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March 28, 2008

Tonight and tomorrow: Blithe spirits take center stage

Blithe Spirit begins its run at Trinity Rep in Providence tonight at 8.

Noel Coward's classic comedic play tells the story of writer Charles Condomine, who during a séance unwittingly conjures the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, much to the annoyance of his new wife, Ruth.

There will also be showings at 8 p.m. tomorrow and at 7 p.m. Sunday. The production runs through April 27.

Read the Journal's preview of the show.

Tomorrow, Providence's St. Patrick’s Day Parade, postponed from its original date because of rain, will be held at noon, 12 days after the actual date of St. Patrick’s Day.

The parade will step off at Elmhurst Avenue and Smith Street and head to the State House, where there will be a reviewing stand.

For more of what's happening this weekend, visit projo.com's Lifebeat and calendar pages.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment

Firefighters on scene of garage fire in Providence

PROVIDENCE -- Firefighters are on scene at a garage fire in the area of 154 Waldo St., according to fire dispatch.

The fire broke out at about 6:15 p.m. The garage is attached to a building and next to a house.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:58 PM | Comment

'Super Saturday' aims to spread tax-rebate advice

Tomorrow, there will be eight places throughout Rhode Island for people to get help filing the Form 1040A -- for people filing solely to receive their new tax-rebate stimulus payments.

A list of IRS offices and partner sites providing assistance on what is being called "Super Saturday" is at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS Hot Line, (800) 906-9887.

If taxpayers have questions about the rebate program, they can call (866) 234-2942 on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more tax help online, visit projo.com's Tax Time page, which includes MoneyLine columns, helpful links and more.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment

Update: Angelo's wins national business award / Photo

Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, left, and Governor Carcieri, rear, were among those attending the event today honoring the restaurant and its owner, Robert Antignano, center.

PROVIDENCE -- Federal Hill restaurant Angelo’s Civita Farnese has been named the national family-owned business of the year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The National Jeffrey H. Butland Family-owned Business of the Year award honors a family-owned and operated business which has passed on from one generation to another, according to the SBA.

Angelo Mastrodicasa first opened his restaurant on Atwells Avenue in 1924. The restaurant is now owned and operated by Robert Antignano, a third-generation family member.

“Robert Antignano epitomizes the hard work, the risk taking, and the creativity that are the characteristics of successful American entrepreneurs,” said Steve Preston, SBA administrator. “These are the qualities that make Bob the national Jeffrey H. Butland Family-owned Business of the Year. His company embodies the best of entrepreneurship and the American dream.”

Governor Carcieri, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline were scheduled to join Antignano and S.B.A. officials at the restaurant today for a formal announcement of the award.

Antignano will be honored during the national Small Business Week celebration in Washington, D.C. on April 23, according to the SBA. Angelo’s first won the Rhode Island and also New England regional awards before being considered for national recognition.

Posted by Jack Perry at 6:27 PM | Comment

Update: Driver critically burned in Rte. 91 tanker crash

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- A truck driver was critically burned after his fuel tanker rolled over and exploded in a fiery wreck that shut down Interstate 91 in Chicopee today.

The driver was initially trapped in the cab after the 9:30 a.m. crash. Witnesses told The Republican of Springfield that more than a dozen drivers pulled over to try to free the man, some carrying blankets and jackets to smother the flames.

"They were trying to get him out of the cab, but everybody who tried would be stopped by the flames," said Gregory Coleman of Westfield. "There were just a bunch of people running towards the fire. It was crazy."

Coleman's sister, Rebecca Colemen of Chicopee, said the tanker then exploded.

"The explosion just rocked the whole bridge," she said. "The car bounced."

The driver, identified by state police as Aaron J. Staelens, 43, of Richmond, N.H., was eventually rescued and taken to an area hospital. The Republican reported he suffered third-degree burns over much of his body

State police said the accident happened after Victor Aponte, 35, of Holyoke got onto the highway, lost control of his car and careened across the road, hitting another car. Aponte's car then hit the tanker, which veered off the road, striking a guardrail and sign post.

The trailer separated from the tanker, rolled over the guardrail and down an embankment as the cab and trailer burst into flames, police said.

