Local News

WEST WARWICK — Tucked inside an aluminum briefcase, a collection of medals and badges offer a glimpse into Ernie Roberts’ heroism during World War II; of his bravery in the Battle of the Bulge, and of the time he was injured by a blast from a German tank.  

COVENTRY — On June 18, in the back of a rescue truck as it sped toward Kent Hospital, Rhyder Yergeau-Barker took his first breaths.

COVENTRY — In the village of Arkwright, stretched across the Pawtuxet River, an abandoned bridge harks back to the days when area mills flourished and carriages were a common mode of transportation. 

WEST WARWICK — The football field was awash in Wizard pride Friday night, as West Warwick High School said farewell to 217 members of the class of 2021 during a commencement ceremony unlike any other.

WEST WARWICK — There’s no substitute for hard work, Meghan Janicki said during a recent interview. Even if something seems impossible, she said, as long you put in the effort, you’re bound to see results.

WEST WARWICK — After 27 years working in law enforcement for the Town of West Warwick, Col. Mark Knott will officially be wearing a new hat come the end of the month. 

WEST WARWICK — For Hannah Shindler, the last 15 months were a time of self reflection. It was during that time, as she mulled over her interests while studying remotely, that the plans for her future really took shape. 

COVENTRY — Some 1,300 pounds of plastic were collected during an event in Coventry this weekend, saving what would otherwise have wound up in the Central Landfill so that it can one day be used to make new products. 

WEST WARWICK — Juana Palacios was making her rounds one afternoon earlier this year, distributing mail on Alden Drive in West Warwick, when she noticed a resident in need of emergency medical attention. 

COVENTRY — On Dec. 7, 1941, a young Coventry resident was among more than 2,400 Americans killed in the attack that launched the United States into World War II. Nearly four years later, the same war claimed his brother’s life. 

WEST WARWICK — The Jaycee Corridor and Arboretum at Riverpoint Park has a fresh new look, thanks to Henri Messier, a member of Troop 11 Coventry. 

WEST WARWICK — After a year in which theaters worldwide were dark, the curtain will finally rise this weekend on a musical production unlike anything the West Warwick High School Players have done before. 

COVENTRY — Thanks to dozens of volunteers who pitched in during the town’s annual Earth Day event, the streets and parks of Coventry are a lot cleaner today than they were last week. 

COVENTRY — On the eastern side of Coventry, a small body of water has long been a favorite spot of swimmers, kayakers and anglers, alike. But with aquatic invasives threatening its future, a group of residents is on a mission to restore the lake they love by keeping the troublesome plants at bay. 

COVENTRY — As it continues its mission of preserving the past, the Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society, which runs the Paine House Museum, is looking with excitement to the future. 

COVENTRY — At the former site of a beloved local garden center, a new family-run business has planted roots.  

COVENTRY — Every year, a service held in Coventry pays homage to the heroism of four World War II chaplains who, 78 years ago last month, died rescuing servicemen and civilian workers as their ship sank in the frigid Atlantic. 

COVENTRY — Andrew Clarkin has grown up spending his summers at the Westwood YMCA. From learning to swim in the Quidnick Reservoir during his childhood, to becoming a swim instructor, himself, last summer, some of his fondest memories were made at Westwood. 

WEST WARWICK — The West Warwick Public Library was announced on Thursday by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as a finalist for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries.

WEST WARWICK — On a sliver of land bordered by Pulaski Street and the Pawtuxet River, a longtime symbol of Crompton’s roots as a mill village no longer stands. 

COVENTRY — If viewers take away anything from watching his virtual rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a moving performance featuring hundreds of musicians, Ryan Mancini hopes they see that there’s power in unity. 

COVENTRY — For residents of the nearly 700 houses that surround it, as well as many others who live beyond its shores, there’s no place like Johnson’s Pond.

COVENTRY — With the Town Council’s unanimous vote this week to authorize town staff to seek proposals for demolishing the Byron Read Building, a bit of Coventry’s history could soon be just a memory. 

COVENTRY — The Coventry High School Alumni Association recently unveiled the names of five alumni to be added to the growing list of Oakers whose photographs adorn the Coventry High School Hall of Fame.

COVENTRY — Beneath a stream of cold water, a couple dozen local firefighters and their family members welcomed the new year during a modified version of a beloved tradition. 

COVENTRY — During a holiday season unlike any other, Don Nester wanted to do something for his grown children that they would never forget.

WEST WARWICK — On Saturday, members of the West Warwick Elks met at the American Legion Post 2 to present $2,000 in grant funds to three local organizations focused on improving the lives of veterans.

COVENTRY — Dressed in their best Christmas sweaters, their cars decked out it festive lights and glittering garland, teachers from Coventry High School hit the streets Tuesday afternoon to deliver a bit of holiday cheer to the members of the class of 2021. 

WEST WARWICK — Every December, the Christmas Is organization strives to ensure the holidays are bright for hundreds of families. As a nonprofit, it relies on the unwavering generosity of others to be able to purchase thousands of toys for West Warwick's children in need. 

COVENTRY — Their senior year certainly isn’t playing out as they’d always imagined it would. But with the launch of its "Adopt a Senior" program, a group of parents is determined to ensure that when members of the class of 2021 leave Coventry High School in June, it’s with at least some fond…

WEST WARWICK — The roof of U.S. Army veteran Nick Cheshier’s home had seen better days. At more than two decades old, it was plagued by wind and sun damage and was in need of replacement. 

WEST WARWICK — Lt. Gov. Dan McKee stopped by Arctic Village last week to pay visits to some of the local small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Joined by Mark Knott, West Warwick's acting town manager, Rep. Tom Noret, of Dist. 25, and members of …

WEST WARWICK — At polling locations across West Warwick, local high schoolers sanitized surfaces, greeted residents and checked them in to vote. Some of the students weren't even old enough to vote, themselves, yet they played an invaluable role Tuesday in ensuring things ran smoothly during…