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August 4, 2006

Patriots cancel Saturday practice

Planning on attending Patriots' practice tomorrow?

Change your plans. The team announced late this afternoon that tomorrow's scheduled session has been canceled. The team thus will have the weekend off, and won't return to the practice field until Monday.

-- TOM E. CURRAN

Posted by Art at 7:05 PM | Comment

Photo: Arriving for a bit of fresh air

Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez
Lenore Gustafson and her son, Alec, 9, left, of Little Compton, greet Esequiel Santiago, 7, of the Bronx , N.Y., as he arrives today at the Roger Williams Park carousel. Esequiel was among a group of youngsters from New York City who will be vacationing with local families through the Fresh Air Fund East Bay Committee.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:23 PM | Comment

Update: Worker struck by steel, killed at Capco

PROVIDENCE – A worker was killed this morning at Capco Steel after he was struck in the head with a piece of steel.

Fire and police crews responded to the accident at 25 Acorn St., around 10:50 a.m., according to James Taylor, the Fire Department’s chief of communications.

Details about the man's identity and how the accident happened are not yet available.

Company officials at the site refused to comment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, however, confirmed late this afternoon that it is investigating the incident.

Capco Steel is also the steel fabricator and erector for the new Kent County Courthouse In Warwick.

-- With reports from the Associated Press and projo.com staff writers Kate Bramson and Steve Peoples

Posted by Kate Bramson at 6:07 PM | Comment

Leader of anti-casino group resigns

PROVIDENCE -- Richard Oster has resigned as chairman of a group organized by Rhode Island business and citizen groups to oppose the proposed Narragansett Indian-Harrah's casino in West Warwick.

Oster, of Barrington, the former Cookson America chief executive, said in a brief interview today that he left the group "Save Our State" over a difference in philosophy.

The proposed casino project is scheduled for a statewide referendum at the November general election.

No replacement for Oster has been named, but former Republican Gov. Lincoln C. Almond, a staunch opponent of a casino during his eight years as governor from 1995 to 2003, has been approached to take over leadership of the group, he acknowledged in an interview today.

-- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:20 PM | Comment

Dangerous bacteria found in Conimicut shellfish

WARWICK -- The state Department of Health has discovered a dangerous bacteria in the water and inside some shellfish found in Conimicut Point, according to an announcement released today.

The health department was alerted to the area after someone complained of being infected with Vibrio vulnificus, a natural bacteria that can cause severe illness if eaten in raw or undercooked shellfish. People can also become infected through exposure of an open wound to contaminated seawater or shellfish, according to the health department.

State officials are testing shellfish and water in the upper Bay, from Greenwich Bay to Providence, and in some inlets and coastal ponds such as Ninigret Pond and Great Salt Pond. They encourage people to cook shellfish thoroughly to avoid infection.

In healthy people, Vibrio vulnificus infection causes symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

But certain individuals -- such as people with liver disease, blood disorders, cancer and diabetes -- are at higher risk for contracting severe infection and life-threatening illness because the bacteria can invade the bloodstream.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:02 PM | Comment

Newport Folk Festival kicks off tonight

NEWPORT -- The Newport Folk Festival will get underway this evening with a performance sure to make Yankees' fans cheer.

Irish tenor Ronan Tynan -- who often sings God Bless America after the 7th inning during New York Yankees' home games -- and dance ensemble Cherish The Ladies are scheduled to appear in Newport tonight at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Other acts scheduled to appear in the weekend festival are Roseanne Cash, The Meters and Indigo Girls.

Tonight's show begins at 8 p.m.

The weather is expected to be beautiful this weekend for outdoor performances at Fort Adams.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:30 PM | Comment

Citizens profits rise 4 percent

Citizens Financial Group of Providence today reported a 4-percent increase in first half earnings as business growth helped off set unfavorable interest rate trends.

The holding company for Citizens Bank said its earnings for the first six months of this year totaled $1.45 billion, up from $1.40 billion in the same period last year.

"We are growing our business in the face of the impact that the sustained flattening of the interest rate yield curve is having on the entire banking industry," Citizens chairman and chief executive officer Lawrence K. Fish said in a statement.

Net interest income declined slightly in the first half, but that drop was overcome with an increase in noninterest income from fees and other revenue sources.

Citizens is a subsidiary of the The Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, which yesterday reported overall, after-tax profit growth of 21 percent in the first half.

Posted by at 3:18 PM | Comment

R.I. fugitives to be featured on America's Most Wanted

PAWTUCKET -- Two Rhode Island fugitives wanted for killing a Pawtucket woman will be featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" tomorrow.

Nineteen-year-old Barry Offley, of Woonsocket, and 28-year-old Alonzo Shelton of Central Falls are wanted in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jessica Imran in her home last Thursday.