Meanwhile, Aponte's car was hit from behind by another car. Aponte's passenger Louisa Fonseca, 43, of Holyoke, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The driver works for Abenaqui Carriers of North Hampton, N.H. The tanker was carrying 9,500 gallons of gasoline and 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, the company said in a statement.

The fire burned for more than 90 minutes after the crash, and smoke could be seen for miles.

Full story from the Associated Press

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:05 PM | Comment

Democrats criticize Carcieri's immigration order

State Democratic Party officals today sharply criticized Governor Carcieri for signing an executive order on illegal immigration that they charge "essentially mandates racial profiling."

Tim Grilo, the state party's executive director, said in a news release this afternoon that rather than host a meeting and invite minority community leaders to the table, the governor "chose the low road and took another cheap political shot."

State Rep. Grace Diaz, D-Providence, said in the statement that the governor's "spiteful tone not only encourages racial profiling bit it encourages outright discrimination against legal citizens of the state."

Yesterday, Carcieri, a Republican, signed the order and held a news conference at which he saidthe order will enable "a vast array of state organizations" to address illegal immigration.

“This is not about taking a hard line against immigrants,” Carcieri said yesterday. “It’s about making sure that those who come here can realize their goals of economic security and a better quality of life.”

Referring to his own immigrant roots, Carcieri said he supports people who follow legal channels to get the American dream.

“The motive is to get control of an issue that has to be dealt with,” Carcieri said. “If you’re here illegally, you shouldn’t be here.”

-- projo.com staff Michael P. McKinney, with Journal reports

Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:12 PM | Comment

Update: Guilty verdict ends game for con man Kluth

PROVIDENCE -- John P. Kluth Jr., a former Newport lobsterman who told a tale about a broken-down lobster truck again and again to con cash out of people, was found guilty today on 30 out of 31 charges of obtaining money under false pretenses.

Reacting to the verdict, Providence police Lt. Daniel Gannon, the case's lead investigator, said, "He was a confidence man. He was on top of his game. But his game is at an end now."

The one count upon which Kluth was acquitted -- a complaint by noted Cranston philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein.

One victim of Kluth's con came into the courtroom just to hear the verdict.

That was Eugene McMahon, state jury commissioner, whose testimony the jury asked to have read back to them earlier today. After the verdict, McMahon congratulated the prosecution team and said, "good job."

The jury reached its verdict after about 9 hours, across two days, in Providence County Superior Court. The charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the amount of money and the age of the victim.

"The victims, the people whose generosity Kluth selfishly and calculatedly targeted and leveraged for his own gain and many of whom are elderly, deserve our thanks for taking the time to file criminal complaints and testify against him convincingly at trial," Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch said in a statement.

Kluth's next appearance in court has not been set, the state Attorney General's office said.

Kluth also is wanted for alleged scams in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Extra: Listen to Kluth explain his actions to Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson and Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:43 PM | Comment

Alert: Jury finds Kluth guilty on 30 of 31 counts

PROVIDENCE -- The jury has returned a verdict against con man John Kluth Jr. in the second day of its deliberations.

The jury took about 8 hours total to find Kluth guilty of 30 out of 31 charges of obtaining money under false pretenses.

The charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the amount of money and the age of the victim.

The one count upon which he was acquitted -- a complaint by noted local philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein.

One victim of Kluth's con -- who told targets his lobster truck had broken down and that he needed to get it fixed -- came into the courtroom just to hear the verdict.

That was Eugene McMahon, state jury commissioner, whose testimony the jury asked to have read back to them earlier today.

Dates have not yet been set for Kluth's next appearance in court, according to a statement sent from the Rhode Island Attorney General's office.

Kluth also is wanted for alleged scams in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Extra: Listen to Kluth explain his actions to Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:38 PM | Comment

3-story house in Providence on fire; occupants out

PROVIDENCE -- Fire and rescue crews are on the scene of a fire in a three-story wood-framed house.

The two-alarm fire, at 65 Atlantic Ave., is on the second floor of the house, which was occupied at 12:46 p.m., when the call came in.

All occupants have since been evacuated, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Fire Department.

A dry hydrant off nearby Broad Street has led firefighters to extend their hoses to another water source, Taylor said.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:05 PM | Comment

Kluth jury wants jury commissioner's testimony read back

PROVIDENCE -- The jury deliberating the case against accused lobster truck con man John Kluth Jr. asked to have testimony read back to them today.

