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« October 2007 | Today | December 2007 » November 30, 2007Tonight: Memory House opens at Trinity Rep.Opening tonight at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence is a production of Memory House. The play starts at 8 p.m. It is a pay-what-you-can night before regular prices kick in. The tickets tonight go on sale at 7 p.m. A blurb on the Trinity Rep. Web site describes it this way: "Maggie’s always tried to do the right things. But her dance career has been replaced by the grind of office-work, her ex-husband has found a younger model, and now her 18-year-old daughter Katia is questioning everything as her college application deadline looms -- especially her adoption from Russia." Read a preview of the show from Journal arts writer Channing Gray. The play runs through Jan. 6. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment FCC OKs TV stations' sale to investors group with R.I. tiesWASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission has approved the $1.3 billion sale of 35 television stations owned by Clear Channel Communication Inc. to Newport Television LLC, a private equity group, subject to certain conditions. Newport is an investment group controlled by Rhode Island-based Providence Equity Partners. The sale will result in a violation of FCC ownership rules in nine markets and will require the divestiture of several stations. The agency announced the decision Thursday night. The sale was conducted within the context of a much larger plan that will take Clear Channel private. The San Antonio, Texas-based company is the nation’s largest operator of radio stations. Last month, shareholders approved the $19.5 billion sale of the company to a private equity group led by Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Bain Capital Partners LLC for $39.20 per share. The sale of the 35 television stations will mean the new owner will be out of compliance with FCC rules that limit the number of stations one company may own in a single market. The market areas include Bakersfield, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Fresno and Monterey in California; Salt Lake City; Albany, New York; Jacksonville, Fla., and San Antonio, Texas. The companies asked the FCC for waivers to operate the stations for six months until it comes into compliance with the rules. The FCC granted waivers in eight of the nine markets, denying the request for Albany. Providence also owns a stake in Spanish language network Univision Communications Inc. and Freedom Communications Holdings Inc. and is in violation of the newspaper-broadcast station cross-ownership rule in five markets. Providence has said it would divest properties in those markets but has yet to do so, blaming “volatile conditions” in the credit markets. As part of its reasoning for granting the waivers, the agency in its decision noted the larger sale, which will result in Clear Channel spinning off a number of radio stations. -- The Associated Press When Clear Channel announced the buyout in November 2006, it said it would sell 448 of its 1,150 radio stations, all located in smaller markets, in deals separate from the larger transaction. Democratic FCC commissioner Michael Copps, an outspoken opponent of the consolidation of ownership in the media, filed the lone dissent to the transaction. “No one should be under any illusion that Clear Channel’s sale of its 35 full-power stations strikes a blow for de-consolidation,” he wrote. After the deal closes, Providence will have “attributable interests in a whopping 86 television stations and 99 radio stations in the United States” among other media properties, he added. Copps questioned the recent trend of public media companies being taken private, and asked whether the FCC has enough information about the ownership and control of such groups to determine whether such transactions are in the public interest.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:35 PM | Comment Pop Warner team gets money to play in championshipPROVIDENCE -- The Mount Hope Cowboys Pop Warner football team has gotten the financial help it needs to get to the national Pop Warner championship in Florida, Mayor David N. Cicilline and City Councilman Kevin Jackson announced today. Cicilline and Jackson said they raised $12,000 to send the team -- Northeast champions -- to the national tournament in Orlando. The release says the team enlisted the mayor's help to lead the money-raising effort. A boost came from "a major contribution" from the New England Patriots, which Cicilline's office said responded to the mayor's request. Players ages 11 to 13 play on the Mount Hope football team. They won the regional title on Sunday over the Millbury-Sutton Raiders of Massachusetts. They previously defeated teams from New Hampshire and Connecticut. “I am incredibly proud of the Mount Hope Cowboys and I wanted to make sure that limited resources did not prevent the team from competing in the national championships,” Cicilline said in the statement. “I want to thank these generous organizations for answering the call. Their quick show of support speaks volumes about the spirit of community among businesses and other organizations in Providence.” Along with the Patriots' contribution, "gifts" came from the city Department of Recreation, the Vincent Brown Recreation Center Support Fund, Ocean State Job Lot, Dunkin’ Donuts, Sodexho, Aramark, and Walgreens, which will also provide travel bags to the players. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:20 PM | Comment In W. Greenwich, it's lights, cameras and family barnWEST GREENWICH -- A local movie crew is expected to wrap up filming in West Greenwich of “Tanner Hall,” an independent film created by two Brown University graduates Tatiana von Fustenberg and Francesca Gregorini. Filming began on Tuesday at Mishnock Barn, adjacent to Lake Mishnock near the Coventry line, town officials confirmed. Danny Albro, whose family owns the barn and some of the land around the lake, leased the grounds for the film’s parking lot and club scenes, he said. Albro said the intent was to make the area look like a fall festival. The crew has been going around shooting in various locations around the state. According to town officials, the entire area is set up like a carnival, complete with a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, a cotton-candy machine, and other arcade-style equipment and games. The area is zoned commercial and film crews don’t need local permits to go on the land. Albro said the intent was to make the area look like a fall festival. The crew has been going around shooting in various locations around the state. -- Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:57 PM | Comment Photo: He wants Christmas in Cranston display
-- With reports from Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:15 PM | Comment R.I. Guardsmen head to Fort Benning, then IraqSix Rhode Island Army National Guard members will leave for Fort Benning, Ga., tomorrow ahead of deployment to Iraq. The six members are from Company D, 126th Theater Aviation, and will take their C-23 Sherpa transport aircraft to Iraq for the unit's second deployment since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The unit's headquarters is Quonset National Guard Base. The unit was last in Iraq from December 2005 to November 2006. The unit won recognition as the Army’s Fixed Wing Unit of the Year in 2006. Most members being deployed were deployed with the unit in 2005-2006. A departure ceremony is tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Hangar 2, 104 Airport St., North Kingstown. The public is invited. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:35 PM | Comment Two Mass. men arrested on crack cocaine chargesTwo Massachusetts men were arrested on crack cocaine charges last night after a motor vehicle stop on Route 95 in Richmond. Paul A. Pitts, 39, of 204 Sycamore St., Holbrook, and John F. Burke Jr., 38, of 62 Constitution Ave., Abington, were each charged with possession of crash cocaine, a state police news release said today. Pitts was also charged with driving under the influence-narcotics, refusal to submit to a chemical test-blood, and driving while in possession of a controlled substance. The men, who were arrested at 8:50 p.m., were held at the state police Hope Valley barracks pending District Court arraignment, the police said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:21 PM | Comment Narragansetts' Brown protests Treaty Rock Farm dealLITTLE COMPTON -- Not everyone was happy with the recent deal to protect Treaty Rock Farm. John Brown, historic preservation officer for the Narragansett Indian tribe, attended today’s news conference announcing the deal and declared the land arrangement “illegal, suspicious and sneaky.” He said usually when federal funds are used to purchase development rights for land that has Native American history, the associating tribe is contacted. Brown said the Narragansett tribe should have been consulted on this venture and wasn’t. “We have a serious problem here,” he said. “What they’ve done they cannot do.” The tribe member said three federal acts require tribes to be notified when such deals are made. His tribe wasn’t aware of the pact, however, until a National Conservation Resource Service official called them this morning. Brown said he immediately called U.S. Sen. Jack Reed -- who was supposed to appear at today’s affair, but had a last-minute change of plans -- and didn’t get a response. He believes Reed didn’t come primarily because of Narragansetts’ complaints. The tribe is asking the federal funds be withdrawn and suspend the deal until the tribe is included, Brown said. He said there isn’t any way for those involved to fully know what is sacred, historical and important to the tribe without their input. -- Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina At the news conference he confronted representatives of the conservation agencies and state officials, including Michael Sullivan, director of the state Department of Environmental Management. “There is tribal history on this farm, it’s called Treaty Rock Farm for a reason,” Brown said to those within earshot. Pointing toward Sullivan, he continued, “This gentleman told me it’s a done deal and it’s not a done deal without me. I am the tribe in these matters. With this [alleged illegal deal], I wonder what else the tribe is being left out of.” “For us not to know about this is unheard-of.” Few commented publicly on Brown’s concerns. John Berg, of The Nature Conservancy, said he has questions about Brown’s objections, especially because the tribe historically connected to Little Compton is the Wampanoag tribe and not the Narragansett tribe. Published town history says Little Compton originally belonged to the Wampanoag tribe, who were led by Awashonks, the sister of Metacom (commonly known as King Philip). They called the area Sakonnet. Treaty Rock Farm is the site on which she signed a 1676 peace pact with colonist Benjamin Church. “Our goal was to protect the place for everyone,” Berg said. “That’s what we did.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:13 PM | Comment OSHA may fine Smithfield contractor $116,200The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it is proposing $116,200 in fines against a Smithfield contractor -- with a history of violations -- for failing to provide cave-in protection for employees at three Rhode Island job sites. OSHA said in a news release it has cited John Rocchio Corp. for alleged "willful and serious violations of safety standards" after inspecting East Greenwich and North Kingstown work sites. "On all three occasions, the company was reminded of its responsibility to provide cave-in protection, yet we repeatedly found employees working in imminent danger situations," Patrick Griffin, OSHA area director in Providence, said in the statement. "Equally disturbing is the fact that we have cited this employer six times in the past 10 years for this same type of hazard, and this behavior has not changed." The company has 15 days from receipt of its citations to ask for and participate in an informal cofnerencw with OSHA or to contest the citations before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. All digs of 5 feet or deeper must be guarded because walls in such excavations can collapse suddenly, "burying employees beneath tons of soil and debris before they have a chance to react or escape," OSHA said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney For the lack of cave protection, OSHA said it gave two "willful citations" and one "serious citation," which carry a total of $109,200 in proposed fines. OSHA said it also issued three serious citations, with $7,000 in fines, for there being more than 2 feet of a trench's sidewall explosed below the trench box; letting an empoyee in a dig to work without a hardhat; and "not properly shoring a telephone pole adjacent to an excavation." OSHA said a willful violation is committed with "plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.' A serious citation is given when a death or serious physical harm is likely to result "from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known." Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:43 PM | Comment Alert: 2 Clinton volunteers held hostage in N.H.ROCHESTER, N.H. - A man claiming to have a bomb was holding one or more hostages at Hillary Clinton's campaign office today, police said. The man had what appeared to be a bomb strapped to himself, said Bill Shaheen, a top state campaign official. The two hostages were volunteers, Shaheen said. "We are in close contact with state and local authorities and are acting at their direction," Clinton said in a statement. "We will release additional details as appropriate." The man ordered the hostages onto the floor and then released a mother and her baby, said State Police Maj. Michael Hambrook. Two campaign volunteers were still being held, said Bill Shaheen, a top state campaign official. Witness Lettie Tzizik told television station WMUR of Manchester that she spoke to the woman shortly after she was released and that she was crying, holding the infant. "She said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," Tzizik said. Clinton was scheduled to give an address at the Democratic National Committee meeting in Vienna, Va., Friday afternoon, but DNC Chairman Howard Dean announced from the podium that Clinton would not speak. Get the latest from the Associated Press ...
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:04 PM | Comment Status of state worker layoffs' today unclearPROVIDENCE – Today is supposed to be D-Day for the dozens of state employees who received layoffs notices two weeks ago. By mid-day today, however, it remained unclear how many were, in fact, packing up to leave and how many had initiated a months-long process that would allow them to “bump’’ into a job held by another less senior employee. No immediate answers were available this morning on the status of Governor Carcieri’s vow to eliminate 1,000-plus jobs to save $100 million to help stave off a projected deficit of up to $450 million during the year that begins on July 1. And the numbers on how many people had received layoff notices dropped slightly from where they were at last report by the administration. But Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said as of today 154 layoff notices have gone out; another 330 state workers have been notified their jobs may be abolished or “privatized’’ in the future. In addition, the administration says it has put 168 temporary workers – also known as contract employees – on notice that, in the event they are still here, their jobs will end on June 30. Rounding out the administration’s count are reported plans to leave vacant the jobs of a presumed 487 state employees who leave voluntarily by June 30. If all of those assumptions pan out, the state will have eliminated 1,139 of the 15,000-plus state employees and 660 contractors who, at last report, were working for state government. -- Journal staff writer Katherine Gregg Neal confirmed the administration has offered state employees whose positions are being eliminated “the opportunity to remain in state service until the end of the current fiscal year if they agree to retire by June 30.
At this point, Neal said, “we currently expect that the majority of state employees with statutory status will bump into filled positions. As a result, while that employee may still be employed by the state at the end of this process, another currently unidentified employee will not.’’ In the end, he said, the administration expects the process "will result in savings.'' Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:44 PM | Comment World AIDS Day: Fundraising dance, dinnerFeel like dancing? Well then you’re in luck. Youth United for Global Action (YUGA) is hosting a 5-hour dance-a-thon tomorrow, World AIDS Day. The event, sponsored by Plan USA, will raise money for the group’s HIV/AIDS program in Uganda. Dancers need to register, but anyone can come and sponsor a dancer, make a donation or just pay the $10 cover. According to YUGA, 100 percent of donations will be used to help fund secondary education, AIDS-related workshops, vocational training and other support programs for young people affected by AIDS. The dance-a-thon is at the Loom Studio, 69 Eagle St, Providence. It starts at 7 p.m. and goes until midnight – so wear comfortable shoes. The fundraising begins tonight, though, at a sold-out dinner sponsored by AIDS Project RI where the Red Ribbon Community Service Awards will be presented. Honorees include David Abbott, Dr. Anne DeGroot, Sen. Rhoda Perry and Rep. Thomas Slater, among others. There will also be a silent auction and a performance by the Providence Gay Men's Chorus. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:30 PM | Comment Farmers' market moves inside as winter's bite arrivesWith winter air pretty much upon us, an every-Saturday indoor farmer’s market kicks off tomorrow from noon to 3 p.m. at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. At farmfresh.org, it says the Providence Wintertime Farmers Market promises winter-long "lettuces, arugula, bok choi, kale, collards, cabbage, chard, apples, cider, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, leeks, garlic, radishes, chilis, fresh herbs, beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips, winter squash, oysters, beef, pork, Narragansett Creamery cheese, eggs, honey, maple syrup." This month, too, there will be wreaths, trees, cauliflower, and broccoli. Come March, there will be maple syrup. Good timing. The high temperature in the area tomorrow is forecast to be 31 degrees. The low: 12 degrees. But it will be a clear day, though that's, um, cold comfort. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:47 PM | Comment Appeals court to hear Urciuoli, Driscoll argumentsOral arguments are scheduled for Monday in the First Circuit Court of Appeals, Boston, in the case of two former top Roger Williams Medical Center officials convicted of paying a state senator to carry out the hospital's agenda at the State House. Robert Urciuoli, who was medical center president, and Frances P. Driscoll, who was a senior vice president, were convicted in October 2006. They're both arguing that instructions U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres gave to jurors before deliberations prejudiced the case. Former state Sen. John A. Celona, a North Providence Democrat, was hired to a supposed job at an assisted living center and nursing home linked to the medical center. Prosecutors alleged that Celona's $700 to $1,000 weekly salary was payment to stop legislation that ran against the hospital's interests. Arguments will be heard at about 10:15 a.m. In September, prosecutors told the appeals court that the trial judge gave correct jury instructions. Federal prosecutors have been conducting a broad probe of alleged State House corruption. Most recently, Gerard M. Martineau, the former house majority leader, pleaded guilty to two felony charges. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:11 PM | Comment Calif. man gets 5 1/2 years in bank-card scamA California man faces deportation after agreeing to plead guilty to taking part in a scheme to steal bank-card information from supermarket customers in Rhode Island. Arutyun Shatarevyan, 21, of Los Angeles, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 66 months in prison for his role in the scheme earlier this year that siphoned $132,000 from the accounts of Stop & Shop customers in Rhode Island. He will have to serve at least 85 percent of that sentence, or roughly 56 months, before he’s eligible for release, according to his lawyer Alex R. Kessel. The chance that Shatarevyan will be deported is “very high,” Kessel said, after a hearing this morning in U.S. District Court. Shatarevyan emigrated from Armenia to the U.S. as a boy. In sentencing Shatarevyan, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith noted the Californian “didn’t appear to be the ringleader of the operation,” which played out at Stop & Shop supermarkets in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Shatavyan and three other Californians were arrested by state and Coventry police Feb. 26 at the Stop & Shop on Tiogue Avenue in Coventry where, federal and state authorities said, the four had gone to retrieve a checkout lane PIN pad rigged to capture shoppers' financial-account information. Videotape evidence linked the men to 1,100 account thefts at Stop & Shops in Providence, Cranston and Coventry, and ultimately, to ATM withdrawals made in California, according to federal officials. The men removed or tried to remove original PIN pads from at least six stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The men were living in California before they flew to Rhode Island in early February. Two of the men, Arman Ter-Esayan, and Gevork Baltadjian, have already been sentenced in the case. Ter-Esayan, 22, of Valley Glen, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit fraud and aggravated identity theft. Baltadjian, 20, of Winnetka, was sentenced to 61 months in prison for playing a "minor" role in the scheme that siphoned $132,000 from the accounts of Stop & Shop customers in Rhode Island. Sentencing for Mikael Stepanian, 28, of Studio City, is set for Dec. 6. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi Posted by Jack Perry at 12:05 PM | Comment Craftland show: Where function meets fantasyPROVIDENCE -- Feeling crafty? Even if you’re not up to the task of sewing, gluing, screen printing or welding, you can still send out homemade holiday cards and stock your closet with crocheted goods. Crafts galore can be found at Craftland, which kicks off this evening with an opening party and a chance to score some free goodies if you get there early. The 6th annual craft fair will feature doo-dads, tchochkes and nick-knacks from more than 150 artists in Rhode Island and beyond. Practical and whimsical, the fair is self-described as a place “Where Function Meets Fantasy.” The window at 235 Westminster St. is already offering a glimpse not only into what crafts will be available, but the ethos behind them. A dedication to the former Lupo’s nightclub, which used to occupy the space and featured murals of dead rock stars, adorns the wall. The current window display references the spirit with paintings and photographs different music icons, including Wendy O. Williams of Plasmatics fame and Lee Hazlewood – country and pop-music songwriter-musician-singer. See what DIY artists of a different type can do at Craftland, today through Dec. 22, Wed. – Sun., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Th. and Sat., 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Can't wait or can't make it? Visit projo.com's new Holidays blog, where projo.com staffer Donna McGarry, an avid crafter, will be offerings tips on decorating for the holidays and more. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:57 AM | Comment Former Mass. selectman sentenced to five yearsA former Massachusetts selectman who attempted to lure a 15-year-old girl over the Internet to meet for sex was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to serve 5 years in federal prison. William Christensen, 61, of Southborough, Mass., pleaded guilty in August to using the internet to entice a minor for sex and interstate travel for sexual conduct with a minor. At the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly said if there had been a trial, prosecutors would have proved that in May 2006 a parent told Rhode Island state police that she had seen inappropriate sexual overtures in an online chat room. A detective posed as a 15-year-old girl and, prosecutors said, became involved in conversations with Christensen, who arranged a meeting for sex at an East Providence apartment complex. When Christensen, a former Southborough selectman, arrived at the complex, he was arrested by state police detectives. He was ordered to report to prison on Dec. 28; until then, Christensen in on home confinement. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:27 AM | Comment Ex-C. Falls councilman faces new sex abuse chargesA former Central Falls councilman who was arrested when the police found him partially dressed with a 15-year-old boy in his back seat faces new charges of sexual abuse brought yesterday by the state police. Capt. Stephen Lynch said Luis Gil, 45, turned himself in to the state police yesterday at 11 a.m. and was arraigned on three additional charges of sexual assault involving the same 15-year-old boy whom Gil was found with on Nov. 12. Gil was arrested and charged with one count of third degree sexual assault after Providence police found him and a 15-year-old boy both partially dressed, parked in Gil's car near the Henderson Bridge , both partially dressed. During the investigation that followed the arrest, Lynch said the Providence police learned Gil had sexually abused the 15-year-old at the former rectory of the Notre Dame Church, now privately owned, and in Lincoln Woods. The latest charges stem from those allegations. Police say in August 2007, Gil propositioned the 15-year-old while the teenager was waiting for a bus. The boy refused and, according to police, when he got on the bus, Gil followed him. When the 15-year got off the bus, according to Lynch, Gil propositioned him again and the two went to to Lincoln Woods. Gil was arraigned in District Court, Providence, and released on $10,000 personal recognizance in front of Judge Michael Higgins. He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 15. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:47 AM | Comment Symposium to address 'valuable menhaden fishery'Wildlife in Providence, it’s not an everyday sight. But last month, thousands of fish found their way into the Providence River, slowly swimming in front of the Rhode Island School of Design and some making their way to Waterplace Park. The surge of fish, adult menhaden, was unexpected. But their appearance came as recreational and commercial fishermen have been at odds over who is catching them and if they are being over fished. To address some of the issues surrounding the allocation of menhaden, the Rhode Island Sea Grant and the state Department of Environmental Management are hosting a daylong “Menhaden Science and Policy Symposium” today. Biology, feeding practices, stock assessment and other scientific information about the fish are on the agenda of the symposium, which will include panels hosted by state legislators, commercial and recreational fisheries, Save the Bay and other stakeholders. The event starts at 8 a.m. at the Village Inn on Beach Street in Narragansett. “Menhaden are an important contributor to the health of Narragansett Bay and the ecosystem, as well as the economy,” DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan said in a statement. “This symposium presents a forum for scientists, policy makers and stakeholders to discuss a wide range of issues and share information concerning this valuable fishery.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:15 AM | Comment Historic spot in Little Compton to remain working farmLITTLE COMPTON -- Preservation groups and state and federal agencies have contributed $3.6 million to protect a historic farm in Little Compton. Treaty Rock Farm will remain a working farm. The coastal farm has been in continuous agricultural use since colonial times and was the site where a Sakonnet sachem and a colonist became allies during King Philip's War. The three sisters who own the farm will retain private ownership of it. The women sell beef locally through a program called RI Beef Co-Op, and that will continue. The conservation of the land will be announced at a news conference today with Senator Jack Reed among the officials expected in attendance. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Sunny, but windy and chillyIt's going to be sunny, but don't let that fool you. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of 43 with gusty west winds as high as 22 mph. The temperature should drop to 25 overnight. The winds should keep up, gusting as high as 28 mph. Saturday's looking even colder, with a high temperature near 32 and more wind from the northwest, gusting as high as 34 mph. Saturday night the clouds and the cold make comeback with a low temperature of just 13 degrees and mild northwest winds. Now for the big news: A 40 percent chance of snow Sunday afternoon, when the temperature should just break through the 30s. Sunday night the precipitation continues, but whether it's rain, sleet or snow, we'll just have to wait and see. The temperature will hit the high 20s. Rain should welcome us back to the work week Monday. Again, it could turn to sleet or snow in the afternoon. The temperature should reach the mid-to-high 30s. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on the big question in Warren. Who won the $151-million Powerball jackpot? Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 29, 2007Tonight: Rock, R & B, in Providence clubsThere's plenty to hear in Providence clubs tonight. Andrew Bird plays rock at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. Call 331-5876, 272-5876, www.etix.com. 7 p.m. $20 advance; $24 day of show; $25 reserved. Mark Cutler and Friends play rock at Nick-A-Nees, 75 South St., Providence. Call 861-7290. 9 p.m. East Side Horns and Mac Odom and Chill play rhythm and blues and Motown at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. 453-6500, www.thehihat.com. 8 p.m. to midnight. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment At least 2,500 in Cumberland get mistaken tax lettersCUMBERLAND -- At least 2,500 taxpayers received letters from banks and mortgage firms incorrectly stating that their property taxes were past due. Town Finance Director Thomas Bruce III said today that the mistake was caused by First American Corporation, which accessed town records earlier this month and incorrectly reported real estate tax account information to its banking and mortgage firm clients. Those financial institutions, in turn, issued delinquent notices based on the incorrect information. The Santa Ana, Calif.-based firm issued an apology to residents this week. Meanwhile, the town is limiting the company’s access to its records, according to Bruce. Many residents received the delinquent letters the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Carrie Gaska, a spokeswoman for First American, said that the less than 325 delinquent payment notices were sent out by area financial institutions as a result of the flawed data; Bruce says the town estimates that between 2,500 and 5,000 residents were sent the notices. The town was not aware of the problem until Monday, when some residents came to Town Hall demanding an explanation, said Bruce. Town officials met with the company’s regional representatives, who are based in Worcester, Mass., this morning. “Taxes are a very emotional thing. We had some elderly residents come in who were very upset. This ruined their holiday weekend,” he said. “People work hard to pay their taxes on time, and I think Cumberland taxpayers in general respect due dates.” First American Corporation is one of the largest business information firms in the nation with approximately 2,100 offices and $8.5 billion in revenue last year, according to its Web site. Most years, First American collects real estate tax payments from financial companies and delivers them to the town in one lump sum in May, said Bruce. This year was the first year that the company also assisted area clients with gathering information for late payment notices. It began gathering information from the town via the town Web site sometime around Nov. 12, said Bruce. But the software that the company designed was flawed, classifying residents who had not paid their taxes for the third and fourth quarters of the year (Nov. 30 and Feb. 28, respectively) as delinquent, according to Bruce. Gaska confirmed that a code in the program used by the company’s tax service branch was omitted, causing the error. “The result was that some [taxpayers] appeared delinquent when in fact they had paid,” said Gaska. The town was not informed that First American would be accessing the town information this month, said Bruce. In the future, First American will need to get written approval from the town Finance Department before it can access town records on a quarterly basis for the purpose of issuing delinquent notices, according to Bruce. The company will still be able to access town information and transfer tax revenue to the town from financial institutions once a year in May, he said. “At the moment we do not trust the company’s controls and therefore the town reserves the right to take control of the release of the information that is needed for” banks to send out delinquent notices, he said. Bruce stressed that the late payment notices were sent out by the banks and mortgage companies, and not the town. Gaska says that no other city or town in the state was affected by the flawed program. Home owners who need further assistance can call the Town of Cumberland’s Office of Tax Collections at (401) 728-2400 or First American at (800) 452-3787. -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:20 PM | Comment Photo: Up on the housetop
Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 5:36 PM | Comment Update: No claim on $151.9-million winning ticket yetNo one has yet claimed the $151.9-million Powerball jackpot, the ticket for which was sold in Warren at Warren Mart on Child Street. The person who got the ticket played Quick Pick. A person this afternoon did claim a $10,000 prize at Rhode Island Lottery headquarters in Cranston. Besides the big jackpot, still outstanding are a $200,000 prize and a $10,000 prize purchased in Rhode Island as well. The winning combination was: 8 -- 23 -- 32 --37-- 39 Powerball: 38. The winner has 60 days from the validation date to make the difficult decision: annuity or cash payment. Choose annuity, and the winner gets $151.9 million in 30 yearly installments of a little more than $3.44 million after taxes. Chose the cash and the winner gets a lump sum of about $51.1 million after taxes. And that’s not the only choice: When to go public? What to buy? Which long-lost relatives get your new phone number? If you do happen to be the lucky winner, or are planning to win in the future -- aren’t we all? -- check out the FAQ section on the Powerball’s Web site. If your question isn’t answered on the Web site, send an email. It will be answered by someone who, apparently, is quite the comedian. Before today, the largest prize was $93.5 million in 2001 which went to Michael Goulden, of Pawtucket. And of course, the taxpayers of Rhode Island are supposed to get something too. If the big winner chooses annuity, the state gets profits from the taxes totaling about $354,000 over 29 years. If the winner goes for the cash option, the sate would receive a lump sum tax payment of about $5.26 million. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:15 PM | Comment Cape Cod woman, son, sue tabloid over Kennedy storiesBOSTON, Mass. -- A Cape Cod woman and her son have sued The National Enquirer, claiming the supermarket tabloid fabricated stories that said she gave birth to a child fathered by Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy. The defamation suit filed in federal court in Boston on Tuesday claims two articles that appeared in the tabloid in early 2006 contained "false and sensationalized reporting and outright fabrications." The articles claimed Caroline Bilodeau-Allen of Sandwich gave birth to a child fathered by Kennedy more than two decades ago, and the Democrat gave her money and other gifts to keep the incident a secret. The lawsuit claims Bilodeau-Allen and her son, Christopher Allen, were "emotionally devastated" by the articles and sought mental health counseling as a result. Bilodeau-Allen suffered severe weight loss and Allen, a 22-year-old college student, "was subjected to ridicule and scorn among his peer group." "These articles negatively affected every aspect of their being," said David H. Rich, a lawyer for mother and son. Rich would not comment on whether Bilodeau-Allen and Kennedy knew each other. The National Enquirer said in a statement that it had no reason to doubt the source of the information and that the plaintiffs declined several opportunities to deny the initial story prior to publication. "We intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit and have every confidence that we will prevail at trial," the statement said. Kennedy's office did not immediately return a message for comment. The lawsuit also named the tabloid's parent company, American Media Inc., which operates in Boca Raton, Fla., and reporters Alan Butterfield and Richard Moriarty as defendants. It seeks unspecified monetary damages. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:07 PM | Comment Ballard's Inn to pay $250,000 in wages, penaltiesNEW SHOREHAM -- A popular Block Island restaurant, accused of paying employees below the federal minimum wage and failing to compensate them for overtime, will pay $250,000 in back wages and penalties. In a written statement, the U.S. Department of Labor says Shoreham Inc., the parent company of Ballard's Inn, and its president must pay 154 employees about $207,000 in back wages. The restaurant admits no liability under the agreement, but it will pay a $42,000 civil penalty. Earlier this year, labor officials sued the restaurant for paying workers less than the federal minimum wage and forcing them to work overtime without adequate pay. According to the lawsuit, the restaurant also violated federal child labor laws. Officials at Ballard's Inn did not immediately return a call seeking comment. They have denied the allegations. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:49 PM | Comment AG asks Supreme Court to overturn smoke-shop rulingThe state attorney general is seeking for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that upheld a jury’s finding that a state trooper used excessive force when he twisted a Narragansett tribal member’s ankle during the 2003 smoke-shop raid. The state has filed an appeal with the high court, asking for a review of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision. If the ruling is allowed to stand, the state argues, it will have a chilling effect on police officers trying to arrest suspects who resist while claiming they are being hurt. “If we win in Supreme Court, this is over,” said Jim Lee, chief of the attorney general’s civil division. “If we win on the motions for a new trial, we have to try it again.” The case stems from a state police raid on a Narragansett smoke shop in Charlestown on July 14, 2003. Governor Carcieri ordered the police to execute the search warrant on the roadside store after the tribe began illegally selling cigarettes without charging Rhode Island taxes. The raid disintegrated into a violent confrontation and eight tribal members were arrested, including Adam Jennings whose ankle was broken during his arrest for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Jennings, his mother and another shop worker filed suit, alleging the state police violated their civil rights. A U.S. District Court jury concluded after a five-day civil trial in Providence that Trooper Kenneth Jones used excessive force and battery when he twisted Adam Jennings' ankle while placing him under arrest during the raid. The 10 jurors ruled in favor of two other troopers while awarding Jennings $301,000 in damages. Trial Judge Ernest C. Torres overturned that verdict, finding that Jones was protected by qualified immunity, which shields officers from liability when they act reasonably in doing their jobs. The judge concluded that though the public has a strong interest in ensuring that police do not abuse their authority, it has an equal interest in seeing that officers are not deterred from performing their duties for fear of liability. Jennings appealed to the 1st Circuit. A three-judge panel reinstated the jury’s verdict in March. That decision was affirmed by the full court in August, when it declined to review the case but sent it back to Torres in U.S. District Court to consider motions for a new trial. The state has opted to, instead, seek the high court’s review. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Lee repeated the state’s contention that Jones acted within the line of duty. “We think Trooper Jones’s action were appropriate under the circumstances,” he said. “Mr. Jennings was resisting arrest and Trooper Jones was using an appropriate hold to get him under control.” Jennings is among seven Narragansetts, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, awaiting trial in Providence County Superior Court on misdemeanor charges related to the raid Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:35 PM | Comment Hopkinton man gets 8 years in prison for molesting boySOUTH KINGSTOWN -- A Hopkinton man was sentenced today to eight years in prison after admitting he molested a boy during a 1998 camping trip. Domenic Marchetti, 30, pleaded guilty Nov. 23 to two counts of first-degree child molestation in a plea deal reached with state prosecutors. Six other child molestation charges were dismissed. Marchetti was sentenced to 25 years, with eight to serve and 17 years suspended with probation. He was ordered not to have contact with the victim until November 2032. Marchetti, of 704 Main St., is being represented by William J. Murphy, a lawyer who is also Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Before being taken into custody, Marchetti thanked Washington County Superior Court Judge Stephen Nugent for staying the start of the sentence until today. He was given credit for time he served following his arrest in April 2006. The police say Marchetti, then 21, molested the 12 or 13-year-old boy after they ate dinner while on a camping trip in the vicinity of Alton. The exact date and location of the incident was not known, but it was estimated to have occurred between May 31, 1998 and Aug. 31, 1998 at a site they reached by boat. The six dismissed child molestation charges stem from incidents that occurred between May 31, 1999 and Aug. 31, 1999, near Skunk Hill Road in Hopkinton, court records show. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:24 PM | Comment R.I. Hospital's chief of neurosurgery steps asideDr. John A. Duncan III has voluntarily stepped aside as chief of neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital, and Dr. Curtis E. Doberstein is serving as interim chief. Hospital spokeswoman Gail Carvelli said that Duncan retains full privileges to practice at Rhode Island Hospital, and the arrangement is temporary. No decisions have been made on who will be the permanent chief, she said. Duncan decided to step aside on Saturday, the day after a neurosurgery resident started to operate on the wrong side of a patient’s head, according to the hospital. The resident had broken the skin but realized the error before reaching the skull. Because two previous incidents of wrong-site neurosurgery had occurred this year at Rhode Island Hospital, the Health Department on Monday reprimanded the hospital and fined it $50,000. The Health Department had no role in Duncan’s move on Saturday. But in 2003, the department had found Duncan responsible for a December 2001 incident in which neurosurgery residents operated on the wrong side of a patient's head after a CT scan was placed backward on the viewing screen. Duncan was ordered to study and make recommendations on preventing medical errors. -- Journal staff writer Felice Freyer Posted by Jack Perry at 2:57 PM | Comment Former RISD employee's sentencing postponedPROVIDENCE -- The sentencing of a former Rhode Island School of Design employee who's admitted bilking the prestigious art school of nearly $1 million has been postponed until Tuesday. A sentencing hearing for Patrick Clyne started today in federal court, Providence, and it continued for much of the day when the prosecution and defense argued whether Clyne had lied about his ownership of property in Ireland. A probation officer will be called to testify Tuesday. Clyne has pleaded guilty to charges of mail fraud and filing a false tax return. Clyne was responsible for the upkeep of fire-safety equipment, such as alarms and extinguishers, at the art and design school in Providence. Prosecutors say he set up a shell company that billed the school for fire safety-work that was never actually done. He was fired from the school in 2005. Clyne pleaded guilty in August, and prosecutors have agreed to seek a reduced sentence. -- With reports from Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski and The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 2:53 PM | Comment Police: Central Falls man followed trucks, stole parcelsForget following the money. In cracking this crime, the police say, it was about following the mail. A Central Falls man has been arrested on larceny charges after the state police said he followed delivery trucks then stole parcel packages left at addresses on Providence's East Side. Obdulio Crespo, 32, of 30 Washington St., Unit 817, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of larceny over $500, a state police news release said today. Crespo was released on $10,000 personal recognizance at District Court, Providence, arraignment before Judge Michael Higgins. A Dec. 11 determination of attorney hearing is scheduled and a pre-arraignment conference is slated for Jan. 29. The state police said the arrest capped a two-week investigation into parcel package thefts. Detectives were told of a suspicious vehicle following delivery trucks in the area, and the police said surveillance resulted in Crespo's arrest after he was allegedly caught stealing packages that had just been dropped off at two Grotto Street residences. The police said they recovered more goods stolen from parcel delivery services when they searched his home and vehicle. Those included household items, beauty supplies, power tools, jewelry and electronic equipment. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:45 PM | Comment T.F. Green ending valet at Garage B, dropping parking priceWARWICK -- T.F. Green Airport is ending valet service at Garage B and halving the price for parking at the covered lot. The move follows the expiration, at midnight tomorrow, of a contract with The Parking Company, the longtime operator of the complex. The Chicago-based Standard Parking Corp. is the new parking operator for all parking facilities at the state's main airport. Parking at the 750-space parking complex will now cost $17 per day, about half the price under The Parking Company. Under the previous arrangement, about 50 to 100 travelers used the garage every day, according to the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. It is now expected to fill up, corporation spokeswoman Patti Goldstein said. “It was being underutilized,” Goldstein said. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:36 PM | Comment Video: Bank robber may have to return lottery jackpotBOSTON -- The winner of a $1 million lottery scratch ticket may not be so lucky after all: He's a convicted bank robber who isn't supposed to gamble. Timothy Elliott faces a Dec. 7 court hearing over whether he violated his probation when he bought the $10 ticket for the $800 Million Spectacular game at a supermarket in Hyannis. Elliott was placed on five years' probation after pleading guilty in October 2006 to unarmed robbery for a January 2006 heist at a bank on Cape Cod. Under terms of his probation, he "may not gamble, purchase lottery tickets or visit an establishment where gaming is conducted, including restaurants where Keno may be played." Elliott, 55, has collected the first of 20 annual $50,000 checks from the Massachusetts lottery commission. A picture of Elliott, holding his first check, was posted on the lottery's Web site Monday, though it was removed by Wednesday. As part of his sentence, Elliott was put under the care of the state Mental Health Department and sent to a hospital for treatment, and state officials refused Wednesday to say whether he was still being treated. "This is kind of new territory," he said. See a related video from the Associated Press. -- The Associated Press A telephone number for Elliott could not immediately be located Wednesday, and it was not clear whether he had a lawyer. The lottery routinely cross references the names of winners with the state Revenue Department to see if they owe back taxes or child support, lottery spokesman Dan Rosenfeld said. In those cases, winnings go straight to the Revenue Department. But in this case, it will be up to the court to determine what will happen with Elliott's winnings. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:29 PM | Comment ABC 6 announces new evening anchor
PROVIDENCE -- ABC 6 WLNE today announced Allison Alexander, who most recently anchored morning and noon newscasts at the Cleveland CBS affiliate, as the new anchor for the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Her appointment takes effect Jan. 1. Stephen Doerr, ABC 6 vice president and general manager, said in a statement that Alexander "is one of the brightest, most talented journalists working in local media." "I am delighted to be joining WLNE, one of the fastest-growing, most innovative news organizations in the business," Alexander said in the statement. ABC 6 said that Alexander has won an Edward R. Murrow award for reporting and has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Associated Press. She graduated from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, ABC 6 said. She and her husband, Craig, will move to Providence next month. How the appointment affects the anchor line-up -- and what form the evening newscasts will take -- was not clear. Doerr said the station is sorting through assignments. NBC 10 recently added Dan Jaehnig, who worked at 10 before spending five years at Fox 25 on Boston, to co-anchor its 5 p.m. news and report weeknights for the 11 p.m. news. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:48 PM | Comment Carcieri calls ACLU assertions about interpreters falseGovernor Carcieri today called "irresponsible" the Rhode Island ACLU's questioning whether cutting four Department of Human Services language interpreters will violate a consent agreement and raise the specter of federal legal action against the department. In a news release, Carcieri's office described the ACLU's assertions as false charges and said the human services is fully complying with applicable state and federal laws and the 1997 consent agreement "requring that the state make available language interpretation services for those seeking welfare and other benefits." “Governor Carcieri is confident that the Department of Human Services will continue to provide access to the appropriate language interpretation services, as required by federal law and by the 1997 consent agreement,” Jeff Neal, Carcieri's spokesman, said in the statement. “This issue was examined in depth as the state prepared its plans to reduce the size of the state workforce. The state was convinced that we could reduce the number of language interpreters -- especially those translating less commonly encountered languages -- while continuing to provide the appropriate translation options through existing contracts with outside language interpretation services.” The Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union is questioning whether Carcieri’s cut of 4 out of 17 DHS staff interpreters will violate the consent agreement. The Journal reported today that it has made requests since last month to interview the governor about the interpreters and that Neal said yesterday the governor plans to announce new initiatives in the area and would not do an interview with the Journal until then. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:11 PM | Comment Roger Williams hospital fulfills agreement with U.S.Roger Williams Medical Center has fulfilled its deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office, U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente said in a statement. The 2006 agreement between the medical center and the U.S. Attorney's Office required the medical center to meet certain conditions to avoid prosecution for wrongdoing by two executives. The programs mandated by a deferred prosecution agreement “generated needed ethical reforms,” Corrente said, “Yet allowed the hospital to maintain its vital role in Rhode Island’s health care system and preserved the livelihood of hundreds of dedicated professionals.” The Medical Center, itself, was also indicted in 2006; the hospital and the U.S. Attorney’s Office entered into the deferred prosecution agreement, agreeing to a series of ethical changes. U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres dismissed the charges against the Medical Center. In turn, the hospital agreed to several new programs, including the creation of a comprehensive ethics program, the transition of 16 seats on the board and new governance. "Today," the Medical Center's current President and CEO Kenneth Belcher said, "Roger Williams is a better and stronger institution because of the programs and systems we have implemented with the guidance of the U.S. Attorney's office and our monitors. " Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:01 PM | Comment Study: Anti-terrorism missions diluted at local centersWASHINGTON -- Local intelligence-sharing centers set up after the September 11 attacks have had their anti-terrorism mission diluted by a focus on run-of-the-mill street crime and hazards such as hurricanes. That's the conclusion of a survey by the Government Accountability Office that was obtained by the Associated Press. Of the 43 ``fusion centers'' already established, only two -- one in Rhode Island and the other in Kansas -- focus exclusively on preventing terrorism. The original intent of the centers was to coordinate resources, expertise and information of intelligence agencies so the country could detect and prevent terrorist acts. But directors of the facilities complain they are hampered by lack of guidance from Washington and were flooded by often redundant information from multiple computer systems. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:55 AM | Comment Update: $151M Powerball winner still a mysteryThe odds that you’ve won the largest Powerball jackpot in the state’s history are still pretty slim – about one in 146,107,962 -- but the winner hasn’t come forward. So if you haven’t checked your ticket yet, here’s what you're looking for: 8 -- 23 -- 32 --37-- 39 Powerball: 38. If that’s what you see, Jennafer Rampone of the Rhode Island Lottery suggests you sign it, lock it up, and find a good financial and legal advisor. But do it fast. The winner has 60 days from the validation date to make the difficult decision: annuity or cash payment. Choose annuity, and the winner gets $151.9 million in 30 yearly installments of a little more than $3.44 million after taxes. Chose the cash and the winner gets a lump sum of about $51.1 million after taxes. Decisions decisions. And that’s not the only choice: When to go public? What to buy? Which long-lost relatives get your new phone number? If you do happen to be the lucky winner, or are planning to win in the future – aren’t we all? – check out the FAQ section on the Powerball’s Web site. It breaks down all of your burning questions about statistics, taxes and annuities. It also answers some questions you may not have thought of, like ‘Why not give 151 people $1 million each instead of one gigantic prize?’ If your question isn’t answered on the Web-site, send an email. It will be answered by someone who, apparently, is quite the comedian. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson This is the first time in more than six years that a Rhode Islander has won the Powerball – the largest prize in the state’s history. Before today, the largest prize was $93.5 million in 2001 which went to Michael Goulden, of Pawtucket. The mysterious Warren shopper wasn’t the only RILOT winner – there was one $200,000 and two $10,000 Powerball tickets sold in state as well. And of course, the taxpayers of Rhode Island are supposed to get something too. If the big winner chooses annuity, the state gets profits from the taxes totaling about $354,000 over 29 years. If the winner goes for the cash option, the sate would receive a lump sum tax payment of about $5.26 million. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:45 AM | Comment Clearing with a high of 52The early morning clouds should part soon, and the National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of 52 degrees. South winds should pick up as the day goes on, gusting up to 33 mph. The skies should stay clear tonight when the temperature drops to 27 degrees. Sunny tomorrow with a high temperature in the low 40s and west winds gusting up to 24 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story about the problems residents of downtown Providence have with the city's nightlife. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 28, 2007Tonight: Early look of Christmas in Bristol at BlithewoldCatch Christmas early tonight at Blithewold mansion in Bristol. An 18-foot decorated tree in the entrance hall opens to rooms of Victorian-themed displays in the Tudor-style mansion, just south of Bristol center on the shore of Narragansett Bay. It is open till 8. Admission is $10. For information call (401) 253-2707 or www.blithewold.org. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment ACLU: Cuts could put state in violation of Civil Rights ActThe American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is questioning whether Governor Carcieri’s recent cuts of four interpreter staff jobs will put DHS at risk for federal legal action under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination “on the basis of race, color or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.” The ACLU charges that the state Department of Human Services may have violated a 1997 consent agreement with the federal Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights, which forced the state to overhaul the way in which it provides interpreter services. Executive director Steven Brown said the ACLU is also considering filing a formal discrimination complaint with the federal Office of Civil Rights, in light of those layoffs. “The layoff of all three staff interpreters for the Southeast Asian community, as well as one of only two Portuguese interpreters, raises serious questions about the Department’s ability to comply with the agreement,” Brown said today. According to Brown, recent public comments on talk radio by the governor objecting to any state-funded interpreters at the agency "casts doubt on his commitment to acting in accordance with federal civil rights laws on the subject.” A spokesperson for the federal Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights said the agency “would not be able to make a judgment about whether or not a state was in compliance without a holistic analysis” of the state’s current program. -- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Photo: Rocking the Vote at RIC
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:41 PM | Comment Alum gives URI $1 million towards wellness centerSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The University of Rhode Island has received a $1 million donation to help construct a new student wellness center. The gift comes from Michael Fascitelli, a member of the class of 1978 and a real estate executive. The school says the money will go toward the $5.5 million renovation of the former Roger Williams Dining Hall. It will be converted to a wellness center that will include cardiovascular equipment, aerobics and dance studio space, as well as offer wellness workshops. URI says when it surveyed students about what they wanted to have campus, a wellness center was at the top of the list. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:47 PM | Comment AG seeks to try driver, 16, in fatal crash as an adultState Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch’s office today filed a motion in Family Court seeking to try as an adult the 16-year-old Barrington driver of the car in the car crash that killed Jonathan Converse, 16, this month in Barrington. The driver, whose name is being withheld because he is a juvenile, has been charged with one count of driving to endanger, death resulting, the attorney general's office said in a news release. The driver is scheduled to be back in Family Court on Dec. 17. The filing of the motion came on a day that saw another development in the matter: Barrington police announced that two Barrington teens who bought alcohol the night of the fatal crash did so at SNM Liquors in Providence. A store clerk, Sean Merilan, 37, of 491 Douglas Ave., 2nd floor, Providence, is slated to answer a charge of selling an alcoholic beverage to a minor in District Court, Providence, on Dec. 13. Lynch’s office has subpoenaed the driver’s medical records to see if he was under the influence at the time of the crash on New Meadow Road. “I never make the decision to try to waive a juvenile lightly because I believe in the rehabilitative power of our juvenile-justice system and of kids themselves,” Lynch said in the statement. “I didn’t make this decision lightly, but I make it resolutely. How many teenagers have to die before Rhode Island, collectively, grasps the fact that reckless and irresponsible behavior often results in human misery?” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Assistant Attorney General Susan Urso, chief of Lynch’s Juvenile Unit, and Assistant Attorney General Jay Sullivan filed the discretionary waiver motion before Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr., Lynch's office said. It will be up to Family Court to determine if waiving the youth is appropriate. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:04 PM | Comment Johnny's got a letter for his dad / Photo
CENTRAL FALLS -- Six-year-old Johnny Pina has a letter folded up eight times which he carefully opens like a treasure box to show other people. It’s a picture of a person with a big ball in his hand in front of bowling pins. The picture is of his dad, John Pina, 27, who has been training with the National Guard for the past 75 days in Fort Dix getting ready to go to Kuwait and then Iraq. “My dad loves bowling,” he says. Johnny and his classmates at Capt. G. Harold Hunt School spent part of today writing letters to his dad and the other men and women of the National Guard 103rd Field Artillery who will be deployed in mid-December to Kuwait and then Iraq. While his teacher Christine Cianciolo played American hymns like God Bless America, the children in Johnny's class wrote letters that say, “Thank you for fighting to protecting us,” and covered the letters with drawings, letters and words they are learning to write. They put stickers on them that say things like “You are my Hero” and “Love You.” Johnny will get to give his letter to his dad in person in a couple of weeks when his dad comes in December for four days before going to Kuwait. “I think those four days stick out in his mind,” says Cianciolo. “He is always saying four days." -- Journal staff writer Tatiana Pina Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:01 PM | Comment Examiner identifies 85-year-old found off GalileeThe body found in the water in the Port of Galilee, Narragansett, on Nov. 15 was that of Robert Forloney, 85, of South Kingstown, the State Medical Examiners office said today. The cause of death was "multiple traumatic injuries," the Medical Examiners news release said. The morning of Nov. 15, a ferry worker had informed Coast Guard that a man who frequented the docks could have fallen into the water. A walker was found at the end of the pier where the ferry is usually berthed and his car remained parked overnight on the dock. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:27 PM | Comment Airport promotes lawyer to fill in as executive directorWARWICK -- The Rhode Island Airport Corporation today promoted its top lawyer, Peter A. Frazier, to head the agency as it searches for a permanent replacement for Mark P. Brewer. Brewer, the executive director since 2004, is leaving next month to run the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire. He is paid $188,000 for overseeing T.F. Green Airport, the North Central airport and the state airports in Quonset, Block Island, Newport and Westerly. Frazier, the first staff attorney at the 15-year-old agency, will be responsible for three costly and complex projects: an $83.5-million renovation of the terminal, a $242-million new airport transportation hub and a controversial effort to expand the runway.