Pawtucket police enlisted the help of the show after failing to find them.

Another woman, 28-year-old Julie Lange of Central Falls, was also shot but survived.

Jon Leiberman, a producer for America's Most Wanted, says the show picked up the story because of how heinous the crime was. He says the show has helped capture almost 900 fugitives in the 19 years they've been on the air.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:18 PM | Comment

Red Sox obtain Javier Lopez; will send Adam Stern to Orioles

The Boston Red Sox today obtained Javier Lopez from Baltimore, and will send outfielder Adam Stern -- currenly playing for the Pawtucket Red Sox -- to the Orioles in exchange for the veteran catcher. But, due to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Stern probably will finish the year in Pawtucket and not be officially sent to Baltimore until the season is over.

Read the complete story on projo.com's Red Sox blog.

Posted by Art at 2:31 PM | Comment

Update: Lincoln High hockey star dies in single-car crash

LINCOLN – The teen who died in a car crash early this morning is a 2006 Lincoln High graduate who helped the school’s hockey team win its first state title since 1985 this past March, police said.

Derek R. Parenteau, 18, of 86 Old River Road, was alone and driving a white Jeep Cherokee when the accident occurred near 96 Twin River Road. His body was found trapped underneath the vehicle, from which he apparently had been thrown.

It's unclear when the accident happened because there were no witnesses, according to Deputy Police Chief Brian Sullivan. A passing motorist called the police around 4 a.m. after seeing the car off the road in a ditch.

The police believe the teenager was heading home, Sullivan said, probably driving east on Twin River Road and entering a curve in the roadway where construction is being done for Lincoln Greyhound Park.

Parenteau had joined the Rhode Island National Guard this spring and was preparing to leave in September for basic training and the U.S. Air Force Fire Fighting School, according to an article on the National Guard’s Web site.

Parenteau was also a volunteer firefighter with Lincoln’s Albion Fire Department, according to the National Guard article, which said his goal was to become a full-time firefighter.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds

According to Providence Journal articles, the Lincoln Lions hockey team wasn’t a favorite to win the Division II-Large boys hockey championship. They had won just six games during the regular season. But they upset top-seeded Cranston West in the semifinals and then beat Moses Brown in three games to win their first state title in 21 years

Last spring, Parenteau won the Hobey Baker High School hockey award for Lincoln, an award given to one senior member of each Interscholastic League hockey team. The Hobey Baker recognizes exemplary character and sportsmanship in the student athlete’s school and community.

In Rhode Island, one of three states that gives out the high school award, the Hobey Baker is presented by the R.I. Hockey Coaches association in conjunction with the Hobey Baker Memorial Foundation. The Hobey Baker is the award presented annually to the top American college hockey player.

An autopsy was to be conducted today and may help police determine the time of the accident, based on Parenteau's time of death, Sullivan said.

There was no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident, Sullivan said earlier today. Police are checking on whether speed may have been a factor.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:17 PM | Comment

Bankruptcy filer faces jail for lying about assets

PROVIDENCE -- A man who filed for bankruptcy five years ago was arraigned in federal court today after authorities charged him with concealing real estate assets in connection with that bankruptcy.

Richard M. Cecca, 53, whose address does not appear in court papers, pleaded not guilty, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence.

He is being held in federal custody in lieu of a $75,000 surety bond. FBI agents arrested him in Plymouth, Mass., yesterday.

The six-count indictment, which the grand jury returned earlier in the week, charges Cecca with repeatedly lying under oath about his or his company's assets during a 2001 bankruptcy hearing.

He allegedly failed to reveal he had an ownership interest in about 20 parcels of real estate in Providence and other locations, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Each count of bankruptcy fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:04 PM | Comment

Mass. woman charged with stealing $286,000

PROVIDENCE -- A federal grand jury has charged a Massachusetts woman with using fake checks to steal $286,000 from her Providence company's clients.

Jodie Walsh, 33, of Middleboro, Mass., could receive 30 years in prison for bank fraud if convicted, according to an announcement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office this afternoon.

The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that while working for Envision Technology Advisors, of Providence, Walsh used bank account information from Envision’s clients to create fake checks. She allegedly applied the checks to her personal line of credit at Citibank, depositing 51 checks ranging from $1,500 to $7,800 over four months.

She allegedly withdrew funds by check to pay for various personal expenses, including the installation of a swimming pool.

Walsh is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:47 PM | Comment

Providence man gets 11 years for drug ring

PROVIDENCE -- A federal judge sentenced 35-year-old Modesto DeJesus Castillo to 11 years in prison for running a drug ring in which packages of cocaine and marijuana were shipped to Rhode Island from California.