The jury, in its second day of deliberating, came out at about 12:10 p.m to have read to them testimony from Rhode Island state jury commissioner Eugene McMahon, one of the 31 complainants who the state alleges Kluth attempted to get money from by telling them he needed money to fix a broken-down truck.

McMahon testified to giving Kluth $100. When he and Kluth had talked, McMahon initially spurned Kluth, who purported to be a neighbor of McMahon's, according to testimony. McMahon changed his mind and gave him the money.

McMahon testified he was not paid back but did not report it because he was embarrassed and wanted to keep it to himself. Then he saw a newspaper article and decided to come forward to the police. He gave a statement to the police on Sept. 6 last year.

Kluth, 48, did not take the stand during his two-week trial in Providence County Superior Court, but the prosecution called 31 witnesses who said they had been duped by Kluth into giving him money -- between $25 and $5,200.

Extra: Hear Kluth tell Journal staff writer Gregory Smith what he did.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:01 PM | Comment

Photo: Branching out

Journal photo / Bob Thayer
It's chilly and damp today. But these emerging tree buds -- reflected in a small pond off Route 2 and Warwick -- prove nature knows it's spring.

See what kind of weather the weekend holds in store, get yourself ready for some outdoor gardening, or share some tips with our posters on projo.com's Garden Blog.

Not ready to venture out yet? Upload your own photos showing signs of spring and see what others have found.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:46 PM | Comment

23 Aquidneck properties up for auction -- by reserve

MIDDLETOWN -- If, despite the current real estate climate, you are in the market for nearly two-dozen properties on Aquidneck Island, you’re in luck.

A Virginia-based realty company is auctioning 23 Newport County properties tomorrow morning.

The auction is not selling foreclosed or distressed properties and is not an absolute auction, selling properties to the highest bidder on the spot.

Instead, it's a reserve auction, allowing sellers to establish a confidential minimum bid. If that minimum is met or exceeded, the sale goes through. If not, the seller has 48 hours to accept, reject or renegotiate.

“This is the first time there’s been an auction like this in Newport County,” said Cameron J. Wolfe, a business consultant who worked with the Counts Group to organize the auction. “It’s a growing trend in the real-estate industry.”

Two local real estate agencies have agreed to participate in Counts Realty & Auction Group’s Auction, set for 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown.

Properties include:

- A contemporary Colonial house at 72 Harrison Ave., in Newport, just one block from the harbor, listed for $1.25 million.

- An historic house at 204 Spring St., Newport, listed at $995,000.

- Eight building lots in the Indian Hill subdivision in Portsmouth

-- From a Journal staff report

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:25 PM | Comment

Serve your community penance outside

Spring is coming; if you've been sentenced by the courts to do community service, wouldn't it be nice to do it outside?

You may be in luck.

Providence Crime Watch and the District 6 Community Police are looking for people who have to do community service to work on some upcoming projects and programs around the neighborhood.

There’s a litter clean-up scheduled for late April, graffiti clean-up, and other neighborhood projects.

For more information, call Michael Correia, president of Providence Crime Watch, at 369-0247.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:05 PM | Comment

Foxwoods appeals NLRB decision on union vote

Foxwoods Resort Casino this week appealed a judge's ruling recommending approval of a unionization vote by the gambling venue's dealers.

Dealers at the Connecticut casino voted 1,289 to 852 in November in favor of union representation by the United Auto Workers. Earlier this month, an administrative law judge rejected several objections to that vote filed by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which owns Foxwoods.

Among other things, the tribe claimed that union "agents" harassed and intimidated anti-union dealers, improperly spoke to dealers on the day before the vote and provided voting notices and ballots only in English or traditional Chinese.

In a 33-page legal brief filed Tuesday with the National Labor Relations Board's Washington headquarters, the tribe's attorneys argue that "keeping a list of employees who have voted . . . has been found to interfere with an election and is grounds for setting aside the election when it can be shown or inferred from the circumstances that the employees knew that their names were being recorded."

In its latest appeal the tribe also raises the issue of whether the NLRB has jurisdiction over a sovereign tribal nation.