Kathleen C. Hittner, the agency’s chairwoman, says Frazier will succeed as temporary caretaker because he has been involved with those projects for several years. “We don’t expect any slowdown in any of our projects. He is a very good leader,” Hittner, an anesthesiologist and the president of The Miriam Hospital, said in an interview. “He really knows what’s going on, and he has a relationship with the board.” The agency’s Human Resources committee -- made up of members Robert Sangster, Joseph M. Cianciolo and James C. Forte -- endorsed Frazier as interim director on Nov. 14. The full board approved the appointment today. “The board recognizes Peter’s involvement in a number of critical airport projects and feels he will serve the corporation well in the interim position,” Hittner said in a statement after the vote. Frazier has worked for the agency for less than three years. He was hired in February 2005 as chief general counsel after leaving the Holland and Knight law firm. But Frazier has worked extensively in the aviation industry, according to Patti Goldstein, the agency’s spokeswoman. After completing a law degree from the University of Akron, in Ohio, Frazier earned a masters degree in air and space law at McGill University in Montreal. At Holland and Knight, he specialized in aviation law. Still, Frazier is not in the running to replace Brewer as the agency’s fourth director, Goldstein said. The board has hired The Mercer Group, of Atlanta, Ga., to lead a nationwide search for the post. “This is a very pivotal time for us,” Hittner said. “We want to make sure we do this right.” Frazier’s tenure as interim director, meanwhile, may be short. Today, Hittner said the board has scheduled five interviews for next month, including candidates identified by The Mercer Group and others who approached the agency. Brewer’s replacement could be named by next spring, Hittner said. “I don’t think it will be that long. It’s a pretty popular job,” Hittner said. “I don’t think we looked for a long-term, short-term solution.” Hittner declined to disclose the names of the candidates being interviewed next month. The airport corporation recently named a replacement for Laurie Cullen, the former senior vice president for planning, engineering and environment. Ann Clarke is scheduled to start next week, almost two years after Cullen left. The board is still searching for a successor to Marci Greenberger, the senior vice president of operations and maintenance. She left her position in August. In addition to the expansion projects, Brewer’s replacement will inherit an airport at perennial loggerheads with its neighbors and grappling with steep declines in passenger traffic. Last year, passenger traffic at Green plummeted by 9 percent, from 5.7 million in 2005 to 5.2 million last year. This year, airport officials project passenger traffic will be approximately 5 million, a 4-percent drop. But Hittner insists those trends will not discourage quality candidates. “It isn’t going to make it difficult,” she said. “We have people who are very interested in the challenge.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:24 PM | Comment Providence store ID'd as alcohol source in Barrington fatalBARRINGTON -- SNM Liquors on Douglas Avenue in Providence was the store where two Barrington teenagers bought alcohol that was involved in the New Meadow Road car crash that killed 16-year-old Jon Converse this month, the Barrington police said today. A store clerk, Sean Merilan, 37, is accused of making the sales, the police said in a news release. He is scheduled to appear in District Court, Providence, on Dec. 13 to answer the allegation of selling an alcoholic beverage to an underage person. The two boys who made the purchase, ages 16 and 17, will be petitioned to Family Court. They were not in the car at the time of the crash, Det. Josh Birrell said. On Nov. 5, prosecutors allege that a 16-year-old Barrington boy was driving a car more than twice the speed limit after drinking six beers. The car then struck a tree in the area of 200 New Meadow Road. Converse, who was not wearing a seat belt, was the front-seat passenger. He was declared dead at the scene. The driver and two back-seat passengers -- ages 16 and 17 -- survived. All four boys in the car were juniors at Barrington High School. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:20 PM | Comment Update: Providence fire brought under controlPROVIDENCE -- A heavy, second-floor fire at the 150 Rounds Ave. residence was brought under control just after 3 p.m. Two firefighters were taken to Rhode Island Hospital for what was believed to be minor injuries. The residence was occupied, but the person or people inside got out safely. The call for the fire came in at 2:21 p.m., according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. About 15 minutes later, the fire was designated a two-alarm. Taylor said National Grid was called to the three-story residence to cut the electricity as crews continue to work. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie Jefferson Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:23 PM | Comment Exec. director of RI Philharmonic has stepped downThe executive director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic has stepped down after being told he was being let go. David Wax, who joined the orchestra in 2001 after a long stint as head of the Houston Symphony, submitted his resignation to the board last week. In a news release, board president Almon C. Hall said that the board feels a “different form of leadership is required for the Philharmonic’s future growth. Hall would not elaborate on the phone except to say that board wants to look at the leadership skills required for the next five to seven years to “take this organization to a totally new level.” But Wax, in letter sent to board members, said that Hall told him that there was a “need for new executive leadership” and therefore the board wouldn’t be renewing his contract, which would have been up in the fall of 2008. Philharmonic conductor Larry Rachleff said that he was not consulted about the move to oust Wax and said that he was surprised when Wax told him about it on Nov. 17. Rachleff said he had a “wonderful” relationship with the executive director. -- Journal arts writer Channing Gray Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:00 PM | Comment Man who defrauded RISD to be sentenced tomorrowPROVIDENCE -- A Providence man who pleaded guilty to mail and tax fraud charges for defrauding the Rhode Island School of Design out of nearly $1 million in a billing scheme is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow at 11 a.m. Patrick Clyne, who was RISD fire safety manager for several years, set up a shell company that billed the college for work that was never done, U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office said in a statement. The maximum penalty for mail fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for filing a false tax return is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An information charged Clyne with one count of mail fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. An indictment returned in March accused Clyne and his wife, Ibtisama Bradley, of participating in the scheme. As a result of the plea, the government said it would dismiss that indictment and Bradley would not face any additional charges. From 1997 to November 2005, Clyne was RISD fire safety manager, overseeing and maintaining fire safety equipment, including alarm systems, emergency lighting, and fire extinguishers. He had authority to request and approve fire safety work for the school. Prosecutor Andrew J. Reich said at the plea hearing the government could show that in 1997 Clyne caused a company called Ankh Electric Ltd to be incorporated and bank account to be opened in the company’s name. Between 1997 and 2005, Clyne approved fraudulent invoices for fire safety work said to have been performed by Ankh Electric for RISD. RISD mailed checks to Ankh Electric, initially to 88 Manton Ave., and then to a Providence post office box. Over eight years, the fraudulent invoices totaled $981,794, but Ankh Electric did not provide the services described in the invoices. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Reich said the government could also prove Clyne filed a 2003 income tax return that failed to report all of $180,754 that RISD paid to Ankh Electric in 2003. Under the plea agreement, Clyne admitted to a total tax loss to the government of $162,743 between 2001 and 2005. Clyne is also forfeiting to the government any ownership interest in property that he and Bradley bought in Ballinamore, Ireland, with fraud-scheme proceeds. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:45 PM | Comment Working Fire on Rounds Ave., ProvidenceCrews are at the scene of a heavy, second-floor fire at 150 Rounds Ave in Providence, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. The call for the fire came in at 2:21 p.m. Fifteen minutes later, the fire was designated a two-alarm. Taylor said National Grid was called to the three-story residence to cut the electricity as crews continue to work. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:43 PM | Comment R.I. sex offender faces new charges in MaineA 36-year-old former Rhode Island man with a history of child molestation convictions that stretches back to the 90s has been arrested in Maine and faces new sexual assault charges. On Nov. 16, Olin Stevens was taken into police custody in Maine, where he was living, to await extradition to Woonsocket for failing to notify the police that he had moved. Four days later, allegations surfaced that Stevens had sexually assaulted two victims under the age of 14 in that state, according to Charles Rumsey, deputy chief of police in Watterville, Maine. He now faces two counts of gross sexual assault and two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with persons under the age of 14. Stevens was also in violation of Maine laws by not registering as a sex offender when he moved to the state. “We were not going to charge him for that,” Rumsey said, “simply because we were happy that Woonsocket was going to take him off our hands. Now we’re charging him with the whole laundry list.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:38 PM | Comment Trial of woman charged with DUI postponedThe trial for Kellie Woodbine has been postponed. Woodbine, of Cumberland, faces a charge of driving under the influence, death resulting and driving recklessly, death resulting after a crash on Route 95 that led to the death of her passenger, 16-year-old Samantha Marie Beaudette. The accident occurred near the Broadway overpass of Route 95 about 12:40 a.m. Dec. 30, 2005. Samantha, trapped in the wreckage, was severely burned. She died at Rhode Island Hospital on New Year's Day after surgery in which both legs were amputated. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:05 PM | Comment RIPTA does detours, tooFull tankers and local residents aren't the only ones affected by the new weigh restrictions on the Pawtucket River Bridge. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced an immediate detour for its #99 – Providence/Pawtucket line. The inbound bus to Providence will leave Roosevelt and take Main Street to High Street, then Exchange Street and finally onto Dexter-George, where it will pick up the old route. The route of the outbound bus to Pawtucket will remain the same. For schedule information, please call 781-9400 or visit ripta.com. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:00 PM | Comment Providence library to get an upgradeA 130-year institution is upgrading its information systems thanks to a $106,000 grant from the Champlain Foundations, an organization that awards grants to tax exempt organizations for renovations, expansions or debt payments. The Providence Public Library will use the money for a host of technology updates, including upgrades to hardware and expansion of public access to computers. Don’t be mistaken, the library already has a comprehensive Web site where visitors can download free audio books, send librarians questions via email, or view pages of old photographs from the library’s collection of historical documents. “This year’s grant will help us not only stay abreast of developments in technology,” Director Dale Thompson said in a statement, “but to move forward with varied digital library services as we pursue the Library’s mission in an increasingly technology savvy world.” -- staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:48 PM | Comment Study: R.I.'s wealthiest gave least to charity in 2005BOSTON -- An annual study on charitable giving finds Rhode Island's wealthiest residents gave the least money to charity in 2005. The wealthiest Rhode Islanders gave about $12,500 to charity in 2005. By comparison, wealthy residents in the top-ranked state, Wyoming, gave away an average of nearly $95,000. The Catalogue for Philanthropy ranks states on average income and average amount given to charity. For the first time, the 11th annual study measures only the philanthropic generosity of those with incomes above $200,000, based on 2005 federal tax data. The nonprofit organization has in the past faced criticism for not taking into account state-by-state tax burdens and cost of living. The latest study addresses those concerns. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:45 PM | Comment Supreme Court denies man's appeal for new trialPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court has upheld a lower court decision denying a convicted child molester's appeal for a new trial. James Woods appealed to the high court his conviction on two counts of second-degree child molestation after the Superior Court denied two motions for a new trial. Woods was living in Providence when he was accused of touching a girl on her buttocks and forcing her to rub his penis over his clothing, according to the state Supreme Court decision today. The girl's foster mother confronted Woods, who denied the allegations, and the foster mother reported the allegations to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, which sent an investigator to the home. The Providence police investigated and a warrant was issued for Woods on Jan. 20, 2004. Woods turned himself in on Feb. 3, 2004. A jury returned a guilty verdict after about 90 minutes of deliberation. Woods moved for a new trial, asserting that no reasonable jury could find the girl he was convicted of molesting credible. The Superior Court judge disagreed. Before the sentencing hearing, Woods filed another motion for a new trial based on new evidence. At an evidentiary hearing, the judge found that testimony from Woods' main witness was not credible and denied the motion. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:05 PM | Comment R.I. Airport Corp. will appoint interim directorWARWICK -- The Rhode Island Airport Corporation today will appoint an interim director to replace Mark P. Brewer, who is leaving next month to take over Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire. The corporation board has promised a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. In the meantime, the interim executive director will be overseeing three costly and complex projects, an $83.5-million renovation of the terminal, a $242-million transportation hub and a controversial effort to expand the runway. The board meeting begins at 4 p.m. at 2000 Post Road in Warwick. Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:38 AM | Comment Fire destroys almost-finished Block Island homeBLOCK ISLAND — A house that was in the final stages of construction was destroyed last night in a fire that was already shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived, said Fire Chief Ned Connelly. No one was living in the single-family, two-story house on Champlin Road, and no one was injured, Connelly and other town officials said. Firefighters were on the scene from about 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. It took about 45 minutes to an hour to get the fire under control and then several hours to make sure it was extinguished, Connelly said. About 25 firefighters responded and “did a great job combating this fire,” he said. “The roof was gone when we got here, flames were coming from everywhere,” he said. “It was a defensive operation from the very beginning.” Connelly said state fire marshals were expected on the first morning ferry to help with the investigation. -- Journal staff writer Randal Edgar Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:21 AM | Comment State police enforcing truck ban on 95 bridgePAWTUCKET -- As the state police handed out tickets to overweight trucks crossing the Pawtucket River Bridge on Route 95, the detours the state Department of Transportation has laid out to get trucks through the city's streets seemed to be working smoothly this morning. It wasn't clear what would happen during the rest of the day, but one of the DOT officials watching the situation this morning said the detours were working so smoothly that, "This is like watching grass grow." Paul T. Kennedy, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Trucking Association, said truck traffic seemed light, apparently because truckers were using the highway detours the DOT has set up around the city, primarily using routes 146 and 295. The DOT has posted a 22-ton weight limit on the bridge after discovering that many of its structural elements have deteriorated to the point that it can't carry its normal load. The DOT has set up detour signs on Route 95 north and south of the city directing truckers to the highway detours. The local detours, through city streets, are intended to carry trucks going to and from the immediate Pawtucket area. Fully loaded tractor-trailer trucks can weigh more than 100,000 pounds. A truck weighing that much can be fined as much as $8,000, the state police said. Troopers were using portable scales the size of a thin suitcase that can weight a truck anywhere it can park. One scale is put in front of each wheel and the driver told to move forward onto the scales. The DOT was filming a key intersection, at Marrin and George Streets, where the agency has blocked off the George Street ramp onto Route 95 northbound where it crosses the bridge, again because of deterioration of that edge of the bridge. But only a scattering of trucks were using the detour, which diverts traffic to the Division Street Bridge to cross the river. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis Posted by Jack Perry at 10:33 AM | Comment Pawtucket station owner hopes business isn't detoured
Right in the middle, just off the exit ramp, is a Sunoco gas station run by Omar Ahmed. In 2001, the School Street exit was closed for two months. Ahmed said it almost put him out of business. This morning, the fears returned after the state Department of Transportation said the detours may be in place for years. Although the exit ramp is still open, detours and blocked roads make it difficult for any traffic other than vehicles exiting the ramp to get into the station. It’s also likely that the stopped traffic and presence of police on several corners discourage people from making the U-turn from Prospect onto school Street. Ahmed said he was also upset with the lack of information he received from the DOT. “Nobody informed us,” he said. “They just started up yesterday.” Traffic driving east on Division Street and northbound on Prospect created a miniature traffic jam near the intersections of Prospect and School Street. Only a few trucks, which were re-routed to avoid the Pawtucket River Bridge, drove through the area this morning. They were, however, particularly conspicuous next to the no truck signs dotting the narrow streets. Traffic on the Route 95 slowed to about 25 mph just on the bridge this morning, but picked up after Exit 29 northbound and Exit 27 southbound. The brief backup made it just as short of a trip from the now-closed George Street entrance to the next entrance on the detour as on the highway. It may be frustrating, but if today is an indication, commuters may not have to worry about too much time lost – the detours added up to about three minutes. For Ahmed, however, the loss could be greater. He wants the government – whether local, state or federal to offer some assistance. “I’d like to see some sort of compensation,” he said, but he’s not optimistic. Six years ago, he said, “I talked to (state officials) and asked them to compensate me for my loss. They say they don’t do this.” -- Brandie Jefferson, projo.com staff writer Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:08 AM | Comment Mass. lawmakers consider bill that would ban spankingBOSTON -- A bill that would prohibit parents from spanking their children is being criticized as unnecessary and unenforceable by many Massachusetts lawmakers. The measure - being heard today by a legislative committee - defines corporal punishment as "the willful infliction of physical pain or injurious or humiliating treatment." Representative Jay Kaufman of Lexington said he submitted the bill at the request of a local nurse. Several lawmakers said parents are best able to decide on discipline, and point out that state law already bans the physical abuse or neglect of children. The state's highest court ruled in 1999 that parents could spank their children, so long as it doesn't cause serious bodily harm. Some lawmakers question how police could possibly enforce such a ban. The Legislature has ended formal sessions for 2007, so the earliest the bill could be debated would be next year. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 8:20 AM | Comment Last Reminder: Detours on Route 95 begin todayDetours on Route 95 in Pawtucket begin today, and you may want to get used to them. A state Department of Transportation official has said they may be in place for several years. Beginning today, vehicles weighing more than 22 tons will need to take detours to avoid the Pawtucket River Bridge, between exits 27 and 28. For trucks that need to go to Pawtucket, local detours have been posted today. The Northbound George Street entrance ramp will be closed to all traffic. Southbound traffic will be directed to exit at Exit 30/Roosevelt Avenue, in Central Falls and follow detour signs to the Cedar Street entrance ramp. Northbound traffic will use Exit 27 and follow signs to the Division Street Bridge, which will handle traffic that would normally use the George Street ramp. Browse alternate routes and maps at the DOT's Web site. The DOT’s acting chief engineer, Kazem Farhoumand said that the agency has not yet decided whether, or how much, to repair the bridge until it can be replaced. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:37 AM | Comment Race-car driver wins "Dancing with the Stars'LOS ANGELES -- Fan support is just as critical as fancy footwork when it comes to winning "Dancing With the Stars." As a pure dancer, Spice Girl Melanie Brown was easily the most polished finalist, consistently wowing the judges with her versatility and flair. She and her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, were the highest-scoring couple throughout the hit show's fifth season. But on Tuesday night, viewers snubbed Brown and gave the mirrorball trophy to race-car driver Helio Castroneves. The fourth consecutive man to win the contest, Castroneves' personality, enthusiasm and flashing smile - combined with an effortless quickstep on his final performance - clearly resonated more with voters. "It's not only about dancing, you know? It's about popularity," Castroneves said after the show. "That's what I'm actually very happy about." His partner, Julianne Hough, also had won last season's competition, with speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno. "She has an incredible fan base," Castroneves said. The only female winner has been Kelly Monaco, who took the crown during the first season in 2005. Despite her talents, Brown was unable to break the streak. She said that losing "was a horrible feeling. I'm not going to deny it." Earlier Tuesday, Marie Osmond was the first finalist to be eliminated. She probably deserved it after a doll-inspired freestyle dance that was panned by judges and bloggers alike. Osmond came into the finale in third place. Castroneves was in second, just one point behind Brown. At age 48, Osmond's frisky days were behind her, especially compared with young hotsteppers like Scary Spice or Sabrina Bryan of the Cheetah Girls. But Osmond said voters kept her afloat during the 10-week contest as she endured the death of her father and fainting on stage. "We knew every single week that we were here because of them," she said after the finale. "Obviously, I'm not the best dancer. We know that." The ABC show began in September with a dozen dancers. Model-actress Josie Maran was the first to be eliminated. Other nixed contestants were actresses Bryan, Jennie Garth and Jane Seymour, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, entertainer Wayne Newton, boxer Floyd Mayweather, model Albert Reed and actor Cameron Mathison. Mathison shed his shirt after his last dance Tuesday. Maybe if he had done that earlier, he would have ended up as the man holding the trophy Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment 2nd man on trial for murder in PawtucketPROVIDENCE -- The trial continues today in the case of a 20-year-old man in the killing of a Pawtucket woman last year. Barry Offley's uncle Alonzo P. Shelton, 29, of Central Falls, has already been convicted of murdering one woman and shooting another. Now Offley is on trial. Offley, 20, "revered" his uncle and "looked up to him," Offley's defense lawyer, Terence Livingston, said in his opening statement in Providence County Superior Court. On the early morning of July 27, 2006, when Shelton's estranged girlfriend Julie Lang was shot and her friend, Jessica Imran, 24, was murdered, Livingston said, Shelton was the killer. Offley had gone with his uncle to Imran's 88 Lawn Ave. apartment in Pawtucket because, Livingston said, he thought they were going to have sex with the women, or "hook up." In his opening statement today, prosecutor Paul Carnes said Julie Lang, despite being shot four times, was taken to the hospital after the shooting. "And when she was finally released from the hospital, months later," Carnes said, "she identified this defendant as the person who shot and killed her friend Jessica Imran and shot at her." -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Where did the warm weather go?What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, it was 60 degrees at 6 a.m. Today, it was about 30. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of 45 degrees with a northwest wind with gusts up to 22 mph. The temperature dips to 29 degrees tonight with calm, south winds. Tomorrow might bring some rain during the day. We'll start out with clouds, but may see some sun in the afternoon, when the temperature reaches the high 40s. For more weather, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:00 AM | Comment November 27, 2007Vacant building on fire on Veazie Street in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- A vacant 3 1/2-story building is on fire on Veazie Street, according to a fire official. Capt. James Taylor, chief of communications, said firefighters are checking out the wood-frame building at 88 Veazie St. to make sure no one is in it. No other information was available at this time. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:11 PM | Comment Tonight: Jazz, more jazz and a reborn Grateful DeadTonight there's a jazz ensemble, a jazz combo and jazz at AS220. On the other hand, there's the Grateful Dead reborn as Dark Star Orchestra. The Afro-Cuban and Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, directed by Eric Platz, and The Modal Jazz Combo, directed by Jared Sims, performs at University of Rhode Island, Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, Upper College Road (off Route 138), Kingston. Call (401) 874-2431. 7:30 p.m. $8; $2 students. The Alban Bailly/Heddy Boubaker Duo and Meghan Yates play jazz at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. (401) 831-9327. 10 p.m. $4. All ages. Dark Star Orchestra and The Bridge play rock at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. Call 331-5876, 272-5876, www.etix.com. 8 p.m. $20 advance; $25 day of show. The John Badessa Big Band plays swing at Lombardi's 1025 Club, 1025 Plainfield St., Johnston. Cal (401) 944-1025. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. For more event listings, visit projo.com's calendar page. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Cyber Monday spending up 21 percent from year beforeCyber Monday -- the online equivalent of old-school Black Friday -- racked up $733 million in online spending, up 21 percent from last year's Cyber Monday and an 84-percent increase from average daily online spending during the past four weeks. That is according to comScore, Inc. which measures the digital world and released figures late today. Amazon and Wal-Mart were the top retailers on Cyber Monday, comScore found. “Cyber Monday once again set a record with $733 million in sales, the first time a single day of online retail spending has broken the $700 million threshold," comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni said in a statement. "While that makes it the heaviest online shopping day on record, we expect that a number of individual shopping days during the coming weeks will surpass the Cyber Monday total, with some days potentially surpassing $800 million.” The company also found: * The number of online buyers was up 38 percent from Cyber Monday 2006, while the average money spent per buyer was down 12 percent. The drop in dollars per buyer may be because of deeper and broader price discounts offered by online merchants this year and because new Cyber Monday buyers tended to spend less online than returning buyers. * Six percent of the Internet users on Cyber Monday made an online buy. * Forty-four percent of Internet users on Cyber Monday shopped online -- visited an online retail site or used a comparison shopping engine. * Sixty percent of dollars spent online on Cyber Monday came from work computers, with the balance coming from home and university computers. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment Wind farm group to seek towers to get weather data firstThe company that wants to erect hundreds of wind turbines off the Rhode Island coast plans to first ask state regulators for permits to install four, 300-foot meteorological masts so it can gather weather data in the waters off Watch Hill, Block Island and Little Compton. Two top executives of Allco Renewable Energy Group Limited met with state energy coordinator Andrew Dzykewicz last week to try to answer concerns Dzykewicz raised when the company’s plans became public two weeks ago. Both sides said the meeting was cordial, but they don’t appear to agree on how Rhode Island should develop its potential coastal wind energy. Dzykewicz said state officials want to proceed with a stakeholder group to identify and permit acceptable sites along the coast, and then seek proposals from the many potential vendors who can develop wind farms. “I have a hard time -- with so many potential vendors out there -- committing to a single supplier,” Dzykewicz said today. “I’ve been preaching this as a Rhode Island project to benefit Rhode Islanders. If we are going to sell this, we have to convince people that someone is not going to come in and take away all the revenues." He also questioned whether Allco has the capital to develop a $1 billion wind farm. James Wavle, Allco’s managing director, and Bill Fischer, a Rhode Island public relations specialist, said in an interview today that they believe their proposal and the state’s plans can continue on parallel tracks. The state can continue with its stakeholder process for selecting sites, while the state’s coastal regulatory body, the Coastal Resources Management Council, can establish criteria for permitting wind farms, and then consider Allco’s application, they said. -- Journal environment writer Peter Lord Fischer said there are still many unknowns with the state’s plans. Governor Carcieri's proposal to create a new state energy agency never got out of a House committee last summer and nothing is certain about what the General Assembly’s intentions will be this winter, or when it will act. The state has a tremendous budget deficit that could thwart the governor’s plans as well, he said. “There are so many unknowns,” Fischer said. “CRMC has never regulated a wind farm. So with everything still in its infancy, we don’t think we’re disrupting the path he (Carcieri) has chosen.” The important thing to Allco, Wavle said, is that the state is committed to wind energy. And regardless of whether the wind farms are developed the way the state wants them, or whether “I can’t overstate the importance of the commitment of state government to renewables,” said Wavle. “The only places where windpower is happening is where states are committed.” Allco is a New York-based, private investment banking firm that specializes in renewable energy projects. It is investing in solar energy projects with Sun Edison LLC in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington, D.C., according to Fischer. The company filed its preliminary applications with CRMC in September. Spokeswoman Laura Ricketson-Dwyer said today the agency still needs more information from Allco before it can respond. CRMC staff will probably meet with Dzykewicz in a few weeks to start talking about how to permit and regulate wind farms, she said. While coastal wind farms are common in Europe, they are still rare in the United States. The Cape Wind company has been battling for five years to develop a wind farm in Nantucket Sound. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:43 PM | Comment Van Halen -- Eddie's guitar plus Roth -- coming to DunkPROVIDENCE -- Rock band Van Halen is performing at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in March, the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority announced today. The band, including David Lee Roth, is scheduled to perform on March 24, according to Lawrence J. Lepore, the arena's executive director. Tickets go on sale Dec. 8, Lepore told The Providence Journal today. The Rhode Island tour date is not yet listed on the band's Web site, www.van-halen.com. But Van Halen had planned to be performing on the East Coast around the same time. Dates have been scheduled for New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania for next March. Last month, the creators of "Hot for Teacher" played at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Head of Providence Preservation Society takes new jobPROVIDENCE -- Jack Gold, the well-respected director of the Providence Preservation Society, is leaving the local historic preservation group to take a job heading a similar organization in San Francisco. Gold, 56, came to Providence three years ago December, and since then the organization has doubled its endowment and is no longer running a deficit. The traditionally East Side-centered group has also expanded its focus to the West Side of the city during Gold’s tenure. He said that leaving Providence will be bittersweet -- while San Francisco is a bigger and more famous market, Providence has a great history and an ever-present role for preservationists. But Gold has a sister in San Francisco, and said he had always wanted to live there. “I’m at a point in my life where I’ve always loved that city, and when the opportunity came up I felt I had to take it,” he said. The San Francisco job will be somewhat similar to his Providence position, Gold said, but there is a shorter architectural history there, and fewer rules protecting historic buildings. There is a great deal of development in San Francisco, and the head of the local organization is expected to build partnerships with neighborhood groups and provide a preservationist’s take on new buildings and changes to neighborhoods. -- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi “It’s a similar organization with a larger membership,” Gold said. “It’s a bit of a different milieu, there aren’t as many government controls on preservation per se, so there’s more of a role for activism out there.” Preservation Society Board Chairman Mark Van Noppen said that Gold’s leaving for San Francisco actually speaks well of the Providence group. “We are delighted for Jack -- this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone in his position in the preservation world. It’s a real feather in PPS’s cap that San Francisco Architectural Heritage has hired Jack, who has been a great executive director for us during the past three years,” Van Noppen said. Gold’s last day will be Dec. 20. Van Noppen said that PPS will conduct a nationwide search for a successor. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:06 PM | Comment Pawtucket water board issues drought advisory, tipsPAWTUCKET -- The Pawtucket Water Supply Board has issued a drought advisory, saying water levels in its reservoirs are low and customers need to conserve. The water system’s reservoirs contain about 2.1 billion gallons, down from the 3.4 billion gallons that is typical for this time of year, said to Allen Champagne, the Water Supply Board’s source water manager. If the drought doesn’t ease during the winter, Champagne said, the water shortage will worsen, making it necessary to impose restrictions during the spring. The Water Supply Board supplies water to Pawtucket, part of Cumberland and all of Central Falls. To conserve water, the board says customers should: * Use dishwashers and washing machines only when full. -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Truck detours to avoid Pawtucket bridge could last yearsPAWTUCKET -- The detours that will begin routing trucks through local city streets tomorrow to keep them off a weakened Route 95 bridge could be needed for several years, a state Department of Transportation official said today. The DOT’s acting chief engineer, Kazem Farhoumand, also said the agency will carefully watch how its detour plan works during the next few days and will be ready to adjust it if necessary. The detours are intended to keep heavy truck traffic off the Pawtucket River Bridge, which the DOT has posted for a maximum of 22 tons because of the bridge’s deteriorated condition. The DOT said it would post the highway tonight, barring those trucks from the bridge. It will also close the northbound George Street entrance ramp, also because of deterioration of the bridge. Farhoumand said that the agency has not yet decided whether, or how much, to repair the bridge until it can be replaced. Asked during a news conference if the detours could continue for as long as five years, he said, "I do not know. We haven’t finished our analysis yet." But he said that a person guessing that it could take that long "could be right" if the DOT concludes that "it is not cost-effective to repair the bridge." Inspections have shown a variety of problems, mostly due to rust, affecting steel members scattered throughout the structure. He said that the 22-ton limit effective tomorrow, together with the closing of the entrance ramp, will keep the bridge safe. The DOT’s next step is to decide whether it is worth making repairs that would allow raising the weight limit above 22 tons until the bridge is replaced. Extra: Browse alternate routes, maps and more from the state DOT's Web site. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis There are large sums involved. Farhoumand estimated the cost of a new bridge at $40 million to $50 million. He said the DOT has already spent about $500,000 on repairs this year. The state, meanwhile, had tentatively budgeted $5 million to rehabilitate the bridge, a project now up in question. Asked whether the situation amounts to an emergency, Farhoumand said that the answer depends on your point of view. "If you’re one of those truckers, it is an emergency. From a safety point of view, it is not" an emergency. The DOT wants truckers going anywhere but the immediate Pawtucket area to use highway detours, like Routes 146 and 295, to get around the bridge. Locally, it has set up detours on local streets. Southbound traffic is to leave Route 95 at exit 30, Roosevelt Avenue, in Central Falls, and head south on that street, across Goff Avenue, Pine and Garden streets to the ramp from Cedar Street to Route 95 southbound. Northbound truck traffic will be directed off Route 95 at Exit 27 and follow Marrin Street, along the highway, and Division Street to the Division Street Bridge, which crosses the river just south of the Route 95 bridge. The DOT said it will make that bridge one way, making two lanes headed east, to carry northbound truck traffic and the traffic that would normally use the George Street ramp onto Route 95 northbound. Farhoumand said there may be traffic congestion at first as drivers get used to the changed traffic pattern. People have their habitual routes to work and elsewhere. "One you change that, there is a learning curve," he said, as people adapt. The DOT will have personnel on the scene tomorrow, he said, and local police will direct traffic and help keep it moving. He said that the DOT will "respond very quickly" if more signs are needed or traffic light timing needs adjustment. What the agency can’t do during the rest of the week, he said, it will do during the weekend, which it will have two days "to do everything else we can do" to make the detours work. Also, he said, if people who don’t need to be there would avoid the detour routes, he said, "We would certainly appreciate that." Will it work? Paul Kennedy, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Trucking Association, thinks it might -- if the DOT has the right signs up. "The trucking industry is basically used to this stuff," he said. Bridges and roads are regularly closed and big accidents block the highways. Truckers will find their way, "as long as there’s proper signage." "It’s the through trucks that I’m concerned about," he said. Truckers might be coming from the Carolinas headed for Boston, and "If the signage isn’t there, they’re going to end up going through the center of Pawtucket." That worries him. Big trucks going through local streets and pedestrians who aren’t used to them could be dangerous combination, he said. Extra: Check DOT Web cams for a live view of traffic. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:57 PM | Comment Photo: Small hands can be a big help
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:17 PM | Comment Lottery audit reveals slight drop in General Fund amountYou win some, you lose some. Revenue from state video lottery games, helped by the renovated Twin River in Lincoln, rose $91.2 million during the last fiscal year. But revenue from online and instant lottery games was down about $16 million. Those figures, along with expenses, according to a state audit of the Rhode Island Lottery released today, mean the Lottery’s contribution to the General Fund is down about one percent, to $320.9 million. The Lottery, a division of the state Revenue Department, had about $78 million more in expenses in fiscal year 2007, which ended June 30, than in the previous year. The bulk of these expenses came from larger payouts, according to Financial Administrator Daniel Sarro. The Lottery paid out about $80 million more in prize money in FY 2007 than in FY 2006. But that, Sarro said, was not what led to the decrease in the Lottery’s contribution to the General Fund. “How much we can turn over to the state to help with programs is based on the amount of sales,” he said. “The prizes, you really don’t have control over.” Sarro did not have a concrete reason for the drop in sales but suggested general economic conditions were to blame. “The more people pay for fuel,” he said, maybe “the less money they have for Powerball and so on.” Read the state's audit of the Rhode Island Lottery for the FY 2007. Compare it to the audit for FY 2006. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 5:03 PM | Comment Police probing shots fired from car in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- The police are investigating an incident late last night in which the occupant of a passing car fired a handgun at another car in the West End. A man and a woman from Cranston, Juan Espinal, 22, and Elsida Nin, 21, both of 955 Dyer Ave., told the police that they were in an eastbound car on Superior Street shortly after 11 p.m. and that shots were fired at them from a car that pulled alongside theirs. Neither Espinal nor Nin was struck by any of the three shots they said were fired. But the police later found a bullet lodged in the bumper of their car. After the shots were fired, Espinal, who was driving, said he turned east on Dexter Street and that the shooter’s car turned west on Dexter and left. The victims were unable to provide a useful description of the shooter’s car, according to the police. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:20 PM | Comment Photo: Putting a green thumb to work for the holidays
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:11 PM | Comment Traffic advisory: overturned vehicle on Rte. 295 southAn overturned vehicle in the area of exit 10 is blocking two lanes on Route 295 south, the state Transportation Management Center is warning at this hour. Exit 10 is for Route 122. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:08 PM | Comment Arrests made in rash of Warwick housebreaksWARWICK -- Two men have been charged in a rash of housebreaks in which laptops, televisions, video game systems and more were grabbed. And the father of one of the men has been charged with obstructing the police investigation. The police announced today that Derek Leblanc, 18, of 259 Buttonwoods Ave., Warwick, is charged with three counts of breaking and entering, four counts of conspiracy, three counts of possession of stolen goods, larceny of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and carrying firearm without a license. Robert L. Angell, of no permanant address, is charged with three counts of breaking and entering, four counts of conspiracy, larceny of a firearm, and possession of a stolen good, according to the police. David Leblanc, 49, Derek’s father, of the same Buttonwoods Avenue residence, is charged with obstructing the investigation based on false statements he made to the police, according to the police statement. In early October, Warwick police noticed similarities in a series of house breaks: through back doors or windows, with some doors kicked in. Items grabbed included firearms, liquid crystal display television sets, Xboxes and other video game systems, laptops, tools, and jewelry. The housebreaks happened over six weeks. About the same time, similar break-ins were reported in North Kingstown and Coventry where firearms were taken along with similar items taken in the Warwick housebreaks. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Warwick detectives learned Leblanc had pawned items at a Providence pawn shop using his brother’s name. He had also sold items stolen from some Warwick housebreaks at a Warwick electronics store in Warwick, the police said. Detectives seized stolen items from those businesses -- items later linked to another housebreak in Warwick's Greenwood section, including power tools, numerous laptops, electronics, and liquid crystal display televisions. On Nov. 14, the older Leblanc -- Derek's father -- surrendered a handgun that was later found to have come from one Warwick housebreak. Witnesses at the pawn shop and electronics store identified Derek Leblanc as selling the stolen items along with another suspect yet to be identified, according to the police. Derek Leblanc was arrested at his home later that day and preliminarily charged with possession of stolen goods over $500, a felony. The police said he was also a violator based on a previous Warwick arrest, which is pending. Two others were charged in connection with the breaks. Derrick Hutchins, 19, of 249 Natick Ave., Warwick, is charged with conspiracy relative to arranging the sale of a stolen handgun taken in a Warwick housebreak. Raymond Unwin, 31, of 121 Church St., Woonsocket, is charged with conspiracy and possession of the stolen gun. Woonsocket police tried to arrest Unwin at his residence, but he was found to be temporarily out of state. The warrant is outstanding on Unwin. Warwick detectives recovered the gun.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:25 PM | Comment Rhode Island Hospital commended day after reprimandTwo Lifespan hospitals were named to a list of 100 Best hospitals by the Thompson Corp. The Miriam and Rhode Island Hospitals were ranked at about the middle of the list of hospitals for its cardiovascular services. The list as released today, one day after the state Department of Health reprimanded and fined Rhode Island Hospital $50,000 for the third wrong-site surgery in one year in its neurology department. The rankings were based on clinical outcomes related to congestive heart failure, heart attacks, coronary artery bypass grafts, and percutaneous coronary interventions – such as angioplasties. The results of the hospitals that made the list included stays that were, on average, 12 percent shorter and costs that were about $2,000 less than non-listed hospitals. See the complete list: a href="http://www.100tophospitals.com/winners/cardiowinners.aspx">2007 Thomson 100 Top Hospitals®: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:48 PM | Comment Rah-Rah, we're going to Florida!A group of cheerleaders from Rhode Island is heading to Florida to compete for a national title. The Exeter-West Greenwich Knights Pee Wee Cheerleaders are the New England Regional Champs for Division 12, small team, after a win Sunday in Worcester, Mass. Next stop: the University of Florida, for the American Youth Cheer National Championship Title. The team of middle school Cheerleaders began their ascent to the Championships in October, when they won the Blackstone Valley Youth Cheerleading Competition at the Community College of Rhode Island. Now the championship team will compete in Florida Dec. 5 -7. The team is coached by Laurie Jordan, Brittany Hedger, Karen Peltier and Krisine Demoranville; Laurie Demoranville is the cheer coordinator. Click below for a list of team members. Danielle Moore Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:37 PM | Comment Voters turn out for special election in Warwick/ Photo
Three candidates are competing in a special election in Warwick District 22 to replace Democratic Rep. Peter Ginaitt, who resigned this summer. They are Democrat Frank G. Ferri, 53, of 38 Lippitt Ave.; Republican Jonathan Wheeler, 41, of 444 Warwick Neck Ave., and independent Carlo Pisaturo, 66, of 181 Narragansett Bay Ave. District 22 includes the upscale Warwick Neck section of the city, the more modest Oakland Beach neighborhood and parts of Conimicut. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at these locations: Ward 4, District 5: Warren Sherman School, 120 Killey Ave. Ward 5, Districts 1, 4: John Greene Elementary School, 51 Draper Ave. Ward 5, District 2: Warren Sherman School. Ward 5, Districts 3, 5, 6: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 358 Warwick Neck Ave. Ward 6, District 1: JONAH Community Center, 830 Oakland Beach Ave. More information about polling places is available at the Warwick Board of Canvassers, (401) 738-2000 x6222. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:33 PM | Comment Providence is getting a full marathon in MayPROVIDENCE -- A new full marathon is coming to the city, officials announced today, and it will include a charity component in the name of a Rhode Island State Trooper who is recovering from serious injuries. The marathon, which will be a qualifier for the 2009 Boston Marathon, will be on May 4. There will also be a half-marathon, a marathon relay and a 5K race, all part of the Cox Providence Rhode Races. One of the charitable beneficiaries is the Brendan Doyle Recovery Fund, which benefits state trooper Brendan Doyle, son of Johnson & Wales All-American runner Bobby Doyle. A former state correctional officer is accused of punching Doyle, who was off duty, in Providence over the summer. Last week, a Superior Court judge ordered the accused, James Proulx, held on $100,000 bail. Other charitable partners include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Cox Charities New England. The race will start at Johnson & Wales' Harborside Campus, winding through Roger Williams Park toward the city's East Side, and down Blackstone Boulevard. A short trip through the downtown culminates in the finish line at Gaebe Commons on the university’s downcity campus. Runners can register online through the marathon's Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney The new marathon is co-sponsored by Johnson & Wales University. It will also pay tribute to people with Johnson & Wales ties. There will be an award in the name of Col. John McNulty, a former Johnson & Wales administrator who helped launch cross country racing at the-then Johnson and Wales Junior College. The university "has had a long tradition of participating in cross country racing which dates back to the early sixties,” Irving Schneider, president of the Providence campus of Johnson & Wales, said in the statement. “We are proud to be a part of this premier athletic event. He added that the race would provide students with "practical experience" in marketing, sponsorship sales, operations and planning through internships with Eident Sports Marketing. “Eident Sports Marketing is looking forward to developing the Cox Providence Rhode Races into one of the country’s premier running events,” said John Mathews, president of Eident Sports Marketing. “We aim to make this not only a top notch marathon, but an educational experience for the students of Johnson & Wales University and an enjoyable event for the greater Providence and Rhode Island communities.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:53 PM | Comment Trial of convicted killer's alleged accomplice under wayPROVIDENCE -- Six months after a Central Falls man was convicted of murdering one woman and shooting another, the man's nephew and alleged accomplice Barry Offley went on trial today. Offley, 20, "revered" his uncle, 29-year-old Alonzo P. Shelton, and "looked up to him," Offley's defense lawyer, Terence Livingston, said in his opening statement in Providence County Superior Court. On the early morning of July 27, 2006, when Shelton's estranged girlfriend Julie Lang was shot and her friend, Jessica Imran, 24, was murdered, Livingston said, Shelton was the killer. Offley had gone with his uncle to Imran's 88 Lawn Ave. apartment in Pawtucket because, Livingston said, he thought they were going to have sex with the women, or "hook up." In his opening statement today, prosecutor Paul Carnes said Julie Lang, despite being shot four times, was taken to the hospital after the shooting. "And when she was finally realeased from the hospital, months later," Carnes said, "she identified this defendant as the person who shot and killed her friend Jessica Imran and shot at her." -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Offley's trial on charges of murder, conspiracy to murder, assault with intent to murder, and discharging a firearm, death resulting, is expected to last a week and a half. Shelton, who had addresses in Providence and Central Falls, and Offley, who lived in Providence, were arrested in Ocala, Fla., six weeks after the shooting. Shelton was found guilty last May of murdering Imran and shooting the other woman, Julie Lang, his accuser in the drug case, multiple times. Shelton was found guilty of murdering Imran despite Lang's testimony that he didn't actually pull the trigger. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:09 PM | Comment RIC students vote early, real earlyRhode Island College is getting a jump on Decision 2008. Students tomorrow will cast votes in a "primary" for the current crop of presidential contenders. The college said in a news release today that the primary is one of a year's worth of efforts aimed at "engaging college students in the electoral process and urging them to vote in the 2008 presidential election." The college, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and the state Board of Elections will hold a "campaign rally" tonight from 6 to 9 in Roberts Auditorium, where representatives from each candidate’s campaign will discuss issues of the 2008 election. Represenatives from the campaigns of Giuliani, Romney, McCain, Thompson, Tancredo, Biden, Clinton, Edwards, Gravel, Obama, Kucinich, Huckabee and Paul have confirmed they will be at tonight's rally, the college said. Each presidential campaign representative is invited to hold a demonstration to drum up support for his or her candidate and answer student questions. Commercials and taped messages from candidates will be shown during the rally. Victor Profughi, a Rhode Island College professor emeritus of political science, will moderate. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:25 PM | Comment Traffic: Left lane of Rt. 146 in Providence re-openedPROVIDENCE -- All lanes on Route 146 north have been re-opened after officials cleared a late-morning accident. The right lane on Route 146 northbound near the intersection with Admiral Street had been closed after an accident. For up-to-date traffic conditions, check the Transportation Management Center's Web site. To see for yourself how the roads look, check out the traffic cameras.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:24 AM | Comment Astor's son, accused of mishandling estate, indictedNEW YORK -- Brooke Astor's only son and his lawyer have been indicted on charges apparently stemming from their handling of the late socialite's $198 million estate, a defense attorney said. Michael S. Ross, attorney for lawyer Francis X. Morrissey Jr., said Monday he received a telephone call from the Manhattan district attorney's office informing him of the indictments against Morrissey and Astor's son, Anthony D. Marshall, 83. "He has been indicted," Ross said about Morrissey. He said the charges had not been unsealed and he didn't know what they were pending a hearing expected today. Morrissey and Marshall, a Broadway producer, had been accused in a civil suit by Marshall's son of misappropriating cash, real estate, securities and other property belonging to the socialite, who died in August at age 105. Marshall's son, Philip, a professor at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., prompted the criminal investigation last year after he accused his father of neglecting Astor's care and stealing her money. He said Monday he did not know his father had been indicted. -- Associated Press A Manhattan grand jury heard testimony for almost a month about the district attorney's investigation of how Marshall and Morrissey managed Astor's estate. Ross said Morrissey was out of town Monday and would return later in the week. He said he thought Marshall would be arraigned today. Marshall's current lawyer, Kenneth Warner, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment Monday. Prosecutors declined to comment. Philip Marshall's spokesman, Frazier Seitel, said his client had testified before the grand jury. Seitel said banker David Rockefeller, who had spoken out on behalf of Philip Marshall's side of the dispute, had not. Astor, known for decades as the grande dame of New York society and philanthropy, gave away nearly $200 million to institutions such as the New York Public Library and Carnegie Hall and to other causes. In the final year of her life, the nasty family feud over her care was splashed all over the city's tabloids - including allegations that she was forced to sleep on a couch that smelled of urine while subsisting on a diet of pureed peas and oatmeal. Anthony Marshall is a former diplomat and producer who won Tony awards in 2003 and 2004. He has denied allegations that he abused his mother's trust - saying that he cared about her more than anyone else. In the early 20th century, the Astor family spent many summers at its Beechwood mansion on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, R.I. The building still offers tours and performances featuring actors portraying the Astor family. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:06 AM | Comment Former Mass. DA's wife to remain in jailNEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- The wife of the former Bristol County District Attorney has been jailed after a judge found she'd violated her probation on drunken driving charges. Judge William Riley said Sheila Martines Pina, a former Rhode Island television personality, will remain in jail until she can be moved to inpatient hospital for treatment of alcoholism. The hospital stay will last at least six months. During her probation afterward, she must submit to drug and alcohol testing and will be confined to her home for all but six hours daily. The wife of former district attorney Ronald Pina, Martines Pina has three drunken driving convictions. Martines Pina finished serving 150 days for her third conviction on October 23, but was back in jail November 16 after failing to report to probation officials. -- The Associated Press with information from The Herald News Posted by Jack Perry at 9:29 AM | Comment Suspect in three-year-old murder in court todayA man who was 18 years old when he was arrested for murdering a 17-year-old on Elmwood Avenue is scheduled to appear in court today. Marquise Jones is now 21 years old. He is scheduled for a bail hearing today in Providence Superior Court. In March 2005, Jones was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Charlotte, N.C., while taking out the trash at the house of a relative more than three months after the murder of Brian Davis. The police say on Dec. 7, 2004, Davis and two men were driving on Route 95 when they noticed a car driven by men they knew as enemies. The trio exited, but the other car followed, the police said, and shot at the car Davis was in, hitting him in the back of the head. He died two days later. The police say Jones shot out of the car -- which was stolen -- with a handgun. Also wounded in the attack were Davis' companions, Oliver Channing, 19, and Malcolm Pulliam, 29, both of Providence. -- with Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:22 AM | Comment Health director discusses wrong-site surgery on radioSometimes, when you are cooking, you get distracted, state Health Director David R. Gifford said this morning on WPRO radio. The phone rings, a baby cries, someone’s at the door. “You forget, and leave an ingredient out,” Gifford said. “’Did I put that in or not?’” That, he said, is an analogous to what happened at Rhode Island Hospital Friday, when a surgeon began to operate on the wrong side of a patient’s head. The surgeon realized the error and completed the procedure in the right spot. It was the third wrong-site surgery at the hospital this year. A patient died a few days after a wrong-site surgery in July. The Health Department fined the hospital $50,000 and state licensing boards for doctors and nurses will investigate whether to take disciplinary action. The hospital will also have to provide the Health Department with a checklist that employees will follow before beginning a procedure. Gifford told the Journal yesterday that the blame probably lies with the hospital’s systems for preventing errors. “Errors occur because things slip through the cracks,” Gifford said this morning. Read the Health Department's compliance order to the hospital after this month's incident. Read the Health Department's compliance order to the hospital after the July 30th incident. -- projo.com writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:56 AM | Comment Reminder: Route 95 detours begin tomorrowJust another reminder, three and five axle trucks that weigh more than 22 tons will find a detour in place on Route 95 in Pawtucket tomorrow. Between exits 27 and 28, trucks will have to follow one of three recommended detours. Trucks bypassing Providence can use Route 295; Trucks going north to Massachusetts can use Route 295 south to Route 146 south. Trucks that need to get off in Pawtucket will have to follow local detours. Detour for trucks driving south on Route 95 Detour for trucks driving north on Route 95 Division Street westbound detour for cars to the George Street exit Car detour to Route 95 north at the closed George Street entrance ramp. Don't worry, we'll remind you again tomorrow. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:42 AM | Comment Ted Kennedy inks deal for memoirNEW YORK -- Senator Edward Kennedy is joining the ranks of politicians with blockbuster book deals. The youngest and last surviving brother of the country's most famous political siblings has sold the rights to his memoirs to the Hachette Book Group. Financial terms aren't being released, but a publishing official says the deal is comparable to ones given to other politicians recently. Hillary Clinton got $8 million dollars for her book, while former British Prime Minister Tony Blair received $9 million for his upcoming memoir. Kennedy, the father of U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., has the same agent as Clinton and Blair. The Massachusetts senator says he's been fortunate to have "a front row seat at many key events" in the nation's history. He wants the book to give a "more in-depth picture" of the Kennedys. The autobiography is slated to come out in 2010. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:32 AM | Comment Reporter's query: Are you going green this season?Are you planning to buy any green gifts this Christmas, and if so, where are you finding the best presents in Rhode Island? Are you considering charitable donations in lieu of buying presents, and if so, what motivated that decision? Which organization did you choose, and do you think your gift will be well-received by your loved ones? Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:11 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Route 95 PawtucketOne lane is closed on Route 95 northbound in Pawtucket after an accident this morning. The right lane is closed near Exit 29/Boradway Cottage Street/Route 1. For updated traffic information, check the Transportation Management Center’s Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:10 AM | Comment Free holiday parking starts today in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Holiday shoppers have one less thing to worry about when hitting the stores around Providence. The city is resuming its annual tradition of giving free street parking in key shopping neighborhoods. The program starts today and goes through New Year's Day. Motorists in neighborhoods including downtown, Wayland Square, Atwells Avenue and Broad Street will be able to park for free from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at metered parking spaces. The city also won't give tickets for parking longer than the posted time in those neighborhoods. The city warns that cars are still not allowed to park in tow zones or crosswalks. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Sunny and warmDon't get too excited. It's near 60 degrees now, but the temperature is falling. The National Weather Service is forecasting 50 degrees by early evening. But the sun is here to stay. And if you get outside soon, look for the moon in the west; bright red Mars is still visible just about 2 degrees below. This evening the skies should remain clear and the temperature will drop to about freezing. Winds should pick up from the west with gusts as high as 23 mph. Tomorrow look for clear, sunny skies and a high temperature in the low 40s. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features the story of Rhode Island Hospital's being fined $50,000 after a doctor starting operating on the wrong side of a patient's head, the third wrong-site surgery at the hospital this year. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 26, 2007Tonight: The dish on Julia Child, in East ProvidenceHurry over, if you're interested, to hear author/chef Nancy Verde Barr tonight when she will sign copies of her book on Julia Child, who popularized the television chef and brought French cooking to so many. The discussion and book signing is free and will be held at Weaver Library in East Providence at 7 p.m. The book is "Backstage with Julia." Barr, who was a longtime executive chef to Child, will talk about what it was like to work with her on her shows. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment Update: Solid start to holiday shopping seasonA lot of Americans spent money shopping during the four-day Thanksgiving period but they each spent a little less than last year, according to data compiled by market researchers, giving retailers a solid yet unconvincing start to the holiday season. While more people were out shopping, they spent less this year than last, an average of $347.55 versus $360.15 each last year, according to a joint survey by BIGresearch and the National Retail Federation. BIGresearch said 44.1 percent of those surveyed shopped over the four-day Thanksgiving period, up from 42.9 percent last year and 41.8 percent in 2005 and the NRF said 147 million people visited stores over the four-day period. The weekend activity was followed by a Monday expected to be one of the busiest online shopping days on record, though final tallies won’t be ready until later this week. “If there was any doubt that the consumers would be out there,” the weekend may have eased those worries, said Paul T. DeRoche, vice president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “People were out there shopping.” Sales on the day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, rose 8.3 percent to an estimated $10.3 billion, according to ShopperTrak RCT Corp. Americans still have a lot of spending to do if they are to eclipse predictions for a conservative retailing holiday, an outlook emphasized by a number of observers. The months of November and December are critical for retailers because, combined, they represent 20 percent of stores’ annual revenue. Today will be just as critical for retailers as the day after Thanksgiving, as one market research firm predicted it would be the largest online shopping day ever. The Monday after Thanksgiving even has its own marketing shorthand -- Cyber Monday -- because online sales spike after the long weekend. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi “Though Black Friday was a complete success for many retailers, the results of the holiday season won’t be determined until the last two weeks of December,” said NRF President Tracy Mullin in a statement. At least one Wall Street stock analyst agrees with Mullin. “We are at the beginning of the 32 days of up-and-down data with [profit] margins at the end of the key pre-Christmas selling days being as or more important than this first weekend,” Gary Balter, a Credit Suisse analyst wrote in a note to investors. While online sales were $531 million on Black Friday, according to ComScore Networks, sales today could surpass $700 million, making it the heaviest online spending day on record. (Actual sales figures won’t be available to later in the week at the earliest.) Spending preferences online are getting more and more like those people exhibit in stores, according to the analysts, as clothing becomes a popular item to hunt and purchase. Nearly half of all who shopped over Thanksgiving, 46.8 percent bought clothing or clothing accessories, while 41.7 percent said they bought books, CDs or other media products, according to the BIGresearch/National Retail Federation survey. Nearly, 26 percent bought consumer electronics or computer-related accessories. Electronics for years had reigned as the top Web search term during the holidays, but no more, according to an analyst with Yahoo! “Apparel is actually our top [search] category the last few years electronics has been a top category,” said Fiona Lake Waslander, director or Yahoo! Shopping, the Web portal. “It points to a broader audience shopping online.” “A lot of retailers are giving 60 to 65 percent off on clothes” sold online, said Kyle Langley, one reason electronics and toys may slip out of the top purchasing categories, Langley said. About 30 percent of consumers will shop today, according to Langley, senior research manager in the retail research group at Maritz. "Online retailers stepped up their promotions on Cyber Monday this year, and millions of consumers responded,” said Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, the organization that coined the term. “If there was any doubt before, this year it is certain: Cyber Monday is a permanent fixture on the retail calendar,” Silverman said. Regardless of how much people spend online today, analysts expect the next two Mondays -- Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 -- to be bigger shopping days on the Web, as Americans take advantage of increasing price discounts and speedier shipping systems. Americans will spend about $637 each on holiday shopping, in all, online and elsewhere, according to St. Louis-based Maritz. The National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend $470.10 each on gifts this year and forecasts holiday shopping sales will rise 4 percent overall, to $474.4 billion. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:57 PM | Comment Traffic alert: Two accidents causing delaysIn Providence, an accident on Route 146 north in the area where it meets Branch Avenue this evening is causing traffic delays, the state Transportation Management Center cautions. In Pawtucket, an accident in the area of exit 29 on Route 95 north is causing delays as well, the TMC reports. That is the Broadway/Cottage Street exit. Check the status of the accidents and browse Webcam views of area highways at the TMC's Web site. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:34 PM | Comment Man who died after truck rollover in Exeter is identifiedThe Connecticut man who died Tuesday after his pickup truck rolled over in Exeter has been identified as George A. White, 53, of Andover, Conn., and the cause of death was a heart problem, authorities said. A spokeswoman at the Medical Examiner’s office said today that the cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia complicating arterial sclerotic hypertensive cardiovascular disease. State Police Capt. James Swanberg said today that alcohol was not a factor in the accident last Tuesday on Exeter Road, about half a mile from Route 2. He was not wearing a seatbelt. Rescue workers freed the unconscious man from the truck and took him to South County Hospital, where he was declared dead. He is survived by his parents, Frank Allen and Marion Theresa (Gagne) White of East Hartford, three sisters in Connecticut and six nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. from the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 East Hartford, Conn., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Rose Church, 33 Church St., East Hartford and burial in Silver Lane Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Arthritis Foundation, Connecticut Chapter, 35 Cold Springs Road, Suite 411, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3611 or Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, c/o Hartford Hospital, Fund Development Office, 80 Seymour St. P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT, 06102-5037. -- Journal staff writer Donita Naylor Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:55 PM | Comment Providence taking a break on OT parking violationsPROVIDENCE -- In parts of the city this holiday season, people will catch a break from the bain of the parking meter: Overtime violations. Starting tomorrow and running through Jan. 1, no tickets for violations will be given at metered parking spaces or parking spaces with time limits, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in these areas: * Downtown Providence -- bounded by Steeple Street, west to Route 95; Route 95 south to Route 195; Route 195 east to Point Street; Point Street to Wickenden Street; north on South Main to North Main Street at Steeple Street. Cars busting the time limits before the 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. cycle will be subject to ticketing. Mayor David N. Cicilline's office today announced the easing of ticketing for the holidays "aimed at making it easier for people to enjoy the excitement of Providence." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:52 PM | Comment Another R.I. Hospital doctor operates on the wrong sideA doctor at Rhode Island Hospital operated on the wrong side of a patient’s head on Friday, barely four months after a similar incident at the same hospital. The Health Department today fined the hospital $50,000, noting that this was third wrong-site surgery at the hospital this year, and the fourth in six years -- all involving neurosurgery. Friday’s surgery occurred at a patient’s bedside. The chief resident performed a procedure to remove blood that had pooled between the patient’s brain and skull on the left side. The resident, a doctor-in-training, began drilling a hole on the wrong side, realized the error, and completed the procedure on the correct side, the left. The hospital notified the Health Department on Friday, and a Health Department investigation determined that no staff member present during the procedure verified the site as dictated by hospital policy. “The repeated nature of these events suggests a system and culture problem with patient safety that needs to be addressed,” said a Health Department statement. The department ordered the hospital to have a fully licensed physician attend every neurosurgical procedure from beginning to end, and to require the operating physician to complete a checklist before starting. Read the Health Department's compliance order stemming from the incident. The previous incident, which occurred July 30, involved an emergency procedure in an operating room. An 86-year-old patient arrived at the hospital emergency room three days after a fall, and was found to have blood between his brain and skull. Neurosurgeon J. Frederick Harrington didn’t check the CT scans to see which side to work on, and instead relied on his memory. Harrington drilled into the wrong side of the patient’s head, realized his error, and immediately operated on the correct side. The patient died a week later. Read the Health Department's compliance order stemming from this incident. -- Journal medical writer Felice J. Freyer Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:47 PM | Comment Suspect sought in afternoon Pawtucket bank robberyPAWTUCKET -- The police are seeking a man who robbed a Sovereign Bank on Main Street this afternoon after handing a teller a note that referred to a weapon and demanded money. The suspect is described as a white male, about 25 to 30 years old, 5-foot-8 to 6-feet tall, wearing a baseball cap with a logo on the front, glasses, and a dark jacket, according to a Pawtucket police news release. The suspect went into the the bank at 215 Main St. at about 2:40 p.m. and gave the teller a note. The police ask that anyone with information related to the robbery or identification of the suspect call Detective Donti Rosciti at (401) 727-9100, ext. 737. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:30 PM | Comment Three lead paint makers object to $2.4 billion cleanupPROVIDENCE -- Three former lead paint manufacturers are objecting to a proposal by the state that would force them to pay an estimated $2.4 billion to clean up roughly 240,000 homes contaminated with lead paint. The companies last year lost a public nuisance lawsuit brought by the state. But they say the state's proposal has serious legal problems and are asking a judge to strike it down. For instance, the companies say they don't have the authority to access properties contaminated with lead paint. They also say the clean-up plan can't cover individual homes since no evidence on specific properties was presented at trial. Jack McConnell, an attorney for the state, says the companies' arguments have already been rejected. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:24 PM | Comment Ex-bank manager faces sentencing in electronics scamA former Bank Rhode Island branch manager faces prison time for his part in a 2005 scam that put the Providence-based bank on the hook for more than $3 million in losses and left electronics distributors and others out millions more. A federal judge will sentence David Carpenter, 34, of Cranston, in April as a result of a guilty plea the former bank official made last week in federal court in Providence. During a hearing Wednesday before Judge William E. Smith in U.S. District Court, acknowledged that he accepted a bribe in exchange for helping defraud the bank of nearly $1 million -- the amount the bank lost before the fraud was discovered. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence called the job "significant motivation" for Carpenter's actions, while Carpenter's lawyer described him as being conned himself in a scheme that bilked nearly $15 million from people nationwide. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi The deposit letters assured other companies that Mixitforme.com had enough money in its accounts to pay for the goods it ordered from them. Banks issue letters of credit that serve as guarantees for payment to a specified person under pre-set conditions. With those documents in hand, the people who headed Mixitforme persuaded a California firm to ship consumer electronics products worth nearly $1.5 million either to the Providence company or directly to its customers. Carpenter went to work for Mixitforme in early November 2005 as its chief financial officer, a job that was to pay him $120,000 a year. The salary was about twice what he made as a bank branch manager, according to Jeffrey Pine, Carpenter’s lawyer. Bank Rhode Island officials learned of the unauthorized documents within days of Carpenter’s departure when eCost.com., of Torrance, Calif., wanted to get paid for the electronic gadgets it had shipped out, said Tom Connell, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney here. “A significant motivation was his desire to work for Mixitforme,” Connell said. The bank was forced to pay $1.5 million to eCost because of the financial commitments, though Bank Rhode Island later recovered $545,000 from Mixitforme. In a statement e-mailed to The Journal last week, the bank said it recovered $800,000 from an insurer, enough to cover some of the loss resulting from the incident. Carpenter has greed to pay the bank $945,605 as a result of a deal he made with federal authorities, according to federal court documents. He was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond and ordered him to remain in Rhode Island or Southeastern New England, unless he’s granted permission to travel elsewhere by a probation officer. Pine, his lawyer, portrayed Carpenter as an unwitting participant in a scheme that bilked nearly $15 million from people across the country. “His situation is very different from the other two individuals,” Pine said today, a reference to the two men who created Mixitforme.com. “He himself was conned. Carpenter, a husband and father of two, has another job, Pine said, but the lawyer refused to disclose where his client is employed. Carpenter is cooperating with federal authorities, Pine said, in their investigation into Mixitforme and the related activity of two men, Cory Johnson, of Warwick, and a second man, whose identity law enforcement officials have yet to clearly identify. Johnson was the owner of Mixitforme.com, which had an office at 275 Westminster St. The company imploded in early 2006 after law-enforcement officials raided its offices at 275 Westminster St. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Service, state and Providence police seized business records and computer equipment during the raid in March 2006. A related business, Biggles Toys, also shut down as a result of the raid. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:54 PM | Comment Providence second-grader contracts MRSAPROVIDENCE -- A second-grade student at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School has contracted a drug-resistant staph bacteria called MRSA. Two weeks ago, a city school bus monitor was stricken with the so-called “superbug.” School spokeswoman Kim Rose said today that a parent informed the school this morning that her daughter had contracted the infection, known as methicillin-resistent staphylococcus aureus. The child was in class for less than 10 minutes before her parents took her home, and the Wickenden Street school temporarily moved her classmates while the original classroom was disinfected. Rose said that Vartan Gregorian parents are being sent a letter from the school department today, informing them of the incident. An automated phone message will inform parents of the situation tonight. Rose said that the child will be allowed back in the classroom as long as the wound is covered and her doctor has indicated that it is OK for her to return to school. No additional precautions are necessary, Rose said, because MRSA is transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact and contact with infected surfaces. Covering the cuts or lesions greatly reduces the risks of surfaces becoming contaminated with the infection. No one knows how many cases of MRSA have occurred in Rhode Island’s public schools because the state Department of Health does not require that the infection be reported. But Andrea Bagnall Degoss, a health department spokeswoman, said the infection is so common that this is probably not the first case in the state’s public school system. “It is serious,” she said today, “but it also can be treated and it can be prevented by using good personal hygiene. Students don’t need to stay out of school.” -- Journal staff writer Linda Borg The health department is working with the state Department of Education to educate school maintenance staff about what procedures should be followed when a case of MRSA is reported. The Providence School Department asks that parents contact the school if their child has contracted the infection. On Nov. 10, a bus monitor, who had a rash on her leg, notified the school department that she had become infected with MRSA, and the bus was sanitized. And last month, seven inmates from the Adult Correctional Institutions, in Cranston, contracted the infection. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:41 PM | Comment TPI Composites, in R.I., plans Iowa wind turbine factoryNEWTON, Iowa -- A Rhode Island company has announced plans to build a factory in Newton, Iowa, and employ 500 workers over the next three years. TPI Composites Inc. will begin construction next week on a 316,000-square-foot wind turbine blade factory. The plant will make blades for General Electric Energy's 15-megawatt wind turbines. GE Energy says it has 6,500 of the turbines installed, making it 1 of the most popular units used today. TPI chief executive Steven Lockard says the company's facility on 33 acres near a new biodiesel plant in Newton will make turbine blades up to 150 feet long and weighing up to 20,000 pounds. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:57 PM | Comment Holiday shopping, the old-fashioned way / Photo
