it out in advance. Remember to use full names (no initials or abbreviations). Do not sign the application until requested to do so. Proof of U.S. citizenship: A certified copy of your birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. A certified birth certificate containing the name of applicant, date of birth, place of birth, file or registration date and a raised or embossed seal. Hospital and church certificates are not acceptable. An expired passport is acceptable proof of citizenship; however, children under 14 who have had a previous passport are required to have the expired passport along with a birth certificate. Proof of identity: A current, valid photo identification (driver’s license, pilot’s license, military ID) is the best form of identification. With any other form of identification (state ID card, college ID) you must have at least four forms of secondary identification. You must be accompanied by a person who has known you at least two years and has an acceptable ID. All children must be present. At least one parent must be present if children are 14 or older. Both parents or legal guardians must be present with acceptable identification if children are under 14. Proof of legal guardianship is required. Two professionally developed passport photos: Vending machine photos and school photos are not acceptable. A passport professional will be available to take photos at each listed post office for a fee of $15. One check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State: The fee is $67 for adults (16 and older) and $52 for anyone under 16. A processing payment fee of $30. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Postmaster. Cash or credit cards are also accepted for this fee. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:18 AM | Comment Tax-filing deadlines extended to April 26The Internal Revenue Service has extended the tax deadline to April 26 for taxpayers – including Rhode Islanders -- in states affected by the major storm that hit the northeast on April 16. Additionally, for those taxpayers whose filings weren’t accepted by Intuit Inc.’s TurboTax, ProSeries and other software because of problems due to overtaxed servers, the IRS had granted an extension through midnight last night. Rhode Island will follow that same extension, Michael F. Canole, chief revenue agent for the Rhode Island Division of Taxation's personal income-tax section, said this morning. Earlier this week, the IRS gave taxpayers directly impacted by the storm an additional two days beyond the April 17 deadline to meet their fax-filing obligations without incurring late filing and payment penalties. The IRS has announced that further assessment led the federal agency to extend the deadline an additional seven days. Power outages and public transportation problems made it impossible for some taxpayers and tax professionals to meet the April 17 filing deadline, the IRS said in a news statement. Affected taxpayers can mark their paper tax returns with the words “April 16 Storm.” Taxpayers who e-file their returns can use their software’s “disaster” feature, if available. Check out frequently asked questions about the storm extension. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:42 AM | Comment Photo: Fire crews called back to mill in Olneyville
PROVIDENCE – Firefighters have returned this morning to the scene of an overnight fire at 287 Oak St., in an old mill building that housed the former Colonial Knife manufacturing company. Fire crews were called to the scene at 11:27 p.m. yesterday, and the fire was elevated to a second-alarm blaze seven minutes later, summoning an additional two engines, one ladder truck, a chief’s truck and a rescue, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. The fire in the two-story brick building was under control by 12:55 a.m., but firefighters remained at the scene to investigate until at least 1:30 a.m. Around 7:20 this morning, one fire engine was already at the scene, and a ladder truck and an additional engine were just arriving. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal photographer Bill Murphy Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:15 AM | Comment Unusual weather ahead, it's going to be niceCheck out this forecast: Sunny today, sunny tomorrow, sunny Sunday, sunny Monday with highs of 64, 68, 69 and 77. So after five days and a big slug of rain, the National Weather Service is forecasting a delightful weekend. It may get down to the high 30s overnight. But then it is April and this is New England. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:46 AM | Comment Coast Guard warns mariners of knocked-out buoysBOSTON -- The Coast Guard is warning mariners that the recent nor'easter that battered the Atlantic coast knocked out numerous navigational buoys, creating potentially dangerous conditions for seafarers. As the storm dissipated off-coast,, Coast Guard crews from New Jersey to Maine began checking buoys -- especially around harbors, river mouths and shipping channels -- and discovered at least two dozen guidance aids had been damaged or destroyed, Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke Pinneo said. He said crews expect to find more as they continue their patrols. "That's why we really want to urge folks to use extreme caution when they're out on the water now," Pinneo said. "You could compare it to a traffic signal being out during a heavy storm." Pinneo said most of the buoys serve as visual navigation aids, but he said some contain electronic equipment that reports weather data to the Coast Guard. He said anyone who is aware of damaged or displaced navigation aids or other hazards is urged to call the Coast Guard's regional command center at 1-617-223-8555. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:45 AM | Comment Download today's front pageStories about the Gonzales hearings in Washington and the dilemma of troubled students lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:40 AM | Comment April 19, 2007Update: Beach tour assesses storm erosion / Photo
But Janet Freedman, geologist with the CRMC, expressed confidence that beaches will begin to be replenished during this spring and summer. The tour revealed parking areas at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly filled with sand piles brought in by powerful waves. The team saw homes with exposed foundations, piping that was ripped out, and areas with strewn garbage. And beach-home owners are seeking permits to have sand trucked in themselves to fill in gaps left by the storm. The tour also took CRMC officials to Green Hill Beach in South Kingstown and Narragansett Town Beach, where the storm reshaped dunes, left a litter of rockst and revealed pilings from an old boardwalk -- not seen in years -- paralleling the shore. CRMC officials said they will be gathering information about damages in order to file a request for federal disaster aid. Still, some people could be spotted sitting on the beach today, as the weather took a turn for the better. Temperatures are expected to rise this weekend, and the sun will finally have it day. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal environmental writer Peter B. Lord Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:23 PM | Comment Body washes ashore in PortsmouthPORTSMOUTH -- A body washed up on a Cliff Avenue beach this afternoon, and the police are awaiting an autopsy to see whether it might be Lynn Matoney, the wife of a University of Rhode Island professor who disappeared after their South Kingstown house caught fire in February. Lynn Matoney's Toyota Camry was found on the Sakonnet River Bridge between Portsmouth and Tiverton, and a search of the area that turned up no one. The police said in a news release today that the body was reported to have washed up near a Cliff Avenue residence at about 1:25 p.m. The location is just southwest of the Sakonnet River bridge, on the Sakonnet River side of Portsmouth. The news release did not say if the body was male or female, and the police would not comment further. The state medical examiner's office took custody of the body. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Wood flooring taken from the house and carpet recovered from the Toyota Camry found parked on the Sakonnet River Bridge hours after the fire tested positive for gasoline, the police have said. Two fuel cans were found inside the house the night of the fire. Investigators concluded that gasoline had been scattered throughout the house, and investigators ruled that the fire that destroyed the home was arson. URI accounting Prof. Joseph P. Matoney came home from class on the Kingston campus around 9 p.m. on Feb. 22 to find his house, at 19 French Rd., in flames. He rushed into the building, concerned his wife might be inside, but was forced out by smoke and fire. Around 3:30 a.m. the car was found parked and locked on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:31 PM | Comment Salve Regina settles with N.Y. AG over loan companyNEWPORT – The New York State attorney general today announced a settlement with Salve Regina University after saying the university was among colleges that received money to put loan company Education Finance Partners on its list of “preferred lenders.” In the 2005-2006 period, Salve Regina received more than $7,800 “pursuant to a form of revenue sharing” with Education Finance Partners, one of the school’s preferred lenders, an investigation by the office of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo found, according to a news release. Between January 2004 and March 2007, “certain lenders, some of whom appeared on Salve Regina’s preferred lender lists, provided printing costs or services to the university and/or paid for meals and lodging for university employees at loan workshops, conference, and/or advisory board meetings.” Salve Regina, a private, Catholic school, is among universities that have agreed to accept a Code of Conduct instituted by the New York attorney general and will reimburse “the affected students $7,839.74,” according to the attorney general’s office. The investigation “revealed various practices at each university that could have potentially created conflicts of interest,” according to the attorney general’s news release. The other schools agreeing to settlements are Pace University, in New York, and the New York Institute of Technology. “This investigation is a two-front battle: lenders and schools. We have proceeded against lenders and now we are proceeding against schools. There is no reason for a school not to adopt the Code of Conduct,” Cuomo said. “This office has been clear to schools: settle or we will commence litigation. Either way we will get justice for students.” Salve Regina University said in a statement that "providing accurate and clear information about financing options is critical in helping students" and their families to make decisions related to the financing of a college education. The university worked with the Office of Attorney General of New York to develop an agreement and code of conduct specific to Salve Regina as a measure of support for having all institutions of higher education operate by the highest ethical standards. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Salve Regina did conduct business with Education Finance Partners, one of several companies cited in the attorney general’s extensive study of loan practices. Education Finance Partners was chosen by the university as a preferred alternative loan lender in 2005 because, at that time, the company offered competitive benefits to borrowers. This past February, Salve Regina communicated to EFP its intention to terminate its involvement with the alternative loan program due to customer service issues and complaints from students and families about service. Salve received $7,839.74 from EFP in revenue sharing for the small percentage of loans processed by EFP for the academic year 2005-2006. This amount was placed in Salve’s fund for needy students and did not affect the loan terms for Salve families. The university has agreed to deposit an equal amount into an interest bearing money market account known as the Borrower Reimbursement Fund. This week, Education Finance Partners (EFP) agreed to Cuomo’s College Loan Code of Conduct and would end revenue sharing agreements. Under the code, the New York State attorney general says: -- Colleges are banned from receiving "anything of value from any lending institution in exchange for any advantage sought by the lending institution." That would prevent any "inappropriate financial arrangements between lenders and schools and specifically prohibits 'revenue sharing' arrangements." -- College employees can not take anything of "more than nominal value from any lending institution. This includes a prohibition on trips for financial aid officers and other college officials paid for by lenders." -- College employees can't receive anything of value for serving on the advisory board of any lender. -- College preferred lender lists must be based only on the "best interests of the students or parents who may use the list without regard to financial interests of the college." -- On preferred lender lists, a college must "clearly and fully disclose the criteria and process used to select preferred lenders." Students have to be told that they have the right and ability to select the lender of their choice regardless of the preferred lender list. -- Colleges have to be sure employees of lenders never identify themselves to students as college employees. And no employee of a lender may work in or provide staffing assistance to a college financial aid office. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:26 PM | Comment Update: Services set for R.I. victim of VTech massacreLINCOLN -- Funeral services have been set for Daniel O’Neil, the 22-year-old Lincoln High graduate who was one of 32 people killed by the shooter at Virginia Tech. Calling hours on Monday will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lincoln High School gymnasium. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church on Front Street in Lincoln. Burial will be private. O'Neil was an environmental engineering graduate student at Virginia Tech. Friends of Daniel O'Neil are organizing a vigil in his honor at 7 p.m. Saturday at McColl Field on Breakneck Hill Road, in Lincoln. The organizers are asking visitors to wear the Virginia Tech colors -- maroon and burnt orange -- and to bring a flower in O'Neil's memory. The Valley Falls Flower Shop in Cumberland has offered to use all of the flowers from Saturday's vigil for an arrangement at his wake at Lincoln High School on Monday. O'Neil was an environmental engineering graduate student at Virginia Tech. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:10 PM | Comment Accident is jamming up traffic on Route 95PROVIDENCE – A reportedly serious accident is creating a traffic problem with the closure of the center lane on Route 95 north near Exit 18 at Thurbers Avenue, Traffic is backed up about 3.5 miles to exit 15, according to the Department of Transportations’ traffic management center. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:53 PM | Comment Carcieri: Ring bells tomorrow for VTech victimsPROVIDENCE – Governor Carcieri today called for bells to ring tomorrow at noon across the state to honor the victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech – a tragedy that struck Rhode Island with the loss of Daniel Patrick O’Neil, who graduated from Lincoln High School. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has asked the governors of other states to have bells sound at the same time. “The scope of the tragedy at Virginia Tech is almost unimaginable,” Carcieri said in a news release. “In the wake of this horrific event, Rhode Islanders stand in solidarity with the people of Virginia, and we mourn the loss of so many promising lives. “Rhode Island and our neighboring state of Massachusetts have been deeply affected and struck by grief,” Carcieri added. “Here in the Ocean State, we are grappling with the loss of Daniel Patrick O’Neil of Lincoln.” “By ringing bells throughout Rhode Island, we are honoring his memory as well as all of the innocent victims of this senseless shooting,” Carcieri concluded. State flags are flying at half-staff through Sunday evening, under a previous call from the governor. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:11 PM | Comment Pregnant woman in Rte. 95 crash identifiedSCITUATE -- The state police today identified a driver pregnant with twins, whose car went off the road on Route 95 south in Warwick yesterday, as Victoria Rivera, 24, of North Kingstown. At an afternoon press conference, the police would not describe a medical condition believed to have caused Rivera, of 45 Navy Drive, to lose consciousness. Rivera's 4-year-old son was also in the car, when the car left the highway, crossed an embankment, and ended up in the waters of the Pawtuxet River in the 3:05 p.m. accident. The police today praised the efforts of state Trooper Kenneth Moriarty who helped get Rivera’s son out of the car. The police also believe a car seat in the back seat of the car may have saved the boy’s life. The driver was in serious condition this afternoon at Rhode Island Hospital, according to a hospital spokeswoman. The condition of the woman’s son was unknown this morning, according to Leo F. Kennedy, the Cranston Fire Department’s deputy chief of emergency medical services. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:40 PM | Comment KVH reports flat earningsMiddletown-based KVH Industries Inc., manufacturer of satellite communications systems for boats and land vehicles, reported flat first quarter earnings today. Revenue for the first three months of the year was $20.4 million, slightly above the $20.3 million KVH earned in the same period last year. Profits dropped in comparison to the first quarter of 2006, from $1.3 million to $57,000. In a statement today, the company cited "softness" in the U.S. marine market, but it did not revise its revenue projections for the year of 10 to 17 percent growth. --Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Peter Phipps at 2:37 PM | Comment Whitehouse on panel questioning Gonzales / WebcastWASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is among those on the Senate Judiciary Committee listening to testimony today by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on the firing of eight U.S. attorneys late last year. Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, is a former U.S. attorney for the state. His office said he was expected to question Gonzales today. Gonzales has already told the committee he played only a minor role in the dismissal of the federal prosecutors. Video: Watch a live Webcast here. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:11 PM | Comment Sunshine: That's a change / Photo
--- Journal photo Bill Murphy Posted by Peter Phipps at 2:06 PM | Comment Cicilline visits model school in northern ItalyMemo from Italy: Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline spent a day meeting with parents and teachers in Reggio Emilia, a northern Italian town “recognized worldwide for its success in early-childhood education,” according to a news release this afternoon. Cicilline is part of a United States Conference of Mayors delegation that includes Mayor Douglas Palmer of Trenton, N.J.; Mayor Dannel Malloy of Stamford, Conn., and Mayor Elizabeth Kantz of Burnsville, Minn. The trip is hosted and sponsored by the USCM. The delegation is due to meet with the mayors of Florence and Rome and the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican in Rome. According to the news release, Reggio Emila’s “child-centered philosophy was founded by the late Loris Malaguzzi in the early 1960’s and focuses on children as competent, resourceful, curious, inventive individuals with a desire to interact and communicate with others.” In Reggio Emilia, the mayor also met up with representatives from Ready to Learn Providence who went to Italy to observe the early-learning program. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:04 PM | Comment Local VTech grad envisions a maroon and orange innWARWICK – Erica McKnight envisions this: The Greenwood Inn will transform itself tomorrow into a maroon and orange inn, a local slice of national mourning for the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings. McKnight, 23, of West Greenwich, is a waitress at the inn, at 1350 Jefferson Boulevard. She graduated from Virginia Tech last May. On Monday morning, she found herself watching on television as the campus she loved became a crime scene. So she said today that she and her family are making maroon and orange ribbons, the Virginia Tech colors. She expects to walk into the inn around 11 a.m. tomorrow with a box full and hand them out to employees to wear and offer them to customers. “I approached my managers and asked if it was OK that I made orange and maroon ribbons, and have all the staff wear them [and make them available to customers], and they said of course,” said McKnight. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney McKnight, who graduated from the Lincoln School for Girls, on Providence’s East Side, said she learned Monday night that she was lucky that two close friends on the Virginia Tech campus were safe. She did not personally know the victims, she said, but when she saw their faces flashed on a television screen, she knew of them in a way other television viewers couldn’t have. “This is a very strong community,” McKnight said of her alma mater, a place where, despite the thousands of students attending, she felt she quickly got to know professors and classmates closely. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:15 PM | Comment Textron's 1Q revenue exceeds expectationsPROVIDENCE -- Textron Inc., the Providence-based conglomerate, grew its revenue by 12.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, the company announced this morning. Textron generated $3 billion in the first three months of the year, exceeding expectations. The company, which has 670 employees at its corporate headquarters in Rhode Island, builds military aircraft, armored security vehicles, Cessna corporate jets and a range of other civilian products. "We outperformed again this quarter," Textron Chief Executive Officer Lewis B. Campbell said in a statement. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:50 PM | Comment State police to talk at 2 about Cranston accidentThe state police are expected to release more information later today about an accident in Cranston yesterday in which a North Kingstown woman apparently lost consciousness on Route 95 south in Warwick, drove over an embankment and ended up partly in the swollen waters of the Pawtuxet River, just over the city line in Cranston. The driver, who is pregnant with twins and had her 4-year-old son in the car with her, is in serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital, according to a state trooper. The condition of the woman’s son was unknown this morning, according to Leo F. Kennedy, the Cranston Fire Department’s deputy chief of emergency medical services. State police Trooper Kenneth Moriarty reached into the vehicle and pulled the boy to safety. The state police have said they will not release more information about the accident until a 2 p.m. press conference at state police headquarters in Scituate. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:31 AM | Comment We've had 'a good slug of rain'PROVIDENCE – You might be feeling as if it’s been raining for days and days, and wondering if that’s normal. Well, we’re heading into our fifth day of rain – although there was no measurable amount yesterday despite the drizzly conditions – but there’s “nothing notable about five days” in a row, National Weather Service meteorologist Charles Foley said this morning. What is notable is how much rain we’ve gotten – both this week and for the month of April. At this time of year, a normal rainy day would bring us a bit more than one-tenth of an inch, Foley said Well, as we know, we were slammed on Sunday with 2.9 inches of rain, and then we got a total of six-tenths of an inch on Monday and Tuesday. That’s 3.5 inches of rain just since Sunday. “That’s a good slug of rain,” Foley commented. As for rain totals so far this month, we’ve had just more than 6.5 inches of rain through yesterday. That’s almost 4 inches above the normal total through April 18. Last year, up until this time, we’d had less than normal rainfall, with a total of 1.67 inches of rain so far, Foley said. “So I guess in the long-term, Mother Nature tends to balance things out, maybe, on the longer look,” Foley said, quickly adding, “But of course, we live in the present.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:30 AM | Comment News flash: The sun will shine this weekendOK, today will be gray and wet again. But it will brighten tomorrow, and the weekend looks warm and sunny. The high will be 52 today, and then it will rise to 59 tomorrow and then 69 on Saturday. Monday, just in time for everyone to return to work, we should hit a high of 76. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:04 AM | Comment Flood warning continues today for PawtuxetThe Pawtuxet River in Cranston crested this morning a half of a foot above flood stage. The national Weather Service warns that minor flooding of parking lots and other low-lying areas will continue today. River Street, Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street and Venturi Avenue in Warwick will be affected. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:01 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe massacre at Virginia Tech and the sinking in the Providence River of the Russian sub led today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:55 AM | Comment April 18, 2007Attleboro holds 'dangerousness' hearingATTLEBORO, Mass. -- Two Massachusetts men, arrested on armed robbery and armed assault charges, were ordered held for up to 90 days without bail today at a "dangerousness" hearing in Attleboro District Court. Daryl P. Tavares Jr., 23, of Hyde Park, and Anthony Dixon, 20, of Boston are each charged with five counts of armed robbery, five counts of armed assault in a dwelling, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon, according to a district attorney news release. District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter has used the "dangerousness" hearings, a provision under state law, in part as a means to go after illegal gun use. According to the release, today's findings are the 18th and 19th successful illegal-firearm-related dangerousnees hearing results since Sutter took office this year. The Attleboro police allege that Tavares, Dixon and two other suspects robbed a man at gunpoint April 6 in the man’s apartment. A co-defendant, Dwayne Johnson, 18, of Pawtucket has already been held using the "dangerousness" statute. The investigation is ongoing. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:07 PM | Comment DOT starting project tonight to reduce Bristol floodingBRISTOL — The state Department of Transportation is slated tonight to begin a two-week project to clear out the Silver Creek drainage system in an effort to prevent future flooding around Hope and Washington streets. After the cleaning work is completed, the agency plans to carry out a video inspection and survey of the culverts between the creek and nearby Bristol Harbor to determine whether further changes or more costly repairs need to be made to the system. The action comes in response to repeated requests from town officials and legislators over the past six weeks to find an immediate solution to drainage problems that have plagued the area for years. They were spurred by a deluge March 2 that, combined with a high tide, flooded Hope Street and forced its closure to all motor traffic. During the nor'easter Sunday and Monday, heavy rains and, again, an unusually high tide caused the closing of the area around the intersection of Hope and Washington streets. Some parts of Hope Street were covered by a foot of water during the rainstorm. The problems this week were mitigated in part by the DOT’s decision to set up a large pump Sunday evening that was in operation during the storm, transferring water from Hope Street to nearby Bristol Harbor. Although the pump didn’t prevent the area around Silver Creek from flooding, it did help keep the water level down. -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:04 PM | Comment Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel speaking here tonightPROVIDENCE -- Elie Wiesel, professor, Nobel peace laureate and author of such books as "Night," will deliver an address tonight at the Rhode Island Convention Center as special guest of the Institute for International Sport. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Wiesel is scheduled to announce the institute's five-year calendar of events. He will also give the keynote address titled, "The Role of Youth in World Peace." The Institute for International Sport, located the University of Rhode Island The calendar includes the 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games and the 2010 World Scholar-Athlete Games, as well as a special event in 2011 titled "The World Youth Peace Summit." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Pregnant mom drives off Rte. 95, ends up in PawtuxetPROVIDENCE -- A North Kingstown mother, pregnant with twins and with a 4-year-old child as a passenger, apparently passed out as she headed south on Route 95 this afternoon and drove off the highway. Her car went over an embankment, struck trees and ended up partly in the swollen waters of the Pawtuxet River. According to state police, Trooper Kenneth Moriarty reached into the passenger side area and pulled out her 4-year-old son. The car may have been at such an angle that the boy, who was conscious, was in danger of falling into the water when the trooper helped him, the state police said. The mother was unconscious and slumped over in the car when police arrived, according to state police, perhaps the result of a medical condition that occurred as she was driving. Her son had tried to wake her. She was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, and the boy was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital. The police have not identified the two. The accident happened about 3:05 p.m. some 400 feet north of the highway's Jefferson Boulevard exit and accident caused traffic backups to the Thurbers Avenue exit. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:11 PM | Comment Judge throws out tribe's civil suit over smokeshopPROVIDENCE -- A federal judge today tossed out a civil suit brought by seven Narragansett Indians arrested in the 2003 state police raid on a tribal smokeshop, saying previous court rulings had clearly established that the officers had the authority to execute the raid. The suit was filed last July 13 on behalf of seven Narragansetts arrested when the police raided the roadside shop on tribal land in Charlestown to stop the tribe from selling cigarettes without charging state taxes. The raid disintegrated into a widely televised confrontation when officers met resistance. Recorded the day before the statute of limitations ran out, it accused Governor Carcieri, Attorney General Patrick Lynch, State Police Col. Steven Pare and 14 troopers of violating the tribal members' rights to equal protection and to be free from unreasonable searches, among other transgressions. In a strongly worded order dismissing the case, U.S. District Judge William E. Smith faulted the suit for failing to raise specific allegations. He said the claims were based on the assertion that the raid was unlawful, when the 1st U.S. District Court of Appeals had ruled the raid was carried out with "lawful authority and jurisdiction." The tribe filed a separate suit shortly after the July 14, 2003, raid, alleging the state had violated its sovereign rights. Smith ruled that December that the tribe was bound by Rhode Island tax laws. That decision was later upheld by an appeals court. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up the issue. Smith described the latest complaint as "devoid of actionable facts or legal authority, just in case they can think up some new theory to support a claim against these defendants for the 2003 smokeshop raid. ... To do what plaintiffs ask would unfairly leave a cloud hanging over the defendants' heads regarding the 2003 raid. This court will not facilitate this misuse of the civil justice system." The state argued April 11 for the dismissal of the case. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:04 PM | Comment Blue Cross to build in Providence to consolidate officesPROVIDENCE -- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island said today it plans to build a new office building downtown on land at the corner of Finance Way and Exchange Streets. The health insurer, which serves 700,000 customers in Rhode Island, currently operates out of six offices around Providence. They will leave these buildings and construct a 325,000 square-foot, roughly 12-story building on top of a parking garage already under construction by Intercontinental Development for their two residential towers at Waterplace. The building is expected to cost $114 million. The company hopes to start construction in late 2007, and occupy the site in early 2010. Under the terms of existing leaves, Blue Cross said it expects to receive over $25 million in tax breaks from the city. The health insurer said in a press release that the building would house its 1,100 workers, save $25 million over 23 years and "have no additional impact on premiums and reserves." The company said a financial analysis it conducted, in collaboration with Ernest & Young's Real Estate Advisroy Services Group concluded it could improve operating efficiency by consolidating its office locations rather than upgrade the two buildings it owns and continue to pay rent at the four others. In the press release, Mayor David N. Cicilline applauded the company's decision to stay in Providence. The final design of the building is subject to review and approval of the Capital Center Commission. The state Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner is reviewing a financial analysis of the project, the press release said. Of the six Providence locations it uses now, Blue Cross owns two of the buildings, at 15 LaSalle Square and 1 Empire Street. The insurer expects to sell the two buildings for $20 million, and put that money towards the construction of the new building. --- Dan Barbarisi, Journal staff writer Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:10 PM | Comment Update: Board refuses to parole child's murdererCRANSTON -- After listening to pleas from friends and family, the state parole board refused to release the man convicted of brutally beating a 20-month-old to death in 1984. The unanimous decision by the four-member board was due to the serious nature of the crime, his failure to take full responsibility and because the board felt "the community was not ready to support him," according to board chairwoman Lisa S. Holley. Walter A. Perry Jr. had been sentenced to life in 1987 on a second-degree murder charge in the death of Leah Perry, the daughter of his then-girlfriend, Tina Perry, with whom he shared a South Kingstown apartment. He was 32 at the time. He was the first person convicted of murder in a child-abuse case in this state. Today, eight friends and family members spoke before the Parole Board, urging it to keep him jailed at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Leah Perry’s father, Lawrence Perry, vowed after this morning’s hearing that he will continue to attend these Parole Board hearings for the rest of his life. “It’s unfortunate he even has a chance to come up for parole, a chance to live his life again,” he said today. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Walter Perry was refused parole back in October 2004 by a board that decided he still refused to accept full responsibility for his crime. Walter was not related to Leah Perry or her mother. He is distantly related to the little girl’s father. “He does admit to the crime. He does not accept full culpability for the injuries the child sustained,” Holley said in October 2004. “The evidence in the case and the admission don’t match.” In issuing its decision then, the board also considered the serious nature of the crime and its impact on the Narragansett Indian Tribe, to which the family belongs, Holley said at a news conference outside the ACI. The board agreed to hear Walter's case again in 30 months. Leah Perry’s father also appeared before the board back in 2004. Looking at a framed photo of Leah Perry back then, the little girl’s father spoke about why he addressed the Parole Board on a number of occasions requesting that the killer be kept behind bars. “She drives me, every time it comes up,” her father said of the little girl with curling pigtails and a bright smile. “I have to do it for her." Walter Perry’s lawyer, Terry McEnaney, presented a letter to the Parole Board in 2004, saying the Narragansett Indian tribe was prepared to employ Walter in its historic preservation office upon his release. McEnaney noted that Walter had undergone anger management and other behavioral treatments while in prison. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:33 PM | Comment Providence bank robber gets 11 yearsPROVIDENCE – A city man has been sentenced today in federal court to 11 years in prison for robbing a Bank of America branch in September. John F. Robinson, 39, formerly of Veazie Street, was also ordered to make $2,549 restitution to the bank, the office of U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente said in a news release. U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres imposed the sentence in U.S. District Court, Providence, after Robinson pleaded guilty in January to a federal bank robbery charge. At the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney James H. Leavey said that the government could prove that Robinson went into the Bank of America branch on Atwells Avenue on Sept. 29, and, with a sweater covering his mouth, passed a teller a note that said, “Give me all the money or I will hurt you.” The teller gave him $2,549, plus a dye pack, and Robinson left the bank. Police arrested Robinson three days later, after two tellers identified him in photographs. Robinson told police that he used the money to buy drugs. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:07 PM | Comment Update: Old Russian sub succumbs, sinks / Photo
Yes, sometime in the evening, the listing submarine laid over on its side and sank, Ise said. All that’s visible is the submarine’s periscope, sticking up out of the water at an angle, a radio antenna and one of the sub’s orange life buoys, Ise said. “One of those [buoys] is bouncing and dancing on the surface, and then there’s just a trail of bubbles coming from the front,” he said. “It’s very sad.” No fuel is leaking from the vessel, Ise said, and crews are working already on a salvage plan with a professional from New York. Exactly what shape that salvage plan would take is, well, murky at this point, museum officials said today. The vessel, berthed at Collier Point Park, had been battered by the storm that hit the region early this week. It had been restored as a floating museum after being bought in 2002. By midday, TV crews and other members of the press joined several Coast Guard officers and staff of the submarine museum at the small, windswept park overlooking Providence Harbor. Lines ran along the dock, down to the sub, holding it in place on the bottom. The antenna, and a small, pipelike-protusion stuck up from the relatively calm surface of the water. Off in the distance, only one other vessel could be seen, a tanker. Nearby, a sign for Cardi's Furniture -- featuring the three Cardi brothers in sailor suits – urged visitors to follow safety tips, some of which were painfully obvious today: "Be sure to use caution when in the sub" and "Appropriate footwear required; decks may be slippery."