"It is no small understatement to note that the board's decision to, in certain cases, assert jurisdiction over some Native American enterprises, has not been well-received by Native American Tribes."

This week's appeal is another milestone in what appears will be a long tussle over the union issue. A ruling by the NLRB in Washington upholding the decision of Administrative Law Judge Raymond Green would force Foxwoods into collective bargaining with the UAW and the dealers.

If Foxwoods fails to bargain, that move could trigger another round of hearings with the NLRB, before possibly ending up in federal court.

In a related development, the tribe on Monday expects to appeal a unionization vote taken by a second group of Foxwoods employees, according to Bruce MacDonald, a Foxwoods' spokesman.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:45 AM | Comment

Tanker truck crash shuts down Route 91 in Mass.

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- A fiery tanker truck crash and explosion has shut down Interstate 91 in Chicopee.

The Massachusetts State Police said the crash occurred just after 9:30 this morning as the truck carrying diesel fuel was traveling north on Route 91.

Peter Judge, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, said the fire engulfed three cars, but he had no immediate word on injuries to anyone in those vehicles.

The driver worked for Abenaqui Carriers of North Hampton, N.H. A driver for the same company rolled over a fuel tanker in Everett in December, sparking a fire that severely damaged several homes and destroyed dozens of cars.

A spokesman for Abenaqui said the driver was hurt Friday and taken to an area hospital. He did not know the driver’s condition, and did not have further details.

Diesel fuel spilled on the highway, but Judge said the accident occurred on an area of the highway that is relatively isolated and that he did not expect homes or businesses to be affected.

The fire was still burning more than 90 minutes after the crash, and smoke could be seen for miles.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:39 AM | Comment

Somerset official: Weaver's Cove Energy did not consult

SOMERSET, Mass. -- The chairman of the Board of Selectmen said this morning that yesterday's assertion by Weaver's Cove Energy that it has consulted with Somerset officials about its plan to build an offshore LNG berth in the Somerset waters of Mount Hope Bay "is a bold-faced lie."

An angry William P. Meehan said he first learned of the plan reading The Journal this morning and that Weaver's Cove "never ever spoke to any elected officials I can find."

Yesterday, Weaver's Cove spokesman James Grasso told The Journal that the company began briefing elected officials in Fall River and Somerset about the proposal last week.

Meehan said the misinformation is not surprising because, he alleged, the company has been dishonest throughout the approval process for the project which, until now, has called for bringing LNG tankers up Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton River. Virtually no public official in the region has supported the proposal, for safety reasons.

He said a Weaver's Cove vice president tried to meet with him this morning. "I told him, you're a day late and a dollar short. The foundation of this whole plan is a lie. It's not going anywhere. They have no chance in hell of getting our approval."

Grasso was quoted in today's Journal story as saying that the company began speaking with elected officials in Fall River and Somerset last week about this alternative. “They are, I believe, digesting the information we gave them, and don’t have really a response yet.”

“I’m in the process of making phone calls to several of the key stakeholders so everyone knows what’s going on."

-- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:55 AM | Comment

Accused con man's case still in jury's hands

The jury is still deliberating the case of a Newport man accused of scamming 31 people with a bogus tale of woe.

John Kluth Jr., 48, did not take the stand during his two-week trial, but the prosecution called 31 witnesses who said they had been duped by Kluth into giving him money -- between $25 and $5,200.

Initially, 38 people were lined up to testify, but one died, and others were not willing to go to court.

Kluth is alleged to have convinced people to give him money by telling them his lobster truck had broken down, and that he was desperate to get it fixed.

The jury, which went into deliberations yesterday, is supposed to consider each allegation separately.

Extra: Hear Kluth tell Journal staff writer Greg Smith what he did.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:38 AM | Comment

Newport police, feds charge 11 after drug investigation

Newport police and federal officials made nearly a dozen arrests last night after a four-month investigation into the sale of crack, cocaine and marijuana.

Newport police’s vice/narcotics unit worked with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency on the investigation, which focused on the lower Broadway area of the city.

Yesterday, 11 of 16 suspects were arrested and face drug delivery and conspiracy charges. Authorities are still looking for five additional suspects.

Click below to read the list of those arrested.

Maren D. Lema, 40 --Newport, - 2 counts- delivery crack cocaine.

David A. Traynum, 38 -- Newport, -- 3 counts- delivery crack cocaine.

John M. Denman, 46 -- Newport, -- 1 count- controlled substance conspiracy.

Terrence Moy, 39 -- Newport, -- 1 count -controlled substance conspiracy.

Joel Francis Robinson, 36 -- Newport, – 1 count of larceny, 1 count- delivery cocaine.

Anthony F. Holloway, 28 -- Newport, - 1 count- delivery cocaine.

Angela Dyl, 28 -- Newport, - 1 count- delivery crack cocaine.

Larry Douglas Mckinney -- Newport, - 1 count- crack cocaine

Stephen C. Evans, 39 -- Newport, - 1 count - delivery crack cocaine

Eric C. Massey, 37 -- Middletown, - 1 count - delivery crack cocaine

Christopher A. Widomski, 37 -- Newport, – 1 count - delivery crack cocaine

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:47 AM | Comment

St. Patrick's Day is back

Remember St. Patrick’s Day? Does it seem like a distant memory?

Well, it’s coming back to Providence, 12 days after the fact.

Tomorrow at noon, the Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade sets off on Smith Street at Elmhurst Avenue.

The event was postponed on March 8 because of a rainy forecast.

This year, grand marshal and former hockey star James Bennett will lead the parade down Smith Street to the State House reviewing stand.

It's the 15th year that Irish culture has been celebrated along Smith Street,” City Councilman Terrence M. Hassett said in a statement.

“Although this parade is a little late, good weather and plenty of entertainment will round out a great day of festivities.”

For more information, call Patrick Griffin, president of the Parade Committee, at 751-1553.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:30 AM | Comment

Smoke-shop trial to resume Monday

The trial of seven Narragansett Indians facing a variety of misdemeanor charges is off for the day.

The members of the tribe are accused of several infractions, from assault to resisting arrest following a July 2003 raid on a tribal tax-free smoke shop.

Tribal Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas told a jury yesterday that he repeatedly asked the state troopers who carried out the raid for a federal warrant, but did not see one.

The seven defendants face up to a year in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. No one has been charged with selling untaxed cigarettes.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday, and Superior Court Judge Susan McGuirl has previously set a deadline of April 4 for the end of the trial.

Extra: See photos and video of the 2003 raid, as well as The Journa's' continuing coverage of its aftermath.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:35 AM | Comment

Newport considers banning Segways

NEWPORT -- The Newport City Council is considering an ordinance to ban Segway personal transporters from city streets and sidewalks.

The two-wheeled, single-person battery-operated vehicles can go about 12 miles an hour. Riders stand and steer with a handlebar.

The city last year denied a request from a tour operator to run Segway tours around downtown Newport and to the city's famous oceanside mansions, saying they could be a traffic hazard. Segways are used in other tourist destinations around the country to give tours.

A spokesman for New Hampshire-based Segway told the council Wednesday night that cars, scooters, roller blades and bicycles can go on city streets and sidewalks, and Segways should be no different.

The council asked the city solicitor to review the proposal.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment

Rain today, snow also possible

There's even more rain on tap for today until mid-afternoon. And the National Weather Service is also warning about the possibility of a brief burst of snow during the morning commute. Eventually, we can expect a high temperature near 40 degrees with a calm west wind.

Tonight we may see more rain and maybe sleet before 9 p.m., then possible snow later. Clouds should part a little as the night goes on and the temperature drops to 29 degrees.

Tomorrow we'll see sun, with a high temperature near 40 degrees with north winds gusting as high as 31 mph.

Skies should remain clear tomorrow night, with a low temperature dropping to 20 degrees and north winds gusting as high as 30 mph, but later becoming calm.

More sun Sunday with a high temperature near 46 degrees and calm, north winds.

And Sunday night, we have another chance of snow showers late, with cloudy skies and a low temperature near 29 degrees.

And again, Monday, a chance of snow, then a wintry mix, in the morning, turning to rain later in the day. Expect clouds and a high temperature near 48.

To keep an eye on the changing forecasts throughout the weekend, visit projo.com's weather page.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's front page features coverage of the smoke-shop trial, Governor Carcieri's executive order to crack down on illegal immigration and the sixth part of an eight-part series on the Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport.

Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment