Archive - Jul 2012

Langevin, RICAPE reps talk agriculture at Farmer's Daughter

July 20, 2012

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) joined representatives of the Rhode Island Center for Agriculture Promotion and Education and other industry leaders Monday at The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown to discuss the impact of recently awarded federal funding and industry priorities.

At the local garden center, the group discussed the economic opportunity that exists in agriculture and the $85,000 grant the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded to RICAPE to help promote Rhode Island’s farms to in and out of state visitors.

Rural business grant to benefit local farms

July 20, 2012

By TRACEY O’NEILL
Special to the Standard

SOUTH KINGSTOWN– Congressman James Langevin, (D - RI), and local agriculture leaders converged this week to discuss receipt of an $85,000 grant by the Rhode Island Center for Agriculture Promotion and Education, (RICAPE), garnered to provide much needed funding for agri-tourism.

Petition drive suspended after private buyer acquires YMCA land

July 19, 2012

A story in this week's Chariho Times detailed a petition drive organized by a group of Charlestown residents to encourage the town to buy a 27.7-acre piece of property on the eastern shores of Watchaug Pond formerly owned by the Ocean Community YMCA. After press time on Wednesday, the petition drive was suspended when the land was sold to a private buyer.

The petitioners aim to appropriate up to $600,000 from the town's undesignated surplus for the purchase.

Preview this week's Standard-Times today!

July 19, 2012

Have you ever walked by a car on a hot summer day and seen an animal inside looking less than comfortable?
If so, you're not alone. In fact, what seems like a simple idea (Don't leave animals in hot cars) is one that has caused a lot of debate recently.
In this week's Standard-Times, we show you the dangers of such behavior and bring you tips on how to keep your animals cool all summer long.

Shredding it up at Old Mountain Field Skate Park

July 18, 2012

SOUTH KINGSTOWN—As the summer sun beats down mightily upon the earth, many local residents head immediately to the beach or pool, looking for a way to cool down. Old Mountain Field in South Kingstown looks abandoned upon first approach, but exploring a bit further, one sees and hears a group of kids having serious fun. They are the skateboarders at Old Mount Field’s Skate Park.

Wright named permanent Parks and Recreation Director

July 18, 2012

NARRAGANSETT—On Monday evening, Interim Parks and Recreation Director Steven Wright was approved by the Town Council to take up the position permanently. He had been filling in since February 2011, at which time he was serving as Beach Superintendent.

“I never really looked for [the position], but the opportunity is there,” said Wright. “I love what I do and the community is a fit.”

RIDE releases school performance rankings

July 18, 2012

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Education released its school performance rankings Friday, using a new measurement system to determine how well schools are serving students.

Of South Kingstown’s schools, one school received a rating of “commended,” another received a rating of “leading,” and four received a rating of “typical,” based on the new classifications.

Rhode Islanders will see changes in health care after signing of ACA

July 18, 2012

SOUTH KINGSTOWN—With the U.S. Supreme Court upholding last week President Obama’s signing of the Affordable Health Care Act into law, Rhode Islanders can expect to see a number of changes in the upcoming years, among those which have already been implemented, in the manner by which citizens receive health care services. The law offers better coverage options to portions of the population, including youth, and aims to curtail health insurance companies from discriminating financially against clients.