Archive - News Article

Stern issues order for 24-hour shifts to end

February 8, 2013

NORTH KINGSTOWN— On Monday, Superior Court Judge Brian Stern upheld a December decision in favor of the North Kingstown Firefighters Association (NKFFA) Local 1651, who have been at odds with the town council regarding a new collective bargaining agreement, ordering the town to end its imposition of 24-hour shifts for the firefighters.

Native Amercian newborn swaddled in heritage

February 1, 2013

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – A baby girl, born at South County Hospital Monday night, was taken home on a traditional Native American cradleboard Wednesday.
The girl, Nizhoni Jean Spears, born to Endawnis and Cassius Spears, Jr., of Ashaway, was swaddled and laced into the cradleboard, or “awéé t’saal” in Navajo, a tradition stemming from her Navajo and Narragansett heritage.
Each aspect of the cedar cradleboard, the same one that was used for the baby’s mother, is symbolic.
Edawnis’ mother, Gloria Moore, of Oklahoma, explained the significance.

Greek organization gets extension for cultural center at URI

February 1, 2013

KINGSTON – The University of Rhode Island recently granted a one-time extension to the Hellenic Society Paideia to submit a proposal detailing the organization’s plans to complete a proposed cultural center and outdoor amphitheater at the university.

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.”