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:54 PM | Comment Coast Guard tows Fall River boat out of storm's pathThe Coast Guard is towing a disabled Fall River, Mass., fishing boat with six people aboard to get it out of the path of an approaching storm. The McKinley, a 94-foot lobster boat, was about 125 miles southeast of Nantucket, Mass., a Coast Guard news release said this afternoon. The vessel contacted Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England around 10:20 last night -- after the vessel's engines failed -- and asked for assistance because of the upcoming storm. The Coast Guard sent a request by marine radio for vessels in the area to assist the McKinley, but none responded. With a gale warning in effect, the National Weather Service forecasts 30 to 40-knot winds with seas reaching 14 to 19 feet tonight. Coast Guard shore units are issuing safety broadcasts via VHF/FM radio to inform mariners of the approaching storm. Additionally, an HU-25 Falcon jet from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod is providing storm information to off-shore mariners. A Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma boarding team, out of Kittery, Maine, boarded the McKinley to do a safety inspection and to help the crew with repairs. The cutter's crew was unable to quickly repair the engines, and the cutter is now towing the McKinley. "With the upcoming severe weather, the McKinley did the best thing by calling the Coast Guard for assistance," Lt. Andrew Madjeska, a search and rescue controller with the Coast Guard in Boston, said in the statement. "The ocean can be a very unforgiving place when the weather gets that severe." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:47 PM | Comment Student arrested after handgun found at Hope highPROVIDENCE — The police arrested a Hope High School student last week after school officials found a loaded handgun in his locker. According to the police, the officer on duty at the high school received information from an anonymous source that several students had brought handguns to school. After finding out the names of the students involved, the police contacted Principal Arthur Petrosinelli, one of three principals at the school, and asked him if the students were in school. Petronsinelli told the police that two of the youths were present and that one of the vice principals would conduct a search of the lockers of the students in question. During the search, Vice Principal Robert Dimuccio found a fully loaded silver handgun and a small silver pocket knife in the pocket of the suspect’s coat. The police, accompanied by high school administrators, went to the student’s classroom, handcuffed him and escorted him to the student referral office. After informing the student of his rights, the student confirmed that the gun was his and said he brought it to school for protection from a fellow Hope student. The suspect was taken to the police station and charged with possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun on school grounds. He was held at the Rhode Island Training Center until the next session of Family Court. The student’s name was not released by the police because he is a minor. -- Journal staff writer Linda Borg Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:12 PM | Comment Man charged with buying booze for teens at Bristol partyA 21-year-old Warren man was arrested and charged with buying alcohol for a minor after a teenager at a Bristol house party identified him to police. Kevin Toste on Friday pleaded not guilty in Providence District Court and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. More than two dozen La Salle Academy students were suspended for attending the party. According to a Warren police report, the 17-year-old host of the party, who turned 18 at midnight, told the Bristol police that she had asked Toste to buy alcohol for the party. -- Brandie M. Jefferson with Journal archive reports She went to Toste’s house, according to the report, gave him $85 and waited at his house until he returned with the alcohol. According to the report, when Toste returned, he put the alcohol in the teenager's car. Police arrived at the party, on Nov. 11, at 11 p.m. after neighbors complained of noise at the house. When they arrived at the house on Mulberry Road, in Bristol, officers said they found teenagers with alcohol. The 17-year-old who lived in the house was arrested and charged with underage possession of alcohol before she turned 21. That’s when, according to the Warren police report, she told authorities that Toste bought the alcohol. Bristol police contacted Warren police, who contacted Toste. According to the report, Toste said he knew 17-year-old was under age. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 3. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:53 PM | Comment 2nd trial set for January in murder of teacher's aideWARWICK -- A new trial date of Jan. 7 has been set for James Richardson, the 40-year-old Cranston man accused of murdering Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in her Warwick home in November 2005. Richardson's first trial for first-degree murder, which lasted a month, ended on June 27 in a mistrial when a Superior Court jury was unable to reach a verdict. The new trial will be in the Kent County Court House, Superior Court, as was the first trial. Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. will again hear the case. Lawyers from the public defender's office and the attorney general's office have been meeting for the past few months at Kent County Court House for status conferences to decide upon a new trial date, according to Michael J. Healey, spokesman for the attorney general’s office. Richardson is accused of fatally stabbing Duffy-Stephenson, 37, in her home and stealing $11,000 from a locked safe. She was a teacher's aide in East Greenwich for special-needs students. Richardson worked for a landscaping business operated by Duffy-Stephenson's husband, James O. Stephenson III. In Richardson's first trial, the jury deliberated for 3½ days, considering testimony by more than 20 witnesses and scores of evidence. On June 27, they told Darigan that they could not agree on a verdict on the charges of first-degree murder and burglary. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:37 PM | Comment Update: Stabbing-death case sent to Superior CourtWARWICK -- A Superior Court judge will hear the case of a man charged earlier this month with the stabbing death of a 66-year-old man over a debt. Judge Elaine T. Bucci decided this morning in District Court, Warwick, to transfer the matter to Superior Court. Robert E. Payette, 45, of West Warwick, arrested on Nov. 11 on a charge of first-degree murder, was scheduled for a bail hearing today in District Court. Payette did not appear this morning. He remains at the Adult Correctional Institutions, in Cranston, without bail. Police said they found the body of Ronald Dufour, allegedly stabbed by Payette, in a ravine that leads to the Pawtuxet River. Police say Dufour was stabbed several times after a dispute concerning a small debt that he owed Payette. -- Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:17 PM | Comment Downed wire causing outages on East SidePROVIDENCE -- About 210 National Grid customers on the city's East Side are currently without power, down from about 2,180 customers at 11:30 a.m., after a wire came down from a pole on Gano Street, National Grid spokesman David Graves said. The downed wire had knocked out service to portions of Fox Point and the East Side. It looks as though 60 to 70 customers in the immediate area of the affected pole/wire are expected to be without service for about three hours. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:11 PM | Comment State EDC will name first recipients of new tax creditPROVIDENCE -- The state Economic Development Corporation will name the first recipients of a new tax credit today, giving out as much as $600,000 in credits to companies that have promised to create high-wage jobs. The initiative, announced in June, offers up to $100,000 to investors who bet on small companies in so-called innovation-based industries. Those include biotech, information technology, financial services, marine and defense manufacturing and several others. The first six applicants are Bionica Corporation, Lighthouse Security Group, Ocean State Solutions, Providence Health Solutions, Public Display and Tizra, according to state records. The EDC board will review the applications today at 4 p.m. at 315 Iron Horse Way, off Valley Street. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:28 PM | Comment Reed: Checks and balances needed on presidentPROVIDENCE -- This morning, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed decried President Bush’s attempts to “disrupt the balance of powers” between the three branches of government, telling a lawyers' group that the president is using “dubious constitutional theories” to exert his authority unchecked by Congress. Bush “has taken the notion of separation of powers, which I think is an idea that has proved its worth over several centuries, and tried to eviscerate it,” Reed said as he and fellow Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse spoke to the Federal Bar Association’s Rhode Island chapter during a breakfast meeting at the Providence Biltmore Hotel. After three administrations and 16 years in Washington, D.C., Reed said he is struck by the various means that Bush, a Republican, has used to extend his authority. Since 2001, Bush has used 152 “signing statements” to reserve the right to ignore or reinterpret measures that he has signed into law, Reed said. Also, Bush has used executive orders and legal opinions to assert his power, and he has ignored “bona fide” requests from Congress for information, he said. “All of these I think raise the serious question of where is the executive going,” Reed said. “I believe that we need serious checks and balances on the president. I think it’s not only just to demonstrate the prerogative of the Congress, but also it provides, I think, for much better government.” Reed said he hopes that members of the administration are beginning to realize that congressional oversight can be a help and not a hindrance. “One of the sad facts of the whole operation in Iraq is that there was no serious congressional review of the any of the plans for occupation,” Reed said. “The Congress -- the Republican Congress -- was simply supine. And as a result, there was no plan.” -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:17 PM | Comment Shopping this CyberMonday? Wait until laterWhile CyberMonday may be more of a marketing term than a reality, there's no doubt that some will take to the keyboard today for holiday shopping. If you're among those planning to do so, you might want to wait until after lunch. Research shows that the online sales spike at midday, when many workers are on break. Heavy traffic to a site could slow service. Or not. But this writer finds the best bet for any online work requiring responses could be the middle of the night, when, with luck, at least the East Coast is asleep. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:05 PM | Comment Free flu clinics will test emergency systemLincoln, North Kingstown and West Warwick will hold influenza clinics this week and next to test methods for administering vaccinations in an emergency. The clinics are designed as tests of the Emergency Vaccination Dispensing Systems, while offering free vaccinations to the public. Each town has developed a “Point of Dispensing” plan that involves security, staffing, communications and accommodations for people with special needs while at the same time efficiently dispensing vaccines. “These clinics provide an excellent opportunity,” state Director of Health David Gifford said in a statement, “not only to vaccinate people against flu this season, but to test how things might run if we needed to vaccinate many people quickly, in their own city or town, during a flu pandemic or other public health emergency.” The North Kingstown clinic will run Wednesday at North Kingstown High School from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Lincoln clinic will run Sat., Dec. 1 at Lincoln High School from 9 a.m. to noon. The West Warwick clinic will run Dec. 4 at the West Warwick Teen Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants need a photo ID and health insurance information if applicable. Participants younger than 18 will need to bring a guardian. For more information, click below. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson If you cannot make one of the clinics, visit your primary care physician or call the Department of Health’s flu hot line at 800-555-7858. An operator will help callers find a place to get a vaccination. The Department of Health also has these recommendations to prevent the spread of the flu virus; they are good practice all year long: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Teach children the same healthy habits. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. Use a tissue or your arm -- not your hands. Throw away used tissues right away. If you are sick, stay home from work, school, childcare and errands. Stay away from people who are sick. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:07 AM | Comment Smooth holiday travel? Not todayATLANTA -- Articles last week about painless holiday travel seemed too good to be true; and maybe they were. Rain and fog in the East have been delaying some passengers today as they head home following a Thanksgiving weekend of turkey, football and holiday shopping. The longest delays have been at New York's LaGuardia airport, where AirTran Airways has had delays of up to three hours for departing flights. At T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, a few flights are listed as canceled as of 11 a.m. today. An AirTran spokesman says flights out of Philadelphia have been backed up by nearly two hours. And Delta Air Lines is expecting delays in the Northeast, especially in Boston and New York. Delays were also being reported in Atlanta, where last night rain and fog delayed some incoming flights more than two hours. In Chicago, rain and fog have been causing minor delays at O'Hare Airport, threatening to cause problems for travelers during one of the airport's busiest days of the season. -- The Associated Press with projo.com reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:57 AM | Comment Man accused of setting his house afire due in courtA Charlestown man accused of setting his house on fire, fleeing the scene, and resisting arrest upon returning to his burning home is due to be arraigned today in Washington County Superior Court. More than 50 firefighters responded to the July 3 fire where they find the single-story brick house engulfed. Police Lt. Jack Shippee said witnesses reported hearing arguing before the fire, and possibly "a threat to burn the house down." As firefighters worked on the blaze, Shippee said, Perkins drove back to the house and appeared intoxicated. When officers tried to get him out of the car, Shippee said, Perkins allegedly put it into reverse, striking an officer. He faces two felony charges: first degree arson and assault. Perkins was also charged with resisting arrest. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:53 AM | Comment Gas prices unchanged after five-week riseAfter increasing for five straight weeks, gasoline prices in Rhode Island were unchanged last week, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is still $3.079 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. That's 40 cents more than drivers were paying six weeks ago. Rhode Islanders are paying one cent less than the national average of $3.089. AAA found a range of 16 cents between the lowest and highest prices, $3.039 to $3.199, in its survey. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:40 AM | Comment 2nd man faces murder charge in double shootingThe second of two men accused of killing a woman and shooting another who threatened to implicate one of them in a drug case is due in court today. In the summer of 2006, 24-year-old Jessica Imran was killed in her Pawtucket apartment. Police say Alonzo P. Shelton and his nephew, Barry Offley, of Woonsocket, killed her while looking for Julie Lang. Shelton, of Central Falls, was convicted in May of this year in Imran’s murder. He was sentenced to 72 years. Offley’s trial is scheduled to begin this morning in Superior Court, Providence. -- With Journal archive reports Both men were arrested in Florida last year. Lang was also shot, but she survived and testified that the two men wanted to kill her because she would not take the blame for a drug possession charge. In Shelton’s trial, Lang testified that she wanted Shelton to confess that the crack cocaine found in her bag when her car was stopped by police belonged to him. Shelton, who was on probation, refused to do so. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:28 AM | Comment Suspect in West End murder goes to courtThe trial for a 28-year-old Elmhurst-area man accused of murder is scheduled to begin today in Superior Court, Providence. Police say Tracey Barros killed Deivy Jose Felipe, a West End man who was found dead at the wheel of his car in April 2005. Felipe had been shot several times, according to a police report. At the time of Barros’ arrest in late December, 2005, Providence police Maj. Stephen Campbell said Felipe and Barros were involved in “a drug transaction that had gone bad.” Barros faces the murder charge, as well as a charge of carrying an unlicensed pistol, and two counts of violating the terms of previous suspended sentenced. -- with Journal staff reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:04 AM | Comment Another excuse to shop?NEW YORK -- Online retailers expect that people booting up their work computers after a long weekend might be doing some Internet shopping. The National Retail Federation labels the Monday after Thanksgiving "Cyber Monday" and a number of e-tailers are hosting one-day sales or making special offers for the occasion. More are offering free shipping this year with no conditions, such as a minimum purchase. According to a press release, the retail organization coined the term after noticing a trend in online shopping that begins the Monday after Thanksgiving. Early estimates are that online sales got off to a rousing start on Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. Forrester Research expects Americans to spend $33 billion dollars online during the holidays this year. Another research firm, ShopperTrak, says overall retail sales Friday and Saturday combined were up more than seven percent from the same two-day period a year ago. -- The Associated Press, with Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:40 AM | Comment Connecticut going high-tech with dam safetyHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- If a major rain storm soaks Connecticut, Wes Marsh will soon know with a click of a mouse or a text message on his cell phone whether any of the 234 dams owned by the Department of Environmental Protection are in trouble. After spending 26 years with the state's dam safety division, often trekking through the woods and climbing around dams to look for problems, Marsh will be able to use a new high-tech system to help him quickly identify which dams pose the greatest public safety threat. "There's actual alarms that will be tripped when rainfall amounts or stream fall are exceeded," Marsh said. "You will know what dams will not need to be looked at." Connecticut is the first state in the country to use DamWatch, a system invented by USEngineering Solutions Corp. in Hartford, to monitor the DEP-owned dams. The system is expected to be fully operation by early 2008. A 2005 investigation by The Associated Press found many dams in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut were not inspected as often as they should have been, and some went years without repairs. In many cases, private owners were reluctant to shoulder repair costs or couldn't afford to. In others, the government was unable to act or unwilling to spend the money. Read the full Associated Press story. Posted by Jack Perry at 8:03 AM | Comment New gun-tracing technology demo todayPROVIDENCE -- It sounds like something out of Blade Runner. But a new technology that allows the police to link a bullet casing to the exact gun from which it was fired will be demonstrated to the media today. Known as microstamping, it can trace a bullet casing to the make, model and serial number of the weapon, Mayor David N. Cicilline's office said in a news release. Cicilline, Rhode Island congressmen, state lawmakers, Providence Police Chief Dean M. Esserman and other law enforcement representatives will join forensic experts for the demonstration scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Providence Public Safety Complex, 325 Washington St. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:10 AM | Comment Guard members to leave for AfghanistanCRANSTON -- Sixteen members of the Rhode Island Army National Guard will be deploying to Afghanistan to help train Afghani soldiers on combat infantry tactics. They'll be honored in a ceremony tonight at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich and will head out tomorrow. Nearly 140 members of a military police company are currently in Iraq. An additional 175 members of an artillery brigade are training in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and are preparing to deploy for Iraq. Most of the Guardsmen deploying to Afghanistan next week have been previously sent to either that country or to Iraq. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Heavy rain with a chance for floodingThe weather's not just gloomy, it could be hazardous. That's according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a hazardous weather watch, warning of heavy rains and spot flooding throughout the day. Temperatures should reach the high 40s, and in all, we could see two inches of rain. The temperature should hold in the high 40s overnight; rain is expected to continue accompanied by fog and southwest winds that may gust up to 35 mph. Tomorrow will bring cloudy skies and a chance of rain in the morning, but the clouds may roll out, giving way to a sunny afternoon with a high temperature in the mid 50s. The temperature will drop in the afternoon, however, into the 40s with west winds gusting up to 30 mph. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe 14-year-old who died at a Providence Bruins hockey game and a story about the long drive home are featured on today's front page. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:54 AM | Comment November 23, 2007Update: Central Falls celebration turns into arrest festCENTRAL FALLS -- On Thursday, friends and family gathered in the three-family house at 161 Lincoln Ave. for what was supposed to be a combined Thanksgiving feast and celebration of Yahaira Ramos’s 18th birthday. Before it was over, officers from five different police departments had to be called, and one teenager and six adults were arrested, including the young woman marking her birthday, on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to simple assault. Police Chief Col. Joseph P. Moran III said the celebration turned into a disturbance when partygoers defied police, spilling out into the street and refusing to disperse when they were told the party as over. No one was seriously hurt, Moran said, but one man was taken to the hospital after being subdued with pepper spray. No shots were fired, but a police officer pulled his firearm after a pit bull was unleashed, Moran said. “The pit bull (came) out of a room, I guess, and one of the officers took his weapon out to… provide safety for himself and the other officers,” Moran told reporters. “And (he) ended up putting his gun back in his holster once the pit bull was restrained.” A crowd of about 40 people gathered at the party, which took place in the third-floor apartment and drew people from all three floors. Police said that, when they asked the party’s organizers around 9:20 p.m. to keep the noise down, Maritza Sierra, 20, and Luis Rodriguez, 19, agreed. But things got ugly 30 minutes later, when the police returned to 161 Lincoln Ave. after complaints that the party had gotten noisier and people were spilling out into the street. -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci At that point, the police said, Sierra and Rodriguez agreed to end the party, but the partygoers refused to leave. As police were trying to disperse the crowd, a teenage boy began shouting profanities and confronting one of the officers. The officers tried to arrest the boy. He shouted an obscenity and ran into the second-floor apartment. Three officers followed the boy inside, where about 20 angry partygoers gathered and two men, Juan Ramos, 59, and Victor Medina, 27, tried to block the police from making the arrest. Another man, Luis Ramos, 19, shoved one of the police officers. Harold Diaz, 22, stormed into living room shouting and charged the police officers. He was pepper-sprayed, the police said. At that point, the pit bull was let loose, the gun was drawn, and the police radioed for assistance. Another burst of pepper spray was unleashed so they could get out of the apartment, the police said. Outside, Yahaira Ramos struck a police officer in the chest and tried to flee, the police said, when they tried to arrest her. Ramon Lopez, 24, tried to stop police from putting Yahaira Ramos in a police cruiser and struck the police officer who tried to restrain him, the police said. Diaz, who was pepper-sprayed, was taken to Memorial Hospital after being issued a summons for disorderly conducted. The teenage boy, who was released in the custody of his mother, was also charged with disorderly conduct. Everyone else was arrested: Juan Ramos and Victor Medina on charges of obstructing a police officer and disorderly conduct; Luis Ramos on charges of obstructing a police officer and assault; Ramon Lopez and Yahaira Ramos on charges of assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:52 PM | Comment Tonight: From Christmas carols to rock and bluesThere are still some tickets available to tonight's 8 p.m. performance of A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep. in Providence. The production runs through Dec. 30. Check the schedule of performances. For sports fans, the Boston Celtics play tonight. The Baby Bruins play Portland tonight in Providence, at 7:05 p.m. (The Big B's already took to the ice today, beating the Islanders 2-1.) And for others, there are the staples of any Friday evening: Tunes. Black & White featuring Gary "Guitar" Gramolini play rhythm and blues at American Legion Post 10, 830 Willett Ave., Riverside. Call 433-9859. 9 p.m. Steve Burke plays jazz at Li'l Bear Lounge, 983 Main Rd., Tiverton. Call 624-9164. 5 to 9 p.m. Mary Ellen Casey plays folk at Christmas in the Barn, 30 Middle Rd., East Greenwich. 6 to 9 pm. It's a benefit for the Tomorrow Fund. Roger Ceresi's All Starz play rhythm and blues at Narragansett Cafe, 25 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown. Call 423-2150. 9 p.m. to 1 am. No cover. Deer Tick, Wrong Reasons, Brown Bird and Chris Fullerton play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Call 831-9327. 9 p.m. $6. All ages. Hollywood U2 plays a tribute to Irish rockers U2 at Twin River, Lighthouse Bar, 100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln. 723-3200, Call (800) 720-7275, www.twinriver.com. 9 p.m. No cover. 18+. In the Groove plays rhythm and blues at Newport Blues Cafe, 286 Thames St., Newport. 841-5510, www.newportblues.com. 9 pm. $10. Check out the Journal's club listings for more shows tonight. And find more events and movie listings for the weekend on our calendar. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Photo: Scooping up scones at Block Island stroll
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:10 PM | Comment Update: Buying local could make or break the tree
Higher gas prices are leading to costlier Christmas trees, and weather changes may affect their needles, the Associated Press reported today. But a Rhode Island Christmas tree farm co-owner who heads the state Christmas tree growers association said if people buy trees grown locally, they shouldn't be much affected by higher prices and shedding predicted for trees from out of state. Instead, Jane Durning said Rhode Island's wet spring should have a positive effect. "The wet spring we had ... was actually very good for the Christmas trees that are saleable this year," said Durning, president of the Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association. She added: "If consumers go out [to buy trees grown locally] they are going to find gorgeous Christmas trees now. If they go to some place where they bought those trees from out of state, those are going to be dry and suffer some issues from the drought season." By buying locally, she added, "It's going to save the farm and you know you are getting the freshest product you can possibly get." The manager of the self-proclaimed biggest Christmas tree auction in the country, in Pennsylvania, says buyers should prepare to pay a bit more this year. Fuel costs drove prices up about 10 percent over last year for the nearly 40,000 trees sold Tuesday at the auction. The trees may cost more, but auction officials say you can also expect more shedding of needles due to the extended and dry fall season. The National Christmas Tree Association says Americans purchased nearly 29 million Christmas trees last year. That's down from about 33 million in 2005. For a look at some of the Christmas tree farms in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association Web site. You'll also find tips there for selecting and caring for a tree, plus a history of Christmas trees. (And see if you can guess the name of the song that plays when you open the Web site's home page.) -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:57 PM | Comment Barry official as QDC's director of financeNORTH KINGSTOWN -- The major changes in leadership at the agency that runs the state-owned Quonset Business Park are continuing. At its last meeting, on Nov. 19, the Quonset Development Corporation board appointed Kevin M. Barry as director of finance. Barry, an 11-year employee, most recently held the title of controller. Barry is replacing Mary Lake, who resigned on Sept. 1, according to QDC spokeswoman Dyana Koelsch. He has been serving as Lake's interim replacement. "I was pleased with what some of the board members had to say," Barry said after the recent board meeting. "I'm able to keep doing what I've been doing." The EDC hired Barry in 1996 as the facility controller at Quonset, a 3,000-acre former Navy base in North Kingstown that is now used by the state to attract new businesses to Rhode Island and to promote job growth at local companies. In July, Saul Kaplan, the head of the state Economic Development Corporation and chairman of the Quonset board, dismissed Quonset's chief executive officer, W. Geoffrey Grout. He appointed chief operating officer Steven J. King as the interim CEO. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:45 PM | Comment Central Falls councilor, accused of sex assault, quitsCENTRAL FALLS -- A week after saying he wouldn’t resign, the City Council member accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy stepped down today, declaring that his presence was distracting the council from important business work. Ward 4 City Councilor Luis A. Gil, who had adamantly refused to resign, changed his mind after Monday night’s council meeting, where coverage by news media focused on the fact that he didn’t show up, his lawyer, Richard Corley said. Gil maintains his innocence and his decision to resign no has bearing on the criminal case, Corley said. “He’ll have his day in court and no one should rush to judgment.” City Council President William Benson Jr. said that Gil is doing the right thing, but should have done it sooner. When Gil, 45, was arrested two weeks ago on a third-degree sexual assault charge, Mayor Charles Moreau called upon him to resign, and Benson supported the mayor in that call. As long as Gil remained in office, there was the risk the council would be tarnished by the allegations against him, Benson said. The allegations arose Nov. 12, when Gil, a well-known Latino radio personality, was found by Providence Police with a 15-year-old boy in his car on lover’s lane near the Henderson Bridge.
The boy, who had a bruise on his neck he said Gil gave him, was in the back seat buttoning his jeans and trying to put his shirt on, the police said. Gil, who was the boy’s soccer coach, was in the driver’s seat with his pants pulled down below his knees, according to the police. Gil said in his letter of resignation, “We live in the best country in the world, where those accused of crimes, like myself, have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.” “I look forward to my day in court,” Gil wrote. He closed by wishing his colleagues on the council “the very best." Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:44 PM | Comment Update: R.I. man., rescued from burning car, criticalA Rhode Island man rescued from a burning car early Thanksgiving morning in Attleboro, Mass., suffered burns and is in critical condition today at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Shortly after 4:40 a.m. yesterday, Dominateur Bernier, 43, was rescued when a man on Carrier Avenue, in the southern section of Attleboro, heard an engine racing. The resident went outside and saw the stationary car smoking from the front, according to the Attleboro police. The man went back inside, got his uncle, and they worked to extinguish the fire and rescued the man from the car, which was engulfed in flames, according to police reports, Attleboro police Sgt. James Keane said. The man and his uncle called Attleboro police and firefighters, Keane said. A check of public records lists Bernier's most recent address as Central Falls, as does a report on the rescue in today's Attleboro Sun Chronicle. Keane said today that a police report listed Bernier as being from Cumberland. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:23 PM | Comment Update: Gift of giving warms body and soul / Photo
Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Al Moquin, 91, of Pawtucket, gets help from volunteers during the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket's Warm a Heart Buy Nothing Coat Day at the Pawtucket Visitor's Center. "If a storm comes up, I am all set," said Al.PROVIDENCE -- Hundreds of Rhode Islanders celebrated Buy Nothing Day by donating and receiving winter coats at the 11th annual Buy Nothing Coat Exchange held on the day after Thanksgiving. This year, the coat exchange was held in four venues around the state, in Newport, Wakefield, Pawtucket and in downtown Providence on the South Lawn of the State House in the shadow of the Providence Place mall, which was filled with holiday shoppers. The coat exchange was the largest in the 11 years it has been run at the State House lawn, said Greg Gerritt, co-founder and organizer of the event. This year more than 60 community organizations, churches, and other agencies, including the state police contributed coats and volunteered to help distribute them. Well over 1,000 coats were given to the needy by volunteers who dropped off coats. Some people stopped in their cars and handed coats out car windows to waiting volunteers. Hundreds who cannot afford winter coats lined up for them. Particularly popular were coats for children. "Thank God for places like this," said Heather Vieira, who is unemployed, said she is living in an East Providence shelter, with two children ages 5 and 3. Buy Nothing Day is recognized by community and activist groups around the world. The Rhode Island Green Party sponsored the first observance in the Ocean State. -- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:35 PM | Comment A few mountains get early start on ski seasonAlthough mild weather ushered in Thanksgiving, many New Englanders may have colder climes on their minds. Ski enthusiasts know that some of the region's resorts are already open this weekend. While they are largely dependent on snowmaking this time of year, a few mountains from Maine to Massachusetts say they have slopes open for business. Take a look at projo.com's ski conditions report to see who's open, what they've got on the ground, and when other mountains around New England, and the country will open this year. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:15 PM | Comment Cyber Monday: The next big thing?Shoppers looking for bargains beat the sun this morning, heading to malls as early as midnight to ring in the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. But as Black Friday winds down, shoppers may be looking for the next shopping-themed day to spend. Cyber Monday is the phrase coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation to describe the Monday after Thanksgiving, and it’s being touted as the official start of the online shopping season. But while Black Friday is often the busiest day of the year for stores, Cyber Monday doesn’t even make the top 10, according to the ShopperTrak Retail Traffic Index. ShopperTrak, a Chicago-based firm that conducts market research for the retail industry, predicts that this year Black Friday will be the busiest shopping day, followed by “Super Saturday,” Dec. 22. After that, the top shopping days work backwards from late December, with tomorrow rounding out the list at number 10. Kathy Grannis at NRSF, said the organization doesn’t keep tabs on Cyber Monday sales, which “don’t have anything to do” with Black Friday sales. According to a press release, the organization coined the term after noticing a trend in online shopping that begins the Monday after Thanksgiving. Click below to see the Traffic Index's predictions for the top shopping days this year. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson 1 -- Black Friday Nov. 23 These results come from a survey of more than 50,000 retail and enclosed malls throughout the country. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:54 PM | Comment 'Midnight madness' at Wrentham stores comes trueWRENTHAM, Mass. -- "Midnight Madness" lived up to its billing at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Most of the 170 stores in the mall opened their doors at midnight, and motorists trying to reach the outlets reportedly created a four-hour traffic jam on Routes 1A and 495 in the area near Rhode Island's northern border. When they finally arrived, many shoppers found the parking lot full and had to leave their cars on the grass, creating further chaos. Long lines were also reported outside other stores in Massachusetts that opened their doors to shoppers at 5 a.m. on so-called "Black Friday," the morning after Thanksgiving. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts forecasts a 2.2 percent increase in holiday sales compared with last year. The state forecast is more pessimistic than the National Retail Federation's projection of a four percent increase nationwide. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:39 PM | Comment There's another way: Buy nothing, give insteadThere may be sales at Providence Place mall today, but across the street, volunteers have coats on hand for a better price -- free. The 11th annual Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange takes place this morning -- as it has for 11 years -- on Black Friday, one of the two busiest shopping days of the year for American retailers. In the shadow of the mall, the event stands in sharp contrast to Black Friday by giving away coats, sweaters, hats, books and other used good for free to anyone who stops by. Buy Nothing Day is recognized by community and activist groups around the world. The Rhode Island Green Party sponsored the first observance in the Ocean State. Since then, more than 60 community groups have pitched in, donating supplies and clothes, and spreading the word about the event which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the State House lawn. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:02 AM | Comment Birthday party goes bad; 5 arrested in Central FallsFive adults were arrested last night at what police say was a birthday party that turned violent. Central Falls police arrived at 161 Lincoln Ave. at about 10 p.m. last night where a young woman was having an 18th birthday party. Five adults were arrested, including the guest of honor, and they face several charges, including disorderly conduct, assault, and resisting arrest, according to Sgt. James Mendonca. Police will not release the suspects' names, but say that the five are due in court this morning. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:51 AM | Comment Weekend forecast: Cold and windyIt's almost like it was planned. Yesterday, the clouds parted for a few hours, and we had spring-like weather as if just for the holiday. The holiday has passed, and so has the weather. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature just in the mid 40s today. The skies should be sunny, but cold, northwest winds could gust up to 25 mph. The winds persist tonight, when the temperature drops to about 20 degrees. Tomorrow should be sunny again, but colder, with the temperature just reaching 40. Saturday night the temperature should drop to the mid 20s. Sunday looks a bit warmer than Saturday, with highs in the upper 40s, sunny skies, and a return of the wind gusts, up to 25 mph. Saturday-night skies will be partly cloudy, with temperatures around 30. And those returning from a long weekend Monday will be met with clouds, possible rain, and a high temperature in the high 40s. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:30 AM | Comment Black Friday starts when it's still darkPROVIDENCE -- For some, it was done by 6 a.m As the sun rose, a few shoppers dotted the streets with brightly colored bags from stores at Providence Place mall. One shopper, who asked to remain nameless out of guilt for shopping on Black Friday-- so-called because it can be the day when heavy shopping puts retailers' accounts in the black -- said she couldn't sleep, so at 4 a.m., she hit the stores. And workers who prepared for the early-morning openings were met with a small crowd. The mall never shuts its doors, allowing about 100 shoppers to start buying the moment the stores opened. But Kelly Allard was one of the luckier employees. Her store isn't set to open until 8 a.m. She and a co-worker were unusually bubbly for 7 a.m., chatting and laughing as they rode an escalator to the top floor. "This is one of the funnest days to work," she said to a reporters amazement. "You've got mothers, 10 sisters, nephews, brothers ... it's a family day." By 7 a.m. there were more than 500 people looking for sales on goods for the holidays and, no doubt, for themselves. It's 50-50, her co-worker said, taking on the voice of a Black Friday shopper. "One for you, one for me." "It's not like Christmas Eve," Allard said, when the pressure is on to find something -- anything. But working on Dec. 24 does have advantage over today, she said. "We know, after that, it's all over." -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:38 AM | Comment Download today's front pageA high school football photo and a story about the Route 95 bridge in Pawtucket lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:45 AM | Comment November 21, 20077to7 taking a break for the Thanksgiving holidayWe'll be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow and not publishing our usual updates to the 7to7 news blog. But that doesn't mean that projo.com is completely off for the day. We'll be updating the results of the traditional high school football games tomorrow afternoon and evening, as well as producing photo galleries of selected games. As usual, you're invited to upload your own photos and talk about the games, on HSgametime.com We'll be offering surveys and more photo uploads, sports blog updates, and our continually updating feeds of national, world and sports news from the Associated Press. On Friday, 7to7 will be back on the job at -- 7 a.m. Until then, have a happy Thanksgiving. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:43 PM | Comment What's coming up: Club scene, movies and footballBefore you dig into the turkey tomorrow, shake a leg tonight: Clipd Beaks, Green Bean and Bed of Knives play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Call (401) 831-9327. 9:30 p.m. $6. All ages. The Chasers and Signs of Life play rock at Ocean Mist, 895 Matunuck Beach Rd., Matunuck. Call (401) 782-3740 or go to www.oceanmist.net. 10 p.m. $5. The Kevin Crandall Band play blues and swing at Hilltop Café/Pod's Pizza, 23 Canal St., Westerly. Call (401) 596-9299. 9 p.m. Tribeca plays soul, Motown and disco at Two Jerks Pub and Grill, 446 Waterman Ave., East Providence. Call (401) 434-4111. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Unplugged plays, as one might expect, acoustic rock at Good Times Restaurant and Pub, 1668 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland. Call (401) 333-8828. 9 p.m. Check out more of tonight's club calendar listings. Movies are always a big hit on the Thanskgiving weekend. Get a head start on the crowd at the ticket line now. Check out projo.com's movie listings for tonight and for tomorrow. Of course, what would Thanksgiving be without sports? See the feast of Rhode Island high school football games scheduled for tomorrow. And check out the schedule of National Football games tomorrow here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Update: Police release report on under-age Bristol partyThe Bristol police have released the report of the Nov. 11 under-age party that has led to the suspension of more than two dozen La Salle Academy students. The girl who hosted the party -- age 17 at the time and now 18 -- has been charged. Some of the nearly 30 teenagers at a Nov. 11 house party in Bristol were from Providence. Some were from Smithfield. Others were from as far away as Cumberland. But Bristol Police Lt. Nicholas Guercia said one thing was clear: “The majority were from La Salle.” La Salle Academy, a private Catholic high school in Providence, made headlines after Principal Donald Kavanagh suspended more than two dozen students and barred them from taking part in the annual Thanksgiving football game because of their conduct at the party. “I respect what I’m hearing,” Guercia said, “that the school is taking an aggressive position on this.” He said that the police department is investigating the incident aggressively, and will charge anyone involved in criminal activity, including violators of the state’s “social host” law. -- projo.com staff writers Brandie M. Jefferson and Michael P. McKinney with reports from The Journal East Bay bureau In an interview with The Providence Journal, Guercia mentioned the alcohol-related deaths of Kayleigh Raposa last February, and the deaths in 2003 of Justin Nunes and Steven Botelho in a drag-racing accident. He credited neighbors who called in with possibly saving the kids from hurting themselves. “What we can’t do, we are glad to see a school district doing and what the schools can’t do, we look to see parents doing,” he said. “We encourage the community, when they see things like this going on, to pick up the phone and make the call.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:07 PM | Comment 2 South County men accused of child pornographyThe State Police have arrested two South County men in unrelated cases involving child pornography charges. David Norman, 43, a former employee at the state Department of Administration, is alleged to have viewed child pornography on two laptop computers he used in his job, said Sgt. John Killian, head of the State Police Computer Crimes Unit. Killian said investigators found more than 100 images of child pornography on the computers, spread among eight series of photographs, each showing a particular child in increasingly lewd poses. Most of the images showed girls who were about 10 years old, he said. “It starts off like maybe a kid dressed up in a little dance like dress,” he said. “It eventually gets to the point where it meets our criminal statute,” with images showing the child’s private areas. The State Police began investigating after a forensic analysis of the computers by the Department of Administration identified “sexually oriented and obscene” instant message communications, Killian said. Norman, of 27 Whitehorn Dr., South Kingstown, was arrested Tuesday morning after turning himself in, Killian said. He is charged with possession of child pornography, a felony that carries a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison. He is free on $25,000 personal recognizance and has since been fired from his state job, Killian said. In the other arrest, also on Tuesday, Bryan K. Letson II, 32, of 131 Bowling Lane, Westerly, was arrested after troopers executing a search warrant found child pornography images on his computer, Killian said. The investigation began after authorities in Utah contacted the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit to report that Letson had been chatting on line with two undercover officers. From Aug. 16 to Nov. 8, Letson is alleged to have had 13 online communications with officers, 10 of them involving the transmission of child pornography, Killian said. Killian said the images showed children, about 3 to 10 years old, having sex. “It’s not a child in a nudist camp,” he said of the images. “It’s a child engaged in sex.” Letson is charged with possession of child pornography and transmission of child pornography, which carries a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 15 years in prison. He was released on $25,000 personal recognizance. -- Journal staff writer Randal Edgar Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Traffic: Pretty smooth going on Rhode Island roadsThe state police report that traffic this evening is generally moving smoothly. State police Cpl. John Beauregard said this evening that it's similar to a Friday evening. The police have no reports of highway accidents and related tie-ups. The state Transportation Management Center is not issuing any traffic accident advisories at this time. A look at the Transportation Management Center's traffic cameras suggests steady flow in predictable spots such as Routes 95, 195 and 295, but no outright traffic jams. "It's actually been pretty smooth," said Beauregard. By this afternoon, indications were that travel by train and plane had been surprisingly smooth. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:25 PM | Comment Coast Guard responds to minor fuel spill in Narr. BayAn estimated 10 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a barge into upper Narragansett Bay this morning, drawing a Coast Guard response and clean-up by the tugboat crew. The Coast Guard said in a news release that a fuel filter malfunction caused the minor leak. Coast Guard investigators and personnel from the tug Nicole Reinauer found that about 50 gallons had come out of a failed generator filter. The tug's crew cleaned up about 40 gallons from the barge deck and 10 gallons from the Bay. The cargo aboard the double-hulled barge was not involved in the incident. A 41-foot utility boat sent from Coast Guard Station Castle Hill found no signs of fuel in the water from Newport to the Port of Providence. A crew member aboard the tug had noticed fuel on the deck of the barge's generator room. At about 6:20 a.m., the Coast Guard got the report of a diesel fuel spill on the deck of the barge RTC-135, with some spilled into the water. The Coast Guard said it immediately reported the incident to the state Department of Environmental Management and responded with Coast Guard personnel. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:00 PM | Comment Accused drug dealer wants to withdraw guilty pleaPROVIDENCE -- An accused drug dealer wants to withdraw his guilty plea to cocaine dealing charges because a Providence police detective never gave his defense attorney a stack of documents related to the case before he admitted guilt. Derrick Isom's attorney says that lapse violated Isom's constitutional rights. Isom is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 7 for conspiracy and dealing crack cocaine and faces up to life in prison. Isom's request is the latest twist in a bizarre criminal case that allegedly involves a conspiracy led by defense attorney John M. Cicilline, the brother of Providence Mayor David Cicilline, and police work so sloppy that an exasperated federal judge called it "incredible." Federal prosecutors dropped similar charges against Isom's co-defendant, Khalid Mason, after Isom had already pleaded guilty. The U.S. Attorney's office dropped the charges against Mason after Sgt. Scott Partridge found police reports and other documents related to the investigation in his attic. He had testified a few weeks before that he never took a single note during six weeks of surveillance. Providence police have started an internal affairs probe into the lapse. Police officials and Partridge did not immediately return calls seeking comment. In court filings, defense attorney Patrick Sullivan said Isom should be allowed to withdraw a guilty plea made nearly eight months before the missing documents turned up. Without seeing the documents, Isom could not fully evaluate the government's case against him before deciding to plead guilty, Sullivan said. Isom maintains his innocence, his lawyer said. During one court hearing, Isom testified that he pleaded guilty to avoid a possible life sentence, according to court records. Prosecutors oppose Isom's request but have not yet responded in court, said Tom Connell, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office. -- The Associated Press Months after pleading guilty, Isom testified that his former attorney, John M. Cicilline, told him that he could make the criminal case against Isom disappear in return for $200,000, some of which would be used to bribe police officers. U.S. District Court Judge William Smith said the allegations were troubling but remain unproven. Cicilline has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators for his role in an alleged extortion plot. Cicilline allegedly offered to set up drug deals that his clients could report to police in exchange for lesser sentences. Cicilline did not return a call seeking comment. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:17 PM | Comment R.I. man turned over to face Foxboro murder chargeA Central Falls man accused of shooting a man to death in Foxboro, Mass., has been turned over to Massachusetts authorities after not contesting the transfer at a District Court, Providence, hearing today. Luis Lopez, 24, is accused of the Oct. 15 murder of Carlos Gomez, 29, whose last known address was on Benefit Street in Pawtucket, said a news release from Norfolk County, Mass., District Attorney William R. Keating. A driver in a remote area of Route 106 in Foxboro where the road goes under Route 95 spotted Gomez’s body in the east lane after 1 a.m. on Oct. 15. He was not carrying identification. Lopez was arrested at his Cross Street home on the early morning of Nov. 8 on a warrant, Keating's office said. After today's rendition -- also referred to as extradition -- hearing in Providence, Lopez was brought to the Foxboro police station. Keating’s office anticipated Lopez will be taken to Wrentham District Court for arraignment on the murder charge at or after 2 p.m. today. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:15 PM | Comment Seekonk police search for bank robberSEEKONK, Mass. -- The police said today they are looking for a suspect who wore a purple bandanna when he robbed a Sovereign Bank yesterday afternoon after passing a note to a teller that said he had a gun. No weapon was shown. The robbery happened about 3 p.m. at the Sovereign Bank at 21 Central Ave. A police news release described the suspect as a Caucasian male, about 50 years old, 6-feet-2-inches tall, weighing about 220 pounds, and wearing a purple bandanna that covered his head. The suspect had a goatee and a grayish beard. The police asked anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect's identity to contact the police at (508) 336-8123 or (508) 336-7027. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:00 PM | Comment Judge lets mom, 91, share Thanksgiving with daughterPROVIDENCE -- For the first time since January -- when her court-appointed guardian removed her from her daughter’s house in Warren -- 91-year-old Laurette Borduas Eifrig will be allowed by a judge to leave her assisted-living residence in Providence. The reason? So she can share Thanksgiving dinner with her daughter in a Seekonk, Mass., restaurant. Eifrig’s guardian, lawyer Paula M. Cuculo, told Superior Court Judge Alice B. Gibney in a chambers meeting today that she no longer considers Suzette Gebhard a kidnapping risk and that the mother-daughter outing would be good for her ward, a retired schoolteacher who is now blind and suffers from dementia. Eifrig and Gebhard, the former head of the Rhode Island League of Women Voters and a one-time Democratic congressional candidate, will dine together at Audrey’s restaurant in Seekonk. Under the terms of Gibney’s order, the outing will be limited to four hours and Gebhard must take a cell phone with her and stay in contact with Cuculo while Eifrig is with her. At the request of Gebhard and Cuculo, Gibney also agreed for the time being to allow Gebhard to start taking her mother on other outings once a week in Rhode Island for a maximum of four hours. The judge told Gebhard she was loosening the reins as “an act of faith” and would revisit the situation sometime after the new year. Tomorrow’s outing will be the first time that Eifrig has been allowed by the court to leave Capitol Ridge since the Warren police removed her from Gebhard’s home on Jan. 29 after breaking down the door. Gebhard was charged with obstruction of justice after she moved her mother from Reston, Va., to Rhode Island in May 2006 and then secreted her in her house for months, barring family members and Cuculo, from visiting with her. She spent a night in prison but was later acquitted. In an interview today, Cuculo said that she has learned from Eifrig that -- contrary to representations made by Francine Ardito, Eifrig’s Virginia daughter who formerly had power of attorney for her -- it was Eifrig’s wish to move to Rhode Island with Gebhard. “She wasn’t moved here against her will,” said Cuculo. “She was tired of living under Francine’s rule. She told me, “If you had the chance to get out, wouldn’t you have taken it?’ ‘’ The current restrictions on Eifrig’s freedom of movement -- and the subsequent appointment of an outside guardian -- was spurred by a bitter feud between Ardito and Gebhard over what is in their mother’s best interest and who would control her finances. Extra: More about the feud between sisters over their mother's care ... -- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton Gibney found, after protracted hearings, that because of their animosity toward each other, neither daughter was a suitable substitute decision-maker for their mother and appointed a paid guardian -- Cuculo -- instead. Cuculo now controls Eifrig’s investments, expenditures, health care decisions and with whom she may associate. Ardito is currently barred from seeing her mother. On Nov. 1, Gibney found her in wilfull contempt for repeatedly violating court orders that barred her from removing money from her mother’s trust. Over the past few months, Eifrig’s lawyer, Richard A. Boren, has submitted evidence to Gibney showing that Ardito took more than $300,000 of her mother’s money -- about 40 percent of her life savings --from Eifrig’s trust and deposited it in accounts in her own name, without disclosing to Boren or Cuculo that the money existed. In September, Ardito returned $251,183.27 of the money. Gibney has ordered her to repay an additional $16,000. If the money isn’t repaid by Dec. 14, an arrest warrant could be issued for Ardito and the judge could order her to pay a daily fine until she turns over the $16,000. According to canceled checks submitted to the court, Ardito used the $16,000 from her mother’s trust to pay a Virginia lawyer to sue her mother and Cuculo in an attempt to regain control over her mother’s affairs. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:51 PM | Comment Nursing home outfit with R.I. ties declares bankruptcyHARTFORD, Conn. -- A nursing home company run by the same executive who heads up the record label for country star Travis Tritt has declared bankruptcy amid allegations of poor care and a state inquiry into whether it illegally used federal funds meant for patients for other purposes, including a lakeside home and the record company's launch. Middletown-based Haven Healthcare Corporation filed for voluntary Chapter 11 yesterday in New Haven bankruptcy court, asking for protection from the tens of millions of dollars it owes creditors while it restructures. The company operates more than 40 health-related companies in New England, including nursing homes, clinic and medical supplies. According to its Web site, it operates four health centers in Rhode Island, in Coventry, Greenville, Pawtucket and Warren. The company's largest debt listed in the bankruptcy documents is $13.7 million owed to Kentucky-based Omnicare Value Health Care, which provides pharmaceutical care to the elderly. In Connecticut, the company owes the state tax department nearly $600,000. It owes Connecticut Light & Power more than $400,000 in utility bills, according to the bankruptcy records. It also owes taxes in Vermont and Rhode Island. State officials alleged that the company let bills go unpaid while using company funds to launch a Nashville record label among other investments. That record company, Category 5 Records, does not appear in the bankruptcy filings. Ray Termini, the record company's chief executive officer, is also the CEO of Haven Healthcare. -- The Associated Press Termini has said much of the company's problems were caused by a low Medicaid reimbursement rate for health care services. He has denied misusing Haven Healthcare money. "Haven Healthcare has taken the extraordinary step of filing for Chapter 11 protection in federal court to protect our company, our staff, and most importantly the thousands of patients and residents that we care for each day," Termini said in a statement. Allegations against the company have drawn the attention of Tritt, who records under the Category 5 label. Tritt's manager, Duke Cooper, has said that Tritt is prepared to protect his interests by taking legal action, if needed against Termini. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal was set to announce plans today to appoint an independent trustee to take over the nursing home operations. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:16 PM | Comment Big trucks to be banned from Pawtucket bridgeThe state Department of Transportation next Wednesday will ban trucks weighing 22 tons or more from using the Pawtucket River Bridge on Route 95 -- exits 27 and 28. Trucks will have to follow any of three recommended detours in or around Pawtucket and Providence. Trucks going to Providence from Massachusetts should use Route 295 south to Route 146 south. Trucks headed to Pawtucket will need to follow signs for local detours. Detour through Pawtucket for trucks from Route 95 South. Detour through Pawtucket for trucks from from Route 95 North. Division Street westbound detour for cars to George Street offramp. George Street onramp closure car detour route to Route 95 North. The Rhode Island State Police will work with the DOT to enforce the restrictions. “The Pawtucket River Bridge is safe,” Jerome F. Williams, the DOT director, said in the statement. “The posting restrictions that go into effect next week are another step RIDOT is taking to ensure that it stays that way.” The posted ban on Route 95 will not affect cars, SUVs, ambulances, and light trucks. Buses, school buses and large empty trucks will still be able to go over the bridge. Trucks and heavy vehicles, such as most full tractor-trailers, will need to use the alternate routes. Fixed and variable message signs will alert truckers to the changes. The DOT has been doing emergency repairs on the bridge. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:55 PM | Comment Update: Travel seems smooth by train or plane
“Right now, operationally, we’re pretty much on or close to on schedule and things are running smoothly.” That’s the word from Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole on the morning of the day before Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest travel day of the year. And the vice president of communications at T. F. Green Airport used the word “seamless” to describe the experience today in Warwick. Even though Amtrak expects a 70 percent increase in travelers over a typical Wednesday, additional trains in the Northeast have helped ease congestion and keep trains running close to schedule. Most trains are booked, so anyone who hasn’t already bought a ticket today is probably out of luck, but Cole suggests people with last-minute travel plans to check the Web site, Amtrak.com, in case somebody with a ticket has canceled. Travelers should bring their photo identification, and tag their bags with their names and addresses, Cole said. The carry-on limit is two per person. People going to busy train stations should plan on getting there about 45 minutes early if they have to pick up their tickets at the train station. “The lines can get a little long,” he said. Green Airport has between 9,000 and 9,500 available seats, spokeswoman Patti Goldstein said. On a typical day, about 80 percent of those seats are booked. Today, she said, about 85 percent of the seats are filled, that's a difference of a few hundred people. At midday, Green's Web site was reporting that almost all flights were on time, both arriving and departing from the airport. -- projo.ciom staff writers Brandie M. Jefferson and Jack Perry Extra employees are working in all areas of the airport, including security and ticketing, Goldstein said, and the extra hands are helping. “It’s been quite seamless with people traveling through the terminals," Goldstein said of the airport, "they’ve been prepared.” But the airport isn’t out of the woods yet. Snow, rain and fog have slowed things down in the Midwest and, although we won’t see much precipitation today, those delays add up and could slow things down for people traveling later this evening. Keeping up with that crowd will be quite a task for airport workers. Reporter's query: Projo.com and The Journal are seeking tales from travelers as they return home from the holiday weekend. Are you driving home from out of state Sunday? We'd like to hear about your trip. If you’d like to share your story, e-mail us with your itinerary, the times you’ll be traveling on Sunday, and your cell phone number. Our address is: pjnews@projo.com. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:43 PM | Comment Damp, mild weather on tap for T-Day football tiltsHeading to a high school football game tonight or tomorrow? It may not be as cold as some years, but it more than likely will be damp. There's a 30 percent chance of rain tonight, with temperatures in the mid-40s. Tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, one might wonder if we're observing the right holiday. Although a 40-percent chance of showers is predicted, the temperatures, fueled by south winds, are expected to climb into the 60s. Six games are scheduled for tonight in Rhode Island and 14 on Thanksgiving morning. Here's the schedule for today, and for tomorrow. You can preview them and make your own predictions for game results at projo.com's High School Game Time, which covers Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts schools. Projo.com's HSGameTime will have photo galleries posted late tonight from Rogers' football game at St. Raphael, and Narragansett at East Greenwich. Tomorrow evening, we'll have photo galleries from Cumberland vs. Woonsocket, Cranston East vs. Cranston West and La Salle vs. East Providence. HSGameTime will also post the results to the high school games as we get them on Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon (coaches should call in the games between 4 and 7 p.m.) Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:20 PM | Comment 'Invincible' Eagle serves R.I. troops Thanksgiving dinnerPHILADELPHIA — He dished it out on the football field. Now he’ll be dishing it out for service personnel from Rhode Island. Former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale will be serving Thanksgiving dinner in southern New Jersey to National Guard troops waiting to be shipped out for active duty. This year’s out-of-town troops are from Illinois and Rhode Island. Papale, a former bartender, is famous for making the Eagles at age 30, a story told in the movie “Invincible.” Papale is now the president of the Camden County Bar Association. He told KYW radio in Philadelphia that people should support U.S. troops regardless of whether they support the country’s overseas wars. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:30 AM | Comment Airport head expected to resign todayPROVIDENCE -- Mark P. Brewer, the head of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, is expected to submit a letter of resignation today, giving the corporation 30 days to find a replacement. The Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen confirmed Brewer's appointment last night as the next director of Manchester-Boston regional airport in New Hampshire, according to a deputy city clerk. Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta nominated Brewer on Nov. 7. The corporation board plans to appoint an interim director at its meeting on Wednesday. The board will also appoint a subcommittee to lead the search for a permanent replacement. “I feel bad for Providence,” Sean Thomas, a senior policy advisor to Mayor Guinta, told The Providence Journal this morning. “We’re getting a great guy.” -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:19 AM | Comment DOT to announce Pawtucket River Bridge detoursThe state Department of Transportation this morning is announcing detours for the Pawtucket River Bridge on Route 95. By next week, only vehicles weighing less than 22 tons will be allowed on the Route 95 bridge. The DOT will discuss the detours from 11 a.m. to noon in the Director's office, Room 210 at Two Capitol Hill. Deterioration in support brackets have made the 49-year-old bridge a candidate for replacement. The session is geared to the press, not the public, as a previous blog indicated. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:44 AM | Comment Photo: Dousing a fire in Pawtucket
Posted by Jack Perry at 10:31 AM | Comment Amtrak adds trains for its busiest day of the yearDid you expect to hear this today? “Right now, operationally, we’re pretty much on or close to on schedule and things are running smoothly.” That’s the word from Amtrakspokesman Cliff Cole. Even though the company expects a 70 percent increase over a typical Wednesday, additional trains in the Northeast have helped ease congestion and keep trains running close to schedule. This is the busiest travel day of the year for Amtrak. Most trains are booked, so anyone who hasn’t already bought a ticket today is probably out of luck, but Cole suggests people with last-minute travel plans to check the Web site, Amtrak.com, in case somebody with a ticket has cancelled. Travelers should bring their photo identification, and tag their bags with their names and addresses, Cole said. The carry-on limit is two per person. Travelers going to busy stations should plan on getting there about 45 minutes early if they have to pick up their tickets at the station. “The lines can get a little long,” he said. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:33 AM | Comment State to name the lucky entrepreneurs MondayPROVIDENCE -- The state Economic Development Corporation will name the first recipients of a new tax credit on Monday, assisting companies in several high-wage industries. The initiative, announced in June, offers up to $100,000 to reward investments in so-called innovation-based industries. Those include biotech, information technology, financial services, marine and defense manufacturing and several others. The tax credit, which comes at a time when tax breaks are under intense scrutiny, reimburses an investor or a company's senior management for half of any investment made in the firm, up to $100,000. The credits will be applied toward state income-tax bills. The EDC is authorized to distribute $2 million in tax credits every two years until 2016, when the program will expire. The EDC board plans to vote on six applications at its meeting on Monday, according to EDC spokesman Andrew S. Cutler. "We're trying to attract and keep serial entrepreneurs in the state," Saul Kaplan, the executive director of the EDC, said in June. "We need more of them in Rhode Island." Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:40 AM | Comment Morning house fire sends one to hospitalAuthorities are still at the scene of an early morning fire in Cranston that sent one person to the hospital. Firefighters arrived at the one-story house at 90 Grace St. just before 3:30 a.m., according to Deputy Chief Jeff Wall. When they arrived, fire was seen coming out of the back of the home. The fire was out by about 6 a.m., but authorities are still there trying to determine a cause. One resident was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for possible smoke inhalation, Wall said. The person’s condition is unknown. • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from bedding, clothing, furniture, drapes and anything else combustible. • Turn space heaters off if you are not available to monitor this equipment. • Children near space heaters must be supervised at all times. • Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing when cooking to avoid ignition by stove burners. • Make sure all burners are off when you are done cooking. • Never leave stove burners unattended while cooking. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:14 AM | Comment Reporter's query: Seeking tales of the Sunday ride homeAre you driving home from out of state Sunday after the holiday weekend? We'd like to hear about your trip. If you’d like to share your story, e-mail us with your itinerary, the times you’ll be traveling on Sunday, and your cell phone number. Our address is: pjnews@projo.com. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:02 AM | Comment A chance of rain today, warmer but cloudy tomorrowThere's a slight chance of rain later this afternoon. Otherwise, the National Weather Service is forecasting another cloudy day with a high around 47 degrees. Rain could continue into the evening, when the temperature should drop slightly, to 44 degrees. And the holiday is looking gloomy too, but mild, with cloudy skies, a chance of rain, and a high temperature near 60 degrees. Thanksgiving night may bring even more rain and an overnight low of 36 degrees. Friday, finally, a little sunshine. Expect partly cloudy skies with a high temperature in the mid 40s and winds gusting up to 23 mph. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about Thanksgiving horror stories from the kitchen. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 20, 2007Tonight: 'High School Musical' hits PPAC stageSome of us will be at home cutting up vegetables, chasing the dust out of corners and otherwise getting ready for Thanksgiving. But for those of you who are ready for a night out, take note: It became a sensation on the Disney Channel, and tonight a touring stage version of "High School Musical" comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center. The show starts at 7 p.m. and has a six-day run at PPAC. Tickets: $28 to $60 by calling (401) 421-2787 or www.ppacri.org. For those of you well past your early teen years and hoping for something more enduring musically, Jethro Tull comes to PPAC on Nov. 30 with its brand of rock n'flute n'roll. Looking for more of what's happening tonight and this long holiday weekend? Check out projo.com's Lifebeat page. Seeking last-minute ideas for the Thanksgiving table? Visit our Thanksgiving Time page, for tips, recipes and much more. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:57 PM | Comment Pickup driver dies after rollover in ExeterEXETER -- The driver of a pickup truck that went off Exeter Road, up an embankment, struck a tree and rolled onto its side earlier today has died at South County Hospital, state police said. State police Capt. James Swanberg said police confirmed the man, who had been unconscious but had a pulse when he was taken from the scene to the hospital, later died. The police have not yet identified the driver because next of kin must be notified. The Chevrolet pickup had Connecticut plates and bore on its side the name of a business out of Farmington, Conn. Initial investigation indicates the driver was not wearing a seatbelt, the police said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Donita Naylor Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:13 PM | Comment Man arrested at gunpoint in Warwick courthouseWARWICK -- A Warwick man was arrested at gunpoint this morning in the Kent County Courthouse after he walked through a metal detector and allegedly told officers he was carrying a gun. Paul Hutchins, 29, of 73 Church Ave. was charged by State Police with disorderly conduct, according to a Rhode Island Judiciary news release. Hutchins entered the courthouse about 9:10 a.m., approached the security station and allegedly told the Capitol Police officer on duty that the metal detector would activate as Hutchins walked through it. The detector "registered the presence of metal," the news release said, and Hutchins was asked if he had metal objects in his possession. "Hutchins then reportedly told officers he had a gun and pointed to his waist." Two Capitol Police officers wrestled Hutchins to the floor and handcuffed him while a third officer drew his gun, the news release said. No weapon was found when officers searched Hutchins. It all happened when the lobby was filled with people entering the courthouse at the beginning of the day. Officers escorted Hutchins to the courthouse’s cell block until state police arrived. District Court Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia ordered that Hutchins receive a mental health evaluation. The news release said no additional information about Hutchins and why he was in the courthouse was available. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:57 PM | Comment Crews work to clean up fuel spill in Pawcatuck RiverWESTERLY -- Firefighters are working to clean up a fuel spill in the Pawcatuck River, after a fuel truck overfilled a tank in Westerly's business district. Westerly Fire Chief David Sayles tells The Westerly Sun that teams will place booms in the river to contain the fuel. The Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire Department is also sending a hazardous-materials truck and crew. The spill was reported shortly after noon. Sayles says the driver of the fuel truck is being held responsible. The Pawcatuck River abuts buildings in Westerly's downtown and at that point forms the boundary between Rhode Island and Connecticut. It empties into Little Narraganset Bay and eventually Block Island Sound. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:52 PM | Comment N. Providence High team aces 'financial literacy'A North Providence High School student team is New England's best in "financial literacy" after beating out high school teams from each state in a college bowl-like competition this afternoon. The North Providence High School students won Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s 2007 “Reserve Cup” challenge, which focuses on economics, personal finance and financial current events, according to a news release from Secretary of State Ralph Mollis's office. North Providence High School seniors Kelly DeAngelis, Vincenzo Gianfrancesco, Raymond Iannuccillo, Rita Nerney and Luisa Murillo represented Rhode Island. Mollis, who is from North Providence, was invited by the Federal Reserve to talk with the cup competitors "about the importance of being smart consumers and smart savers" before the competition, the release said. Mollis warned students the number of college freshmen with credit cards tripled between 1999 and 2002. Freshmen carry an average of $1,585 in credit card debt, according to the national student-loan lender Nellie Mae, the secretary of state's office said. The competition will be aired on NECN cableTV at a later date, according to the Reserve Cup's Web site.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:23 PM | Comment Ex-bank manager faces charge in online sales schemeA former Bank Rhode Island branch manager pleaded innocent today to a federal charge that he solicited a bribe in exchange for helping defraud the Providence bank of nearly $1 million, according to federal court documents. David Carpenter, 34, of Cranston is the first person to face criminal charges in connection with an Internet sales scheme that bilked nearly $15 million from people across the country who wanted to buy electronic gadgets. Appearing in U.S. District Court today, Carpenter said little during a brief hearing before U.S. Magistrate David L. Martin. He pleaded innocent to a felony charge of soliciting a bribe as a bank officer. He also waived his right to an indictment on the charge, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison. He is due back in federal court tomorrow afternoon when he is expected to change his plea to guilty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Carpenter allegedly arranged for a $1 million line of credit that helped two men, one of them a former Warwick resident, set up a Rhode Island company selling consumer electronics over the Internet. It’s unclear what Carpenter accepted to arrange the credit line. The customers of Mixitforme.com tended to be people who scour the Web to find deals on bulk purchases of consumer electronics, such as Xboxes, PlayStations, iPods, or cell phones, and then resell them in small lots to independent retailers or individuals. Workers at Mixitforme.com office in Providence took hundreds of orders from people over the Internet. But the company filled only some of its smallest orders, according to court records and former customers, and even many of those orders were late in arriving or generated billing headaches for customers, who began complaining to law-enforcement agencies. The company imploded in early 2006 after law enforcement officials raided its offices at 275 Westminster St. in Providence. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Service, state and Providence police seized business records and computer equipment during the raid in March 2006. A related business, Biggles Toys, also shut down as a result of the raid. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi Mixitforme’s owner, Cory Johnson, of 272 Pierce St., Warwick, and a second man connected with the company, fled the state at the time. State and federal authorities have never clearly established the identity of the second man, who went by various names, including David Andrews, David Whitaker and “Chase,” according to people familiar with the businesses. The raid followed a move by Bank Rhode Island to push Mixitforme into state receivership in an attempt to collect at least $900,000 it was owed by the online electronics retailer. State receivership is a form of bankruptcy in which a court appoints a fiduciary either to sell company or to liquidate the company to pay the accumulated debt. A Superior Court judge appointed Joseph Ferrucci, a Providence lawyer, as the receiver to manage Mixitforme’s assets. Bank Rhode Island has so far received little of the money it says it’s owed. Ferrucci sold off furniture, computers, toys and other goods belonging to the related companies, but garnered less than $1 million. He also sought about $940,000 from a credit-card payment processor that managed purchases for Mixitforme. This summer, Superior Court Judge Michael A. Silverstein awarded $340,000 of that money to a Florida electronic broker, Gamma Trading. The bank’s holding company, Bancorp Rhode Island Inc. said in late 2005 that it expected it would take a hit to its earnings “related to the unauthorized actions of a former employee.” The company said in the December 2005 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: “Our maximum exposure is $1.4 million,” though the bank expected its “exposure” to decline over time. A bank representative, Senior Vice President William C. DeWitt, today declined to specify how Johnson and his associate where able to secure the financing through Carpenter, whether the Cranston man was fired or quit his job after the discovery of the Mixitforme credit line arrangement, or whether any other employees were disciplined in connection with the case. In a statement e-mailed to The Journal, the bank said it recovered $800,000 from an insurer, enough to cover some of the loss resulting from the incident. “In the first quarter of 2006, Bank Rhode Island reported that it had incurred a loss on a ‘note receivable’ of approximately $850,000,” the e-mail states. “The bank disclosed that the receivable arose in connection with the ‘unauthorized actions of a former employee.’ Bank Rhode Island also disclosed that it had filed a claim with its insurance carrier seeking recovery for the loss. “In the fourth quarter of 2006, the bank reported that it had recovered approximately $800,000 on the insurance claim it had filed with respect to that loss. “ The bank and others carry insurance precisely to protect themselves from these types of actions. “The bank repeatedly has made disclosure of this situation as well as that there have been reviews of all the facts and circumstances by its internal auditors and external auditors (KPMG Peat Marwick), and they found no lack of internal controls. “The bank has cooperated fully with the U.S. Attorney’s office and its investigation. “Given the arraignment of Mr. Carpenter, the bank can now disclose that Mr. Carpenter was, in fact, the former employee referenced in its previous statements on this matter.” Carpenter, the former branch manager at the bank’s Park Avenue branch in Cranston, has agreed to pay the bank $945,605 as a result of the agreement he made with federal authorities, according to federal court documents. Martin released Carpenter on a $10,000 unsecured bond and ordered him to remain in Rhode Island or Southeastern New England, unless he’s granted permission to travel elsewhere by a probation officer. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:27 PM | Comment Canadian drug company charges Lin TV with defamationA Canadian drug company claims that it was defamed by a story on allegedly fake drugs produced by a Lin TV station in Indianapolis. CanaRx Services, based in Windsor, Ontario, sued Lin TV, WISH and reporter Karen Hensel in federal court in Indianapolis Monday seeking unspecified monetary damages and an order prohibiting any further broadcast of the stories. Lin is based in Providence. ``The reports prepared by Hensel and broadcast and posted by LTC, taken as a whole, conveyed to viewers the message that CanaRx deals in counterfeit drugs,'' the company said in its complaint. ``Such message was false.'' Importation of foreign drugs into the U.S. is opposed by President George W. Bush who has said he'll veto any new law easing restrictions on imports that doesn't resolve safety concerns. Municipal and state governments have lobbied for easier access to foreign drugs to reduce costs, with brand-name drugs in other countries costing as much as 70 percent less than in the U.S. Bloomberg News said it was unable to get a comment from two Lin TV officials.
-- Bloomberg News The WISH station's investigative team, known as I Team 8, showed U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials opening packages of counterfeit drugs, which the report said came from China, India and Canada. ``FDA officials say they're concerned drugs found in the packages could be sugar pills, could have strychnine or ground up concrete, which was found in some tablets,'' the report said, according to court filings. CanaRx denied any sugar pills, strychnine or ground up concrete was ever found in any prescription the company filled. CanaRx also objected to Hensel's statement that the company didn't return I Team 8's calls for comment, saying one message was left on an answering machine at 4:03 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, after the first part of the report was broadcast the previous day and hours before the second part was to be aired. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:28 PM | Comment URI gets anonymous $1M gift for baseball upgradesAn anonymous donor has given $1 million to the University of Rhode Island's athletics department for upgrades to the school's baseball team field, an indoor batting range and more. A university news release today said it was the first $1 million pledge to the athletics department as part of the university's $100-million "Making a Difference" capital money-raising campaign. Among improvements planned are: * A synthetic surface installed on Bill Beck Field, home of URI baseball. * A sod and sprinkler system for the outfield. * An indoor batting range used by the baseball and softball teams. * A donation toward the student-athlete development center, including naming rights for the baseball offices. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney "We are so appreciative of this extremely generous gift to URI Athletics and, in particular, to our baseball program," Thorr Bjorn, the URI athletics director, said in the statement. "Because of this gift, we are able to upgrade the playing surface at Bill Beck Field, as well as provide both our baseball and softball student-athletes with an indoor batting facility." Bjorr added that the donor "understood the importance of allocating a portion of the gift toward the Student-Athlete Development Center, which is going to enhance the overall experience for the 500-plus URI student-athletes." He stated that the university is working to raise $5 million for the student-athlete development center and other upgrades under "Making a Difference" capital campaign. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:55 PM | Comment Recalls highlight need for careful toy buying / Photo
The Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group released “Trouble in Toyland” -- its annual report on hazardous toys -- during a meeting at the Mount Hope Child Care Center in Providence. The group used the opportunity to urge Congress to strengthen product safety laws and increase funding for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, one of the nation’s primary oversight agencies. “Recent high-profile product recalls have given us a chance to urge Congress to pass strong product safety reforms and give kids the best holiday gift of all,” said Laura Brion of RIPIRG. Similar presentations were made today by PIRGs in other states around the country. Standing before a table in a daycare classroom, Brion pointed out a handful of suspect toys found on shelves in Rhode Island stores. Among them was a stuffed Curious George doll, a hand-sized John Deere front-end loader, lip gloss and other items. Each, she said, presented some hazard to children. The Curious George doll, for instance, contained five times the amount of lead allowed by the CPSC and a toy zipper that contained 65 percent lead by weight. “We were shocked to see how dangerous this would be” to children, she said. RIPIRG’s research focused primarily on six categories of dangerous toys: those that pose choking hazards; are dangerously loud; pose strangulation hazards; contain toxic chemicals; contain improperly secured magnets; or those that could form dangerous projectiles. As in past years, the public advocacy group found balls, plastic playthings and other toys with small pieces continue to be marketed toward children. Magnets have recently raised more concerns as they’ve been added to more toys in recent years. Mattel Inc., the nation’s largest toymaker, this year recalled 18 million toys with small magnets that could be swallowed by children. “We all know toddlers love to put things in their months,” Brion said. “These small powerful magnets pose a serious hazard.” Find RIPIRG tips on toy safety here. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi There are at least three proposals in Congress to strengthen the nation’s consumer product laws. The bills all would increase the CPSC’s, raise the penalties manufacturers face for producing faulty toys and make product testing mandatory -- though only one, the SAFE Consumer Product Act would require testing by entities independent of the manufacturers themselves. “We urge passage of the SAFE Products Act,” Brion said. RIPIRG’s efforts come during a year when toymakers are dealing with repeated recalls and lawsuits tied to faulty or dangerous products. This summer, more than 21 million Chinese-made toys were recalled because of high lead levels or dangerous magnets. More recently, a toy high on wish lists, Aqua Dots was recalled because it was tainted with a date rape drug. Aqua Dots and other Chinese-made toys make up 80 percent of the playthings made in this country. Between 1990 and 2005, at least 166 children choked to death on children’s products, accounting for more than half of all toy-related deaths at a rate of about 10 deaths per year, according to RIPIRG’s national counterpart, U.S. PIRG. Several times this year potentially dangerous toys were sold without the required warning labels of possible choking risks while the CPSC also has been slow to issue public warnings, U.S. PIRG said. Other consumer safety groups are urging Congress to act as well. “The root cause of the imported product safety crisis lies in U.S. trade policies, trade agreements and incentives that have promoted the export of whole swaths of the U.S. manufacturing base, while simultaneously imposing limits on import safety standards and inspection,” Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch Division, told a congressional panel in September. That same month, a House of Representatives subcommittee disclosed its expectations that recalls of lead tainted toys would continue into late fall. Mattel disclosed to congressional investigators earlier this year that some of the 1.5 million toys it recalled because of lead-paint hazards contained nearly 200 times the legal amount of lead. Disclosures like that forced Mattel, the nation’s largest toymaker, and even far smaller companies, to ensure they’re preventing lead from getting into their supplies. One such company is Little Kids, of Providence, which makes bubble toys and other plastic playthings intended for small children. "We have customers who are asking us to certify that all of our toys are lead free,” said Jim Engle, president of Little Kids Inc. “They want to make sure all toys coming out of Chine are tested the right way.” The company has not had to recall any of its toys, Engle said. Retailers, such as Toys R Us Inc., and companies that contract others to make toys for them, such as Walt Disney Co., this year have increased their own tests of the products they sell or license. Even the Toy Industry Association, a trade group, is calling on Congress to make toy testing mandatory. In formal statements, the association said it shares consumers’ concerns about the recent recalls of toys made with lead paint and other potentially harmful ingredients. “Recent recalls from a few manufacturers are an indication that we need to strengthen the testing and inspection procedures used to verify that all toy products, from all sources, comply with U.S. safety standards,” Daniel Grossman, the association’s chairman, said in September. In September, the CPSC and a Chinese governmental agency agreed to crack down on the use of lead in toys being exported to the U.S. China agreed to increase inspections at Chinese factories. RIPIRG though, is focused on seeing the CPSC strengthened. The agency is charged with oversight of some 15,000 kinds of products, but has only one toy inspector and 15 inspectors for the more than 326 import entry points around the country. Its staff of 400 is about 60 percent less than the nearly 1,000 workers it had in 1980. The 33-year-old agency currently operates on a $62-million budget, about one-seventh the size of the Food and Drug Administration’s funding for food safety alone. Current Congressional proposals would increase the CPSC budget to between $100 million to $140 million over the next three to six years. RIPIRG wants Congress to give the agency more staff and more authority, ban lead in toys and require independent toy testing. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:40 PM | Comment These turkeys won't have to stand the heat / VideoWASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former President Harry Truman may have had some advice for these birds, the current Oval Office holder suggested today. If you can't stand the heat, you should "definitely" stay out of the kitchen, said President Bush, paraphrasing Truman's famous quote during his annual pardon of a Thanksgiving turkey. Bush was re-enacting a tradition that begin with Truman in 1947. And he incorporated a more recent one, by announcing the names of the two turkeys, which were selected through online voting. They are: "May" and "Flower" -- put them together and you get Mayflower, the ship the Pilgrims sailed to the New World, and whose first thanksgiving the holiday this Thursday recalls. The vice president, Bush joked, had suggested "Lunch" and "Dinner." Watch a video of today's ceremony in the Rose Garden. What's in store for the pair? Their next stop is Disney World, where they will be the honorory marshals of the the Thanksgiving parade there.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:39 PM | Comment R.I. Guardsmen heading out to train Afghani soldiersSixteen Rhode Island Army National Guard members will deploy to Afghanistan next week to train Afghani soldiers in combat infantry tactics and procedures. Major General Robert T. Bray, the Rhode Island adjutant general and commanding general of the Guard here, announced today that the soldiers all have military specialties as infantrymen and belong to the 56th Troop Command at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich. They will be honored at a departure ceremony Monday at 6 p.m. at Camp Fogarty. About 80 percent of the soldiers have deployed before in support of combat operations in either Iraq or Afghanistan. The deployment brings the number of Rhode Island National Guardsmen serving in combat zones to 377. There are 136 members of the 169th Military Police Company serving in the Ar Ramadi, Iraq, area while 175 members of C Battery, 1st Battalion, 103d Field Artillery Brigade, are in final stages of post-deployment training at Fort Dix, N.J.,and are slated to deploy to Iraq shortly. Eight members of the 65th Press Camp, all public affairs specialists, are serving in Baghdad. More than 3,800 Rhode Island National Guardsmen -- Army and Air -- have served in the combat zone since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:11 PM | Comment Photo: A download of snow in Burrillville
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:53 PM | Comment JFK's daughter inspired Sox anthem 'Sweet Caroline'LOS ANGELES -- Neil Diamond held onto the secret for decades, but he has finally revealed that President Kennedy's daughter was the inspiration for his smash hit "Sweet Caroline." "I've never discussed it with anybody before - intentionally," the 66-year-old singer-songwriter told The Associated Press on Monday during a break from recording. "I thought maybe I would tell it to Caroline when I met her someday." He got his chance last week when he performed the song via satellite at Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg's 50th birthday party. The enduring hit recently reappeared on the singles chart, thanks in part to the Boston Red Sox. "Sweet Caroline" is played at every home game. "I think they consider it good luck," Diamond said, adding that the World Series champs have become his favorite baseball team. Diamond was a "young, broke songwriter" when a photo of the president's daughter in a news magazine caught his eye. "It was a picture of a little girl dressed to the nines in her riding gear, next to her pony," Diamond recalled. "It was such an innocent, wonderful picture, I immediately felt there was a song in there." Years later, holed up in a hotel in Memphis, he would write the words and music in less an hour. "It was a No. 1 record and probably is the biggest, most important song of my career, and I have to thank her for the inspiration," he said. "I'm happy to have gotten it off my chest and to have expressed it to Caroline. I thought she might be embarrassed, but she seemed to be struck by it and really, really happy." The tune's return to the charts leaves Diamond "speechless," he said: "That song was written 40 years ago, so I am just overwhelmed by the fact that it has returned and that, more importantly, people have taken it into their hearts for so many years." Audio: Listen to a clip of "Sweet Caroline." -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:33 PM | Comment Prep for rain at Thanksgiving football tiltsFor high school football fans gearing up for games tomorrow and on Thanksgiving, make sure to pack an umbrella. The forecast calls for a chance of rain both days. A high of 49 degrees is forecast for tomorrow, with a low of 41 degrees. Thanksgiving's forecast calls for a high of 59 degrees and low of 36 degrees. Six games are sheduled for tomorrow night in Rhode Island and 14 on Thanksgiving morning. Here's the schedule for tomorrow, and for Thursday. You can preview them and make your own predictions for game results at projo.com's High School Game Time, which covers Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts schools. To find out if games are cancelled, check the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:22 PM | Comment Update: Ethics panel keeps Irons' case in its handsPROVIDENCE -- The state Ethics Commission has denied former state Senate president William Irons’ requests that the commission dismiss a case against him and that he be allowed to take his case to a jury. Irons may appeal the decision. But if the ethics panel has its way, his case is due to go before its members at a trial-like hearing. In April, the Ethics Commission turned down a proposal from its staff to settle the case again Irons. Irons is accused of breaking state ethics laws by voting on pharmacy legislation when he had a conflict of interest. The charge is related to his involvement in the Senate Corporations Committee’s consideration of pharmacy “freedom of choice” legislation in 1999 and 2000. Irons chaired the Corporations Committee at the time, and as an insurance salesman, he had business dealings with CVS and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. He resigned from the Senate in 2004. Irons’ lawyer, John A. Tarantino, said he was not surprised by the decision because of the similarities between Irons' case and that of Senate President Joseph Montalbano, who made the same demands, which were denied. The issues had been so fully argued that both sides agreed today that rulings on Irons' requests could be made without any testimony. Tarantino said he plans to appeal the commission's decision to Superior Court. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Tarantino, like Montalbano’s lawyer, Max Wistow, wanted the case to be dismissed on the grounds that it violated the state constitution’s “Speech in Debate” clause, which states that “For any speech in debate in either house, no member shall be questioned in any other place.” After the commission’s decision, Tarantino said that he did not interpret the clause to mean legislators were immune from prosecution, but that the “sole basis” of a charge could not be if or how a legislator voted. Although Wistow made a similar argument, Montalbano’s case was settled without the commission making a determination on that issue. Tarantino hesitated to say whether he foresaw a settlement in Irons’ case. “I learned a long time ago to never say never,” he said, “but I think it’s highly unlikely.” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:02 PM | Comment Swain's extradition hearing postponed to Dec. 5PROVIDENCE -- An extradition hearing for David Swain, charged with killing his wife while scuba diving in the Caribbean in 1999, has been postponed until next month. The hearing had been scheduled for tomorrow. But a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence said the hearing is now on for Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. Swain, a former Jamestown council member who owns a dive shop, was arrested last week on a murder warrant brought by authorities in Tortola. Swain’s arrest culminated months of quiet diplomacy between U.S State and Justice department officials and diplomats with the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. Until then, 51, had never been criminally charged in the death of his wife, a private school administrator and expert diver. The lawyer for Swain, an assistant federal defender, has requested more time to prepare for the international extradition hearing, citing its rarity and the "voluminous" nature of the warrant. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:08 AM | Comment Break out the ice skates, winter is hereWinter is here. If snow in the forecast isn’t enough proof, there’s more: the Bank of America City Center Skating Rink is opening today at noon. Mayor David Cicilline says last year there more than 60,000 skaters used the rink, and hopefully this year will be just as successful. “This promises to be a very exciting season at the Bank of America City Center,” he said in a statement. This year’s prices will be the same as last year: $6 for adults; $3 for seniors and children under 12; $2 admission for school groups. Skate rental is $4. And free admission and half-price skate rentals for residents on the first Saturday of each month. Click below for a list of upcoming events. * Skate with Santa the weekends of December 15th and 16th and December 22nd and 23rd from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:52 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe governor decries welfare and the state's poverty rate is examined on today's front page. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:23 AM | Comment Ex-Trudeau Center staffer due in court on rape chargesA former employee of a health services center that serves more than 1,000 individuals with disabilities is due in court today on charges related to a series of sexual assaults. Robert E. Bellow, 67, of 53 Indian Trail, Coventry, pleaded not guilty in October to more than 15 counts of sexual assault. He has been accused of attacking a client at an off-site apartment owned by The J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center. Bellow is scheduled to return to Superior Court, Warwick, today for a pre-trial hearing. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:20 AM | Comment Cicilline hosts Thanksgiving food drive tonightPROVIDENCE -- Hundreds of people are expected to drop by Mayor David N. Cicilline's house tonight with turkeys and other foods that will go into Thanksgiving food baskets for people in need. It is the mayor's 17th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive reception, from 5 until 9 p.m., at Cicilline's home at 702 Elmgrove Ave. Volunteers will be there to put the food into the baskets, which will be distributed to Amos House, Camp Street Community Ministries, John Hope Settlement House, Mount Hope Community Baptist Church, Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Nickerson House, St. Vincent De Paul Ministry and other nonprofit agencies. Local businesses are also contributing to the food drive, including Eastside Marketplace, Gasbarro’s Wines-Providence, Gary’s City Gardens, Sodexho, A.G. & G. Inc., and Jephrey’s Floral Studio. Cicilline and volunteers will distribute the food baskets on Wednesday at 10 a.m. The first stop will be Camp Street Community Ministries, 190 Camp St., then stops at nonprofit agencies throughout the city. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:20 AM | Comment USDA: Tyson Foods' labels may be misleadingThe Department of Agriculture says it overlooked a feed additive when it gave Tyson Foods the OK to label its fresh chicken "raised without antibiotics.'' Now the USDA wants Tyson to change the label and the company says it will -- but that the "raised without antibiotics'' phrase will stay. Tyson says the feed additive in question isn't an antibiotic. The USDA says it is, but Tyson says the Food and Drug Administration disagrees. The company says the additive is permitted by the federal government as a preventive measure against intestinal illness in chickens. The USDA has given the company until late December to submit a new label and new arguments, to change its feed formula, or to stop using the label. Tyson says it will modify the label to include additional wording stating that no ingredients have been used that could create antibiotic resistance in humans. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment Rain, sleet, snow... maybe.Cross your fingers. The National Weather Service is forecasting a mix of rain, sleet and snow later this morning with a high temperature near 41 degrees. There's also a chance of rain tonight, before midnight. The overnight temperature should drop to about 32 degrees. Tomorrow, look for rain in the afternoon, but milder temperatures with a high near 50 degrees.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment November 19, 2007Tonight: Beautiful Girls, a Lagoon and the bluesThe Beautiful Girls play rock at The Living Room, 23 Rathbone St., Providence. Call 521-5200. 9 p.m. All ages. Lagoon, Cardboard Fort and Cat/Book/City play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Call 831-9327. 9 p.m. $5. All ages. Mark Taber plays the blues at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. Call 453-6500. 7 to 11 p.m. Still not enough ideas for you? See what's happening on projo.com's music page and events calendars around the area. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Work starts to shore up Route 95 span in PawtucketPAWTUCKET -- The state Department of Transportation started emergency repairs on the Pawtucket River Bridge today and is removing a non-structural part for fear it might fall on someone. The work began following the agency’s announcement Friday that it will post a reduced weight limit and close one entrance ramp permanently because of deterioration of the structure. Late today, workers from Aetna Bridge Co. were using heavy timbers to build the base of a temporary pier that will help support part of a northbound lane of Route 95 where part of the steel supporting structure has rusted away. The work is under way on the east bank of the Seekonk River, to help support the ramp for the School Street exit from the highway Kazem Farhoumand, the DOT’s acting chief engineer, said that while the agency plans to close an adjacent entrance ramp, from George Street, "We have to keep School Street open." He said the School Street exit ramp carries 16,000 vehicles per day and is critical in part because it serves Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. Read more about the work in tomorrow's Journal and on projo.com. -- Journal stafff writer Bruce Landis Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment District Court judge: 'Gap kids' belong in Family CourtPROVIDENCE -- District Court’s top judge this morning ruled that Family Court is the proper place for many of the “gap kids” who were charged with crimes during the 4-1/2-month period when state law treated 17-year-olds as adults. The state’s chief public defender estimated that 100 to 200 of the 500 gap kids would be transferred to Family Court as a result of the decision, but the attorney general’s office vowed to appeal the ruling. District Court Chief Judge Albert E. DeRobbio agreed to transfer misdemeanor cases involving gap kids to Family Court if charges are still pending, and he said gap kids who have entered pleas to misdemeanor charges but have not completed their sentences will have the option of seeking a transfer to Family Court. But it will be up to Superior Court to decide whether to transfer felony cases involving gap kids to Family Court because Superior Court adjudicates felonies, DeRobbio said. In making his ruling, DeRobbio said state law had been applied in an unconstitutional way. Citing the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution, he said, “The court is concerned about the various classes that occurred as a result of the legislation that has passed.” Earlier this year, state lawmakers changed the law to treat 17-year-olds as adults in criminal matters, predicting that would save money because the Adult Correctional Institutions would be cheaper than the state Training School. But the savings turned out to be questionable at best, and on Nov. 7 the legislature repealed the law. The change was not retroactive, however, so that left 500 “gap kids” who were charged as adults between July 1 and Nov. 8. That also meant they faced the same penalties as adults. -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick “I’m happy,” chief public defender John J. Hardiman said after the hearing. “I think it does justice to what we call ‘gap kids’ who, unfortunately, entered the justice system in that four-month period. They now will get the services and privileges that other 17-year-olds have received in the past and will receive in the future.” Attorney general’s spokesman Michael J. Healey said, “On behalf of the victims of these cases, we are glad that the court agreed there is no reason to dismiss the felonies, because they do belong in Superior Court. We appreciate the fair hearing the court gave to the issue, and with respect to the misdemeanors, we respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling and will appeal to the Supreme Court.” Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:16 PM | Comment Tiverton teachers picket over newsletter flap / Photo
They picketed in shifts after schools closed, maintaining a presence of about 50 to 60 teachers across more than an hour outside Supt. William J. Rearick's office. Today's actions came as school district/committee and the teachers union attempt to reach a contract agreement amid acrimony. The School Committee is seeking non-binding arbitration. The letter was published in the local teachers union newsletter "Voice of Reason" and described as "from a group of parents and students from THS." It states "it is about time we do something about the behavior of our school committee officers." The letter adds specific criticism of School Committee Chairwoman Denise deMedeiros, who "most of all" is the one who "angers us." One of the issues the letter focuses is on is a dispute over when some teachers wrote recommendations for students -- deMedeiros' suggestion at a recent committee meeting that the teachers might have stopped writing recommendation letters for high school seniors amid contractual negotiations, which the union disputes. The union has said teachers' recommendation letter writing is at a normal pace and accused deMedeiros of misleading statements. The NEA-RI news release identifies the two teachers who were put on administrative leave as Chris Fielding and Christina Hallman. Rearick declined to comment today about the teachers because there is an "ongoing investigation." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gina Macris Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:51 PM | Comment Providence chamber giving out awards tonightPROVIDENCE -- The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce has named Summer Infant Inc. its Small Business Leader of the Year. The company is to receive the award tonight at the chamber’s annual meeting, the largest gathering of business leaders of the year. Summer Infant, a manufacturer of children’s care products in Woonsocket, was founded in 1984. The chamber awards businesses with 100 employees or fewer for creating original products or services and for job growth, profitability and community involvement, according to chamber spokeswoman Bethany E. Costello. Last year, Stephen Lane and Aidan Petrie, co-founders of Item Group, a product development firm in Providence, received the chamber’s small business award. Tonight's event, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 700 people. Joseph Quinlan, the chief market strategist for Bank of America, Global Wealth and Investment Management, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at 8:10 p.m. Also at tonight’s ceremony, the chamber plans to name Concordia Manufacturing as the Manufacturer of the Year. Concordia, based in Coventry, is growing its staff at a time when many manufacturers in the state are shrinking or closing their local operations. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Last year’s honoree was Hexagon Metrology Inc., a global supplier of metrology equipment and software in North Kingstown. The chamber is also honoring Jeannine Dugas, a senior account executive for Cox Media, as its Ambassador of the Year. She was chosen by a committee of 70 people who “provide critical membership liaison services between the chamber and its member businesses.” Last year, Ralph Coppola, of Providence-based Meridien Benefits Group Inc., an executive benefits firm, received the recognition. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:31 PM | Comment Update: Mercury spill in E. Providence High cleaned upEAST PROVIDENCE -- A mercury spill, described as the size of a half-dollar, has been cleaned up after being found in the East Providence High School boiler room this morning. The spill, which came out of a boiler switch, was contained immediately in an area that only certified maintenance staff are allowed access to, said Robert Rodericks, a school district spokesman, after he spoke with Assistant Schools Supt. Edward Daft. School is going on as scheduled. The school district said no students or teachers were exposed to the substance. Mercury is a hazardous heavy metal that can cause concerns if someone is exposed to it as a vapor. Rodericks said the spill was discovered between 10 and 10:30 a.m. He said the district would not have hesitated to evacuate the school had officials deemed it necessary. Work has been wrapping up on a major replacement of what was a 50-plus-year-old boiler/heating system in the school. Clean Harbors Environmental Services, which cleans up hazardous material spills, cleaned up the spill.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:24 PM | Comment Blue Bug goes green for the holidaysThis holiday season the Big Blue Bug is going green. For 15 years Nibbles Woodaway – better known as the Big Blue Bug – has been fitted with a festive holiday outfit, adorned with lights, a red Rudolph-esqe nose, and antlers. This year there’s an added adornment: efficiency. The bug, which overlooks Route 95 from atop the New England Pest Control building, will be wrapped in 5,200 LED holiday lights. Michael Ryan, the president of R.I. Electric Distribution for National Grid, will flip the switch tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. "This lighting display will remind the thousands of drivers who pass the Big Blue Bug every day that they can easily do their part to reduce energy use and carbon emissions this holiday season," he said. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:37 PM | Comment URI fires football coach Tim StowersBY MIKE SZOSTAK The University of Rhode Island has fired football coach Tim Stowers after an eight-year tenure that produced one winning season in 2001. His overall record at URI was 33-57. His last game was a 35-30 victory over Northeastern last Saturday. Stowers has one year remaining on his contract. He earned $196,027 in 2006. "I have been informed that I will no longer be the coach of the University of Rhode Island football team," Stowers said early this afternoon. The director of athletics, Thorr Bjorn, was in a meeting, and other administrators were unavailable for comment. Stowers received the word this morning. Several weeks ago, Bjorn said he would discuss Stowers' fate after the season. The Rams lost six of their first seven games this year but won two of their last four, including a 12-6 upset of third-ranked Massachusetts on Nov. 3. "Obviously, we had one winning season," Stowers said. "Even though we had a difficult schedule -- we played six playoffs teams and one I-A team -- you never know. They just wanted to ake a decision for the future of the program, and I respect their opinion." Stowers came to URI in 2000 after two years as an assistant coach at Temple. He was head coach at Georgia Southern for six years, winning the NCAA Division I-AA national championship in 1990. His career record as a head coach is 84-80. Posted by Art Martone at 2:35 PM | Comment LNG company vows new push for Fall River plantBOSTON -- The company hoping to build a liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River is forging ahead even after the Coast Guard rejected the proposal last month. Opponents called the Coast Guard's decision a near death blow for the Weaver's Cove Energy terminal, but Hess LNG President Gordon Shearer said today the company will appeal the ruling as early as Wednesday. At the same time, Shearer said the company will submit a new proposal designed to address the concerns raised by the Coast Guard, a move that would automatically trigger a new review. "It's fair to say that the project is by no means dead," Shearer said today. A revised proposal will be submitted to the Coast Guard in the next few months, he said. The proposal can be filed even if the Coast Guard hasn't yet ruled on the appeal. The Coast Guard said if the company submits a new proposal, it's prepared to completely reanalyze it. "Weaver's Cove could present an entirely new proposal, which would require the Coast Guard to conduct an entirely new analysis," Coast Guard Senior Chief Richard Uronis said. -- The Associated Press Opponents have fought against the proposed LNG terminal saying a terrorist attack or accident would be devastating to residents in the densely populated area. The Coast Guard on Oct. 24 rejected plans for the terminal, ruling tankers would not be able to safely negotiate between two bridges on the river leading to the site. Opponents celebrated the decision, which they hoped spelled the end for the project. Then-Fall River mayor Edward Lambert said the decision delivered a "near death blow, if not a fatal blow" to the project. Shearer said the decision was more of a setback than a death blow. He faulted local Coast Guard officials, saying they failed to base their decision on marine simulations and the judgment of pilots - both of which Shearer said would have worked in the project's favor. If local Coast Guard officials uphold their earlier decision, Shearer plans to appeal up through the chain of command. "As you go up the appeals process, it ceases to become a local Coast Guard issue and less susceptible to local pressure," he said. At the same time the company will submit an entirely revised proposal. Shearer said that proposal would try to address some of the concerns raised by the Coast Guard, including the size of the ships and their ability to navigate through two bridges. The Coast Guard based its decision to reject Weaver's Cove initial proposal in part because it determined the tankers wouldn't have sufficient space to safely navigate to the LNG site between two bridges that are about 1,100 feet apart on the Taunton River. The bridges became obstacles to the project after maneuvering by opponents. The old Brightman Street Bridge was slated for demolition, but was preserved as a pedestrian walkway when opponents realized they could use it to stop the project. The old bridge has a narrow, 98-foot-wide opening that is not aligned with the opening on the new Brightman Street Bridge, which is just 1,100 feet away. That leaves too little room for the tankers to maneuver between them. Shearer said the tankers used on the project would be specially designed and those designs could be modified to allow them to make the trip safely. The Weaver's Cove LNG terminal was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2005 and has the support of various local unions. Company officials argued the project was badly needed to meet the region's growing energy demands. It met fierce opposition in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which borders the route the tankers would have taken to reach the Fall River site. They vowed to kill the proposal any way possible, and have tried various approaches, including a current fight to have the heavily industrialized former Shell Oil site protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:02 PM | Comment Red Sox re-sign Mike LowellBY SEAN McADAM BOSTON -- The Red Sox finished their holiday shopping early, re-signing free agent third baseman Mike Lowell today to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million according to someone with direct knowledge of the negotiations. The salary will be $12 million for each of the next three years, with a $1.5 million signing bonus. Lowell's signing means the Sox will return the 2007 team almost in its entirety. Earlier this month, the Sox also re-signed pitcher Curt Schilling to a one-year deal. The Sox had made it clear from the beginning that they were not willing to give Lowell a four-year deal, an approach they had previously taken with Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon. Lowell attracted various levels of interest from the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and at least some of those clubs were apparently willing to go to a fourth year. But Lowell made clear that he would prefer to remain with the Sox. His long-term contract, which paid him $9 million annually, expired after the season. With the 2007 World Series MVP back under contract, the Sox' off-season wish list has shrunk to the depth positions. The Sox could still use a veteran outfielder, a corner infielder and perhaps an upgrade over Doug Mirabelli at the backup catcher position. Posted by Art Martone at 1:58 PM | Comment Update: Man gets 18 years for shaking baby to deathPROVIDENCE – A man accused of shaking his girlfriend’s baby so violently that the child died of internal head injuries was sentenced this morning to 18 years in prison.
-- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:35 PM | Comment Update: Humpback whale freed / Photo, video
A humpback whale has been freed from fishing nets, but may be slightly injured after spending days anchored off the coast of a Westerly beach. After getting loose after 10 o'clock this morning, the whale still had some yellow fishing line or netting wrapped around it and over its back just behind the blowhole. But in a statement from Mystic Aquarium, observers in a helicopter said the whale had already traveled east from Weekapaug to near Blue Shutters Beach, in Charlestown, by about 10:45 a.m. “Once freed," the release read, "he seemed to be swimming fairly well despite the problem.” Representatives from the Mass. -based Center for Coastal Studies said the 30-foot animal seemed a little thin, but would probably be fine after feeding. Scott Landry was out on the water, about a quarter mile off Weekapaug Beach, for more than two hours, working to disentangle the animal, thought to be a juvenile. “He’s a sick little whale,” said Landry, who works with the center on whale rescues. The center worked alongside employees from the state Department of Environmental Management and Mystic Aquarium in nearby Connecticut to free the whale, which was first spotted on Friday, according to Cindy Davis, stranding assistant at the aquarium. “People initially thought it was feeding,” she said. “But we knew something was wrong because the animal was staying in the same place for a long time.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Arline Fleming Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:26 PM | Comment Cumberland man is sentenced to eight years in prisonA Cumberland man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for illegally having three rifles. A jury in July found him guilty of being a felon in possession of fire arms. Richard Ribeiro, 59, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, according to a news release today from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office. Ribeiro has a past felony narcotics conviction. During the July trial, prosecutor Zechariah Chafee presented evidence that on May 1, 2006, Cumberland police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents used a search warrant to go into Ribeiro’s Macondary Street home. They seized a rifle in a crawl space. After interviewing Ribeiro at the Cumberland police station, an ATF agent went back to Ribeiro’s home and seized a 12-gauge shotgun and a .357 Magnum rifle in another area of crawl space, the news release said. The agent also found .357-caliber ammunition in a dresser drawer. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:26 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Seeking Thanksgiving horror storiesHave relatives or friends subjected you to scorched turnips, green beans and Velveeta or burnt turkey at Thanksgiving? Please share your worst Thanksgiving holiday food experiences for publication. Please contact reporter Karen Lee Ziner at kziner@projo.com. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:33 AM | Comment Gas prices up for 5th straight weekThe average price for a gallon of gasoline in Rhode Island has increased for the fifth straight week and is just one cent below the high for the year, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline has increased four cents to $3.079 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The high for the year is $3.089, reached on May 28. The price has climbed 40 cents in the past five weeks. A year ago the price here was $2.239. The average price for gasoline in Rhode Island is two cents below the national average of $3.099. Still, AAA says the high prices aren't expected to deter Thanksgiving travel acrosss the country. AAA estimates that 38.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a 1.5 percent increase over last year. About 31.2 million are expected to travel by motor vehicle, a 1.3 percent increase over last year. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:56 AM | Comment Police issue warning after Cape Cod heroin deathsFALMOUTH -- Police on upper Cape Cod are warning the public after two deaths linked to what they believe is a lethal mixture of heroin. Within a roughly three-hour span yesterday, police in Falmouth responded to two deaths believed to have been caused by heroin use. Autopsies are planned on the men, aged 38 and 40. Falmouth police say they're unsure whether the deaths are connected to a high-potency drug that led federal authorities to issue a heroin alert last year. That warning involved a powerful version of heroin cut with the painkiller Fentanyl. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 9:56 AM | Comment Reminder: Allens Avenue detour
Don't forget, more Iway construction means more detours. Today, through Wednesday, northbound traffic on Allens Avenue will share one lane of alternating traffic with construction crews as. Southbound traffic on Allens Avenue will follow a detour to Eddy Street and return to Allens at Public Street. The detour will remain through the weekend, and the work will continue today, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Construction crews will be on the street, lowering the grade on Allens Avenue in preparation for placing steel along the avenue as part of the Iway “superstructure” that will bring traffic from Route 195 west to Route 95 north. The steel installation should begin early next year. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:35 AM | Comment 2 firefighters hurt, 5 people displaced by Providence fireTwo firefighters went to the hospital, and five residents were displaced by a fire this morning on Orms Street, Providence, according to the Providence Fire Department. The fire at 421 Orms St was reported at 6:45 a.m. and brought under control around 7:53 a.m., according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Fire Department. The fire, which is under investigation, caused extensive damage to all three floors of the wood-frame building, Taylor said. Firefighters were evacuated from the building because of the fire's intensity and fought it from outside, he said. One firefighter was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with a burned hand, and another was taken to Roger Williams Hospital with an unknown but apparently minor injury, Taylor said. The Red Cross was called to help the five people, all adults, displaced by the fire, according to Taylor. Everyone was out of the building when firefighters arrived. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:01 AM | Comment Cloudy and a chance of rainThe early morning sun may just be a tease. The National Weather Service is forecasting a cloudy day with a chance of rain this afternoon and a high temperature of 42 degrees. Clouds are expected to stick around overnight, when the temperature drops to 28 degrees. Tomorrow is looking grim, with a slight chance of snow early in the morning, turning to mixed rain and sleet, and then just rain. Clouds all day with a high temperature of about 43. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and headline about the Patriots' blowout win in Buffalo and the epilogue to staff writer G. Wayne Miller's series on Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 18, 2007Former Pawtucket Mayor Dennis Lynch, father of AG Patrick Lynch, diesAttorney General Patrick C. Lynch released the following statement Sunday night on the news of the death of his father, former Pawtucket Mayor Dennis M. Lynch: “It is with great sadness that I announce that my father, Dennis M. Lynch, passed away early this evening at Roger Williams Medical Center. Although he had not been in good health for some time, his death was quite unexpected and has left our family stunned. ''Elected Mayor of Pawtucket five times, he served the people of my hometown purposefully and honorably from 1973 to 1981. As Rhode Island’s State Purchasing Agent, he worked for five Governors in more than 20 years of exemplary and honest service. He instilled in my brothers and sisters and me the value of public service, teaching us to do well by doing good and to stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves. ''Even more important, however, by his own example, he showed us how family matters more than anything else in life and how life is meant to be lived to the fullest, which is certainly how he lived his life. I offer my heartfelt sympathies to my Mom, Irene, my children, Kelsy and Graham, my brothers and sisters, and my 14 nephews and nieces.” Posted by Art Martone at 10:27 PM | Comment November 16, 2007Thanksgiving travel predictions -- and tipsWhether you’re planning a trip to visit family this holiday season, or trying to get a break from them, it’s likely going to cost you more than it did last year. But, according to the annual AAA survey, that's probably not enough to stop you. It seems neither record-high gas prices, nor fears of sitting in a plane on a runway for hours is enough to deter holiday travelers from packing their bags and heading out as the busy Thanksgiving travel week begins. Although the increase is expected to be slight, more people are planning to travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend; 38.7 million people compared to last year’s 38.1 million, according to AAA’s annual Thanksgiving travel survey. And 80 percent of them are planning to travel by car, that’s a 1.3 percent increase over last year. Any increase could be seen as surprising considering this year America is facing the highest November gas prices ever; more than $3 per gallon. Last November, a gallon of gasoline ran about $2.20. Last week in Rhode Island, gas hit an average of nearly $3.04 a gallon, but Robert Murray, senior vice president at AAA if Southern New England, isn’t surprised that people are still planning to travel. “It’s a pretty big jump,” he acknowledges, but said it wasn’t a significant deterrent, especially around Thanksgiving, “because it’s about family.” And travelers are also finding they may be able to make up the difference in other ways. Rates are down for many hotels, and rental prices have dropped, on average, 12 percent, according to AAA. If you do decide to drive, check the cost of gas for your trip the AAA fuel calculator. Even commercial airline tickets are down more than 5 percent from this time last year, according to AAA, and about 4.7 million Americans are expected to travel by plane this holiday season. In Rhode Island, T. F. Green Airport is expecting heavier-than-usual holiday traffic. The airport will have extra police officers, airline and rental car personnel, food and retail staff, parking attendants, and shuttle service. Even so, a press release with travel tips issued by the airport Friday warns travelers to arrive early, but of course to check for cancellations in the case of bad weather. Bring positive identification and don’t forget the TSA3-1-1 rule: any gels or liquids must be containers of 3 ounces or less and packed in one quart zip top bag to make it through the security checkpoint. Amtrak is also alerting travelers to heavy traffic during the next few days, and plans to add extra cars in the Northeast corridor to cope. The train service is also operating on a special Thanksgiving holiday timetable. Extra: Find more resources on projo.com's travelers' tips page. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:55 PM | Comment Photo: Coming soon to a Thanksgiving table near you?
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:05 PM | Comment Tonight: A trio performs on flute, viola and harp at URICatch a trio performing tonight at the University of Rhode Island. The Aureole Trio -- flute, viola and harp -- takes the stage in the Great Performances series of concerts at 8 p.m. at the University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Rd., Kingston. Percussionist Gregg Charest joins in for some Hispanic music. Tickets are $15. For informations, call (401) 874-2627 or go to www.uri.edu/greatperformances. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Pawtucket man robbed of $30,000 in home invasionPAWTUCKET -- An elderly man told police he was robbed of $30,000 and a wrist watch by two men who forced their way into his home. Antonio Caetano, 69, was watching the 6:30 p.m. news in his apartment at 18 Ivy St. Thursday when he heard a knock on the door and answered it without asking who it was, according to the police. When he opened the door, Caetano told police, he was confronted by two men wearing ski masks. One of the men was holding what appeared to be a handgun. The men stormed into the apartment. One of them grabbed Caetano by the neck and demanded, “Where’s the money?” Caetano said he was shoved into the bedroom, where one of the men pushed him to the floor and held him there while the other man flipped over his mattress and opened all his bureau drawers, the police report said. Caetano told police that he tried without success to pull off the face mask of the man who was holding him. At that point, he said, a blanket was tossed on top of him so he couldn’t see. Caetano told police he heard more bureau drawers being opened, then the sound of the men running out of the apartment. Before leaving, one of the men took the wrist watch Caetano was wearing. Caetano told police he was very scared. He got up, closed the bureau drawers and righted the mattress, which had been flipped on its side in his bedroom. Then he went into the spare bedroom, where he noticed the bottom bureau drawer open and the tin can where he kept his money emptied of cash. -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Caetano, who speaks little English, went next-door and asked a neighbor to call the police. David R. Medeiros, who speaks fluent Portuguese, was called in to translate. “Caetano stated that he had approximately $30,000 in cash in the tin can,” Medeiros said in the police report. “He was asked if he could describe the two males and he stated that they were approximately 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall” with medium builds. Caetano was taken to police headquarters, where was interviewed by detectives. The empty tin can was seized as evidence and turned over to Detective Scott Feeley, who is investigating the case. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment Man charged with setting his house on fireA Charlestown man was indicted today on one count of first-degree arson after the police alleged that he set his house on fire in July and fled the scene. Along with the arson charge, the indictment handed up by the Washington County grand jury accuses Brett Perkins, 44, of 46 Charles Ave. of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of resisting arrest. Perkins on July 3 allegedly "knowingly caused or created by means of fire or explosion a substantial risk of serious physical harm to any person or damage to the building located at 56 Charles Avenue," said a news release from Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office. Perkins allegedly assaulted a victim with a dangerous weapon, "to wit, a 1993 white Chevy Corsica, and that he also used force in resisting arrest by a police officer." About 50 volunteer firefighters responded to a 9-1-1 call that July day just before 10:30 a.m. to find the single-story brick house in flames. A police officer told The Journal at the time that witnesses reported hearing arguing before the fire and, possibly, a threat to burn the house down. Perkins lived in the house with his wife, The Journal reported. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Concerns aired over care for developmentally disabledCRANSTON -- Impending changes in the way the state cares for the developmentally disabled drew nearly 300 people today to the first of several conferences that Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals director Ellen Nelson has scheduled over the next several weeks. The state budget crisis will make reform all the more difficult, Nelson said. That message -- and concerns about the future shape of services -- did not please many of the developmentally disabled and relatives, advocates and providers who attended the overflow gathering at One Rhodes Place. “We’re at a teetering point,” said Nelson, whose department Thursday issued layoff notices involving 293 MHRH positions. Once a national model, Rhode Island’s system of care for the developmentally disabled has fallen on difficult times, with waiting lists for group homes and programs. Employment opportunities are limited, and aging parents worry about the fate of their adult children. Similar problems affect care of the mentally ill, another group in MHRH’s charge. Today’s session was only the beginning of a planning process, Nelson said; while she and her staff have identified critical areas, they have not determined solutions. Public input will continue through Feb. 15 under Nelson’s timetable, with new contracts and services to be in place next summer. “There isn’t any predetermination as to outcome,” Nelson said. Several who spoke said they feared that reform would bring reductions in services -- and a return to the days, more than two decades ago, when the developmentally disabled either lived at Exeter’s Ladd Center, now closed, or with families who had little or no support. “You say you’re looking for creative ideas. Thirty-four years ago, we had creative ideas,” said Pat Vincent, whose autistic son, now 34, lives in a group home. Vincent was among the advocates who helped create Rhode Island’s community-based system of care. “I can’t go through this again,” Vincent said. Nelson tried to reassure her audience that MHRH does not intend to “dislodge, disrupt or otherwise negatively impact a person with a developmental disability.” But the present system, she said, cannot endure. -- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller Among the most critical issues is the state’s network of group homes, some run directly by the state and others by private agencies with government funding. Most were built twenty of more years ago, and are now in need of upgrading and repair -- but the state lacks the money to accomplish that. One option that MHRH is considering, Nelson said, is creation of a “housing trust” from proceeds of sales of some homes to agencies that would continue to operate them. Another option is expansion of supported-living programs, in which the disabled live with non-related individuals who earn a stipend from the state for the care they provide. Such programs are less costly than group homes. Nelson said she could not discuss the impact of the state budget since the governor and General Assembly have yet to sift through the crisis. “Trust me, this year is a different year,” said Nelson. “There is a reality looming out there… which is there will be limits.” Several in the audience said that the developmentally disabled should not bear the brunt of cuts. “Why are the politicians getting rich and we’re getting cut?” said Julia Ionata, of Providence. Herself developmentally disabled, Ionata cares for a 30-year-old daughter who is also disabled. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:38 PM | Comment Couple rescued from burning Richmond houseRICHMOND -- A Richmond police officer rescued a local couple and their pet dog from their burning house this afternoon. No one was injured. The officer, John E. Randall, who’s been on the force for two years, said he arrived at the house at 1:30 p.m. responding to a call of a burning structure at 481 Kingstown Road (Route 138) engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Randall said he saw the silhouette of a man “standing but slumped over in a front room,” apparently trying to reach the front door. “I was yelling at him, ‘Here I am. Are you OK?’” Randall said. “He couldn’t say anything, just move his arms.” Randall kicked the front door open and carried out Arthur A. Kocsi, 52. Kocsi then told him that his girlfriend remained in the house, in a back room. Randall said he tried to go back into the house, but couldn’t see or breathe through the thick black smoke. Instead, he went around the house. He said he heard glass cracking from a basement window and heard a woman’s voice yelling, “help me, help me.” Lisa Sykes, 46, had partially collapsed by the window, as she continued trying to smash the glass with her left arm. Randall broke the window and pulled her and the dog out. -- Journal staff writer Maria Armental But Sykes, Randall said, wanted to go back in, unaware that Kocsi was already out. By the time Randall went around the house to get Kocsi, Kocsi had already started to reenter the house tyring to reach Sykes. Kocsi and Sykes were taken to South County Hospital as a precaution. The dog was taken to the Richmond pound. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:56 PM | Comment List of positions being cut hits hard at MHRHThe list of 483 state employee positions released by Governor Carcieri's office today includes an "A list" of those informed their positions are being cut and a "B list" of those informed their positions are targeted for cutting. The list was foreshadowed by copies of layoff and warning notices provided by union officials to The Journal yesterday, which showed cuts largely targeted at jobs in the state’s welfare and hospital arenas, including interpreters who work with poor immigrants, and workers in one of the last psychiatric units at Eleanor Slater Hospital. The governor also laid the groundwork for closing the West Warwick branch of the Division of Motor Vehicles. The numbers also reflect some of the Carcieri administration's ideas about privatization of services, such as housekeeping services at the state hospital complex. Here is a sampling of some of the 153 "A list" positions for which employees received layoff notices yesterday: * The Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals loses 45 positions, including 13 certified nursing assistant positions and five seasonal certified nursing assistant positions. Also going are two clinical laboratory scientists' positions, two licensed practical nurse positions, and five registered nurse positions.
* At the Department of Environmental Management, an environmental scientist, a senior environmental planner, a chief of strategic planning and policy, a chief of information and public relations, and a park caretaker supervisor are among nine positions eliminated. * Two interpreters of Cambodian, an interpreter of Hmong and an interpreter of Portuguese are among 31 Department of Human Services positions being cut. * Department of Administration loses three chief deputy sheriff positions among 16 position eliminations. * Department of Health loses 11 positions, including an associate director of health, an assistant director of health (community affairs), a chief field inspector, a health policy analyst, a sanitarian, and a virologist.
* At the Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals, positions that would be cut include eight licensed practical nurses, a supervising registered nurse, 11 registered nurses, 21 certified nursing assistants, 11 cooks, more than 50 cook's helpers, 14 food service supervisors and more than 50 janitors. * Department of Administration would lose five deputy sheriff positions and the sheriff positions in Newport and Kent counties. * Department of Corrections would see 27 adult counselor positions and four classification counselor positions eliminated. * Five customer service representative positions at Division of Motor Vehicles would go, as would a motor vehicle operator examiner position. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:05 PM | Comment Sox adding 800-plus seats to Fenway for next seasonBOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox are adding more than 800 new seats at Fenway Park as part of a slate of improvements planned for next season. The new seats and standing room areas for about 60 people will be added to the pavilion level, which is the third level of seating above home plate. The pavilion area will be extended down the first base line and the third base line, where about three-quarters of the new seating will be located, the team announced. In total, Fenway's capacity will increase by about 900 fans. The pavilion seats will cost between $75 to $90 and the standing room area tickets will cost $25. "We understand the demand for such seats; thus we are adding to the supply," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. The team also plans to install new scoreboards, new stairways and elevators and open a year-round restaurant in center field that will have a view of the ballpark. The announcement comes the same week the team said 2008 ticket prices would increase an average of 9 percent. Prices at Fenway range from $12 for upper bleachers seats to $125 for field box seats. Lucchino said the added revenue was needed to keep the team competitive, particularly as the rival New York Yankees see a major revenue increase when they move into a new stadium in 2009. The new seats and other improvements are part of the annual offseason renovations the team has undertaken at the league's oldest and smallest ballpark since the ownership group led by John Henry bought the Red Sox in 2002. Among the major renovations were adding seats above the "Green Monster" in left field in 2003. Before last season, the team added a new bleacher section on the roof deck in right field. "For decades, there was a presumption that Fenway Park had outlived its useful life and, sentiment aside, would have to be replaced by a modern facility in another location," Lucchino said. "We are eager to see, in 2012, this ballpark become the first ever to celebrate its 100th anniversary." Posted by Jack Perry at 2:57 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Leaving R.I. for economic reasons?A Journal reporter is seeking interviews with people who are leaving Rhode Island for economic reasons, including taxes or business climate. Please contact Karen Lee Ziner at kziner@projo.com. On a lighter note, the same reporter is working on a Thanksgiving story. Have relatives or friends subjected you to scorched turnips, green beans and Velveeta or burnt turkey at Thanksgiving? Please share your worst Thanksgiving holiday food experiences for publication. Again, please contact Karen Lee Ziner at kziner@projo.com. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:45 PM | Comment R.I. sending packages to troops overseasRhode Island troops overseas can look forward to receiving a little bit of home this holiday season thanks to Operation Holiday Cheer. The program sends care packages to troops filled with donations from the Ocean State. Tomorrow morning, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray and volunteers from across the state will meet at the North Main Street Armory to assemble packages. Corporate sponsors include some obvious choices for Rhode Island: Del’s Lemonade, Dunkin’ Donuts, Ocean State Job Lot, and The Providence Journal. Also supporting the program: AAA of Southern New England; the American Red Cross, R.I. Chapter; Amica Insurance; Arthur Lambi and Associates; Bank of America; the Boston Celtics; National Grid; the New England Patriots and the U.S. Postal Service. Volunteers will meet tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Main Street Armory. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:52 PM | Comment Traffic Alert: Route 95 southboundTwo lanes are closed on Route 95 southbound is after an early afternoon accident in the high-speed lane. The Transportation Management Center is reporting the right and right-center lanes closed at Exit 21/Atwells Avenue after an accident at about 12:25. For more information, check the TMC’s Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:37 PM | Comment Update: Carcieri releases list of positions being cutGovernor Carcieri has just released the list of 483 state employee positions being cut or targeted for cutting. It does not include names, just positions and pay-grades. One-hundred and fifty-three state employees got layoff notices yesterday. Another 330 received notices their positions are targeted for cutting by fiscal year's end in June 2008. All told, the current plan is to cut about 536 state positions. “Reducing the size of the state workforce is an option nobody wanted to take,” Governor Carcieri said in the statement. “Unfortunately, this is one of the most effective options we have left to address the state’s growing budget problems. We did not take this step lightly. Nor do we believe that reducing the size of the state workforce is the entire solution to the state’s budget problems. In fact, this is just the beginning of the spending we will need to cut." Not all notices were delivered to affected employees yesterday; the remaining ones will be delivered over the coming weeks. "Additions, adjustments or revisions to the list will be provided to the media as they become finalized," the governor's office said today. The governor's office said eliminating the 536 positions is projected to save about $41.6 million a year starting next fiscal year. Average savings per cut position, including salary and benefits, is about $77,648, according to the governor's office. Read the list. Carcieri on Nov. 1 announced plans to save another $7.7 million per year by eliminating 168 contract positions. Carcieri also anticipates millions of dollars in savings through eliminating about 487 positions from retirement and attrition by fiscal 2008's end. Carcieri said his goal is to save about $100 million yearly, beginning in fiscal 2009, by reducing the state workforce. “The state’s projected budget deficit has nearly doubled since I first announced my spending reduction plan,” Carcieri stated. “As the state’s budget forecast has grown even worse, it has become clear that we must redouble our efforts to cut state spending. At this time, we are not planning another round of significant job cuts. But in the coming weeks and months, I hope to work with the General Assembly and others to develop long-term solutions to the state’s budget problems.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:22 PM | Comment Visit the landfill -- no, really!Protect your identity, lay off the landfill, cultivate a garden. You can do it; the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation can help. Tomorrow, the RIRRC, which runs the Central Landfill in Johnston, is inviting residents to stop by for Rhode Island Recycles Day. A shredder will be on hand for disposing sensitive documents that people may not feel comfortable throwing in the recycle bin although, Sarah Kite, recycling manager at the landfill said, it’s “exceedingly rare” that identity theft occurs from a recycling bin. The landfill will also be accepting electronic waste – things like computers, cell phones and televisions – that contain toxins such as mercury or lead, and should not be thrown away with other trash. There is a $5 fee for disposing televisions because of the difficulty of handling cathode-ray tubes, which may be lined with toxic powders and which are prone to implode if damaged. The RIRRC will also have compost bins for sale. The bins are a great way to dispose of biodegradable waste, and turn it into nutrient rich soil – perfect for gardens. Not sure what to do with your compost? Sign up to become a master composter at the University of Rhode Island. They’ll show you how to put it to good use. Saturday’s events run from just 8 a.m. until noon at the Central Landfill, 65 Shun Pike in Johnston. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:33 AM | Comment Former prison guard denies trooper assault charge
Journal photo/ Bill Murphy
James Proulx, right, during his arraignment.
James Proulx, 37, faces one count of felony assault and one count of misdemeanor reckless driving after a June 16 incident that left trooper Brendan Doyle in the hospital. During this morning's arraignment, Proulx's bail was reduced from $1 million with surety to $100,000 with surety. His lawyer, William Dimitri, had asked that the bail be reduced to $20,000 with surety, but Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia sided with a request from prosecutor James Baum for higher bail. Proulx must also surrender his passport. Proulx, wearing a suit, looked straight at the judge and said little other than giving his name and date of birth. Dimitri entered the plea on his behalf. Doyle suffered a serious head injury, went into a coma and was administered the Catholic church's sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites. His stepmother, Lori Doyle, attended the arraignment and said the trooper is doing "better and better in every aspect." She maintains a Web site providing updates on the trooper's progress.
Doyle was off duty, and leaving a restaurant with friends on Pine Street when they saw a car jump a curb and weave through a crowded street, according to the police. Doyle shouted at the driver, who eventually stopped at Pine and Dorrance Streets. Police say Doyle, 25, identified himself as a trooper and walked toward the car. Proulx got out and punched Doyle in the face, according to the police. The trooper fell backwards, hitting his head on the pavement. He spent three weeks at Rhode Island Hospital. Proulx faces a maximum of 21 years in prison. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:52 AM | Comment Upcoming work on Route 95 in PawtucketBy mid-November, trucks and other heavy vehicles with three or five axles will not be able to cross the Pawtucket River Bridge; Route 95 between Exits 27 and 28. The state Department of Transportation will begin the process tonight to reduce the weight allowed on the bridge; by Nov. 26 the posted restriction will be 22 tons. The DOT will begin re-striping lanes on the bridge at 11 tonight to help redistribute traffic weight from the outer edges of the bridge to the main girders. Eventually the bridge will be replaced. Until there is a new bridge in place, the George Street on-ramp will be closed. The bridge was built for 60,000 cars per day, according to the DOT, but today volumes about three times that amount cross it daily. As of August, Rhode Island has the highest percentage of bridges in the nation listed as "structurally deficient" or "functionally obsolete," according to Kazem Farhoumand, deputy chief engineer for the Rhode Island DOT. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson DOT’s director, Jerome F. Williams, says the bridge is safe, and that the work is an attempt to ensure it remains so. “RIDOT inspects all of its bridges at least once every two years,” Williams said in a statement, “RIDOT has monitored and repaired this bridge consistently since 2002. A full inspection was conducted summer 2006 with additional inspections late this summer.” At least one lane will be open at all times during the work, which is set to begin tonight at 11 and continue through tomorrow morning. Northbound work will begin on the northbound side of Route 95 near Exits 27 and 28. Southbound work is scheduled to start Sunday at 11 p.m. and continue until 5:30 a.m. Monday. DOT officials will announce details about replacing the bridge toward the end of the month, according to spokeswoman Dana Alexander Nolfe. " Nolfe said the Department has been in contact with trucking companies to work out viable detours. Non-commercial traffic and service vehicles, such as ambulances, won't be affected, she said. The Pawtucket River Bridge is a part of the original interstate system. It was built in 1958 to carry traffic over Taft Street and the Pawtucket River. It is actually two separate structures; it has two girders with cantilever brackets on each side. This is the only one of its kind on Route 95 in Rhode Island. The bridge is formed by two projecting trusses that are connected in the center, supported by piers, and anchored by counterbalancing members. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:18 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Route 10 trafficRoute 10 is a mess. Avoid it if you can. See for yourself. Several accidents, including one at the Reservoir Avenue exit, have cars stopped. For the latest traffic information, visit the Transportation Management Center's Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:20 AM | Comment Iway construction continues
Starting this Saturday morning, northbound traffic on Allens Avenue will share one lane of alternating traffic with construction crews as another phase of work on the Iway begins. Southbound traffic on Allens Avenue will follow a detour to Eddy Street and return to Allens at Public Street. The detour will remain through the weekend, and the work will continue Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Construction crews will be on the street, lowering the grade on Allens Avenue in preparation for placing steel along the Avenue as part of the Iway “superstructure” that will bring traffic from Route 195 west to Route 95 north. The steel installation should begin early next year. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment Clearing but coolThere may be snow in your future. Yesterday's high was 65 degrees. Today, the National Weather Service is forecasting a maximum temperature of 46. The rain, or sleet, or whatever this is should clear up soon, the clouds will part, and the sun is expected to make an appearance. The wind, however, is here to stay, coming from the northwest at 13 to 22 mph. Gusts could reach 34 mph. A few clouds will roll in tonight when the temperature drops to 30 and wind gusts up to 31 mph. Tomorrow should be cloudy and cold, with a high in the mid 40s and gusty west winds. Tomorrow night will bring more rain and then -- snow. Maybe. The temperature should drop to about 30 degrees. Sunday, a chance of snow, then rain. Cloudy skies are forecast for the day and a high temperature just on the warmer side of 40. Sunday night is looking cold, with temperatures dropping into the mid 20s. No precipitation forecast for Monday; just sunny skies and a high temperature near 40. Keep tabs on the weather throughout the weekend on projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about proposals to build wind turbines off the Rhode Island coast to generate electricity. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 15, 2007Magistrate Almond tapped to succeed Judge TorresPresident Bush has nominated Lincoln D. Almond, a U.S. magistrate judge in Rhode Island and son of the former Republican Gov. Lincoln C. Almond, to succeed Ernest Torres as a full-time U.S. District Court judge in Providence. Almond's nomination has been sent to the U.S. Senate, according to a White House statement this evening. Torres left full-time service and assumed senior judge status. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:14 PM | Comment Brown gets $10M for long-term care research databasePROVIDENCE -- A Brown University center has gotten a five-year, $10-million grant to create the first national database that will let researchers study how state policies and market forces affect quality of long-term care, such as by nursing homes. The university's Center for Gerontology and Health Care received the grant from the National Institute on Aging, a university news release said this afternoon. Vincent Mor, department of community health chairman at Brown, and his team will take existing federal information on Medicare reimbursement claims, patient hospitalization rates and other data and combine it with new information the team will gather on the health of residents, reimbursement rates for long-term care services, the organization of those services, and more from a random sample of 2,600 American nursing homes. The group will also collect information on policies from the 50 states. More than 1.4 million Americans live in nursing homes and by 2020, an estimated 12 million will need long-term care, whether in a nursing home, assisted living facility, chronic care hospital or at home, according to the release. The goal, according to the press release, of the database is to "allow researchers to trace a clear relationship among state policies, local market forces and the quality of long-term care. Policy-makers can then use the information to craft state and local guidelines that promote high-quality, cost-effective, equitable care for older Americans." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:44 PM | Comment RISD exploring branch in Charlotte, N.C.PROVIDENCE -- Commenting on a report today that Rhode Island School of Design officials are in talks with Charlotte, N.C., officials about opening a branch there, a RISD spokeswoman said college officials have visited there three times but that it is "very exploratory" and there is "no program proposal" as of yet. "It's not like there is going to be some sort of anouncement next week," said Jaime Marland, spokeswoman for the Rhode Island School of Design. What, if any, form a RISD presence in Charlotte may take is not settled, she said. Marland said RISD officials have been to Charlotte on a few occasions, at the behest of Center City Partners, in Charlotte, which seeks to promote that city's business and cultural climate. A report on the Charlotte Observer's Web site today said Charlotte officials are in talks with RISD about opening a branch in Charlotte's uptown. The report said RISD President Roger Mandle has visited Charlotte three times, with Mandle's last visit in September. There are several universities in the Charlotte area -- including a branch of Providence-based Johnson & Wales. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:46 PM | Comment Victim's parents grateful for charge in 1999 murder
But a day after Swain was formally charged with murdering Shelley Tyre, her parents offered gratitude to those same authorities while speaking with reporters. "I am tremendously grateful to the people and the government of Tortola that they have gotten around to it,’’ said Lisa Tyre at a press conference this afternoon. "Took a long time, but we’re there and gratitude is literally overflowing.’’ Swain’s arrest culminated months of quiet diplomacy between U.S State and Justice department officials and diplomats with the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom. It also followed a successful suit against Swain, filed by by Warwick lawyer J. Renn Olenn on behalf of Shelley Tyre's parents. -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney Until yesterday Swain, 51, had never been criminally charged in the death of his wife, a private school administrator and expert diver. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence and said that Shelley Tyre’s death was an accident — as had officials on the popular vacation isle of Tortola until Olenn, based on his successful civil case against Swain, pressed them last year to take another look. After reviewing much of Olenn’s evidence, Tortola authorities filed a criminal complaint against Swain in March. And in May they filed an extradition request, beginning a months-long process, that Swain return to Tortola to face one count of murder. If extradited and eventually found guilty, Swain could spend the rest of his life in a Tortola prison, said Assistant U.S. District Attorney Lee Vilker. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:19 PM | Comment Firm pleads guilty to fraudulent sales of ED drugPROVIDENCE -- The owners of a Florida-based pharmaceutical company pleaded guilty to federal charges today of selling more than $4 million of an erectile dysfunction drug that had never been approved by the federal regulators. James Mienik, 37, chief executive officer of White Broadman Inc., and Paul Romano, half owner of the company, admitted to misdemeanor charges that they introduced a drug that had been misbranded. They agreed to turn over more than $794,000 to White Broadman, who, in turn, will surrender the money to the government. The government also has seized $205,000 that Meinik had in bank accounts. White Broadman, through its lawyer, Anthony Traini, of Providence, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of introducing a new drug through interstate commerce without approval by the Food & Drug Administration. Terrence Donnelly, an assistant U.S. attorney, told the court that the firm sold Penetrix, which later became Penetrin, to thousands of customers nationwide through direct mail. Bottles of the drug sold for $59.95 and $79.95 from 2001 through February 2004. The U.S. Postal Service launched an investigation after it received complaints from customers. Asked whether the erectile dysfunction drug worked, Donnelly said, ``I’m not prepared to comment on that.’’ The direct mail order brochures included a corporate address on Post Road in East Greenwich. Donnelly said that the company had a post office box, but no offices in Rhode Island. -- Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:03 PM | Comment Newport woman accused of commodity fraudA Newport woman has been charged in a federal civil complaint with fraudulently soliciting and obtaining more than $500,000 from members of the public to invest in trading commodity futures. Federal Judge Deborah A. Batts in New York's Southern District issued an order freezing assets of Elizabeth Baldwin of Newport and barring the destruction of business records, according to a news release today summarizing the complaint lodged by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Baldwin is accused of defrauding people participating in a commodity pool to trade E-Mini S&P 500, 10-year notes and 30-year bond futures contracts. The complaint alleges that, from at least January 2004 to now, Baldwin, doing business in her name and in the name of Newportant Group, fraudulently solicited and obtained more than $500,000. Baldwin "represented to at least one participant" that money would be pooled for the purpose of trading futures contracts and that the pool had been making monthly profits from 3 to 10 percent. The complaint asserts that was false, that the pool lost money trading in all but one month. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Baldwin fraudulently represented to customers that their money would be held in segregated trading accounts at futures commission merchants, the complaint alleges. However, the complaint says, Baldwin maintained trading accounts in her own name only and never maintained an account at the futures commission merchants in the name of the pool. The complaint also alleges that "Baldwin provided pool participants with false monthly account statements and illegally acted as a commodity pool operator without being registered" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The commission said assistance came from the National Futures Association, the Rhode Island State Police, Newport Police, and Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:01 PM | Comment Lawyer for murder suspect Bishop drops out of caseThe bail hearing for Alfred J. "Freddie" Bishop, who faces a new murder charge stemming from a June home invasion after spending 33 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions for killing a friend, will not happen tomorrow morning. The hearing was scheduled for tomorrow in District Court, Warwick. But Bishop's lawyer, Paul DiMaio, has informed the court he plans to withdraw from the case and ask the court to refer it to the public defender's office, according to a news release from state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office. Police documents asserted that DNA samples taken from a bloody ski mask at the scene of the triple shooting in June matched the genetic makeup of Bishop. The case is pending a grand jury investigation. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:52 PM | Comment Repair crew headed to Smithfield gas lineSMITHFIELD -- A National Grid crew is on the way to the Douglas Pike-Whipple Avenue intersection to repair gas service after a contractor damaged a two-inch line that runs from the the gas main in the street to customers. The damage resulted in a gas leak. The incident was reported about 2 p.m. and a National Grid technician arrived at 2:14 p.m. and shut off the line. The crew headed to the scene now will repair the service. Someone reported from another location on Douglas Pike the smell of gas but it may just be the odor from the leak where the line break occurred. National Grid will also check on the other location, Graves said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:46 PM | Comment Chat: Judge: Teen drinking not just problem for parentsFamily Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah, who recently made headlines for admonishing parents in Barrington over teen drinking, visited projo.com this afternoon for a live chat about the problem of teen drinking. Jeremiah told projo.com readers that the police should more often bring criminal charges against parents who have contributed to a child's delinquency. "I don't know why the various police departments do not bring this charge (contributing to the delinquency of a minor) more often," Jeremiah wrote. Jeremiah also endorsed a reader's suggestion that he address the teen drinking problem by setting up a "moderated town meeting," involving the governor, head of the Rhode Island State Police, speaker of the Rhode Island General Assembly and the head of the Rhode Island Chiefs of Police Association. In response to a question about lowering the drinking age to 18, he wrote, "I think they should raise the drinking age to forty." Here's a transcript of the chat: Edward Fitzpatrick: Judge, thank you for joining us. Let me begin by asking what prompted you to say that parents in Barrington are not taking responsibility for the underage drinking that has been linked to several deaths in that town? Judge Jeremiah: I think I should qualify that statement by saying that it is a small minority of parents that are not taking responsibility for their children. I made the statement because recently I have had about 16 children from Barrington who appeared before me on alcohol related offenses and when I discussed the seriousness of the offense with the child and the parent, the parent related to me that it was not a problem. On one case a parent began being very argumentative with me or did not show respect for the court.
Judge Jeremiah: Fortunately, each case of a juvenile who has an alcohol offense is treated differently than the other because we must look at the child and the family to see what related problems may exist, remembering that the Family Court is a rehabilitatvie court and our aim is to make a good citizen out of the child. 2. I am sure the legislature is aware of the loopholes and will try to correct them in the next session. You are right, adults need to take more responsibility. Sometimes, I wish that I could punish the parent instead of the child for their lack of responsibility. ironmichael: Teenagers have always experimented with underage drinking. In some cases the parents are definitely to blame. But how can you single out the parents and not address some of the other sources? Judge Jeremiah: In answer to your question, the Family Court is limited in its jurisdiction. You are right. The person who runs the package store, who makes the fake ID, who sells to minors, should be held accountable, but unfortunately, they do not fall under our jurisdiction. cc: Does the Rhode Island Judiciary have any plans to institute a proactive education plan as it relates to the existing laws violating said laws and the penalties, for both children and parents.
Concerned Parent: What can parents do - really do - to help kids? Judge Jeremiah: Concerned Parent: Parents can just show a lot of love and affection and build up a close relationship with their child. When was the last time you had dinner as a family? When was the last time your child was complimented for doing a good job? when was the last time you said, "I love you" to your child? or were you so busy with your own life that this goes neglected.
Judge Jeremiah: Donna: I would assume that a child under these circumstances is a neglected child under the law. I would suggest that you contact DCYF to report this.
Judge Jeremiah: I don't think you understand me. My whole objective as a judge is to make a child successful in life. I do not enjoy locking any child up at the training school. All I want to do is see these children from Barrington who have all the potential in the world succeed. With that, I'm sure I can be impartial. dan: My question has to do with college students and drinking. It used to be you were somewhat protected and supported, if you will, on college campuses. Today, at URI, for instance, the university has pushed the kids “down the line” – now the Narragansett police harass them, house to house, pushing them out of the houses and into their cars. Where do they go? Providence – to the clubs – then they drive home after even a few drinks. Hopefully without killing someone or themselves. These policies are NOT saving our children – what do you think we can do – now – today – when we don’t have the luxury of time of changing mindsets – which is a long term goal?????
Ali: Would raising the driving age to 18 help with this problem?? Judge Jeremiah: No
Judge Jeremiah: It's obvious the recent article in the Projo that your did not read the second page. What I said was that it is a problem throughout the state and it effects only a small amount of parents in barrington. Read the paper again.
Judge Jeremiah: bookworm: The parent may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. I don't know why the various police departments do not bring this charge more often. Andrea (Panciera, projo.com editor): Judge Jeremiah just referred to a Journal report on his remarks during a hearing stemming from the recent death of a Barrington teen in an accident linked to alcohol. You may read the full story here. Judge Jeremiah: Jim: I think the problem is the same, except police departments are more diligent. I don't think the problem is any greater in Barrington than anywhere else. The police department in Barrington is very diligent. NancyD: So, what else can be done to hold adults responsible for underage drinking? Judge Jeremiah: This is a good question, that I find very difficult to answer. For adults who do not take on the responsibility for raising a family are very hard to work with. Other than charging the parents with neglect or contributing to the delinquency of a minor, there is not much that can be done. Eileen: Can you (family court) develop family programs that encompass both the child (offender) and the parents to raise awareness Judge Jeremiah: Yes. We have already developed several program for this purpose. We have a specialized juvenile drug court where youngsters with drug/ alchol problems are referred for intense supervision and testing. The recidivism rate for this court is under 3%. We have a specialized program for children who have alcohol problems called YDD (youthful drunk driving) where children have a fifteen hour education course which includes spending 4 to 5 hours on a Saturday night at the emeregency room at RI Hospital to see what happens to victims of alcohol related accidents. There is another program where children are taken to the ACI and addressed by a former CEO who is incarcerated for driving under the influence death resulting. We have other programs that are too lengthy to describe. Please see the family Court's website. Debbie: Judge: In all due respect, your answer about showing love and affection, etc, is a good one but it does not address what parents who are doing all of these things should be doing differently to help prevent their kids from abusing alcohol. A lot of kids who get into this type of trouble are from very good strong family units. 4Browns: Has it been determined where these kids are getting the alcohol from? It seems to me that the justice system need to hit the suppliers hard. We are the smallest state in the counrty, and we should have the toughest laws in the land. Others would see that our programs work and follow us. Judge Jeremiah: 4Browns: In many cases, the alcohol is coming from the home or from liqour dealers who are more concerned with making a dollar than checking ID's. bookworm: judge: any chance you could set up a moderated town meeting with you, the Governor, the State Police Commander, the House speaker, and the head of the Police Chief's Association? Judge Jeremiah: bookworm: I have talked to several of my judges and it has been suggested that this is a good idea. It may happen in the future.
Judge Jeremiah: Norma: I have great respect for teachers. They do a wonderful job of educating children. I don't know what else I could do. We have tried opening drop-in centers, but the children do not come because it is too childish for them. Andrea: We've been talking just about alcohol abuse today. Judge, are you also routinely seeing other kinds of substance abuse? IF so, what kind? And is drinking the the most common substance being abused by teens? Judge Jeremiah: Andrea: In my many yearts on the bench, I have had many wonderful children appear before me. Everyone of them has stated that they could get drugs and alcohol in the school they were in. I think smoking pot is just as prominent as drinking alcohol.
Judge Jeremiah: cc: They are all interelated. A person who has had a few drinks usually has a feeling of power and therefore will drink faster and more recklessly.
Judge Jeremiah: mjendza: Several years ago, I heard a case where a child was killed sitting in the rear seat of a jeep, where all the passengers and the driver had consumed a large amount of alcohol. I said to the father of the deceased child, "it is quite possible that had your child not been under the influence, it is possible that your child would not have been a passenger." However, the authorities only looked to the driver and are not concerned with the other passengers. bc: Judge Jeremiah, my son is the oddball out at URI because he DOESN'T drink! This is in the dorm rooms! He has to leave the room.....the room that we are paying for! They are drinking and doing drugs and he is there to become a teacher....he wants to learn they drink all night long!!!!!!!!!! He can't even study in his room! They are all underage. Judge Jeremiah: bc: You should be very proud of your son. I am sure he will be very successful. I think this behavior by the other students should not be tolerated and should be made public. Maybe a call to Ed Fitzpatrick at the Journal, a reporter who is very concerned with this problem, would bring this problem to the attention it should.
Judge Jeremiah: Peter: I think they should raise the drinking age to forty.
Judge Jeremiah: Hope: The parents can be held responsible, but it is up to law enforcement to charge them.
Judge Jeremiah: They will have the option. The only problem I have, althought the hearing borads do an excellent job, they do not report alcohol related arrests of juveniles to anyone. A youngster can be arrested in Newport, and again in Westerly, and Westerly would be unaware of the prior charge. We hope to correct this in the next legislative session. Posted by Jack Perry at 3:02 PM | Comment R.I. fishermen, researchers net big prize / Photo
Cod and flounder are heavily restricted by federal fisheries regulations, and fishermen often have to throw thousands of pounds back into the ocean – where they will likely die – because they were caught alongside haddock. And so fishermen often had to stop short of reaching their haddock quota. But a team of researchers in Rhode Island have designed a net that effectively eliminates that problem. And today they were awarded the grand prize in the World Wildlife’s International Smart Gear Competition -- $30,000 -- for their efforts. University of Rhode Island Fisheries Center researchers Laura Skrobe and David Beutel worked with fishermen Jon Knight, Phil Ruhle Sr., Phil Ruhle Jr., and Jim O’Grady on a net called “The Eliminator,” which takes advantage of haddock’s tendency to swim up when faced with a net, when other fish swim down. The group received the reward today in Washington. “We’re excited to be receiving this award," Buetel said in a statement, "and look forward to continuing to research effective ways of reducing bycatch in fishing.” The International Smart Gear competition was created to encourage engineers and fishermen to develop technologies that would reduce bycatch, according to Ginette Hemley, the senior vice president of the WWF. “Bycatch is a critical environmental and economic problem,” she said. “These inventions have shown to be effective solutions in our efforts to make fishing ‘smarter’ and we’re pleased to honor their creators today.” Click below to learn how the net discriminates between cod, haddock and flounder. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson The design, which beat out more than 70 contenders from 22 countries, is more than seven years in the making. In 1999, Knight, who has fishing and engineering degrees from URI, began work on a net to help O’Grady and the Rhules catch squid. It was designed with mesh larger than traditional trawler nets and did well with squid. But the fishermen also noticed that there were no cod or flounder showing up as bycatch. Beutel and Skrobe placed an ad in trade publications and newspapers looking for help designing a selective net. Knight, O’Grady and the Rhules answered. The group put their heads together and used a lot of math and fishing trips to perfect the design: large, 8-foot mesh on the bottom of the net that cod and flounder can easily slip through, and smaller, 6-inch mesh on top and in the back to catch the haddock. “The collaborative design and development of the Eliminator trawl is a great example of industry and scientists working together with managers,” Beutel said, “to develop innovative solutions to reduce or eliminate bycatch.” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:59 PM | Comment Chat Update: Family Court judge on teens and drinkingPROVIDENCE -- Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr., who recently lambasted parents over problems related to teen drinking, answered many of your questions this afternoon during a chat on projo.com. The chat room, at: http://projo.com/chat, has now closed. Projo.com will post a transcript of chat shortly. Family Court’s top judge said last week it’s “an utter shame” that parents in Barrington “don’t take responsibility” for the underage drinking linked to the deaths of four local teens in the last couple of years. Jeremiah made the comment during a hearing in which a 16-year-old Barrington boy was accused of drinking six beers and driving more than twice the speed limit before slamming a car into a tree, killing one of his passengers, 16-year-old Jon Converse. Extra: Read a transcript of Jeremiah's comments from the hearing. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:00 PM | Comment Update: Body found near Point Judith after searchNARRAGANSETT -- Authorities have found a body in Narragansett Bay after a Point Judith ferry terminal worker alerted the Coast Guard this morning that an 85-year-old man who regularly walked the area might have fallen in the water last night. A walker and a green Ford Taurus were both found near the site. They are believed to belong to the missing man -- known to some witnesses only as "Bob." The body that was pulled out of the water at about 1:10 this afternoon has not been officially identified. The state Department of Environmental Management's law enforcement officers are investigating at the scene. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:51 PM | Comment Five arrested in investigation of Johnston drug operationFive men have been arrested following an investigation of an alleged illegal prescription drug operation run out of a Johnston social club. The police seized more than 400 prescription drugs -- painkillers such as Percocet and Vicodin -- and marijuana that was allegedly being sold to customers within the club, a State Police news release said today. At 1:30 p.m. yesterday, the release said, State and Johnston police used a search warrant at the social club at 1357 Plainfield St. Louis Romanelli, 80, of 12 Victoria Street, Providence, was charged with two counts of possession of Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of Schedule III controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana. The prescription drugs that were seized were Vicodin, Percocet, Suboxone and Xanax. Detectives said they seized $1,172 in cash from Romanelli. Richard G. Mangiante, 39, of 12 Rialto St., Providence,was charged with possession of Schedule IV controlled substance after detectives said they found him in possession of Xanax pills. Michael E. Chiello, 29, of 363 Simmonsville Ave., Apt. 1305, Johnston, was charged with possession of Schedule II controlled substance after detectives said they found him in possession of Percocet pills. Earlier yesterday, State Police arrested two men who they said went into the social club then left it a short a time later. Detectives were doing surveillance of the social club, Michael R. Correra, 58, of 108 Skunk Hill Road, Hope Valley, was Correra with possession of Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to deliver. Police said they seized more than 150 Percocet and Xanax pills. George Broderick, 52, of 2 Layton St., North Providence was charged with possession of Schedule II controlled substance after detectives said they seized six Percocet pills, one Vicodin pill, a mirror, a razor blade, and a straw from Broderick.
The arrests followed a a three-week investigation by Detective Timothy Allen and State Police Intelligence Unit members. Allen had received information that Louis Romanelli was running an alleged illegal prescription drug distribution operation from the social hall. This morning Correra was arraigned in District Court, Providence, where bail was set at $10,000 with surety, the news release said. Romanelli was arraigned in District Court, Providence, with bail set at $20,000 with surety. The other three men were released on $1,000 personal recognizance, the release said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:28 PM | Comment Memorial/vigil tonight for former Cumberland student, 19CUMBERLAND -- A former Cumberland High School student who died in a car accident in Fort Meyers, Fla., on Sunday, will be remembered at a memorial service and candlelight vigil at Tucker Field, located across from the high school, this evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Kelly Nascimento, 19, was a passenger in a 2005 Ford Explorer that was struck by another vehicle at Arrow Road at about 3:40 a.m., according to police. Nascimento was pulled from the vehicle by the driver and a witness to the crash. Robinson was transported to Gulf Coast Hospital with possible injuries. The driver was not injured in the crash. Nascimento was born in Pawtucket and attended North Cumberland Middle School and Cumberland High until her sophomore year, when her family moved to Cape Coral, Fla. She leaves her parents Nelson Nascimento, of Cape Coral, and Fatima Moon, of Cape Coral, her sister Michelle Nascimento, 21, of Ft. Myers, Fla. as well as her grandparents, nine aunts, eight uncles, and 23 cousins, all of whom reside in Rhode Island, according to her obituary and family friends. Funeral services were held in Cape Coral yesterday and Nascimento was cremated today. -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:09 PM | Comment Bill signing to salute National Guard membersGovernor Carcieri will ceremonially sign a bill tomorrow letting the state adjutant general award the Rhode Island Defense Service medal to National Guard members who have served since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Previously, the medals, created in 1992, could only go to those who served for a period before that date. The signing will be at 1 p.m. at the National Guard headquarters, 675 New London Ave., Cranston. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:56 PM | Comment Warwick truck driver to be honored risking his lifeA truck driver from Warwick will be honored this afternoon as a hero -- for risking his safety to help others at a multi-car crash on Route 95 in eastern Connecticut on Nov. 2. James V. O’Connell, 44, will be honored at 3:30 p.m. at The Hudson Companies operations center, 30 Shipyard St., Providence. O'Connell words for The Hudson Companies, which will award him a certificate, according to a news release. He will also be recognized by state and federal officials. Also scheduled to attend are company officials and representatives from the Connecticut Professional Firefighters Association, Sen. Jack Reed’s office, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s office, Rep. James Langevin’s office, and Governor Carcieri’s office. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:55 PM | Comment Photo: Saluting Providence firefighters
Posted by Jack Perry at 12:45 PM | Comment Six to be inducted into R.I. Aviation Hall of FameThe Rhode Island native who designed and built the first aluminum propeller used in the country will be recognized tomorrow for his accomplishments in the field of aviation. Victor Pagé, Classical High School class of 1904, also may have designed and built the first airplane to fly in the state. He’ll be inducted tomorrow into the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Varnum Armory in East Greenwich. Three of the six inductees are still living: Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Philip Conley, a West Warwick native, earned accolades for flying with the Mosquitoes forward air controller unit in Korea, and supervised the development of every major aircraft now flown, including the B-1 bomber. East Providence native and 1949 graduate of St. Raphael High School in Pawtucket, retired Commander Edward Cunningham had a career that included more than 20,000 flight hours, spanning propeller planes to jet bombers to airliners. He flew many highly classified electronic intelligence missions, where he shadowed and photographed Soviet missiles. And an Army Air Corpsman who took part in an intense air battle that was documented for an episode of the History Channel’s “Dogfights” television show will round out the living inductees. Lt. George Sutcliffe, US Army, was born in North Providence and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1940. The Greenville resident is still involved in the insurance business he started after graduating from Bryant College. For more information, call 401-831-8696. Click below to read about the additional inductees, who are receiving the recognition posthumously. Army Air Corps Sgt. Omar Duquette is a Warwick native who joined the Army in 1938. He served as a gunner and mechanic in a five-man crew with the 37th Bomb Squadron. As one of 80 men who volunteered to launch a bomb attack on Tokyo in 1942 known as the Doolittle Raid, Duquette had to bail out on his plane. He survived that mission, but died on another bombing mission six weeks later. Lastly, Providence native Major Melvin Kimball was a WWII P-40 who graduated from Hope High School in 1935 and University of New Hampshire in 1939. Kimball was one of the pilots sent to attack a Japanese air base in Thailand after Japan attacked a Royal Air Force station in Burma. He earned a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and several medals for gallantry. He was also involved in a rescue mission featured in True Comics. Kimball died in East Providence in 2004. The Hall of Fame will also recognize the men and women of the 1st battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment of the R.I. Army National Guard. Nationwide in 2005, they were named Outstanding Army National Guard Aviation Unit of the year after flying more than 1,900 mission in Iraq for that year. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:29 AM | Comment Providence firefighters to be promotedNine firefighters are set to receive promotions to deputy assistant chief, fire lieutenant, dispatcher lieutenant and rescue lieutenant this morning at the Providence Public Safety Complex. Among the firefighters set to receive promotions are three women. Mayor David N. Cicilline and Fire Chief George Farrell will give the oath of office at the Providence Public Safety Complex this morning at 10. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:57 AM | Comment Fisherman who died off Matunuck is from Mass.SOUTH KINGSTOWN — A man who was found dead yesterday at Deep Hole, off Matunuck Beach Road, has been identified as Paul V. Martin of Longmeadow, Mass. The police found his body about 30 yards from the shore last night, less than an hour after a witness reported seeing him fall into the water. Martin had waders on and was fishing when someone saw him fall into the water, according to Lt. Commander Chris Cederholm, of the Coast Guard, sector southeastern New England. Cederholm said waders often fill with water and can become heavy and dangerous if a person is not wearing a life jacket. The person who saw Martin fall into the water ran to a nearby house, where the resident called the police at about 6:38 p.m. The Coast Guard sent two boats and a helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, as well as a government vehicle, Cederholm said. The South Kingstown Fire Department found Martin’s body offshore at about 7:30 p.m., Cederholm said. He was given CPR and taken to South County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8 p.m. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:39 AM | Comment Great Pumpkin to become Great Jack-O-Lantern
At Twin River in Lincoln, the 1,689-pound pumpkin grown by Joe Jutras of Scituate will be carved by pumpkin-carving master Scott Culley of Oregon. Carving starts at 8 a.m. and is expected to take the weekend to finish. Jutras has been growing giant pumpkins for 11 years and set the new record this year by 187 pounds, beating last year's record by Ron Wallace of Coventry. Posted by Mike McKinney at 9:08 AM | Comment State workers to get layoff notices todayThe state today will tell 157 state workers that their jobs are being eliminated, and another 379 will be notified that their jobs have been targeted for future elimination through “consolidations,” Governor Carcieri said yesterday. With the state facing a deficit as high as $450 million next year, the layoffs are part of the governor's cost-cutting plan, which includes the elimination of 1,000 state jobs by June 30, 2008. Still, nobody will be out of a job today. Labor contracts allow senior employees to “bump” to another equal or lesser position. While it varies by contract, three bumps are generally allowed. Even some non-union employees are allowed one bump, according to the governor’s chief of staff Brian Stern. Earlier this month, Carcieri announced plans to eliminate 136 temporary workers. Posted by Jack Perry at 8:50 AM | Comment Meet Providence school board members tonightResidents tonight can meet the 13 candidates who are vying for three spots on the Providence School Board. Two of the three members whose terms are set to expire in January -- the board’s current president, Mary McClure, and board member Ronnie Young -- are reapplying for their positions. Umberto Crenca is not seeking another term. Pich Chhouen, Rebecca Pazienza, Grace Brown, Ines Merchan, Damien Bandino, Eboney Brown, Victoria Richter, Brian Lalli, Maurice Methot, Christine Wilford and Philip Gould are also seeking positions on the board. Attendees can write down questions for the applicants which will be read aloud at the end of the forum, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Providence Public Safety Complex. The event will be moderated by a representative from Rhode Island Kids Count. A four-member nominating commission will recommend finalists to Mayor David Cicilline. He will appoint them and refer them to City Council. The new members will be sworn into office in January. -- With Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:28 AM | Comment Wind and rain on the wayThe good news: it's already close to 60 degrees. The not-so-good news: heavy rain and high winds are on the way. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature in the mid 60s and rain picking up this morning, getting heavy later this afternoon. Winds should increase to 30 mph with gusts as high as 46 mph. Steady rain should continue into the night when the temperature drops to about 40 degrees. Winds should calm a little, but gusts could still reach nearly 30 mph. Rain may pick up again tomorrow morning with cloudy skies and a high temperature of just 46 degrees -- nearly 20 degrees lower than today. Winds are expected to come from the west at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 31 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about the arrest of Rhode Island dive shop owner David Swain for the murder of his wife, Shelley Tyre, a death that was initially ruled a diving accident. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 14, 2007Tonight: P-Bruins at Dunk; carrier battles in BarringtonThe P-Bruins play at the renovated Dunk, and a lecture series on aircraft carrier battles in the pacific wraps at the Barrington Public Library. At 7:05 p.m., the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence re-opens with the Providence Bruins hosting the Portland Pirates. The arena was closed for six months for the second phase of a three-part $80-million renovation. Naval War College professor Douglas V. Smith presents "Command Decision in Harm’s Way,” the final in a lecture series on the carrier war in the Pacific, at Barrington Public Library, County Road, Route 114. The free lecture is at 7 p.m. For information, call (401) 247-1920. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Governor ups number of state jobs being cut to 540PROVIDENCE -- Upping the number by more than 100, Governor Carcieri said this evening that 540 state employees will be notified tomorrow that their jobs will be eliminated. Speaking at an impromptu State House news conference after a meeting with labor leaders, the governor said around 150 employees would be cut immediately, while the remaining workers would lose their jobs at some time before July 1, 2008. All will be notified tomorrow. Until this afternoon, the governor maintained that only 414 state employees would be laid off as part of his staffing reduction plan, which he says will save $100 million in the fiscal year that begins next July. Today, governor's spokesman Jeff Neal said Carcieri was using a conservative estimate during last month’s press conference regarding his workforce reduction plan. “The number has grown since the governor’s press conference approximately a month ago. In recent days we have been aware that the number was larger than 414. However, it had been the plan to not announce the larger number until notices were provided to the affected employees,” Neal said. Union leaders, however, were caught off guard by the governor’s decision to increase the number of lay offs. George Nee, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, was among a host of union leaders who met just before this evening’s press conference. He said he walked away from the closed-door meeting with the understanding that only 414 people would be targeted tomorrow. “The increase in the number are people who could possibly be laid off,” Nee said, when contacted after the governor’s press conference. Informed that the governor told the media that all 540 would be notified tomorrow, he responded, “I think it’s safe to say right now that there’s still some confusion in that area.” The governor announced the first part of his staff reduction plan earlier in the month -- a reduction of 136 contract employees over the next eight months. He also said he wouldn't fill more than 400 state positions that will become vacant in the coming months through retirements and vacancies. -- Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:49 PM | Comment Police probing shots fired on Rushmore Ave.PROVIDENCE -- Police are investigating a report of shots fired on Rushmore Avenue this evening. It was not yet known whether anyone has been injured. No more information is available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:14 PM | Comment Update: Swain, charged in wife's 1999 murder, ordered held
At the hearing in Providence, U.S. Magistrate Lincoln D. Almond ordered that Swain be held at the federal Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls. Swain did not waive extradition, and an extradition hearing is slated for next Wednesday. 
Journal file photoDavid Swain, who had no lawyer, at his civil trial last year. Swain, 51, was arrested earlier today by deputy U.S. marshals, said Tom Connell, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence. After a civil trial last year, a Superior Court jury in Rhode Island found that the former Jamestown Town Council member had intentionally drowned Shelley Tyre, 46, during a 1999 Caribbean vacation. The jury awarded her parents, Richard and Lisa Tyre, more than $6 million in damages and interest. But until now, Swain had not been charged criminally. Investigators on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands initially called Tyre's death an accident. But after Swain's civil conviction they renewed their inquiry into her death, requesting sworn depositions and witness contact information from Warwick lawyer, J. Renn Olenn, who brought the civil suit against Swain. The deputy marshals arrested Swain today on an extradition complaint drawn by the U.S. Attorney's Office and based on a request by officials in the British Virgin Islands, Connell said. In the arrest warrant application, Lee Vilker, an assistant U.S. attorney, noted that authorities in the British Virgin Islands had shown "there is overhwelming circumstantial evidence proving that Swain murdered his wife in the waters off the British Virgin Islands." The evidence includes "unusual behavior" by Swain after his wife's death and evidence of a financial motive, according to Vilker. The document also notes that experts testified during the trial that the physical condition in which the fin strap, the snorkel and mask were found indicate that a violent struggle took place under water and that Swain murdered his wife." -- projo.com staff writers Jack Perry and Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney and Journal archival reports Shelley Tyre died March 12, 1999, about eight minutes, Olenn contended in the civil case, after she and Swain entered the water together on the final day of their diving vacation. Swain surfaced alone about 35 minutes later and Swain's friend, Christian Thwaites, jumped in. Thwaites came across the first sign of trouble moments later: one of Shelley Tyre's yellow swim fins sticking in the sand, toe-first. He pulled the fin out and began searching for Tyre, expecting, he testified during the trial, that she would be grateful that he had found her fin. Instead, he found her lying on her back on the sandy bottom with her eyes and mouth open. The following day a man who runs a dive shop on Tortola, James Philip Brown, dove at the common dive site where Swain and Tyre had been, looking for any potential dangers. He testified that he found Tyre's mask, missing an anchoring pin on one side that holds the strap in place, and also her snorkel which was missing its mouthpiece. Both pieces of evidence, Olenn and his expert witnesses have said, indicate Tyre was attacked. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:35 PM | Comment Body ID'd as Woonsocket woman; death suspiciousA body found in the Black Hut Management Area in Burrillville has been identified as that of a missing Woonsocket woman, according to Burrillville police, who are now treating the case as a homicide. Vicki L. Connolly, 33, was reported to have last been seen on Sept. 6. The police received the information that her body has been identified from the medical examiner's office today at about 2:45 p.m, according to Lt. Kevin S. San Antonio. "We are treating this as a homicide," said San Antonio, indicating there is evidence to suggest the death was suspicious. The medical examiner's office did not make a ruling as to the cause of death. Two hunters in the management area found the body late last week. Burrillville police, with the assistance of Woonsocket police, are investigating. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:46 PM | Comment Update: Swain charged in wife's scuba-diving deathJamestown dive-shop owner David Swain, a suspect in the scuba diving death of his wife, has been arrested for her murder after a charge was issued out of the British Virgin Islands, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence. Swain, 51, was arrested today by deputy U.S. Marshals and is scheduled to appear this afternoon in U.S. District Court, Providence, said Tom Connell, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence. After a civil trial last year, a Superior Court jury in Rhode Island found that the former Jamestown Town Council member had intentionally drowned Shelley Tyre, 46, during a 1999 Caribbean vacation. The jury awarded her parents, Richard and Lisa Tyre, more than $6 million in damages and interest. But until now, Swain had not been charged criminally. Investigators on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands initially called Tyre's death an accident. But after Swain's civil conviction they renewed their inquiry into her death, requesting sworn depositions and witness contact information from Warwick lawyer, J. Renn Olenn, who brought the civil suit against Swain. The deputy marshals arrested Swain today on an extradition complaint drawn by the U.S. Attorney's Office and based on a request by officials in the British Virgin Islands, Connell said. In the arrest warrant application, Lee Vilker, an assistant U.S. Attorney, noted that authorities in the British Virgin Islands had shown "there is overhwelming circumstantial evidence proving that Swain murdered his wife in the waters off the British Virgin Islands." The evidence includes "unusual behavior" by Swain after his wife's death and evidence of a financial motive, according to Vilker. The document also notes that experts testified during the trial that the physical condition in which the fin strap, the snorkel and mask were found indicate that a violent struggle took place under water and that Swain murdered his wife." -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry, with Journal archival reports Shelley Tyre died March 12, 1999, about eight minutes, Olenn contended in the civil case, after she and Swain entered the water together on the final day of their diving vacation. Swain surfaced alone about 35 minutes later and Swain's friend, Christian Thwaites, jumped in. Thwaites came across the first sign of trouble moments later: one of Shelley Tyre's yellow swim fins sticking in the sand, toe-first. He pulled the fin out and began searching for Tyre, expecting, he testified during the trial, that she would be grateful that he had found her fin. Instead, he found her lying on her back on the sandy bottom with her eyes and mouth open. The following day a man who runs a dive shop on Tortola, James Philip Brown, dove at the common dive site where Swain and Tyre had been, looking for any potential dangers. He testified that he found Tyre's mask, missing an anchoring pin on one side that holds the strap in place, and also her snorkel which was missing its mouthpiece. Both pieces of evidence, Olenn and his expert witnesses have said, indicate Tyre was attacked. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:46 PM | Comment Governor to discuss layoffs with labor leadersPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri is scheduled to meet today with labor leaders about plans for state employee layoff plans. The Journal reported today the governor is slated to discuss layoffs as part of a plan to reduced a state budget deficit projected at nearly $400 million. According to the governor's agenda for the day, the meeting will start at 3:30 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:47 PM | Comment Program prepares City residents for the building tradesPROVIDENCE -- A new program will prepare Providence residents for apprenticeships in the building trades, Mayor David N. Cicilline and other officials announced today. Cicilline and YouthBuild Director Andrew Cortés, surrounded by representatives of the building trades, publicly launched Building Futures during a ceremony on the 32nd floor of the new Westin Tower . Building Futures evaluates a person's skills to figure his or her readiness and the program provides course work in safety requirements, job rights and labor history. The program also offers tutoring to prepare for the apprenticeship exam. “Building Futures is about creating a promising career path to excellent paying jobs with good benefits in the construction industry for Providence residents,” Cicilline said in a statement today. He added: “Building Futures is one of many initiatives designed to create real employment opportunities for individuals to help them pursue the American Dream.” The program is also billed as giving candidates "valuable life skills, including information on financial literacy, assistance establishing bank accounts and information on the dangers of predatory lending practices," the mayor's news release said. Building Futures continues to offer support and case management for people in the program throughout the apprenticeships. For more information on Building Futures, contact Andrew Cortés at (401) 919-5919. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:24 PM | Comment Chat tomorrow: Judge Jeremiah on teens and drinkingPROVIDENCE -- Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr., who recently lambasted parents over problems related to teen drinking, will be the special guest at a live chat on projo.com tomorrow. Judge Jeremiah will answer your questions, starting at 1 p.m., at: http://projo.com/chat Family Court’s top judge said last week it’s “an utter shame” that parents in Barrington “don’t take responsibility” for the underage drinking linked to the deaths of four local teens in the last couple of years. Jeremiah made the comment during a hearing in which a 16-year-old Barrington boy was accused of drinking six beers and driving more than twice the speed limit before slamming a car into a tree, killing one of his passengers, 16-year-old Jon Converse. Extra: Read a transcript of Jeremiah's comments from the hearing. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:12 PM | Comment Alexion aims to grow European market for drug SolirisSMITHFIELD -- Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is ramping up its European operations, a critical part of its strategy to grow the small market for the company's only drug, Soliris. The medication is used to treat a rare blood disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH. In a presentation yesterday at the Credit Suisse Healthcare Conference, in Phoenix, Alexion's chief executive officer, Leonard Bell, said the company plans to launch Soliris in Germany and England by the end of the year. Alexion, based in Cheshire, Conn., has spent nearly $80 million renovating the former Dow Chemical plant in Smithfield. Construction is complete and "validation runs" are expected to begin next year, Bell said today. "We're building a global business," Bell said in remarks broadcast online. "So far, we've done well." Alexion has opened a European headquarters in France and a "financial hub" in Switzerland, Bell said. Though few Americans have been diagnosed with PNH, Alexion expects to become profitable through the high cost of the drug: about $389,000 for a year's supply. In the U.S., the unusually high price is permitted because of the drug's "orphan" status, through a law that rewards drug companies for finding cures to rare diseases. In European countries, Bell said, Alexion expects the drug's price to differ from the U.S. price by no more than 15 percent. More than 100 patients in Europe are taking Soliris as part of clinical trails, but they do not pay for the drug. "We have an increasing focus on the European operations," Bell said. "It's been a pretty productive year so far." Sales of the drug rose to $21.8 million in the third quarter of the year, up from $9.8 million in the previous three months, according to the company. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in March, and Alexion began selling it in the United States the following month. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:01 PM | Comment Banker says Citizens still committed to R.I. / Photo
In a speech at the Business Over Easy Breakfast, sponsored by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Fish said Citizens is committed to its Rhode Island-based employees and its charitable initiatives in the state. "Our roots in the community of Rhode Island are very deep," Fish said. "Citizens began in Rhode Island, it has grown up in Rhode Island." -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:52 AM | Comment Deep frying turkey poses danger, fire chiefs warnAs Thanksgiving approaches, the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs is warning home cooks about the dangers of deep frying turkey. Deep fryers can quickly get out of control because of the high temperature of the oil, boil over, come into contact with the flame and cause a large, explosive fire, the chiefs warn in a statement issued today. Here are some tips to prevent problems: -- Turkey fryers should be used outdoors, away from buildings and other material that can burn. -- Never leave the fryer unattended. -- Don't let children or pets near the fryer during or after use. The oil can remain dangerously hot for hours. -- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts. If possible, use safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter. -- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:41 AM | Comment Residents can meet school board hopefuls tomorrowResidents can meet the 13 candidates who are vying for three spots on the Providence School Board during a public forum tomorrow. Terms are expiring in January for three board members. Two of them are reapplying for their positions. They are the board’s current president, Mary McClure, and board member Ronnie Young. Board member Umberto Crenca is is not seeking another term. Pich Chhouen, Rebecca Pazienza, Grace Brown, Ines Merchan, Damien Bandino, Eboney Brown, Victoria Richter, Brian Lalli, Maurice Methot, Christine Wilford and Philip Gould are also seeking positions on the board. The forum is at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Providence Public Safety Complex. Attendees can write down questions for the applicants which will be read aloud at the end of the forum, which will be moderated by a representative from Rhode Island Kids Count. A four-member nominating commission will recommend finalists to Mayor David Cicilline. He will appoint them and refer them to City Council. The new members will be sworn into office in January. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:02 AM | Comment Is man wanted in Portugal behind R.I. extortion?MIAMI -- Federal prosecutors are seeking the arrest of a U.S. citizen in Portugal who may be behind dozens of extortion calls to retail outlets and banks around the country -- including calls to a Wal-Mart in Newport in August. At least 26 banks, retail stores and grocery stores in 17 states received calls this year from someone threatening to set off a bomb unless money was wired to an account abroad. A grand jury indictment unsealed in Miami yesterday charges Allan Guedes Sharif with threatening to bomb a Miami Beach bank in March unless employees there gave an alleged accomplice $20,000. The indictment says Sharif made similar threats at two other Miami-area banks. Although the indictment is limited to the March calls, Miami U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta says prosecutors and the FBI have been in contact with numerous other jurisdictions where Sharif may have made threats. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 10:44 AM | Comment IRS holds refund checks for more than 400 in R.I. Still looking for that federal income-tax refund check? The Internal Revenue Service is holding nearly $300,000 for 415 people in Rhode Island whose refund checks were returned as undeliverable. That works out to an average of about $723 per check. Posted by Neil Downing at 10:19 AM | Comment Red Sox agree to open 2008 season in JapanThe Red Sox will open their World Series title defense in Tokyo. Following months of negotiations, the Red Sox agreed to a two-game series against the Oakland Athletics in Japan on March 25-26, and the commissioner's office announced the trip early Wednesday. With Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima, the Red Sox figure to be an attractive draw for the games at the Tokyo Dome. The Red Sox and A's also will play exhibition games on March 23-24 against Japanese teams. After the trip, the teams return to the United States and open the rest of their regular-season schedules with a two-game series at Oakland on April 1-2. That originally was to be a four-game set. Oakland will be the home team for the games in Japan. The Japan visit is one of two Asian trips Major League Baseball hopes to make next year. Talks have been under way for months to have the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres play exhibition games in Beijing, most likely on March 14-15, at the ballpark to be used for the 2008 Olympics. That would be Major League Baseball's first trip to China. If the Beijing games take place, the Dodgers likely would then travel to Arizona for most of their remaining spring training games. Next spring is their last at Vero Beach, Fla., where they first trained in 1949. They switch their training base in 2009 to Glendale, Ariz. Boston and Oakland will be the third set of teams to open the regular season at the Tokyo Dome, following the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs (2000), and the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2004). A scheduled 2003 series between Oakland and Seattle at the Tokyo Dome was canceled because of the threat of war in Iraq. "Opening our regular season in Japan for the third time is another example of Major League Baseball's commitment to continue the global growth of the game," commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. Your Turn: Is this a good decision for the Red Sox? -- ASSOCIATED PRESS Posted by Mike McDermott at 9:29 AM | Comment State's campground reservations start todayThe state’s first-ever campground reservation system is being launched today, allowing campers to reserve sites up to a year before they pitch their tents. Beginning at 9 a.m., campers can telephone a Rhode Island call center (877-742-2675) to make a reservation or pick a spot using a state Web site here. In the past, campsites have been distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, leading to huge lines. On holiday weekends, park managers have had to turn away crowds of vacationers, including visitors to the state who may have traveled hours in cramped station wagons. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Clear sky to give way to cloudsThe clouds are coming. The National Weather Service forecasts increasingly cloudy skies today with a high near 61 and calm, south winds between 13 and 16 mph. With clouds may come rain and patchy fog late tonight and into tomorrow. The low tonight will hit about 51 degrees. The rain should continue into tomorrow, becoming heavy at times. Temperatures should reach the mid 50s and winds could gust as high as 33 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about Governor Carcieri's looking for more ways to save money now that the budget deficit for the next fiscal year is projected at $400 million, $200 million more than expected. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 13, 2007Tonight: Jazz in Providence while URI rocksThere's jazz in Providence tonight and rock at the University of Rhode Island. The Hi-Hat Trio with Mary Ann Solivan and The RIC Jazz Quartet play jazz at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. Call 453-6500. 6:30 to 11 p.m. $30 advance; $35 at the door. It's a benefit for Rhode island College's Fall Shinn Study Abroad Fund. Ifwhen and The Brother Kite play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Call 831-9327. 9 p.m. $5. All ages. Papa Roach, Hinder and 12 Stones play rock at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. Call 331-5876, 272-5876 or go to www.etix.com. 8 p.m. $22.50 advance; $25 day of show; $27.50 reserved. Tartufi, 14 Foot 1 and Milo play rock at the University of Rhode Island, 193 Degree Coffee House, 59 Lower College Rd. (off Route 138), Kingston. 8:30 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Suspect in extortion calls to retailers being soughtMIAMI -- Federal prosecutors are seeking the arrest of a U.S. citizen in Portugal who may be behind dozens of extortion calls to retail outlets and banks around the country -- including calls to a Wal-Mart in Newport in August. At least 26 banks, retail stores and grocery stores in 17 states received calls this year from someone threatening to set off a bomb unless money was wired to an account abroad. A grand jury indictment unsealed in Miami today charges Allan Guedes Sharif with threatening to bomb a Miami Beach bank in March unless employees there gave an alleged accomplice $20,000. The indictment says Sharif made similar threats at two other Miami-area banks. Although the indictment is limited to the March calls, Miami U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta says prosecutors and the FBI have been in contact with numerous other jurisdictions where Sharif may have made threats. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:18 PM | Comment Bush signs bill boosting submarine productionWASHINGTON -- President Bush signed a defense spending bill today that would double Virginia-class submarine production to two boats per year, capping a long battle by Connecticut and Rhode Island lawmakers eager to protect home-state jobs. The lawmakers won House and Senate approval of the measure last week. They have been pressing the Navy for several years to accelerate plans to double production of the high-tech attack submarine. Boosting production could help safeguard jobs at Electric Boat, the submarine-maker with facilities in both states. The bill includes $588 million to allow the Navy to begin building two boats per year as early as 2010, lawmakers said. About 7,600 people work at Electric Boat's shipyard in Groton while about 2,000 are employed at the company's Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island. Electric Boat, a division of General Dynamics Corp., and Northrop Grumman Newport News in Virginia together produce one $2.5 billion submarine a year. The Navy has said it opposes moving up its plans for a second sub before 2012. Connecticut and Rhode Island officials are concerned that the Navy seems determined to pull back from submarines in favor of other weaponry. They say building one submarine per year is not enough to replace the nation's aging nuclear submarine fleet, a concern that has taken on new urgency because of homeland security issues. "This is a great day for southeastern Connecticut and an important victory for our nation's defense infrastructure," said Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., whose district includes the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton and the nearby Electric Boat shipyard. "This victory seemed elusive a year ago and just a dream for many years, but I am pleased to be able to announce that this part of the fight is now over." Courtney spearheaded the House fight for submarine funding along with colleagues from both states. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:31 PM | Comment Traffic alert: Car rollover on Rte. 6 blocking lanesPROVIDENCE -- A vehicle rolled over onto its roof on Route 6 east near Dean Street has left lanes blocked. The rollover occurred in the high-speed lane. Drivers should take caution, the state Transportation Management Center advised at about 4:15 p.m. One person is expected to be transported by rescue truck to Rhode Island Hospital, said James Taytor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. Check the state's TMC Web site for updates on the accident. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:36 PM | Comment Update: Westerly woman, 61, hit by car, diesA Westerly woman has died at UMass Memorial Medical Center, after she and her teenage daughter were struck by a car Sunday night as they crossed a street in Putnam, Conn. Alicia Russell, 61, died at about 6 p.m. yesterday, a hospital spokeswoman said this afternoon. The wife of Watch Hill Fire District Moderator Edwin Russell, she had been flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where she was in the intensive-care unit. Russell and her 16-year-old daughter were initially taken to Day Kimball Hospital after being hit at the intersection of Front and Main streets just after 7 p.m. in the community about six miles from the Rhode Island border. The teenager was treated and released. According to the Putnam police, the driver was Deborah Desilets, 46, of Plainfield, Conn. She was driving east on Front Street when she struck the two, according to the police report. The accident is still under investigation; no one has been arrested. The Putnam police are asking any witnesses to call (860) 928-6565. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:21 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Looking for family without heatWe are looking for a family in Rhode Island who is living without heat because of a utility shutoff. If you know of a family who would be willing to be interviewed and photographed by The Providence Journal for a story, please have them contact staff writer Timothy Barmann at 401-277-7369 or tbarmann@projo.com Posted by Tim Barmann at 3:55 PM | Comment Update: Central Falls councilman accused of sex assaultA Central Falls councilman is accused of statutory rape after the Providence police say they found him parked in a car last night with a teenage boy in the back seat. Luis A. Gil, the outgoing Ward 4 councilman, was arraigned in District Court, Providence, today on a charge of third-degree sexual assault. He was released on $10,000 personal recognizance. Gil was arrested yesterday evening after two bicycle patrol officers spotted a car parked under the Henderson Bridge, off River Drive. According to the report, when the officers approached the car, Gil was in the driver's seat with his pants around his knees. The police also say a 15-year-old male was in the back seat, buttoning his jeans and putting on a shirt. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson The police say when they asked Gil how he knew the teenager, he said, “I coach him. He plays soccer for me.” When they asked the teenager, he referred to Gil as “kind of a friend.” According to the report, the police asked the teenager about a bruise they saw on his neck, to which the boy replied, “He just gave it to me.” The boy was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for an examination. According to the statute, third-degree sexual assault requires the defendant be older than 18, and the victim be 14 or 15 years old. It does not require proof of the threat or use of physical force. The maximum sentence is 5 years. Gil, who was elected to the Central Falls City Council in 2005, did not seek reelection this year. In a statement this afternoon, Central Falls Mayor Charles D. Moreau offered sympathy to the families involved and said that the situation would be resolved in court. “If guilty,” he added, “I hope that he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Gil's listed phone number is disconnected. In his statement, Moreau called for Gil to resign from the City Council, adding “but that is a matter to be addressed by the City Council.” Council President William Benson Jr. said this morning that he wouldn’t comment on the charges, but that he was contacting lawyers. “I’m not making any statement,” he said. “We’ve never had anything like this happen that I can remember.” Gil is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 15. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:56 PM | Comment Lane closings coming in Coventry starting tonightCOVENTRY -- More lane closures and traffic disruptions are coming to town due to continuing sewer installation projects. Beginning tonight at 7 p.m., sewer construction crews will begin overnight work at the south end of Sandy Bottom Road, near Tiogue Avenue. One lane will be open for two-way traffic during construction hours from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., at which time normal traffic flow will resume. Police will be on hand to direct traffic. Town officials anticipate the work in this section would last a week, weather permitting. The installation is a part the next phase of a $3.2-million sewer expansion to extend a line and laterals from the pumping station on Sandy Bottom Road to homes and businesses along Sandy Bottom Road, South Main and Wood streets and Route 117. -- Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:25 PM | Comment Bank of America names executive to attract the richPROVIDENCE -- Bank of America today appointed Jake Filoon as market trust executive in Providence, where he will lead the bank's efforts to attract the region's wealthiest depositors. Filoon will work in Bank of America's U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management division. Bank of America acquired U.S. Trust last November. Filoon lives in Needham, Mass. He will be based in Providence and report to Robert Garty, northeast regional trust executive. Before this appointment, Filoon worked for the bank's Global Wealth and Investment Management Products Group. He began his career at Fleet Bank in 1990, and he has served in "various leadership roles across Bank of America and its predecessor organizations for more than 17 years, including the Private Bank of Bank of America and Columbia Management," according to Bank of America. Filoon earned a bachelor’s degree from Colby College and a master's of business administration from Babson College. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:22 PM | Comment Beckett loses to Sabathia in Cy Young raceC.C. Sabathia won the AL Cy Young Award today, beating out several worthy contenders, including Boston's Josh Beckett, by a comfortable margin and becoming the first Cleveland pitcher in 35 years to earn the honor. Voting took place before the postseason, when Sabathia struggled while Beckett pitched the Red Sox to a World Series championship with a string of dominant outings. The Indians ace received 19 of 28 first-place votes and finished with 119 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Beckett was second with eight first-place votes and 86 points, while John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels got the other first-place vote and came in third. Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 209 strikeouts, pitching a major league-high 241 innings. Beckett (20-7) became the only big league pitcher to win 20 games since 2005, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 200 2-3 innings. Lackey led the AL in ERA at 3.01, going 19-9 and tossing 224 innings. Sabathia became the first Indians pitcher to win the award since Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry in 1972. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS Posted by Jack Perry at 2:15 PM | Comment The Dunk re-opens tomorrow as work in progress / Photo
The first event at the center begins at 7:05 p.m., when the Providence Bruins play the Portland Pirates. There are 12 events scheduled for November, including Providence College basketball games and a performance by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The center's renovation is still a work in progress. But for tomorrow's game, patrons will enter the building through a new lobby and order snacks and beverages at new food courts. Three hundred hockey fans will sit in "test" seats - models of the new seats that will be installed throughout the arena next summer during the final phase of the three-year renovation. “More than 300 construction workers have been on site daily throughout most of Phase 2. We’ve accomplished a lot of work during the past six months, focusing on areas critical to making the building operational again, including the new life safety systems, mechanical and electrical systems, restrooms, food courts and the lobby area," James P. McCarvill, executive director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, said in a statement today. "Patrons will get a sense of what the final design will look like, but there is still a lot of work to complete." -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:32 PM | Comment Ocean State Job Lot to help hurricane victimsOcean State Job Lot announced today it plans to ship $120,000 worth of clothing to people in the Dominican Republic, where residents were "severely ravaged by Hurricane Noel just weeks ago." About 50,000 clothing items will be donated, including clothes for men, women and children. The plan follows the request of a "warehouse associate with ties to the Dominican Republic," Ocean State Job Lot said in a news release. The clothing will accompany other donations gathered by Rhode Islanders to help needy Dominicans. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:54 PM | Comment Photo: A push to keep Meals on Wheels rolling
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:16 PM | Comment Renewed grant continues HIV treatment trials at MiriamPROVIDENCE -- Miriam Hospital announced today that clinical trial researchers will be able to continue pursuing better treatments for people with HIV now that a federal grant has been renewed for seven years. The National Institute of Health renewed the grant that makes the hospital's immunology center a research location of the Harvard AIDS Clinical Trials Unit -- one of the medical centers worldwide that comprises the NIH's AIDS Clinical Trials Group. The Aids Clinical Trials Group is the world's largest HIV clinical trials organization and helps in setting care standards for HIV infection and diseases related to HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and the developing world. New trials -- research studies -- expected to start at Miriam's institute include evaluating therapies for those newly diagnosed with HIV and people with resistant HIV. Resistant HIV strains don't respond to multiple antiretroviral drugs that typically are used to help control the virus. “Fortunately, there are more than three new outstanding medications that appear to be extremely effective against resistant HIV,” Dr. Karen Tashima, lead researcher, said in the statement. Since 1996, doctors and researchers from Miriam Hospital and Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School have provided access to clinical trials to HIV-positive patients in Rhode Island and southeastern New England under Tashima's direction. Tashima will continue to lead The Miriam Hospital site. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney More new trials at Miriam will evaluate effects of FDA-approved HPV vaccine among HIV-infected women. Tashima added: “The HPV vaccine trial is extremely important because it could lead to improved prevention of cervical cancer within this specific population. Since individuals with HIV have compromised immune systems, they are at greater risk for developing co-morbidities. Therapies that can help prevent additional diseases could make a significant impact.” Ongoing research at Miriam's institute includes: * Reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, led by Dr. Susan Cu-Uvin. * Improving substance abuse treatment combined with HIV care, led by Dr. Jody Rich and Dr. Jennifer Mitty. * "Exploring barriers" to HIV vaccination among adolescents, women and other vulnerable communities, led by Dr. Michelle Lally. * Increasing cancer prevention among HIV-infected individuals, led by Dr. E. Milu Kojic. * Managing the co-infection of HIV and tuberculosis, led by Dr. Awe Kwara. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:03 PM | Comment Photo: West Warwick man arraigned in fatal stabbing
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:00 PM | Comment Gas prices pass $3 per gallon in Ocean StateGasoline prices in Rhode Island have jumped another nine cents, passing the $3.00 per gallon mark, according to AAA Southern New England. AAA’s November 13 survey found self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $3.039 per gallon. The price has climbed 36 cents in the past month, AAA says. The jump is driven by increased demand for oil in the United States and across the world, according to Robert Murray, senior vice president of corporate affairs for AAA Southern New England. Crude oil recently approached $100 per barrel before dropping back to about $93, he noted. In addition, Murray said, the country's capacity for refining oil is "maxed out." "Even if we got more oil, we couldn't refine it," he said. High prices are apparently starting to affect consumer driving habits and could have an impact on Thanksgiving travel next week and the upcoming Christmas shopping season, he said. "Not everyone can afford $40 once or twice a week (to fill up). At that level, you start to impact people in the poor category, the working poor, elderly on fixed income, younger people without substantial income," Murray said. "It has to impact on those people because they simply don't have the money." In a press release announcing the latest price survey, AAA referred to a study showing that Americans are spending twice as much of their income at the gas pumps as they did five years ago. The study, released by Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), which gathers pricing information for AAA, shows that nationally, Americans spend 3.8 percent of every earned dollar to fill their gasoline tanks. The amount was 1.9 percent of income in 2002. If there's any consolation for Rhode Islanders, it's that it could be worse. Rhode Islanders are paying seven cents less than the national average of $3.109 per gallon. Where will prices go from here? Some analysts believe prices will increase 10 to 20 cents per gallon before catching to the recent spike in oil prices, according to Murray. Some analysts predict that consumers will be paying $4 per gallon this spring, he said. One thing is for sure, he said. As long as demand continues to increase so will prices. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:56 AM | Comment Mom Hasselbeck and baby survive labor just fine / Video
AP photoElisabeth and Timothy Hasselbeck arrive for a White House dinner with Queen Elizabeth II last May. Survivor finalist and Rhode Island native Elisabeth Hasselbeck has come through another ordeal just fine -- the birth of her second child. Hasselbeck, 30, delivered son Taylor on Friday and announced his name via phone to her colleagues on The View, where she is now a co-host. When asked how long the labor was, she replied, "Ah, forever." But her wit appears to be as quick as ever -- she later amended that to "four, five thousand hours." Hasselbeck, who grew up in Cranston and Providence, is married to NFL quarterback Timothy Hasselbeck, who now plays for the Arizona Cardinals. She gave birth in an Arizona hospital. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:44 AM | Comment R.I. woman, daughter struck by car in Conn.A Rhode Island woman is in a hospital intensive-care unit at after she and her daughter were hit by a car last night in Putnam, Conn., about six miles from the Rhode Island border. Alicia Russell, 61, of Westerly, and her 16-year-old daughter were taken to Day Kimball Hospital after being hit at the intersection of Front and Main streets just after 7 p.m. The teenager was treated and released; her mother was flown to UMass Medical Center, where she is still in the intensive-care unit. According to the Putnam police, the driver was Deborah Desilets, 46, of Plainfield, Conn. She was driving east on Front Street when she struck the two as they crossed the street, according to the police report. The accident is still under investigation; no one has been arrested. The Putnam police are asking any witnesses to call 860-928-6565. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:28 AM | Comment N.E. economy could break out of slowdown next springBOSTON -- The nation's housing slump and credit crunch have left economists gloomier than they were six months ago about New England's growth prospects, but the worst may soon be over. A regional forecast organization today predicted that New England's economy will begin to break out of its recent run of slow growth starting in the second quarter of next year, but its housing market is at least six months from bottoming out. The New England Economic Partnership expects the current quarter and next year's first quarter to yield the slowest growth in the value of New England's products and services - a measure known as gross regional product - during a forecast period that runs through 2011. -- The Associated Press The panel of economists from the region's six states expects an annual growth rate of 1.6 percent this quarter and 1.7 percent next quarter. The economists then expect "a slow and modest recovery," peaking at 3.4 percent growth in early 2009, according to the latest twice-a-year forecast presented at the economic organization's fall conference in Boston. Regional gross product growth is expected to average 2.2 percent per year through 2011, below the 2.6 percent the group had forecast last spring. The group attributed the lowering of expectations to "the broadening effects of the national credit crisis, and economic vulnerabilities extending from the housing market to other sectors of the economy." The economists predict New England will continue to experience slower gross product growth than the nation over the next few years, with New Hampshire posting the region's fastest growth at 3 percent. All other states in the region are expected to see gross product growth of at least fourth-tenths of a percentage point below the U.S. annual average. New England's current housing price decline is to reach its steepest point during the current quarter, with prices continuing to fall through next year's second quarter. Economists then expect a slow, modest housing recovery, with the region's median price expected to fall 10 percent from the pre-slump peak to the downturn's low point. After a long run of steep price appreciation, New England's housing market switched to a buyer's market beginning last year. New England's jobs growth is expected to average eight-tenths of a percentage point per year through 2011, compared with the national average of 1.1 percent. Ross Gittell, the organization's forecast manager and a professor at the University of New Hampshire, said New England's economic prospects have recently been hurt by lagging population and employment growth compared with the nation as a whole. "There is no single factor causing vulnerability in New England's regional competitiveness, but rather a confluence of factors that will have to be addressed to ensure a strong regional economic future," Gittell said. "Noteworthy among these factors are indications that the region is experiencing a decline in 'attractiveness' to young adults and businesses expanding employment." The New England Economic Partnership is a 36-year-old nonprofit forecast organization with members from private industry, government and academia. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:03 AM | Comment Victim in weekend murder identifiedThe 66-year-old man who was stabbed to death over the weekend during an argument about a small debt was Ronald Dufour, of 56 Maple Ave., West Warwick, according to the Rhode Island State Police. Robert Payette, 45, is scheduled to face arraignment today in Kent County District Court to face murder charges for Dufour’s death. Dufour’s body was found Sunday night in the bottom of a ravine leading to the Pawtuxet River behind the River Run apartments at 19 Maple Avenue, where Payette lives. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:59 AM | Comment East Greenwich teachers go back to the bargaining tableTeachers in East Greenwich are returning to the negotiating table today after a five-hour session two weeks ago failed to lead to a new contract. Mediated talks began in August after a three-day strike delayed the opening of school. The talks have not been hostile, but key issues remain unresolved, according to Jane Argentieri of the National Education Association Rhode Island, parent organization of the 235-member East Greenwich Education Association. Teachers' pay and contributions to health care costs have been the main sticking points in agreeing on a new contract; the previous contract expired Aug. 31. Today’s meeting will be held at NEARI headquarters in Cranston. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:27 AM | Comment Smithfield recall election todayVoters in Smithfield decide today if their town council president will remain in office. Critics of Stephen G. Tocco, a Democrat, collected enough signatures to require a recall election after facts emerged surrounding a 1993 trial against Gary Garafano, then deputy public works director in Providence. During the trial, Tocco, who was an officer of Capitol Police at the time – testified that he delivered bribes to officials in Pawtucket and Providence from the construction company for which he worked. The polls opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m Find out online where your polling place is. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:06 AM | Comment Newport Democrats voting in primary for Crowley's seatNEWPORT — Polls open at 8 a.m. today for voting in the Democratic primary to select a candidate for the District 75 seat in the state House of Representatives left vacant by the September death of Rep. Paul W. Crowley. Voters can cast ballots until 9 tonight in the district that covers all of Newport except for a small section in the northeast corner of the city. The candidates are David R. Carlin III and former state Sen. J. Clement “Bud” Cicilline. The winner of the primary will face Republican Steven J. Coaty, 47, and independent James Stanek on Dec. 18. The polling places are: •Ward 1, District 5: St. John’s Church Hall, Willow Street •Ward 2, District 4: Thompson Middle School, 39 Broadway •Ward 2, District 5: Donovan Manor, 19 Chapel St. •Ward 3, District 1: Clarke School Apartments, 24 Mary St. •Ward 3, District 2: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St. •Ward 3, District 3: St. Augustin’s School, 5 Harrison Ave. •Ward 3, District 4: Carey School, 27 Narragansett Ave. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Skies should clearDon't worry too much about the rain. The National Weather Service is forecasting rain until late this morning, but skies should clear in a few hours, and the temperature will reach a mild 60 degrees. Tonight we'll see clear skies and a low temperature in the mid 30s. More rain likely tomorrow afternoon with cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 50s. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story reporting that a mother of two from Lincoln who had been missing since Sept. 5 was found alive in Baltimore, Md. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 9, 20077to7 will be off duty on Veterans Day holidayProjo.com's 7to7 news blog will take a day off this Monday, Veterans Day. You'll still find blog reports from Journal sports writers, the news of the day from The Providence Journal, and continuous updates on national, world and sports news from our wire services. The news blog team will be back in the building, and posting as usual starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:05 PM | Comment Tonight: Dining in Newport a triple playLooking for a new excuse to cross the bridge to the City by the Sea? You can dine tonight at any of 30 participating Newport restaurants for a fixed price of $30 for a three-course dinner. Go to www.gonewport.com or call (401) 845-9123. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment A new -- and much higher -- figure for state's deficitPROVIDENCE – They knew it would be bad, but the state officials gathered in the State House basement today didn’t think it would be this bad. Rhode Island is facing a budget shortfall of at least $150 million for the fiscal year that ends next July. And the deficit for the following year – a number Governor Carcieri has consistently put at $200 million in recent weeks – is now estimated at between $400 and $450 million, according to projections from House Fiscal Advisor Michael O’Keefe based on numbers finalized at today's Revenue & Caseload Estimating Conference. In the minutes immediately after the conference was over this afternoon, the state officials who had spent much of the past week pouring through economic data at the sparsely attended annual meeting had no choice but to resort to humor. “If anybody has any ideas how to resolve this, let me know,” the governor’s budget officer, Rosemary Booth Gallogly, said with a defeated smile. Kevin Madigan of the Senate fiscal office let out a mock cheer: “It’s not $500 million, yay!” Despite attempts at humor, the implications of the conference are serious. Governor Carcieri is required by law to use the projections in the 2008-09 budget he will present in January. Knowing there would a deficit, he had already proposed a sweeping plan to save $100 million by cutting the state’s workforce by 1,000 jobs. His budget-balancing plan had also included saving $50 million by reducing worker benefits and another $50 million by cutting or consolidating social services programs. Today, he also announced a change in plan for a new State Police headquarters, keeping it in Scituate instead of moving it to Cranston, a step he said would save $36 million. It is now clear that he will have to do much more to propose a balanced budget, which he must do by law. -- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:40 PM | Comment Veterans Day events: Statewide memorial tops listVeterans Day weekend will offer everyone plenty to remember as it does every year, but this Sunday's commemoration will also included dedicating the new World War II memorial across from the Licht Judicial Complex in Providence. The entrance to the memorial includes two granite walls engraved with the names of 2,562 Rhode Islanders who died while serving during World War II. Here's what the memorial looks like. Governor Carcieri's schedule Sunday is for a state Veterans Day tribute from 1 to 2 p.m. in the State Room of the State House in Providence. From 2 to 4 p.m., he will be at World War II Memorial Parade and the dedication of the World War II Memorial. For descriptions and times of Veterans Day events in Bristol, Newport, Portsmouth, Warren, and in Swansea and Somerset, Mass., click here. For more Veterans holiday events and activities, check out the projo.com guide. Veterans are also being offered a free meal Sunday by the McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant chain. They may have a free lunch or dinner entrée to veterans Sunday from a special menu. Proper military identification is required. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; dinner, 4 to 11 p.m. (401) 351-4500 for reservations. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Reporter's Iway drive down to 11 minutesIn her latest measure of the week's Iway-affected traffic, it took our reporter just 11 minutes this evening to complete a 5.8-mile trip from Route 95 south onto Route 195 east, ending on the East Providence side of the Washington Bridge -- down from 58 minutes Tuesday evening, and 45 minutes Wednesday evening. Take tonight's commute times with a grain of salt. It's Friday after all, and a long weekend at that -- people may have cleared out earlier. The decreased drive time may be a good sign for state Department of Transportation officials, who have sought to alleviate the traffic jams that characterized commutes earlier this week, after last Sunday's opening of part of the Route 195 relocation project. Our reporter, whose trip began at the School Street exit in Pawtucket, found the stop-and-go traffic resumed around the Wickenden Street exit of Route 195 this evening. In its continued effort to alleviate the traffic, the DOT today opened a new ramp near India Point Park in Providence a little after 3 p.m. DOT crews closed the Wickenden Street ramp onto Route 195 east, where lanes have been restricted, causing traffic to bottleneck. The new ramp diverts traffic past the restricted area, putting traffic onto the interstate closer to the Washington Bridge, where additional lanes are available. The DOT had also said it would close the South Main Street entrance. But that hadn't happened at about 3:30 today. After 7 p.m., when traffic eases, the DOT will reopen the Wickenden Street ramp and close the new India Point ramp. The DOT's director today visited projo.com for an online chat -- here's a transcript. Check out a map of the new route. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina and projo.com staff Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:56 PM | Comment Kin of Sept. 11 victim from R.I. settle suit against airlineThe family of David A. Angell, the Rhode Island native who achieved fame as executive producer of the NBC series Frasier and who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has settled the lawsuit it filed against airline and security companies, the plaintiffs’ lawyer said today. All parties have agreed not to disclose the amount of the settlement, said the lead lawyer for the 9/11 plaintiffs, Donald A. Migliori, a Rhode Island resident and a partner in the South Carolina-based law firm of Motley Rice. Angell, 55, who owned a home on Providence’s East Side, won five Emmy Awards for his work on shows such as Cheers, Wings and Frasier. He was the brother of Kenneth A. Angell, who served as auxiliary bishop for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence from 1974 to 1992 before becoming bishop of Burlington, Vt. Angell's case is distinctive in that his survivors are among a small percentage that decided to sue the airlines rather than accept a government payment. Lawyers had also debated whether his true home was in Cape Cod, California or Rhode Island, which has more favorable laws regarding such litigation. Migliori said the plaintiffs, who included Kenneth Angell and his sister, Claire Miller, did not want to comment publicly on the settlement. But he said, “It’s a very mixed feeling for all of the people involved because at the end, no matter how much information we’ve obtained and no matter how much compensation we’ve been able to achieve, the reality is the one thing they want most — their brother, son or spouse — is what they can never get back.” On 9/11, Angell and his wife, Lynn Edwards Angell, boarded American Airlines Flight 11 at Logan Airport, heading to California to wrap up work on the final episode of Frasier. Their plane crashed into the World Trade Center’s north tower. After the terrorist attacks, 98.5 percent of the victims’ families chose to accept money from a federal compensation fund and forfeit their right to sue. But some filed wrongful death lawsuits, including relatives of Angell and of Pawtucket’s Shawn M. Nassaney. Nassaney’s family reached a settlement in September. And the Angell case is one of 10 settled over the past week, including the case of Ambrose v. American Airlines and Argenbright Security, which had been set to go to trial Monday, Migliori said. -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick So there are now seven unresolved cases against the airlines and security companies. “There will be a trial," Migliori predicted. "The seven who remain are steadfast that they are going to keep fighting for a liability trial and an airing of the evidence and accountability.” Defendants in the Angell lawsuit included American Airlines, the Globe Aviation Services security company, The Boeing Co., the Massachusetts Port Authority, and Colgan Air, the regional airline that two terrorists took from Portland, Maine, to Logan before boarding Flight 11. American Airlines issued a statement this afternoon, saying, “Sept. 11, 2001, was a national tragedy and we empathize with all families who lost loved ones that day. The federal government established what we believe to be a fair and equitable system, the Victim’s Compensation Fund, for handling such cases without making the families suffer through a long legal process. This system worked because 98 percent of the cases have been settled privately or through the VCF. American is committed to continue working with the remaining families toward settlement.” Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:31 PM | Comment Photo: Statue takes the place of beloved Fanny
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:12 PM | Comment Update: Pawtucket man nabbed in Seekonk hit-runTAUNTON, Mass. -- A Portuguese citizen who has been living in Pawtucket for 10 years was ordered held today on $1.125 million bail with surety on charges stemming from the hit-and-run death of a Seekonk pedestrian. Laudalino Camara, 50, of 626 Prospect St, is charged with motor vehicle homicide and with leaving the scene of an accident, death resulting, in the Oct. 14 crash that killed Maria Aguiar, 38. Camara, a resident alien who needed an interpreter during the proceedings, pleaded not guilty through this lawyer to the charges at his arraignment this afternoon in District Court. Camara did not speak during the nearly hour-long arraignment, and his expression did not change. The District Attorney's Office alleged today that his wife, Maria Camara, staged an accident on Route 95 South in Pawtucket, with the same white SUV. The vehicle was recovered in an autobody shop. Forensic tests showed that paint chips from both accident scenes matched. Also recovered at the autobody shop -- a right incisor tooth. The victim had been missing such a tooth at her autopsy. Among those at the court were Aguiar's husband, oldest son and sister, as well as Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter. The police have said Aguiar, of 155 Chestnut St., was struck and killed by a white “SUV-type” vehicle at about 6:22 p.m. while she walked along her street with her daughter, who was riding a bicycle. The 10-year-old girl was uninjured, but saw the accident. Last month, the police seized a sport utility vehicle suspected in the hit-and-run crash. -- projo.com staff, with reports from Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:53 PM | Comment The new Iway ramp is open / Map, Photo
PROVIDENCE -- The new entrance ramp to Route 195 opened in India Point Park a little after 3 p.m. today. DOT crews closed the Wickenden Street entrance ramp and opened the new ramp to help open the bottleneck on Route 195 east. The move diverts traffic from a restricted area of Route 195 and moves it down Route 195 closer to the Washington Bridge where there are additional lanes available. The DOT had also said it would close the South Main entrance. But that hadn't happened at about 3:30 today. After 7 p.m., when traffic eases, the DOT will reopen the Wickenden Street ramp and close the new India Point ramp.
Maps: Printable map of the new ramp / Alternate route / Exit changes
Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:33 PM | Comment Update: State Police HQ won't be moving to CranstonCiting the state's "mounting budget problems," Governor Carcieri has announced a proposal to build a smaller State Police headquarters at the existing Scituate barracks -- which he said would save $36 million -- instead of building a new headquarters in Cranston. Carcieri said in a news release this afternoon that the Cranston headquarters was projected to cost $63 million but that a new Scituate headquarters would come to just $27 million. The Cranston plan had also led to the controversial closing of a state homeless shelter at the site last March. Advocates had asked in September why the State Police project had not yet moved forward. A Carcieri spokesman at that time said that it was under review due to the state's budget situation. Voters first approved spending $48 million on the headquarters five years ago. Its proposed location has already moved at least three times as its pricetag rose. The new Scituate HQ would house both the State Police and a new "E911" facility. “Building the State Police headquarters in Scituate is an important component of my plans to save millions of dollars for Rhode Island taxpayers,” Carcieri said in the statement. “Although we had been planning to build the new headquarters at the Pastore Complex in Cranston, we believed it was important to change those plans in the face of the state’s mounting budget problems. This new plan will give the State Police the modern headquarters they need to fulfill their public safety mission, while cutting the cost in half for taxpayers.” The original plan for the Cranston location called for closing the Wickford and Chepachet barracks and having all dispatching centralized in the new headquarters. Under the plan Carcieri announced today, only the Chepachet barracks would be closed, and dispatching would be kept at the individual barracks. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports Carcieri stated that during the summer he asked each department head to find ways to reduce spending and that the decision to build the less esxpensive State Police headquarters came out of that process. “The new plan also has the strong support of State Police Superintendent, Colonel Brendan Doherty," Carcieri said. "I expect to formally submit the final version of the plan as part of my budget proposal in January.” The news release said the $63 million Cranston project included up to about $6 million in "extra costs to clean up a site contaminated with the debris of at least 12 buried buildings and foundations. The new plan does not require additional site remediation costs." Building at the Pastore location, which fronts Pontiac Avenue, "posed serious security concerns that resulted in higher building cost" for such things as re-enforced, blast-proof walls and bullet-proof glass. The Scituate site is a remote one, so it is easier and less costly to secure, Carcieri said. Also, the governor said the Pastore location falls in the flight path for T.F. Green Airport, so the Federal Aviation Administration has put height limits on the communications tower. The Scituate site has no height restrictions and it is possible that the existing tower may be usable, further cutting construction cost. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:12 PM | Comment House and Senate approve bill to double sub productionWASHINGTON -- The House and Senate have approved a defense spending bill that would double Virginia-class submarine production to two boats a year. It's a victory for Connecticut and Rhode Island congressmen hoping to protect jobs. Lawmakers have been pressing the Navy for several years to accelerate plans to double production of the high-tech attack submarine. Such a move would help submarine-maker Electric Boat with facilities in both states. The measure includes $588 million to allow the Navy to begin building two boats per year as early as 2010 or 2011. The Senate approved the bill late Thursday night following House passage earlier in the day. Lawmakers say they are hopeful President Bush will endorse the measure. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:49 PM | Comment Chat transcript: DOT chief fields Iway questionsPROVIDENCE -- Jerome F. Williams, director of the state Department of Transportation, visited projo.com at noon today for an online chat, answering readers' questions about the Iway and efforts to improve traffic flow. Williams acknowledged that the DOT's traffic modeling did not anticipate the level of congestion that has developed on Route 195 East and Route 95 South during the evening commute since the opening Sunday of an Iway connector between Route 95 North and Route 195 East. "These models did not show the significant traffic congestion that we saw on Monday," he wrote. For more, read the full transcript of questions and replies: dan: anything new - pretty big mess Jerome Williams: Each day we have seen significant improvement in travel times. For example, on Monday travel times from Smithfield Avenue on I-95 South to Taunton Avenue I-195 East was approximately 70 minutes. Wednesday night this travel time was 35 minutes and last night it was 10 - 12 minutes. Actions we have taken have had a positive impact on travel times. Travel times were taken between the hours of 5 and 6 p.m. What is new is the opening of the South Main ramp onto the new Iway which will further improve travel times from I-95 South to I-195 East.
Jerome Williams: We have seen significant improvement every day from Tuesday on. We still have excess capacity on the new Iway and we are moving a portion of the traffic off the old I-195 to the Iway to further balance the traffic volumes. This is really a modification to the existing traffic pattern. We appreciate that you have been tracking this and have noticed the improvement.
Jerome Williams: In preparation for the opening we conducted traffic modeling as we did when we closed the Interstate for the steel placement over the highway. These models did not show the significant traffic congestion that we saw on Monday. As we have seen since Monday travel times have improved dramatically. For example, last night's travel times were actually better than prior to the opening of the Iway. Thank you for your question. Click below to read more... FCA: WILL 195 EAST between the split and the beginning of the Washington Bridge remain 2 lanes? Jerome Williams: The old I-195 will remain in its current configuration -- two lanes. The new Iway from I-95 north to I-195 east carries two lanes today. When the next segment opens -- I-95 south to I-195 east -- two additional lanes will be open for a total of four lanes eastbound. The final configuration will be one additional lane than the old I-195. Thank you for your question.
Jerome Williams: This is a major project with 3 major segments: I-95 North to I-195 East, I-95 South to I-195 East, and I-195 West to I-95 North and South. In order to continue the project we needed to open the first segment -- I-95 North to I-195 East -- to accommodate future construction. We would not be able to wait and open everything when the project was completed. RIDOT's Customer Service line at 401-222-2450 can give you more information. Thanks for the question and we are glad you are having a smooth commute north.
Jerome Williams: The Iway was reduced to one lane this morning to accommodate the work necessary to open the new ramp this afternoon. In regards to moving the traffic to the Iway with the opening of the ramp we are balancing the traffic volumes between the old I-195 East and the Iway. In monitoring this all week additional capacity exists on the Iway to handle this volume. We do expect slower traffic on the Iway during peak p.m. hours. Thanks for your question.
Two questions: What is the ambient chloride level at the Sakonnet Bridge location and what wil its effect be on the lifespan of the proposed steel? And a
The result of this was a $39 million reduction in cost. These savings can be used on other transportation infrastructure needs the State has. We do not have the ambient chloride level with us at this time. Please contact our Customer Service office at 401-222-2450. Thank you.
Jerome Williams: There is a map on RIDOT's Web site that has all of the information you will need to use the new ramp. Please go to www.dot.state.ri.us for more information. Everything you need is on the homepage. Thank you.
Jerome Williams: One of the issues we have on the old I-195 East is we have merging traffic very close to on-ramps. This leaves little room for traffic merging and impedes traffic flow. The new Iway provides extended lanes for merging and has fewer on and off-ramps resulting in improved traffic flow through the downtown Providence area. Although we have only opened the first segment of the Iway, other new ramps will be open to service downtown in the future. Thank you for your question. We appreciate it. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:53 PM | Comment Police investigate body found in Burrillville woodsThe Burrillville police are investigating "a suspicious death" after hunters discovered a body in the Black Hut Management Area off Spring Lake Road. They are treating the area, off a dirt road, as a crime scene. The police have not made a positive identification of the victim and are checking missing persons reports to help with their investigation. They could not provide the age or the gender of the dead person. Hunters reported finding the body at 8:31 a.m. today. Both the Burrillville police and the state Department of Environmental police went to the scene this morning. The state Medical Examiner's Office removed the body and the area was blocked off to the public this morning. -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds Posted by Jack Perry at 1:43 PM | Comment New ramp to Iway to open this afternoon / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Transportation will open an additional ramp for the Iway project this afternoon in the hope of alleviating traffic problems. The ramp is expected to open in time for the evening commute. The Department said opening the new South Main Street on-ramp to 195 East should ease congestion. The ramp is about than 1,000 feet west and south of the old Wickenden Street on-ramp. The new South Main Street on-ramp to 195 east will only be open Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. to help ease the evening traffic jams that quadrupled some commuters' time on the road. All other times, it will be blocked. When the new ramp is open, the Wickenden Street on-ramp will be closed. Traffic on Route 195 east and Route 95 south during the evening commute has been heavy since the state opened the new Iway connector from Route 95 north to Route 195 east on Sunday. The connector is part of the Route 195 relocation project in the metropolitan area. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:06 PM | Comment Chat ends: DOT director answers readers' questionsJerome F. Williams, director of the state Department of Transportation, participated in an online chat with projo.com readers earlier today. A transcript of the questions and answers will be posted shortly. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:38 PM | Comment Smoke shop case to start Jan. 7 in Superior CourtPROVIDENCE -- Superior Court Judge Susan E. McGuirl today set a trial start date of Jan. 7 for the seven Narragansett Indians facing criminal charges related to the 2003 state police raid on a tribal smoke shop in Charlestown. The cases will be tried together. McGuirl estimated the trial could take up to a month. The state Supreme Court, which is weighing whether Governor Carcieri must testify, has ordered the sides into mediation. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:50 AM | Comment Woonsocket officer accused of computer tamperingWOONSOCKET -- A Woonsocket officer is accused of tampering with a police department computer to embarrass a workplace rival. Steven Fairley is charged with three counts of illegal computer access and one count of illegal computer access causing damage. He has not yet entered a plea. A spokesman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch says Fairley formerly ran the Woonsocket Police Department's evidence room and apparently became upset when he was replaced. Working from a computer at home, Fairley allegedly accessed an evidence room computer and changed its passwords to prevent his successor from using it. Prosecutors say Woonsocket had to pay more than $2,500 to fix the damage. A man who answered the phone at a telephone listing for Fairley said the officer would not comment. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:22 AM | Comment Lincoln's gambling referendum tomorrowDo you support the expansion of gaming hours at Twin River (formerly known as Lincoln Park) from its current closing hours to 24 hours per day, seven days per week?” Do you support the expansion of gaming operations at Twin River (formerly known as Lincoln Park) to include full-scale casino gambling operations including, but not limited to, table games? Lincoln residents get to give their answers to those questions tomorrow during a nonbinding referendum. The ballot's author, Town Council President Jeremiah T. O'Grady, says the questions are basically trying to get to the heart of another question: "Do we endorse the concept of full-scale casino gambling in our town or not?" The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The polling places are: - The new middle school, at 152 Jenckes Hill Rd. St. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:49 AM | Comment Workers to return to site of hazardous spill on Rte. 95WEST GREENWICH -- State workers and private contractors are expected to head out to Route 95 for some follow-up roadwork today. The state’s Department of Environmental Management and its contractor, Clean Harbors, are returning to the site of yesterday’s diesel oil spill on Route 95 South. Shortly after noon yesterday, all lanes were closed between Exits 5 and 6 after a damaged truck spewed between 75 and 100 gallons of oil in the road. The roads were reopened at about 3 p.m. DEM and its contractor are returning to the site today to remove contaminated soil and take care of any additional necessary cleanup. The truck’s driver, David Darnell, 27, of Somerset, Ky., was summonsed for failing to do a daily inspection and not “safe loading,” which, State Police Capt. James Swanberg said, resulted in unsafe conditions that led to the spill. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:20 AM | Comment Rhode Island joins suit against EPARhode Island has joined California and more than a dozen other states in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. After postponing the action because of massive fires, the California Attorney General is asking the EPA to act on the state’s request to allow it to set standards on tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions that are stricter than the federal regulations. States have the option to adopt California’s pollution standards, but cannot do so until the EPA grants California a waiver to set its own regulations. The state requested a waiver, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, in December, 2005. The federal government has yet to act on the request. Rhode Island and 13 other states have joined the suit as plaintiffs because they intend to adhere to California’s standards, which would require cars beginning with model year 2009 to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they produce before they can be sold in state. Joining Rhode Island in filing a motion to intervene are: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Vermont, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. -- projo.com writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:15 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Roadwork on 195 eastboundAnother Iway exit is closed, but it's only temporary. The Transportation Management Center is reporting Exit 3/Gano Street off 195 eastbound is closed for emergency roadwork. Check the TMC Web site for updates. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:48 AM | Comment Download today's front pageStories on the new Station Fire evidence and Iway progress are featured in today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:18 AM | Comment Local submarine makers get OK from WashingtonWASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives passes a bill to double production of the Virginia-class submarine to two ships a year. The submarines are produced at shipyards in Rhode Island and Connecticut that employ almost 10,000 people. The House passed the bill by a 400-15 vote margin. That's more than enough to override a possible veto from President Bush. Representative Patrick Kennedy says an increase in sub production is critical to the future of the Navy and the Rhode Island economy. Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut says the Senate is expected to pass a similar bill within the next week. The bill could allow the Navy to begin building two ships per year as early as 2010 or 2011.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:08 AM | Comment Cloudy an high near 46The morning clouds are hear to stay. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high near 46 degrees and overcast skies. The clouds will hang around into the evening when the temperature should drop to about 37 degrees. We may see some rain late in the evening. That rain could stick around through Saturday afternoon when the high temperature should reach the mid 40s. We can also expect steady winds with gusts up to 29 mph at times. Clouds should give way to clear skies tomorrow night, but bring the plants inside -- the overnight low will be in the high 20s. Monday looks like Sunday, only better, with clear, sunny skies and temperatures possibly breaking past the 50 degree point. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment November 8, 2007Photo: A coach to remember shares his message
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:10 PM | Comment Station evidence: Close-up account of early momentsThe final batch of Station fire evidence released today gave the best, close-up account so far of the early moments of the fire. Mario Giamei Jr., an occasional bouncer at the nightclub who attended the Great White concert as a customer, stood at the side of the stage near the stage door and near Daniel M. Biechele, the band tour manager who shot off the fireworks. Almost immediately after the fireworks went off, Biechele acknowledged making a serious mistake, according to a statement Giamei gave to an investigator working on behalf of the lawyer for the nightclub’s owners. Biechele “had kind of a smirk on his face because I think he thought it wasn’t a big deal. Because, quite frankly, the fire wasn’t spreading really bad at first,” But that changed quickly. “This guy and girl walked towards the back door. They were just patrons there but they knew it was an emergency exit, and he had a look on his face that he knew this was going to be bad. And he walked and opened up the door, and, when he opened up that door, frankly, I think that’s when the fire really spread.” -- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:02 PM | Comment Online food inspection reports prove popularAfter visitors swamped the newly online restaurant inspection report feature on the Health Department Web site, a state Health Department official said in an e-mail the department has contacted its service provider to see what can be done to improve response time. Some may not have been able to access the reports at all, and the Health Department, in anticipation of the site's popularity, had posted a notice asking online visitors for patience. Ernest Julian, chief of the Office of Food Protection at the Health Department, said in the e-mail that as of 4:36 p.m. today there had been 158,650 hits to the search page and 23,218 hits to the main page. In a two-hour hour period after lunch, there was an average of 224 hits per minute according to the counter on the search page. But Julian said that while response time at 4 p.m. was minutes, at 4:30, he received a response on the site within seconds. A projo.com check at this time immediately brought up the search page for the reports. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:57 PM | Comment GTECH's parent brought in $1.8B, up from $831MPROVIDENCE -- Lottomatica SpA, the parent company of Providence-based GTECH Holdings Corp., brought in $1.8 billion in the first nine months of the year, compared to $831 million in the same period last year, the company announced today. The acquisition of GTECH last August is primarily responsible for that growth. In the first three quarters of 2006, Lottomatica was credited with GTECH's revenue for only one month. But company revenue has been slowing since January. Lottomatica brought in $567 million in the third quarter of the year, down from $578 million in the previous quarter and $590 million in January, February and March. In response, GTECH has been trying to cut personnel costs. Last week, it fired 47 of its Rhode Island employees. This morning, W. Bruce Turner, the Providence-based chief executive officer of GTECH Holdings Corp. and its parent company, Lottomatica SpA, announced he was resigning his post. Turner announced his resignation this morning in a conference call from Rome. He will leave GTECH on Jan. 1, 2008. He is being replaced by the chairman of Lottomatica, Lorenzo Pellicioli. Lottomatica bought GTECH in August 2006 for $4.8 billion. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:51 PM | Comment Tonight: Bears on the very big screenThere may still be some seats available at the Feinstein IMAX Theatre in Providence Place Mall to catch Bears, a documentary premiering at 7 tonight. Tickets are $30 with unlimited popcorn and soda. A check at about 6:30 p.m. found that while a few hundred have been reserved there are still some seats available. Proceeds from the showing wil go to supporting the Rhode Island Audubon Society's educational programs. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Station evidence: Cavalcade descended on sceneThe Station fire broke out just after 11 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. Less than three hours later, as the chaos of fighting the fire and caring for the injured still swirled, the nightclub had become a formal crime scene, complete with a sign-in sheet to document who visited. A West Warwick police detective named Ribbing signed in first, at 2:03 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. Over the next 48 hours, a parade of officials, investigators and workers checked in, according to evidence released today by the state Attorney General's Office. They included representatives of: the state fire marshal; the North Kingstown Fire Department; Ocean State Transfer, a private livery service that moves bodies to the medical examiner's office for autopsy; the Rhode Island State Police; the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency; the Warwick Police Department; the governor’s office, including Governor Carcieri; the Providence Police Department; the Coventry Police Department; the National Fire Protection Association, a private agency the develops model fire codes used in many government jurisdictions; the attorney general; the Rhode Island Office of State Medical Examiners; Ventura Fence, which installed fencing around the site, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. -- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:45 PM | Comment Update: New Rte.195 ramp opening tomorrow / Photo
The ramp is expected to open in time for the evening commute. In a statement, the Department said opening the new South Main Street on-ramp to 195 East should ease congestion. The ramp is about than 1,000 feet west and south of the old Wickenden Street on-ramp. But it's not all that simple. The new South Main Street on-ramp to 195 east will only be open Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. to help ease the evening traffic jams that quadrupled some commuters' time on the road. All other times, it will be blocked. When the new ramp is open, the Wickenden Street on-ramp will be closed. "We will continue to do construction on the new South Main Street ramp when it is not open to traffic,"Jerome F. Williams, RIDOT’s director said in a statement. In the meantime, the opening, Williams said, “will improve traffic flow and create another way to reduce the congestion that has been occurring at the Wickenden Street on-ramp.” -- projo.com staff writers Brandie Jefferson and Michael P. McKinney In a news release today, the Department of Transportation defended progress on the project, releasing its own statistics today saying it has been "steadily improving the commute for travelers in and around Providence." Drivers on Route 95 north through Providence toward Exit 20 and Route 195 east used to encounter average traffic back-ups of 2.2 miles before the section of the Route 195 relocation, known as Iway, opened on Sunday, the DOT said. "With the opening of the Iway and the addition of Exit 19 there have been no back-ups at all during the afternoon rush hours Monday through Wednesday this week," the DOT news release said of motorists heading in that direction. The route heading south on Route 95 to get onto the Route 195 during evening commutes has drawn complaints in its first week, but DOT said today travel times "have slowly been improving for drivers headed from I-95 South on to I-195 East." Williams said travel on Route 95 to Route 195 east on Monday afternoon saw traffic delayed for 8 miles from exit 4 on Route 195 east to the end of the line. “This was totally unacceptable to us and we are continuing to make some good improvements,” said Williams. Commute times have improved as well going from 73 minutes for the same stretch of road on Monday to 35 minutes on Wednesday. This is a reduction of 38 minutes. A Journal reporter, driving from the same point for a trip that covered 5.8 miles, also saw times fall, but traffic was still bumper to bumper and stop and go. Tuesday evening the trip took 58 minutes while it took 45 minutes Wednesday evening. The backup began the first night at the School Street exit in Pawtucket Tuesday but did not begin till around the Providence-Pawtucket lines Wednesday night. The DOT said that on Tuesday, its findings showed the traffic back-up distance was 4.9 miles and on Wednesday it was down to 4.5 miles. The difference between Wednesday and Monday is nearly half, or 3.5 miles. The normal commuting back-up before the Iway opened at the start of November was 4 miles. What's it like now? Check the current "jam factor" showing traffic congestion on main Rhode Island routes here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:39 PM | Comment Station evidence: Hours after, Jeffrey Derderian questionedAbout 2:20 a.m., only a few hours after scores of people were killed in The Station nightclub fire, a West Warwick police detective interviewed club co-owner Jeffrey Derderian. In the first interview, Derderian was "vague and unsure answering many questions," a police narrative released today says. Derderian told Detective George E. Winman that at about 10 p.m. he checked with Andrea Mancini, one of those who worked the front door, about the count of people who'd come into the club. Derderian said that at that time it was approximately 250 to 260 and that he believed the club capacity was 350 to 400 with the tables removed from the building. The fire, ignited by pyrotechnics set off by the band's tour manager, started around 11 p.m. and enveloped the club, with its fast-burning foam-coated walls, in minutes. The police narrative goes on to say Derderian was "wasn't able to provide the last names of a number of his employees. He didn't know where the egg crate sound absorbing material had been obtained from or when. He wasn't sure if he or his brother, Michael was first to speak with someone from the band 'Great White.' He wasn't sure if he or his brother initiated the contact with the band or if the band made first contact." The detectives asked Derderian, who was being interviewed in the nearby Cowesett Inn restaurant, to place a cell phone call to his brother and club co-owner Michael Derderian to find out the band's tour manager's name. Jeffrey Derderian answered it was Dan but did not know the last name, the narrative says. "It was approximately 3:00 a.m. when Jeffrey placed a call. I heard Jeffrey asked if he (Michael) knew the name of the Tour Manager. Jeffrey looked at me and gave me the name Paul Barbara (spell)," Winman wrote. Then Winman got on the cell phone to talk to Michael Derderian, asking questions such as if Derderian knew Great White intended to use pyrotechnics in the club. "He stated that no one ever said anything to him about using pyrotechnics," Winman's narrative says, adding that that he asked Michael Derderian when he would be returning to Rhode Island and Derderian saying he was returning that day. Jeffrey Derderian made a written statement. Then at about 3:30 a.m., the detective did a second interview with him. Derderian's father had arrived and was there during the interview.
Jeffrey Derderian said he got to the club at about 8:30 p.m and helped around the club that evening. He was at the main bar when the fire broke out. He had negotiated a contract with a talent agent, Paul Barbaras, for Great White to perform at The Station. He recalled getting a message to call the band tour manager Daniel Biechele and asked his brother Michael to return the call. Michael Derderian later told his brother he made the call and it was set, "meaning that he had spoken with Dan Biechele and took care of final tour arrangements," the narrative says. The night of the concert, Jeffrey Derderian paid a $2,500 balance in cash to Biechele, who then signed the contract. Derderian said the signed copy was his receipt, which he placed in his desk at the club and was presumed lost in the fire. Randy White, an assistant attorney general with Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office, asked Derderian about pyrotechnics being used in the club in the past, and Derderian said none have ever been used. White went through different kinds: Sparklers, flash pots that sit on the floor, devices displaying open flames? Derderian "adamantly denied" the use of such pyrotechnics. White questioned Derderian about sound-absorbing foam in the club. "Jeffrey Derderian stated that he remembered putting up the foam," the narrative says, "but didn't remember who helped him put it up." Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:29 PM | Comment Station evidence: List reveals who, how many in clubNearly five years after The Station nightclub burned down and claimed 100 lives, the state said for the first time said who was in the building when it caught fire. Hidden among 31 billion bytes of computer data, the attorney general made public a list of 458 people who investigators believe were inside the nightclub at the time of the fire. The list closely matches one compiled by The Providence Journal, which, until today, was the only public accounting of who died in the worst fire ever on Rhode Island soil and who escaped. The Journal had counted 443 people and, using statistical techniques, estimated another 10 to 20 people had been missed. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch’s list identifies people by first and last name and has middle initials or nicknames for many. Lynch’s list also shows birthdate, address, city and state, though the birthdate and address were blacked out on what was made public today. . Lynch also categorized people by their “status,” such as nightclub patrons, band members or deceased, and by which exit they used to leave the club. According to West Warwick town documents, Denis P. Larocque, the town’s fire marshal until after the tragedy, had set several capacity limits for the club. They varied depending on certain conditions met by the nightclub’s owners, such as removing furniture from parts of the building. The highest of those limits was 404 people. Larocque had set the club's capacity at 317 in December 1999. A Providence Journal computer analysis in 2003, aided by review of a Channel 12 (WPRI) videotape of the fire, shows that, if the lower capacity had been enforced, virtually everyone in the building would have had time to escape. -- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:38 PM | Comment Photo: A former senator listens to former governors
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:45 PM | Comment Station evidence: An eerie e-mail from BiecheleIn an e-mail written some time before the fireworks-fueled Station nightclub fire, Daniel M. Biechele wrote, "They' are even letting me play with the ewxplosives on this tour." Biechele goes on to say that he "won't be firing them for this performance due to CA laws, permits and licenses, but ... it was definitely fun to do for the rest of the tour. And I didn't leave any permanent (Unrepairable) damage anywhere in the country." Biechele, who was tour manager for the band Great White, lit the pyrotechnics that ignited foam on The Station's stage, causing the fire that killed 100 people on the night of Feb. 20, 2003. In the e-mail noted above, it's not clear what tour or band is involved. The e-mail is undated but is grouped with e-mails and documents that include references to Biechele's role as tour manager of WASP, another hard rock band from an era that saw its heyday in the 1980s. Some documents, part of today's final release of Station fire evidence released by Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, show WASP tour dates a few years before the Great White performance in West Warwick. Last year, Biechele, who was tour manager of Great White, pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges for his role in the fire. He is scheduled to be paroled in March, after serving months in prison. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:21 PM | Comment Station evidence: Tickets made on the flyThe "pileup had already begun," said Joseph Amato when he arrived around 11 p.m. When he arrived, Amato told the State Police that his wife and her friend had just gotten out. " ... At that point there was a pile maybe three feet high and people were trying to go over um -- and then -- just people kept falling on um -- and ah -- you know, you could see the people inside on ... you could see people inside you know -- on fire." Hours before the show, Amato and friend Chris Jacobs bought tickets at the nightclub -- tickets that were business cards with numbers written on them in magic marker, Amato told the state police during the interview. "Did they make mention there were no more printed tickets?" a state police detective asked Amato, according to case documents released by state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office today. "They said there were no more printed tickets, but this would get us in the door. And we were saying 'are you -- I don't want to come back here and not get in -- and they said 'don't worry, you'll get it," Amato said. Amato said a person, whom he couldn't identify, took the card out of a pocket and numbers were written on the tickets in marker: an 8 on Amato's ticket and a 7 on his friend Chris Jacobs'. The copy of the ticket Amato gave the police detective says "station Concert Club" and had then-club co-owner Jeffrey Derderian's name on it. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:56 PM | Comment Station evidence: Larocque had strong credentialsStation fire evidence released today show that Denis Larocque, the West Warwick fire marshal publicly criticized by victims’ families for never noting the flammable foam in any of his inspections, was well credentialed in the fields of fire safety and inspection. Over a span of more than 25 years, Larocque participated in more than 50 courses ranging in topic from ``recognizing and identifying hazardous materials’’ to ``fatal fire investigations.’’ Larocque inspected The Station at least twice after the summer of 2000 when hundreds of square feet of flammable packing foam were glued to the interior walls in violation of the state fire code. Larocque never noted the foam in his reports while citing the club for other violations, such as malfunctioning doors and lights. -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:56 PM | Comment Station evidence: Simulations and animationsPart of the evidence released today by the attorney general's office includes animations and simulations created during analyses of The Station fire that were commissioned by prosecutors. They include a 3-D look at the club, including the stage, bar area and main exit, where most of those in the club tried to escape and where a fatal pileup occurred. That 3-D look was done by an independent expert, Joseph B. Zicherman, whose consulting business, IFT/Fire Cause Analysis, deals "primarily with the fire performance of building and consumer products" and whose areas of interest include "causes and the growth and spread of fires as well as the performance of materials . . ." Several simulations have been seen before, including some produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. They are shown separately as part of the AG's evidence here. But the NIST had previously released the same material in a March 2005 report on the fire and its cause, as part of a 550-page draft report on the disaster, and its recommendations to improve fire codes. The NIST Station Nightclub Fire Investigation: Physical Simulation of the Fire report, containing links to some of these animations and simulations, provides a detailed analysis of how the fire, heat and smoke spread, their impact on people in the Station, and projects how sprinklers might have lessened that impact. The Journal reviewed that report as part of its March4 2005, story Anatomy of a deadly fire. -- projo.com staff Posted by maria caporizzo at 3:47 PM | Comment DOT will open new Route 195 entrance ramp tomorrowThree days and and countless angry comments later, the state's Department of Transportation has decided to open an additional ramp beginning tomorrow. The ramp will open for the evening commute. In a statement, the Department said opening the new South Main Street on-ramp to 195 east should ease congestion. The ramp is about than 1,000 feet west and south of the old Wickenden Street on-ramp. But it's not simple. The new South Main Street on-ramp to 195 east will only be open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to help ease the evening traffic jams that quadrupled some commuters' time on the road. All other times, it will be blocked. When the new ramp is open, the Wickenden Street on-ramp will be closed. "We will continue to do construction on the new South Main Street ramp when it is not open to traffic,"Jerome F. Williams, RIDOT’s director said in a statement. In the meantime, the opening, Williams said, “will improve traffic flow and create another way to reduce the congestion that has been occurring at the Wickenden Street on-ramp.” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:55 PM | Comment Aloft, a Starwood subsidiary, will run Dynamo House hotelA blast of confetti rang in the beginning of a $150 million renovation project at the former South Street Power Station. Representatives from Struever Bros., Eccles and Rouse, the Baltimore-based development company, ceremoniously broke ground on the Dynamo House Project, which will include a hotel, restaurants and office space, alongside a Heritage Harbor Museum. The museum is expected to be completed by 2010, during the first of the two-phase project. The limited service Aloft hotel, a division of the W Hotel chain, it will have about 170 rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness room and a rooftop garden. But more than the roof will be green, as the development company announced today that the building will conform to LEED standards, ensuring some measure of sustainable building practices and efficient energy systems. For example, the developers hope to install solar panels on the roof to generate power for the electric signs that will be mounted on rebuilt smoke stacks, referring to the building’s past as an industrial (and polluting) power. Past meets future, dirty meets cleaner. -- projo.com writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal Staff Writer Gregory Smith Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:30 PM | Comment Station evidence: Little new, questions remain
One is that the review of evidence so far appears to reveal no new news about the West Warwick nightclub fire that occurred in February 2003, killing 100 people and injuring more than 200 others. The other is that some major questions about events leading up to the blaze remain unanswered. They include: * Who knew about the band's plans to use pyrotechnics, which ignited the flammable foam around the stage, starting the fire? * Who gave permission, if anyone, to use the pyrotechnics? * Why did West Warwick Fire Marshal Denis Larocque increase the club's capacity? * And why did he miss the flammable foam in an annual inspection of the club? Projo.com will continue to post brief reports today on findings from the evidence release. The Journal requested the information after the three defendants in the criminal case, club co-owners Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, and band tour manager Daniel Biechele reached plea agreements instead of going to trial. For a look at the evidence itself, visit the state Attorney General's Web site. For more about the fire and its aftermath, see projo.com's continuing special report. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:56 PM | Comment Central falls man facing murder charge in shootingA Central Falls man was arrested early this morning and faces murder charges for allegedly shooting another Central Falls man last month in a remote part of Foxboro. Luis Lopez, 24, was arrested at his Cross Street address in Central Falls about 2:30 a.m. as a fugitive from justice, according to a news release from Norfolk County, Mass., District Attorney William R. Keating. “The arrest warrant for the murder was issued after 10 p.m. last night," Keating said in the statement. “Luis Lopez was arrested without incident ... ." Just after 1 a.m. on Oct 15, a driver in the Route 106 area of Foxboro spotted a body -- Carlos Gomez, 29, the news release said. Gomez was lying in the eastbound lane of Route 106. State police detectives attached to Keating’s office and Foxboro police investigated. Investigators said they used a search warrant at Lopez's residence. He may also be arraigned in Rhode Island on charges stemming from substances found in the search, along with the fugitive from justice warrant today, Keating said. “If Mr. Lopez does not fight rendition to Massachusetts, he could be arraigned as soon as tomorrow morning in the Wrentham District Court,” Keating said in the statement. “If he does fight rendition, we will begin the process of obtaining a governor’s warrant to bring him back to face this murder charge.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:15 PM | Comment Photo: Car slams into building -- really
Posted by Jack Perry at 1:06 PM | Comment Traffic alert: Spill closes part of Rt. 95S, near Exit 6The Transportation management Center is reporting the left lane in the Coventry/West Greenwich area has been reopened to travel after a hazardous materials spill. But the two right lanes remain closed near Exit 6/Route 3 after, according to state police, a tractor-trailer hit road debris which punctured its tank, causing the spill. No injuries were reported. For traffic situation updates, check the TMC's Web site. Check live traffic conditions on traffic.com -- with reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:58 PM | Comment Providence-based C.E.O. of GTECH is resigningPROVIDENCE -- W. Bruce Turner, the Providence-based chief executive officer of GTECH Holdings Corp. and its parent company, Lottomatica SpA, is resigning his post, just one year after GTECH was acquired in a $4.8-billion deal. Last week, GTECH fired 47 of its Rhode Island employees, a month after disclosing that revenue had slowed in the second quarter of the year. Lottomatica bought GTECH in August 2006 for $4.8 billion. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:41 PM | Comment Suspicious package at Barrington home probedLocal authorities spent nearly eight hours outside a Barrington house last night after a call from a resident about a suspicious package. Barrington Fire Chief Gerald Bessette said a call came in to the police department at about 6:30 p.m. that an envelope had been placed in the mailbox at 3 Deep Meadow Drive with unusual packaging and no postmark. Barrington police notified the fire department, fire marshal, and East Providence hazardous materials team. Authorities did not find any hazardous substances; the envelope was triple bagged and sent to the Department of Health, Bessette said. The scene was cleared up at about 2 a.m. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:39 PM | Comment DOT director to answer questions in online chatJerome F. Williams, director of the state Department of Transportation, will participate in an online chat with projo.com readers at noon tomorrow. Readers can submit questions to Mr. Williams about the opening of the Iway and the department's effort to improve the flow of traffic. You can go to the chat room now and submit questions. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:12 PM | Comment Burrillville man wins $1 million PowerBall prizeA Burrillville man today claimed a $1-million winning PowerBall prize for last night's drawing, attributing his good fortune to "karma and the luck of the Irish," the Rhode Island Lottery announced. Anthony McGrath, of the town's Harrisville section, bought the ticket in the Power Play PowerBall from L'il General at 495 Chapel St. in Burrillville. His ticket matched the first five numbers, but not the PowerBall number. The drawing last night was for $71.2 million. "He plans to take care of his two daughters, future sons-in-law, and ex-wife with his winnings," the Rhode Island Lottery news release said. McGrath has volunteered for years with Amos House "and is looking froward to being able to make a donation this year," the release added. A $200,000 winning ticket, which also matched the first five numbers, was sold for last night's drawing, at Warren Mart, 429 Child St., Warren. The prize remains unclaimed. Saturday's estimated PowerBall jackpot is $82 million. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:46 AM | Comment DOT will announce new Rte. 195 onramp opening datePROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Transportation this afternoon will announce the opening date for a new South Main Street onramp to Route 195 east. The announcement will be at 1:30 p.m. at the DOT's office at Two Capitol Hill in the Transportation Management Center office. Jerome F. Williams, the DOT director, will talk about the "accelerated construction schedule that has made this possible and the fact that congestion around the Iway has been steadily improving each night," a DOT news release says. Commuters have seen traffic jams during evenings this week as they head south on Route 95 to go east on Route 195. A part of the Route 195 relocation, known as Iway, opened Sunday. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:27 AM | Comment Driver who crashed into the building taken to hospitalThe driver of a red Mercury Mountaineer has been taken to a local hospital after hitting several parked cars, pushing one into a building off of Elmwood Avenue. James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department, says the driver's final crash was into a building at 333 Buclkin St., listed as Allied Business Documents in the phone book, at about 10:50 a.m. Rescue was called to the accident, and the driver was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with unknown injuries. Providence police say the Mercury was driven into several parked cars, all of which were empty. Police also say the same vehicle hit a fire truck earlier in the day that was parked near the Division of Training on Reservoir Avenue, less than one mile away. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:22 AM | Comment GTECH's parent to announce 3rd quarter earningsPROVIDENCE -- Lottomatica SpA, parent company of Providence-based GTECH Holdings Corp., will announce its third-quarter earnings this morning. Lottomatica officials will discuss the results in a conference call from Rome scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Last week, GTECH fired 47 of its Rhode Island employees, a month after disclosing that revenue had slowed in the second quarter of the year. Lottomatica bought GTECH in August 2006 for $4.8 billion. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:20 AM | Comment Photo: Ice already
Posted by Jack Perry at 10:20 AM | Comment N. Providence police talk 'distraught' man out of houseNorth Providence police spent several hours last night outside a Grover Street house trying to talk a distraught resident to come outside. According to Deputy Chief Paul Marino, neighbors had called police around 10:30 p.m. and said a distraught man, whom police have not identified, may have had weapons. When they responded to the house, the man initially would not come outside. After more than three hours of dialogue, police were able to talk him outside. Rescue drove the man to Fatima Hospital for evaluation. Police did find weapons in the first floor apartment, but, Marino said, the man never threatened police, and no one was hurt. At most, Marino said, the man might be charged with disorderly conduct. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:18 AM | Comment AG's office releases more Station fire evidenceThe state Attorney General's Office has released more evidence from the investigation into The Station nightclub fire. The information has been posted on the attorney general's Web site. It's the final release of evidence in the case. Today's released comprises 31.4 gigabytes, which is the evquivalent of 45 compact discs. It includes 21,238 documents, 2,990 photos and more than 40 hours of audio and video recordings. In total, the attorney general's office has now released of 34,367 documents, 2,993 photos and more than 100 hours of audio and video recordings. All of it together would fill 242 CDs. The documents include search warrant and seizure reports, expert reports and video, documents from Daniel Biechele’s suitcase, witness statements including interviews with OSHA and police, West Warwick town records, interstate subpoenas and photographs taken at The Station nightclub before and after the fire This release of information was in response to a request filed by The Journal. It also works toward fulfilling a pledge to release evidence that Attorney General Patrick Lynch made in a letter to relatives of the 100 people who died in the February 2003 fire. The Journal filed a request last October for the information to be released. Under state law, that set a deadline for release of November, last year. Lynch has said, however, that the amount of material required meticulous review by lawyers to ensure confidential items were not released. View pictures, video, and documents released thus far in the Station fire case on projo.com -- With reports from Journal staff write Paul Edward Parker. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:51 AM | Comment Early morning fire leaves 11 homelessMore than 10 people were evacuated during an early morning fire in Woonsocket. The call came in just after 3:30 a.m. for a basement fire at 54 1st Ave., a six-family building with four occupied apartments, according to Fire Chief Kenneth Finlay, The first company to arrive held the fire in the basement while other companies focused on rescuing the seven people from the fire escape. The fire was under control by 4:14 a.m., Finlay said. The building has been closed by the inspector. The heat caused damage to electric systems, and other damage is being assessed. A cause has not yet been determined. Officials are at the scene investigating. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:48 AM | Comment New Orleans port sues R.I. insurer over Katrina claimsNEW ORLEANS -- A Johnston-based insurance company is being sued by the Port of New Orleans over more than 100 million dollars in storm damage claims the port has made due to Hurricane Katrina. The port claims Factory Mutual Insurance has only paid about $18 million dollars from a policy that has limits of $145 million dollars for flood and wind damage. Factory Mutual spokesman Steven Zenofsky says he can't comment on a pending lawsuit. The port has been trying to get on back track after Hurricane Katrina. A lawyer for the port says the federal Emergency Management Agency will not make a final payment to the port until it has exhausted its insurance resources. He says the storm happened more than two years ago, and this should have been resolved by now. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment Sunny with a high of 48Yesterday was chilly, today it's just cold. Early morning temperatures are barely reaching 30 degrees around the state and the National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 48 degrees with sunny skies. The overnight low will reach 29 degrees. Tomorrow we'll see some clouds and a high temperature in the mid 40s. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about a judge's criticism of Barrington parents during the arraignment of a teenager for drunken driving in a crash that killed another teen. There's also continuing coverage on the traffic problems that have followed the partial opening of the new Iway connector between Route 95 north and Route 195 east. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 7, 2007Tonight: A piano salute to American music at RICPROVIDENCE -- Pianist Jeffrey Siegel performs music from Louis Gottschalk to George Gershwin tonight at 7:30 at Rhode Island College's Sapinsley Hall. Also on the scheduled at "USA: An American Salute" is music by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and others. Tickets are $25 and, for seniors, $20. Students/children get in for $10. Call (401) 456-8144 or go to http://ricalendar.ric.edu. Seeking more entertainment? See what's up via our Lifebeat page. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Update: Fire quickly contained in Providence apartmentPROVIDENCE -- Firefighters went to a stove fire in a seventh-floor apartment in the 10-floor Dexter Manor apartments at 100 Broad St. this evening, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. The call came in at 5:48 p.m. and the fire was brought under control at 6 p.m. Taylor said the fire was described as a stove fire that extended to cabinets. It was contained to the apartment. Two people were being evaluated but no one had been transported to hospital. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:51 PM | Comment Update: Teen charged with reckless driving in fatal crashPROVIDENCE -- A Barrington teenager was accused in Family Court today of having drunk about six cans of beer and of driving twice the speed limit when he slammed a car into a tree on Monday night, killing a fellow Barrington High School student. As his parents looked on, the 16-year-old boy entered the courtroom in handcuffs, and after the cuffs were removed, a prosecutor provided the details supporting juvenile delinquency petitions, which charge him with refusing to submit to a chemical breath test and driving to endanger, death resulting. (An earlier version of this blog item incorrectly reported that latter charge.) The latter charge is also different from one spelled out yesterday in a press release about the crash from Barrington police, who had said the driver was being charged with driving under the influence, death resulting. The boy’s attorney, John M. Cicilline, entered denials on his behalf. Assistant Attorney General Susan Urso said the boy and four other teens decided to get some beer and hang out behind his father’s house after school Monday because there would be no school Tuesday, which was devoted to professional development for teachers. The teens pitched in money and had a 30-pack of beer delivered to the house, and then drank beer in the back yard, near a fire pit and a shed, Urso said. The teens were at the house between 6 and 9 or 9:30 p.m., before they drove to a Taco Bell in nearby Seekonk, Mass., she said. At about 10:50 p.m., the boy was at the wheel when the car came to a stop sign, he “squealed the tires or burned rubber” and took a right onto New Meadow Road, Urso said. The boy was “shimmying the wheel” and driving up to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone when he lost control of the car, which smashed into a tree, she said. The collision killed one of the passengers, Jon Converse, of 2 Old River Rd., Barrington, a junior at Barrington High. Read more about the accident from today's Journal story. See an obituary for Jon from the Barrington Times. The teen was released to home confinement in the custody of his mother, who lives in Warren. His parents are divorced. A pretrial date was set for Nov. 28. Citing recent other alcohol-related deaths of area teens, Chief Judge Jeremiah Jeremiah Jr. also seized the opportunity to lash out at parents who "don't take responsibility." While noting that his comments were not directed at the parents in the courtroom, because he did not know them, he did criticize those who may not provide their children with the "affection and communication they should. We have to stop this, and this is isn't a problem just in Barrington. This is a problem all over the state."
Posted by Jack Perry at 6:31 PM | Comment Lucky 13? Last night's 58-minute trip cut to 45PROVIDENCE -- Is it a Lucky 13 or a portent that commuting times are on their way down? Last night, our reporter's slog from Route 95 north in Pawtucket to the Washington Bridge in East Providence took 58 minutes to cover the 5.8 miles, under the new traffic pattern resulting from the opening Sunday of the first section of the Route 195 relocation known as Iway. Tonight, it took 45 minutes for the same distance, 13 fewer minutes than last night at the same commuter time. Shortly after 6 p.m., our reporter said the slow-going was not as backed up as far north on Route 95 as it was at this time yesterday. The stop-and-go southbound traffic begins around the North Main Street-Smithfield Avenue exit around the Providence/Pawtucket border. Last night at this time the backup extended to the School Street exit in Pawtucket -- about 1.3 miles north. Cars appeared to be moving a little bit better this evening, but it was still bumper-to-bumper and stop-and-go. Pending other changes, the state Department of Transportation is seeking to have commuters alter their routes leaving Providence. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:14 PM | Comment Rhode Island food safety inspections go onlineRhode Island food safety inspection reports done since Jan. 1 are now available to the public online, the state Health Department announced today. Go to http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/food/inspections.php. The Web site cautions visitors there may be a wait due to a large numrber of requests. People may search the online inspection database to see past inspections or create an account that lets them select individual eateries for which they want to get future inspection reports -- restaurants, school lunch programs, for example. When inspections are done in the selected eatery, an e-mail will automatically be sent with a link to the inspection report. The online inspection reports are related to a new food safety certification program, in which the Health Department will partner with NSF International, a company that writes standards for food, water and consumer goods, according to the NSF Web site, to recognize restaurants and other eating establishments that have best food safety, workplace safety, and sanitation practices in place. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:05 PM | Comment Traffic's backed up, but not as far north as last night'sPROVIDENCE -- Our reporter, who is out in the new Iway project-created traffic pattern this evening, says the slow going is not backed up as far north on Route 95 as it was this time yesterday. The stop-and-go southbound traffic begins around the North Main Street-Smithfield Avenue exit around the Providence/Pawtucket border. Last night at this time the backup extended to the School Street exit in Pawtucket -- about 1.3 miles north. Cars appear to be moving a little bit better, but it's still bumper-to-bumper and stop-and-go. The state Department of Transportation is seeking to have commuters alter their routes leaving Providence. The traffic slowdowns follow Sunday's opening of the first section of the Route 195 relocation project, known as Iway. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:30 PM | Comment Break out the covers -- freeze warning aheadCover up your plants before you go to bed tonight, and throw on an extra blanket yourself. A freeze warning is in effect from 2 to 8 a.m. tomorrow for areas adjacent to Narragansett Bay, the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., said. Temperatures are expected to drop to between 30 and 32 degrees for 3 hours around daybreak tomorrow morning. Such a warning is made when freezing temperatures are forecast to threaten outdoor plants. People with "agricultural interests" in the affected area should harvest or protect tender vegetation. And potted plants normally left outdoors should be covered or brought inside away from the cold, the weather service advised. Get the latest conditions and forecasts at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:27 PM | Comment Update: Teen's parents advised him not to take breath testBARRINGTON -- The 16-year-old Barrington driver who police say slammed a car into a tree on New Meadow Road Monday, killing the front-seat passenger, refused a police request to take a chemical test in the emergency room on advice from his parents, who were with him, Police Chief John M. LaCross said today. LaCross also said at a 2 p.m. police station news conference that the driver and his three passengers came from someone's house where they had consumed alcohol. The police are also looking into whether the four underage teen boys may have been drinking somewhere else before the party at the house. The driver had a provisional license, which meant he was allowed in the car with only one person under age 21 who was not related to him, the police chief said. Three were in the car with him, including the victim, Jon Converse, 17. The driver and the two other passengers, ages 16 and 17, have not been identified by police. "People are realizing this is turning into an epidemic," LaCross said of under-age drinking at a news conference also attended by state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, who also answered media questions. The chief would not say which house the boys had come from or whether there were parents at home at the time. But at the boy's Family Court arraignment earlier today, Assistant Attorney General Susan Urso said the boy and four other teens decided to get some beer and hang out behind his father's house after school Monday because there would be no school Tuesday, which was devoted to teacher training in the Barrington public schools.
The teens pitched in money and had a 30-pack of beer delivered to the house, and then drank beer in the back yard, near a fire pit and a shed, Urso said. The teens were at the house between 6 and 9 or 9:30 p.m., before they drove to a Taco Bell in nearby Seekonk, Mass., she said. At about 10:50 p.m. Monday, the boy was driving when the car came to a stop sign; he “squealed the tires or burned rubber” and took a right onto New Meadow Road, Urso said. The boy was “shimmying the wheel” and driving up to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone when he lost control of the car, which smashed into a tree, she said. The 16-year-old driver's lawyer entered denials on his behalf of the two juvenile delinquency petitions against him, which accuse him of refusing to submit to a chemical breath test and driving to endanger, death resulting. An earlier version of this blog item incorrectly reported that latter charge. The latter charge is also different from one spelled out yesterday in a press release about the crash from Barrington police, who had said the driver was being charged with driving under the influence, death resulting. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:05 PM | Comment Indictment alleges Coventry man tried killing wife July 4COVENTRY — A Coventry man accused of shooting his wife on the Fourth of July during a domestic dispute was indicted by a state grand jury yesterday on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, with the intent to commit murder, authorities said today. The Kent County Grand Jury handed up the indictment yesterday against Michael T. Burke, 48, of Town Farm Road, naming him on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, a gun, according to a release from the state Office of the Attorney General. Burke is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston with an arraignment set for next Wednesday at Kent County Superior Court. -- Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks According to Coventry police, who investigated, the alleged incident took place shortly after 9 a.m. at the couple’s home at 437 Town Farm Rd. early Fourth of July morning. Burke allegedly had an altercation with his wife, Deborah, shot her in the shoulder and then took off in his car, heading north toward Connecticut. The couple’s daughter, Tara, 22, was home when the shooting occurred. Burke veered off the road while traveling on Route 49 and crashed into a tree in Sterling, Conn. He was picked up by Connecticut State Police, who arrested him on a fugitive charge. Burke suffered serious injuries to head, back and chest and was taken by ambulance to William W. Backus Hospital, in Norwich, Conn. On July 19, Burke was extradited and brought back to Rhode Island and charged with assault with a deadly weapon in a dwelling. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:31 PM | Comment Concerned about food safety? Check inspections onlineDid you feel like something just wasn't right at that restaurant your friends rave about? Now, you can check your intuition, thanks to a new service that gives the public access to food safety information for restaurants across the state. The state Department of Health today has put food-safety reports online. Search Rhode Island restaurants by name, address, or zip code. All inspections since January 2007 will have reports online. And if you want to keep tabs on a certain spot, sign up for email alerts. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson In addition to posting inspections online, the Health Department is creating an optional certification program called Dine Safer. The program was created through a partnership with NSF International, a non-for-profit, nongovernment organization health and safety company. Restaurants and markets will be subject to random checks and inspections. Establishments that display a Dine Safer sticker in the window have adhered to the programs standards of food safety, workplace safety and sanitation practices. Have a glass of wine stiff or a drink with dinner – provided, or course, you’re of age and won’t be driving. Studies have shown that the likelihood of suffering from the effects of food poisoning is reduced if you have had alcohol, especially strong beer -- possibly because of its ability to stimulate secretions in the stomach -- or red wine, thanks to the antibacterial properties of grapes. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:14 PM | Comment High court sides with convention center in Dunk suitPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court has sided with the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority in a lawsuit that alleged that the independent state agency violated bidding laws in choosing a company to oversee the $80.5-million renovation of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. In December 2005, A.F. Lusi Construction Inc. sued the authority, alleging that it failed to comply with a state law that requires public agencies to solicit competitive bids from general contractors who vie to complete a project for the lowest cost. For the sports arena upgrade, the authority opted to hire a construction manager that would be paid a fixed fee to oversee the construction and recruit subcontractors. In January 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Hurst dismissed Lusi's lawsuit, ruling that the authority was exempt from sections of the state bidding law. The Supreme Court, in an opinion by Chief Justice Frank J. Williams, upheld Hurst’s decision. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:05 PM | Comment Police to discuss Barrington crash this afternoonBARRINGTON -- Police Chief John LaCross has called a police station press conference for 2 p.m. to discuss Monday night's car crash that killed a 17-year-old high school student. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:04 AM | Comment Clariant to stop production in CoventryCOVENTRY -- Clariant Corp., makers of specialty chemcials, will stop production at its Coventry plant by the end of next year, putting about 120 workers out of jobs, the company announced today. The company will keep the North American headquarters for its pigments and additives division at the site, the company said. The company employs at total of about 200 people at the site, including manufacturing, sales, marketing, manufacturing support and technical functions. The Coventry site makes pigments used in coloring paints, inks, plastics and coatings for the automotive industry. The company will transfer production of the Coventry plant's products to facilities in Germany and Mexico. The company says it will offer serverance packages to affected employees. It will also offer them help in finding new jobs and continue insurance coverage. The decision announced today was part of Clariant's update on strategic initiatives and release of third-quarter financial results. Clariant, based in Switzerland, announced in November 2006 its target of closing approximately 10 percent of its 120 sites worldwide. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:09 AM | Comment DOT speeding up work on one entrance to relieve the jamGovernor Carcieri weighed on another day of heavy traffic faced by many commuters two days after the opening of the new Iway bridge. At the least, he said, traffic should be the same as it was before. But last evening's commute, he told John DePetro this morning on WPRO-AM, "Right now it's worse than normal." After more complaints about the traffic, the state may try to open the Wickenden Street entrance onto the new Iway bridge in four weeks. The new entrance, which is through the hurricane barrier in India Point Park near the old Shooters night club, was not scheduled to open until the spring. Work is also underway in India Point Park on the pedestrian overpass and the Wickenden Street exit. Jerome T. Williams, executive director of the Department of Transportation, also said on the radio that the state is considering re-opening lane on 195 eastbound and whittling the Iway bridge down to one lane. “It’s not the best option,” he said, but one of several that the department has. Yesterday Frank Corrao III, deputy chief engineer at the department, said additional signage directing commuters to a new route, and longer white lines extending the lanes on the old section of Route 195 eastbound might also ease congestion. Williams said this morning that the state will be painting the lane extensions tonight after the after this evening’s commute. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:25 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on the fatal crash that claimed the life of a Barrington teenager. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:16 AM | Comment Sundlun, Almond to address watchdog groupWARWICK -- Two former Rhode Island governors plan to speak tonight about issues confronting the state. Former Governors Bruce Sundlun and Lincoln Almond are scheduled to talk at a meeting of Common Cause Rhode Island, a government watchdog group. Sundlun, a Democrat, served as governor from 1991 to 1995 and helped steer Rhode Island through a banking crisis. Almond was a U.S. Attorney before succeeding Sundlun. He served two, four-year terms. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Providence Little Leaguers get lightsTwo years ago, when James Taylor became the vice president of Elmwood Little League, he was determined to do at least one thing: light up the field. It took a 2-year campaign and nearly $90,000, but the poles have been erected at the John T. Owens Field where the league -- which serves the Elmwood, South Elmwood, Reservoir and West End communities – play. The city's largest children's baseball league won a $38,000 grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and has gotten $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant money through the City of Providence, More than 600 boys and girls play for 38 teams in the league. "When we go to other fields, every one of them has lights," Taylor said in an interview earlier this year. "And these kids always say, 'Coach, where's our lights?' And it kind of breaks your heart, and we want them to be equal." There are 50 children on the league waiting list despite the addition this year of two teams. When the league adds night games, Taylor says, thanks to the lights, it can add one to two teams, or up to 30 more children. The lights have not been hooked up yet, but even so, they look pretty good. -- with Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Mostly sunny, high near 50Not much to say about the weather today except: cold. The National Weather Service is forecasting mostly sunny skies with a high barely approaching 50 degrees and wind gusts near 25 mph. Tonight we'll dip past freezing with a low temperature of 29 degrees. Tomorrow, colder with a high temperature in the mid 40s. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:00 AM | Comment R.I. woman nabbed in Maine pot bustNAPLES, Maine -- Three people, including a Rhode Island woman, are facing drug charges after sheriff's deputies in Maine found more than $200,000 worth of marijuana at a home. The Cumberland County sheriff's office says it was contacted by Waterville police to help locate a man that was wanted on a domestic assault case. When deputies went to a home on Monday, they discovered 32 pounds of high-grade, processed marijuana with an estimated value of $210,000. Police also seized $11,000 in cash, a car and an ATV. Police charged Richard Hudson, 42, of Naples, Maine, and John Dana, 47, of Columbia, S.C., with aggravated drug trafficking. Vicki Leblanc, 40, of Kingston, Rhode Island, was charged with possession of methadone. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 6:43 AM | Comment November 6, 2007Tonight: Acoustic rock in Providence, jazz in NewportRudy D'Agostino (of The Rock) plays acoustic rock at McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon, 52 Pine St., Providence. Call 861-1782 or go to www.mcfaddensprovidence.com. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover. Dancing Nancy plays a tribute to Dave Matthews, Gillary's Tavern, 198 Thames St., Bristol. Call 253-2012. 9:30 p.m. Bobby Ferreira plays jazz at Hotel Viking, 1 Bellevue Ave., Newport. Call 847-3300. 6 to 8 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment One highway commute tonight: 5.8 miles in 58 minutesIt took our reporter about 58 minutes to do 5.8 miles this evening from a Route 95 exit in Pawtucket, merging onto Route 195 and ending at the Washington Bridge in East Providence. Earlier, while in the midst of the journey, she offered this advice: Go have dinner somewhere. Traffic on Route 95 south was bumper to bumper from the School Street exit in Pawtucket to downtown Providence where a new traffic pattern resulting from the Iway project was in its second week-night of use. It took about 12 minutes to travel one mile through Pawtucket on Route 95 south. Route 95 south of the merge, however, looks beautiful this evening for travel. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina and projo.com staff Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:44 PM | Comment Richmond's Charbert fabrics to close in early '08RICHMOND -- Charbert, a division of Narrow Fabrics of America, will close early next year, the company said today. “It’s pretty much a straightforward business decision,” said Phillip G. Loscoe Jr., a spokesman for the company, citing foreign competition and cost of labor. The company started notifying Monday the approximately 100 affected employees at Charbert’s Alton and Peace Dale manufacturing facilities, Loscoe said. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation ranked NFA Corp., of Chestnut Hill, Mass., among the state’s top employers in 2006. According to that report, Charbert accounted for 180 of NFA Corp.’s 440 jobs in the state. In addition to Charbert, the other divisions of NFA Corp. are Hope Global and Novelty Bias Binding/Plastics Company, both of Cumberland. They will not be affected by the layoffs, Loscoe said. Charbert -- named after its previous owners, Charles and Albert Cunliffe -- started operations in Alton (Richmond), its headquarters, in 1962. It knits, dyes and finishes wide elastic fabrics for swimwear, intimate apparel, active wear, athletic, medical and non-apparel applications, according to the company’s web site (www.charbert.com). NFA Corp. of Massachusetts is tentatively planning to close Charbert in February, when the last shipment is scheduled, Loscoe said. The actual closing date, he said, “will be very much determined by customer need.” -- Journal staff writer Maria Armental No decision has been made on what will happen to the company’s property, Loscoe said. “Charbert has and will explore all possible dispositions of assets,” he said. The Alton facility, located at 299 Church St. in Richmond, includes a 95,305-square-foot two-story mill building and two sheds, according to town records. The approximately 113.9-acre lot, zoned industrial, is currently assessed at $1.2 million. The Peace Dale facility, located at 1425 Kingstown Rd in South Kingstown, consists of a 64,429-square-foot, three-story mill building. The 7.08-acre site, also zoned industrial, was last assessed at $4.1 million. Charbert’s downsizing follows a general pattern in the textile industry. This summer, Quaker Fabric Corp. of Fall River, laid off its 900 employees. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:35 PM | Comment The traffic is bumper to bumper from School StreetOur reporter, who is at this moment trying out Route 95 south heading toward the new merge onto Route 195, offers this advice: Go have dinner somewhere. Traffic on Route 95 south is bumper to bumper from the School Street exit in Pawtucket to downtown Providence where the new Iway merge is in its second full week-night of use. It took about 12 minutes to travel one mile through Pawtucket on Route 95 south. Route 95 south of the merge, however, looks beautiful this evening for travel. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina and projo.com staff Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:22 PM | Comment Carcieri nominates Sasse to head Dept. of RevenueGovernor Carcieri intends to nominate Gary S. Sasse -- who recently announced retirement from leading the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council -- to be director of the newly-created state Department of Revenue. Sasse, of East Greenwich, will step down from the public expenditure council -- RIPEC -- at year's end. “As the longtime chief of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, Gary Sasse is the perfect person to head up the new Department of Revenue,” Carcieri said in a statement today. He added: "Like me, Gary is devoted to making sure that state government is operated on a sustainable basis, and that it is a benefit, not a burden, to Rhode Island taxpayers.” Carcieri stated that Sasse's "experience, knowledge and dedication" will be an asset in dealing with the state's budget deficit. The General Assembly established the Department of Revenue in 2005. Department of Administration Director Beverly Najarian has served as the interim Director of the Department of Revenue, which oversees such things as the Division of Taxation, the Division of Lottery, the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Division of Property Valuation, and the Office of Revenue Analysis. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKInney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:57 PM | Comment DeWolf descendant documentary screening tonightTraces of the Trade, A Story from the Deep North, a documentary by DeWolf descendant and filmmaker Katrina Browne, will be screened tonight at 6:30 at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol. The screening is open to the public. Future screenings include: •Nov. 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the Rhode Island College Student Union in Providence. •Jan. 15 at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. •Jan. 25 at the Slater Mill Museum in Pawtucket. Rhode Island groups who want to see the film should call Ann Clanton at Rhode Island for Community & Justice, at (401) 467-1717. Posted by maria caporizzo at 3:47 PM | Comment FM Global plans new headquarters in JohnstonOne of Rhode Island largest private employers said this afternoon that it wants to build a new, $60-million headquarters adjacent to its offices in Johnston. Executives from commercial-property insurer FM Global expect this evening to present their proposal for a four-story building off Central Avenue to the city’s planning officials. FM Global employs about 800 people at its current headquarters, located on more than 300 acres it owns off the intersection of Central and Atwood Avenues. The company built its headquarters there in 1973 and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest commercial-property insurers. The company employs 4,700 people worldwide and ranks 578 on Fortune magazine’s list of the country’s largest companies. “We are seeking a new location that will be scalable and grow with our company in the future,” said Shivan S. Subramaniam, FM Global’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Renovating our existing headquarters doesn’t make economic sense so, accordingly, we are exploring all our options. Saul Kaplan, an economic advisor to Governor Carcieri, applauded FM Global’s stated preference for building its new headquarters in Rhode Island "The signs are good that they'll continue to be an important part of this landscape," Kaplan said during a speech in Providence. -- Paul Grimaldi, Journal staff writer Posted by Jack Perry at 2:34 PM | Comment Update: Barrington teen dies in crash tied to alcohol
Journal photo / Bob ThayerA young woman prays in the rain this morning at the site of the crash, where several teens had gathered and flowers were being placed. BARRINGTON -- A Barrington High School student was killed and three other male students injured in a car crash last night in which the driver has been charged with driving under the influence, the police said late this morning. The victim is Jon Converse, a 17-year-old junior, according to Barrington High School Principal John Gray, who stood outside the Converse home at 2 Old River Road to address reporters early this afternoon. “The family is devastated … only someone who has experienced the loss of a child can know what this means,” Gray said. Jon's father, Dan Converse, called his son's death "another needless tragedy," in an interview with EastBayRI.com. "I really can't embellish or elaborate at this point. And I don't want to get on a soapbox," Converse said. Converse was a front-seat passenger, according to the police. He was not wearing a seatbelt. He had been thrown partly out of the passenger-side window. A preliminary investigation reveals that underage drinking was involved in evening before the crash, police said in a statement released just before noon. The driver, a 16-year-old Barrington male, was charged with driving under the influence, death resulting. He was also charged with refusing to submit for chemical test for a person under age 18. The car was carrying four teenage males from Barrington, according to the police. None of the names were released by the police. The driver was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with minor injuries. Two rear-seat passengers -- one 16 and one 17 -- also received minor injuries, police said. Police said a 911 call was received at 10:51 p.m. reporting a bad crash in the area of 200 New Meadow Road, a narrow road featuring sharp curves in the Hampden Meadows section of town. Police said an investigation has found that the driver was traveling south high rate of speed, over the 25 mph limit. He apparently lost control of car, crossed the double yellow lines into the northbound lane, and struck a tree on the east side of road. There is no school in Barrington today because of professional development training.
At midday on this gray and wet day, a group of about eight teens stood under umbrellas at the crash site. They looked at the tree where the car had hit, and bouquets of flowers that have since been placed there. "All you need to know is he always had a smile on his face," said a classmate, who wouldn't give his name. The community recently was faced with another alcohol-related death of a Barrington High teen, Patrick Murphy, 17, in a skimboarding accident this past July on Barrington River. In that case, the 17-year-old driver of the boat was charged with one felony count of reckless operation, death resulting, and a misdemeanor count of refusing to submit to a chemical test sought the state Department of Environmental Management. Two years ago, two other male teens died in a high-speed car crash on a local road. Several in this well-to-do suburb of Providence have recently decried the incidence of alcohol and substance abuse among its teens. Counselors will be available when the students return to the classroom tomorrow. "I have my crisis team here," Gray said. "We are developing a strategy for how to embrace the kids when they return to schools." Gray said counselors would first try to help the students cope with the emotional impact of a classmate's death. "The next step," he said, "is trying to respond to whatever the details are that may be revealed in terms of helping kids to make decisions that will lead to safer lives." Posted by Jack Perry at 2:13 PM | Comment Financial services sector a leading employer in R.I.PROVIDENCE -- The financial services sector employs more than 26,000 Rhode Islanders and generates an average salary of $58,417, far above the state's median wage, according to a new report by the state Economic Development Corporation. The industry, led by companies such as Citizens Financial Group and Bank of America, is expected to grow by 4,000 jobs over the next seven years, according to the report. "This is one of our success stories," Saul Kaplan, the executive director of the EDC, said this morning during the 2007 Financial Services Symposium at the Rhode Island Convention Center. "We need to shine a big light on it." Other panelists, however, were less confident about the future of the industry, saying the state's chronic budget deficits could threaten job growth. --Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:09 PM | Comment DOT hopes to solve Iway problems with signsThe state Department of Transportation has a low-tech solution to the traffic problems that coincided with the first weekday traffic on the IWay bridge. The jam was not on the new bridge, it was a result of traffic from Route 95 south merging with Route 195 east. Frank Corrao III, DOT deputy chief engineer, wants commuters coming from the city to merge using 95 northbound, so they can drive over the IWay bridge, where traffic was light. One lane was closed feeding into 195 eastbound so that when they merged with the lanes coming off the new bridge, they were equal to the lanes on 195 westbound. “A lot of individuals who work in the jewelry district, Davol Square and the Rhode Island Hospital complex, they all try to go down Point Street to Wickenden Street and get on the highway there,” according to Corrao. But they could take side streets to the Allens or Thurbers Avenues entrances, bypassing the old merge and using the new bridge, instead. Drivers often need some help adjusting to a new traffic pattern, Corrao said, so the state will try to help by putting signs up pointing to alternate routes before tonight’s commute. “Whenever you do a major traffic pattern change, we do expect and anticipate that there’s going to be some congestion,” Corrao said. “As people see what’s going on, they begin to change their routes or driving behavior. That plus us providing some signage, will go a long way.” Longer term fixes include lengthening acceleration lanes on 195 East. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:07 PM | Comment Some students get a vote today, tooTheir teachers may have to slip out during the day to vote today, but thousands of high school and middle school students will just have to walk down the hall. It's not an election scandal, it's a mock election, and more than 3,600 high school and middle school students in Pawtucket are deciding ballot questions about health care, school supplies and other issues. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis voted with students at Shea High School this morning. The mock election is a town initiative, according to Chris Barnett, spokesman for Mollis. "But it fits hand in glove with the Secretary's own initiative for reaching out to young Rhode Islanders. We cant begin to get them thinking about voting and electing too young." Later this evening, Mollis plans to meet with student groups at Providence College to discuss a year-long voter registration drive that targets freshmen. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:40 AM | Comment Whitehouse to vote against MukaseySen. Sheldon Whitehouse believes Judge Michael Mukasey is great lawyer and judge, and an all around good person and a good appointment to the position of Attorney General. “He is not a political hack,” Whitehouse said in a floor speech last week. “He is not a partisan ideologue. He is not an incompetent crony. We’ve had our share of those. But Whitehouse voted against Mukasey in committee because of his refusal to call so-called water boarding "torture." The Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination of Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey to the Senate floor today. Mukasey’s refusal to label water boarding as torture was cited by several Senate members as a reason they will not support the nomination. Watch the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings live on C-Span. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:37 AM | Comment R.I. has poor record with public document requestsRhode Island gets a “D” when it comes to responsiveness of officials to requests for public records and, unfortunately, according to a recently released study, we’ve got plenty of company. In a study of Freedom of Information Act requests conducted by the Better Government Association and the National Freedom of Information Coalition, nearly 40 states were given a failing grade – less than 50 percent – when judged by five criteria: - Amount of time an agency has to respond to a request. - The process a citizen must go through to appeal a decision to deny a request. - Whether an appeal is expedited in court. - Whether the complaining party is awarded attorney fees after winning an appeal. - Whether an agency that wrongfully withholds records is subject to civil or criminal punishment. Rhode Island scored 66 percent, with only eight states rated more favorably. Alabama and South Dakota came in last with zero percent. Nebraska and New Jersey had the highest ratings -- 87 percent. An analysis of the report calls the tools available to citizens nationwide to help enforce their FOIA rights are “endemically weak.” "Although several states posted respectable numbers in our survey of their Freedom of Information Acts, it is clear that most states still have a lot of work to do in making their governments more accessible and transparent," Jay Stewart, executive director of BGA said in the analysis. "Even a low score of 66 percent" -- Rhode Island's score "puts a state in the top ten of the rankings." Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:32 AM | Comment Pataki to give Brown lectureFormer New York Governor George Pataki will deliver this year’s Noah Krieger Lecture on “A House Divided: An Insider’s View of the State of National Politics” at 4 p.m. tomorrow in Brown's Salomon Center, room 101. The lecture is free and open to the public. Governor Pataki served as New York's governor from 1995 to 2006. No backpacks, posters, or banners of any kind will be allowed into the venue. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:27 AM | Comment Accident last night in BarringtonA car accident in Barrington last night caused injuries, but officials are not saying how many or how severe. The accident was on New Meadow Road at about 10:50 last night. Fire officials said there were injuries, but would not elaborate. The police department says it intends to release more information today. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:22 AM | Comment Election day for several cities and townsA handful of elections and referenda are taking place across the state today. In the Chariho School district, voters will decide if they want to fund a $26 million plan to bring the main school campus into compliance with new fire and accessibility requirements and eliminate the $300,000-a-year trailers that the district has been using. In Jamestown, two Democrats and a Republican are vying for two spots on the School Committee. A first-time candidate, a 4-year incumbent and a 22-year veteran of the school system are competing. Three candidates for city council positions in Central Falls will move into their positions unopposed, and two people are vying for a seat on the council in Wards 5 and 3. Woonsocket Mayor Susan Menard is running for a seventh term, facing a nonpartisan election against retired police officer Todd Brien. In addition, fourteen candidates are competing for seven spots on the City Council. All but one of the current members are running for reelection. In Portsmouth, the Town Council vice president has been asking residents to approve a $4 million open space and recreation bond, and a $3 million bond for a wind tower. And in Scituate, voters will be asked whether to approve a $9.2-million bond for school renovations. For more information about local elections and referenda, visit the Secretary of State's Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:21 AM | Comment State to discuss Iway successes, problemsState Transportation officials are scheduled to meet this morning to discuss problems with yesterday afternoon's commute after the opening of the Iway. The morning commute went well, but drivers traveling south on Route 95 to Route 195 east last evening hit a huge traffic jam because of the lane modifications made for the new, $610-million project. Some drivers told the state police they were stuck in traffic for hours. The new section of highway connects Route 95 north to Route 195 east, but drivers heading east on Route 195 from Route 95 south still use the previously existing exit and must merge into fewer lanes. Frank Corrao III, deputy chief engineer at the state Department of Transportation said state officials will put necessary improvements in place as soon as possible. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Periods of rain, falling tempsYou may have felt a drop or two already; there's more to come. The National Weather Service is forecasting periods of rain on and off until mid-afternoon and a high temperature of 53 degrees, falling to 46 by 5 p.m. We may also see wind gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight the temperature should drop to the mid 30s. Tomorrow's looking chilly, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 40s. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about the high price of heating oil as winter approaches. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 5, 2007Cumberland fire deemed not suspiciousCUMBERLAND -- The state Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled that a Sunday morning blaze that heavily damaged a house at 2883 Diamond Hill Rd. was not suspicious, the police said today. Fire officials determined that the fire was accidental in nature and likely due to an electrical fault. The house had been vacant since a blaze heavily damaged it about a year ago, but its owners were just getting ready to move in this month, the police said. Sunday’s fire broke out at about 10 a.m. on the second floor of the 2½-story wooden dwelling. All four Cumberland fire stations as well as units from Woonsocket and Lincoln’s Albion and Manville departments responded. It took firefighters nearly three hours to control the smoky blaze. -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:30 PM | Comment Forty-plus people bought fake Patriots/Colts ticketsINDIANAPOLIS -- More than 40 people bought fake Patriots-Colts tickets, and police officers confiscated hundreds of other phony tickets in what investigators described as a nationwide sports counterfeiting ring. Three Atlanta men were arrested yesterday after the police made a routine traffic stop for speeding and discovered the tickets in their car. "This was a major arrest," police Lt. Jeffrey Duhamell said today. "These individuals counterfeit tickets and move from city to city, but they have been very hard to infiltrate. It's quite a big network." Besides almost 200 tickets for the Patriots-Colts game, officers also found hundreds of tickets for other sporting events, including several college football games. Duhamell said the counterfeiting ring operates out of Atlanta and is under investigation in several cities. "With the technology out there, they can do quite a whole lot with the tickets," he said. "A lot of them look good when you first see them." Duhamell said more than 40 people paid at least $150 each for fake tickets for Sunday's game. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:28 PM | Comment Rev. Philip Smith, former PC president, diesPROVIDENCE -- The Rev. Philip Alphonsus Smith, who served as the 11th president of Providence College from 1994 to 2005, died at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence yesterday, the college announced today. He was 74. The college said on its Web site today that Father Smith died unexpectedly and was surrounded by close friends. He was more recently a philosophy professor at the college and a member of the Dominican Community of St. Thomas Aquinas Priory on campus. "Under Father Smith, the college achieved a reputation as a premier regional liberal arts institution, raising the academic standing of its undergraduates to its highest level ever," the college's statement said. "Providence College was consistently ranked #2 among colleges and universities in the north region in U.S. News & World Report’s annual college guide, America's Best Colleges." Father Smith was awarded the college's highest honor, the Veritas Medal, at the 87th commencement in May 2005, recognizing "his many achievements and commitment to the academic standing and mission of the college." A new performing arts center on college's east campus was named after Father Smith on Oct. 29, 2004. The college said Father Smith "enhanced the quality and diversity of the faculty; directed a revision of the mission statement to emphasize the Catholic and Dominican traditions of [Providence College]; and oversaw $110 million in new construction and infrastructure improvements, including the construction of St. Dominic Chapel, a new performing arts center, and the campus’ first suites-style residential facility." “Father Smith ably led Providence College through eleven years of opportunity and growth,” said college President Rev. Brian J. Shanley. “Under his guidance, the academic profile of our student body dramatically improved and the campus landscape was transformed." Father Smith's body will be received at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary in St. Thomas Aquinas Priory on campus on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m. Calling hours will follow, concluding with the recitation of the Office of the Dead by the Dominican Community at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Smith will be held Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. in St. Dominic Chapel on campus. Burial will follow in the Dominican Community Cemetery on campus. Donations may be made in his memory to the Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P. Scholarship Fund, in care of Providence College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 549 River Ave., Providence, R.I., 02918. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Born Sept. 6, 1933, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Father Smith was a son of the late Philip and May (Byrne) Smith. According to the college, he was raised on a 100-acre farm in Fort Augustus, east of Charlottetown, and went to Webster Corner School, a one-room schoolhouse, from grades 1 through 10 then finished high school at St. Dunstan’s School in Charlottetown. He came to the United States in 1959. Father Smith entered the novitiate of the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers), Province of St. Joseph, at St. Joseph Priory in Somerset, Ohio, in 1961, and made his first religious profession there the next year. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 13, 1968, at St. Dominic Church in Washington D.C. by the Most Rev. Ernest B. Boland, then-bishop of Multan, Pakistan, and now a resident of St. Thomas Aquinas Priory at PC. Father Smith served the Dominican Order as a priest for nearly 40 years. He joined the Providence College faculty in 1981 as an assistant professor of philosophy. He became associate professor in 1984 and professor in 1994. From 1982 to 1985, he was also the special assistant to then-college president the Very Rev. Thomas R. Peterson. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:55 PM | Comment Photo: Stuck inside of Providence
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:56 PM | Comment Man expected to plead no-contest in death of childPROVIDENCE -- A man charged with shaking his girlfriend’s baby so violently the child suffered fatal brain injuries is expected to plead no contest to one count of second-degree murder, prosecutors said today. Ediberto Irizarry is expected to enter the plea before Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer in Superior Court on Nov. 19, the Attorney General’s Office said. Irizarry, 21, formerly of 196 Pleasant St., Pawtucket, has been held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions, charged with two counts of second-degree murder stemming from the death of two-month-old Geovanni Campbell in February 2005. The two counts are contained in an indictment returned five months after Irizarry was arrested. The count to which Irizarry is pleading no contest charges him with unpremeditated murder. The other count charges Irizarry with felony murder under the theory that he killed Geovanni Campbell while committing the crime of first-degree child abuse, Michael J. Healey, a spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office, said. In return for the no contest plea, prosecutors are likely to move to dismiss the felony murder charge, Healey said. Geovanni Campbell was the son of 34-year-old Rocco Africo of North Providence and Carol Campbell, 36. -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Irizarry was babysitting Geovanni in Campbell’s apartment on Division Street in Pawtucket two years ago when he called 9-1-1 and said the child was unconscious and had no heartbeat. An ambulance was dispatched as Irizarry, coached by the 9-1-1 operator, performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The baby was rushed to nearby Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, where medical personnel managed to revive him, then transferred to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, where he was listed in critical condition until his mother decided to remove him from life support on Feb. 26. By then, a doctor at Rhode Island Hospital had given Carol Campbell a grim prognosis: Dr. Rebecca Moles testified she told Campbell that Geovanni had no reflexes and a bulge in his skull that caused by internal bleeding. “I explained there could be no way he could recover,” Dr. Moles said. Irizarry was already in custody at that point, charged with first-degree child abuse after doctors told police that Geovanni’s injuries were consistent with “shaken baby syndrome.” When he was interviewed by police, Irizarry adamantly asserted his innocence, according to a judge who viewed the videotape of the interrogation. When was arraigned on the murder indictment, Irizarry pleaded not guilty. It was unclear yesterday what prompted him to decide to change his plea. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:55 PM | Comment R.I. ranks 11th in healthy studyIf you’re worried about all aspects of your health – access to insurance, your likelihood of picking up smoking or dying on the job – Vermont is the place to be, according to the latest Health Rankings Report. But Rhode Island isn’t very far behind, coming in at number 11 of the 50 states. It’s a two-step improvement from last year, when the state came in at number 13. The study was released by the United Health Foundation, a research and community outreach organization funded by United HealthGroup. Improvements in insurance coverage and a decrease in occupational fatalities helped propel the state up in rankings, even though, according to the study, the number of children living in poverty has increased overall since 1990. The report made note of binge drinking as one of the big challenges the state needs to face, along with low high school graduation rates. Other strengths, according to the report, are a low rate of uninsured people, ready access to primary care, and a low violent crime rate: 228 offenses per 100,000 people. After Vermont, Minnesota, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Utah, Maine, North Dakota, Massachusetts and Nebraska round out the top ten states. The bottom five in descending order are: Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:47 PM | Comment RIPEC director steps townAfter three decades leading a nonprofit public policy advocacy group Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, Gary Sasse is stepping down. Ronald Machtley, president of RIPEC, called Sasse a “key resource” for government officials and staff, as well as taxpayers. “He has helped ensure that state government remains not only fiscally responsible,” Machtley said in a statement, “but mindful of the impact of tax and spending policies on our economic competitiveness. RIPEC and the State of Rhode Island have benefited enormously from his wise counsel and tireless effort.” John C. Simmons, the chief administrator for the city of Providence, has been selected as the organization’s next executive director. “It is an extraordinary honor to follow in the footsteps of such a fine, gifted and truly legendary public servant as Gary Sasse,” Simmons, said in a statement. “I will do everything I can to uphold the high standard he has set with his keen analysis of state fiscal policy, and his persuasive, even-handed voice for a more stable and prosperous Rhode Island,” he said. Mayor David Cicilline said Simmons would be missed, but he would leave behind a legacy of fiscal integrity. “John has been an invaluable member of my team from the very beginning,” Cicilline said in a statement. “His vast experience, financial expertise and keen understanding of the intricacies of public finance have helped put our city government on the strong financial footing needed to accomplish my ambitious goals for the city.” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:07 PM | Comment Herring restrictions up for debate in Newport tomorrowBOSTON — The nets are half a football field long, three-stories high and pulled between two huge trawlers. The tiny Atlantic herring is their target, and they pull up tons at time, much of which lands in lobster traps as bait or pickling jars as food. But environmentalists and other fishermen say the trawlers are also doing serious ecological damage. Beside depleting stocks of herring, which are important because they’re eaten by everything from birds to whales, they also accuse the trawlers of killing threatened groundfish species and decimating river herring populations. Regulators will decide whether to devise tougher herring restrictions at a meeting of the the New England Fishery Management Council, beginning tomorrow in Newport. -- The Associated Press, Jay Lindsay The meeting comes amid heavy lobbying by groups who say the herring trawlers have been allowed to run amok. “The government gave them this free hand with no restrictions. ... It’s been too much for too long,” said Ray Kane, a former tuna fisherman from Chatham who’s part of the CHOIR Coalition., an industry and environmental group formed to protect Atlantic herring. But herring fishermen counter that the herring population is abundant. They say though environmentalists have demonized the large trawlers, evidence is thin that the ships are doing the widespread ecological damage opponents claim. In addition, regulators just enacted new restrictions in June, including banning herring trawlers from Gulf of Maine coastal waters. It’s too soon for more restrictions, said Mary Beth Tooley of the East Coast Pelagic Association, which represents the herring industry. “First, see if what’s in place works,” she said. New England has seen centuries of fishing for herring, a small fish that fishermen prefer to catch when they’re about 10 to 12 inches long. But the population crashed in the 1970s after heavy fishing by foreign fleets. The stocks recovered after the federal Magnuson-Stevens Act passed in 1976 and kicked foreign vessels out of New England waters. The most recent stock assessment in 2005 estimated about 1 million metric tons of Atlantic herring, which is nearly twice the amount at which herring would be considered overfished, said Lori Steele, a herring expert who works for the fishery council. There’s a market for the herring as food, but about 70 percent of the New England catch goes to lobstermen to bait their traps. New England’s lobster catch was worth about $385 million in 2006, compared to the relatively paltry catch of about $23 million for the herring fleet, which has about 35 boats. But environmentalists and fishermen say the small fishery is doing big damage to more valuable species. Many of herring boats are so-called “mid-water” trawlers, some of which are up to 160 feet long and pull their nets in pairs in the middle the water column where herring swim, rather than dragging them on the bottom like a groundfisherman. The herring trawlers are allowed to fish in areas closed to boats that fish for cod, haddock and other groundfish, and that’s not popular with some fishermen. Two commercial fishing groups in Maine have called for the trawlers to be banned from those areas, claiming their giant nets are snaring the cod and other groundfish and preventing those species from recovering. And last week, a coalition of environmental groups called the Herring Alliance, which is part of the Pew Charitable Trust, blamed the trawlers for drastic declines in river herring, a key part of the food chain that mixes with Atlantic herring and can get caught by the trawlers. They said that unless the fishing slows, entire ecosystems could be threatened. Peter Baker of the Herring Alliance is pushing the fishery council to extend a ban of the trawlers from Maine to inshore waters around Cape Cod to the islands. He also advocates for more federal observers aboard herring boats. They would document the unwanted catch that the boats pull up dead, called bycatch, and regulators could see how much the trawlers are harming river herring, groundfish or other species. “They allowed mid-water trawling to come in with relatively little information about what their impacts are,” Baker said. “We don’t know what they’re killing.” The idea that the mid-water trawlers are wiping out whatever is in its path is “ridiculous,” Tooley said. The nets and the way the herring fishermen fish results in very little bycatch, she said, adding the limited data from observers on the boats has not revealed any major bycatch problems. Tooley also said federal data show protected groundfish stocks have grown in size during the time the mid-water trawlers have been working New England waters. Tooley sees herring fishermen as the target of a well-funded campaign that’s short on facts, and pushing new rules that regulators recently decided not to enact. “Do we have any new information in comparison to the last time we analyzed these measures?” Tooley said. “The answer is, ’No, we don’t.’” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:01 PM | Comment One person taken to hospital after Rte. 295 accidentJOHNSTON -- One person was taken to a hospital after a car accident today on Route 295 north in the area of of the Route 6 exit in Johnston. No other details were yet available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:55 PM | Comment Update: Carcieri vetoes primary date changeGovernor Carcieri has vetoed a bill moving Rhode Island's presidential primary from March 4 to Feb. 5. The governor said a change in the date would "create an excessive burden on local boards of canvassers." He vetoed the bill yesterday and announced it today. State Rep. Leonidas Raptakis, the disappointed sponsor of the primary bill, acknowledged that it's probably too late to overturn the governor's veto. He noted that disaffiliation deadlines are bearing down. “This bill should have passed back in June,’’ Raptakis, D-Coventry, said. “If those powers that be were very concerned about passing a bill, they should have come back in September to override the governor’s vetoes. Don’t wait until October 30 to come back.’’ State lawmakers voted to move the primary Oct. 30 in a one-day special session during which they also overrode close to three dozen of Carcieri's vetoes. As it stands, “if the General Assembly doesn’t come back this week, it’s a lost cause,’’ Raptakis said. Asked who he blames, he said: “Until the process changes, this is going to happen year after year…I should be mad at the whole process. I should be mad at the General Assembly. This bill should have passed back in June.’’ And now, he said, Rhode Island faces the prospect of holding a March primary at taxpayer expense – with almost no voter interest, and “very, very low turnout’’ - after clear winners have already emerged the nominees have already been chosen. ‘Nobody is going to go out to vote on March 4 knowing the nominess have already been chosen,’’ he said. Read the governor's veto letter. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Katherine Gregg. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:36 AM | Comment Michael Bianco sells plant, site of immigration raidNEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- Michael Bianco Inc. has sold its New Bedford plant, the site of a controversial immigration raid last March, according to Elizabeth Treadup, spokeswoman for New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang. The March 6 raid resulted in the arrest of 361 illegal immigrants and jeopardized the company’s contracts to produce leather goods for the military. Bianco's president and several top managers were indicted over the summer on charges of conspiring to harbor and hire illegal immigrants. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:31 AM | Comment Traffic alert: Accident on Route 95Traffic has slowed on Route 95 north just south of the new exit 19, which takes drivers East on Route 195. The left lane of traffic is closed just north of Thurbers Ave. because of an accident. He is unsure at this time if there are any injuries. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:29 AM | Comment Trial to start for man accused of Providence murderA Providence man accused of stabbing another man to death and leaving his body at a park is due in court for trial today. The police say Carlos Santiago, 43, stabbed 53-year-old Hector Gonzalez during a fight in September 2004. Gonzalez’s body was found the next morning in the grass at the Dexter Training Grounds on the city's West Side. Santiago was arrested the next day and indicted for murder that December. His trial is set to begin today in Superior Court, Providence. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:14 AM | Comment Gas prices jump 18 centsGasoline prices in Rhode Island jumped 18 cents this week, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.949 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. It's the highest price Rhode Island drivers have ever paid in November, AAA said. The price has climbed for three straight weeks, driven by an increase in the price of crude oil, which exceeded $96 per barrel last week. The average price nationally is $3.00. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:03 AM | Comment Photo: Providence firefighters climbing the roof
Posted by Jack Perry at 10:15 AM | Comment A pleasant morning drive across the IwayA broken-down car on the side of the road, lane changes without signals, blind merging. Things have settled into business as usual on Route 95 leading up to the new section of highway known as the Iway. The drive from the Thurbers Ave. entrance onto 95 northbound to the Gano Street exit took less than a minute at 7:15 this morning. Smooth, new pavement, sparse traffic and a new, open view of the Providence River and its associated commerce made it possibly the most pleasant 1.5 miles of highway in the state. Survey: Tell us about your drive across the Iway. Not so fast, though. “This would be people leaving the city,” said project supervisor Paul Grimaldi, noting the sparse traffic. “This is fine now because it's morning,” but for the real test, he said, come back around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. He’ll be there. This is just the beginning of the massive highway relocation project. Just two of eight lanes are open. New exits are still closed off by Jersey blocks. And westbound traffic on 195 at 7:30 a.m. is the same as it ever was: a parking lot. Standing on what will eventually be the four 195 westbound lanes, you can see trucks and backhoes and a machine called the crusher hard at work, crushing debris to be used as fill. “Onto the next thing.” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:54 AM | Comment Can Franny get to Fox Point from Foxboro?Sunday afternoon, Franny from Foxboro set out to visit her granny on Gano Street. Franny has been driving from Foxboro to Fox Point for years. She knew the Route 95 S curves. She could maneuver the high-speed exit onto Route 195. But Sunday, as she approached the Gano Street exit, she was confronted by a wall of concrete. The exit was gone and, before she knew it, Franny was over the Washington Bridge heading back to Massachusetts. A frustrated Franny finally got herself turned around and found her way back to Fox Point. She was relieved to see that Granny's Gano Street exit is still open from Route 195 east. Now next Sunday, and many Sundays to come, Franny has to remember to get off Route 195 at Wickenden Street when she's driving from Foxboro to Fox Point. Granny's Gano Street exit will be closed until the end of next year when the new southeast ramp to the Iway is finished. Posted by Peter Phipps at 9:21 AM | Comment Providence house evacuated during morning fireFirefighters have just extinguished a first floor fire at 27 Vaughan St. in Providence. James Taylor, chief of communications for the department, says the call came in at 8:33 a.m. The Red Cross was brought in to help the three adults who were evacuated from the 1.5 story house.. The fire was under control 13 minutes later. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:52 AM | Comment No school for Scituate high and midddle schoolsSchool is canceled today for Scituate High School and Scituate Middle School because of a water problem, according to school officials. Officials expect the problem to be fixed in time for classes to resume tomorrow. Posted by Jack Perry at 8:25 AM | Comment Photo: New 95N to 195E connector gets first test
At about 7:10 this morning, traffic was flowing smoothly as a projo.com reporter drove across the so-called Iway project. The section opened for the first time yesterday morning, but the new connector gets its first test from commuters this morning. Read more information on using the I-Way from the state Department of Transportation. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:30 AM | Comment Construction begins on URI undersea centerNARRAGANSETT -- The University of Rhode Island is breaking ground on a $15 million dollar undersea exploration center and marine science library. Marine explorer Robert Ballard and Governor Carcieri are among the officials who will attend the ceremony today. Ballard is an oceanography professor at the school. The 41,000-square-foot facility, paid for through loans approved by Rhode Island voters three years ago, will also house the Inner Space Center. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Clouds moving in, high in the 50sThere may be a bit of rain this morning before noon. The National Weather Service is forecasting clouds most of the day with a high temperature in the mid 50s. More rain late tonight and early tomorrow morning with an overnight low temperature near 45 degrees. The rain will continue into tomorrow morning. The temperature should reach the mid 50s with west winds of about 15 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the Patriots' big win over the Indianapolis Colts. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 2, 2007Tonight: The music of traditional Chinese instrumentsYou can hear music played on traditional Chinese instruments tonight at the University of Rhode Island's Fine Arts Center. The concert of traditional and contemporary music starts at 8. The Fine Arts Center is on Upper College Road in Kingston. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and $5 for students. Call (401) 874-2627 or visit www.uri.edu/greatperformances. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Update: Noel's remnants to hit with powerful windsRemains of Hurricane Noel are projected to whip into a powerful ocean storm tomorrow, throwing rain and winds of 30 to 40 mph -- and possible gusts of 60 mph -- at parts of Rhode Island, which could take down trees and power lines and damage property. In a 4:28 p.m. National Weather Service update today, the strongest winds are forecast for late morning through afternoon. The high winds are expected to subside during early evening as winds shift to the northwest. In the Boston-to-Providence corridor, sustained north-to-northeast winds could rev up to 30 to 40 mph with possible afternoon gusts of 60 mph, the current forecast says. Winds will be somewhat lesser in inland areas, but damaging winds "are still possible as far west as western Rhode Island and the Merrimack Valley," the forecast said. Coastal flooding is expected, and a flood watch has been issued for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency announced today. Rhode Island can expect two to four inches of rain tomorrow, the EMA said, and urban-area flooding is a concern. "Rivers are low right now so there is less of a concern about rivers overflowing," Pam Pogue, state flood plain manager, said in the EMA statement. "The major concern is stormwater run-off. Storm drains also just simply may not be able to handle the run-off fast enough." But the most powerful surf is expected on Cape Cod and the Islands in Massachusetts. The most punishing winds are projected to strike from Mattapoisett to Plymouth -- sustained winds around 40 mph and gusts peaking at up to 70 mph, the National Weather Service said. The Coast Guard has warned mariners the storm will generate 80-knot winds and high seas. According to its statement, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will activate the state emergency operations center to monitor Noel and the state's response to it. The NationalHurricane Center includes an evening update on the status of Hurricane Noel, packing 80 mph winds, as it marches north. Noel, a category one hurricane, was responsible for scores of deaths in the Caribbean. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:15 PM | Comment Update: Rt. 95 closure in Conn. may continue tomorrowEAST LYME, Conn. -- A fatal accident in southeastern Connecticut forced the shutdown of a key highway in the Northeast today, and transportation officials warned it might not fully reopen until early Saturday. The accident on southbound Interstate 95 involving a tanker, tractor-trailer and four cars happened around 10:20 a.m., the police said. Three people were killed and three others were taken to area hospitals, the police said. "It's a significant accident," said Lt. J. Paul Vance, a state police spokesman. The state police said witnesses told them the tanker was northbound when the driver lost control and drove through the guardrail, over the median and into southbound traffic. Officials said the tanker truck, which was carrying about 8,500 gallons of home heating oil, jackknifed and landed on its side. Firefighters sprayed foam as a precaution in a fuel spill, and state environmental officials were sent to assess cleanup needed at the site. -- The Associated Press The interstate is the main artery that connects New York, Providence and Boston in the region. The accident site is near the state's two large casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Kevin Nursick, a spokesman for Connecticut's Department of Transportation, said its crews would assess damage to the road only after the police complete their investigation. "It's hard to tell at this point what repairs might be needed," he said. "We don't want to be under foot trying to assess roadway conditions while they're still trying to investigate this tragic accident." All lanes in both directions remained closed as the afternoon rush hour picked up. Some or all lanes could remain closed through midnight or even into early Saturday depending on the length of the investigation and severity of the roadway damage, Nursick said. Authorities also shut Interstate 395 from exit 77 south to I-95 and a portion of Route 1. The state police urged drivers to avoid the area if possible. East Lyme High School canceled all after-school activities, including a play and a football game, because of traffic. Phyllis Martino of Wallingford was en route to a job interview at Foxwoods when she saw the accident. She told The Day of New London that the tanker truck was driving north, tailgating a minivan and swerving in and out of traffic until it hit a guardrail, lost control and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. The tanker truck is owned by Northeast Carriers LLC, which had a satisfactory rating, the highest possible, from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. A message seeking comment was left with Northeast Carriers.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:40 PM | Comment Update: Martineau pleads guilty to corruption chargesPROVIDENCE -- Former House Majority Leader Gerard M. Martineau pleaded guilty today in federal court to public corruption charges, admitting he steered the fates of legislation to benefit companies with which he had $900,000 worth of contracts to sell paper and plastic bags. Under a plea agreement, Martineau, 49, admitted to two felony counts of honest-services mail fraud in U.S. District Court. Honest-services mail fraud is defined as using the mail to deprive Rhode Island citizens of their right to honest services. Martineau's sentencing is slated for Feb. 22. Martineau was paid $175,500 by Blue Cross for 10 million paper bags, but delivered fewer than 2 million. He also got more than $715,000 in commissions from 1999 to 2002 for selling paper and plastic bags to CVS. A former Democratic state representative from Woonsocket for 16 years, Martineau faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $1.8 million. He is the second official, after former state Sen. John A. Celona, to admit to corruption charges, and the seventh person charged in the probe of alleged State House influence-peddling known as Operation Dollar Bill.
Prosecutor Gerard B. Sullivan said at the plea hearing that the government could prove that Martineau, operating as the Upland Group, arranged to sell paper prescription bags to the health insurance company for use as promotional items, and plastic and paper bags to the pharmacy company for merchandising purposes. He then used his position to affect the outcome of legislation, Sullivan said. The health insurer and pharmacy opposed the "Pharmacy Freedom of Choice" legislation, which would have opened to other pharmacies a closed prescription network that the companies controlled. The U.S. Attorney's office said Martineau never disclosed to the public his conflicts of interest with the pharmacy and the health insurer. Martineau, through the Upland Group, billed Blue Cross/Blue Shield for paper bags in lots of one and three million, at $19,500 per million. On occasions in December 1998, December 2000 and December 2001, he billed the company days or weeks before the legislative session's start.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:30 PM | Comment Attleboro man arraigned after motel shootingJOHNSTON -- A 19-year-old Attleboro, Mass., man faces felony gun charges in the wake of a shooting incident yesterday at a Hartford Avenue motel. Corey Devaney is accused of shooting an 18-year-old Pawtucket man with a .25 caliber handgun sometime after midnight, said Deputy Police Chief Gary W. Maddocks Jr. Devaney was arraigned this morning in the Third Division District Court in Cranston and held without bail as a fugitive from justice in the Attleboro case, Maddocks said. His arraignment in Superior Court is scheduled for Dec. 14. Both the victim and Devaney’s girlfriend told detectives that the gun was fired accidentally, during horseplay in a motel room sometime between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. Thursday, Maddocks said. “The circumstances seem odd,” he said. “We’re investigating it.” Authorities did not learn about the shooting until staff at Pawtucket Memorial Hospital reported that Devaney had come to the hospital with a gunshot wound. Shortly after receiving a call from Pawtucket police, Johnston detectives found Devaney in a room at the Bel-Aire Motor Inn early yesterday afternoon, Maddocks said. They also found a pellet gun that looks like a Glok handgun, he said. Later on, he said, they found the .25 caliber handgun that was used in the shooting and a stolen sawed-off shotgun hidden in the woods behind the motel at 2154 Hartford Ave. Investigators also learned that Devaney and some of his associates, including his girlfriend, Danielle Morin, 18, of Attleboro, Mass., and the victim, Nicholas Morre, had been staying in the motel for more than two weeks, Maddocks said. -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds Prior to Thursday, he said, Attleboro police had issued an arrest warrant charging Devaney with malicious damage and disorderly conduct. He was charged with possessing a stolen firearm, possession of a sawed-off shotgun and discharging a firearm in a compact area, Maddocks said. Police still have a lot of questions about the situation, he said. “What are these kids doing in this room with these weapons?” he said. “What were they going to do?” Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:12 PM | Comment Glocester police seek help in hit-and-run incidentGLOCESTER --The police today are asking the public to figure out who hit and injured a woman on Putnam Pike early yesterday morning. Kathleen Munroe, 26, of Glocester, is in serious condition after initially being in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. The hit and run happened at about 1:10 a.m. yesterday on Putnam Pike between Cady's Tavern and the George Washington Management area offices, the police said in a news release. Munroe was found in the westbound breakdown lane near the entrance to the George Washington Management Area. She had been walking west on Putnam Pike before the incident. When Munroe was found, wearing blue Jeans, a denim jacket and brown work boots, there were no cars in the immediate area and the police got no calls from anyone reporting the incident. The police ask that anyone with information contact the Glocester police. Sgt. Charles Entwistle is leading the investigation and information and tips should be referred to him. Glocester police are at (401) 568-2533. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:06 PM | Comment Former Rep. Martineau pleads guiltyPROVIDENCE -- A former high-ranking state lawmaker pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges this afternoon in U.S. District Court, Providence. Former House Majority Leader Gerard Martineau, 49, a former representative from Woonsocket, has admitted that he pushed the legislative agenda of two large companies while accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in business from them. Martineau pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud. He was released until sentencing, which is scheduled for February 22. Martineau had previously signed a plea agreement, in which he acknowledged selling his office to the CVS drugstore chain and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island in return for $900,000 worth of contracts to sell paper and plastic bags to the companies. Martineau, 49, a former Democratic state representative from Woonsocket for 16 years, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $1.8 million — twice the amount of the gain — on each count. While doing business with the companies, he worked to kill legislation that both companies opposed. One bill that repeatedly died in his committee would have given customers more choice in where to get their prescriptions filled. Read a previous story on Martineau's arraignment. -- The Associated Press and Journal archival reports Posted by Jack Perry at 3:01 PM | Comment Amgen seeks applicants for science teaching awardPROVIDENCE -- Drugmaker Amgen Inc. is calling for applications for its annual Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence award. The award recognizes "extraordinary science teachers at the K-12 level for their significant impact to science teaching and their students." The company started giving the awards 17 years ago in an effort to improve science excellence in public and private schools. In all, the company, which operates its largest production facility in West Greenwich, has awarded more than $1.7 million to teachers. In Rhode Island, four teachers next year will receive a $5,000 award, and their schools will receive a $5,000 grant to help expand science programs, according to Christina Evon, an Amgen spokeswoman. Twenty seven other teachers, in California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, Washington, and Canada will also receive awards next year. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:01 PM | Comment Pair sentenced for writing false steroids prescriptionsPROVIDENCE -- A doctor and former doctor were sentenced this morning for writing false prescriptions for steroids and human growth hormone. Ana Maria Santi, 69, a former doctor of New York, was sentenced to two years in prison, and Dr. Victor Mariani, 73, also of New York, was placed on home confinement for one year. The two had previously pleaded guilty to charges in U.S. District Court, Providence. In July, Santi pleaded guilty to conspiracy, drug distribution, and health care fraud. In March, Mariani admitted to conspiracy and distributing steroids and hGH. Santi had written thousands of false prescriptions across the country, including hundreds in Rhode Island, according to prosecutors. In talking about the danger of steroids during Santi's sentencing hearing, prosecutor Adi Goldstein, an assistant U.S. attorney, said that Mariani had prescribed steroids for James Proulx, the Smithfield man accused of punching and seriously injuring Rhode Island State Trooper Brendan Doyle in June. Later this morning, Mariani was sentenced to 12 months home confinement on electronic monitoring, followed by two years of probation. He’s only allowed to leave his home to attend church and medical appointments, go to work, and perform community service – 10 hours a month for three years. He must also pay a $6,000 fine, $2,600 for a special mandatory assessment, and forfeit the $34,000 he earned from writing the prescriptions.
Both the federal prosecutor and the doctor’s lawyer asked the judge for leniency in sentencing, because Mariani is elderly and in poor health. He’d cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation, Goldstein said, and there was no fear that he’d return to his crimes. U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith agreed. “I think he was clearly used in this case by unscrupulous individuals,” Smith said. When questioned by the judge, Mariani halted at times, unable to hear. His lawyers whispered the judge’s questions in the doctor’s ear, and then fitted him with earphones that didn’t seem to help. In a voice with an accent at times difficult to understand, Mariani said that he’d asked some people – unclear who he’d asked – about whether it was OK for him to write prescriptions for patients he wasn’t seeing. Another physician was seeing them, he said, and then telling him what prescriptions to write. “They said, It’s OK. It’s OK,” the doctor said. His license to prescribe medicine was retired in March, but he still has a license to practice medicine. Now, Mariani said, he was working part-time in a private office, practicing medicine. At that, Goldstein asked the judge to have Mariani surrender his medical license. “It’s an honor he forfeited,” she said. But Smith stopped short, saying he would leave that issue up to the New York board. Instead, the judge forbid Mariani to reinstate his license to prescribe medicine. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:36 PM | Comment Photo: Does anybody know what time it is?
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:20 PM | Comment Iway opening is on for Sunday ... at least for nowThough powerful winds and rainfall are in the forecast for tomorrow, the opening of part of the Iway -- the Route 195 relocation -- to cars and trucks is on for Sunday, at least at this point. "As far as we're concerned, we're still looking to have the road opened by Sunday morning," said Dana Nolfe, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation. "We'll have to play it by ear, but our goal is to go ahead." Things could change over the weekend depending on what happens. Part of the new, one-mile section of Route 195 and the Providence River Bridge are currently slated to open Sunday morning at 10. The most recent forecast said winds may subside in the early evening tomorrow. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:20 PM | Comment Gas leak at Coventry School reported, resolvedCOVENTRY — A gas leak caused by a badly rusted pipe attached to a heating unit forced the temporary evacuation of about 50 people at the Our Lady of Czestochowa School just before noon, but everyone has since been allowed back in, the police said. Roughly six to eight maintenance workers were repairing the school’s roof at 222 MacArthur Blvd. near the rusted pipe, causing it to give way around 11:36 a.m., said Central Coventry Chief Robert Setlzer. No one was hurt. Central Coventry Fire District and Anthony District were called to scene. National Grid shut off the gas, Seltzer said. The pipe and heating unit should be replaced by Monday, Seltzer said. Firefighters determined the building was gas-free and warm enough for students to return. -- Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:00 PM | Comment Damaging winds could strike tomorrowDamaging winds could bully broad swaths of Rhode Island and especially eastern Massachusetts tomorrow, when remains of Hurricane Noel are expected to brew into a strong coastal storm. The National Weather Service forecast, updated at 11:21 a.m., says a high wind watch is in effect from tomorrow morning into the evening. That means "potential exists for strong damaging winds to develop" -- winds that could take down trees and power lines, the weather service forecast says. The online weather service map shows Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts covered in purple -- storm warning -- and brown, for high winds. The winds are predicted to taper off during the early evening. In southern New England, winds are expected to pick up late tomorrow morning with gusts up to 60 miles per hour possible as far west as Westerly. The storm could drop one to two inches of rain on the Ocean State. The National Hurricane Center cautions “there is still some uncertainty as to the exact track of this storm.”
Noel, a category one hurricane, is responsible for more than 100 deaths in the Caribbean. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:22 PM | Comment Recalled: This pizza will make you sickA staple of dorm life is the subject of the latest food recall. More than three million pounds of frozen Totino’s and Jeno’s Crisp ‘N Tasty Pizza products may be contaminated with E. Coli. Pepperoni pizzas subject to recall have the establish number "EST. 7750" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a "best if used by" date on or before "02 APR 08 WS." To see exactly which varieties have been recalled, click below. • 10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza Pepperoni." Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:06 PM | Comment Route 95 shut down in East Lyme, Conn.EAST LYME, Conn. -- Route 95 is shut down in both directions in East Lyme after a tanker truck hit two cars and overturned, spilling fuel on the highway and causing several fatalities. A state police spokesman calls it a significant accident. A fuel truck jackknifed and crashed onto its side. Lt. J. Paul Vance says there are confirmed fatalities, but he does not know how many. He says two people have been taken to area hospitals. State transportation officials say the accident will take seven to eight hours to clean up. Firefighters are spraying foam on the diesel fuel, and state environmental officials are headed to the site. The tanker belongs to Northeast Carriers. State police are also ordering portions of Route 1 and Interstate 395 to be shut, snarling traffic in the area. State police and firefighters have set up a command post at exit 75 of the highway. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 12:04 PM | Comment Daylight Saving Time, for real this timeIt’s likely as close as we’ll come to time travel: Daylight Saving Time. And while it may not be as exciting as neutrons zipping through swirling time vortices, we will have the chance to snatch an extra hour of sleep. This Sunday at 2 a.m. set your clocks back one hour to mark the end of DST. This is the first year that DST ends in November. The 2005 Energy Policy Act called for extending DST by one month beginning this year. We’ll set our clocks forward again at 2 a.m. on March 9. And if you want an easy way to remember when to change the batteries in your smoke detector, fire and rescue authorities recommend tying the routine to the beginning and end of DST. "A working smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire," James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department says. About a third of smoke detectors in the U.S. are thought to have dead batteries. To see how PDAs, cell phones, computers, mp3 players, GPS equipment, and all of the other necessities modernity will be affected, visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s DST page. And if you’re ever confused about what time it really is, visit the Institutes's official U.S. time clock. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:37 AM | Comment Former Rep. Martineau expected to plead todayFormer Rhode Island House majority leader Gerard M. Martineau is expected to enter a guilty plea in U.S. District Court today in connection with the federal State House corruption probe known as Operation Dollar Bill. According to court documents, the longtime Woonsocket Democrat has admitted to selling 10 million bags to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, but manufacturing fewer than 2 million. Martineau also admitted using his power to influence legislation that influenced CVS and Blue Cross. According to a plea agreement entered early last month, Martineau agreed to plead to two felony counts of mail fraud – more specifically, using the mail to deprive Rhode Island citizens of their right to his honest services as a public official. In return, prosecutors will recommend the court impose the lowest sentence for the charges. Each count carries a maximum five years in prison and a fine of twice the gain or loss, in this case, nearly $2 million. He’s scheduled to appear in front of Chief Judge Mary Lisi at 2 p.m. -- with Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:52 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: two lanes closed on Route 95 northboundAn accident on 95 northbound will have traffic backed up for about 30 minutes. The Transportation Management Center is reporting two center lanes blocked at Exit 20/East Providence. For traffic updates, check the TMC Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:20 AM | Comment Noel to bring rain, winds our way
New England is set to feel some effects of Noel, the category one hurricane that is responsible for more than 100 deaths in the Caribbean. Most of the deaths were in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. No official deaths were reported in Cuba, where the storm touched down next, but an official says about 24,000 were evacuated. Now, Noel is moving away from the Bahamas with 80 mile per hour winds. The Coast Guard is warning mariners that the storm will generate 80 knot winds and seas more than 30 feet high. The National Hurricane Center cautions “there is still some uncertainty as to the exact track of this storm.” With temperatures expected to approach freezing Saturday night the Center warns “widespread power outages may very well become a reality,” and residents should keep supplies on hand. -- with reports from The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:02 AM | Comment Two defendants in steroid case face sentencingPROVIDENCE -- A current doctor and a former one face sentencing after pleading guilty to writing illegal prescriptions for steroids and human growth hormone. Victor Mariani and Ana Maria Santi, both from New York, each admitted earlier this year to signing medically unnecessary prescriptions for customers they had never met or examined. Prosecutors say Santi wrote the prescriptions even though she had lost her license to practice medicine several years earlier. They say Santi and Mariani were enlisted to write prescriptions by a New Jersey businessman, Daniel McGlone, who has also pleaded guilty in Rhode Island and is awaiting sentencing. Both will be sentenced today morning in federal court in Providence. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Clear today but Noel should bring rain, wind tomorrowToday is looking clear and chilly with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature of 58 degrees. The overnight low is 40 degrees with rain likely late tonight and early tomorrow morning. And look out for winds up to 21 mph. Rain may get heavy at times tomorrow. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph. A high wind watch has been issued for tomorrow as the fringe weather from Tropical storm Noel whip Cape Cod and the islands with winds up to 50 mph and gusts that may reach 75 mph. Along the coast from Newburyport to Boston to Plymouth, winds will hold at 40 mph with possible gusts up to 60. And strong winds are expected in Providence and as far west as Westerly. Rain should continue into Saturday night with clouds during the early evening clearing after 9. Tomorrow's overnight low should approach freezing with high winds and gusts as high as 35 mph. Sunday's temperature should reach the mid 50s; still windy with gusts reaching 23 mph. Clouds should roll in that night when the low is forecast in the mid 30s. Monday's high should reach the mid 50s with partly sunny skies. To keep track of Noel's path and its effects on Southern New England, check the National Hurricane Center's Web site. For local weather, visit projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and story about the new connection from Route 95 North to Route 195 East, which is supposed to open Sunday. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment November 1, 2007The night before Nixon left the stage is on stage tonightWhat did Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger talk about on the night before Nixon announced he was resigning the presidency? A play tonight imagines what might have happened on Aug. 7, 1974. "Nixon's Nixon" starts at 8 p.m at the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. Tickets are $20-$34. Call (401) 723-4266 or visit arttixri.com. Some seats are still available for tonight's show. Performances run through Nov. 18 at the theater. Read the Journal's review of the play here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Fire, police unions file ethics complaint against CicillinePROVIDENCE -- The Providence firefighter and police unions have filed a state Ethics Commission complaint charging that Mayor David N. Cicilline "used his office for private gain," according to a news release. The complaint asserts that Cicilline used public resources -- city personnel, a city fax machine and city letterhead paid for with public money -- to send out a news release as co-chairman of the state campaign for presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. The complaint cites the Sept. 19 news release from Cicilline that called the firefighters union's decision to picket a then-upcoming Rhode Island visit by Clinton an attempt to "extort unreasonable and unfair contract demands." Cicilline said in the release he was stepping down as the state's Clinton campaign co-chairman. "The mayor's decision to quit is his business, but it is not the public's business," Paul A. Doughty, president of Firefighters Local 799, said in the statement today. "When the mayor chose to use public assets, human and material, for personal political gain, he jumped over the ethical line." Doughty added that Cicilline's news release and a letter of resignation to Clinton "should have been written by Cicilline campaign staff, printed on Cicilline campaign stationary, and transmitted via Cicilline campaign methods." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment Governor lists temporary positions to be cutGovernor Carcieri released detailed plans this afternoon to cut 136 temporary contract employees from the state’s workforce, the first step in a workforce reduction plan he says will save taxpayers $100 million and help close a budget deficit projected at more than $200 million for the coming year. Carcieri’s office did not name any of the employees affected. Nor did he say exactly when the jobs would be eliminated. “Some positions will be eliminated as early as this month," the governor’s spokesman Jeff Neal said. "Many more will be eliminated early in the new calendar year and a few not until the end of the fiscal year [June 30, 2008].” But the governor’s office released a list of the specific positions to be eliminated. Jobs targeted include art instructors, long-term substitute teachers, a reader for the blind, a fire-safety inspector and several doctors. There were also several secretaries and computer-related staff listed. The move comes two weeks after Governor Carcieri outlined a broad plan to eliminate more than 1,000 positions from the state’s workforce, which also includes laying off 414 regular state employees and wiping 487 empty jobs off the state’s books. He plans to announce detailed plans to cut the number of state employees on Nov. 15. Asked whether there may be more than 414, Neal responded: "Right now we’re still targeting 414.” -- Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:10 PM | Comment N.J. man indicted on money-laundering chargePROVIDENCE -- A federal grand jury in Providence has indicted a New Jersey man for money laundering involving an alleged attempt to transfer $220,270 in cash from drug trafficking. Charlie Vu, 45, of Jersey City is charged in an indictment returned on Oct. 24 in U.S. District Court, U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office announced today. He pleaded not guilty today at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge David L. Martin, who released him on $250,000 bail. On May 11 in Rhode Island, Vu tried to "promote drug trafficking by transferring $220,270 in cash," according to the news release. The U.S. Attorney's office would not elaborate on the details. Vu was arrested at his New Jersey home on Oct. 25. The maximum penalty for a money-laundering conviction is 20 years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Rhode Island State Police jointly investigated. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Cranston man arrested for giving private driving lessonsA Cranston man has been charged with illegally giving private lessons in how to drive commercial trucks, the state police said today. Emmett Childress, 60, of 23 Sherwood St. was arrested yesterday on three counts of giving instruction in the operation of a commercial vehicle without being properly licensed to do so, the state police news release said. Childress, a former Life Long Learning Center employee, was licensed by the state to give state-sanctioned commercial driving instruction at the Community College of Rhode Island. Childress was not licensed for private instruction. At District Court arraignment, Childress's bail was set at $10,000 personal recognizance. Childress was ordered held without bail as a probation violator, the state police said, adding that in 1992 Childress pleaded no contests to five counts of child molestation and received a 20 year suspended sentence and 20 years of probation. The investigation started in November 2006 when a business owner told State Police about concerns. The business owner believed Childress was purposely failing people trying out for licenses so that he could give private instruction at a cost to help them pass the test. Over the next year, more complaints were received. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:16 PM | Comment Tropical Storm Noel could deliver gusts and rain SaturdayThe remains of tropical storm Noel are currently projected to lash Cape Cod and the Islands with the strongest wind gusts in Southern New England on Saturday, but Block Island and Narragansett Bay areas should brace for winds and rainfall too. Block Island could potentially see gusts reaching speeds in the 40-miles-per-hour and even low-50-mph range while areas of Narragansett Bay could see gusts reach the 30 mph-plus range, National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Simpson said today. Winds as of right now are forecast to pick up in southern New England starting at 8 a.m. Saturday and into the afternoon. The Cape, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard might see near-hurricane-force winds, with potential flooding in coastal areas. Rainfall of two to three inches in some of those areas is possible. In Narragansett Bay/Block Island, there could be an inch or possibly two inches of rain. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:43 PM | Comment Judge holds Eifrig's daughter in contemptPROVIDENCE -- The Virginia daughter of 91-year-old Laurette Borduas Eifrig was found in willful contempt today for repeatedly violating a judge’s order that barred her from removing money from the trust of her mother. Now blind, Eifrig now lives in assisted-living in Providence and suffers from dementia. At the request of Eifrig’s lawyer, Superior Court Judge Alice B. Gibney held Francine Eifrig Ardito in contempt of court and ordered her to reimburse her mother another $16,000 she took without permission from her mother’s trust accounts. If the money isn’t repaid by Dec. 14 -- the deadline Gibney set today -- an arrest warrant could be issued for Ardito and the judge could order her to pay a daily fine until she turns over the $16,000. But unless Ardito comes back to Rhode Island to try to visit her mother -- something she hasn’t done since May -- or to contest the contempt proceedings, the arrest warrant would not subject her to incarceration in Virginia. Extra: Read Judge Gibney's order -- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton Eifrig’s lawyer, Richard A. Boren, asked for the contempt ruling based on new information he received a couple of days ago from Ardito’s Virginia lawyer. It was part of an accounting that Boren had demanded on behalf of his client from Ardito, the former co-trustee of her mother’s trust who also had power of attorney for her elderly mother. Gibney removed her from those roles in June -- after deciding that neither of Eifrig’s daughters should have control over her person and money. Eifrig’s affairs are now being managed by a court-appointed guardian, lawyer Paula M. Cuculo. Over the past few months, Boren has submitted evidence to Gibney showing that Ardito had taken more than $300,000 of her mother’s money -- a large chunk of her life savings -- from her mother’s trust and deposited it in accounts in her own name, without ever disclosing to Boren or Cuculo that the money existed. In September, Ardito returned $251,183.27 of the money and at that point agreed to repay another $5,000 more, which hasn’t been forthcoming. In court today, Boren said that Ardito actually owes $16,000 more to her mother -- not merely $5,000. Copies of canceled checks he received on Monday show that on three separate dates, Ardito used her mother’s money -- in violation of Gibney’s orders -- to pay Virginia lawyer James Philip Head in her battle to wrest of her mother away from Cuculo and earlier, her older sister. Head sued Eifrig and Cuculo as part of Ardito’s effort to regain control over her mother and her money but the lawsuit was dropped recently as part of an attempt to settle the ongoing litigation between Eifrig and her Virginia daughter. Cuculo said in court today that Eifrig is very much “mentally aware” of what has been going on and is disgusted. Cuculo said that Eifrig has told her she wants to amend her will again to make Ardito a lesser beneficiary. Cuculo said the new will is to be drafted within the next week and that the bulk of Eifrig’s estate will now go to her older daughter, Suzette Gebhard, of Warren. Gebhard, former president of the Rhode island League of Women Voters and a one-time democratic congressional candidate here, was charged with obstruction of justice (and later acquitted) after she moved her mother to Rhode Island from Virginia in 2006 and secreted her in her house, refusing to let anyone visit. The police had to break down Gebhard’s door to gain access to the retired schoolteacher. After a brief hospitalization, Eifrig was moved to Capitol Ridge, on Smith Street, where she currently resides. She has testified that she wishes to remain there. Currently, Ardito is barred by the court from visiting her. Gebhard goes to visit her mother two or three times a week. Today, Cuculo asked Gibney to allow Gebhard to take her mother out for excursions in the community -- which the court has prohibited since Eifrig’s removal from Gebhard’s home. The judge said she would mull that over but before she made a decision, she wanted to have an off-the-record meeting with Gebhard. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:37 PM | Comment MySpace page shows Michael Groff's love of life and carMichael Groff’s MySpace page, which was set to "private" yesterday, has one photo album with pictures graphically documenting his double-lung transplant, performed to reverse damage caused by cystic fibrosis. “Just after 4 months ago,” the West Warwick native with the screen name "newlungs" writes of the surgery, “I literally came back to life.” There are pictures of his fiancee; tombstones with the caption "Not ready yet," and musings on how precious life is. And there is another photo album with a dozen pictures of his new car: a 2008 black Nissan Altima 3.5 SE – six speed with Lexani Fire Wheels. Groff, himself, is in only two of those pictures. The rest are of the car; inside and outside. From the front and from the back. Polished enough to reflect a wooded background in the door panes. The police also had reports that one of the cars may have rammed the other. Both cars flew off the road and up an embankment near the exit for Interstate 295. Both cars crashed, bursting into flames and were flattened. The Bristol County District Attorney today identified the victims as Michael Groff, 29, of West Warwick, and Melissa Gauthier, 32, of Cumberland. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:13 PM | Comment N. Kingstown: Main St. pipe replacement under wayNORTH KINGSTOWN -- Construction workers today used a back hoe and a saw to dig a hole in Main Street, part of a two-month project to replace old water pipes with new ones. The A. DiFazio Construction company in Cranston started the $600,000 job yesterday. Workers will replace 60-year-old steel water pipes with less corrosive ones and upgrade the drainage system. The work is part of a $2 million project to make over Main Street, which boasts the oldest water lines in town, Public Works Director Phil Bergeron said. “There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said. Once the water lines are in, crews must rebuild the old road and repair or replace broken and uneven sidewalks. “Hopefully, that work will start in the spring,” he said. National Grid last month replaced old gas lines on the street, Bergeron said. Main Street stretches only about 1,560 feet from the intersection of Brown Street to the town wharf. But it’s a busy part of Wickford’s retail center.
Some shop owners lost sales when construction crews tore up Brown Street during the busy Christmas season several years ago. Already, the town has erected signs notifying residents and visitors of a weekday parking ban on Main Street, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. But the shops won’t close and there is parking elsewhere in the village, Bergeron said. “There’s never a good time to do this kind of work,” said Bergeron, but only a handful of stores are located at the entry to Main Street. Work crews will tackle that area first, he added. “I’ve been in touch with the shopkeepers and merchants,” Bergeron said. “Our goal is to open up the parking as soon as we can, clear out of the area on Fridays and not look like a construction zone.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:00 PM | Comment Drop outs put 5 R.I. high schools on a dubious listFive Rhode Island high schools were labeled "dropout factories" by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. In a national analysis of 13,748 high schools across the country, the researchers found that about 1,700 of them retain 60 percent or less of their students to senior. Schools that fell below the 60 percent mark were called "dropout factories" by Johns Hopkins. Just 45 percent of freshmen at Central High School in Providence made it to their senior year, based on data collected from 2004, 2005 and 2006, according to the analysis conducted for the Associated Press. At Mt. Pleasant High School in Providence, 58 percent of freshmen made it to senior year, as did 54 percent at William E. Tolman Senior High School in Pawtucket, 54 percent at Johnston Senior High School and 60 percent at West Warwick Senior High School, according to the analysis, which averages enrollment data from the three years. High schools with fewer than 100 students or that did not exist before 2001 were not included in the analysis. The researchers counted transfer students and students who were held back as dropouts, a factor some education officials say presents an inaccurate picture of how many students successfully complete high school. However, researchers Robert Balfanz and T. Chris West defend their methodology, saying that most missing students had dropped out and that students who transferred into a high school in their sophomore, junior or senior year were counted, helping to offset students who left. They also adjusted their findings for any big one-year dips that might be caused by the closure of a local business or plant, West said. Recognizing the term “dropout factories” is controversial, the researchers said the term was used “to describe a harsh and unfair situation, under-resourced and over-challenged high schools which educate primarily low income and minority students and year after year are unable to graduate the majority or near majority of students.” Rather than criticize dedicated teachers in urban schools, the researchers said they hoped their findings would “shine a spotlight on a silent epidemic,’ and force more resources to flow to such schools. Posted by Peter Phipps at 1:48 PM | Comment Group offers advice for helping people out of povertyMore than a quarter of Providence residents live below the federal poverty line, but working with private institutions may provide a way out, according to a group charged with studying poverty in the city. The Poverty Work and Opportunity Task Force, created by Mayor David N. Cicilline, suggested today that city officials could work with banks and other companies to help those residents raise their standards of living. Results of the group’s report, Pathways to Opportunity, were presented this morning to Cicilline at Casey Family Services. Specifically, the group recommended working with banks to provide lower fees and more services to people living below the poverty level – currently $20,650 for a family of four. The group also recommended more oversight of payday lenders, businesses which, nationwide, have been criticized for high interest rates and predatory practices. The group also had broad advice that touched on a number of other areas – like education -- where it thought reform could help provide economic improvements for families. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:16 PM | Comment Alert: R.I. drivers killed in Rte. 95 crash are identifiedThe drivers killed in yesterday's high-speed, two-car crash on Route 95 in Attleboro, Mass., were identified today as Michael L. Groff, 29, of West Warwick, and Melissa Gauthier, 32, of Cumberland, according to a state police report. Groff was driving a black 2008 Nissan Altima and Gauthier was driving a 1998 Honda sedan. The crash happened near exit 4 on Route 95 north. Reports suggested the drivers may have been racing when their cars collided at extreme speeds on northbound Route 295, going off the road and up an embankment. The cars crashed, exploding in flames. Both vehicles had Rhode Island license plates. An Attleboro police detective said last night there was a possibility the pair knew one another and may have been involved in a road-rage style chase. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:22 PM | Comment Program to reduce risky teen driving gets $2M grantWith a $2-million federal grant in hand, Rhode Island Hospital announced today it will continue a program that tries to discourage Rhode Island teen-agers from driving dangerously. Police, judges, juvenile hearing boards, probation officers, and magistrates can refer Rhode Islanders who are 16 to 20 years old to the Reducing Youthful Dangerous Driving program if they have been charged with and/or convicted of a driving or traffic violation. The three-week program focuses on "motivational intervention through group-counseling sessions, presentations, discussions and volunteer experiences in either the hospital setting or in the community," a hospital news release states. The program tries to get young drivers to "evaluate their behavior and perception of risk in relation to alcohol, substance abuse, and driving, so they will want to make behavioral changes on their own," the release states. When they finish the program, drivers' progress is monitored for at least a year. The program began in 2001. “The problem in Rhode Island is clear -- teens frequently engage in dangerous and risky driving, including driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs,” Ted Nirenberg, a Brown University professor and director of the hospital's program, said in the statement. “However, our program has shown excellent promise in helping local teens identify their risky actions and make subsequent changes in their driving behavior.” The $2-million grant from the National Institutes of Health is going to researchers at Rhode Island Hospital’s Injury Prevention Center. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:18 PM | Comment Mass State Police may ID victims through vehiclesMassachusetts State Police said this morning they are interviewing witnesses and working with Rhode Island police to try to confirm the identities of two people killed in an explosive crash yesterday. The Massachusetts medical examiner has not made a positive identification of the victims – one man and one woman – who were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, on Route 95 north near exit 5. Massachusetts Trooper Eric Benson says there’s no time frame. “It could take a couple days, really,” so authorities are working on other ways to identify the two. When asked if they had determined who owned the vehicles – both of which were registered in Rhode Island – Benson said “that wont be released until the victims are identified.” And until the two are identified, Benson said yesterday, the events leading up to the crash will remain a mystery. Late yesterday morning, two cars that had been traveling at "extremely high speeds" collided, going off the road and up an embankment, and then exploding in flames. Detective Timothy Cook Sr., one of the first officers on the scene, said some of the witness accounts he’s heard have lead him to believe the incident may have been between people who knew each other: “road rage,” rather than racing as was initially suggested. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:53 AM | Comment Last month was second-warmest October on record
The National Weather Service has been keeping track of temperatures in Rhode Island since 1904. And only once in the 103 years that have passed, has there been an October with a warmer average temperature than the month that just passed. And for all the discussion of dry weather, this was only the 22nd driest since record-keeping began with less than 2 inches of precipitation across the state. The month got off to a record-breaking start on Oct. 3, with a 29-year high minimum temperature of 64 degrees. Over the past 31 days, the temperature has averaged 59.6 degrees – that’s more than 6 degrees higher than October average has been each year since 1904 with the exception of 1947. That temperature is not immediately available because of a change in which daily temperature numbers are used to compute averages. It all comes to a chilly end today, with a cold front moving in by early evening, maybe reaching freezing temperatures in some areas of the region. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:25 AM | Comment State looking for its greenest hotelsPROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Environmental Management and organizations that promote the hospitality industry are unveiling a survey this morning that attempts to identify the state’s most environmentally responsible hotels. The survey is part of a campaign to convince hoteliers to voluntarily go “green” to help the city attract tourists and conventioneers concerned about the environmental toll of their business and personal travel. The initiative, organized in part by the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association, will be announced this morning at the annual meeting of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. The meeting is being held at the IMAX Theatre at the Providence Place mall. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:21 AM | Comment Victims, cause of Route 95 fatal remain unknownThe Massachusetts state police say they don’t know when the victims in yesterday’s fatal car crash will be identified. And until the Massachusetts medical examiner identifies the two victims, said State Trooper Eric Benson, the events leading up to the crash will remain a mystery. “Is this road rage? Is this racing? We don’t know,” he said. “There are only two people who can tell us that and they’re both dead.” Two cars that had been traveling at "extremely high speeds" collided, going off the road and up an embankment, exploding in flames yesterday at 11 a.m. The victims have only been described as a man and a woman. Both cars had Rhode Island license plates. Detective Timothy Cook Sr., one of the first officers on the scene, said some of the witness accounts he’s heard have lead him to believe the incident may have been between people who knew each other -- “road rage,” rather than racing. -- with archived reports from Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:38 AM | Comment CVS Caremark 3rd-quarter profit more than doublesWOONSOCKET -- CVS Caremark Corp., the nation's largest pharmacy chain, said today its third-quarter profit more than doubled due to same-store sales gains and the use of more generic drugs. For the quarter ended Sept. 29, net income after preferred dividends jumped to $686.1 million, or 45 cents per share, from $280.7 million, or 33 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 44 cents per share for the quarter. CVS said costs associated with its acquisition of Caremark in March hurt earnings by 1 cent per share in the quarter. The company said its gross margins significantly improved from using generic drugs and implementing "margin-enhancing strategies" in the front of its stores. Revenue rose 83 percent to $20.50 billion from $11.21 billion in the third quarter of 2006. Analysts predicted revenue of $20.56 million. Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, grew 4.3 percent in the company's pharmacy division and 6.5 percent in the front-end segment. Same-store sales is a key indicator of retailer performance since it measures growth at existing locations rather than newly-opened ones. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 8:10 AM | Comment Tropical storm likely to kick up wind, seas SaturdayMIAMI -- Tropical Storm Noel is going to mean more rain and wind for South Florida today. Southern New England could feel some impact from the storm starting Saturday with high seas and gales across outer coastal waters, according to the weather service. The Atlantic storm season's 14th named storm is blamed in more than 80 deaths in its march through the Caribbean, most of them on the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Noel is heading toward the northwestern Bahamas this morning with top winds of nearly 60 miles an hour. It's expected to turn northeast away from Florida, although the southeast coast is being buffeted by strong winds and high surf. A tropical storm watch remains in effect, and forecasters say an already soggy South Florida could get another two inches of rain. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:39 AM | Comment The upgraded Dunk will open doors to mediaPROVIDENCE -- The Dunkin' Donuts Center will open its doors today to give members of the news media a sneak peak of the upgrades. The half-hour tours will begin at 2 p.m. The general public, meanwhile, will have to wait until Nov. 14 to check out the arena, when the building officially reopens after six months of upgrades. There are 12 events are scheduled for November, including Providence College basketball games and a performance by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The first event is a Providence Bruins hockey game. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:29 AM | Comment Photo: Sunrise in Richmond
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:20 AM | Comment Groundbreaking on new immigration officeA groundbreaking is scheduled today for a new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Johnston. It's scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at 1543 Atwood Dr., Johnston.
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Cloudy and 66 degreesIt's pretty humid now, at 85 percent but it should go down to 60 percent as the day goes on. The National Weather Service is forecasting cloudy skies and a high temperature of 66 degrees. The temperature should drop to 38 degrees overnight when the clouds should give way to clear skies. Tomorrow is looking sunny with a high of 52 degrees. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story about a crash that killed two people on Route 95 in Attleboro. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006