The sub's Web site is still up and operational, however -- though dated. As it has since before the storm took its toll, it simply states that the Juliett 484 is closed for maintenance, and says it is expected to re-open soon on the normal spring schedule. It also contains a link to the museum store, where you can buy items such as a T-shirt with the message, “My museum can sink your museum.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:48 PM | Comment Pawtucket girl, 13, struck by car, diesPAWTUCKET _ A 13 year old girl struck by a car at Smithfield and Oakdale Avenues died today. Moriah Rodrigues of Pawtucket was hit at around 9 last night as she crossed the street with her step sister who is also 13. One of the girls apparently dropped something and had bent down to pick it up. When police arrived, Rodrigues was lying in the roadway with severe head injuries. She died at Hasbro Children's Hospital at about 1:30 a.m. this morning. The police identified the driver, who was at the scene when they arrived, as Christopher Collins, 42, of Johnston. The police said that a preliminary investigation indicates that neither alcohol nor speed appeared to be a factor. The patrol division, accident reconstruction, detectives and crime scene investigators were called to assist in the investigation. -- Tatiana Pina, Journal staff writer Posted by Peter Phipps at 12:44 PM | Comment Providence is spiffing up its streets for springPROVIDENCE – Even the capital city’s Department of Public Works crews conduct spring cleaning. And there couldn’t be a better time for it after the nor’easter earlier this week swirled trash and recycling all over Providence neighborhoods. Beginning this week, the city has two additional contract street sweepers assisting the city’s street-sweeping program, so crews can clean almost around the clock, according to Mayor David N. Cicilline’s office. The city is asking residents to do what they can to help by raking and bagging leaves for recycling, sweeping their sidewalks and adhering to overnight parking regulations so cars left on city streets don’t interfere with street sweepers. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:22 PM | Comment Officer pleads not guilty to sexual assaultPROVIDENCE – A Providence police officer accused of third-degree sexual assault of a teenage girl while on duty last year pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned this morning in Superior Court. The lawyer for Brian J. Lepore, 35, of 45 Standish Ave., North Providence, entered the not guilty plea for his client. Lepore stood in court next to lawyer, Stephen Famiglietti. At the request of the prosecutor, special assistant attorney general Maureen Keough, Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Procaccini ordered Lepore to have no contact with the alleged victim. A pre-trial date has been set for July 19. Lepore was indicted last month on a charge that he committed third-degree sexual assault on a teenage girl while on duty Dec. 27. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith The officer, who had been removed from patrol and limited to desk duty while the alleged offense was under investigation, was suspended from duty without pay as soon as the Providence County grand jury handed up the indictment, according to Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Kennedy. Third-degree sexual assault, a felony, is the sexual penetration of a 14- or 15-year-old by a person over the age of 18 and is the equivalent of statutory rape. Under the law, the attorney general is not required to prove force or coercion in order to obtain a conviction. The alleged incident was investigated by the Providence police and Kennedy acknowledged that Lepore was on duty at the time it occurred. Last month, Kennedy said he was not free to release details of the incident due to the constraints of the state statute known as the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights. The bill of rights controls when police departments may publicly discuss allegations against police officers. More details were not available in court this morning. Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:13 PM | Comment Blue Cross looking for 1,000 walkers todayPROVIDENCE -- One week after some 200 people walked through downtown to celebrate Rhode Island’s new designation as a “Well State,” Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is sponsoring a different healthy walk today. With its National Walk @ Lunch Day, Blue Cross hopes to promote walking as a great source of fitness for workers throughout the state. Blue Cross estimates 700 to 1,000 people will participate in a 30-minute walk today at lunchtime. A program begins at noon at the Blue Cross building downtown, 444 Westminster St. Those expected to address the walkers include motivational speaker Gary Marino, who walked from Jacksonville, Fla., to Boston in a personal effort to lose weight and promote beneficial health. Walks are scheduled to kick off from the Blue Cross building at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:17 AM | Comment Traffic: Smooth going except for the side streetsThe highways are fine. But you may still be avoiding downed branches and trees as you drive to work this morning on the heels of the nor’easter. Or maybe you’re just driving past all that garbage in Providence that blew around when so many residents put out their trash and recycling – all that paper that later blew around – despite a warning Sunday night not to do so. The state Department of Transportation reports no traffic incidents this morning, although traffic in the usual hot spots is heating up. For all your traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:13 AM | Comment A sunny weekend is on its wayPROVIDENCE – Here comes the sun. But not just yet. It should peek out in time for us to have a pleasant weekend. We’ll have more clouds and rain today and through tomorrow night, but the chances for rain are diminishing – the National Weather Service reports a 100 percent chance of rain today, an 80 percent chance tonight, a 40 percent chance tomorrow and a 20 percent chance tomorrow night. Today and tomorrow, we’ll see highs only in the mid-40s. Then, although Friday will be partly cloudy, there’s no rain on the horizon. We should hit a high of 56. And we hope you have the weekend off, because Saturday should be sunny with a high of 65. That’s 22 degrees higher than it should be today. Sunday also should be mostly sunny, with another high of 65. So it should be a nice weekend to head to the zoo, visit Colt State Park or otherwise engage in outdoor activities. Is it too early to pack a picnic lunch? We don’t think so. Enjoy. Check back with us for the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:01 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe mass murders in Virginia lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:54 AM | Comment April 17, 2007R.I. getting $43M this year from tobacco pactPROVIDENCE – Rhode Island will get more than $43.2 million this year from the 1998 national settlement with tobacco companies, the office of state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced this evening. Under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, the dollar figure is part of a combined $6 billion-plus in settlements to the states. Since 1999, Rhode Island has netted more than $370 million through the master settlement. Much of the payment comes from Philip Morris, Reynolds American, and Lorrilard. Philip Morris is the only one to make its payment in full, according to the news release from the attorney general.
The attorney general’s office states that the settlement agreement made clear that any state that has “diligently enforced” a law pertaining to the issue the way Rhode Island has should not receive a reduced payment from the two companies. Lynch expressed confidence the disagreement can be resolved, but said the state is ready to litigate the matter if it became necessary. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:05 PM | Comment Mom, with tot in car, leads police on high-speed chaseCHARLESTOWN — A Westerly woman was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase up and down Route 1 and finally into Westerly, where she pulled over and screamed to officers that her baby was “in the car,” the police said today. Jennifer L. Getter, 29, of 9 Ivanhoe Drive, faces a felony charge of child neglect and was also charged with driving while intoxicated, said Charlestown Police Sgt. Patrick J. McMahon. Officers found Getter’s son, believed to be 18 to 22 months old, in the back seat of the vehicle, secure in a child car seat. He was not injured, McMahon said. -- Journal staff writer Randall Edgar The chase began at about 4:15 Monday afternoon when an officer driving south on Route 1 saw a black Jeep Cherokee speeding up the northbound lane, McMahon said. The officer turned around and headed north with the cruiser’s siren and lights activated, but the Jeep made a sliding and skidding U-turn near a convenience store and headed south, the police said. Another police officer waited for the Cherokee and then pursued the vehicle just over the Westerly line, where Getter abruptly changed lanes and pulled over near Haversham Corners, the police said. McMahon said the Jeep was traveling faster than 95 miles per hour at times. The speed limit on Route 1 is 50. Getter was released on $5,000 personal recognizance after appearing before a bail commissioner, according to a police news release. She is scheduled to appear in District Court, Wakefield, on April 26. Getter also faces several motor vehicle violation charges, including speeding and driving with open alcohol containers, McMahon said. McMahon said Getter offered no explanation for the incident. She failed a field sobriety test after she was pulled over and showed signs of intoxication, according to the news release. Charlestown police contacted the Department of Children Youth and Families, which is looking into the incident. The boy, meanwhile, is staying with his grandmother, the police said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:57 PM | Comment Man charges into Newport courthouse waving crucifixNEWPORT -- A man brandishing a 10-inch-long wooden crucifix charged through a security checkpoint at the entrance to the Florence K. Murray Judicial Complex and rushed into a courtroom yelling and screaming on Monday. District Court Judge Patricia D. Moore was about to call the daily calendar when sheriffs chased down Frank W. Gullison as he headed toward the bench, state Executive High Sheriff Gary Dias said today. They subdued him after a violent struggle, which injured Gullison and several sheriffs. Gullison, 56, of 15B Woolsey Road, Middletown, has been charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and three counts of assaulting a police officer, State Police Sgt. Paul Olszewski said today. Dias said the man, waving the crucifix, was yelling something about “God and saving him.” Gullison entered the building “dressed only in a pair of shorts with no shirt on,” Olszewski said. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit Whether the bottoms were shorts or boxers hasn’t been determined, he said. While the State Police said he was topless, Dias said it was his understanding the man had on a T-shirt. “As he entered the courthouse, he ran through the metal detector,” Olszewski said. A Capitol Police officer stationed at the security checkpoint “identified himself and told him to stop.” Gullison, however, kept going, running straight ahead into the courtroom where Moore was presiding. The Capitol Police officer chased after him. “Once he entered the courtroom, additional sheriffs that were also there attempted to place him in custody,” Olszewski said. During the struggle, Gullison “fell and hit his head,” Olszewski said. He was placed in handcuffs and taken to Newport Hospital, where he was later arraigned on the charges by a justice of the peace. The injured sheriffs also received treatment at the hospital. Newport Police Lt. William Fitzgerald said that the vehicle Gullison parked outside the courthouse reportedly hit the curb hard enough to cause a flat. Gullison had just appeared in the courthouse on felony charges last Thursday. He was arraigned on one count of receiving stolen goods worth more than $500 following an investigation by Portsmouth Police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Portsmouth Patrolman Mark Mooney said that Gullison is employed as a civilian by the naval station’s public works department and was implicated in the theft of scrap metal belonging to the federal government. Dias said he has concerns about the adequacy of the security at the historic building on Washington Square. The Capitol Police provide security at the building and he said he has tried to reach the chief, who is out on leave. “When he comes back, he will take a review of the security at the entryway there, given that the building is so old,” he said. “You are working in a confined area. I’m sure there are things we can do to improve that.” On the other hand, he said, the Capitol Police officers -- the only armed officers in the building -- might have responded more aggressively had Gullison been armed instead of carrying a crucifix. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:50 PM | Comment Update: About 400 R.I. customers still without powerAs of early evening, 411 National Grid customers in Rhode Island are still without electrical power, as crews work around the clock with a goal of bringing everyone back on line late tonight. That is down from the thousands of outages yesterday brought on by the nor’easter that rumbled into the region. Here are the numbers of outages as of about 4:45 p.m.: North Kingstown, 63 Otherr communities have outages in the single digits, said David Graves, a spokesman for National Grid. A total of 22 communities have some power outages, including those mentioned above. “There was a lot of damage – we had had a lot of reports for wires down and a lot of trees that were down,” said Graves. “We had a lot of poles that had to be replaced. There was a lot of work, and continues to be through the night.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:39 PM | Comment R.I. mosquito-magnet maker has new ownerA Pennsylvania company is the new owner of American Biophysics Corp. -- the North Kingstown company that makes the Mosquito Magnet. Woodstream Corp. of Litiz, Pa., will pay about $6 million for American Biophyics in a purchase overseen by a court-appointed receiver. American Biophysics’ customers -- many of them national retail chains such as Home Depot -- owe the North Kingstown company more than $3 million, according to the receiver, Jonathan N. Savage. That’s money Savage said he expects to collect, pushing the ultimate value to more than $9 million. Savage was in Washington County Superior Court today to auction off American Biophysics, which was placed into state receivership last year because it was unable to pay off debts of $7 million. -- Journal Staff Writer Paul Grimaldi Receivership is a form of bankruptcy where a court appoints a trustee to either liquidate a company or sell its assets to pay the accumulated debt. American Biophysics garnered national attention earlier in the decade as sales of Mosquito Magnet -- a mosquito-killing device -- made it the nation’s fastest growing private company. The company struggled to profit from the sales and fell under court protection. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:36 PM | Comment Texas attorney general sues R.I.-based CVS Corp.HOUSTON -- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott sued CVS Corp. on Tuesday, alleging pharmacy employees dumped credit card numbers, medical information and other sensitive material into a garbage container. The suit alleges about 1,000 customers were compromised. The Woonsocket-based company was accused of failing to protect its customers from identity theft at the store in Liberty, about 45 miles northeast of Houston. The lawsuit alleges employees dumped the records behind a store that apparently was being vacated by CVS. CVS did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Tuesday. "Our personal information, our medical records are supposed to be protected," said 69-year-old Cora Bechtel, one of the customers whose records were found behind the store. "When it's exposed, it's scary." -- The Associated Press CVS is accused of violating provisions of the 2005 Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, which requires the protection and proper destruction of clients' sensitive personal information. If found guilty, CVS could have to pay up to $50,000 per violation. Abbott's office also charged the company with violations under Chapter 35 of the Business and Commerce Code, which requires businesses to develop retention and disposal procedures for their clients' personal information. The code provides for civil penalties of up to $500 for each abandoned record. Abbott said his office is investigating whether this is normal practice for CVS at other Texas stores. "One of the most serious problems plaguing this country and state (is) identity theft," said Abbott, who earlier this month sued Fort Worth-based RadioShack Corp. after customer records were dumped in trash bins near a Corpus Christi store. Tuesday's lawsuit against CVS was the fourth such action taken against a business since the 2005 law was passed. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:32 PM | Comment Update: Lincoln High grad among VTech victimsDaniel Patrick O’Neil, a 2002 graduate of Lincoln High School, was among the 32 students slain yesterday at Virginia Tech, where O’Neil was pursuing a graduate degree in environmental engineering. 
Lincoln High School yearbook photoDANIEL P. O’NEIL
O’Neil's student listing on the Virginia Tech Web site gave his home address as 26 Fairmount Ave. He was the son of Jean and William O'Neil, who is the director of major giving at Connecticut College. The younger O'Neil graduated from Lafayette College last year with a degree in civil engineering. According to one school publication, O’Neil was the vice president of the Arts Society while at Lafayette, was an active participant in intramural sports and a member of the Marquis Players, a student group that produced an annual charity musical. Friends today described O'Neil as a talented guitar player and song writer, who had his own Web site, residenthippy.com According to O'Neil's high school yearbook, he was a member of the cross country and outdoor track teams, drama club and on the National Honor Society. His senior photo includes the following quote: "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die. / Life ain't a track meet, it's a marathon." He also wrote in his yearbook: “Never Stop Watching Disney.” Indeed, one of the catch phrases in his entry is "Hakuna Matata." Those who’ve seen Disney’s 1994 animated movie “The Lion King” know what that means, translated roughly from Swahili to English: “No worries.” -- With reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson and Journal staff writer Tom Mooney Governor Carcieri commented on O'Neil's death early this afternoon as he issued an order to lower state flags to half-staff to honor all victims of the tragedy. They will remain lowered until sunset on Sunday, according to the governor’s office. “Like millions of people across the country, Rhode Islanders are stunned by the senseless acts of violence that occurred at Virginia Tech yesterday,” Carcieri said in a statement. “Today, we are doubly saddened to learn that this massacre has claimed the life of a Rhode Islander. The thoughts and prayers of my wife Sue and I are with Daniel O'Neil, his family and friends, and with everyone who was affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.” U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin said this afternoon that he is “profoundly saddened” to learn of the death of O’Neil. Langevin, a Rhode Island Democrat, is confined to a wheelchair after a gun accident. Lincoln Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond issued the following statement this afternoon: "The community of Lincoln, Rhode Island, extends our heartfelt condolences and support to the O’Neil family upon learning of the tragic loss of Lincoln native Daniel O’Neil as a result of the horrific shooting of several Virginia Tech students. "I would ask that you join all of us in keeping Daniel, his family, his friends, classmates, and the numerous other victims of this tragic incident in your thoughts and prayers. "
Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:30 PM | Comment Lincoln student's MySpace siteThe MySpace site for the Lincoln resident killed at the Virginia Tech features photos, a bit of a bio, links to his friends’ pages and music Daniel O’Neil recorded with the microphone that came with his computer. The music begins playing when viewers open up the page. The site sends viewers to “Resident Hippy,” which is listed as O’Neil’s band’s website. “To be completely honest, they don't sound that bad, considering,” O’Neil wrote on his site. In one of the songs, O’Neil sings: “she’ll cry to the end of this bad dream.” Two comments appear on the site, one of them posted last night at 11:50 p.m. from “Caitlin.” It just says: “If you are ok PLEASE let me know .. I really hope you are safe Dan. I’m thinking of you.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:20 PM | Comment South Kingstown man recalls day of fearThe shootings had finally stopped, and senior Matt Schloesser tried to reach three or four of his Virginia Tech classmates by phone. First, he couldn’t get through. Then all he got was voice-mails, the casual voices of a normal day. This was a different day. So Schloesser, 23, of South Kingstown, got in his car and drove. He drove to one apartment, then a second, then another, just to know if his friends were alive. “To make sure,” he said. Three hours earlier yesterday, Schloesser, an engineering major, woke up in his apartment about a quarter-mile from the Norris building, where most of the killings occured. “I got calls from people I had not talked to in 10 years making sure I was fine,” Schloesser said. “Some people I had not seen since middle school, some people I had not seen since high school.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:45 PM | Comment Thursday deadline for filing Rhode Island returnsThe Rhode Island tax-filing deadline has officially been extended to midnight on Thursday. That decision, issued today by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, means that taxpayers will have an extra two days to file their state income-tax returns and make quarterly estimated state tax payments. (The filing deadline had been midnight tonight.) The Internal Revenue Service got the ball rolling on Monday. Because of power outages and other problems caused by the big wind-and-rain storm, the IRS extended -- until midnight Thursday -- the deadline for filing federal returns. Rhode Island and Massachusetts followed suit today, officially extending the deadline for filing state returns; Connecticut has already done so. Posted by Neil Downing at 1:21 PM | Comment Hess president confident LNG will come to Fall RiverWASHINGTON -- A top officer of the company proposing to build a liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River expressed confidence today that the firm will clear the remaining regulatory and judicial hurdles and finish the controversial facility by about 2011, despite strenuous opposition from officials of the city, surrounding communities and the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ``We are cautiously optimistic,'' that the terminal for incoming LNG tankers will be built, said Gordon Shearer, president and chief executive officer of Hess LNG LLC, a corporate affiliate of Weaver's Cove Energy, the sponsor of the project. Shearer spoke at a Washington forum for reporters and editors sponsored by McGraw-Hill and Platt's, publishers of Inside Energy and other journals that cover the energy industry. Shearer said he based his optimism on several factors. By his interpretation, for example, the rulings thus far on court challenges to the project are good signs that the energy company will win a crucial appeal of a favorable 2005 decision on the proposed terminal by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commisssion. Shearer said his side expects by the end of this year to win the appeal of the FERC decision, filed by opponents of the LNG plant, that is pending in the First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. -- John Mulligan of the Journal Washington Bureau The company also foresees a favorable nod from the Coast Guard on plans that the company has made to ship LNG to the planned terminal aboard comparatively small tankers that, according to Shearer, would be able safely to pass both the old Brightman Street Bridge and the new span over the Taunton River, from Fall River to Somerset. Shearer said the company undertook the plan for smaller tankers in order to counter federal legislation that forbade the demolition of the old bridge. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:14 PM | Comment Photo: Distress call for the Russian sub
The Coast Guard is on the scene and museum officials are “just right now coming up with a battle plan,” engineer Damon Ise said. The stern is underwater at high tide, the bow is sticking up at a 30 degree angle and the ship is listing. The submarine's bow became grounded during yesterday’s nor’easter, and as the tide comes in, the rising water is pulling the stern of the vessel underwater, according to engineer Ise, who works for the Russian Sub Museum. Oil is also leaking into the river. But Ise said there’s no more than 35 gallons of oil on board. The president of the Russian Sub Museum, Frank Lennon, said the situation won't get any worse. "We're confident that we'll be able to fix this, and it will come back," Lennon said. "We have an expert coming in from New York. He'll be in around noontime and will give us the advice we need to fix this." -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The first task today will be to contain the oil. “And then they’ll really have to engineer how the salvage operation will take place,” Ise said. The vessel is “designed to sink,” Ise said. However, it has been retrofitted as a museum, is no longer operational as a sub and is not water-tight. The other problem is that the front of the boat is grounded and the other part is under water, he said. “Had the submarine been able to float freely in the storm, this would have never happened,” Ise said. “But this submarine doesn’t go under water. It’s purely a display. It’s not a ship anymore.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:19 PM | Comment Update: High wind advisory offA high wind advisory in the wake of yesterday's storm has been canceled by the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass. Winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with a few gusts around 40 mph this afternoon but are expected to remain below advisory thresholds, the service said. Get more on the weather forecast for our area today. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:13 AM | Comment Saugus, Mass., man among Virginia Tech victimsBOSTON -- A 20-year-old man from Saugus was among the more than 30 victims killed in yesterday's shooting rampage on the campus of Virginia Tech. Ross Alameddine was killed in the classroom building where a Virginia Tech senior from South Korea opened fire, according to Robert Palumbo, a family friend who answered the phone at the Alameddine residence this morning. He said Alameddine's mother, Lynnette, was not available for comment. Alameddine was a graduate of Austin Preparatory School in Reading. The school said it would comment later today. The Boston Herald reported that Alameddine was shot while attending a morning French class at the Blacksburg, Va., school. Alameddine was a sophomore who just declared English as his major, the paper reported. Friends created a memorial page on Facebook.com that described Alameddine as "an intelligent, funny, easy going guy." "You're such an amazing kid, Ross," wrote Zach Allen, who also attended Austin, according to his profile. "You always made me smile, and you always knew the right thing to do or say to cheer anyone up." -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:08 AM | Comment Julia Pell leaves bequest with gay rights groupNEWPORT -- The late daughter of former Senator Claiborne Pell left behind financial help for a gay rights organization she helped found. Julia Pell, who died of lung cancer last year at the age of 52, left a bequest with Equity Action. Pell and her longtime partner, Julie Smith, formed the group -- which is a part of the Rhode Island Foundation and promotes equal rights for gays and lesbians. Rhode Island Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald V. Gallo says the bequest is the first of its kind, but he won't provide a dollar amount. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:50 AM | Comment Photo: A river runs around it
The road to Tom Oszajca’s Cranston business, Providence Architectural Woodwork Group, has flooded. Water from the Pawtuxet River has risen right up to the edge of the business on Wellington Avenue, which is just to the right of the business shown in this photo, Craft Display. Oszajca, the president of the architectural company, said he doesn’t have a lot of damage -- just wet carpeting. -- with reports and photo by Journal photographer Bill Murphy Posted by Peter Phipps at 10:46 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe murders at Virginia Tech and the storm lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 10:39 AM | Comment N. Providence resident? Don't forget to vote todayNORTH PROVIDENCE -- Voters go to the polls today to elect a mayor, and though Charles Lombardi appears on the ballot without opposition, there is a contest in the works anyway. Councilman Mansuet Giusti, who had been a big supporter of acting Mayor John Sisto Jr., yesterday confirmed that he is mounting a write-in campaign. Giusti said that after the Feb. 27 primary in which Lombardi defeated his friend Sisto for the Democratic nomination, he thought that Sisto would mount a write-in campaign. Sisto said he was not mounting a write-in campaign, but “some people have told me that they would like to write my name in. I’ve told them that’s fine. I don’t have a problem with that.” Lombardi said he had heard people were planning to run as write-ins, and said he had spent the last several weeks campaigning as if he had an opponent. Unlike the mayoral race, there is no stealth campaign in the District 2 Town Council race, where John Fleming, who won the primary, has no announced opponents. Lisbeth Marwell-Bussick, the town’s director of elections and registrations, says she cannot remember anyone conducting a write-in campaign since the town moved to a mayoral form of government. She said machines at all 15 polling places are equipped to receive write-in ballots. If Lombardi receives less than 51 percent of the votes cast from today’s balloting, the write-in ballots would have to be turned over to the state Board of Elections for a count. There are 25,962 eligible voters in North Providence. As of yesterday, there were 182 requests for absentee ballots and for 16 emergency ballots. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. -- With reports from Richard C. Dujardin, Journal staff writer Posted by Pam Cotter at 9:56 AM | Comment West Greenwich police and town phones are outWEST GREENWICH – The town’s phone lines are out, including the police department’s communications system. The most important calls – 911 emergency calls – are being redirected to the Exeter fire alarm and Coventry police, West Greenwich dispatcher Dennis Etchells said this morning. Neighboring communities will contact West Greenwich dispatchers to get emergency responders on scene, and dispatchers will remain on the phone lines with 911 callers as typical 911 dispatchers do, Etchells said this morning. Verizon has said they are not available to check the phone lines in town until 4 p.m. today, Etchells said. Anyone needing to reach the West Greenwich police for a non-emergency situation can call the Coventry department at (401) 826-1100. For emergencies call 911. The town is working with the other departments because Exeter and West Greenwich fire departments operate on the same radio channel and Coventry and West Greenwich work collaboratively on a regular basis, Etchells said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:39 AM | Comment Update: 981 Rhode Islanders still without powerNational Grid reports that 981 customers in Rhode Island remain without power early this morning after a peak of 22,000 businesses and residents across the state were without power during yesterday’s zenith because of the nor’easter that slammed the region. According to a spokeswoman, the areas hardest hit are those along the company's "coastal district," including Coventry, 314 customers; North Kingstown, 254; and Narragansett, 154. Warwick is no longer considered a high outage area. In Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, 7,000 customers of the 1.7 million served by National Grid were without power early this morning, according to a recorded announcement on the power company’s phone line. Tha’ts down from a peak of 61,000 customers yesterday at noon. Crews continue to work today, after working through the night, and expect power for all customers to be restored by some point today or this evening. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:36 AM | Comment Hasbro's Verrecchia gets $8.41 million in 2006Hasbro, the world’s second-largest toymaker, gave CEO Alfred Verrecchia, 64, an $8.41 million compensation package, which included a $1 million salary and a $3 million bonus, according to a U.S. regulatory filing. Compensation for the CEO of Mattel, the world’s largest toymaker, totaled $5.99 million. Robert Eckert, 52, became chief in May 2000. Hasbro’s net income climbed 8.5 percent last year on a 2.1 percent sales increase to $3.15 billion. Fourth-quarter profits advanced more than analysts anticipated on higher sales of board games such as Monopoly and Playskool preschool toys. “Relative to targets, Hasbro may have had a better year,” said Sean McGowan, an analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities in New York, who has “buy” ratings on both Hasbro and Mattel. “Hasbro was widely expected to have a challenging 2006, and it had a good year.” Verrecchia, who became CEO in May 2003, also received stock options last year of $2.49 million and a stock award worth $366,693. His pay package also included $1.39 million from a change in pension value and $162,036 in other compensation such as life insurance. In 2006, Hasbro’s shares climbed 35 percent. Mattel’s stock surged 43 percent, the most in 11 years. -- Bloomberg Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:22 AM | Comment Nor'easter remains, but the worst is overPROVIDENCE – Rain, rain and more rain is expected through Thursday – and we could get snow as well from tomorrow through Thursday night. The worst appears to be over, but the National Weather Service predicts a second round of strong winds for Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island today. The strong nor’easter that ripped through Rhode Island and even tore down a temporary wall at T.F. Green Airport early yesterday will continue to meander off the New England coast through tonight before it weakens its grip. A wind advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. We’ve got local flood warnings still in effect through tomorrow afternoon. The warnings for the Blackstone River in Woonsocket and the Pawtuxet River in Cranston are extended until tomorrow afternoon. Both rivers have swelled past their flood stages of 9 feet. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The Blackstone is expected to continue rising to near 11.1 feet by this morning. At 11 feet, flooding spreads across most of the lower parking area of the Albion Mill Apartments and is expected to overspread the lowest-lying sections of Lonsdale in Cumberland, according to the National Weather Service. The Pawtuxet reached 12.1 feet last night, just beyond the 12-foot level that can prompt evacuations. The National Weather Service reports that businesses and homes will be impacted on at least the following streets: In Warwick, Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street, Venturi Avenue and River Street; in Cranston, Wellington Avenue and Avery Road; in West Warwick, Daisy Street, Lower Ends of Canna, Begonia and Aster Street, and portions of Providence Street to Route 2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:18 AM | Comment New deadline for filing taxesThe Internal Revenue Service has given taxpayers two more days to file their federal income-tax returns. Because of the big wind-and-rain storm that knocked out power and caused flooding and other problems, taxpayers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and other states affected by the storm will have until midnight on Thursday to file their federal income-tax returns and make quarterly estimated payments, the IRS said. (The old deadline was midnight Tuesday.) The Rhode Island Division of Taxation is expected to follow suit for state income-tax returns and quarterly estimated payments. Connecticut has already extended its deadline. Posted by Neil Downing at 6:50 AM | Comment April 16, 2007Photo: On the lookout for fish
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:58 PM | Comment After tie, Swansea candidate requests recountSWANSEA, Mass. — A time and place for a recount has not been scheduled, but Board of Selectmen candidate Frank H. Kingsley has officially made the request for one. Kingsley and M. Scott Ventura were tied with 984 votes each after the April 9 election. They were vying for the seat vacated by Joseph “Butch” Senna, who didn’t seek reelection. A third candidate, Maureen R. Estes, finished third with 649 votes. No one could remember a previous tie in Swansea, but Kingsley said he “didn’t want to make history that way.” “We’ll have to see what happens,” said Kingsley today, who turned 65 a few days before the election. When asked how he felt about the tie, he answered, “not to good. I wanted to win.” Ventura could not be reached for comment today. -- Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina To request a recount, Kingsley had to get 11 signatures from registered voters in each of Swansea’s five precincts. He brought the 55 signatures to the town clerk’s office Friday afternoon. Ventura has until Thursday to also file a petition. However, local Republican Committee Chairman Neil K. LeBeau said he didn’t believe it was necessary for both candidates to file. Kingsley asked for a hand recount, which means each ballot cast will be analyzed. In all, 2,661, or 26 percent, of the town’s more than 10,200 voters went to the polls. Kingsley plans to bring at least 10 counters to watch over as the ballots are read as well as a lawyer present. If the results are the same after the recount, LeBeau said the town would need to hold a special election. The three previous candidates, including any new candidates, could run for the open seat. LeBeau said it may be why Estes has not taken down her campaign signs. Kinglsey’s signs have an additional phrase on them, “Thank you. It’s a tie.” In the meantime, LeBeau said Senna will remain on the board until a winner is certified and sworn in. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:44 PM | Comment Former Rhode Islander covering Virginia Tech shootingsA former North Kingstown resident is among the reporters covering the shootings at Virginia Tech today. Greg Esposito, whose beat is higher education for The Roanoke Times, says he has been covering Virginia Tech for about a year and a half. See the news organization's coverage of the shootings at roanoke.com and a special breaking-news report here. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:18 PM | Comment Former DNC chairman speaks at Brown tonightPROVIDENCE – The former chairman of the Democratic National Committee is slated to speak at Brown University at 7:30 p.m. about the 2008 presidential election. The lecture by Terry McAuliffe is presented by the Brown Democrats. A news release on the university Web site states McAuliffe “will share his perspective” on the upcoming election in List Art Center, Room 120. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:50 PM | Comment Flooding, downed trees disrupt some Amtrak serviceAmtrak advised today that flooding and felled trees affected some train service in the Northeast. There has been service on the corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., and the corridor between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Penn., but some trains were delayed or canceled. Downeaster service between Boston and Portland, Maine, was canceled today with no alternate transportation. Regional service between New Haven, Conn., and Springfield, Mass, has resumed, but passengers should anticipate some delays. The Adirondack (New York – Albany – Montreal) was canceled today, with alternate transportation provided between Albany and Montreal. Passengers who have reserved tickets on trains that have been canceled may board the next available train of the same service without exchanging tickets. Regional tickets are only valid on Regional service, not Acela Express. Call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for specific information and train status updates. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:33 PM | Comment Rains spur some shellfishing closuresPROVIDENCE – Bristol Harbor and Dutch Island Harbor, in Portsmouth, will be closed to shell fishing starting tomorrow, the state Department of Environmental Management announced today. The ban on shellfish harvesting in Bristol results from raw sewage overflows, driven by the heavy rains. The ban will last until sunrise Thursday, April 26, and is for the waters within the harbor and surrounding Hog Island. Specifically, that means waters north and east of a line from the southern tip of Popasquash Point, Bristol, to a southwest point on Hog Island. And it means from the southwest point of Hog Island to the extreme southwestern point of Arnold Point, in Portsmouth. Waters within Dutch Island Harbor will be closed to shellfish harvesting until further notice, due to raw sewage overflows from the pump station at the west end of Narragansett Avenue, again due to heavy rains causing high wastewater flows. For information about the closings, call Angelo Liberti of the Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Resources, 222-4700, ext. 7225. Or click here for a link to the DEM's shellfish closure maps. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:23 PM | Comment Hurricane barrier closed, opened, closed againPROVIDENCE — The floodgates of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier were closed last night and again this morning in the event of a storm surge associated with the powerful nor’easter that blew through New England yesterday. John Nickelson, director of the city’s Department of Public Works, said the barrier was closed around 5:30 p.m. yesterday because of unusually high tides combined with the surge. The gates were opened last night, only to be closed again around 5:30 a.m. today, when high tide occurred. The DPW is standing by this evening to see whether the barrier will need to closed again. -- Journal staff writer Linda Borg Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:06 PM | Comment Warwick student at Virginia Tech reports he's OKDouglass Thomas Reed, a Warwick resident who is a graduate student in philosophy at Virginia Tech, reports today he is all right but “just saddened like everyone else here and everywhere” about the shootings on campus. Reed said by e-mail he had been off-campus when the tragedy occurred. Because the names of those who were shot have not been released, he did not know if he was acquainted with any of them. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:38 PM | Comment Emergency agency: Stay alert near flooding riversCRANSTON – Residents and business owners near rivers should stay alert as flood-swollen Pawtuxet, Blackstone and Woonasquatucket rivers are expected to crest tonight or overnight, the state Emergency Management Agency said this afternoon. The agency also says in a news release that the Natick Bridge in West Warwick on the Cranston line has been “washed out,” and that officials there are dealing with the situation. The state’s cities and towns “seem to be able to handle the storm on their own,” except for Jamestown, which asked for assistance with flooding in a couple of areas, the agency states. The Department of Transportation “has been in contact to fulfill the requests.” The Department of Environmental Management “at this time has no indication that any dam is in imminent danger of failure,” but it is asking dam owners to monitor their dams for any potential safety problems such as overturned trees, an elevated pond that could lead to water going over the dam, new signs of dam leakage, or movement of the dam. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency may be reached at (401) 946-9996. Its Web site is www.riema.ri.gov A list of town emergency management contacts is available here. Current and forecast river conditions throughout the Northeast may be seen here. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney The Pawtuxet River is estimated to crest at 11.9 feet at approximately 8 p.m. That doesn’t necessarily mean the river will go over its banks, the agency cautions, but residents and business owners should remain vigilant. The Blackstone River is expected to crest at 10.5 feet – in the “flood stage” – overnight at about 2 a.m. The river will not necessarily go over top its banks. The Woonasquatucket River is expected to crest “soon” around 6 feet in the “flood stage,” which, again, does not guarantee it rise will over the top of its banks. Those living or running businesses near the rivers who have additional questions about how to protect their properties should contact their town emergency management agency or the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:20 PM | Comment Updated storm totals: 5 inches in Little ComptonThe National Weather Service has released the following rainfall totals for the recent storm. Little Compton, at the far southeast of the state, saw 5 inches of rain as of 9:20 this morning, according to the report. Wind gusts of 60 mph were measured this morning in downtown Providence. Here are the other rainfall totals: Providence: 3.65 inches at 12:30 p.m. Posted by Mike McDermott at 2:29 PM | Comment Update: First flight takes off at packed Green airportWARWICK -- The first flight of the day just took off at T.F. Green Airport at 2:20 p.m. today, almost 12 hours after the airport was forced to close when strong winds damaged a temporary construction wall. Observers, however, couldn’t tell which airline it was or where it was headed. Thirty minutes before that, the final boarding call for a flight to Atlanta echoed in the terminal at Green. Although travelers were allowed into the airport at 12:30 p.m. – 10 hours after the wall came down and the airport was closed – the first group of people didn’t move through security until 1:15 p.m. At that point, the line was extraordinarily long. The airport is packed with mainly families with school-aged children, as today marks the start of spring vacation week for Rhode Island's public schools. All morning flights and some afternoon flights were canceled after strong winds knocked down a temporary wall in the terminal early today, spurring an immediate closure of the airport.If you’re trying to determine whether your flight has been rescheduled or whether a flight later today is likely to take off, the airport corporation recommends calling the 800 number for your individual airline. Individual airlines are responsible for updating that information. A spokeswoman with the corporation said that’s not always done promptly on days when the weather wreaks havoc with people’s travel plans. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham As people began moving through the security checkpoint, the corporation’s president and CEO, Mark Brewer, commented: “It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it?” Before 2 p.m., Brewer said one Southwest Airlines flight had landed, although people weren’t seen entering the terminal from the tarmac. Construction crews responding to the wall’s collapse have installed a big blue tarp to block the wind from racing – as it did this morning – through the terminal. Although Brewer said this morning that the wall would be rebuilt once that tarp went up, he now says crews will likely build the wall this evening. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:27 PM | Comment Photo: Doggie paddling on S. Kingstown street
Journal file photo / Bob Breidenbach A dog makes his way down the flooded Matunuck Beach Road near the matunuck Town Beach in South Kingstown. Our photographer reports the dog made it out of the water just fine. See another photo, story Posted by Pam Cotter at 2:18 PM | Comment Update: Power coming back on, should be done tonightNational Grid reports that 9,100 Rhode Island customers remained without power around 1 p.m. today, down from close to 22,000 five hours earlier. Every town and city in Rhode Island was affected by power failures caused by the high winds overnight, according to National Grid spokesman David Graves. At this time, Graves said the worst-hit areas are: North Kingstown: 2,700 Crews will continue to work throughout the day, but Graves said it will be sometime tonight before customers across the state have power restored. For more information, check National Grid's Web site for Rhode Island customers. The number for reporting outages or othe emergencies is: 1-800-909-1212. -- Journal staff writers Talia Buford and C. Eugene Emery and projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Shortly before 9:30 a.m., 14,285 homes and businesses had been were without power, according to Graves. The worst-hit areas at that time were: Woonsocket: 3,500 Warwick: 3,100 Burrillville: 1,600 North Kingstown: 1,500 North Smithfield: 630 Richmond: 340 North Providence: 325 Lincoln: 275 West Warwick: 275 Cumberland:190 South Kingstown: 165 Providence: 150 The number of customers without power will fluctuate throughout the day, Graves said, as some power is restored and new failures are reported when trees and limbs knock down other wires. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:50 PM | Comment Update: Green reopens, crowd is swellingWARWICK – T. F. Green Airport terminal has reopened, and it is packed. Just before 1 p.m., people were not being allowed through security. The security and check-in area was overflowing with people who were waiting to get information about what is happening next. Some of those waiting were those whose flights were canceled this morning. Meanwhile, over the din, drills could be heard as work crews continue to rebuild a wall in the airport that was damaged in the storm and that forced its closing this morning. A large blue tarp covers the damaged area. More on the incident that temporarily closed the airport ... -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:24 PM | Comment Photo: South Kingstown flooding us up to windows
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach A flooded section of the Mary Carpenter's area near the Matunuck Town Beach in South Kingstown is so bad water came up to the windows in some of the trailers and homes there. Public works crews from South Kingstown were working to pump the water away from the homes as water breached over Matunuck Beach Road.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The nor’easter surge has flooded some small homes and trailer homes in the Mary Carpenters area where it runs on the north side of Matunuck Beach Road, parallel to the beach, with water up to windows in some locations. Public works personnel have been pumping out the water. Another section of the area seemed relatively unscathed. Signs of erosion are evident on Matunuck Beach, where the battle between waterfront and sea is already a fragile balance. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal Staff Photographer Bob Breidenbach Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:03 PM | Comment This nor'easter reminds forecasters of a hurricaneThe mighty storm that double-parked atop Rhode Island and the Northeast is out of character for April and bears an uncanny resemblance to a tropical weather system that feeds on a conveyer belt of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. “As the storm converged off the Mid-Atlantic Coast, it just exploded,” said Charlie Foley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Taunton. “And so, this is unusual for this time of year to get such a powerful storm. And the precipitation circulating around the storm is very reminiscent of a tropical storm.” Foley added: “It’s going to hang around … This storm is going to be very slow to move off.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney The worst of the shrieking winds and ceaseless rainfall should be over this afternoon, he added, but a gray and wet dreariness is expected to surround us through Thursday. Unusual, too, because the storm is deep and appears vertically quite high in the atmosphere, which means it’s moving very slowly. Part of the storm is “south of Long Island, N.Y., and it is not moving that quickly, so we are going to see [the remains of it] right on through most of this week,” Foley said. Foley said the storm did not surprise forecasters, who expected a powerful system that would include high winds at a time when tides are high and could lead to coastal and other flooding. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:25 PM | Comment Storm blows shingles off N. Kingstown police stationNORTH KINGSTOWN — Tidal flooding and high winds drove about an inch of water into the Town Hall Annex basement despite efforts by town workers to block the water with sandbags. The storm surge also undermined a four-foot high wall around the town beach, causing some erosion, and blew shingles off the police station, causing leaks in the aging building. Town crews threw a tarp over the police roof and roped off the damaged retaining wall near the beach and senior center. Several roads in Wickford -- where the Town Hall Annex sits – were also flooded, said Public Works Director Phil Bergeron. Some homes lost electricity. At 11:30 a.m., Town Hall employees still relied on a generator for power. “A lot of trees were down,” Bergeron said. “We had two crews working all night long.” -- Journal Staff Writer Paul Davis Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:17 PM | Comment Block Island ferry canceledInterstate Navigation has canceled ferry runs between the port of Galilee and Block Island today.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:57 AM | Comment Update: Green Airport re-opening at 12:30 p.m.T.F. Green Airport will reopen at 12:30 p.m., spokeswoman Patti Goldstein said on WPRO radio at 11:35 a.m. Those who missed early flights will be rebooked as possible, she said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:42 AM | Comment Water backing down in JamestownJAMESTOWN -- Hard rains flooded Great Creek and the East Ferry and pushed water across North Road and Canonicus Avenue around 7 a.m., forcing drivers to take other roads. “We had a lot of trees in the wires” and some houses lost power, said Public Works Director Steve Goslee. By 11 a.m., however, the water had backed down, he said, adding, “We’re in clean-up mode.” -- Journal staff writer Paul Davis Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:30 AM | Comment Update: Airport could re-open early this afternoonWARWICK -- Airport officials hope that T.F. Green Airport may open by early afternoon after strong overnight winds blew down a temporary wall just past the security checkpoint and forced the closure of the state's main airport. “Crews have been working on it,” airport corporation spokeswoman Patti Goldstein said shortly before 11 a.m. “We’re hoping to have it up and running by this afternoon. We’re targeting early afternoon, but we’ll see.” Before noon today, 76 flights had been canceled – 25 arriving and 51 departing, Goldstein said. Goldstein said airport officials aren’t sure what this delay might mean for the major construction project at the airport. Crews are building a food court behind the temporary wall, so that passengers have access to it after going through security. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:25 AM | Comment Storm reports from NarragansettThe bridge at Middlebridge, which connects Narragansett to South Kingstown, was closed due to flooding of the Narrow River this morning. The police were re-routing traffic to Bridgetown Road, which is a main route to the University of Rhode Island for commuters, so there were tie-ups there. The roadway in front of the Narragansett Town Beach was closed due to flooding. The power has been out in parts of Narragansett since about 4 a.m. -- Journal staff writer Arline A. Fleming Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:38 AM | Comment Photo: Tree clearing begins in Cranston
Journal photo / Bill Murphy Charlotte Diffendale, right, looks on as her neighbor John Meek uses a saw to cut a tree that had fallen on her property on Park Avenue in Cranston, Monday morning. The overnight storm caused many downed trees in the area.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 9:52 AM | Comment Crews clean up North Kingstown roadsNorth Kingstown street department crews had to clean up many of the roads in the Quidnessett area of town just to make it passable for motorists early this morning. Crews in several trucks took to the streets early, clearing big limbs from downed trees at all along Fletcher Road and surrounding suburban streets. Power was out to many of the homes and businesses in the area, too, overnight, but one homeowner reported power was back on at 9:15 a.m. Posted by Pam Cotter at 9:20 AM | Comment Storm totals and highsHere's what the National Weather Service measured for rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 7:50 this morning: T.F. Green Airport: 3.29 inches The weather service measured peak wind speeds early this morning at 57 mph in Middletown. We'll have updated totals as more information becomes available. Posted by Mike McDermott at 8:43 AM | Comment Flood warning extended for small streamsThe National Weather Service has extended its flood warning for small streams across Rhode Island until 10 a.m. this morning. Also the Pawtuxet is rising and the trailer park at Matunuck Beach is flooded. A flood warning, the Weather Service says, means "flooding is imminent or has been reported." But the heaviest rain has pass, the Weather Service said, and there is little danger of flash flooding. In addition, the Pawtuxet is near flood stage in Cranston and the Providence River was lapping into the park along Dyer Street in downtown Providence. The Pawtuxet is expected to crest early this afternoon at between 11 and 12 feet. That's enough to cause moderate flooding. In Pawtuxet Village, low-lying parking lots were already flooded at 8 a.m. Water had risen to the back door of Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Along the coast, Matunuck Beach Road in Matunuck was closed this morning due to flooding. The high waters flooded a trailer park on one side of the road, and a small pond on the other side.
Big waves swept over the dunes next to South Kingstown Town Beach, filling the small pond there and drowning a nest that swans had started making two weeks ago. The swans left. People started bringing their trailers back to a trailer park next to the town beach last weekend. But this morning, huge waves flew high over the seawall protecting the trailer park, and one trailer was knocked sideways. In East Providence, the water was 2-feet-deep at one point on Veterans Memorial Parkway. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:38 AM | Comment Update: Green Airport closed; may reopen todayGreen Airport is closed and may not reopen until this afternoon. All flights are canceled. Airport police closed the airport early this morning after high winds blew down a temporary wall at the back of the terminal. It got so bad inside the terminal this morning that authorities had to take down the sails on the yacht by the rental counters. The boat was rocking back and forth, threatening to bang into the windows. Mark Brewer, president and CEO of the Airport Corp., said it will take about four hours to rebuild the wall, which blew in at around 2 :30 a.m. Afternoon flights were still listed as ontime. But Brewer could not guarantee when Green would be able to reopen. Some flights took off this morning, but there were no passengers on board, Brewer said. -- Kate Bramson, projo.com Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:20 AM | Comment Rain today, rain tomorrow and so it goesAs if we haven't had enough, it's expected to rain today and keep raining, on and off, through Thursday. The National Weather Service isn't forecasting any sunshine until Friday. Meanwhile, the Pawtuxet River swollen from all the rain overnight, is expected to crest at 11.5 feet today. That means there will be moderate flooding in Cranston. The weather service has posted a flood watch until this afternoon. The wind advisory is only in effect through 7 a.m. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:03 AM | Comment April 13, 2007Hotel Providence sold to national outfitPROVIDENCE -- The Hotel Providence has been sold. An entity owned by Tiverton-based Hotel Asset Value Enhancement LLC, a national hotel real estate company, and its partner, Sacramento, Calif.-based Acorn Asset Management, acquired hotel founder and entrepreneur Stanley Weiss' interest in the hotel, according to a news release today. An affiliate of hotelAVE will manage the hotel, located at 311 Westminster St. The release states that Hotel Providence has been rated by Zagat's '07 survey as Providence's best hotel. "We have used the best of everything to create a world-class boutique hotel gem commensurate to the magnificent architecture of the hotel building and its surrounding architecture that comprise our arts and entertainment district," Weiss said in the release. The release goes on to to say that Michelle Russo, president of hotelAVE and described as the hotel's new owner, is committed to maintaining and building upon the hotel "as the city's premier four-diamond hotel." "We have affected a seamless transition at the ownership level, and the hotel will continue to run as it has with its superb staff and its very capable general manager, Christine Nevers, who has, over the past year, brought a number of well-earned awards to the hotel," the release states. No financial figures of the sale were given in the release. The hotel officially opened in January 2005, and was developed for about $15 million, including the buildout of its signature restaurant L'Epicureo. Observers considered a gamble on the future of the city's shabby old retail center, known as Downcity.
-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment Fire repairs to close New Rivers for monthNew Rivers Bistro in Providence will probably be closed for a month while repairs are made to the kitchen, the site of a fire last week, owner Bruce Tillinghast reports. The fire on April 9 did relatively little damage to the building at 7 Steeple St. but it will take time and money to restore things back to normal in the restaurant, he said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, he said, though it seems to have begun in duct work and some of the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal they use for cooking. Tillinghast wasn’t at the bistro at the time of the 8 p.m. fire. He had left the restaurant at 5:30 p.m., gone for a swim at the Y and was home making dinner at the time he was called by his staff who said the flames were quickly extinguished. The restaurant was serving dinner at the time of the fire. Owner Julie Nahas and the staff at 3 Steeple Street are calling on all restaurateurs to attend a fundraiser with donations for the New Rivers staff this Sunday afternoon. RSVP to info@3steeplestreet.com or call 272-3620. Downcity Food and Cocktails will rise from the ashes of a fire last May 22 and reopen in a new home at 50 Weybosset St. Owners Abby Cabral and Rico Conforti hope to open in mid-June. They had owned the restaurant for a year when the fire occurred. -- Journal Food Editor Gail Ciampa Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:25 PM | Comment Governor's office submits video for smoke-shop casePROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri's office has submitted documents and video material relating to the 2003 Narraganset Indian smoke-shop raid to Superior Court Judge Susan McGuirl and to the tribe's lawyer. The materials were turned over today for the pending criminal cases, according to Barbara Trainor, media coordinator with the governor's office. McGuirl last month ordered the governor's office to produce the material pertaining to the state police raid in July 2003. Criminal cases are pending against seven tribal members arrested during the clash. The lawyer for the tribal members, William P. Devereaux, had subpoenaed the documents and videotape from Rhode Island and Boston news stations. McGuirl gave the state until April 23 to respond, though several records had already been submitted. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:04 PM | Comment 'Mike and The Mad Dog' replacing Imus on WHJJPROVIDENCE -- With radio talk-show host Don Imus out of everyone's morning-drive time slot, local radio station WHJJ announced late this afternoon that "Mike and The Mad Dog" will take his place. The show, co-hosted by Mike Francesa and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, will start airing this Monday, between 6 to 9 a.m. on the AM station 920. The two have been frequent contributors to the Imus show and hosted their own afternoon talk show on WFAN in New York for years. Their show will offer "a wide range of topics and guests, with a healthy dose of sports, in an extremely fun atmosphere," according to Bill George, program/news director for WHJJ. Imus was fired by CBS yesterday in the wake of comments he made on his nationally syndicated show about the Rutgers women's basketball team. Today, the team accepted his apology.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:57 PM | Comment N. Providence mother indicted in baby's deathPROVIDENCE -- A North Providence woman was indicted by a Providence County grand jury today on a charge of murder, alleging she killed her baby girl, whose body was found stuffed in a garbage bag in the basement of the family home. Julie Robat, 31, who lived with her parents and sisters at 6 Lori Drive, North Providence, allegedly gave birth in late October. The indictment, announced this afternoon, alleges that Robat murdered her child between Oct. 29-30. She was also indicted on a charge of failure to report the death. The indictment alleges that Robat, "having knowledge of the death of baby girl Robat in a manner to suggest the possibility of a criminal act," failed to tell the police or state medical examiners, according to a news release summarizing the indictment. Robat is scheduled for arraignment in Providence County Superior Court on May 2. The Journal reported last year that that Robat was arraigned on murder charges in early November, after agreeing to turn herself in to police investigators at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:42 PM | Comment AG: Trooper justified in firing at motorcyclistState Trooper Brendan Doyle was justified when he fired his weapon at a motorcyclist who was eluding the police earlier this year, the office of Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced this afternoon. The conclusion comes "after a full review of the facts and evidence assembled by a multi-agency investigative team, as well as a full review of applicable federal and state law," the attorney general's release states. Motorcyclist Mark Costa, 33, of 158 River Ave., Providence, had led police on a chase at speeds between 108 and 120 mph on March 11. After first eluding police, he was spotted by Doyle, who was at a red light at Steeple and South Main streets. The biker was a few lanes over, at the front of the lane. Doyle got out of his cruiser and walked up to the motorcycle, gun drawn, Lynch said at the time. Doyle stood in front of the bike and ordered the motorcyclist off at gunpoint, Lynch said. But the biker allegedly revved his engine and headed toward the trooper, he said. Doyle fired a shot at close range, and the state police initially believed he either hit the motorcycle or the biker. The motorcyclist drove off. The trooper was uninjured, Lynch said. Today, Lynch's office said Doyle fired one round only because he had feared for his safety. Once the biker sped past, he did not fire any more rounds. Costa was arrested four days later, hiding in tires in the attic of an acquaintance’s apartment in Providence. Based upon its review, the Attorney General's Office said it considers the matter closed. Charges against Costa remain pending.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:24 PM | Comment Dog alerts S. Kingstown family to garage fireSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The family dog alerted a Worden's Pond Road family early this morning that their unattached garage was ablaze -- a fire that attracted several fire units to the rural area. No one injured in the blaze, which apparently started when rags with linseed oil ignited inside a bag. At 4:45 a.m., the town's Union Fire District firefighters went to the home, where the one-story, wood-frame garage was engulfed, according to a news release. The homeowner, whom the fire district did not identify, said “his dog normally sleeps on a rocking chair in a corner of the garage. The side door is left open. Early this morning, the homeowner heard the dog scratching at the door and the window and awoke the family," according to the release. Leaving the home, the owner saw the fire and called the fire department while the owner tried to put out flames with a garden hose. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Investigation by state Fire Marshal’s Office, South Kingstown Police detectives and the Union Fire District fire marshal ruled the incident an accident caused by the resident finishing furniture with a linseed-based product and improperly discarding the rags inside a bag, the news release said. Oil on the rags resulted in spontaneous combustion, starting the fire. Union Fire District personnel, with mutual aid from Carolina-Richmond and the Kingston fire districts, fought the fire in the rural area that required using tanker trucks to provide water. All told, seven engines, three tankers and three command staff vehicles were used to douse the flames. Some 29 firefighters from the various stations were called in to help from various fire districts and offices. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:17 PM | Comment Earth Day starts early in R.I. / Photo
More activities are planned for Sunday, April 22, to mark the 38th anniversary of the day that was set aside nationally to bring awareness about the environment and encourage people to preserve the earth’s natural resources. Click here to see a list of cleanups and recycling efforts, and click here to find out more about Earth Day in Rhode Island. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:09 PM | Comment 'Hey Mister': Stop before giving alcohol to youthsPROVIDENCE -- The idea behind the "Hey Mister" campaign launching today is to stop those words from persuading an adult to break the law. " 'Hey Mister' is a term that young people identified as shorthand for tapping a stranger to purchase alcohol at a liquor store," says a news release from Capital City Community Centers, a social agency that includes programs for low-income residents. The group is working with Providence and North Providence task forces to get the word out about state law that toughened penalties for adults who help under-age drinkers get liquor. It's being timed with the start of prom season, when some teens may be tempted to seek ways to buy alcohol. "Graphic, novella-style posters" show images of youths asking for alcohol from adults and using fake IDs, but also show the penalties adults face. A public-service announcement is running on radio stations today. A rally early this afternoon at North Providence High School helped launch the campaign, said Jamie Hull, a spokeswoman for Capital Community Centers. Flyers bearing "Hey Mister" will also be put in garment bags at stores where people get dresses and tuxedos. Eleven dress and tuxedo shops in Providence and North Providence are giving out the flyers. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Last year, the "Hey Mister" campaign used posters in schools, RIPTA bus shelters along school routes, in community centers, and in liquor stores -- elements that are also part of this spring's effort. The law, toughened by the General Assembly last year, says, for instance, that a person caught buying or providing alcohol to a minor can, for a third offense, be charged with a felony, fined up to $2,500 and be imprisoned for up to one year.vv Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:17 PM | Comment A woman compelled by language named State PoetNEW SHOREHAM -- Lisa Starr, a Block Island resident who has published two full-length poetry collections and who runs a small island inn, has been named State Poet by Governor Carcieri today. Starr, who will serve a five-year term, replaces Thomas Chandler, who served since 1999. Her poetry collections includes Days of Dogs and Driftwood (1993) and This Place Here (2001). She received the Rhode Island Fellowship in Poetry in 2002 and 2004 and is a two-time recipient of the University of Rhode Island Nancy Potter Prize for Fiction. As State Poet, Starr will receive a $1,000 honorarium each year of her term. Starr and her husband Champlin, own and run the inn Hygeia House with their children, Orrin, 10, and Camille, 9. She founded and directed Block Island Poetry Project, which each weekend from March 22 through May 6 offers a different theme centered around poetry. “Not only is she a talented poet, but she is an advocate for poetry,” Governor Carcieri said in a news release. Extra: Read a selection of three of Starr's poems. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney “I am honored, flattered, and pleasantly surprised to be selected as the State Poet,” Starr said in the release. “I have always been drawn to and compelled by language, and poetry, in particular. When I am teaching, shaping, and sharing it, I feel like I am doing my part to make this world a better place. “Language has more power and more potential than any of us care to realize,” she said. “That makes our work – this tinkering with words – a most serious business as well as an aesthetically pleasing one.’ State Poet of Rhode Island has existed since 1989. It's typically held an artist who "represents the highest achievement in poetry in our state," according to the release. No specific duties are afforded the position but the State Poet serves as an advocate for poetry in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts organized the panel to select a State Poet, which consisted of poets, writers, and librarians to review nominations that were submitted by Rhode Islanders. The selection panel submitted three recommendations to the Governor, who then selected Starr. She will serve a five-year term. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:10 PM | Comment R.I. climber can't get a signal at 20,000 feet / Photo
Sounds normal -- except that Warren was trying to call Warwick via satellite phone from the side of Mount Everest, 20,000 feet above sea level. The climber had hoped to talk with several school groups, but the weather on Everest interfered with the connection, according to officials at Verizon, who tried to make the connection. Warren arrived in Nepal in Mid-March, and has reached the Everest base camp and done acclimatization hikes above 20,000 feet. He will attempt to reach the summit in mid-May. Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi will have a full account of Warren's progress in Saturday's Providence Journal. In the meantime, you can check out his progress at www.drtimwarren.com Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:00 PM | Comment Cast away, tomorrow is opening day / Photo
Opening Day is here! And this one’s a lot cheaper to participate in than the Red Sox opener this past Tuesday. The 2007 trout and general freshwater fishing season begins at 6 a.m. tomorrow. Some bait shops will be open throughout tonight as anglers prepare for their big day. For children fishing for the first time, check out the DEM’s “First Fish” award certificate program. Children who have caught their first fish are eligible to get a signed award certificate from DEM and a free gift. Applications are online. If you still need a fishing license, head to the state Department of Environmental Management’s online license application. To learn more about the licensing regulations, check here. The DEM doesn’t yet have numbers on how many people have gotten fishing licenses for this year, but last year, 24,717 Rhode Island residents bought freshwater fishing licenses, 3,905 people bought combination fishing and hunting licenses and 2,660 people bought non-resident fishing licenses, according to DEM spokeswoman Stephanie Powell. The DEM provides plenty of information on freshwater fisheries. Wondering what to do with the fish once you've caught 'em? Well, the DEM has ideas for that, too. Check out their collection of wildlife recipes -- which also include some for venison and geese -- here. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:00 PM | Comment Warwick man charged with molestation ordered heldWARWICK -- A 60-year-old Warwick man, charged with several counts of first- and second-degree molestation, was ordered held without bail at arraignment in Kent County Superior Court today, according to a spokeswoman for Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. The police allege that Felix Benvenutty sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl. He was arrested on New Year's Day at a house on Glen Meadows Court where he had lived with the girl and her parents. Benvenutty pleaded not guilty today before Judge Vincent A. Ragosta, attorney general's spokeswoman Beryl Kenyon said. Benvenutty was also ordered to have no contact with the victim. A May pre-trial conference has been scheduled. The Journal reported in January that the child's parents told police they had observed their daughter acting strangely. After they spoke to her, the girl disclosed the alleged assaults, according to police reports. The police described Benvenutty as the child's godfather and a "live-in friend of the family." He moved into the house in December 2005. He had high blood pressure and the family offered him a bedroom where he could rest, according to police reports. This month, a grand jury issued an indictment for Benvenutty. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:43 PM | Comment Somerset man arrested on cocaine chargesSOMERSET, Mass. -- A Somerset man accused of being part of a drug dealing operation has been arrested after investigators seized cocaine packaged for sale in his home, the police said today. Jason Lewis, of 1677 Brayton Point Rd., was charged Thursday with distribution of a Class B drug (cocaine) and with possession of a Class B drug, the police said in a news release. He is scheduled for arraignment today after having been released on bail following his arrest. Detective Tracey Costa began investigating Lewis after hearing about the alleged operation and "complaints of heavy traffic going to and from the Brayton Point Road home," the news release said. Costa obtained search warrants for Lewis' car and home, the police said. Lewis was arrested at his home without incident after Somerset and Swansea police used warrants. Besides the cocaine, the police said they found a quantity of Percocet tablets. Chief Joseph Ferreira praised the work of investigators, including officers involved with the Southcoast Anti-Crime Task Force, in which Somerset police participate, and Fall River officers whose K-9 unit assisted in the car search. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:08 PM | Comment Atwells Avenue mini-mart robbedPROVIDENCE – The police are reviewing surveillance video seized from the Atwells Mini Mart at 196 Atwells Ave., which was robbed last night. Around 11 p.m., the police said, a tall Hispanic male described as wearing a gray and white camouflage jacket with a dark-colored hoodie underneath brandished a silver-colored hangun in front of a teller. The robber took an undetermined amount of cash, said Capt. Hugh Clemmons.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:01 PM | Comment Women environmentalists honored for Earth DayWARWICK -- At an Earth Day Breakfast of Champions, Rhode Island women environmental leaders will be honored this morning at the Aspray Boathouse on Broad Street in Pawtuxet Village. The 9 a.m. breakfast, which is open to the public, is sponsored by Clean Water Action, Environment Rhode Island and Ocean State Action. Those honored today will be Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed as the “Legislative Champion;” Gail Corvello, president of the Environmental Neighborhood Awareness Committee of Tiverton, as the “Local Hero Champion;” Elizabeth Stone of the Department of Environmental Management as the “Behind the Scenes Champion;” Miss Rhode Island Allison Rogers as the “Outreach Champion;” and Meg Kerr of North Kingstown, who has recently resigned as chair after 16 years with the Rhode Island Rivers Council, as the “Organizing Champion.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:20 AM | Comment How do you react to Friday the 13th?Are you avoiding anything today because it’s Friday the Thirteenth? Or are you curling up with those old Friday the 13th movies because you love the thrill of being scared? Do you have triskaidekaphobia? This is our first of two Friday the Thirteenths this year. The next one will be in July. Every year has at least one Friday the 13th. The largest number possible is three, according to an online math forum. With a perpetual calendar, you can work out how many Friday the Thirteenths there are for every possible pattern of weekdays in a year. Check out this site for more details on why a 13th is slightly more likely to fall on a Friday than any other day. Take our survey: Do you fear Friday the 13th? -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Steeped in history and mythology, Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day – by many Christians because Friday was the day Jesus was crucified and 13 was the number of people at The Last Supper. In Norse Mythology, the evil god Loki caused the death of Balder – the god of light, joy and reconciliation – after Loki was not invited to a party for 12 at Valhalla, the banquet hall of the gods. Check out your fear factor with this online phobia quiz and tell us what you will or won’t do differently today. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:51 AM | Comment Traffic: Disabled vehicle on Route 6, ProvidenceThere’s a disabled vehicle in the right shoulder of Route 10 south at the exit for Route 6 west to Hartford, according to the state Department of Transportation. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:17 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on Mayor David N. Cicilline's trip to Rome to tout Waterfire. There's also a photograph and story on the state's long-term plan to keep the Johnston landfill operating. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:10 AM | Comment Snow, heavy rain and temps in the low 30s.Let's see, it's the middle of April the trees are budding and the National Weather Service uses the word "snow" five times in its forecast. As in: chance of snow this morning, chance of snow tomorrow night and a low of 33, rain/snow likely Sunday (with 1 to 2 inches of rain possible) and rain or snow likely Monday and Tuesday. In spite of all of that, tomorrow looks like it will be downright seasonable. The Weather Service is predicting a partly cloudly day with a high of 51. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:07 AM | Comment April 12, 2007Synchronized skating contest coming to ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- The 2008 U.S. Synchronized Team Skating Championships will be held at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center next February, an event expected to bring thousands of spectators to downtown Providence and generate 6,000 hotel room nights, according to the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, an independent state agency that operates the arena. The competition will involve 90 teams and last three days, beginning on Feb. 20. The convention center authority credited the $62-million renovation of the arena with helping to attract the skating championship. “The sport of synchronized skating has grown tremendously,” David A. Duffy, the convention center authority chairman, said. “To attract an event of this caliber so quickly after embarking on the renovations to the arena demonstrates that the state’s investment is paying off.” --Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:42 PM | Comment Budget cuts create delays in getting inmates to courtBudget cuts at the state prison are causing delays in getting some criminal suspects to court this week. Judges reported waiting up to 90 minutes for court proceedings to begin because suspects were not brought into court on time from the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. Department spokeswoman Tracey Z. Poole said the problem arose after the department decided, because of the state budget deficit, not to call in replacements for some correctional officers who call in sick and whose duties includes searching suspects before they go to court. In a prepared statement, Corrections Director A. T. Wall said: “We will not automatically backfill for the absence because to do so requires us to pay the CO [correctional officer] who is out sick and to backfill a position on time-and-a-half overtime…. The warden and shift supervisor will scrutinize the need to replace them.’’ Wall -- who was reconfirmed to his post today -- said “in no case would we fail to fill a position if the warden recommended otherwise.’’ "The Brotherhood of Correctional Officers union reacted to the staffing decision by employing a strict work-to-rule policy to 'assure safety,' ’’ union President Richard Ferruccio said. “Until a logical and safe way is found to reduce the growing prison population, it makes absolutely no sense to cutback on the correctional officer staff,’’ Ferruccio said in a released statement. “We are reaching a breaking point. The administration has already cut a critical perimeter patrol, pretending that there have never been any escapes from the facility.’’ The union has been working without a contract since 2003. -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney with reports from Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. said judges in Providence County and Kent County reported delays in bringing prisoners to court beginning Tuesday. “Apparently, there have been cutbacks in the Department of Corrections, and the union is taking the position that they’ll abide by each and every rule and regulation and conduct searches of prisoners before they get on the bus [to go to court],” Rodgers said. “They are going to follow the letter of the law.” Courts spokesman Craig N. Berke said that Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan’s sentencing of Gerardo E. Martinez to life without parole for murder was delayed today for an hour because of the delay in getting Martinez to the Kent County courthouse. “Does it have an adverse impact on our calendars? Yes,’’ said Berke, “but we’re rolling with it.’’ Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr. said, “It hasn’t affected us yet.” -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney with reports from Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:18 PM | Comment Cranston police probe dog's deathCRANSTON – The police said today they are investigating the death of a 4-year-old golden retriever that was brought to Artistic Dog Grooming on Tuesday. According to police reports, said Maj. Ronald Blackmar, the dog’s owner, resident John McGinn, said he dropped the dog off mid-morning Tuesday for grooming at Artistic Dog Grooming, at 1470 Park Ave. At some point later, the salon rushed the dog to Atwood Animal Hospital, at 342 Atwood Avenue. It was not clear when the dog died. The police are not releasing other details because the matter is under investigation. The dog has been sent for a necropsy at Tufts University, in Medford, Mass. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:35 PM | Comment Update: Police ID Barrington man killed in crashBARRINGTON -- The police have identified the driver killed in a high-speed crash this morning as Timothy R. Mahoney -- who had once been a harbormaster with the police department and interned with the department. At about 2:15 a.m., Mahoney, 29, of 14 Starbrook Drive, Barrington, was driving south on Route 114 -- County Road -- at a "high rate of speed," as witnessed by a police officer parked at Barrington Congregational Church, according to a news release and Chief John M. LaCross. The car was estimated to be traveling at 70 miles per hour. The officer tried to catch up with the car driven by Mahoney but subsequently came upon the car after it had gotten into the accident at the entrance to the Barrington Shopping center, the police said. The car had struck the pole holding the traffic light, after sliding about 260 feet. Rescue workers found the victim, who was wearing a seat belt, dead at the scene Ambulance personnel responded and Mahoney was pronounced dead at the scene. "As of this date, investigation indicate that excessive speed contributed to the cause of this accident," the news release said. Mahoney spent time with the Barrington police as a harbormaster during 2000 and was in an internship program with the department during May 2003, the police said. "On behalf of the men and women of the Barrington Police Department, our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to the Mahoney family during this tragic loss," Chief John M. LaCross said in the release. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal Staff Writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:05 PM | Comment Winter All-States: Online now; in print tomorrowOver 80 high school athletes from 10 winter sports teams will be profiled in The Providence Journal's All-States sports section. The special All-States section will be published Friday in the newspaper and this afternoon online. The announcement of The Journal's All-State selections has been a Rhode Island tradition since 1945. And since the early 1990s, The Journal has recognized one boys and one girls sportsmanship team at the end of each season based on the recommendations of competing coaches and officials. Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:02 PM | Comment Wall reconfirmed as head of prison systemPROVIDENCE -- A.T. Wall, long-time director of the state prison system, was reconfirmed by the Senate today as the $142,609 a year director of the Department of Corrections. The 27-8 vote of endorsement followed a hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee last week in which Wall was lauded as an "educated man" and "visionary" by a parade of witnesses, including the acting superintendent of the state police, the Providence police chief and spokesmen for an array of community and ethnic groups. The confirmation today was approved without debate. The only sharp criticism during his confirmation hearing came from Richard Ferruccio, president of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, which represents 1,300 corrections employees. With the union locked in a protracted contract fight with prison management, Ferruccio faulted Wall for putting prison guards at risk by sending only one officer on inmate trips to and from hospitals, for example. "We've had our differences with correctional directors in the past, but never to this degree and never have correctional staff felt so insecure about the support they receive from administrators," the union president testified. Wall, 53, heads a department with a $178 million state and federally financed budget and approximately 1,550 employes who oversee 3,700 inmates, on average, and another 27,000 convicts on probation or parole who, together, equate to one-out-of-every eight men in the state. -- Katherine Gregg, Journal State House bureau A graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, Wall began his career as a probation officer in Connecticut (1976-78), prosecuted criminal cases as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan 1980-81, and then headed the Manhattan Community Service Sentencing Project, which he describes as an institute dedicated to justice reform, from 1981 until 1985 when he went to work as a policy analyst in the former DiPrete administration. He has been a top administrator in the prison system since 1987, and the director since 2000. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:41 PM | Comment Photo: Today's Sox game is rained out
-- With reports from Journal sportswriter Joe McDonald Posted by Peter Phipps at 4:24 PM | Comment Car in fatal crash won't be displayed during promsWEST WARWICK – The damaged car of 14-year-old Darien Plass, who died March 22 in a crash hours after an adult allegedly gave him alcohol, will not be displayed at West Warwick High School during the upcoming prom season. Principal Wayne Talbot said today that he had received calls from a number of parents who did not want that particular car displayed, given how recently the accident happened and while the community is grieving the West Warwick student's loss. Another damaged car will be displayed in the school’s parking area for about a month, something the school district has done before, Talbot said. It will be in place leading up to the April 27 junior prom and will stay through the June 1 senior prom. That is something many school systems do to send the message to prom-goers about smart choices on a night when some may be tempted to drink. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Talbot said he had been unaware of the idea of displaying the car that Plass drove until reading about it in a newspaper. “And immediately I had concerns based on what we’ve been going through as a school and as a student body,” Talbot said. The police have said Plass crashed his mother's Ford minivan into a utility pole near their Main Street home. He was pronounced dead at Kent Hospital two hours later. Police Lt. John Magiera said that between the school, the school physician and the school resource officer, the feeling was it was better not to have the car Plass drove on display outside the school. "We don't want to cause any more damage to the friends, family and any of the people to relive the tragedy," Magiera said. Talbot said it was his understanding that Plass’ mother had indicated she wanted her son’s car displayed to emphasize smart decisions. He said “we are very thankful” for her good intentions of wanting to help send a good message. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:04 PM | Comment Science Foundation exec urges collaborative projectsPROVIDENCE -- Kathie L. Olsen, the deputy director of the National Science Foundation, visited Providence this morning to urge private industry and universities to continue pursuing collaborative research projects. She delivered her remarks at the Rhode Island Convention Center as part of a conference organized by the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council and Rhode Island EPSCoR. Nationally, employment opportunities are growing rapidly in the science and technology fields, Olsen said, urging state policy makers to invest in all levels of science education. “We have to excite our kids in terms of math, science and education,” she said. “It’s our future." -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:49 PM | Comment Weather: Airport warning on, possible Sox delayA band of heavy rain and strong wind gusts moving through the area has spurred the National Weather Service to issue an airport weather warning for all Rhode Island airports until 4 p.m. The wind gusts are expected to hit up to 55 mph until that time. Temperatures are in the low 40s, and heading lower, with a chance of snow showers expected this evening. The nasty weather is also worrying Red Sox officials, who have not yet decided whether to postpone or delay the start of this afternoon's game at Fenway against the Seattle Mariners. It's due to start at 4:05 p.m. For the latest on the game, check projo.com's SoxBlog. See the storm move through the region on radar, and get the latest weather conditions and forecasts, at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:23 PM | Comment Study: Smoke inhalation more severe for non-smokersPROVIDENCE – An intriguing Rhode Island Hospital study released today of the effects of smoke inhalation on 21 survivors of the deadly Station nightclub fire found “the most severely impacted were non-smokers,” according to a news release. The finding “may have useful implications for future victims of smoke inhalation as early treatment efforts could be tailored according to their cigarette smoking history,” the hospital states. It is the first study to look the variation between smokers and non-smokers with regards to chronic effects of smoke inhalation, according to the hospital. Dr. Gerald Abbott, the hospital’s director of chest radiology, led the study, which used a technology performed 35 to 48 months after the fire on the group of 21 survivors as well as on a control group of 10 healthy people who were not at the club the night of the 2003 blaze. “The study showed variability in the chronic effects, ranging from no detectable effects to a significant increase in air-trapping, an abnormal retention of air in the lungs following expiration,” according to the hospital release. “This research tells us that physicians treating patients for smoke inhalation should be aware that one of the chronic effects of smoke inhalation, air-trapping, seems to be more severe in non-smokers,” Abbott said in the release. More than 200 people were injured in the nightclub blaze, which killed 100 people. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney The study was paid for by a grant from Rhode Island Medical Imaging Foundation. Abbott’s research team included Dr. Terrence T. Healey, chief resident of diagnostic imaging, and pulmonologists Dr. Sidney Braman and Dr. Michael Stanchina, of the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital. Healey presented the study’s findings at the recent meeting of The Society of Thoracic Radiology in Las Vegas and was the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Jack Wescott Award for outstanding research presented by a resident. The award included a $1,000 honorarium. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:06 PM | Comment Man who killed ex-girlfriend gets life without paroleWARWICK – Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. today sentenced Gerardo E. Martinez to life without the possibility of parole for the murder of 23-year-old Lindsay Ann Burke of North Kingstown – the maximum penalty available in Rhode Island. Martinez, 29, of 1917 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, will go to the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, convicted on one count of first-degree murder. He will also serve a five-year concurrent sentence for one count of driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. After a seven-day trial, the jury deliberated only three hours before returning the guilty verdict on Jan. 26. The jury determined at that time the murder was committed in a manner involving torture and aggravated battery. Burke’s murder has spawned a bill in the General Assembly. On Tuesday, the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare heard testimony from Burke’s mother and father on the bill, which would create a statewide curriculum in grades 7 through 12 about dating violence. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, who was in court for the sentencing, said, "Lindsay Ann Burke was murdered by a former boyfriend who not only took advantage of her compassionate, trusting, and generous nature but took her life, in a brutally vicious attack. There was no question in our minds that the defendant should receive a sentence of life without parole, and I am grateful that first the jury, and now Judge Darigan, agreed." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:14 PM | Comment Update: Fall River man held in stabbing deathFALL RIVER, Mass. -- A 34-year-old Fall River man accused of murdering a man yesterday has been ordered held on $250,000 cash bail. Authorities accuse Barreto of stabbing William Dupras, 32, of Fall River, on Hancock Street, near the line with Tiverton, R.I. The district attorney’s office was providing scant details this morning on the murder, including the cause of death and exactly where the murder took place. No home address was given for Dupras. "The investigation into this homicide is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time," the district attorney stated. During the investigation into the murder, the police also arrested Michael P. Sama, 27, of 33 Abbott Place, Fall River. Sama is charged with aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and armed assault to rob. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail during his arraignment this morning.
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:00 PM | Comment Hearing not over for man accused of giving teen alcoholWARWICK – The probation-violation hearing for a Warwick man, charged with giving alcohol to 14-year-old Darien Plass hours before he was killed in a crash, was continued today to May 3. The alleged violation by Mark Woods, 23, of 93 Summit Ave., of a previous sentence or sentences will be held in Kent County Superior Court, according to Beryl Kenyon, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. On April 2, Woods was ordered held without bail after two related court appearances. He was first arraigned in Kent County District Court on charges of purchasing alcohol for a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A Superior Court judge later that day determined Woods had violated terms of two previous sentences. At that hearing, prosecutor Thomas O'Brien said Woods purchased "a sizable amount of alcohol" for Plass -- a bottle of Captain Morgan rum for the victim within hours of the boy’s death on March 23, O'Brien said. West Warwick police said they traced the buy back to Woods using witness statements and surveillance of liquor stores and other sources. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:53 PM | Comment A $200,000 PowerBall prize sold in RichmondCRANSTON -- A $200,000 prize waits to be claimed for the person who has the right PowerBall ticket bought at the Stop & Shop on Stilson Road in Richmond, the Rhode Island Lottery announced today. Two other tickets, bought at the Cumberland Farms at 2064 Smith St., North Providence, can lay claim to $10,000 each, the lottery division said. Two $10,000 tickets matched four numbers and the PowerBall number, while a $200,000 ticket matched the first five numbers but not the PowerBall number. If any of those players had chosen to buy the Power Play feature for an additional dollar on the wager, then their prizes would have been multiplied by two to equal $20,000 or $400,000. The PowerBall numbers for Wednesday were: 6 15 38 42 51 Powerball 18 Powerplay 2 The estimated grand prize jackpot was $20 million. There was no grand prize winner.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:45 PM | Comment New statewide plan for handling trash wins approvalPROVIDENCE -- State planning officials this morning approved a sweeping new plan for handling Rhode Island’s trash, embracing a proposed expansion of the Central Landfill in Johnston and calling for more aggressive recycling efforts across the state. Those efforts include mandatory Pay-As-You-Throw programs in every town and city. The State Planning Council unanimously approved the voluminous Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.The document updates the state’s master plan for dealing with trash and tries to set a sound long-term course for preserving the Central Landfill as a resource in the future. It calls for lawmakers to establish numerous programs for limiting overall trash output and greatly boosting recycling. The plan calls for the establishment of a waste-prevention task force and an intensive study on the economics of recycling and managing trash. It also calls for adjustments to the charges that municipalities and businesses pay to dump at the landfill. -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:32 PM | Comment Providence fire lieutenant arrested for drug dealThe state police have arrested an acting lieutenant in the Providence Fire Department who is charged in connection with a narcotics transaction outside his Providence office. Albert J. Vendetti, 36, of 20 Sweethill Drive in Johnston, is charged with possession of a controlled substance (Oxycodone, which is the generic version of OxyContin) with the intent to deliver it and another charge of possession of a controlled substance for Buprenorphine. Vendetti is scheduled to be arraigned this morning in 6th District Court, Providence, following his arrest yesterday afternoon, according to a statement issued by State Police Capt. Stephen J. Lynch. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The arrest was the result of a three-week investigation, based on information provided to the State Police by the Lincoln Police Department. Early yesterday, the state police learned that Vendetti would be involved in a narcotics transaction outside the Providence Bureau of Operation Control office on West Exchange Street in Providence, where he works. He was arrested and found to be in possession of the narcotics just prior to the transaction, according to the police statement. The firefighter was arraigned at the Lincoln Woods barracks of the state police by a justice of the peace and was ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:04 AM | Comment Signs will help drivers navigate Route 95 workPROVIDENCE -- If you've noticed state Department of Transportation lighted signs along highways in the Providence area with the message "Test" on them, that's what's happening: The DOT is testing the signs, spokesman Charles St. Martin said. The signs will be used to give drivers information when the DOT starts detouring traffic during night work on Route 95 beginning April 29. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis Posted by Jack Perry at 10:30 AM | Comment Finding caffeine downtown will get even easierIn case you don’t have enough places to get your morning cup o’ Joe in downtown Providence – there are at least 30 places to do so, according to our last count – a fifth Dunkin’ Donuts location is moving in. As early as the end of May or as late as July if things don’t go as smoothly as the franchise operator hopes, the old Mark’s Deli at the corner of Washington and Union streets will be transformed into the ever-present pink and orange coffee-and-doughnut shop. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Franchise operator Guido Petrosinelli, of Scituate, who operates the other four Dunkin’ Donuts locations in downtown Providence, said this morning that Washington Street was really the only other “main thoroughfare” in the capital city where he didn’t have a presence. His other shops are at the corner of Weybosset and Dorrance streets, on Westminster Street across from the Arcade, on Empire Street across from Blue Cross and in Providence Place Mall. So how much coffee do people need downtown, with all the Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, Dunkin, Coffee King, Tazza and other hot spots? “That’s a good question,” Petrosinelli said with a laugh. “I guess everybody who works in the city needs a lot of caffeine.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:48 AM | Comment Busy commuteTraffic is busy throughout the region. Before you get in the car for your morning commute, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:48 AM | Comment Colorful weather today: Rain, maybe sleet and snowCheckout the National Weather Service’s multi-colored map for the Eastern region today. The hot pink that covers much of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and stretches into New York is quite a sight. Along the East Coast, the purple swath in the Atlantic Ocean demonstrates the gale warning in effect for regional waters. And in our little state, the tan and brown shades show the hazardous weather outlook and the wind advisory for the southern part of the state. It’s a colorful sight with lots of weather activity on the horizon. Here in Providence, we’ve got a chance of rain and snow, which was predicted earlier this week for today. Those conditions are most likely before 9 a.m., and then we can expect periods of rain – at times heavy -- possibly mixed with sleet. We’ll have a high near 42 and east winds between 9 and 16 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 36 miles per hour. But don’t worry. When it’s all said and done, our daytime accumulation of snow and sleet will likely be less than a half inch. We can handle that in April, can’t we? Unfortuately, though, the next few days seem doomed to bring us more of the same. Check back with us for the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:17 AM | Comment Download today's front pageA package of stories on the Duke lacrosse team and Dice-K's Fenway debut lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:47 AM | Comment April 11, 2007Senate panel endorses medical marijuana billPROVIDENCE -- The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today endorsed a bill that would make permanent a law allowing people to obtain medical marijuana. The bill next goes to the full Senate for consideration. Yesterday, the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee endorsed similiar legislation. It heads to the House. The state legalized the use of marijauna by those with specific serious ailments, overcoming Governor Carcieri's veto. However, it was due to expire this June 30. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney with reports from Journal State House reporter Steve Peoples Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:49 PM | Comment Feinstein can't aid Johnston school systemJOHNSTON -- After some investigation earlier today, philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein has determined that he can't really help the school system avoid a painful and controversial reorganization of elementary students. Parents had hoped the district would be able to keep the Graniteville School open if it had an influx of financial aid from Feinstein. But after talking to Schools Supt. Margaret A. Iacovelli today, Feinstein decided that he couldn't really provide the level of financial support that would be needed. "It would take far more money to keep that school open than any one person could come up with," Feinstein told The Journal. -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds The School Committee's cost-cutting plan calls for transferring Graniteville and Calef students to different schools and using the leftover buildings for specialized teaching programs during the next school year. By consolidating elementary students, the system can pool resources and save some money. But that means casting away two neighorborhood schools that have been around for generations. Some parents raised the prospect of a Feinstein rescue campaign at a School Committee meeting last night. The philanthropist expressed some interest in the idea this morning. "If the superintendent is willing to make some recommendations, I'm willing to listen," he said. "…I'll be glad to hear what she has to say," he added. The School Committee chairwoman, Janice Mele, was tempted to wonder if Feinstein might be able to help. Still, her hopes were tempered by her firm belief that controlling education costs in the future will require teaching larger groups of students in fewer buildings. Any help from Feinstein, said Mele, would have to be sufficient to keep the Graniteville School operating not only next year but in the year after – and in the year after that. Earlier in the budget season, officials estimated that the particular cost-savings package involving both Graniteville and the Calef School would save about $486,000. Mele said additional analysis now shows that the savings would be even more than that, perhaps as much as $1 million. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:10 PM | Comment Update: Ex-Duke lacrosse coach applauds 'truth'SMITHFIELD – Former Duke University lacrosse coach Mike Pressler called today’s announcement that North Carolina's attorney general dropped all charges against three of his former players “the celebration of the two words we’ve attached our lives to for almost 13 months – the truth.” Pressler, who is now the men's lacrosse coach at Bryant University, spoke at a press conference held at the school late this afternoon and Webcast live. The press conference followed the dropping of all charges against members of his former Duke team accusing them of sexually assaulting a stripper at a team party. Pressler said: “It is the same truth today as it was a year ago. Our story has not changed and today’s announcement is long, long overdue. The injustice, the lies, and the myths have been fully exposed … The players have told the truth and never wavered. They stayed the course form day one. Today is that proof," he said. "I am thrilled, overjoyed, and relieved for Dave Evans, Colin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann and their families. They have suffered greatly and unjustly.” He said of the last Duke lacrosse team he coached: "I will always have a special feeling for that group, the class of 2006 especially." An archived clip of the press conference at Bryant is available here. After the announcement today, Bill Smith, the director of athletics at Bryant, said, "It's a good day."
The three players were indicted last spring on charges of rape, kidnapping and sexual offense after the woman told police she was assaulted in the bathroom at an off-campus house during a team party where she had been hired to perform. The rape charges were later dropped; until today, the other charges remained. The case stirred furious debate over race, class and the privileged status of college athletes, and heightened long-standing tensions in Durham between its large working-class black population and the mostly white, mostly affluent students at the private, elite university. The woman is black and attended nearby North Carolina Central University; all three Duke players are white. Pressler was in Durham, N.C., yesterday for a memorial service for longtime Duke golf coach Rod Myers, who died March 30. Pressler would have stayed in North Carolina longer except for the fact that Bryant University's lacrosse team plays Bentley College's team tonight. "My duty is to these boys and Bryant," Pressler told Journal sportswriter Mike Szostak in an interview this afternoon. For more background, read Journal sports columnist Jim Donaldson's interview with Pressler in February, when the Bryant coach declined to discuss the specifics of the Duke case. Posted by Kate Bramson at 6:00 PM | Comment Update: Pedestrian struck on Rte. 95N ID'dPROVIDENCE – State police have identified the female pedestrian struck as she crossed Route 95 this afternoon as a 24-year-old Providence resident. Carly Dean, of 98 Atwood St., was apparently running across the northbound lane near the State House exit, when she ran into the side of a vehicle, according to the police. The police said she sustained moderate injuries. The accident happened at 2:41 p.m., said state police Sgt. Ernesy Quarry. He said there was no indication of blood at the scene and that the injuries are believed not to be life threatening. The incident caused a significant traffic backup on Route 95 in the area for a time. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Kate Bramson at 5:14 PM | Comment Rte. 4 oil truck accident affecting trafficEAST GREENWICH – Motorists should be aware the right lane of northbound Route 4 near exit 8 at Middle Road has been affected by an accident this afternoon involving an oil truck, according to the police and a state traffic advisory. The truck struck a guardrail and has been leaking oil. Police and firefighters have been on scene. A hazardous materials team was on scene but has since left, according to the advisory from the Department of Transportation's traffic management center. The state police have called the Department of Environmental Management to come and pump the oil truck. The traffic advisory decribed "some significant backup" on Route 4 north, but said traffic was moving at a normal pace. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:09 PM | Comment Brotherhood cast feted as filming renews
On hand were cast members Jason Isaacs, Jason Clarke, Annabeth Gish and Fionnula Flanagan, plus the show’s writer/creator, Blake Masters. Brotherhood, which recently won a prestigious Peabody award, stars Isaacs and Clarke as two brothers on opposite side of the law — Clarke plays Tommy Caffee, an ambitious state legislator, while Isaacs plays Michael Caffee, a criminal who returned to Rhode Island after a mysterious absence. The show, filmed entirely in Rhode Island, debuted last July. Shooting for the second season is set to begin Monday. Masters didn’t want to reveal exactly where the show would be filming, although he said Brotherhood crews would be getting to some different locations this season than they had in the past. Ten new episodes are scheduled to debut sometime this fall. Because Clarke plays a state representative from a mythical Irish neighborhood called The Hill, Brotherhood frequently films at the white marble State House atop Smith Hill. “I’m standing on a set that would probably cost $20 million to build, and I don’t have that kind of money,” said Masters when asked about the advantages of filming in Rhode Island. -- Journal staff writer Andy Smith As he spoke, he waved his arms to take in the State House rotunda. Masters paid tribute to the hospitality and cooperation of Rhode Islanders in making the show. “This show wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the people of Rhode Island,” he said. “If you didn’t let us shoot on your streets and shoot in this building, we wouldn’t have a show.” On a more practical level, House Speaker William J. Murphy pointed out the importance of the tax credits passed by the General Assembly last year in luring productions such as Brotherhood to Rhode Island. At one point, he said, the show had considered doing most of its filming in Canada. “We said ‘If the show is about Rhode Island, why are you going to produce it in Canada?’ ” Murphy said. While several speakers from Brotherhood thanked Rhode Island public officials for their help with the show, Isaacs drew a laugh by thanking “all the criminals in Rhode Island” for inspiring his character. The last time Brotherhood aired, Isaac’s character, Michael Caffee, was bleeding profusely from a savage beating to the head. He looked dead. Not so. “Fans love Michael, they love that character,” Masters said. “The most foolish thing we could do would be to kill him off. The second most foolish thing we could do is leave him in a coma for four episodes.” Masters said the new season of Brotherhood will pick up about six months after last season’s finale, with Michael out of the hospital. “Aspirin and a little rest work wonders,” Isaacs joked. Isaacs said a lot of viewers apparently thought he was dead. He said he walked into a Rhode Island Starbucks recently, and was greeted by a Brotherhood fan who yelled “Yo! You’re dead! You should be dead!” Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:11 PM | Comment Sports Tonight: Dice-K and girls lacrosseProjo.com's Red Sox page will have lots of coverage of tonight's Fenway debut for Daisuke Matsuzaka, including a gallery of photos, tomorrow. The game begins with a bang (Matsuzaka facing lead-off hitter Ichiro Suzuki) at 7:05 on NESN. Also, check our High School Game Day page tomorrow for a photo gallery and Rob Lee's game story on this afternoon's girls lacrosse tilt between La Salle and defending champion Barrington. Don't expect tonight's Celtics game (they host the Philadelphia 76ers) to win any TV ratings war with the Red Sox also on. But if you just don't like baseball, the Celts start at 7:30 on Fox Sports New England. Posted by Mike McDermott at 3:26 PM | Comment Photo: Skipping over the ocean
King To, of Barrington, soars into the air off Barrington Beach. He says there's nothing quite as exhilarating as kite-boarding, which involves using a parachute-like device and a wake or surf board to skim across the waves and soar into the air. To was out with other kite boarders and a wind surfer, despite air temperature of about 48 degrees and water temperature eight to 10 degrees colder. The wind was blowing from the south at about 16 mph. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:19 PM | Comment Whitehouse: President is prepared for "showdown"WASHINGTON – President Bush is spoiling for “a classic political showdown” over the pending war spending bill, he told Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and three Senate colleagues during a meeting today in the Oval Office. Whitehouse said the president remained “on message” during the meeting, showing no apparent willingness to compromise his opposition to House and Senate war-spending bills that would require him to begin removing troops from Iraq. Whitehouse said the president said he had been taking a tough line in private talks with Iraqi officials and insisting that they take difficult political actions required for a successful outcome to the war. -- John E. Mulligan, Journal Washington Bureau Whitehouse spoke in an interview after a meeting, which lasted more than an hour, between the president and members of a Senate delegation that recently visited Iraq. For the freshman Democrat from Rhode Island, this was the first visit to the Oval Office and his first private encounter with President Bush. Also on hand were Senators John Sununu, R-N.H., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., as well as members of the president’s staff. According to Whitehouse, Mr. Bush – whom he depicted as courteous and relaxed throughout – asked the senators to report on their impressions from their two-day visit to Iraq last month. Whitehouse said the point he stressed most heavily in his presentation to the president was his belief that the threat of removing U.S. troops is the best card that the president has to play as he tries to push Iraqi leaders toward difficult political decisions, such as a mechanism for sharing oil wealth among the nation’s competing ethnic and religious groups and the calling of provincial elections that could spread political power more broadly. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:45 PM | Comment Russian master's painting moves from Attleboro to NYNEW YORK – A painting by a Russian master that’s been at the Attleboro Arts Museum for years is on exhibition today at Sotheby’s New York before heading to London -- where it may fetch $800,000 to $1.2 million at auction. Proceeds from the sale of Alexander Yakovlev's “Under a Kirghiz Tent,” scheduled for June 12 at Sotheby’s London, will go to the Massachusetts museum’s endowment “and further their mission by enriching and expanding arts programming,” Sotheby’s said in a news release. Sotheby’s New York opened an exhibition today of Russian art that will be sold on April 16 and 17. The exhibit also includes works, such as “Under a Kirghiz Tent,” not for sale next week, said Lauren Gioia, a Sotheby’s spokeswoman. If you want to catch a look at it in person, the New York exhibition lasts through Sunday. Gioia said that the painting, as well as another by Yakovlev painting that has graced a wall in Community School auditorium in North Attleboro, Mass., and another that had been in Fitchburg, Mass., were donated to those locations decades ago by Charles Thompson. Thompson grew up in Attleboro and worked at the Boston museum where Yakovlev taught. As for bidding on the painting when |