In February, Castillo and his brother Ramon DeJesus Castillo -- who was previously sentenced to seven years in prison -- pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

Federal agents arrested two people in February 2005 as they picked up brown UPS packages at Providence homes. The packages together contained seven kilograms of cocaine.

The Castillo brothers admitted to recruiting people to accept packages of cocaine that had been sent via commercial carriers to various addresses in the greater Providence area.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the sentenced today. It was imposed Wednesday.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:42 PM | Comment

PUC to hold hearing on shutoff ban during heat waves

PROVIDENCE -- The Public Utilities Commission this morning decided not to establish an emergency ban on utility shutoffs when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees.

Instead, the three-member commission decided to enter a public hearing process on whether to establish a permanent rule that will prohibit utility shutoffs when the temperature is above 90 degrees.

The hearing is expected to take place sometime this month.

-- Journal staff writer Andrea L. Stape

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:41 PM | Comment

Temporary delay on Route 95 in Providence area

PROVIDENCE – Traffic on Interstate 95 south was backing up at midday, with the right lane closed for construction.

The delay was being experienced between Exit 23 and the Smithfield Avenue exit sign.

The construction manager on scene expects to clear the area by 1 p.m., Transportation Management Center operator Stephen McGovern said.

Northbound traffic was moving smoothly and was not affected by this work, according to the TMC.

Check out the Department of Transportation's traffic cameras for the Metro region for live views.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:24 PM | Comment

Open meetings changes topic of today's summit

Changes to the state’s open meeting laws that make it OK for School Committee members to comment on issues raised during the public comment portion of meetings will be discussed this morning.

Roger Williams University is host today to the 8th annual Open Government Summit, which is co-sponsored by the university’s law alumni association and the state Department of Attorney General.

The changes to the laws are welcomed by the Rhode Island Association of School Committees. Read more about them in today’s Journal.
Speakers include Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, special assistant attorney general Christy Hetherington, Roger Williams law professor Bruce I. Kogan and lawyer Jason Gramitt of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:18 AM | Comment

Aerial spraying planned for SE Mass. to fight Triple E

BOSTON -- Heavy rains this spring and summer helped boost the mosquito population, prompting Massachusetts to plan aerial spraying to reduce the threat of eastern equine encephalitis.

State health officials say the spraying will take place over 159,000 acres of land in southeastern Massachusetts. The operation could begin as early as Monday and will take place after sunset.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:27 AM | Comment

Carcieri joins governors objecting to nuke waste storage

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Governor Carcieri and other governors from the Northeast are objecting to a U.S. Senate proposal that would allow nuclear waste to continue to be stored in their states.

Members of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors have written to key Senate leaders objecting to the proposal, included in a larger spending bill.

The governors say the plan could result in spent fuel being stored at local or regional storage facilities in as many as 31 states.

They say there's already 50,000 tons of nuclear waste awaiting permanent storage, which was supposed to be in Nevada.

Read more about the issue.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:18 AM | Comment

Patriots' morning training camp pushed back to afternoon

FOXBORO – If you’ve planned to attend the New England Patriots training camp session today, we hope your day is flexible.

Given this morning’s rainy weather, the early practice that was scheduled has been postponed until this afternoon, and the evening practice has been canceled. One practice will now be held today from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about upcoming practices and how the team is preparing for the season, check out our Patriots page or call the training camp hotline at (508) 549-0001.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:05 AM | Comment

Power restored for most of the state

Fewer than 100 Rhode Island households and businesses are still without power this morning after a power failure left 4,900 customers in the dark last night.

“We basically are all cleaned up,” National Grid spokeswoman Debbie Drew said this morning.

The remaining customers without power are scattered throughout the state, and National Grid employees will be working to bring their power back as quickly as possible – “likely this morning,” Drew said.

National Grid worked yesterday to restore electricity to some 20,000 customers who lost power in the afternoon as the result of problems stemming from a lightning strike during Wednesday night’s storm. Virtually all power was restored around 6 p.m. last night.

But then, last night’s high winds and downed branches knocked out power to 4,900 Rhode Island customers, mostly in South County and West Bay communities. Throughout the night, National Grid employees worked to bring power back to those customers, Drew said.

Read more about the power outages in today’s Journal.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:06 AM | Comment

The heat breaks, a nice weekend on the way

Relief has finally arrived.

After three days of oppressive heat, the temperature is in the 60s early this morning and should climb to only 79 degrees in the Providence area, according to the National Weather Service.
Scattered showers this morning could bring heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms to southern New England, the weather service says.

The weekend looks nice with sunny skies and highs in the mid 80s.

For more weather and updates, see projo.com/weather.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment