Archive - Jan 2013 - News Article

South County Hospital remains only independent facility

January 18, 2013

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – South County Hospital is now the only independent hospital in Rhode Island, given the recent purchase of the Westerly Hospital by Lawrence and Memorial and assuming that Landmark Hospital in Woonsocket is purchased by its latest bidder, Prime Health.
In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, Lou Giancola, president and CEO of South County Hospital, would like to make sure the hospital remains independent.

Beach cleanup and restoration plan taking shape

January 18, 2013

CHARLESTOWN—Cleanup and restoration of the Charlestown Town Beach is set to begin as early as next month, and town officials plan to have it ready for the crowds when beach season arrives.
“There’s a lot of people who want to know, what’s the plan, what are we doing…to ensure that our beaches are back in place,” said Councilor Daniel Slattery at Monday night’s town council meeting.

Charter school funding a hot topic

January 18, 2013

CHARLESTOWN—The town council voted Monday night to postpone discussion of the school district’s proposal to end public funding of poorly rated charter schools.
The initiative, introduced by Chariho Superintendent Barry Ricci last month, would require parents to pay for their children to attend a charter school if that school is not rated higher than Chariho public schools.

Salt Pond, center of the ancient Narragansett world

January 18, 2013

NARRAGANSETT—For over 20 years, Public Archaeologist Joseph “Jay” Waller, Jr. has been digging through the dirt and marshlands of New England, piecing together the lives and activities of Native Americans before Europeans stepped onto North American soil.

Comment period on Deepwater Wind project extended to Feb. 4

January 17, 2013

NEW SHOREHAM—With the public comment period on Deepwater Wind’s Block Island wind turbine project open, respondents to the Coastal Resources Management Council have criticized the environmental engineering firm’s request for a $700,000 waiver on their application fee. The comment period has recently been extended to Monday, Feb. 4.

Alumni donate $2.5 million to URI

January 16, 2013

WESTERLY - When Anita Horrigan looks back on her experiences with neighbors David and John Parker, she remembers deep and thoughtful conversations about so many topics, from her children’s education to planting a successful vegetable garden. Reflecting on the $2.5 million that the two former alumni to the University of Rhode Island’s College of Engineering, she can only describe such generosity as typical of their character.

SK Town Council approves Casey's liquor license transfer

January 16, 2013

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The South Kingstown Town Council unanimously approved a liquor license transfer Monday night from the former owner of Casey’s Restaurant to the owners of Rare Steak and Fish, a new restaurant scheduled to open in April in the former Casey’s location.

“We look to open this wonderful with restaurant to bring people together,” said James Laplume, co-owner of Rare. “It’s not just a place to grab a drink, it’s a family restaurant where you can get a great meal for a great price.”

Rec board discusses beach, role in town

January 16, 2013

NARRAGANSETT - The Recreation Advisory Board met on Monday evening, discussing a number of topics including the ongoing repairs at Narragansett Town Beach in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Wright stressed the town is doing everything it can to have the beach and its facilities operational in time for the beach season.

Shellfishing management plan proceeding

January 7, 2013

NARRAGANSETT - In partnership with the Rhode Island Department of of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Institute, Rhode Island Sea Grant aims to develop a management plan for shellfishing in Rhode Island. The environmental research group will hold a kick-off meeting on Jan. 7 at URI’s Bay Campus in Narragansett, pulling together community stakeholders, including members of the shellfishing industry and scientists.

Ticket price increase expected for BI Ferry

January 3, 2013

BLOCK ISLAND – Passenger ticket prices on the Block Island Ferry could increase beginning this Memorial Day.

Interstate Navigation, the company that operates the Block Island Ferry recently filed a request with state regulators to raise passenger ticket prices by about 8 percent in the coming year on traditional “slow” ferries to account for rising fuel costs and upgrades to its fleet.

The New London, Conn.-based company would also eliminate a same-day travel discount and a discount for Block Island residents, but it plans to offer significantly lower rates to transport vehicles.