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December 29, 2006

Last-minute tips for celebrating New Year's

Still pondering your plans for New Year's Eve?

Browse our collection of ideas for how to ring in 2007, from where to see the fireworks, to special dinners at area restaurants, to First Night festivities in area communities.

If you're heading to Providence, the city wants you to know that some of the streets will be closed to motor vehicle traffic during Bright Night hours. They are: State Street, from 8 a.m. on Sunday, to 1 a.m. on Monday; Smith Street between Park and Gaspee Streets, on Sunday, from 5:15 and 6 p.m., then again between 11:45 and 12:45 a.m. (Hint: Those last times correspond to fireworks displays.)

Happy holidays!

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:02 PM | Comment

On deck: Steppin' up the action after holiday break

The action is starting to heat up after the Christmas holiday.

PC will be without sophomore guard Sharaud Curry (17.3 ppg) tonight at 9:30 at Florida State in the Friar's final important non-conference game of the season. Curry, the team's leading scorer and backcourt leader, was suspended by head coach Tim Welsh for a violation of team rules. Catch the game on TV Cox.

In hockey, the Providence Bruins travel to Philadelphia for a 7:30 p.m. game, while the Boston Bruins are in Chicago against the Blackhawks at 8:30.

In college football, after three afternoon bowl games, tonight's matchup pits Maryland against Purdue in the Champs Sports Bowl at 8 on ESPN. Check out the results via projo.com's college sports page.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:30 PM | Comment

House fire in Coventry under control

COVENTRY -- Firefighters have brought a late-afternoon fire in a home on Barbs Hill Road under control.

Everyone in the wooden, single-family structure at 205 Barbs Hill Road got out safely, said police Lt. Robin Winslow, and there were no injuries.

Police believe the fire may have started about 4:15 p.m. in the attic of the house near the border with the town of Foster and Connecticut. Mutual aid from Connecticut and Foster also responded to the blaze.

No more information was available.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:24 PM | Comment

Day of mourning closes federal offices in R.I.

Tuesday has been declared a national day of mourning for former President Gerald Ford, who died this week.

The declaration means federal offices will be closed that day. The New York Stock Exchange will also be closed.

In Rhode Island, closings include U.S. postal services and the federal District Court in Providence.

There are no plans to shut down state government for the day, though Governor Carcieri has decided to postpone his inaugural ball, set for that night, until Wednesday.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:46 PM | Comment

New emergency beacons required for boaters

Commercial and recreational watercraft have a few more days to get rid of old emergency radio beacons that are being phased out.

The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters that beginning Jan. 1, they are prohibited from using 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (known as EPIRBs).

From then on, boaters wishing to have an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessels must use a digital 406 MHz model, according to the Coast Guard. This type of EPIRB is designed to operate with satellites, according to the Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book.

The change in emergency beacons is required to improve the efforts of the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System, which provides distress alert and location data for search and rescue operations around the world.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

The older EPIRBs have been deemed unreliable in emergencies, according to the Coast Guard. Data shows that just one alert out of every 50 with the 121.5 MHz beacon is a genuine distress situation.

The 406 MHz beacons require boaters to enter personal and contact information into a registration database. Therefore, when a beacon signal is received from that type of EPIRB, search and rescue personnel can retrieve information from that database, including identifying characteristics about the vessel that is in distress, according to the Coast Guard.

The changes probably affect the operators of pleasure boats far more than commercial fishing vessels, according to Erik Orman, the co-owner of Tempest Fisheries Ltd. in New Bedford. Orman, who co-owns five fishing boats, said he and his partner already have the latest emergency equipment on board.

Although he was not familiar with the 406 MHz terminology, he said anything required by the Coast Guard is most likely already on board his boats.

“The fishing industry has always been pretty proactive as far as safety equipment goes,” Orman said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:24 PM | Comment

Governor's inaugural ball postponed

While most of the state's inauguration activities are still a go for Tuesday, Governor Carcieri has postponed by one day the festive inaugural ball he had planned for that night "out of respect" for President Bush's declaration of Tuesday as a national day of mourning for former President Gerald R. Ford.

Carcieri spokesman Michael Maynard said the inaugural ball will take place "same time, same place" on Wednesday, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. He said "everyone was very accommodating."

But Maynard said there are no plans to shut down state government for the day, as a handful of states are doing; and he and others noted that both state law and the Constitution require the swearing-in of the governor, lieutenant governor, general treasurer, attorney general, secretary of state and the members of the General Assembly on what is described as "the first Tuesday of January next succeeding their election."

And spokesmen for the House and Senate said legislative leaders have decided to go ahead with their opening day sessions at which the only official business – after new Secretary of State Ralph Mollis swears-in the members – will be the anticipated re-election of House Speaker William J. Murphy and Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano.

“We are required by the state Constitution to come in, so we will come in,’’ Senate spokesman Greg Pare said.

House leaders are also planning to go ahead with a “simple reception’’ in the House lounge after the session.

-- Journal staff writer Katherine Gregg

Early in the day today Maynard acknowledged there was “some discussion’’ about whether to go forward with the black-tie optional, 2007 inaugural ball.

The ball will now be from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. It is free to the public, with a shuttle bus available to transport attendees from nearby parking lots.

Earlier announced plans for the event said it would feature light hors d’hoeuvres, desserts and entertainment by the Night Life Orchestra, the Big Nazo Puppets and the Johnson & Wales Ballroom and Latin Dance Team.

A spokesman for the National Governor’s Association said Rhode Island is one of three states that had inaugurations planned for Tuesday, the others being Florida and Minnesota.

Florida officials could not be reached for comment, but a spokesman for Minnesota’s newly re-elected Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty said “we are not postponing or canceling any of the inauguration activities.’’

At that point in the day, the spokesman was unclear if state government would shut down for the day. But NGA spokesman Barry Van Lare said he sent out an all-states inquiry and of the 15 or so that responded, only three were planning to close down for the day: Nebraska, Kansas and, of course, Michigan, where Ford will be transported after a memorial in Washington Tuesday morning and will lie in repose until his burial near his presidential museum the following day.

Posted by Jack Perry at 2:56 PM | Comment

Residents wake up to find tires slashed

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers

Tag Tanalski and his daughter Anna Tanalski, 10, of Hillside Ave. in Pawtucket, in their driveway after tires on their cars were slashed overnight.

Tag Tanalski of Pawtucket had an unpleasant surprise when he went outside this morning around 10 a.m.

Tires on two of his family’s four cars had been slashed – one tire on the Toyota Camry station wagon parked in his Pawtucket driveway on Hillside Avenue and two tires on the Camry station wagon in the parking lot across the street, which is in Providence.

He’s not alone.

Tanalski said as many as 10 people he knows who live on Hillside Avenue, in buildings numbered from about 80 to 180, had their car tires slashed overnight, also. The incidents occurred below -- or west of -- Hope Street. Tanalski lives between Swan and Dartmouth streets.

As Hillside Avenue is the dividing line between Providence and Pawtucket, Tanalski said he spoke this morning with police from both cities. He knows some neighbors have also spoken with the police.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

At 11:30 this morning, a Pawtucket police lieutenant, who declined to come to the phone, told the woman who answered the department’s line to tell projo.com the police know nothing of the incident. A Providence police captain has not returned a call from projo.com.

In talking with neighbors, Tanalski said he has heard that perhaps 50 people’s tires were slashed. The cuts in his tires were about an inch wide and deep enough to penetrate the side walls and flatten the tires, rendering them “useless.”

He hasn’t started pricing new tires but imagines replacing the three and re-balancing the tires on the cars will run about $200. He’s contemplating going to a junkyard to see if he can get a cheaper replacement, as “there’s not a lot of money in the till” just after Christmas.

A substitute teacher in East Providence middle and high schools, Tanalski, 45, doesn’t have much hope that those responsible will be caught.

He thinks whoever did the slashing is “truly unaware of the implications” of what they did.

“There are a lot of repercussions to things like this,” he said. “People could get fired because they’re late to work, they don’t have the money now to pay for something that they really needed. It’s a senseless thing, but obviously they weren’t really thinking about that. They were just having fun.”

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:43 PM | Comment

DA: No charges in fatal Fall River social club fire

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- No one will be charged in the deaths of four women who perished in the June fire that tore through a social club as they prepared for a Feast of the Holy Ghost celebration, according to a report made public today by the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.

Though the state fire marshal found several code violations -- the building was not a licensed meeting hall, doors were not solid, opened inward and were not the right width -- the 20-page report states that “there is no evidence to support" that the St. John's Holy Ghost Association "was reckless or wanton in not obtaining the appropriate licenses.”

And the report says “the fact these code violations existed did not contribute to the deaths of these women. There is no evidence that the doors, the location of the doors, the width of the doorways contributed to the death of these women.”

Geraldine Andrade, 63, Emeliana Carvalho, 80, Mary Raposa, 70, and Christina Costa, 30, died in the June 14 fire that began at 7:20 p.m. on the first floor of the 228 County St. social hall. The building’s occupants at the time were St. John’s Holy Ghost Association, Recreation Association Nossa Da Luz, and four apartments.

The state fire marshal's report, which with a memorandum from an assistant district attorney to the district attorney makes up the report, draws parallels to The Station nightclub fire that killed 100 people in West Warwick in 2003.

"The use of large amounts of highly flammable paper and wax impregnated paper decorations in this facility contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The survivor accounts of this fire sound eerily similar to the survivor accounts from the Coconut Grove, Station Nightclub, and Hartford Circus fire," says the report from State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.

The fire marshal's report also makes seven recommendations, focusing on fire officials' outreach to social and civic organizations and the use of flammable decorations.

-- Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:20 PM | Comment

Club closed until Jan. 8 after deadly shooting

PROVIDENCE — Club Pulse, the South Providence nightclub rocked by a triple shooting on Christmas morning, will be closed until Jan. 8, when a full hearing is scheduled to determine whether the club should keep its licenses to operate.

At the request of the Police Department, the license board suspended the operating licenses of the nightclub because three men were shot — one later died — inside the club on Christmas morning. The police allege that it was only the latest in a string of troublesome incidents at Pulse.

An emergency hearing had been scheduled for this morning to give the club’s owner, Alex Tomasso, owner of A.A.T. Restaurant Corp., the right to contest the suspension and reopen over the busy New Year’s weekend.

But Tomasso’s lawyer, Joseph Keough, officially waived Tomasso’s right to the emergency hearing, and the club will stay closed until the board makes its decision on Jan. 8.

Club ownership temporarily returned its licenses to operate to the city’s license administrator today, pending the results of the full hearing, according to Richard H. Aitchison, city license administrator.

— Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:00 PM | Comment

Inaugurations galore after New Year's break

PROVIDENCE -- Let's hope state leaders don't party too hard to celebrate the New Year. Tuesday will be a busy day on Smith Hill.

Governor Carcieri's inauguration is set for noon. He'll be joined by the state's five general officers: the new lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and general treasurer. And both chambers of the 2007-2008 General Assembly will follow.

All 38 senators are scheduled to be sworn in at 3 p.m. by the state's new Secretary of State Ralph Mollis. Four newcomers are among the senators.

The House inauguration is set to follow at 4 p.m. There will be 10 new representatives among the 75 people sworn in. All the new officials are Democrats.

Each chamber will formally elect its leader for the new session as well. Democratic caucuses met last month and voted to endorse current Speaker William J. Murphy and current Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano.

But the endorsements are expected to be made official Tuesday, according to an announcement released by the legislative press bureau.

The opening day sessions will be broadcast by Capitol TV, which is Channel 15 for Cox Communications subscribers.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 11:59 AM | Comment

Tell us: Are Denver snows affecting your travel plans?

Rhode Islanders: Has the big snow in Colorado stranded you or a family member or changed your travel plans?

The second major snowstorm in a week has dumped another 2 feet of snow on the Western state, canceling hundreds of flights at the Denver International Airport and possibly affecting travel in other parts of the country.

We'd like to hear from you if the storm has got you or a loved one stuck in an airport or otherwise forced a change in travel plans. Please e-mail The Journal newsroom at pjnews@projo.com with your name, location, e-mail address and, if possible, a phone number, in case a reporter wants to contact you.

Locally, T.F. Green Airport in Warwick and Logan International in Boston report that most flights are still arriving and departing on time.

One United Airlines flight out of Logan – set to depart at 11 a.m. today – was canceled, but others appear to be arriving from Denver and scheduled to depart for Denver and beyond later today.

"There's no major problems so far," said Phil Orlandella, a spokesman for Logan.

Inbound flights from Denver appear to be delayed by about 30 minutes, while flights to Denver, aside form the canceled flight, "seem to be on time," he said.

Airline travelers cannot fly directly to Denver from Green. Flights to and from that airport appear to be arriving and departing on time, according to its Web site.

Given the wintry conditions elsewhere – and tomorrow’s chance of snow here in Rhode Island – it’s a good idea to doublecheck your flight information before heading to either Green or Logan.

Get the latest on the storm.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:00 AM | Comment

Police seeking missing Fall River woman / Photo

Aguiar-Jordan

FALL RIVER – Local police are seeking the public’s help in their search for a woman reported missing since Tuesday night.

Lee Aguiar-Jordan, 38, from the east end of Fall River, was last seen Tuesday around 9 p.m. by family members, her family has told the police, Sgt. Ronald Furtado said this morning. From Wednesday on, Aguiar-Jordan has also not reported for work at the Fall River real estate company where she is employed, Furtado said.

The police believe she could be driving her 2002 black convertible Chrysler Sebring, with Massachusetts plates 23HT48.

The police ask anyone with information about Aguiar-Jordan to call the department, at (508) 676-8511.

“We’re treating it as a missing person report at this time, but certainly any time a person is missing for an extended period of time, it does become a concern,” Furtado said. “We’re following up on any leads. That’s why we’re asking for the public’s help.”

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:17 AM | Comment

Boston bars skirting fire safety law, report says

BOSTON -- Fewer than half of Boston's bars and nightclubs covered by new fire safety regulations enacted after the fatal Station nightclub fire in West Warwick are complying, according to a published report.

Fire officials say 142 of 229 establishments required to install sprinkler systems are getting around the law or trying to, The Boston Globe reported.

Many clubs have complained about the cost of installing sprinklers, saying it could put smaller establishments out of business. Some have persuaded local and state building agencies to lower their official capacity below 100 people, the law's threshold.

Others are building walls to attempt to qualify as two businesses, each below the 100-person capacity. Bars that serve food are arguing they should be considered as restaurants, which are exempt.

"This is terrible," Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser told the Globe. "Our goal is to make public areas more safe, not look for loopholes."

-- The Associated Press

Read the full story here.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:08 AM | Comment

Traffic: Accident on Route 95N near Exit 20

The state Department of Transportation has posted a Providence accident on Route 95 North on its traffic advisory page.

However, the state police report that no one was injured in the one-car crash just prior to Route 195 (Exit 20) at 6:50 this morning. No lanes are closed, according to Lt. David Neill.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find the alert about this morning’s crash and any other traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:11 AM | Comment

Sunny today, snow possible tomorrow

PROVIDENCE – Did we hear snow?

Yes, the National Weather Service predicts a 30 percent chance of snow tomorrow, mainly between noon and 3 p.m. Now won’t that feel out of place, given all the warm weather we’ve had this month?

It’s 28 degrees this morning, and temps should rise to about 39. It should be mostly sunny today. Tonight, we can expect a low around 20 and mostly clear skies.

New Year’s Eve should be partly cloudy with a low around 27, and New Year’s Day is likely to be rainy, with a high of 41.

Check back with us throughout the weekend for the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:03 AM | Comment

Today's Journal front page

Today's front page includes local stories about a Middletown mansion selling for $5 million and a Rhode Island educator being picked to run Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for poor girls in South Africa.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 28, 2006

On deck: Quiet sports locally, big college bowl night

There's no Celtics or Bruins tonight. Even the University of Rhode Island and Providence College men's basketball teams are off.

Need something to watch anyway, even if there's no connection to Little Rhody?

It's no secret it's college football bowl season. And ESPN airs the Holiday Bowl between 21-ranked Texas A&M and 20-ranked California at 8 p.m.

But really, all eyes tonight will be on Bob Knight. The former Indiana coach is tied with coaching legend Dean Smith's all-time Division 1 mark with 879 wins. Knight can break the record tonight when his Texas Tech Red Raiders take on UNLV in Texas.

Check the results via projo.com's College Sports page.

The game will be aired on ESPN2 at 9 p.m.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:20 PM | Comment

Club Pulse seeks continuance of suspension hearing

PROVIDENCE — Yesterday, the city Board of Licenses ordered that the nightclub Pulse be shut down temporarily as a threat to public safety after a fatal Christmas Day shooting.

Now, the club owner is asking the board to hold off on a hearing scheduled for tomorrow that would allow him to contest the shutdown.

The move means that the club is voluntarily closing for this New Year's Day holiday weekend.

At the request of the Police Department, the license board yesterday suspended the operating licenses of the South Providence nightclub because three men were shot — one fatally — inside the club early Christmas morning. The police allege that it was only the latest in a string of troublesome incidents at Pulse.

The board had scheduled a hearing for 10 a.m. tomorrow at City Hall, as required by law, to give club licensee A.A.T. Restaurant Corp. an opportunity to contest the suspension.

The lawyer for the club owner contacted city officials today to ask for a continuance of the scheduled hearing. Tomasso has agreed to temporarily waive his rights to a swift hearing and an appeal and to keep Pulse closed for the time being, according to Richard H. Aitchison, city license administrator.

Pulse closed after the shooting, and according to police Maj. Paul Fitzgerald, the club was not scheduled to reopen until tomorrow night. By asking for a delay, police officers said, Tomasso is giving up what promised to be lucrative business over the New Year’s weekend.

The board will meet tomorrow morning to consider the request for a continuance, and no testimony about the management of Pulse or the shooting is expected to be presented, Aitchison said. The scheduled meeting time has been moved back by one hour, to 11 a.m.

-- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:27 PM | Comment

State wins auto emissions lawsuit

PROVIDENCE – The two-month battle over the state’s multimillion-dollar contract for auto emissions testing is finished.

Superior Court Judge Michael A. Silverstein ruled this afternoon in favor of the state’s purchasing officials, who decided to hire a new company, SysTech International LLC., to supervise the state’s vehicle emission and safety inspection programs.

The ruling saves the emissions program from descending into limbo over the uncertainty of who would conduct the state-mandated tests, which are part of motor vehicle inspections, in the new year.

The lawsuit against the state was brought by Applus Technologies Inc., the state’s current contractor. For the past seven years, Applus charged $13 for each vehicle tested in the state. When the contract went out to bid this year, Applus proposed to charge $8.95 per vehicle while SysTech proposed to charge $4 per vehicle.

In the suit, Applus Technologies said state officials acted in bad faith by giving concessions to their competitor and ignoring the advice of a review committee which favored their company.

In Silverstein’s ruling, he said “there is simply no evidence before the court that suggests bad faith, corruption, political or otherwise, of the purchasing agent.”

Silverstein also said it was up to the state’s purchasing agent to make a final selection.

“Ultimately, the taxpayers of Rhode Island have won here,” said Brian P. Stern, the executive of the Department of Administration. “We’ve sent a message to all businesses out there that the state is open for business.”

The transfer of auto testing programs in the state’s 294 inspection stations starts on Monday, New Year's Day, with Tuesday the first day of implementation. Applus and SysTech representatives promised state officials that they will make sure the handover goes smoothly.

-- Journal environment writer Michelle J. Lee

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:55 PM | Comment

Court upholds conviction of man nabbed in FBI sting

BOSTON -- A federal appeals court today upheld the conviction and sentencing of Anthony Gobbi, a Boston man charged with providing protection for a supposed cocaine shipment from behind the wheel of a black Cadillac outside a Providence hotel.

Gobbi was one of three men snared in a reverse sting operation, in which an FBI agent posing as a wealthy businessman arranged protection through Robert Nardolillo, described in the court’s decision as a “suspected underworld figure.”

Gobbi, 37, of Marion Street in Boston, was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine and attempting to possess cocaine with intent to distribute it. And in April, U.S. District Judge William E. Smith sentenced Gobbi to 13 years and four months in prison.

Gobbi’s lawyer appealed, arguing there was insufficient evidence Gobbi tried to possess cocaine and that the judge should not have admitted certain evidence. The defense lawyer also contended Gobbi’s sentence should not have been increased based on the presence of a gun at the hotel and the conclusion that Gobbi committed perjury.

But the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the appeal. “Concluding, as we do, that Gobbi’s arguments are devoid of merit, we affirm the judgment below,” Judge Bruce M. Selya, the court’s only Rhode Islander, wrote in a 25-page opinion.

Gobbi is now at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, N.J., according to the federal Bureau of Prisons' Web site.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:02 PM | Comment

Carcieri picks administration exec as DOT director

Governor Carcieri has named a new director for the state Department of Transportation.

Jerome F. Williams, currently executive director of the state Department of Administration, will replace James Capaldi, who is retiring, according to the governor's office.

Williams served as his department's No. 2 official since 2003, where he was responsible for seven departments, including accounting, internal auditing, taxation, facilities management, capital projects, sheriffs and the Capitol Police.

Carcieri called Williams "a tremendously effective leader" at the Department of Administration.

“In his current role at the Department of Administration and in his prior experience in both the public and private sectors, Jerry has excelled. He has significant financial experience administering large and complex contracts and managing complicated budgets,” Carcieri said in a statement.

“With an annual budget of $350 million, the DOT is responsible for the state’s infrastructure and intermodal transportation systems. This is an agency that requires a leader who can manage multi-faceted contracts and complicated financial issues,” Carcieri said. “Jerry is someone that I can count on to continue the success that the DOT has enjoyed over the past four years under Jim Capaldi in moving our state’s roads and rail systems forward.”

Williams served as a deputy director of the Department of Administration from 1991 to 1994. He also served as the deputy general treasurer for Rhode Island from 1986 to 1991 and town treasurer of Barrington from 1979 to 1986.

Williams was a senior vice president for FleetBoston Financial from 1994 to 2003.

“With the relocation of Route 195 – the state’s largest construction project in history – on its way and several other major transportation projects currently under way, it is critical that we have Jerry’s leadership at DOT," Carcieri said. "He understands how to make things happen and solve problems.”

Capaldi announced in early December that he would retire this month after more than 35 years with the state agency, the last three as its leader.

Capaldi, who recently turned 60, helped fuel the extraordinary burst of construction, particularly visible in Providence, by pushing a new-to-Rhode Island - some said risky - financing mechanism that made hundreds of millions of dollars available to the state government through borrowing.

He has presided over two of the DOT's more dramatic performances, the explosive demolition of the Jamestown Bridge, spread over several months this year, and the towing of the new Providence River Bridge arch up Narragansett Bay on barges in August.

But Capaldi also endured some embarrassments - seemingly endless delays on projects, including the Point Street overpass over Route 95 in Providence and the replacement of the Barrington River Bridge in Barrington, and expensive settlements with contractors because of design problems - but nothing that derailed the main construction program.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:16 PM | Comment

Poverty activists protest at State House / Photo

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
The group holds up a "laundry list" of their demands at the State House this morning.

PROVIDENCE — About 40 advocates for the poor descended upon the State House today as part of an effort to urge Governor Carcieri to take actions to help the poor, disabled and elderly.
.
The group led by the George Wiley Center and the Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty presented the Republican governor with a “laundry list” of items and issues that it says remain “unanswered and ignored.”

Henry Shelton, coordinator of the center, said that he and others have tried time and time again to get the governor’s attention but have been routinely ignored.

“We’ve tried to bring to a head our many frustrations with this governor. We’re getting ignored with vital issues,” he said. “[The governor] never responds to phone calls, faxes, hand-delivered stuff.”

Carcieri’s staff today said that Carcieri will personally meet with the advocates but that no date has been set.

-- Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:50 PM | Comment

Cumberland firm accused of shipping hazardous waste

PROVIDENCE -- A Rhode Island shipping company is facing more than $100,000 in fines after being charged with knowingly transporting hazardous waste in violation of federal law, the U.S. Attorney's Office said today.

Berkeley Transportation Company, of Cumberland, is accused of illegally shipping hazardous waste on two occasions in 2004 from 155 Amaral St. in East Providence to a transportation depot on Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick.

Prosecutors, in the two-count information filed today in U.S. District Court, Providence, did not detail the type of hazardous waste involved.

The owner of the shipping company, Bradford Dean, 56, of Cumberland, is a partner and an officer for Amaral Street Associates, which had recently sold the East Providence property and hired Berkeley Transportation to truck away waste that had been stored there, according to federal prosecutors.

Berkeley Transportation has agreed to plead guilty to the charges, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. As part of the agreement, the company will pay $35,000 to the state Department of Environmental Management's Environmental Response Fund.

Prosecutors also plan to seek an additional fine of $80,000 and an order forcing the company to establish an environmental compliance program.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

The state DEM worked with the federal Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the case.

Company representatives are set to be arraigned on two charges of illegally shipping hazardous waste in U.S. District Court Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. No date has been set for a judge to consider the plea bargain.

Each count carries maximum penalites of five years in prison and a fine up to $50,000 or twice the amount of gain or loss.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:09 PM | Comment

Update: Route 95 in Connecticut fully open now

Interstate 95 in Bridgeport, Conn., has reopened following a major fuel spill this morning.

The accident near Exit 22 initially closed both northbound and southbound lanes, according to a statement from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation around 10:30 a.m.

Southbound lanes were reported open again about 25 minutes later.

The northbound lanes were reported open again about 1 p.m., according to Rhode Island Transportation Management Center operator Robert Miller.

Click here to see a traffic cam of the area (click on the "Exit 20-21" link).

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:47 PM | Comment

Woonsocket residents hurt in Mass. collision

The police said today that excessive speed may have been a factor in a serious head-on crash yesterday afternoon in Bellingham, Mass.

A motorist heading west on Paine Street behind a Jaguar sedan at 4 p.m. told the police the Jaguar was “operating in the westbound lane at an extremely high rate of speed,” Bellingham Police Lt. Kevin Ranieri said today.

The speed limit on that stretch of road is 25 mph, Ranieri said.

The witness lost sight of the Jaguar as it drove up a hill and into what Ranieri described as a “blind corner.” Then, as the driver behind the Jaguar came around the corner, that driver saw that the sedan had collided head-on with a Toyota Corolla, Ranieri said.

Two Woonsocket residents in the Toyota were taken by helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center’s university campus in Worcester, Mass., according to the police and the helicopters that transported them. A hospital spokeswoman who did not give her name said today that it has been requested that no information be released about the patients' status.

Ranieri said those two Woonsocket residents -- the driver of the Toyota and her back-seat passenger -- were the most badly injured. The Toyota driver was identified as Bethzaida Grajales, 22, of 139 E. School St. The rear passenger was Beatrice Gonzalez, 44, of the same address.

Grajales was trapped in her seat, and rescue crews needed to use the "Jaws of Life" to extricate her, Ranieri said. Gonzalez was thrown and had gotten wedged under the front seat, Ranieri said. She suffered head injuries, he said.

The driver of the Jaguar was treated and released from Rhode Island Hospital, spokeswoman Nancy Cawley said. The police identified him as Pundy Kim Khath, 27, of 55 Huntington St. in Lowell, Mass.

The front-seat passenger in the Toyota was treated and released from Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, according to spokeswoman Addie Piette. The police identified him as William Louberil-Vasquez, of 139 E. School St. in Woonsocket. His age was unavailable, Ranieri said.

No one involved in the crash was wearing a seatbelt, Ranieri said.

A police reconstruction team continues to investigate the accident. No charges have been filed at this time, Ranieri said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:16 PM | Comment

Update: Pawtucket man killed in Foxboro crash ID'd

FOXBORO, Mass. – The state police this morning identified a 52-year-old Pawtucket man killed late yesterday afternoon in a three-car crash on Route 1 near Gillette Stadium.

Michael Leonard had been traveling north in a 2003 Hyundai sedan when a pickup truck spun into his lane after the truck was struck in a head-on collision, according to the state police.

The pickup truck, driven by Kelley Soucy, 32, of Woonsocket, had been stopped in the northbound left lane, attempting to turn across the southbound lane and into a parking lot, when a southbound van driven by John Lomasney Jr., 25, of Plainville, Mass., crossed into the northbound lanes and hit the pickup, according to the police.

Leonard had swerved from the left to the right lane to avoid a collision, but the impact of the first accident sent the pickup truck into the right lane, according to the police.

Leonard was taken to Norwood Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Massachusetts state police.

Both Soucy and Lomasney were brought to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. Lomasney was treated for minor injuries and released last night, while Soucy remained hospitalized today in good condition, according to the hospital.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:49 PM | Comment

Today's front page

On today's Journal front page, Rhode Island political leaders recall former President Gerald R. Ford as an honorable, folksy man. Also, the family of a man shot to death at a Providence club Christmas morning criticize club security.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:04 AM | Comment

Traffic: Tractor-trailer accident in N. Kingstown

Police and fire crews have responded to a North Kingstown accident in which a tractor-trailer on Namcook road has struck a pole.

Namcook, which is off Post Road, is a side road. Therefore, the accident shouldn’t impede traffic much, Sgt. John Murphy said. Any injuries are believed to be minor.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:48 AM | Comment

Partly cloudy and mild

Look for another mild day today with a high near 48 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Expect partly cloudy skies and a west wind between 7 and 13 mph.

The temperature should drop to about 27 degrees tonight with the wind from the northwest at 7 to 9 mph.

The normal high temperature for today is 39 degrees and the normal low is 22 degrees.

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

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 27, 2006

On deck: Celtics, Rams, P-Bruins on the road

The Boston Celtics shouldn't be battling for first place in their division.

But in the Eastern Conference's woeful Atlantic Division, 10 wins and 16 losses puts a team one game out of first place.

Coming off their third loss in a row last night, the Celtics hope to improve their record to 11-16 against the Los Angeles Clippers in California tonight. And from Boston's perspective, this is a good time to be playing the Clippers, who are in the midst of a slump of their own, having lost seven out of their last eight games.

Boston is still without leading scorer Paul Pierce, who's expected to miss another two to three weeks with a foot injury.

Tip off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m.

If you'd prefer to watch a basketball team with a winning record tonight, the University of Rhode Island men's club faces Ohio University at 7 p.m. in Athens. URI has seven wins and five losses so far this year. Ohio is 7-3.

Not a basketball fan?

The Providence Bruins take on the Norfolk Admirals tonight in Virginia at 7:15. The teams are in fourth and third place in their respective divisions.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:01 PM | Comment

Lombardi to make 4th run for N. Providence mayor / Correction

NORTH PROVIDENCE — Charles A. Lombardi, a former Town Council president and three-time mayoral candidate, is throwing his hat into the ring for a fourth shot at the city’s top job.

Lombardi is seeking to succeed outgoing Mayor A. Ralph Mollis, who will be sworn in as secretary of state on Tuesday. A special election will be held to replace him.

"To be mayor is something I’ve always wanted,” Lombardi said today, adding that he wants to make North Providence a community where officials “prioritize our spending based on need, not politics.”

Mollis, who has held the mayor’s office for 10 years, won election as secretary of state in the middle of his third four-year term, forcing the special election. In the interim, the Town Council is expected to appoint its president, John Sisto Jr., as acting mayor at a special meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The council will also set the date for a mayoral election, which must take place within 90 days.

Correction: The initial post on this topic incorrectly reported the dates for the secretary of state's inauguration and the special North Providence council meeting.

-- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi

Lombardi ran against Mollis in 2004 and lost, receiving 40 percent of the vote in his third try for mayor. He also ran unsuccessfully against then-Mayor Salvatore Mancini in 1988, and against Mancini and former state Sen. John Celona in 1992.

Lombardi ran as an independent against Mollis in 2004, but said he will run as a Democrat this time.

An opponent has yet to be named.

-- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:44 PM | Comment

Atwells Avenue bank robbed

PROVIDENCE -- The police are investigating a bank robbery on Atwells Avenue this afternoon.

A woman in her 30s entered the Bank of America branch at 215 Atwells Ave. at about 1 p.m. and passed a note to a teller indicating that she had a gun, according to Providence police Capt. Hugh Clements. No gun was shown.

The woman made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Clements said that the branch had been robbed before, but he thought the last time was more than a year ago.

More details to come...

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:24 PM | Comment

Health department warns of Norovirus in R.I.

The state is experiencing an increase in Norovirus infection, a spike that is typical this time of year, according to an announcement today by the state Department of Health.

The highly contagious Norovirus is a short-term, gastro-intestinal illness sometimes referred to as the “stomach flu.” Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the health department.

The symptoms generally last two or three days, though the infection can be passed on as long as three days after the symptoms disappear.

The health department did not provide an exact count of the Norovirus cases in Rhode Island. But health care providers in the state are reporting some Norovirus-like illness, and some cases have already been confirmed at the state laboratory.

The health department is encouraging Rhode Islanders to protect themselves from the virus by washing their hands often using soap and running water.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:24 PM | Comment

ACLU sues state treasurer over crime victim policy

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union sued General Treasurer Paul J. Tavares today, challenging new regulations that allow his office to deny or reduce compensation to crime victims who have been convicted of drunken-driving or drug-dealing offenses.

The treasurer administers the state’s Crime Victim Compensation Program, which pays claims to crime victims under certain conditions. And over the past two years, Tavares has adopted regulations that allow him to deny or reduce compensation if, in the previous five years, crime victims have been convicted of driving while intoxicated, selling or delivering drugs, or possessing drugs with the intent to sell or deliver them.

Steven Brown, executive director of the local ACLU affiliate, said it is “unfortunate that the General Treasurer has turned a program that is supposed to aid crime victims into one that punishes them for their past misdeeds. A former drug addict who is sexually assaulted should not have to fear reduced compensation because she once sold drugs to feed her habit.”

ACLU volunteer lawyer Frederic Marzilli filed the suit in state Superior Court on behalf of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island.

The association's executive director, Neil A. Corkery, said, “The regulations discriminate and marginalize persons, many of whom have addiction disorders." He said, "If we really believe in the restorative potential of persons who receive treatment for addiction disorders, we need to abandon such negative stereotypes and regressive measures. The measure appears punitive in nature and lacking in logic in excluding individuals who, other than a prior indiscretion, appear to be assigned a double penalty.”

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:18 PM | Comment

Board temporarily closes Club Pulse after shooting / Photo

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Board members, from left, Arys Batista, Allene Maynard and Chairman Andrew Annaldo listen during testimony today about Club Pulse.

PROVIDENCE -- In the wake of a Christmas morning shooting that killed one man and injured two others at Club Pulse, the city’s Board of Licenses voted unanimously today to issue a cease and desist order, shutting the club down for 72 hours.

Under the law, that’s the most the board could do since today’s emergency show-cause hearing was one-sided, with only the police speaking before the board. The police argued that the club presents an imminent public safety threat.

The licensee had not been notified and was not there. Since the law requires that the licensee be given an opportunity to be heard, another show-cause hearing has been set for Friday at 10 a.m.

The closure is effective immediately.

The night of the shooting, there was an unusually large police presence at the club on Crary Street.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Including four off-duty Providence police officers working a detail outside the club, a total of 11 officers were there, according to Maj. Paul Fitzgerald. Two to three of those were state troopers.

The police chief himself, Col. Dean M. Esserman, was outside the club until about 12:30 a.m.

Gunfire erupted at the club at about 1:30 a.m.

The police were there as a precaution, Fitzgerald said today. There is often trouble at Club Pulse on the Sundays before holidays because, he said, the club is open late, there’s more drinking and more people and on Sunday nights the club plays hip hop music, which the police consider a troublesome music format.

When the shooting began inside, Lt. Luis San Lucas heard shots.

Fitzgerald said it is too difficult to police clubs inside and outside at the same time.

“We stay outside unless we have some specific information that something is going to occur inside,” he said.

Fatally wounded was 29-year-old Providence resident Kendall Marshall. Also wounded were Darius Armardor, 26, of Groton, Conn., and James Rue, 31, of the Mattapan section of Boston.

The shooter escaped the club.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:00 PM | Comment

Update: Governor, R.I. delegation honor Ford

The Rhode Island state flag will be flown at half-staff in honor of former President Gerald R. Ford, who died yesterday, Governor Carcieri announced.

The state flag will remain at half-staff until January 25, the period of time that the U.S. flag has been ordered to remain at half-staff, according to the governor's office.

Carcieri said in a statement, “President Ford was an honorable and decent man who led our nation during an extremely tumultuous period. He provided measured and steady leadership that was needed to heal the country and restore confidence to the Office of the President.”

“President Ford was a great American and we are all saddened by his passing. Sue and I join all Rhode Islanders in expressing our condolences to the family of President Ford.”

Read the extended entry to see statements from Rhode Island's congressional delegation about Ford.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said: "Former President Gerald Ford led our nation with honor and dignity at a very difficult time in our nation's history. While his passing marks a sad day for all Americans, his leadership and bipartisan spirit will be remembered for generations to come."

Congressman Jim Langevin said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of a great American - Gerald Ford. President Ford assumed office during one of the most challenging times for our nation and provided Americans with a steady leadership and optimism.

"President Ford's elevation to the presidency from the U.S. House - and the manner in which he helped bind our nation's wounds - will never be forgotten. He will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who embodied the qualities that our citizens expect in a commander in chief: strength, resolve, honesty and a deep appreciation for our constitutional democracy.

"It is with great sadness and respect that I extend deepest condolences to Mrs. Ford and her family. I hope it is a comfort to them that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time."

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:58 PM | Comment

Photo: Monsters take the ice in Providence

Journal photo/ Kathy Borchers

Children and adults, including several families from Adoption Rhode Island, were able to meet the stars of Monster Inc. during a special, free performance this morning at the Bank of America Skating Center in Kennedy Plaza, Providence. The Disney on Ice performance opens tonight and is playing through the weekend at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:25 PM | Comment

Ford brought stability, says former R.I. Congressman

Former Rhode Island Congressman Edward P. Beard today recalled President Ford seeking his expertise as a painter when Ford met with the Rhode Island Congressional delegation at the beginning of Beard’s first term in office.

It was late 1975 or early 1976. The president and Beard – along with Sen. John Pastore, Sen. Claiborne Pell and Rep. Fred St. Germain -- were waiting for breakfast to arrive at the White House when Ford turned to Beard and said, “I understand you were a painter. Will you take a walk with me?”

“Where the hell is he going?” Beard recalled thinking as they headed outside.

“Can I call you Eddy?” the president asked Beard, who had worked as a professional painter for the Rhode Island School of Design before winning the Congressional seat in 1975, the first time he sought it.

Ford wanted advice. The paint on his home -- the White House, of course -- was peeling, and he knew Beard had the expertise to know what should be done.

“I said, ‘First of all, that’s not paint. It’s whitewash,’ ” Beard recalled this morning. “ ‘ You need somebody who knows Georgia whitewash.”

“Would you want to do the job?” the president joked.

“No way,” Beard replied.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Beard said the White House is probably still coated with whitewash and not paint.

“It would be a very Herculean task to paint over it,” he said.

Whitewash is good at handling the kind of moisture that is typical for D.C., Beard said.

“For that building, that was the perfect solution,” Beard said.

That conversation was so casual that Ford felt comfortable using Beard’s first name, Beard recalled today. The next time the president saw Beard, “it was Congressman Beard,” he said.

“I, of course, never called him anything other than Mr. President,” Beard said. “He felt comfortable, at that one moment, to call me Eddy.”

Ford was “a nice gentleman” and “a good president,” Beard said today.

Beard, now 66, represented the state’s Second District as a Democrat from 1975 until early 1981. He lost a re-election bid to Claudine Schneider.

As Beard sees it, Ford’s legacy was “bringing stability back to the government after Watergate.”

Beard agreed with Ford’s controversial decision to pardon former President Nixon.

“That put an end to the public misery of what happened with Watergate,” Beard said. “In other words, that was the end of it.”

Had Ford let Nixon go to jail, Watergate would have dominated his entire term, Beard said.

Beard said he wishes he could travel to Ford’s funeral, but he has been sick and is unable to do so.

“But in my mind, I remember a wonderful president, and that’s how I’ll always remember him,” he said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:17 AM | Comment

Mass. court says it can't force gay marriage vote

BOSTON (AP) -- The state's highest court today said it had no authority to force lawmakers to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, even if the Legislature is showing "indifference or, or defiance to, its constitutional duties."

Opponents of same-sex marriage who were angered that lawmakers failed to act on the proposed amendment during a joint session in November had sued, asking the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to clarify if the state's constitution required lawmakers to vote.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:53 AM | Comment

Download two versions of today's front page

The death late yesterday of former President Gerald R. Ford forced editors to remake the Journal's front page.

Download the original front page in .pdf format.

Download the remade front page, also in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 9:49 AM | Comment

Traffic: Crash slows traffic on 95 South in Warwick

The state police have responded to a minor two-car crash on Route 95 south in Warwick, between exits 12 and 13.

Traffic has slowed as other motorists are pausing to look at the crash, which happened shortly before 8 a.m., according to a police dispatcher.

If you’re wondering how your morning commute will be, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:10 AM | Comment

Warmer late December temps than normal

PROVIDENCE – With a high expected near 44 today, we’re considerably warmer than normal.

At 36 degrees now, it’s already warmer than the average normal temperature for this time of year, which is 31 degrees.

Yesterday, we had a high of 52 – 7 degrees shy of the record set back in 1973, but quite a bit warmer than the normal high of 39.

So, the warming trend continues. Today, we could see rain sprinkles after 9 a.m., and it should be mostly cloudy. The low tonight should be around 28 degrees.

The National Weather Service predicts more high temps in the 40s for the rest of the week.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:12 AM | Comment

December 26, 2006

Warwick PD ask for help finding 2 bank robbers

WARWICK -- The police are asking the public to help locate two men who robbed a crowded Bank of America branch here Saturday morning.

The masked men stormed into the bank at 50 West Shore Rd. just after it opened at 9 a.m. At least 10 customers were inside, as well as several tellers and other employees.

Two surveillance cameras captured the robbery. One shows a masked man enter the bank, remove an article of clothing that had concealed a shotgun, and aim his weapon at customers.

Another camera captured the second thief, wearing a baseball cap and a mask, and his body obscured by rubber gloves and a tan trench coat.

No one was injured during the robbery, according to a police statement. The robbers are believed to be in their 20s or 30s.

The police say the robbers arrived at the bank in a blue Buick stolen earlier that day from the Super Stop & Shop parking lot on Warwick Avenue. Following the bank robbery, the police say, the thieves abandoned the Buick in the parking lot of a nearby Ocean State Job Lot, leaving its engine and windshield wipers running.

Police detectives, who have interviewed bank staff and customers, are searching for witnesses who may have seen the suspects leave the Buick and possibly flee in another vehicle. Detectives can be reached at (401) 468-4233.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:48 PM | Comment

Update: Providence man victim in club shooting / Photo

Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski
Club Pulse, at 86 Crary St., was the scene of the fatal shooting early Christmas morning.

PROVIDENCE -- The police say a Providence man was killed in the shooting early Christmas morning at Club Pulse.

They released the identity of the man this morning as Kendall Marshall, 29. The police did not release his address.

The police say they have no suspect in the 1:30 a.m. shooting, which injured two other men.

Because of the shooting and previous incidents of violence at the club on Crary Street, the police are seeking an emergency meeting with the city's licensing board in an effort to close the club.

"We've had a number of problems there in the past," said Maj. Paul Fitzgerald, commander of the uniformed division.

The meeting hasn't yet been scheduled, but Fitzgerald wants the board to hear the request before the club is scheduled to reopen Friday as part of its regular schedule.

The injured men were identified as Darius Armador, 26, of Groton, Conn., and James Rue, 31, of Boston. The police declined to release their street addresses.

The police are still investigating the motive for the shooting. "We're still looking into what precipiated the violence," said Det. Capt. Hugh Clements, detectives commander.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Armador suffered a grazing wound to the neck. He was treated at Rhode Island Hospital and released, according to the police.

Rue was shot in the lower back and was in stable condition at the hospital yesterday, according to the police. The hospital couldn't provide an update when contacted today by projo.com.

The shooter was able to escape through one of the club's many exits in the confusion after the gunfire. The police say a handgun was used but would not say how many shots were fired.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Jack Perry at 4:40 PM | Comment

Zoning official suspended without pay

The Hopkinton building and zoning official has been suspended without pay after accusations that he gave preferential treatment to local elected officials and falsified his time card.

Charles M. Mauti said today that he is fighting the suspension.

Hopkinton and Westerly police officers delivered the 30-day suspension notice to Mauti’s Westerly home Friday afternoon.

Mauti had been the target of a two-year criminal investigation after accusations that he gave certain people -- the former Town Council president, another council member, and Mauti's own wife among them -- preferential treatment. No criminal charges were filed.

The recent suspension follows accusations that Mauti indicated on his time card that he worked one day last month that he actually took as a personal day. Mauti said it was a simple mistake.

There will be a hearing on the suspension in the coming weeks.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:23 PM | Comment

Peak season for state unemployment checks

PROVIDENCE -- Waiting for a state unemployment check? No worries -- it should be in the mail.

While dozens of unemployment checks were lost in the mail last holiday season, state officials say that those depending on unemployment insurance this Christmas shouldn't expect any major delays.

"This is our peak season; we're filing a high volume of claims," Raymond Filippone, the assistant director of income support for the Department of Labor and Training, said today. "But the checks went out fine."

State officials waited seven hours longer than usual to print checks on the Friday before Christmas to accommodate as many people as possible, Filippone said.

Still, some people may get their check a day later than expected because Christmas fell on a Monday -- there was no mail service yesterday and the state didn't print any checks that day.

Filippone estimated that the state will distribute 14,000 checks this week, compared to around 11,000 during non-holiday periods.

Why the increase?

Many companies lay off seasonal workers after Christmas, while other businesses close to conduct inventories, Filippone said. And there are many temporary layoffs for school-related jobs like crossing guards and bus drivers.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:58 PM | Comment

1 hospitalized after fire on Atwells Ave. / Photo

Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski
Tameka Rahu comforts family members after a fire gutted her home at 857 Atwells Avenue, Providence.

PROVIDENCE -- One person has been hospitalized for smoke inhalation following a fire in a two-story building on Atwells Avenue this morning.

The victim, who has not been identified, is one of seven people -- four adults and three children -- to be displaced by the blaze, which started in the basement of 857 Atwells Ave., according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department.

The Red Cross has been called to help the residents find new shelter.

Authorities were first notified of the fire at 11:07, and the flames were under control by 11:59, Taylor said. Fire crews are still there.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:24 PM | Comment

Back at it with just 364 shopping days left

After taking a breather for the Christmas holiday, Rhode Islanders headed back into the stores early this morning.

People began lining up outside stores and malls in the early morning looking to snap up holiday-themed goods at deep discounts and other items on sale, as well as return a misguided gift or two.

Your turn: What Christmas gift are you returning and why?

"I was kind of surprised," said Fran Olean, store team leader at the Target on Bald Hill Road in Warwick. "It was kind of a mini-Black Friday."

Black Friday is the nickname retailers have for the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

While the day after Christmas doesn't have a pet name, it too is typically a busy one for retailers. It's a day when the often slash prices on red- and green-colored dinnerware, silver and gold tree trimmings and other holiday-related gimcracks.

They also reduce prices on other goods they want to clear out before undertaking annual store inventory counts, which typically begin in mid-January.

"These are the people who've eyed something and didn't want to pay full price," Olean said of shoppers at Target.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:51 AM | Comment

Gas prices jump another 8 cents

Gasoline prices in Rhode Island climbed another eight cents last week, the seventh straight week of increases, according to AAA Southern New England.

The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gas is $2.43 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. That's 25 cents more than drivers were paying when prices started increasing in the middle of November.

Gas saving tips and tools from AAA.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:05 AM | Comment

Mass. health officials puzzled by outbreak

BOSTON -- What city health officials at first thought was an outbreak of whooping cough among employees at Children's Hospital Boston may have been something else entirely.

But exactly what is still in question.

It started when a 19-month-old patient came down with the classic symptoms of whooping cough, a respiratory disease also known as pertussis. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, slight fever, and mild cough, which can develop into a violent and persistent cough.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 8:29 AM | Comment

Light traffic, wet roads

The roads are wet from rain and drizzle this morning, and patchy fog could also be a problem for drivers.

But commuter traffic should be light for most of this week because of holiday vacations. The state Department of Transportation's Web cameras are showing light commuter traffic. The DOT doesn't have any current traffic alerts.

Check out its Web site for more travel information.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:54 AM | Comment

Rain, drizzle, fog

PROVIDENCE -- The rain should continue until 9 a.m. today with drizzle, fog and cloudy skies after that, according to the National Weather Service.

The temperature should climb to 52 degrees, although the weather service was warning of the chance for wet snow to mix with rain this morning at higher altitudes in the Berkshires and southwest New Hampshire.

Isolated gale force gusts are also possible on coastal waters south of New England, the weather service says.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's Journal front page includes stories on British forces raiding a police station in Iraq and freeing tortured inmates, the death of singer James Brown and a local story on the Meeting Street School.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 25, 2006

Santa drives a cruiser in Cumberland

Cumberland police have been moonlighting as Santa Claus.

Midday yesterday a resident found a large bag on the road with 13 wrapped gifts and few clues about how to get it to the owners. After some sleuthing and a little help from a local TV station, the police got a tip about who might own the missing gifts.

After a little more police work - and a drive to Woonsocket - the police were able to reunite the gifts with their rightful owners: a 5-year-old, 6-year-old and a 9-year-old.

Posted by Peter Phipps at 12:31 PM | Comment

Man shot and killed this morning at Club Pulse

PROVIDENCE — A club with a history of violence was the scene of the city’s 11th homicide early Christmas morning.

Just after 1:30 this morning shots were fired inside Club Pulse, killing one person and injuring two others, according to police.

The police are not yet releasing the names of the deceased or the other victims, saying they are waiting to notify relatives. No arrests have been made.

-- Scott Mayerowitz, Journal staff writer

Club Pulse, at 86 Crary St., just north of Rhode Island Hospital, has been the scene of several violent outbreaks in recent years.

Arguing in the past for the club’s closure, the police have said its clientele has a “propensity for violence.”

Maj. Paul Fitzgerald, head of the uniform division, told the city’s Board of Licenses in March of 2005 that “if the club continues to stay open, we will continues to have shootings, we will continues to have incidents there.”

Those comments came after an incident that month where someone fired six shots toward a small group standing outside the entrance. The group included three police officers called to the scene to help deal with a disturbance.

The South Providence nightclub was closed but only for two weeks and not because of the violence but because the fire alarm and sprinkler systems were not in compliance with state law. The Board of Licenses ultimately decided that the link between the shooting and the club was too tenuous to blame the owner.

However, after another breakout of violence in November 2005, the board did take action against the club. In March of this year, the board fined the club $1,500 for failing to prevent violence when a large fight began on the dance floor. The club’s security removed the combatants but the police said they were then forced to disperse a group that resumed fighting in the parking lot.

The club, which can hold up to 450 patrons, has been required in the past to hire six police officers on Fridays and three officers on Saturday and Sunday nights. It is owned by Alex Tomasso, who also owns Bar One in Providence and Feast of Famine, a chain of restaurants.

Tomasso has owned several Providence nightclubs, including Sanctuary, which was closed by the city in March 2004 by after violent incidents including a fatal shooting and another shooting months later in the club’s parking lot.

The victim of this morning’s shooting at Club Pulse was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital. The other two victims were in stable condition this morning, according to police.

Posted by Peter Phipps at 12:05 PM | Comment

Download Sunday's front page

A story about a generous man of meager means leads the Sunday Journal.

Download file

Posted by Peter Phipps at 11:00 AM | Comment

December 22, 2006

Update: Cesar Chavez statue unveiled / Photo

Journal photo / Frieda Squires
State Sen. Juan Pichardo, left, congratulates Julio Cesar Aragon and Providence City Councilman Terrence Hassett, right, after they unveiled the bronze statue of Cesar E. Chavez at the State House this afternoon.

A grand goal for the Mexican-American Association of Rhode Island was realized today at the State House when a red cloth was pulled off the bronze statue of activist Cesar E. Chavez.

It has been almost nine years in the making, this memorial for the iconic Mexican-American who led a grape boycott in California in the 1960s that resulted in better labor conditions for farm workers.

The statue, unveiled this afternoon, will remain in the Bell Room at the State House for about three months, according to Julio Cesar Aragon, head of the Mexican-American Association of Rhode Island.

Then it will be moved by March 31 to its permanent place – a small memorial garden for Chavez that has yet to be built in Davis Park, across from Nathanael Greene Middle School at 721 Chalkstone Ave.

That’s Chavez’s birthday, and everything must be in place by then, Aragon said today.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 6:12 PM | Comment

New class of correctional officers ready to roll / Photo

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Christina Carr, of Cranston, stands at attention as Joseph Charette, of Woonsocket, adjusts her tie and collar before their graduation ceremonies today.

PROVIDENCE -- A new group of correctional officers will be spending the holidays behind bars.

Graduation ceremonies were held today for 69 men and women who completed nine weeks of rigorous training for the state Department of Corrections Correctional Officer Training Class.

The 75th graduating class includes 17 women, the most to ever graduate at one time. All were feted in a somber ceremony in the auditorium at Rhode Island College’s Sapinsley Hall.

Ashbel T. Wall, the director of the Adult Correctional Institutions, told the audience of corrections officers and their family and friends that this class was selected from 2,000 applicants last spring. "This is truly a group of the elite,’’ Wall said. "They had what we were looking for.’’

Emmanuel Correia was recognized as the class valedictorian.

Training included CPR and weapons certification, as well as classroom topics such as law and communication skills. They also were required to take weekly exams.

The new graduates will work their first shifts on Sunday, Christmas Eve, and will be teamed up with senior officers for two weeks. After that, they will be working on their own.

Prison officials have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new graduates. Last month, the ACI announced that its population has averaged more than 3,700 over the previous four months, the highest in the history of the prison complex in Cranston. The new officers will bolster the existing staff of 850 officers.

-- Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski

Posted by Jack Perry at 5:24 PM | Comment

Photo: Generations in harmony for the holidays

Journal photo / Frieda Squires
Marie Dionne, 101, a resident at the Alpine Nursing Home, Coventry, talks with Madison McCulley and Megan Hetherman, right, fifth-graders at Western Coventry Elementary School. Sixty-six students visited the Alpine residents today, singing Christmas carols and hanging art work they made. The program is funded by local philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:22 PM | Comment

Health Dept.: Certain soft cheeses recalled

As you’re planning holiday appetizers and dinners in the next few days, the state Health Department is warning people not to eat certain soft cheeses, known as Portuguese or Brazilian cheese, made by Julima, Inc.

The cheeses have been recalled because they were made with unpasteurized milk, according to the Health Department. Unpasteurized milk may contain disease-causing agents that can cause severe illness and, in certain cases, death.

To date, no illnesses linked to these products have been reported to the department.

The cheeses may have “sell by” dates of Dec. 23 or Dec. 25. The two types of recalled cheeses are:

Julima Cheese, Inc.: Queijo Fresco, Sabor de Minas Farm Fresh Cheese and
Manny’s Dairy Farm: Portuguese Fresh Cheese, Queijo Accoreano.

The products are found in hard plastic containers of various sizes, including one-pound, two-pound and 12-ounce containers. They were sold in Portuguese and Brazilian stores and in certain Market Basket outlets in eastern and central Massachusetts and two stores in Rhode Island.

The stores in Rhode Island are Luzitania Bakery, at 312 Barton St., in Pawtucket, and Taunton Ave. Bakery, at 208 Taunton Ave., in East Providence.

Businesses and consumers who have purchased these products are advised to remove them from sale shelves and discard the product.

People should contact their doctors if they have consumed these cheeses and are experiencing any of the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, stiff neck or intense headache.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:13 PM | Comment

Christmas party tomorrow for Station victims, families

Station fire survivor Gina Gauvin is holding a Christmas party tomorrow for Station survivors, their families and relatives of those who died.

The party is from noon to 3 p.m at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Ave., Johnston. Santa is expected to make an appearance.

Gauvin is using money raised from her Regal Reptiles Halloween benefit to buy gifts for the children. There might also be toys donated by others.

She is asking those who attend to bring a favorite plate or snack to add to the buffet.

Posted by Jack Perry at 2:40 PM | Comment

State, feds agree to keep Coast Guard at Cape base

BOSTON -- State and federal officials signed an agreement today that preserves the Coast Guard's aviation presence at the Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod.

The agreement, between the Coast Guard, the National Guard Bureau and the state, created the Massachusetts Military Reservation Installation Partnership. It will allow the Coast Guard to assume control of the aviation facilities from the Air Force, while the Air National Guard operates common utilities and the state provides fire protection.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 2:12 PM | Comment

Update: 2 tractor-trailers in accident at Rte. 95's Exit 15

WARWICK – All lanes are open after an accident involving two tractor trailer trucks on Route 95 North at Exit 15.

The right and center lanes near the Jefferson Boulevard exit were blocked, slowing traffic, according to the state Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Center.

At 12:52 p.m., the DOT reported that lanes were back open. More details are not available.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:01 PM | Comment

Update: Motorist crashes as Scituate police pursue

SCITUATE -- A 24-year-old Cranston man is lucky to be alive after his car went hurtling through the air early this morning in Scituate as he eluded a police officer who had been following him for speeding, according to the police.

Savy Yon, of 84 Governor St., was driving west around 1 a.m. on Tunk Hill Road in the wrong lane several times, the police said. Scituate Police Officer Keith Yeaw watched him veer into the wrong lane several times and turned on his sirens to pull the driver over.

Instead, the driver accelerated to about 55 miles per hour in the 35 mile-per-hour zone, Lt. Stephen Lang said this morning. Yon continued at that speed for about 4 to 5 miles as Yeaw pursued him, Lang said.

Then, when the roadway became a straightaway shortly before the intersection with Route 102 – where Tunk Hill Road comes to a T – Yon accelerated, Lang said.

At that point, Lang said, police backed off on their pursuit.

“He then accelerated his car at a high rate of speed and pulled away from the police officer like nothing, he was just gone,” Lang said. “He hit the gas, went clean through the intersection and never hit his brake lights.”

The vehicle went head-on into the woods, flipping over end to end and cutting trees in half in the air, Lang said.

The car was torn apart, and Lang was found trapped with his torso underneath the dashboard of the car and his legs in the seat area, Lang said. He was extricated and transported to Rhode Island Hospital by helicopter.

He’s in stable condition with several bones in his face fractured, all his ribs broken and several bones in his back broken, Lang said. He is not paralyzed and has no brain damage, according to Lang.

"So he's really lucky," Lang said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:13 PM | Comment

R.I. ranks second in population loss

Little Rhody has gotten, well, even littler, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Rhode Island lost 5,969 residents, or 0.6 percent of its population, from July 1, 2005, to July 1, 2006.

The only state to lose more was Louisiana, which lost 220,000 residents, nearly 5 percent of its population. Louisiana was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005.

Texas gained more residents, 579,275, than any other state.

Read more on the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:08 PM | Comment

T.F. Green is idyllic compared with Denver

On this busy travel day at T.F. Green Airport, those waiting to get through security this morning have been lucky – with "short waiting lines,” according to Joseph Salter, Rhode Island’s federal security director for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

The situation here is idyllic compared with Denver, Colo., where the airport has been closed since 2:45 p.m. Wednesday because of a blizzard. With that airport slated to re-open today at noon Denver time, travelers from around the country trying to get to or through Denver have certainly had their plans thwarted.

Flights into and out of Green, however, seem to be on time for the most part. Perhaps that’s because you can’t travel directly to Denver from Providence.

It’s tough to say how many Providence passengers may be affected by the Colorado blizzard, but “it’s a ripple effect,” Salter said.

AAA estimates that 64.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this holiday, an increase of 2.2 percent from 63.5 million last year.

AAA says 81 percent of travelers will go by motor vehicle, 14 percent will go by airplane and 5 percent will go by train, bus or other mode of transportation.

At Green, the TSA has hired extra security workers to ease congestion during the holiday travel period.

To ease your time at the airport, travelers should check the TSA's Web sitewhere new restrictions about traveling with liquids, gels and aerosols are well-defined, according to Salter. Also, TSA offers general travel tips there.

Although more people travel for Christmas than Thanksgiving, the Christmas travel period tends to be less congested because travel days are spread out over 10 days instead of five.

About 38.3 million people traveled 50 miles or more from home for Thanksgiving, according to AAA.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:38 AM | Comment

Carcieri names acting director of human services

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri announced today that he has appointed Gary Alexander as the acting director of the state Department of Human Services.

Alexander has served as the assistant to the director since 1998. He will oversee the department after today, when Director Ronald Lebel is scheduled to retire, until a permanent director is named.

Before joining DHS in 1998, Alexander served for two years as former Lt. Gov. Bernard Jackvony’s policy director. Previously, Alexander worked as a health care budget and policy analyst for the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Alexander earned his law degree from Suffolk University in 2002. He also holds a master of divinity degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. He graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University in Boston with a bachelor of arts in political science.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:33 AM | Comment

Car crash on Route 6

State police have responded to a two-car crash around 10:15 a.m. on Route 6 East at the Dean Street exit.

More details are not yet available.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:29 AM | Comment

RIPTA buses to adjust schedules for holidays

Regular bus routes in Rhode Island will be running on Sunday/Holiday schedules for the next two Mondays – Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s administrative offices will be closed on those holidays as well.

For information on other routes -- including the Route 210 Kingston Flex Service and the Route 211 Kingston Connection, which won’t run on either holiday – check the RIPTA Web site.

For other holiday weekend traffic news, check out the state’s roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:54 AM | Comment

Download today's Journal front page.

Today's front page includes local stories about a Superior Court judge's decision to release testimony from a grand jury's investigation into The Station nightclub fire and the high amount of donations from state workers to the candidates in last month's race for governor.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:07 AM | Comment

Rain possible today, likely tonight

PROVIDENCE – We’ve got a 30 percent chance of rain today – and then almost certain rain tonight, mainly after 9 p.m.

We should have highs near 45 today and in the low 50s over the weekend.

Expect more rain tomorrow, sunshine on Sunday and possible rain on Monday, which is Christmas Day. We should have a high of 48 on Christmas.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:03 AM | Comment

December 21, 2006

Update: Fire at Pippin Orchard Nurseries in Cranston

CRANSTON -- A fire at the Pippin Orchard Nurseries apparently destroyed a greenhouse early this evening.

Shortly after 7 p.m., white smoke could be seen pouring from the building, which was surrounded by four fire trucks. There were no signs of flames.

A sign indicated that the operation had been closed for the season. The nurseries are located on Pippin Orchard Road, which has been closed a short distance in both directions.

Robin Muksian-Schutt, the mayor's chief of staff, had said earlier that a barn and the greenhouse were on fire.

There were also police-scanner reports of high flames and concerns over various tanks with explosive gases at the location.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:15 PM | Comment

Providence unveils plans for this year's Bright Night

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Big Nazo puppets accompany Mayor David N. Cicilline at City Hall today as Bright Night festivities are announced. Cicilline said the New Year's Eve event is the perfect opportunity to showcase Providence’s arts and culture, particularly through the use of local artists.

PROVIDENCE — City Hall was invaded today by a legion of costumed who-knows-what’s, singing and dancing and doing magic tricks as they took over the austere government building.

But it was only a taste of the scores of performers, artists, and shows that will descend on Providence on Bright Night, the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

The night promises over 160 performers in 24 venues throughout the city’s downtown. But it will be the first Bright Night not to feature WaterFire, which could not find a sponsor for a New Year’s Eve lighting.

The artist-run, arts-oriented festival begins with events starting at noon on Dec. 31. But the evening really kicks into gear at 6 p.m., with the first performances by the Bright Night Circus of Wonders, the Gilday Magic Show, a poetry slam, jazz and dance performances, and more.

There will also be fireworks displays at 5:30 p.m. and midnight.

The main event will be the full circus, held at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The other large new event is the Gilday Magic Show, a 20-person show billed as the largest touring magic show in 25 years. The show will run at 6 and 9 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the first time Bright Night activities have used that venue.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:57 PM | Comment

Verizon closer to offering cable TV in R.I.

Verizon Communications is a step closer to offering cable television service to about 80,000 households in Rhode Island.

State cable regulators have awarded the company a “compliance certificate” for Service Area 6, following a 10-month review of Verizon’s application to become a cable provider.

That service area is comprised of Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, North Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and West Greenwich.

The award allows Verizon to own a cable television system in that region. But the company must get two more approvals from the regulators before it can actually begin the service – one allowing it to construct its network, and the other to operate its service.

Those approvals are likely to take just two to four months, according to a Verizon spokeswoman.

Verizon would become the first new cable company to enter the state since 1983, and provide the first land-based competition to Cox Communications in the West Bay area.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 5:44 PM | Comment

Several events to mark Cicilline's 2nd inauguration

PROVIDENCE — Mayor David N. Cicilline has announced plans for his second inauguration, with events starting Wednesday, Jan. 3, and continuing until Saturday, Jan. 6.

Cicilline, who won his second four-year term with over 80 percent of the vote last month, will be officially sworn in at 11 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, followed by his inaugural address.

“My inaugural address will set the stage for my second-term agenda, and emphasize the importance of making youth our first priority in creating a city of our greatest ambitions,” Cicilline said.

Cicilline’s inauguration will be followed by a party on Friday night at the Biltmore Hotel. Proceeds from the events will benefit Providence’s after-school programs and Volunteers in Public Schools.

The inaugural celebrations will also extend to Saturday, when skating at the Bank of America City Center will be free from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., as will admission to the Providence Children’s Museum from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi

The early days of the new year will also witness the arrival of five new members on the City Council, and the change in its leadership from John J. Lombardi to Peter S. Mancini. The council will become entirely Democratic with the loss of David Segal, a member of the Green Party.

The new council will be officially — and briefly — sworn in on Jan. 1, and then hold their full inaugural ceremonies on the night of Wednesday, Jan. 3.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:38 PM | Comment

Update: State suspends doctor's license after arrest

The state's health director today suspended the license of a doctor from Barrington, who was charged with multiple counts of lewd behavior following allegations of incidents at the Newman YMCA in Seekonk, Mass.

Dr. Andrew C. Stone, 36, of 53 Martin Ave., was arrested at home last night by the Barrington police. Stone waived extradition in Providence District Court this morning and later appeared at court in Taunton, Mass., where he pleaded not guilty and posted a $5,000 cash bail.

"The director of health has determined that the continued practice of Andrew C. Stone, M.D., would constitute an immediate danger to the public," reads a summary suspension notice from state Director of Health David R. Gifford.

The state Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline reviewed evidence provided by Seekonk and Barrington police following allegations that Stone "exposed himself and touched himself inappropriately in front of young boys" at the Newman YMCA, according to a board filing.

Stone is a critical-care lung specialist on staff at the VA Medical Center in Providence. He also practiced at Roger Williams and Rhode Island hospitals. Stone completed post-graduate training under Brown University's program in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Rhode Island Hospital.

Dr. Robert S. Crausman, chief administrative officer of the state Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, said that the board learned of Stone's arrest about 48 hours ago, when it received a call from the police.

In its summary suspension report, the medical board indicated that "this is not the first incident of this nature." The report did not provide any details.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples with reports from Journal staff writer Felice J. Freyer

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:17 PM | Comment

Update: Body of missing Westerly man found

Rescue officials have found the body of a Westerly man after searching a river and the wooded area along Westerly-Hopkinton line for much of three days.

Authorities confirmed this afternoon that a body found this morning is that of Giorgio Celico, 66, of 23 Bradford Road, whose car was found abandoned Tuesday near a bridge over the Pawcatuck River, which forms the border between the two towns.

Search crews have called off the search the last two nights and resumed it in the mornings around 8 a.m.

The police said Celico was depressed and may have had a gun when he left his house Monday night. The police could not confirm if Celico was armed.

The Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. An answer is expected later this afternoon.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:47 PM | Comment

Judge: Station fire jury transcripts may be released

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge has ruled that the public may see transcripts from the secret grand jury that investigated The Station nightclub fire.

Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr., the presiding judge of the Superior Court, heard legal arguments from the attorney general, a lawyer for the grand jury and other lawyers last week about whether to disclose transcripts of testimony given to the grand jury.

This is believed to be only the second time that a Rhode Island court has allowed the wholesale public release of grand jury testimony. The first was the case of Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., the off-duty Providence police officer shot by fellow officers in 2000.

Rodgers cited the “unique circumstances” of the case in granting Attorney General Patrick Lynch's petition to disclose the testimony. The judge limited the release to the materials sought in the attorney general’s initial petition – the transcripts of the grand jury – and the instructions of law given the grand jury by the attorney general.

Rodgers said he would not expand the scope of the petition beyond the transcripts, and he reserved judgment on disclosure of any additional materials. He specifically denied requests by the Derderians' lawyers to include exhibits presented to the grand jury, as well as other evidence gathered by the attorney general not shown to the panel.

No timetable has been set for the release of the transcripts.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

The Attorney General's Office has recently released other evidence, such as audio and video, gathered during its investigation into the fire.

The Station fire grand jury met on and off for 10 months following the Feb. 20, 2003, West Warwick nightclub fire that killed 100 people. In December of that year, the grand jury approved involuntary manslaughter charges against the brothers who owned the nightclub and the rock band tour manager who started the fire by shooting off fireworks.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:38 PM | Comment

Celtics' Pierce expected to miss 3 weeks

The Web site of Sports Illustrated is reporting today that Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has suffered a stress reaction in his left foot and will miss at least three weeks of action. Pierce apparently hurt himself on Friday against Denver, then aggravated the injury in last night's loss to Golden State.

Pierce is 10th in the NBA with 26.6 points per game.

The Celtics next play tomorrow night at home against Philadelphia. They then leave on a West Coast trip.

Posted by Mike McDermott at 3:09 PM | Comment

Update: Jeep crashes into holiday party store / Video

Journal photo / Sandor Bodo
Cleanup was under way at the Let's Party store today after the crash last night left holiday decorations and displays strewn over the store's front.

CUMBERLAND – Party manager Katie Cournoyer won’t let a little girl’s birthday party tonight at the Let’s Party store be ruined just because a Jeep Grand Cherokee plowed through the store late last night and wiped out the store’s candy, Christmas and New Year’s aisles.

Watch the surveillance video of the crash. (20 sec.)

The party is on – “because there’s no sense having a little girl’s party crushed right before Christmas,” Cournoyer said.

As potential shoppers have been calling this morning to see if the store has certain items, Cournoyer says she has told them, “Yeah, if you jump over the debris, you can come and get it.”

Store owner Russell Scharf said he’s devastated by the damages – which he estimates at $40,000 to $70,000. Oddly, a deer plowed through the plate-glass front window of this same store on Jan. 19, 2003, Scharf said.

“He came in through the ‘in’ door,” Scharf said. “And so did the Jeep.”

A little luck shone on Scharf last night – he had left his prized 1966 Chevy Nova in the parking lot because he was working at a new store location in Chepachet last night and planned to go back over to the Cumberland shop late last night and get the car his father bought when it was brand-new.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

The Jeep collided with a car on Mendon Road around 11:45 p.m. yesterday, left the roadway and traveled through the parking lot before crashing into the party store.

The Jeep driver just missed Scharf's Nova in the lot, driving between a telephone pole and that car before plowing through the front windows and shattering eight panels of glass.

“He threaded like a needle between the telephone pole and my 1966 Nova and didn’t put a scratch on it,” Scharf said. “ … Literally, if you look at the position the car was, you wouldn’t even think you could drive between them. It’s just amazing. It’s nothing but luck that that didn’t even get a nick.”

According to the police accident report, neither driver had any apparent injuries and neither was taken to a hospital.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:29 PM | Comment

Westerly Land Trust closes on river property

WESTERLY – The Westerly Land Trust closed this morning on the purchase of a 1.29-acre parcel by the Pawcatuck River, adjacent to the Potter Hill Bridge and the Flora Whitely Preserve.

The Potter Hill Road property will connect the Flora Whitely Preserve to Potter Hill Road and the bridge, which crosses Route 3 at the Westerly-Hopkinton line. A walking trail may be created.

The parcel’s preservation will facilitate canoeing and kayaking down the river, providing an easy exit from the river to bypass the Potter Hill dam.

The property was acquired through a $270,000 loan, which the Westerly Land Trust is to repay in two years.

The trust previously acquired eight other parcels – totaling more than 700 acres – along the river, between the Westerly town line with Charlestown, and the Potter Hill bridge.

Those interested in making a donation to or joining the Westerly Land Trust, should write to The Westerly Land Trust, P.O. Box 601, Westerly, RI 02891.

-- Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:23 PM | Comment

Update: Most students go to school despite threat

WEST GREENWICH -- The majority of the students at Exeter-West Greenwich Senior High School are in school today, despite the the appearance of the second death threat in seven days on a bathroom wall, according to school principal Denise M. Boule.

"Things are going fine. We have attendance as usual," she said this morning. "About 95 percent of our kids are here."

Almost a week after half the students at Exeter-West Greenwich Senior High School skipped school because of rumors about a death threat, Boule used the web yesterday to assure parents and students that there was no real threat.

A message written in the girl’s bathroom yesterday was “similar” to one written last week that prompted the rumors – and, in turn, the decision by many parents to keep their children home, Boule wrote on the school’s Web site.

“After speaking to the chief of police and the Superintendent, James DiPrete, we concluded that this is a ‘copy cat’ attempting to disrupt our school process,” Boule wrote.

While school is in session today, Boule wrote to parents in the open letter on the Web site that an investigation will take place.

Boule encouraged anyone with what she refers to as “valid information leading to a resolution to this situation” to call her at (401) 397-6893, ext. 24.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:08 PM | Comment

Portuguese consultate might close

Some people in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts are concerned that the area's two Portuguese consulates may soon close.

A proposal before the Portuguese Parliament -- if passed -- could close both the Providence and New Bedford consulate offices by July.

If the consulates close, Portuguese citizens seeking help will have to travel to Boston.

A spokesman for Antonio Braga, the Portuguese Parliament's secretary of state, says the issue is still being studied and no decision has been made.

But some people are not so sure. Fernando Garcia, a prominent New Bedford business leader, says unless there is an outcry from the area's Portuguese population, the consulates will definitely close.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:00 AM | Comment

Principal goes online to calm students and parents

WEST GREENWICH -- Almost a week after half the students at Exeter-West Greenwich Senior High School skipped school because of rumors about a death threat, the principal goes on the web to assure parents and students.

A message written in the girl’s bathroom yesterday was “similar” to one written last week that prompted the rumors – and, in turn, the decision by many parents to keep their children home, Principal Denise M. Boule has written on the school’s Web site.

“After speaking to the chief of police and the Superintendent, James DiPrete, we concluded that this is a ‘copy cat’ attempting to disrupt our school process,” Boule wrote.

While school is in session today, Boule wrote to parents in the open letter on the Web site that an investigation will take place.

Boule encouraged anyone with what she refers to as “valid information leading to a resolution to this situation” to call her at (401) 397-6893, ext. 24.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:17 AM | Comment

It was a dark morning in the Capital City and ...

PROVIDENCE – It’s dark, dark, dark this morning.

The shortest day of the year, today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 52.

With sunrise at 7:09 a.m. today and sunset at 4:17 p.m., we have just 9 hours and eight minutes of daylight today.

The winter solstice starts at 7:22 p.m. when the sun will be over the Tropic of Capricorn.

There’s a small craft advisory for the region’s waters through this evening, with west winds today expected to be 20 to 25 knots, with a few gusts near 35 knots. Seas should be 4 to 7 feet.

Through the weekend, expect rain Friday night and through Saturday. Sunday should be partly cloudy, with a high around 50. Christmas Day is now predicted to be mostly sunny with a high of 48.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Correction: No snow this weekend, as we said earlier. Just rain. We wrote the wrong word after checking to see if there might be a white Christmas. There won't be.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:05 AM | Comment

Download today's front page

Stories on returning soldiers, pensions for the dead and the Narragansetts' latest gambling plan lead today's Journal.
Download file

Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:02 AM | Comment

December 20, 2006

Roof problems force Brown to close swim center

PROVIDENCE -- Brown University announced today that it has closed its swim center indefinitely after engineers discovered structural problems in the building's roof.

"The University decided to close the swim center because we want to ensure the safety of Brown's athletes and members of the local community who use the facility," said Michael Chapman, vice president for public affair and university relations. "Every effort will be made to expedite the inspection and repair process so that the center can reopen as soon as possible."

Potential problems were discovered in the fall as construction crews worked on unrelated locker rooms renovations. Two teams of engineers were called in to inspect the roof. A report released last month identified "potential problems with the roof's structure in the event of heavy snow," according to an announcement released by the university today.

None of the engineers indicated that the swimming facility may be unsafe before snowfall, according to the university. But the swim center's original architect reviewed the engineers' report and "expressed concerns."

The swim center is now closed indefinitely, according to Brown, pending the release of an engineering report early next month.

Fourteen athletic teams, various campus organizations and community groups use Brown pool, according to university officials, who won't make any decisions about schedule changes until the engineers' report is released.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:08 PM | Comment

Sentencing set for Celona, Urciuoli and Driscoll

The stars of Rhode Island's latest high-profile corruption case will learn their fate at the end of next month.

The U.S. Attorney's Office today announced the sentencing dates for former North Providence state senator John A. Celona, and former Roger Williams Hospital leaders Robert A. Urciuoli and Frances P. Driscoll.

U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres is scheduled to sentence each person in the same courtroom, back-to-back-to-back, on Jan. 31.

Former Roger Williams' president Robert Urciuoli was convicted in October for attempting to steal the honest services of Celona -- who was the prosecution's star witness in the trial. Urciuoli was found guilty of 1 count of conspiracy and 35 counts of mail fraud.

Urciuoli potentially faces more than 100 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines.

Driscoll, a former hospital vice president, was convicted of one count of mail fraud, involving a check to Celona.

Celona pleaded guilty last summer to various charges of influence peddling. Federal prosecutors promised to seek a reduced sentence in exchange for his cooperation.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:01 PM | Comment

Seymour Pats' only Pro Bowl selection

FOXBORO -- The Patriots have only one Pro Bowl player for the first time in six years. Even two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady was left out despite his strong season and his team's 10-4 record that leads the AFC East.

New England's quarterback doesn't mind, especially if he can spend the day of the game reveling in more Super Bowl accomplishments from the previous weekend while the stars get some exercise in the Feb. 10 exhibition in Honolulu.

"I think this team cares about one bowl," Brady said Wednesday, "and it certainly isn't the Pro Bowl."

The only Patriot chosen for the AFC team announced Tuesday is defensive end Richard Seymour. He was picked for the fifth consecutive season, while Brady's two-year streak ended.

The Patriots have the fewest Pro Bowl selections of the seven teams with records of 9-5 or better. Even Oakland (2-12) had one player chosen.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:49 PM | Comment

Day 2 of search ends with man still missing

WESTERLY – Rhode Island and Connecticut emergency personnel and volunteers unsuccessfully searched for the second day for a missing Bradford man.

The search was called off today at dusk. It will resume tomorrow morning.

Giorgio Celico, 66, of 23 Bradford Road, was last seen Monday night. He was reported missing early Tuesday morning.

Police said Celico was depressed and may have had a gun when he left his house Monday night. Police could not confirm today if Celico was armed.

His Mercedes was found abandoned near Route 91, on the Westerly-Hopkinton border. The keys were still in the ignition.

Rescue personnel searched for the man’s body in the river, after search dogs traced the man’s scent to a bridge near the Bradford Dyeing Association.

-- Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:17 PM | Comment

Photo/Bishop says Mass at Zambarano; greets Frank

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, bishop of Providence gives the homily at Zambarano hospital.
Journal photo / Mary Murphy

BURRILLVILLE -- With Advent winding down and Christmas less than a week away, the Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, this afternoon visited Zambarano Hospital to say Mass and meet patients at the chronic-disease facility. It was the first time a bishop had visited in nearly 15 years.

In his homily, Bishop Tobin reflected on the lessons of ``patience and trust'' exemplified by many of Zambarano's patients, some of whom have been hospitalized for decades.

The bishop said he had new appreciation for these qualities after his own recent hospitalization for treatement of lower back pain. After a week in Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, the bishop has resumed most of his normal activities.

Fllowing Mass for about 100 patients, relatives, family and staff in the Zambarano chapel, Bishop Tobin greeted the hospital community during a reception in the auditorium, decorated for the holiday. He posed for photographs, chatted, and gave his blessing to all who desired. He met Frank Beazley, longtime hospital resident and patient advocate, and subject of the recent Journal series, The Growing Season.

``You're obviously the star attraction!'' the bishop said. Beazley presented the bishop with a gift from Patients For Progress, the advocacy group that he chairs.

Posted by Peter Phipps at 4:15 PM | Comment

Woman charged with DUI in fatal crash

A Coventry woman was charged with driving under the influence, death resulting, in Kent County District Court today, five days after she was involved in a Johnston car crash that killed 17-year-old Warwick boy, Anthony Gemma.

Dawn Simas, 29, of 60 Read Ave., Coventry, was driving her 1998 Ford Explorer west on Hartford Avenue when she crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with Gemma's 1993 Buick Century, according to Johnston police. Gemma was pronounced dead shortly after the 7:40 p.m. accident.

The boy was headed to his mother's house after a shift working as a cashier at Brigido's Fresh Market in North Scituate.

Police found a joint in Simas' car and several roaches. She had been charged originally with possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle in possession of a controlled substance and refusing to submit to a chemical blood test.

At today's court appearance, Simas' bail was set at $30,000 with surety, or $3,000 cash, which she posted.

Her next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2007, according to Michael Healey, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:19 PM | Comment

Smithfield accountant filed false tax returns

PROVIDENCE -- A Smithfield accountant pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns to avoid paying taxes on about $313,000 in personal income over four years.

Irwin Kalmer, 60, now faces three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His is out on bond, pending a May 2007 sentencing.

In pleading guilty, Kalmer admitted today that he avoided paying some income taxes on revenue generated in personal accounting fees. When paid by check, he set up a system in which he deposited 30 percent of the money into his business bank account, while converting the rest into cash.

Using this system, Kalmer omitted $41,874 income from his 1999 return; $77,085 from his 2000 return; $89,448 from his 2001 return; and $105,473 from his 2002 return, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The criminal investigation arm of the Internal Revenue Service investigated the case.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:10 PM | Comment

Feinstein offers 100K match challenge for charity

Alan Shawn Feinstein was moved after reading a story in today's Journal about declining holiday donations across the state this year.

He decided to help.

The Cranston philanthropist today announced a "$100,000 challenge grant" to all Rhode Islanders. Feinstein will match any and all donations up to $100,000 made out to the Salvation Army, Rhode Island Food Bank, or Crossroads Rhode Island in the next 11 days.

The checks must be sent to him and postmarked before Jan. 1. And the matching challenge only applies to new donations, he said. Funds should be sent to Feinstein at 37 Alhamba Circle, Cranston 02905.

Relief agencies in Rhode Island report being tens of thousands of dollars below where they typically are during the holiday season. Some blame the lack of charity on unseasonably warm weather.

“It’s so mild; people are not in the Christmas spirit,” Maj. Robert Pfeiffer, state coordinator for the Salvation Army, said recently.

Feinstein, who made his fortune writing investment newsletters and selling mail-order collectibles, such as coins, stamps and baseball cards, underwrites a number of philanthropic efforts.

In addition to giving money to schools to support their community service projects and giving millions to local colleges for scholarships, he estimates he has donated about $50 million to anti-hunger initiatives over the last 25 years.

Several schools and programs at local colleges bear his name, as do theaters, such as the Feinstein IMAX Theater at the Providence Place mall.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:28 PM | Comment

Fogarty praised for military fund

The Rhode Island National Guard is planning to honor Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty today for establishing a special fund to help military families while their loved ones are away.

The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund, which Fogarty and his office have administered since 2002, has given out grants in excess of $107,000. Grants to families are based on need and capped at $2,500.

Today's ceremony is set for 1:30 p.m. at the National Guard's Command Readiness Center in Cranston. The Guard will also recognize several Rhode Island businesses for supporting their Guard employees while deployed.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:04 PM | Comment

Narragansetts want to build slot parlor in Charlestown

The Narragansett Indian tribe is pursuing plans to build a slot parlor on its lands in Charlestown and has approached Rhode Island’s Congressional leaders about reversing a federal law that would block their efforts.

“We don’t want table games. We don’t want roulette. We want what the state has,” Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said.

Thomas has requested a meeting with members of the state delegation about the Chafee amendment, a 1996 law introduced by U.S. Senator John Chafee that bars the tribe from federal Indian gaming privileges on its 1,800 acres.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:16 PM | Comment

Middletown man struck by car, in critical condition

A 72-year-old Middletown man is in critical condition this morning after being struck by a car on West Main Road in Middletown yesterday afternoon.

Robert L. Tannert, of 73 Oak St., was crossing West Main Road about 20 feet south of Chase’s Lane, according to Lt. Robert S. Nutt. He was not in a crosswalk.

The accident remains under investigation, Nutt said. The police do not know yet whether they will be filing charges against the driver or how fast he was traveling, Nutt said.

The driver, 25-year-old Christopher M. Heup, of 11 Newport Ave. in Newport, had turned left out of the entryway to the Chili’s restaurant on the east side of the road and was heading south on West Main Road, according to the police accident report.

He was changing lanes – from the right lane to the left lane – when he struck Tannert straight-on with his 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

With the impact of the crash, Tannert went up onto the hood and then bounced off the car and onto the ground, according to the accident report.

The man was taken to Newport Hospital with multiple injuries and was later transported to Rhode Island Hospital, according to the police. His vehicle was seized and held for investigation at the Middletown Police Station.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:30 AM | Comment

Traffic: Police clearing accident on 95 in Providence

The state police are working to clear a two-car accident on Route 95 north, just before the Thurbers Avenue curve in Providence.

No one was injured in the early morning accident, and it didn’t appear to cause any unusual traffic tie-ups, according to Lt. Steven Lefebvre.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:53 AM | Comment

A morning to scrape the windshield

PROVIDENCE – If you’re driving to work this morning – and aren’t lucky enough to have a garage – leave a few extra minutes to scrape the frost off your car windshield.

It’s a crisp 23 degrees out this morning. It should warm up to about 46 degrees later today, with partly sunny skies.

It now looks like we’ll be back in the low 50s tomorrow and then low- to upper-40s through the weekend.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:04 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's front page includes stories about President Bush's plans to increase the size of the nation's armed forces and a local story about how the warm December weather has hurt Salvation Army fund raising.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 19, 2006

Arrest may follow Woonsocket throat slashing

WOONSOCKET — Detective Lt. Timothy Paul said today that a warrant may be issued in connection with an incident Saturday morning that left a Cranston woman injured after her throat was slashed outside a River Street bar.

Kuiwana Prout, 29, of Cranston, received a six-inch gash on the left side of her neck in the incident that occurred at 12:46 a.m. on Saturday. She was treated and released at Rhode Island Hospital.

According to a police report, Prout was dancing at Aly’s Pub with her girlfriend and accidentally stepped on the foot of a Woonsocket woman. Prout told the police that she apologized, and she and her girlfriend left the bar.

Prout said the woman and her friends followed her and her girlfriend outside the bar. In the scuffle that followed, one of the woman’s friends reached over and cut Prout with a box cutter. Another witness said she saw that person throw a glass bottle at Prout during the fight.

Paul said that the incident is still being investigated and that detectives are interviewing the people who were involved.

-- Journal staff writer Kia Hall Hayes

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:28 PM | Comment

Carcieri sits down with new Lt. Gov. Roberts

PROVIDENCE -- The release of Governor Carcieri's daily schedule generally doesn't make news. But it did today.

Tomorrow from 5 to 5:45 p.m., Carcieri is scheduled to sit down with Lt. Gov.-elect Elizabeth Roberts.

It certainly won't be an introductory meeting, according to Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal. The governor is acquainted with Roberts, a state senator from Cranston.

Instead, the meeting will focus on how the state's top two elected officials -- who represent different political parties -- can work together.

Roberts replaces Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty, who narrowly lost a bid to unseat Carcieri in November.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Katherine Gregg

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:16 PM | Comment

West Warwick company Amtrol files for bankruptcy

Amtrol, the West Warwick-based manufacturer of water storage and pressure control products, announced today that it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in an effort to transfer more than $97 million of debt into company stock.

The move comes as the company struggles to pay off nearly $180 million in debt.

In May, Amtrol filed a quarterly report that stated Amtrol had “significant working capital deficiency that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.”

The bankruptcy filing, company officials said, will improve Amtrol’s long-term financial stability by significantly reducing the company’s bond payments, while replacing the company’s owners, the New York City based Cypress Group, which has owned the company since 1996.

Amtrol said it expects to continue to operate in the normal course of business during the reorganization process.

Amtrol said it currently has 400 employees in Rhode Island. It is unclear how the bankruptcy filing will affect the employees.

-- Journal staff writer Arthur Kimball-Stanley

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:20 PM | Comment

New Cranston mayor names top official

CRANSTON -- Mayor-elect Michael T. Napolitano today named Ernest J. Carlucci as his director of administration, the second-highest position in the city government. Carlucci is a veteran Democratic Party activist in North Providence and a family friend.

Napolitano, a Democrat, eked out a victory over Republican candidate Allan W. Fung by 79 votes.

-- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:03 PM | Comment

Child molester gets 40 years at ACI

PROVIDENCE -- A Cranston man has been sentenced to serve 40 years in prison for molesting a child -- the man's second molestation conviction in Rhode Island.

The attorney general's office announced today that James Oliveira, 54, of 41 Franklin Avenue, Cranston, was found guilty of one count of first-degree molestation in September. Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia sentenced him to 60 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions with 40 to serve.

"By the very nature of his abhorrent crimes, this defendant deserves this sentence," Attorney General Patrick Lynch said in a statement. "I am pleased that this repeat offender has been removed from society in general, and from children in particular."

In 1988, Oliveira was convicted of one count of first-degree molestation and one count of second-degree molestation. The state Supreme Court, however, reversed the conviction because the defense hadn't been able to challenge the young victim's credibility.

Oliveira then worked out a deal with prosecutors where he plead no contest to two counts of second-degree molestation. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, but served two.

The most recent arrest stems from an incident in Pawtucket in August of 2004.

Oliveira has been held without bail at the ACI since his original arrest on Aug. 13, 2004.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:03 PM | Comment

State buys fire-fighting foam to protect ports

The state now has 2,500 gallons of fire-fighting foam available to help extinguish fires such as the one this past summer at the Motiva Enterprises terminal in the Port of Providence.

The state Department of Environmental Management announced the purchase of the foam today with state money as a “port-protection initiative.” It is enough to produce 250,000 gallons of finish foam, which is more than enough to extinguish a fire in a tank at the Providence port, according to a statement issued by DEM.

The 500 five-gallon pails of foam will be stored at the Providence Fire Department’s Allens Avenue fire station, but it is for use throughout the state, according to Mark S. Pare, the fire department’s assistant chief of administration.

“They’ll be able to transport it to anybody who needs it,” Pare said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

When a fire broke out at the Motiva terminal on July 19, firefighters from the Allens Avenue station heading out on another call saw a fire ball near the tanker that had been offloading gasoline during a violent electrical storm.

State and city officials began early this year discussing the need for the port to have a sufficient supply of fire-fighting foam in case of a catostrophic fire or a disaster resulting in the failure of a large storage tank, according to DEM. Then, the Motiva fire galvanized the need for more foam.

Although each fire engine in Providence now carries 30 gallons of fire-fighting foam, according to Pare, a crew from T.F. Green Airport was also called in that night for its expertise on battling fires with the use of foam.

The fire-fighting foam works because it forms a blanket over burning fumes and eliminates the vapors, thereby removing the source of ignition, Pare explained.

The $82,497 paid for the fire-fighting foam came out of the state’s Oil Spill Prevention, Administration and Response Fund administered by DEM. That fund is maintained with a five-cent-per-barrel fee on oil received at marine terminals.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:07 PM | Comment

Whitehouse names top staffers

Senator-elect Sheldon Whitehouse has announced four top staffers as he prepares the transition to Washington in the coming weeks.

Whitehouse, who ousted the Republican incumbent Sen. Lincoln Chafee in November, will be sworn into office in early January.

His campaign manager, Mindy Myers, will serve as chief of staff. Myers, a Pennsylvania native, worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs under the Clinton administration and later worked with the Senate's top Democrat Tom Daschle.

Laura Petrou, who worked in Daschle's office for 20 years, will serve as Whitehouse's senior adviser. The North Carolina native most recently served as Daschle's chief of staff in his personal office.

Whitehouse today also named two people who will work primarily in his Rhode Island office. His state director will be George Carvalho, who most recently worked as deputy treasurer and chief of staff to Rhode Island Treasurer Paul Tavares.

Carvalho is a Pawtucket native who still sits on the Pawtucket Board of Appeals and on the board of the Pawtucket Boys’ and Girls’ Club. He graduated from Roger Williams University and holds a law degree from the Detroit College of Law.

Whitehouse's deputy campaign manager, Tony Simon, will serve as the deputy state director. A Johnston native, Simon most recently worked for John Kerry’s presidential bid holding various positions in Iowa, Michigan, and Florida. He attended the University of Rhode Island.

Whitehouse said today that he will temporarily use a downtown Providence office at 170 Westminster St., Suite 1100. If that sounds familiar, it should. That is the soon-to-be-former office of Chafee's Rhode Island staff.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:00 PM | Comment

R.I. schools win awards for environmental projects

Three Rhode Island schools were recognized today for their work on environmentally friendly projects as part of the Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Awards sponsored by the Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund.

The Paul Cuffee School, a maritime charter school in Providence, won an award for a project that monitors energy use in the school and then uses the results to reduce energy consumption.

Sophia Academy, a private girls school in Providence that serves low-income families, was recognized for a school garden project producing produce for a local food pantry.

And North Kingstown High School won an award for a project monitoring water quality on the Annaquatucket River.

Each school receives a grant of $250 to purchase supplies for their project.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:36 PM | Comment

Entwistle denied release on bail

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- A British man charged with killing his wife and baby must remain locked up without bail, a judge ruled today, denying Neil Entwistle's request to return to his parents' home in England pending his trial in the double slaying.

Entwistle, 28, is accused of shooting his wife, Rachel, 27, and their daughter, Lillian, 9 months, after becoming despondent over rising debts and dissatisfaction with his sex life.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Peter Lauriat, who held a hearing on the motion last Friday, denied the motion for pretrial release.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:48 AM | Comment

Search for missing man in Westerly

WESTERLY – Emergency crews are searching for a man reported missing early this morning.

They’re over at the Bradford Boat Launch, after a call came in at 1:30 a.m. today for a man reported to be missing, according to a police dispatcher. That's nearby the Bradford Dyeing Association, located at 460 Bradford Road (also known as Route 91).

More details are not yet available.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:16 AM | Comment

Download today's front page

Today's front page includes local stories on increased ridership on the state's bus system and a new health insurance plan that targets small business and the self-employed.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 9:54 AM | Comment

Pascoag woman ID'd as victim of fatal Burrillville crash

The police this morning identified the woman who died in the fatal crash in Burrillville last evening as Pascoag resident Teresa A. Goulet.

Goulet, 36, lived at 36 Pleasant St., a home she purchased in 2004, according to town records.

An autopsy is scheduled for this morning at the state medical examiner’s office.

The crash remains under investigation, with the police still working on the accident reconstruction, according to Lt. Kevin S. San Antonio.

The preliminary investigation shows that Goulet was traveling west on Route 107 (Chapel Street) in a 1998 Toyota when her car crossed the center line and collided with a 1977 Chevrolet van heading east, according to San Antonio.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Goulet was taken to Rhode Island Hospital after the crash, which happened between River Street and Railroad Avenue around 5:33 p.m. She died at the hospital, according to San Antonio.

The only person in her car at the time of the crash, Goulet was not wearing a seatbelt, the police said.

The other driver, identified this morning as Francis E. Farrell of Harrisville, was treated and released from Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket. Farrell, 75, of 1001 Sherman Farm Rd., was the only person in his van at the time of the crash, according to the police.

One witness reported to the police that the “white car” – Goulet’s – crossed the travel lane and hit the van, San Antonio said this morning.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:45 AM | Comment

Funerals for 2 Foxy Lady employees killed last week

The funerals for two Foxy Lady employees killed in the shooting rampage last week at the New Bedford strip club are to be held today.

The funeral for Robert Carreiro, 33, of New Bedford, is this morning, with people gathering at 9:30 a.m. at the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St., in New Bedford. His funeral Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, also in New Bedford, at 230 Bonney St.

Carreiro was working as a bouncer inside the Foxy Lady last Tuesday when a Freetown man killed him and club manager Tory C. Marandos, 30.

The funeral for Marandos will be at 11 a.m. today at St. Philip’s Greek Church in Nashua, N.H. Burial will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua, N.H.

The police say that Scott C. Medeiros, 35, killed the two men after having been banned from the strip club. Medeiros had a relationship with a club bartender that ended badly.

Medeiros took his own life after killing Marandos and Carreiro and shooting two police officers.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:06 AM | Comment

Cumberland road reopens after early morning crash

The police have reopened a stretch of Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland that was closed for about a half hour after an early morning crash.

The accident between a garbage truck and a Jeep Cherokee wasn’t very serious, but the road closure from 6:45 to about 7:15 a.m. will likely “mess up traffic for a while,” Capt. James P. Coyne said.

Both drivers were taken to Rhode Island Hospital – one with a laceration and the other with a possible hip injury, Patrolman Robert Fay said.

The accident closed Diamond Hill Road (Route 114) between Colonial Avenue and Seneca Street, just south of Route 295.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:28 AM | Comment

Lawmaker wants to ban trans fats from Mass. menus

BOSTON -- A state lawmaker wants to follow the lead of New York City and make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to require restaurants to banish artificial trans fats from their menus.

State Rep. Peter Koutoujian, D-Waltham, told the Boston Herald that he plans to file legislation today to ban all restaurants' use of the fats that health officials blame for increasing the risk of heart disease.

Read the full Associated Press story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:17 AM | Comment

Partly cloudy with temps in the 40s today

PROVIDENCE – It’s a cool 34 degrees this morning.

The temperature should rise to 46 today, and our skies will be partly cloudy.

For the rest of the week, we should see temperatures in the 40s – and mostly clear skies until Friday, when we’ve got a 60 percent chance of rain.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 18, 2006

ACLU still critical of abstinence sex-ed program

An abstinence-only sex education program which the state Department of Education reviewed before approving for use in public schools "continues to have serious flaws," charged the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union today.

In March, Education Commissioner Peter McWalters advised schools not to use the program, developed by the nonprofit group Heritage of Rhode Island, after the ACLU claimed it isolated gay students and provided misleading contraceptive information.

McWalters’ advisory noted that the Heritage program, which was being used in Woonsocket at the time, was "NOT consistent with the Rhode Island Health Education Standards’’ nor had it been reviewed first, as required, by the department.

During the summer Education Department staff "encouraged Heritage to work with a consultant that would help them design a program so that it met all state regulations, and they did so,’’ said department spokesman Elliot Krieger.

Earlier this month, McWalters approved the federally-funded program for use, one of many sex-education programs school districts can choose from, said Krieger.

But the ACLU today said the program -- which is not currently being used by any Rhode Island schools -- still has several problems.

"For example,’’ the ACLU said, "the materials suggests that condoms only protect against chlamydia and gonorrhea 50 percent of the time, contradicting findings from the Centers for Disease Control and [the] World Health Organization that speak to the effectiveness of condoms’’ in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases.

Moreover, the ACLU claims, the Heritage curriculum "persists in isolating gay and lesbian youth and students in non-traditional families by suggesting that marriage is responsible for better health, lower rates of injury and illness, lower rates of depression and an increased `likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.’ ’’

Krieger said the department has no intention of intervening again. "It’s been reviewed,’’ he said.

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:00 PM | Comment

Photo: Conservancy celebrates land purchase

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

Government officials and area residents attended the official announcement today of The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island's purchase of land in West Greenwich in an area known as the Pawcatuck borderlands. Read more about the purchase in a story from today's Journal and on projo.com.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:58 PM | Comment

Court expands on charges facing youths tried as adults

PROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court today reinstated the indictment of a Scituate man who, as a teenager, was accused of breaking into the Ocean Tides school for troubled youth and locking a counselor in a walk-in freezer.

The case marked the first time the state’s high court has weighed in on whether the attorney general can charge a youth with additional offenses after Family Court waives jurisdiction, thereby allowing the youth to stand trial as an adult.

Superior Court Judge Edward C. Clifton had dismissed the indictment, saying the answer to that question was no. But the Supreme Court said the answer is yes – as long as the additional charges are based on the same set of facts.

“We hold that once a Family Court justice determines that a child should be waived from the jurisdiction of the Family Court, there is no limitation to the charges that may be lodged against the child in the adult court, as long as those charges spring from the nucleus of operative facts upon which the Family Court waiver of jurisdiction is based,” Justice Francis X. Flaherty wrote.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Day, now 20, was a student at the Ocean Tides residential school in Narragansett in January 2004 when he jumped out of a van as it slowed to leave Route 95 in Warwick and fled, according to the Narragansett police.

Two weeks later, Day allegedly broke into the school at 2 a.m., wearing a mask and dressed in black, according to the police. The police say Day assaulted a counselor, gagged him with duct tape, bound his wrists and locked him in a walk-in freezer.

Read more in tomorrow's Journal and on projo.com.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:47 PM | Comment

R.I. joins lawsuit to reduce soot

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Rhode Island and a dozen other states are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further limit how much soot can come from smokestacks and exhaust pipes.

State officials say the move could save thousands of lives.

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is leading the lawsuit. He says the so-called fine particulate matter in soot contributes to premature death, chronic respiratory disease and asthma attacks.

EPA officials say they reviewed the research offered by the states. They say the federal agency's research justified a previous soot reduction -- but it doesn't support going any further.

The EPA could re-examine the issue during a future review required by law.

Attorneys for the states say even a small reduction could save thousands of lives.

"This is, plain and simple, an issue directly related to global warming," Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch said in a statement today. "Rhode Island is on the front lines of combating this real and increasingly dangerous threat to the sustainability of our planet. We will continue to take action at the state, regional, and national levels against those companies, corporations, and agencies that put profit and expediency ahead of using technologies that minimize the generation of carbon dioxide emissions."

-- projo.com staff and wire reports

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:37 PM | Comment

Holiday travelers expected to abound

Travelers will board trains, fill planes, and drive automobiles in record numbers this Christmas and New Year’s Day.

AAA Southern New England estimated today that 64.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this holiday, an increase of 2.2 percent from 63.5 million last year.

Traveling for the two holidays has been growing steadily over the past five years, according to figures provided by the auto club. Since 2002, passenger traffic has increased 9.6 percent.

“There’s a whole new mood sweeping the country about what holidays mean,” said Robert Murray, senior vice president of corporate affairs for AAA Southern New England. “It’s become a new vacation time.”

Though Thanksgiving week is usually thought of as the busiest time of year for traveling, far more people travel over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, according to AAA.

Heading out? Check projo.com's online resources for travelers, with highway, plane, train, bus, and ferry information.

-- Journal staff writer Timothy C. Barmann

The number of travelers who will take to the roads, rails and skies for the upcoming holiday is about 70 percent more than the 38.3 million who traveled over the long Thanksgiving weekend last month.

But the Christmas-New Year’s period isn’t as congested because it lasts longer – 10 days this year versus 5 days for Thanksgiving – and there isn’t the same type of peak travel on certain days as there are for Turkey Day.

For the upcoming holiday, AAA estimates that 81 percent of all travelers will go by motor vehicle, 14 percent will go by airplane, and 5 percent will go by train, bus, or other mode of transportation. Compared to last year, motor vehicle traffic is projected to be 2.1 percent higher, traveling by airplane will be up 2.7 percent and those going by train, bus, or other mode of transportation will be up 2.8 percent.

If they're going by car, travelers who gas up in Rhode Island can expect to pay more than last year. The weekly gas prices announced today show a 5-cent-per-gallon increase over last week, and 16 cents more than a year ago.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 5:13 PM | Comment

Man held on charges tied to Wal-Mart incident

NORTH KINGSTOWN – A Providence man was ordered held without bail today after trying to escape Friday from police who fired several shots at his SUV in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

The man, Robert F. West, 38, of 460 Charles St., Providence, had been arrested Friday evening at the Wal-Mart store at 1031 Ten Rod Road. He was arraigned today in District Court in Wakefield on charges of felony assault on a police officer, three counts of shoplifting, eluding police and resisting arrest, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license.

The incident began as North Kingstown police set up surveillance on the store with Wal-Mart’s loss prevention personnel. Store employees said that a suspect from recent thefts had just walked out.

Officers located West in the parking lot, already inside his SUV. He refused to put his hands up, as police ordered. He took off, speeding toward the exit and a police detective blocking his path.

The officer fired several rounds as West approached him. Neither the officer nor West were hurt.

West got out of the parking lot, but his tires were blown by a Stop Sticks, a tire deflation device, deployed by assisting officers. He was arrested following a brief chase.

-- Journal staff writer Maria Armental

West was out on bail from a previous arrest on charges of possession of a controlled substance, eluding police, driving in possession of a controlled substance, driving on a suspended license, and driving under the influence, first offense.

West's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 27.

-- Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:03 PM | Comment

Oldest Rhode Islander dies at 107

EAST PROVIDENCE -- Mae Burdon, Rhode Island’s oldest resident, died today.

Burdon, who celebrated her 107th birthday last June, died today at the Linn Health Care Center in East Providence.

Burdon worked at an insurance office into her 70s, drove a car into her 90s and played piano until she was 106. A mild stroke she suffered then made it difficult to play the church hymns she loved. For many years she was the accompanist for the church school at Trinity United Methodist Church of Providence.

Another stroke last month took a toll on Burdon, who was a 36-year survivor of breast cancer. But even then, she showed the same positive spirit her friends and family had come to appreciate.

“Up until about a few weeks ago, she was still going to exercise class every morning,” said her step-grandson, Robert McCaughey, of Warwick. She attended a hymn sing, in her honor, days after the recent stroke, greeting the many people who came to see her.

A memorial service will be held at the nursing home at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:41 PM | Comment

Update: Doughnut truck hit car stopped in Rte. 95 lane

RICHMOND – The police said today that a Fall River man who parked his car on the right lane of Route 95 early yesterday morning was returning home after a night at the Foxwoods Resort casino.

Kinal S. Sary, 34, of 19 Danforth St., felt drowsy and thought he had pulled into the breakdown lane, according to State Police Lt. Darren Delaney.

Numerous motorists called 911 at approximately 2:50 a.m. to report a car stopped with its lights off on the right lane of Route 95 near the weigh station just north of Exit 4.

His passenger, Sokhom Min, 62, of 65 Sunset Hill, Fall River, stepped out of the vehicle and was standing on the breakdown lane when a doughnut delivery truck swerved to avoid hitting the vehicle.

The truck clipped the right rear of Sary's BMW, sending it and Sary across the highway into the median. The truck then hit Min. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sary was given a traffic citation for stopping where prohibited. He was treated and released at Westerly Hospital, Delaney said.

The investigation is ongoing, Delaney said, adding alcohol does not appear to have played a role at this point.

No charges have been filed against the driver of the Krispy Kreme truck, Frank W. Sheperis, 58, of 98 Asqah Drive, North Kingstown.

-- Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:23 PM | Comment

Big Green cans headed to mayor's house

PROVIDENCE -- The big green cans are almost everywhere. Except for a few East Side neighborhoods, like the north Elmgrove area where Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline lives.

But according to an announcement released this afternoon, Cicilline will be the last city resident to receive a big green can, 60,000 of which have been distributed this year to help reduce the city's rat population.

“Now on trash day, curbs in every neighborhood of our city are lined with what I consider our single most important tool in reducing the rodent population and creating cleaner neighborhoods – big green cans,” Cicilline said in a statement.

The final big green can is set to be delivered to Cicilline's 702 Elmgrove Ave. home Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:32 PM | Comment

Judge orders tribe members back to court

WAKEFIELD -- A District Court judge ordered seven members of the Narragansett tribe to appear in court next month to answer charges related to the 2003 raid on their tribal smoke shop.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas is among the group set to be arraigned on Jan. 16 for an array of charges ranging from resisting arrest to assaulting a police officer to disorderly conduct. A juvenile also arrested during the raid has been referred to Family Court.

The U.S. Supreme Court last month refused to weigh in on the case, a decision which let stand a 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the state had the right to enforce its laws on tribal land.

Following the decision, Attorney General Patrick Lynch decided to follow through with the prosecution of the tribe members arrested during the raid. Most had been arraigned before a justice of the peace immediately after the 2003 clash with police, but Judge Frank J. Cenerini moved today to force them all to return to court next month.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:16 PM | Comment

OSHA fines Fall River company for safety violations

A Fall River construction company faces $40,000 in federal fines for violations of workplace safety regulations at a job site in Newport last summer.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that Miranda Construction did not take mandatory precautions to prevent workers from injuries should they fall from high places. Miranda was cited for similar hazards last year in Cranston and North Dartmouth.

In August, Miranda employees were working on the roof of the Seascape condominiums, 3-5-7 Beacon Hill Road, when an OSHA inspector observed the safety deficiencies.

“The inspector observed workers painting some trim without fall protection,” OSHA spokesman Ted Fitzgerald said.

Miranda has until Jan. 5 to request an administrative hearing to contest the fines – that’s 15 business days after the company received the citation.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit

“Falls are the number one cause of death in the construction industry, and fall protection is an essential safeguard,” OSHA’s area director Patrick Griffin said in a statement. “This employer knows that effective fall protection must be used whenever employees work six feet or higher, yet apparently chose to forego this common sense, life-saving protection.”

OSHA deemed the violation willful and assessed a penalty of $28,000. Two repeat citations, with an additional $8,000 in fines, were issued for not developing a fall protection training program for employees and for lack of head protection for an employee working at ground level.

Finally, two more “serious” citations, resulting in an extra $4,000 in fines, were issued for a scaffold platform that extended too far over its end points and an extension ladder put up at an unsafe angle.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:45 PM | Comment

Lower-cost healthcare plan announced by state

Under a mandate from the General Assembly, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner today announced the outline of a lower-cost healthcare plan.

You may need to pay extra to see the doctor of your choice, and you’ll have to pursue “wellness initiatives” to avoid large out-of-pocket costs.

But if you don’t mind these rules, you’ll be able get health insurance averaging $314 a month for an individual.

That’s the essence of a landmark plan emerging today from the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, which is carrying out a law passed in the last legislative session.

Blue Cross and United are now required, starting in May, to offer a “wellness health benefit plan” that follows those rules to individuals and groups of 50 or less. The premiums can’t exceed 10 percent of prevailing wage, which will come out to about 20 percent lower than current premium costs.

Most low-cost plans keep their prices down by requiring high deductibles and co-pays and limiting benefits. This plan instead focuses on keeping people healthy and having limited networks of providers chosen by the insurer based on their quality.

Subscribers can get lower deductibles if they sign a “wellness pledge” that may include promising to try to lose weight or quit smoking. The plan was developed by a committee of employers, subscribers, brokers, consumer advocates and union leaders.

But whether these measures will save enough money in medical costs to keep the insurers in the black remains to be seen.

-- Journal staff writer Felice J. Freyer

Debora Spano, spokeswoman for UnitedHealthcare of New England, expressed skepticism about whether the cost-saving measures would be adequate, especially in a state that mandates coverage for everything from hearing aids to infertility treatment. “Rhode Island is known for very rich benefits, and there are no benefit changes [in the plan],” Spano said.

Many other questions remain unanswered.

How will health plans police compliance with the wellness pledge? What if someone tries to lose weight and fails? What if they’re not really trying? On what basis will the plans select providers in their networks? How will they define “quality”? Will the networks be broad enough to meet patient needs? Will enough employers and individuals choose these “wellness health benefit plans”?

Answers will start to emerge in the coming months. Today’s announcement is a request for proposals that outlines the plan’s requirements.

By Jan. 2, Blue Cross and United are required to file documents specifying how they intend to meet those requirements. Public hearings will be held, and the plans must pass muster with the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner. Then Blue Cross and United will offer their “wellness health benefit plans” to small groups and individuals.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:32 PM | Comment

Wakes today for Foxy Lady shooting victims

The two Foxy Lady employees killed in the shooting rampage last week at the New Bedford strip club will be waked today.

Calling hours for Robert Carreiro, 33, of New Bedford, are scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Perry Funeral Home on Dartmouth Street in New Bedford. Carreiro was working as a bouncer inside the Foxy Lady last Tuesday when a Freetown man killed Carreiro and club manager Tory Marandos, 30.

Marandos's wake will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today in Nashua, N.H. at the St. Philips Greek Church School.

Funerals for both men are planned for tomorrow morning.

Police say that Scott C. Medeiros, 35, killed the two men after having been banned from the strip club last week. Medeiros had a relationship with a club bartender that ended badly.

Medeiros took his own life after killing Marandos and Carreiro and shooting two police officers.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:11 PM | Comment

R.I. gas prices up another nickel

PROVIDENCE -- If you're out there holiday shopping, you might want to save a few pennies to help cover the cost of your holiday travels.

Gas prices are up again, this time 5 cents from last week.

The state Energy Office says its weekly survey found an average price of $2.36 for a gallon of regular gas.

Prices are averaging 16 cents more than at this time last year.

On the plus side: Home heating oil is averaging $2.42 a gallon, a penny less than this time last year.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:36 PM | Comment

Update: St. Louis firm outbids CVS for Caremark

An unsolicited offer for Caremark RX Inc. could derail a takeover by the Woonsocket-based CVS Corp., the country’s second-largest drugstore chain.

Express Scripts Inc. bid $26 billion for the Tennessee-based Caremark, a deal that would create the biggest U.S. manager of drug benefits.

CVS shook up the health-care industry last month when it announced it would acquire Caremark, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy-benefit managers. The deal would push CVS revenues to $75 billion, annually.

CVS had agreed on Nov. 1 to buy Caremark for $48.53 a share.

Express Scripts bid $58.50 in cash and stock for each share, 15 percent more than the Friday closing price, St. Louis, Missouri-based Express Scripts said today in an e-mailed statement.

The CVS offer “almost invited shareholder frustration and opened the door for a superior bid,” said Stephen Pope, head of equity research at Cantor Fitzgerald in London.

Shortly after noon today, CVS stock was down 28 cents to $30.25. Check the latest stock price, with a 20-minute delay.

-- Bloomberg and Journal reports

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:30 PM | Comment

Warwick teen killed in Friday crash ID'd

JOHNSTON – The police today identified the 17-year-old Warwick boy killed in a car crash Friday night as Anthony Gemma.

Gemma, of 143 Welfare Ave., died shortly after his car collided at 7:40 p.m. with a sport-utility vehicle that the police said crossed into his lane on Hartford Avenue.

The driver of the SUV, 29-year-old Dawn Simas of Coventry, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle in possession of a controlled substance and refusing to submit to a chemical blood test, according to Johnston Deputy Chief Gary W. Maddocks Jr.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:25 PM | Comment

Two postal trucks shot at on Route 95

The state police this morning are investigating what appears to be shots fired at two tractor trailer trucks carrying cargo for the U.S. Postal Service.

The trucks were traveling south on Route 95 in the area of East Street in Pawtucket at 3:15 a.m. and 3:21 a.m. when the drivers heard loud bangs against the trucks’ doors, state police Cpl. Michael Rosa said this morning.

No one was injured, Rosa said.

Markings on the driver’s side door of each truck appear to be “consistent with damage caused by a firearm projectile,” which could be some type of small handgun or BB gun, Rosa said.

It’s unclear where the shots were fired from and if the postal trucks were targeted, Rosa said.

The trucks are owned by R and F Transportation Company in Taunton, Mass. They were heading toward the main post office on Corliss Street in Providence, Rosa said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:23 AM | Comment

Download today's front page

Medicaid, Iraq and the Pawcatuck borderlands lead today's Journal.

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Posted by Peter Phipps at 8:09 AM | Comment

Traffic slow on Route 195 westbound

Motorists on Route 195 westbound are moving at an average speed of 30 miles per hour, with congestion at the Warren Avenue exit in East Providence and when you reach downtown Providence, according to the state Department of Transportation. Other roadways are backing up, too, as morning commuters head back after the weekend.

The DOT’s congestion mapping program shows how heavy the traffic is and why.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the DOT's other online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:05 AM | Comment

Another spring-like day as winter approaches

PROVIDENCE – Today could be the last of the 50-degree temps for a while, so enjoy it while you still can.

We’ve got cloudy skies and a 30 percent chance of showers today, mostly between noon and 3 p.m., but we’ll have a high near 56.

The rest of the week, we’ve got temps predicted mostly in the low 40s, although up to the high 40s on Thursday. It should be mostly sunny tomorrow through Thursday, and Friday could be another rainy day.

Check back with projo.com later today and throughout the week for the latest conditions and forecasts.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:11 AM | Comment

December 15, 2006

State: Don't eat food from Compare Foods on Broad St.

PROVIDENCE -- State health officials are warning people not to eat prepared food purchased from the Broad Street market Compare Foods.

Items such as sandwiches, deli meats and cheeses and various salads such as tuna, macaroni and seafood may contain a dangerous bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes.

"Multiple samples collected from this market during an investigation of an illness due to this organism were positive for this bacterium," reads an advisory issued this evening by the health department.

The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems, according to the state. Healthy officials may suffer only short-term symptoms such as fever, severe headache or diarrhea. But the bacteria can cause miscarriages among pregnant women.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:33 PM | Comment

Forget the sleigh -- Santa's on skates this weekend

PROVIDENCE -- He can slide down chimneys and drive a magical sleigh pulled by reindeer. But can Santa skate?

Find out for yourself this weekend at Providence's Bank of America skating center. The man with the white beard who knows when you've been sleeping will be on hand at the skating center on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. each day.

Santa agreed to take a break from his busy holiday schedule at the North Pole to come down to Providence for this special occasion, according to the mayor's office.

“I love coming to Providence every year to skate with the boys and girls at the skating rink, and the ice is perfect compared to what I usually skate on in my backyard at the North Pole,” Santa said.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:02 PM | Comment

Time to light Hanukkah's first candle

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown today, which is at 4:15 p.m. in Providence.

The eight-day festival marks the Jewish people’s victory over their Syrian-Greek oppressors in 165 B.C. and the re-establishment of their political and religious freedom. It is customarily celebrated by the lighting of the menorah, an eight-branched candelabrum (with an additional server candle) with one candle for each of the eight nights.

According to the ancient story, when the Jews re-dedicated the Holy Temple, there was only enough oil remaining to light the Temple menorah for one day. Miraculously, as the story goes, the oil lasted eight days, thus the holiday’s duration now.

The method for using one additional candle in the menorah on each consecutive night of Hanukkah dates back to a compromise made by two first-century scholars, Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammai, according to Rabbi Sarah Mack, associate rabbi at Temple Beth-El in Providence.

Hillel argued that the Jewish people should use one candle on the first night of the holiday and use an additional candle each consecutive night. Shammai argued that the Jewish people should light eight candles on the first night and use one less candle on each consecutive night. "And Hillel wins," Mack said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

If you’re lighting the candles tonight, put the candle for the first night of the holiday in the far right of the menorah, as you face the candelabrum. Another candle goes in the Shamash, which is the raised holder for the candle used to light the other candles.

On later nights of Hanukkah, when you have more candles in the menorah, place the first candle in the holder to the far right and then move left with the additional candles. Then, when you light the candles, light the one on the left first and move right, lighting each consecutive candle.

In Providence, Temple Beth-el will hold a family Shabbat, or sabbath, dinner at 6:30 tonight, with a service at 7:45 p.m. At Temple Emanual, there will be a Shabbat and Hanukkah party tonight.

If you live outside of Providence, click here to find out when sunset is in your community. Go online to learn how to play the dreidel game that has held the interest of Jewish children for generations.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:15 PM | Comment

Former R.I. man kills 2, and then dies in Florida shooting

A former Rhode Island man died from gunfire yesterday after killing a security guard and another man in a shooting rampage at a gated community in Florida.

Shawn Ronald Creamer, 39, formerly of Johnston and lately of Titusville, Fla., first killed the security guard at The Great Outdoors RV Nature & Golf Resort in Titusville and then forced his way into the home of an ex-girlfriend, according to the police.

A man, who the police say was inside the home to protect Creamer’s ex-girlfriend, confronted Creamer, according to Lt. Andrew Walters of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. David Earl Hinkle, 46 of Titusville, was also killed.

Those two men exchanged gunfire and both were mortally wounded. It's unclear whether Creamer shot himself or was shot by the man he attacked, according to the sheriff's office.

"During the course of the shootout, both of them were shot and killed," Walters said today.

The mayhem began about 2:30 a.m. yesterday, when Creamer drove to the resort area, parked in a nearby parking lot and walked up to the security gate. He killed the on-duty security officer, David Ryan Tripp, 26, of Cocoa, Fla., according to the police.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

As the two men exchanged fire, the woman fled and called 911 from a relative's house. David Earl Hinkle, 46 of Titusville, and Creamer died in the shooting.

Creamer worked at Bradley Hospital in Rhode Island from Aug. 15, 1994, to May 14, 2004, hospital spokeswoman Lynn Hall confirmed today. She would not say what job he held or why he left. In 2001, Creamer lived in Johnston, at 10 Autumn Drive, according to Johnston Deputy Chief Gary W. Maddocks Jr.

In Titusville, Creamer lived at 580 Birchwood Lane with Heather Jean Ovalles, an elementary-school teacher who owned the property.

The police said a "distinct odor of marijuana" led them to obtain a search warrant the house.

Officers discovered one room had been transformed into "an elaborate 'grow' house," where 56 marijuana plants were being cultivated. The room was equipped with special lights and ventilation..

The police said they also recovered three handguns in the home, including a .44 magnum and a .45 semi-automatic.

Ovalles is charged with felony cultivation of marijuana and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to a news release issued by the Titusville Police Department.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:34 PM | Comment

Head of state GOP stepping down

Patricia Morgan said today that she won't seek another term as the head of the state Republican Party.

"I really have enjoyed being a chairman," Morgan said, noting that she believes she's the longest-serving GOP leader in state history. "It's been challenging at times, it’s been frustrating, but I do think I’ve made a difference – and that’s my legacy to the party."

The decision to step down, Morgan said, was made "in concert with the governor" during a closed-door meeting at the State House last Friday.

By tradition, Governor Carcieri would make the decision on whether Morgan, 56, should stay or whether the GOP should turn elsewhere for leadership as it tries to rebound from widespread losses in the November elections.

In an interview with The Journal last month, Morgan said she would like to be reappointed to the post she held for the past four years. Today, she refused to say why she changed her mind.

"It's time to move on," she said. "I loved being chairman, I loved meeting all the people and helping to build the organization. It’s been a great experience. But maybe it’s time to let someone else have that experience."

Morgan will lead the Rhode Island Republican Party until March, when the state party will elect a new chairman.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:34 PM | Comment

Chafee takes fellowship at Brown

PROVIDENCE -- U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee won't be unemployed for long.

The Republican senator officially loses his seat when the next Congress convenes in early January. And when Brown University's spring semester begins in late January, Chafee will serve as a "distinguished visiting fellow" at the Ivy League university's Thomas J. Watson Jr. Institute for International Studies.

What exactly will he do as a fellow?

"Chafee will lead an undergradaute student study group on U.S. foreign policy and will convene groups of students, faculty and policy-makers to discuss issues in international relations. He will also undertake a variety of writing assignments," according to an announcement released by Brown.

Chafee won't be a salaried employee, but he will receive a stipend, according to university officials, who would not say how much the stipend will be.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

During his eight years in federal office, Chafee served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

"I am absolutely thirlled to be joining the impressive group of people dedicated to analyzing the important international issues of our times," Chafee said in a statement.

Chafee lost his seat in November to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse amid a wave of national anti-Republican sentiment.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:32 PM | Comment

Update: Station evidence: A network of emergency calls

Audio files released by the Attorney General's Office today provide chilling detail of the emergency personnel response in the minutes after the deadly fire at The Station nightclub was reported on the night of Feb. 20, 2003.

The files marked "Warwick police logs" contain more than two hours of communication between police from various communities called in to help West Warwick contain the blaze.

Dispatchers relayed bits of information as it became available. It didn't take long to learn how serious the situation was.

"Can we have some units at the Filling Station, they're having a stampede," says a female dispatcher, referring to the club's former name. "There's a fire and they're having a stampede."

Soon after the initial call, the dispatcher learned that people may have been injured:

"We've got a fire at the nightclub at the Filling Station on Cowesett Avenue...Large crowd, several injuries...Reportedly fire in progress, several people trapped inside the nightclub."

About 10 minutes after the beginning of the transmission, the severity of the fire started to become apparent:

"We've got 200 people trapped inside the building, The Station on Cowesett."

And more:

"West Warwick's just called for as many cars as possible...As many units as possible."

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

And other audio files reveal frantic calls for aid from other communities.

In tapes from the Cranston rescue personnel, dispatchers are heard furiously pleading with various fire departments to send rescue vehicles to The Station site.

Other departments, including Seekonk, Mass., Cranston, East Providence and Warwick are heard asking directions to the Station site and sending rescue vehicles.

Audio files from the West Warwick Police Department have previously been released, on Nov. 6, 2003. (Editor's note: The content of some calls may be disturbing.)

-- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:52 PM | Comment

Station evidence: Michael Derderian calls Biechele

Among the hours of audio files released today by the Attorney General's Office is a brief phone message taken from the phone of Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele from Station nightclub co-owner Michael Derderian.

It was left about a week before the devastating fire at the club that killed 100 people and injured about 200 more.

"Hey Dan. My name's Mike from The Station in Rhode Island," Derderian begins in the message, which was left Feb. 14, 2003, at 9:32 a.m. "Calling you to advance next week's show. When you get a minute..."

Biechele was the person who set off the pyrotechnics that ignited foam soundproofing at the club, starting the blaze. He, Derderian and club co-owner Jeffrey Derderian had been indicted on manslaughter charges by the grand jury. All three entered pleas, and evidence collected in the grand jury investigation never was presented at trial.

Audio: Hear a clip of the message.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:31 PM | Comment

Judge denies killer's request for reduced sentence

WARWICK -- A Superior Court judge this morning refused to reduce the life-without-parole sentence of a man who raped and murdered a 66-year-old Little Compton woman in 2001.

Jeremy Motyka, now 31, was convicted in 2001 of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual assault for the death of Angela Spence-Shaw in her home. Motyka was a member of a work crew that was building an addition to the woman’s home. After sexually assaulting and beating her, he dragged her to a bathroom where he submerged her in water and drowned her.

John J. Hardiman, Motyka's lawyer, argued in court today that Motyka had a troubled childhood and was still young enough to be rehabilitated and eventually released from prison.

Spence-Shaw’s two sons appeared in the Kent County courtroom and emotionally objected to any reduction in the sentence.

Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson, in explaining her refusal to reduce the sentence, said that Motyka has not accepted responsibility for the crime or apologized to the family.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:06 PM | Comment

Pats' Brady, actress end relationship

BOSTON -- After three years of dating, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and actress Bridget Moynahan are free to play the field again.

A publicist for Moynahan today confirmed the celebrity couple have broken up.

A statement said Brady and Moynahan "amicably ended their three-year relationship several weeks ago. We ask for your respect and consideration of their privacy. No further comments will be made."

Brady, 29, a two-time Super Bowl MVP who led the Patriots to three NFL titles, was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2002. Moynahan, 35, has appeared in films such as "Coyote Ugly" and is currently on the ABC television series, "Six Degrees."

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:49 PM | Comment

Sovereign to eliminate 800 jobs, including 21 in R.I.

Sovereign Bancorp said this morning it would eliminate 800 positions, or about 7 percent of its workforce, mostly through layoffs.

In Rhode Island, the bank said that 21 of its 928 employees would by laid off, and in Massachusetts, 77 employees will lose their jobs out of 3,382 employees in that state.

Sovereign, based in Pennsylvania, the third-largest bank in the Rhode Island market, employs about 12,000.

The layoffs, which began today, are part of a $100-million cost reduction program, the company said.

The affected positions are mostly corporate and back office functions, the bank said in a statement. Some of the job cuts will be achieved through attrition, the company said.

"The decision to reduce our workforce was a very difficult one to make, especially during the holiday season," said Joseph P. Campanelli, president and CEO of Sovereign Bancorp. "There is never a good time to take these actions. We pledged to aggressively improve our business fundamentals and to openly communicate our decisions promptly. These steps are consistent with that pledge."

Today's announcement followed a decision by the company in October to cancel the annual holiday parties usually held at about 30 company locations throughout its footprint in order to save money.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 12:34 PM | Comment

Hard drive full of Station fire evidence released / Photo

A frame grab from a video released today shows police examining soundproofing foam recovered from inside The Station nightclub. Pyrotechnics lit by the band ignited foam surrounding the stage.

PROVIDENCE -- The Attorney General's Office has released a computer hard drive with 185 CD-ROMs worth of electronic evidence gathered during its Station nightclub fire investigation.

The Providence Journal received the hard drive at about 11:30 a.m. and is reviewing the files.

A cover letter that accompanies the hard drive gives a description of the evidence, which includes 54 video files and 194 audio files of police and fire transmissions during the 2003 fire that killed 100 people.

The videos include recordings of live shows at the club, such as Red Hot from January 1999 and Lovin' Kry from April 2000. But they also include a press conference by club co-owner Jeffrey Derderian press conference from February 2003 and a broadcast report by Derderian, a former TV reporter, on fire safety.

Other video files are copies of television documentaries about the West Warwick tragedy and videos about soundproofing foam. Such foam surrounded the stage and has been blamed for accelerating the spread of the fire, which started when the band Great White lit its pyrotechnics.

Attorney General Patrick Lynch released today's evidence -- the second major release in recent weeks -- in response to public records requests by The Journal, The Associated Press and The Boston Globe. The evidence was gathered during a grand jury investigation but did not come out at trial because the three defendants entered pleas.

"Responding to this particular [open records] request has been, from all of our office's perspectives - planning and logistics, human resources and legal - challenging, to say the least," Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch said in a statement. "I firmly believe, however, that our ongoing release of information is serving the public interest, and that we are meeting our challenge in a timely, responsible, and, above all, sensitive way."

More to come ...

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples and Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

Posted by Steve Peoples at 11:54 AM | Comment

Cyclocross championships return to Providence

Some 2,000 of the country's best bicycle racers have returned to Providence this weekend to compete in the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships at Roger Williams Park.

The championships, also held last December in Providence, started today and run through Sunday, with the elite men racing at 2 p.m. tomorrow and the elite women racing at 2 p.m. Sunday, according to Wendy Booher, a spokeswoman.

Spectators can watch for free, she said.

Why hold the championships in Providence during December? Cyclocross, a hybrid of road and off-road racing on a tight course, is considered a winter sport and is popular in New England, as well as the Pacific Northwest, according to Booher.

Competitors include teenagers and racers in their late 50s.

For more information, see their Web site.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:05 AM | Comment

Some Pop Tarts recalled

If Kellogg’s Pop Tarts are part of your breakfast routine and you’re allergic to milk, beware of a recall issued by the Michigan company for the Frosted Blueberry toaster pastries.

Kellogg Company has recalled about 1,000 cartons distributed to grocery stores in 22 states, including Rhode Island, because the Pop Tarts might contain undeclared milk. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the recalled pastries, according to a company statement.

No allergic reactions have been reported to date.

The product is packaged in eight-count cartons of 14.7 ounces, with a bar code of 38000 31010. Only eight-count cartons with a manufacturing code beginning with AUG 27 07 CPC printed on the top of the carton are included in this alert.

The company recalled the blueberry pastries after learning that a limited number of Kellogg’s Pop Tarts Hot Fudge Sundae pastries with milk were mistakenly packaged in the blueberry tart packaging.

The states covered under the recall are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from The Associated Press

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:34 AM | Comment

Traffic: Disabled vehicle slows traffic near Exit 21

A disabled vehicle on Route 95 South at the Broadway/Atwells Avenue exit (No. 21) this morning has caused some congestion. There’s also congestion at the Route 146 merge beyond Branch Avenue, according to traffic information from the state Department of Transportation.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the DOT's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:19 AM | Comment

Fog this morning should lift, high in the 50s

PROVIDENCE -- Expect areas of dense fog before 9 a.m. today. Our cloudy morning skies should turn slightly, so we’ll have partly sunny weather later today.

This morning’s temperature of 45 degrees should rise to about 56 later today.

This weekend looks particularly nice, according to the National Weather Service – with sunny skies and temps in the low 50s.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:01 AM | Comment

Download today's Journal front page

Today's front page includes stories about the Red Sox' signing of star Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and a report that nearly half of the state's school's are failing to educate all of their students to the state standard.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 14, 2006

AG to release more Station fire evidence tomorrow

PROVIDENCE -- The Attorney General's Office will release tomorrow 185 CD-ROMs worth of electronic evidence gathered during its Station fire investigation.

The office announced the release -- which was expected -- this evening in response to open records requests by The Providence Journal, The Associated Press and The Boston Globe.

The information includes 57 video clips, which primarily constitute footage of various bands that played at The Station in the years and months preceding the fire. It also includes more than 200 audio clips of more than three hours of radio and telephone transmissions of local authorities the night of the February 2003 fire that killed 100 people and injured about 200 more.

"Responding to this particular [open records] request has been, from all of our office's perspectives - planning and logistics, human resources, and legal - challenging, to say the least," Attorney General Patrick Lynch said in a statement. "I firmly believe, however, that our ongoing release of information is serving the public interest, and that we are meeting our challenge in a timely, responsible, and, above all, sensitive way."

Tomorrow's release will be the second major dissemination of Station fire evidence in recent weeks. Lynch's office released hundreds of pages of evidence late last month.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:10 PM | Comment

Red Sox: Matsuzaka signing a done deal

BOSTON -- Daisuke Matsuzaka’s $52-million, six-year contract was announced this afternoon by the Boston Red Sox, who hope he will follow Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez as an ace on the Fenway Park mound.

Add the team’s winning $51.11 million bid for negotiating rights to the Japanese ace, which must be paid to the Seibu Lions by Dec. 21, and Boston’s investment comes to $103.11 million. That doesn’t include $8 million in escalators based on Matsuzaka winning awards.

And there’s still at least four months to go before he throws his first pitch in the regular season.

“Today what we’re really doing is announcing the signing of a national treasure,” general manager Theo Epstein said. “We understand his importance in Japan. We know what he represents.

“To the fans in Japan, we pledge to do everything we can to support Daisuke ... and to ensure that he’ll be a success. Not that he needs much help,” Epstein said.

Daisuke was then handed a jersey with the No. 18 — the one last worn by Johnny Damon.

“I’m very happy and excited to be a member of the Boston Red Sox,” he said through a translator.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:36 PM | Comment

La Salle buildings director indicted for bribery

PROVIDENCE -- The director of buildings and grounds at La Salle Academy has been indicted on 20 counts of soliciting or accepting a bribe.

Richard "Rocky" Rochefort, 48, of 16 Round Hill Road, Foster, and two other people associated with a bribery scheme were arrested by the state police earlier in the week following a grand jury investigation.

Police allege that Ralph Catallozzi of Future Contracting and Estimators, of Johnston, bribed Rochefort in relation to the business of La Salle Academy between April 2003 and August 2005, according to an announcement today by the Attorney General's Office. The details of the bribes have not yet been released.

Catallozzi was charged with one count of bribery.

La Salle Academy released a statement this afternoon that Rochefort has been placed on an "indefinite unpaid leave of absence."

"The indictment is isolated to one individual employee at La Salle Academy and in no way implicates or affects any member of the student body, faculty, and administration," reads the statement. "The indictment is the culmination of an investigation by the Rhode Island State Police with the full cooperation of La Salle Academy."

Rochefort's wife, Gail A. Rochefort, 48, was indicted on one count of conspiring to solicit or accept a bribe and one count of aiding and abetting the solicitation or acceptance of a bribe.

Each of the defendants appeared in Superior Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty. They've been released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail.

Their next court appearance is set for Feb. 7.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:29 PM | Comment

R.I. neurosurgeon talks about senator's brain bleed

PROVIDENCE -- The chief of neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital says he's treated hundreds of patients for the same type of brain hemorrhage affecting U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, the Democrat from South Dakota in critical condition today following overnight brain surgery.

"It can be devastating or you can recover from it," said Dr. John A. Duncan this afternoon of the condition known as an intracerebral bleed caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. "[Johnson] could end up doing quite well, and that’s more my experience."

Duncan said that roughly 50 percent of those who experience bleeding in their brain as a result of an AVM fully recover; 20 percent die and the other 30 percent experience serious neurological injuries consistent with stroke victims, such as loss of speech or motor functions.

The severity of AVMs are ranked on a 6-point scale, Duncan said, with the severity largely determined by the size and location of the brain bleed. Because Johnson's doctors have not released the severity of his AVM, Duncan couldn't comment specifically on the 59-year-old senator's prognosis.

Johnson became disoriented during a conference call with reporters last night. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent brain surgery later that night.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Duncan said he's dealt with hundreds of AVM patients and that Rhode Island Hospital deals with several each month. The vast majority of patients were unaware that they were living with the condition because generally there are no symptoms.

Once a hemorrhage occurs, Duncan said, there are two treatment options: surgery or radiation therapy.

"The fact that they had to operate last night, to me, is an ominous sign," he said, noting that he prefers to wait to operate on AVM patients.

But Duncan acknowledged it's very difficult to gauge Johnson's condition without more information.

"I wouldn’t jump the gun and say this is a devastating condition," he said. "Fifty percent of patients do pretty well."

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:11 PM | Comment

911 tape: Foxy Lady shooter says, 'It's over' / Audio

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- The killer in the Foxy Lady Southcoast shootings calmly and repeatedly told a police dispatcher, "It's over," before turning his semiautomatic rifle on himself.

Police today played the 911 tapes from the early Tuesday morning attack in which the gunman, Scott C. Medeiros, took the lives of strip club manager Tory C. Marandos and bouncer Robert Carreiro.

Medeiros's voice is eerily calm as he calls dispatcher Ron Pacheco, a retired New Bedford police officer, and asks to speak to the police.

"I had a little issue I took care of," Medeiros is heard telling Pacheco as the dispatcher asks the gunman why he is shooting.

Medeiros had been ordered, apparently by Marandos and Carreiro, to stay out of the club after his relationship with a female bartender, who was also the mother of Carreiro's child, turned sour.

When the dispatcher tries to get the gunman to leave the club peacefully, Medeiros responds: "Why the [expletive] am I going to walk out of here? To spend the rest of my life in jail if I'm lucky?"

In the final moments of the call, Medeiros says, "It's over," a phrase he repeats after Pacheco tries to keep him talking.

Then, away from the telephone receiver, there's the muffled sound of a gunshot, with the dispatcher anxiously saying, "Hello? Hello?"

Police later stormed the club and found Medeiros dead.

Audio: Listen to a clip from the 911 call between Pacheco and Medeiros (35 secs., mp3)

-- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:24 PM | Comment

Man admits to illegal marriage scam

A New Bedford man pleaded guilty in federal court today to felony conspiracy for arranging more than a dozen fraudulent marriages for illegal aliens seeking green cards.

Carlos Alberto Da Veiga arranged the marriages, charging each immigrant approximately $5,500 and paying the U.S. citizen $1,500 on the day of the marriage. Additionally, the immigrant had to pay the citizen $200 a month while the immigrant's application for a residency card, also known as a green card, was pending.

Federal agents began investigating Da Veiga after an employee in the Cumberland town clerk’s office reported suspicious behavior by a couple applying for a marriage license. Agents subsequently saw Da Veiga drive a couple from the Cumberland Town Hall to a justice of the peace in Providence, where they married.

Da Veiga was arrested in October after agents seized a ledger from his car containing the names and biographical information of various U.S. citizens and immigrants. Da Veiga later told the authorities that he brought couples to Rhode Island because there is no waiting period after obtaining a license before a couple can marry.

Da Veiga pleaded guilty to conspiracy to enter into marriages for the purpose of evading immigration laws. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Da Veiga will be held in federal custody pending a March 9 sentencing hearing.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:23 PM | Comment

Matsuzaka reaches preliminary deal with Sox

BOSTON -- Japanese ace Daisuke Matsuzaka is in Boston, and it looks like he'll be staying a while. The Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement with the 26-year-old right-hander on a six-year contract that would guarantee him a minimum of $52 million - enough to get him to fly cross-country well before Thursday night's deadline to seal the deal.

"Theo and I were still negotiating terms when we arrived," agent Scott Boras said after a long day of talks with Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "We finalized the deal when he arrived in Boston."

The Red Sox planned a 5 p.m. news conference Thursday to announce the agreement, a person familiar with the talks said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Peter Phipps at 11:44 AM | Comment

Tests: 24 high schools making 'insufficient progress'

PROVIDENCE -- About half of Rhode Island’s 57 high schools are failing to educate all their students -- particularly those in special education -- to the state standard, and many of the schools cited as failing are in wealthier urban ring and suburban districts, not just in the troubled urban districts.

According to the latest set of test results and school classifications released at an 11 a.m. news conference today by the state Department of Education, 24 high schools are making “insufficient progress” toward the goal of having all students proficient in math and English by 2014.

High schools in Cranston, Foster-Glocester, Lincoln, Middletown, Smithfield, South Kingstown and Warwick joined the list of schools not making enough progress last year, along with high schools in high poverty districts: Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick and Woonsocket.

Two trouble spots emerge from the data: 18 high schools are struggling to bring their students receiving special-education services to the state standard, and most of the targets missed were in math, not English.

About 11,500 high school juniors took the standardized tests last March. After a month of delay, the results are being released today.

-- Journal education writer Jennifer Jordan

Test scores and classifications for elementary and middle school students were released earlier this year.

Under the federal law No Child Left Behind, states are required to test students in grades 3 through 8 and one high school grade each year. Responding to this law, Rhode Island developed new tests for the elementary and middle school grades with New Hampshire and Vermont, called the New England Common Assessment, which is administered each October.

The three states are also developing a new test for high school juniors, which will roll out in the fall of 2007.

-- Journal education writer Jennifer Jordan

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:36 AM | Comment

Man arraigned in Lincoln woman's killing

Journal photo / Bob Thayer
Jeremy Pontbriant, 31, second from left, who is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Dawn Alves, a 24-year-old woman from Lincoln, is arraigned this morning in Sixth District Court, Providence. Read today's Journal story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:19 AM | Comment

Thefts in Warwick and Exeter could be connected

The state police are investigating whether a break-in overnight at the Exxon station in Exeter is connected to the break-ins at two businesses in Warwick last night.

After the businesses on Route 2 in Warwick were broken into, the Warwick police were chasing a suspect around 11 p.m. last night but lost sight of the person, according to State Police Sgt. Karen Pinch.

Soon afterward, the Exxon on Route 2 in Exeter was broken into, Pinch said.

“At this time, we’re not sure they were connected, but we’re investigating that possibility,” Pinch said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Although the break-ins were all on Route 2, the road isn’t a straight shot from Warwick to Exeter, Pinch said. The person would have had to get off Route 2, travel other roads and then get back on it, she said.

The Warwick police are investigating the two break-ins in that community, and the state police are working on the one in Exeter since that community doesn’t have its own police department.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:15 AM | Comment

Download today's Journal front page

Today's front page includes stories on the New Bedford police public-information officer who used a bullet-ridden police cruiser to rescue people during the deadly shooting early Tuesday morning, and the Red Sox' apparent agreement with Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Download the front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:28 AM | Comment

Today could be a record-breaker

PROVIDENCE – Today’s expected high is the same temperature as the record set back in 1991 – a warm 59 degrees.

“So we’ll be pushing it,” meteorologist Alan Dunham with the National Weather Service said this morning when asked if we might break a record today.

The normal high for today is just 43 degrees, according to the weather service.

We’re just glad we’re not about to break the record for the low temperature today – that was 1 degree set back in 1976.

Tomorrow, we’re looking at a high of 57 degrees, and temps should fall to high 40s and low 50s this weekend. By then, at least we’ll have temperatures closer to normal, Dunham said.

“But those who are looking for a white Christmas, don’t hold your breath yet,” Dunham said. “We’ve still got 11 days to go. We are running out of time.”

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:11 AM | Comment

December 13, 2006

Update: Sox bring Matsuzaka to Boston in style

AP photo
Daisuke Matsuzaka waves to the press after arriving at Hanscom Airport in Bedford, Mass., today.

It's usually the catcher who makes the signs. But this afternoon, Daisuke Matsuzaka may have made one to the press, after a 4-hour, 43-minute flight from California to Massachusetts with top Red Sox officials.

TheJapanese pitching star landed at 5:16 p.m. at Hanscom Field in suburban Bedford after the flight from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., aboard the Dassault Mystere 900 tri-jet of Boston owner John Henry, with a big Red Sox logo on its tail.

Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, president Larry Lucchino and general manager Theo Epstein were seen coming off the plane with Matsuzaka and agent Scott Boras in a light rain. An SUV and two sedans were waiting on the tarmac along with a police cruiser with flashing lights.

Several dozen fans were on hand to great Matsuzaka, who waved and smiled as he was driven away from the airport to Boston. He appeared surprised by the fans and media presence.

In prior days, agent Scott Boras had said he would not allow Matsuzaka to travel to Boston for a physical unless the sides had reached a preliminary agreement. People on both sides said today that agreement is near on a $52 million, six-year contract.

More from the Associated Press ...

Sox unveil new shortstop Lugo
Posted 5:35 p.m.

BOSTON — In the time it took the plane carrying Daisuke Matsuzaka to cross Illinois at 41,000 feet today, the Boston Red Sox unveiled their new shortstop, Julio Lugo, leadoff hitter and best buddy for All-Star slugger David Ortiz.

“Me and David are very close friends,” said free agent Lugo, who played against Ortiz in the minor leagues and in the offseasons at home in the Dominican Republic. “He said, ’We’ve got to get you here.’ ”

The Red Sox agreed to terms with Lugo and right fielder J.D. Drew at the baseball winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., last week, but needed to give the players their physicals before it was official. Drew’s contract hasn’t been finalized yet, in part because general manager Theo Epstein and agent Scott Boras have been haggling over Matsuzaka.

“Scott and Theo have been pretty busy with some other stuff,” assistant general manager Jed Hoyer said. “The whole group is at (41,000) feet right now. Other than that, I have no comment.”

Also today, the Red Sox agreed to terms with backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, pending a physical.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:37 PM | Comment

5 URI students released on bail after drug arrests

Eight of the nine University of Rhode Island students arrested last week after an undercover investigation into drug dealing on the Kingston campus have been released from prison. Just in time for finals week.

The arrests followed early-morning raids at two dormitories. The students have been accused of selling or plotting to sell drugs to two female officers working undercover at the school this fall. The drugs included marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms and crack cocaine, police said.

Derek Delahunt, a freshman from North Kingstown, appeared today before Judge John M. McLoughlin in District Court. Delahunt, 18, of Tamarack Circle, was arrested Dec. 6, the day after the raids, and charged with selling and conspiring to sell hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Special Assistant Attorney Gen. Erik B. Wallin asked – as with all the adult URI cases – that he continue to be held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

“They want you kept in the ACI and I can understand why,” McLoughlin said. “It’s because they want to send a message to every student, ‘You do drugs, you go to jail.’ ”

-- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Wearing a baggy Carhartt jacket, khakis and sneakers, his blond hair edging toward toward his shoulders, Delahunt quietly agreed to a series of restrictions and was released on $25,000 surety bail. The conditions include random urine tests, waiving his Fourth Amendment protection against search and seizures, and a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. He was placed under pretrial supervision and is due to return to court Jan. 17.

Four other students were released under similar terms after appearing Tuesday before McLoughlin. They are:

-- Ryan P. Wilkin, 18, of Old Bethpage, N.Y., charged with three counts of selling marijuana; two counts of conspiring to sell marijuana; and possession of a controlled substance, Ketamine, an animal tranquilizer taken for its hallucinogenic effects.

-- Joshua D. Giorgi, 18, of 14 Vinton St., Providence, faces two counts of selling marijuana and one count of possessing marijuana. He faces additional charges in Family Court for other crimes allegedly committed before he turned 18, the police said.

-- Owen Hnat-Dembitz, 18, of Colts Neck, N.J., was charged with conspiracy.

-- George R. Andrea, 18, of Washington Township, N.J., is accused of two counts of selling of marijuana and conspiracy to sell marijuana.

They, too, are set to appear in court Jan. 17.

-- Benjamin Meskell, 18, of Manhasset, N.Y., was released under the same terms Friday. The police charged Meskell with selling marijuana. His next court date is Jan. 26.

All waived their right to a bail hearing.

A ninth student, Sadiq A. Kafo, 19, continues to be held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Kafo, of 44 Randall St., Pawtucket, faces five counts of selling crack cocaine and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to deliver.

The police charged two female freshmen as well. Those cases are being handled in Family Court because they were 17 at the time of the alleged crimes. The police declined to identify the women because of their age.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:21 PM | Comment

Chafee passes the plates to Whitehouse / Photo

Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski
U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee transfers his No. 2 license plate to successor Sheldon Whitehouse today, as part of a transition meeting in Chafee's Providence office.

PROVIDENCE -- U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee and Sheldon Whitehouse worked today on paving the way for the Democrat to take over the role of junior senator from Rhode Island.

The two spoke for about 15 minutes behind closed doors, covering such issues, Chafee said, as individual constituent concerns with medical benefits and immigration, and projects now under way, such as getting train service to T.F. Green Airport.

Then the two men met the media.

From behind his back, Chafee pulled out his license plate, joking that one of the subjects on Whitehouse’s mind was: "When do I get my license plates?’’

The plates might be the two objects Chafee will miss the least from his days as Rhode Island’s Republican senator -- a moderate who voted against the Iraq war but an election casualty of anti-Bush sentiment all the same.

Asked what advice he would give the incoming freshman senator, Chafee said Whitehouse should remember that the U.S. Senate "is a club’’ and to assure your value, "you have to get respect from both sides of the aisle.’’

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:03 PM | Comment

Suspect in Lincoln woman's death found at Foxwoods

A suspect in what is now being called the murder of a Lincoln woman was found sleeping in his car at Foxwoods Resort parking garage last night, police said at an afternoon press conference.

Jeremy Pontbriant, 31, of Lincoln was arrested after being found by Connecticut police, has waived extradition and is on his way back to Rhode Island.

Police believe he killed 24-year-old Dawn Alves at her home in Lincoln yesterday. Briant is due to be arraigned tomorrow on one count of first-degree murder.

The two were acquaintances who went to the gym and tanning salon together, Lincoln police said this afternoon. They also both worked at Stop & Shop supermarket.

The police said that Alves, who lived with her mother at 55 Arnold St., died of blunt force trauma to the head. Alves's mother found her dead in the bathroom of their home yesterday morning.

The police did not say how or why the killing took place. There was no sign of forced entry.

Correction: An earlier post incorrectly spelled the last name of the suspect.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples with reports from Journal staff writer Tatiana Pina

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:55 PM | Comment

Dr. Moon's killer gets maximum prison sentence

PROVIDENCE -- The man who admitted killing Dr. Alfred C. Moon in 1999 was sentenced to 60 years in prison with 40 to serve in Superior Court today.

Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer gave Angel Navarro, 38, the maximum prison sentence allowable under the terms of a plea bargain reached with prosecutors last month. Navarro pleaded no contest to second-degree murder.

Moon, 67, was murdered the night of Aug. 19, 1999.

Moon let Navarro into his home on Briarwood Road in Lincoln's Kirkbrae Estates section. Navarro beat him to death with a brass lamp. Moon's body was found in bed, his head so severely injured that he had to be identified by dental records.

Pfeiffer said that the viciousness of the attack was a key factor in his decision to levy the maximum penalty.

"No one knows what happened in that room," Pfeiffer said of the murder, "but nothing warranted the severity of that attack."

-- With reports from Journal staff writer John Hill

The judge suggested that Moon may have been alive after the beating and that Navarro left him to die.

Pfeiffer's sentence followed statements from Moon's wife and three children. Navarro's wife and mother also addressed the court.

Moon's murder stunned Lincoln and the state's medical community. He was a radiologist who had worked at Rhode Island Hospital for 31 years and had been a clinical associate at Brown University since 1973. He was credited with bringing the first CAT scan unit to Rhode Island.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:18 PM | Comment

Warren man accused of bilking ex-neighbor pleads out

PROVIDENCE -- Thomas G. Foster, a Warren machinist accused of bilking a mentally impaired elderly neighbor out of $410,000, pleaded no contest today to one count of felony larceny and was spared a prison term as part of a plea deal in which he made $200,000 in restitution.

The victim, Leger R. Morrison, 84, is a retired professor who taught secretarial studies and education courses at Bryant College for 32 years. He suffers from dementia and is living with around-the-clock caregivers in his 88-year-old sister's home in Warren.

According to the prosecution, Morrison wrote out three checks to Foster, his former neighbor, between October 2001 and February 2002 totaling $410,000, believing Foster would use the money to buy property on the Dighton/Rehoboth, Mass., line and build a home for wayward girls as a memorial to Morrison's deceased wife, Lucia. The property was to include a recreational area with horses.

Foster never bought the property. Instead, prosecutors alleged, he used the money to buy the three-bedroom, five-bath house where he now lives -- for cash -- with his wife and his mother-in-law, Suzanne Almeida, 63, who worked as a caregiver for Morrison.

She and Foster, 41, were each indicted last year on four counts of felony larceny and one count of conspiracy to commit larceny for allegedly bilking Morrison out of his money.

Today, as part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed all the charges against Almeida and all but one of the charges against Foster. Superior Court Judge Mark Pfeiffer imposed a five-year suspended sentence on Foster and placed him on five years' probation. Foster took out a mortgage to make the $200,000 restitution payment.

-- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton

Foster's lawyer, Michael Egan, said after court today that Foster, Almeida and Morrison were "best friends" and that the original plan -- before Morrison became so mentally impaired -- was to have him move in with them for the last years of his life.

He said he didn't think Foster and his mother-in-law should have been charged in the first place and that his client agreed to plead no contest to one count because he "did not want to put ... Morrison through any more trauma. He is in very ill health and is in no shape to testify."

-- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:47 PM | Comment

Update: Oldest retired officer, 105, laid to rest / Photo

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Providence Deputy Police Chief Paul Kennedy, left, and Lt. Timothy Lee, along with motorcylce division police, carry the casket of James F. Shea Sr. out of Russell Boyle Funeral Home on Smith Street in Providence today.

PROVIDENCE – A 105-year-old retired city police officer, said to be the oldest retired police officer in the country, often credited his longevity to the years he spent walking the Smith Hill neighborhood as a foot patrolman.

James F. Shea Sr., who died Friday and was buried today, had many opportunities to move over and work from a patrol car. But he always declined, worried he wouldn’t stay as fit, Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Kennedy said today.

When Shea’s family called to notify current police officers of Shea’s death, Kennedy said the department asked them what they’d like from the Providence Police Department.

In the end, six Providence officers served as pall bearers, and the motorcycle unit led the procession from the funeral home to the church and, ultimately, to the cemetery. Two officers on horseback joined the procession. Smithfield police attended, and the Adult Correctional Institutions sent an honor guard, Kennedy said.

Kennedy himself volunteered – as did all the officers – to be a pall bearer.

About 100 people attended the funeral – maybe 20 of them police officers, Kennedy said. “It was really a nice tribute, kind of saluting this man’s longevity,” he said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Today, Kennedy said he just wishes he had known Shea was out there before his death. Kennedy’s own father, who also served on the Providence police force, joined the department in 1956 – three years after Shea retired.

“I would have loved to have sat with this man and picked his brain about the police department,” said Kennedy, who learned this week from Shea’s family that the retired officer had a great memory.

“He’s three generations removed now from the officers we’re working with – it’s just remarkable,” Kennedy said.

A patrolman with the Providence Police Department for 28 years, Shea retired in 1953, after serving in the traffic division’s precinct foot patrol, in the Smith Hill neighborhood, and with the department’s Flying Squad during Prohibition.

Two years ago, the Providence Police and Firefighters Retirement Association honored Shea and two other, younger men for their service to the fire and police professions.

Today, Kennedy and five others carried him to his final resting place, Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence. The other pall bearers were Lt. Timothy Lee, Patrolman Scott Keenan, Patrolman Patrick Mulholland, Patrolman Edmund Malloy and Patrolman Timothy Pickering.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:10 PM | Comment

Common Cause endowment fund honors West

PROVIDENCE -- Common Cause Rhode Island has raised nearly $240,000 in pledges to go into a special endowment to promote its open government mission in the name of the organization's longtime leader H. Philip West Jr.

West retired last month after leading Common Cause in Rhode Island for 18 years. He was replaced by Christine Lopes.

The nonprofit announced the creation of the endowment fund today.

“Our success in raising a significant initial sum for the endowment is a great tribute to Phil West, but also a huge vote of confidence in the organization," Lopes said in a statement. "It demonstrates that the Common Cause community remains dedicated and ready to meet new challenges. This fund will help to provide the resources for us to do that.”

Common Cause Rhode Island hopes to raise $500,000 for the endowment.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:53 PM | Comment

Japanese pitcher on plane to Boston

BOSTON — Daisuke Matsuzaka headed to Boston today with Red Sox officials, a sign Boston had reached a preliminary contract agreement with the star pitcher.

“They all took off together,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Team president Larry Lucchino said shortly after noon that the plane was leaving California.

In prior days, agent Scott Boras had said he would not allow Matsuzaka to travel to Boston for a physical unless the sides had reached a preliminary agreement.
Boston officials flew to Newport Beach, Calif., on Monday on Henry’s plane and said they would return Wednesday with or without Matsuzaka.

The team and Matsuzaka have a midnight Thursday deadline to reach an agreement.

-- The Associated Press

Boston officials flew to Newport Beach, Calif., on Monday on Henry's plane and said they would return Wednesday with or without Matsuzaka. The team and Matsuzaka have a midnight Thursday EST deadline to reach an agreement.

The Red Sox called a news conference for Wednesday afternoon to introduce shortstop Julio Lugo, who agreed to a four-year, $36 million deal last week. With the top Red Sox brass still en route, manager Terry Francona and assistant GM Jed Hoyer were to attend that event.

Boston bid $51.1 million last month for the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka. The Red Sox will pay that money to his Japanese team, the Seibu Lions, only if an agreement is reached.

If there is no deal, Matsuzaka's rights remain with the Lions and he cannot be offered to major league teams again until next November. He is not eligible to become a free agent in Japan until after the 2008 season.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:55 PM | Comment

Chafee meets Whitehouse today to pass torch

PROVIDENCE -- With less than a month left in his term as a U.S. senator, Lincoln Chafee will meet this afternoon with the Democrat who cost him his job.

Chafee and Senator-elect Sheldon Whitehouse plan to hold a transition meeting at Chafee's Westminster Street office at 3:15 p.m.

Chafee "wants to make certain that his constituents' needs are met during the change in office and has vowed to do what he can to be sure that the transition is a smooth one," according to an announcement released today by Chafee's office.

The meeting will be private, according to Chafee's office, but both men will pose for pictures together afterward.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:51 PM | Comment

Arguments over Station fire testimony conclude

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
Alan Goulart of the Attorney General's Office argues today for the release of secret testimony from the grand jury who heard The Station fire case.

PROVIDENCE -- The hearing to determine whether the public can see secret grand jury testimony associated with The Station fire investigation is over.

Lawyers for the Attorney General's Office and the court concluded their arguments late this morning. Superior Court Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. said he would rule on the matter in the next 10 days.

Alan Goulart, head of the attorney general's criminal division, argued that the public might better understand the grand jury's actions if it could see the secret testimony.

Goulart also argued that it wasn't the attorney general's responsibility to keep grand jury testimony secret. "The grand jury is an arm of the Superior Court, not the attorney general. It is the court that is responsible for maintaining the secrecy of the grand jury.''

Larry J. Ritchie, a law professor at Roger Williams University, who was appointed to represent the grand jury, took the opposing view. He said the grand jury needs to be protected from the press. He also said grand jurors might hestitate to speak freely if they thought testimony would become public.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker and projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

The grand jury indicted three people on involuntary manslaughter charges in the deaths of 100 people in the Feb. 20, 2003, fire.

The brothers who owned The Station, Jeffrey A. and Michael A. Derderian, and the rock band tour manager who triggered fireworks that started the fire, Daniel M. Biechele, all entered pleas to the charges without going to trial. Michael Derderian, 45, and Biechele, 30, were each sentenced to four years in prison. Jeffrey Derderian, 40, was sentenced to 500 hours of community service.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:28 PM | Comment

19-year-old accused of shooting boy, 15, in Pawtucket

A 19-year-old Pawtucket man will be arraigned in district court today on a charge of assault with attempt to commit murder.

Nicholas Barber, of 6 Manchester St., is accused of shooting a 15-year-old Friday night after a confrontation with a group of about 10 teenaged friends who were walking on Broad Street.

The police announced today that they arrested Barber after detectives working overnight on the case got a break with some new information.

The police are not releasing the name of the boy who was shot in the buttocks and treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

After interviews with the victim and his friends, the police learned that the 10 teenagers were “acting out” on Broad Street Friday evening when they were confronted by three males who “took offense to their actions,” according to a statement issued by Police Major John J. Whiting.

The altercation turned violent when one of the three males, all of whom appeared to be in their late teens, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the teens, who fled on foot, Whiting said. After circling the block, two of the fleeing teens again ran into the three suspects. As they turned and fled a second time, they heard popping sounds, according to Whiting.

One boy fell to the ground and was carried away by his friend. They hid behind a Dumpster and then called relatives for help, according to the police.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:58 AM | Comment

Morning commute slow on 146 South and 195 West

Route 146 South and Route 195 West are pretty congested for this morning’s commute.

Take a peek for yourself and see how your commute into or within Rhode Island may shape up. This link for congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- shows up-to-the-minute results for area roadways.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:27 AM | Comment

Small-craft advisory and rain in today's forecast

PROVIDENCE – Boaters, beware.

The National Weather Service has issued a small-craft advisory, beginning this morning at 9 and lasting through this evening. Winds from the south are expected to be 15 to 20 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots. Seas should be 4 to 6 feet.

Rain is on the horizon for much of today. Expect a high of 49 today and a low of 39 tonight.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:03 AM | Comment

December 12, 2006

Mending fences? Chief Thomas and Carcieri meet

PROVIDENCE -- Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and Governor Carcieri met this afternoon -- their first face-to-face meeting since the tribe's bid to build a casino in West Warwick failed.

The two say they hope to mend fences after a rocky time between the state and the tribe.

Among the issues they discussed was the nearly $400,000 in slot revenue that's due to the tribe under an agreement Lincoln Park struck with the state. The tribe has not accepted the money because Thomas says the wording of the agreement is not clear on how it can be used.

Thomas and the governor say they'll each work with leaders in the General Assembly to make the wording more agreeable.

The two also spoke about economic development and discussed an unresolved legal battle over sovereignty on land the tribe purchased in 1991. That dispute is headed to the First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals next month.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:46 PM | Comment

Stolen Quinn statue found in Providence scrapyard

BRISTOL -- A 500-pound bronze sculpture stolen from the Bristol estate of the actor Anthony Quinn has been found.

The sculpture was discovered in a Providence scrapyard.

Quinn's widow, Katherine, says the Bristol police returned it to the estate this afternoon.

The curator for Quinn's trust says it suffered only minor damage from being moved around in a truck. The artwork will be taken to a conservator in New York and then put in a more secure location in the house.

Quinn himself made the sculpture, which is titled Mercedes Woman and valued at more than $250,000.

Katherine Quinn reported the sculpture missing last week from the estate's front lawn. She says she's trying to figure out who took it -- but is thrilled to have it back.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:38 PM | Comment

Woman's death under investigation in Lincoln

LINCOLN -- The police are investigating what they called the suspicious death of a 25-year-old Arnold Street woman, Police Chief Robert Kells said today.

The woman was found dead in her 55 Arnold St. home by a parent at about 9 a.m., Kells said. He said there was evidence of possible blunt force trauma on the dead woman’s body, but he couldn’t speculate on a cause of death until after the state medical examiner's office finished its examination.

The woman, whose identity was being withheld pending notification of the rest of her family, lived with her mother, Kells said.

-- Journal staff writer John Hill

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:32 PM | Comment

Sex offender gets 20 years after Barrington incident

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge today sentenced a Providence man to serve 20 years in prison after the man violated his probation in June by approaching a 9-year-old boy at a Barrington soccer field.

John W. Deware, 46, of 415 Friendship St., who admitted to the violation, had a no-contact order prohibiting him from being around children. He was convicted of child molestation in 1993.

Today's 20-year sentence followed a letter-writing campaign led by the boy's parents, John and Tanya Sexton. Writers lobbied the court to give Deware the maximum penalty of 26 years.

Standing eight feet from Deware in court today, John Sexton told Judge Jeffrey Lanphear that he wanted him to "know that this man truly deserves as harsh a sentence as you can give him."

In June, Deware allegedly parked his truck in a lot at the opposite end of a Barrington soccer field where the Sextons' son was alone kicking a ball on goal. The police said Deware walked the length of the field and motioned for the boy to come toward him. The boy ran home instead.

-- Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Later that day, Barrington police pulled over Deware. He sped away and was captured after a chase, in Seekonk.

John Sexton said this afternoon that he was pleased with the sentence. He estimated 50 to 60 letters had been sent in support of a tough sentence.

Two Barrington town councilors were on hand at the courthouse after today's decision, which was also attended by Police Chief John LaCross. Council President Jeffrey Brenner, a lawyer, said the 20-year sentence was substantial in relation to what sometimes happens in these cases.

John Sexton said Daniel Guglielmo, the prosecutor in the probation violation case, had said the defense might seek a shorter prison term for Deware and that the Sextons should make clear in writing their support for a longer sentence, if that was how they felt.

In 1993, Deware was sentenced to 14 years to serve and 26 years suspended for molesting a North Kingstown boy in 1992 in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, according to court records and the state attorney general's office.

While serving that sentence, Deware admitted to raping a 15-year-old Cranston girl in 1990, according to Michael Healey, a spokesman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch. Deware was sentenced to 20 years in prison, concurrent with the first prison sentence.

Deware was paroled in 2002. He violated his parole later that year and went back to prison for four more years. He was released in January.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:26 PM | Comment

Art teacher named RI teacher of year

WARWICK -- A Warwick art teacher has been named Rhode Island's 2007 Teacher of the Year.

Catherine Davis-Hayes, who teaches art at the Oakland Beach Elementary School, was surprised with the honors in a ceremony this morning that included Governor Carcieri and Education Commissioner Peter McWalters.

Officials honored the veteran teacher for her commitment to arts at a time when state mandates can make elective subjects like this one take a back seat to test preparation.

Davis-Hayes is an 11-year veteran of the school, which has in recent years climbed back from low-performing status.

In a statement, Carcieri praised Davis-Hayes' efforts.

“Cathy’s energy and dedication to the arts and to her students has earned her this important distinction," Carcieri said. "She believes in the power of the arts to help students make connections between ideas from throughout all their areas of study. Rhode Island is very fortunate to have teachers of Cathy's experience, ability, and commitment.”

-- Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:13 PM | Comment

Photo: Computer removed from shooter's house

Freetown police, working with a regional computer crime task force, today removed a computer from the home of Scott Medeiros. Medeiros was killed this morning at the Foxy Lady in New Bedford. The mayor says Medeiros, 33, shot himself after killing two managers of the strip club.
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

Posted by Peter Phipps at 4:07 PM | Comment

43-year-old indicted for murdering sex partner

PROVIDENCE -- A grand jury has indicted Brian Mlyniec on one count of murder for the June killing of a West Warwick woman during an apparent violent sexual encounter.

The police declared Kelly Anderson's death suspicious after discovering her body bruised and bleeding, her wrists and ankles chafed from improvised restraints inside Mlyniec's West Warwick home.

Mlyniec, 43, denied slaying 41-year-old Anderson, according to a police affidavit. But he said he had caused the visible injuries during a consensual and violent sexual encounter, the affidavit says.

Mlyniec will be arraigned on the murder charge in Kent County Superior Court on Dec. 15.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:49 PM | Comment

Son's picture rejected by yearbook; mother, ACLU sue

The mother of a Portsmouth high school senior is suing the school department for rejecting a yearbook photo featuring the boy in a chain mail coat with a prop sword over his shoulder.

The student, Patrick Agin, is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international organization which reenacts medieval and Renaissance history.

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit on behalf of Patrick's mother, claiming that the school is violating her son's freedom of speech by rejecting the photo, according to an announcement released today.

The ACLU is asking a Superior Court judge for a temporary restraining order preventing the school from printing the yearbook without Patrick's photo.

Portsmouth High School principal Robert Littlefield suggested earlier in the month that the photo would violate the school's "zero tolerance" policy banning weaponry.

In a letter sent to the principal last week, ACLU executive director Steven Brown criticized the school for its "cookie cutter" approach to education that punishes students "not for being bad, but for being different."

The letter cited an incident four years ago when Julie Cahill, another Portsmouth High School senior -- and a member of the National Honor Society, drama club and former class president -- was barred by school officials from participating in a mentoring program because she had purple hair and a nose ring.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:50 PM | Comment

Johnston school officer suspended without pay

JOHNSTON — A police officer assigned to daytime duty at Johnston High School was suspended late last month and stripped of his pay after an investigation found that he had strayed from department regulations in his management of a situation involving a student, the police said today.

The officer, Paul DiMaio, a member of the force for seven years, received a six-month suspension on Nov. 24.

Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini said he cannot provide more details on DiMaio's conduct for legal reasons, but he emphasized that the information gathered by investigators shows that no student was harmed by the officer.

DiMaio asked to be removed from his assignment as a school resource officer amid a swirl of rumors in early November.

The officer realized his departure was in the best interest of the school and the department, Tamburini said.

-- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds

"He was the victim of such rumors that he could not function there any longer," he said.

Tamburini said police investigators worked closely with the school department to gather information on the case, talking to teachers and students.

"We did a very thorough investigation," he said.

Tamburini suspended DiMaio for six months on Nov. 24.

The suspension is without pay and ends on May 24, said the department's Deputy Chief Gary W. Maddocks Jr.

Both Tamburini and Maddocks said that a state law known as the police officer's bill of rights keeps them from commenting on DiMaio's conduct during the period of his suspension. The officer can still contest the suspension.

Tamburini expects DiMaio to rejoin the force after his suspension. The officer will not return to his job at the high school, Maddocks said.

DiMaio has never been disciplined at any other time during his seven years on the force, Tamburini said.

DiMaio's position at the high school was taken by Officer James Seymour.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:50 PM | Comment

Firefighters rush to Providence mall for report of smoke

PROVIDENCE -- Fire crews are responding to the report of an elevator smoking from an overheated motor at Providence Place Mall.

The mall has not been evacuated, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department.

More details are not yet available.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:43 PM | Comment

Foxy Lady in Providence closed today

The Providence branch of the Foxy Lady strip club will be closed today because of the deadly shooting in New Bedford.

Three people were killed early this morning when a Freetown man who had been barred from the New Bedford club opened fire, killing a security guard and club manager Tory Marandos, 30, before apparently turning the gun on himself, according to the police and the club owner. (Read the full story.)

Marandos "was one of the best guys," according to a woman standing in the parking lot of the Providence club this morning who said she was a waitress, but declined to give her name. The club was set to open at 11:30 a.m., but a sign on the door said it would be closed all day.

"It's just too sad," said another woman outside the Chalkstone Avenue club today who said she worked there, but declined to give her name.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:29 PM | Comment

Judge opens Station-fire hearing to the public

PROVIDENCE -- Tomorrow's hearing on whether the public can see transcripts of secret grand jury testimony will be open to the public, a Superior Court judge ruled this morning.

When Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. scheduled tomorrow's hearing two months ago, he ordered that it be closed to the public and that all legal briefs regarding whether the grand jury material should be disclosed also remain confidential. The closure was necessary to protect the secrecy of grand jury matters.

But this morning, at a hearing on a motion by The Providence Journal to open the hearing, Rodgers said he now sees no danger that an open hearing tomorrow would divulge grand jury matters. He also said that all the briefs filed in the matter have no grand jury secrets in them and ordered the court clerk to make them public.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

Posted by Paul Parker at 11:33 AM | Comment

Family escapes morning house fire in Bristol

BRISTOL – A house fire reported by a neighbor early this morning caused significant damage to a single-family home at 24 Sampson St. and destroyed a couple cars in the driveway.

All the occupants of the house escaped safely, Bristol Police Lt. Nick Guercia said this morning.

Fire crews remain at the house, but the police have left the scene because there “doesn’t appear to be anything suspicious,” Guercia said.

A neighbor called 911 at 6:18 a.m. today. The fire department has learned there was a wood-burning stove in the area of the house where the fire started, but it’s too early to say what caused the fire, Guercia said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:06 AM | Comment

Download today's Journal front page

Today's front page includes stories about the state distributing $2 million for political campaigns during the last election and the shooting deaths of three brothers in Gaza City.

Download the front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:24 AM | Comment

Another mild day

PROVIDENCE – Winter temperatures seem to have taken a back seat again to this warmer weather.

We’ll have a high around 44 today and a rainy high tomorrow of 49. Then, expect highs in the low- to mid-50s for the rest of this work week.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for late tonight and into tomorrow morning because of potential pockets of freezing rain in portions of northern Connecticut, most of Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The greatest threat for icing is between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:13 AM | Comment

3 killed when gunman opens fire in New Bedford club

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- Three people were fatally shot, and several others, including two police officers, were wounded at an early morning rampage at a New Bedford strip club, the police said.

"At this time, we have three confirmed dead, one on the outside on the sidewalk, one in front of the building and we believe the shooter inside the building is confirmed dead," Capt. Richard Spirlet said. "We also have two officers that have been shot. Their injuries do not appear to be life threatening. We also have several patients who have sustained gunshot wounds as well."

The police did not immediately release the names of the dead or injured.

The gunman -- wearing body armor -- entered the Foxy Lady at about 2:30 a.m. and opened fire before killing himself, the police told WSAR radio.

The Foxy Lady is located on Route 6 at the New Bedford-Fairhaven line. The street and bridge were closed during the investigation.

-- The Associated Press

New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang called it "divine intervention" that the officers weren't more seriously hurt.

The officers were providing a security detail at the club.

A state police helicopter, canine unit and special tactics unit responded to the scene, a state police spokeswoman said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 11, 2006

Chafee appears tonight on The Daily Show

The taping has begun for U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee’s appearance tonight on comedian Jon Stewart's The Daily Show.

Chafee was poised to begin the taping around 6 or 6:30 tonight for the popular show, which airs at 11 tonight, Comedy Central spokeswoman Renata Luczak said.

Stewart approached Chafee's office about being on the The Daily Show a day or two after Chafee wrote an op-ed piece that appeared in the New York Times on Nov. 12 -- five days after he was defeated by Democratic opponent Sheldon Whitehouse, Chafee spokesman Christopher Spina said.

"I think he really respects the senator and offered to have him on the show," Spina said.

If you're not up late enough to catch the show tonight, it will be re-broadcast tomorrow at 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples, with reports from Journal staff writer Ed Fitzpatrick

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:06 PM | Comment

Update: Crash on Route 10 north has been cleared

Emergency crews have cleared a serious accident on Route 10 north by Cranston Street, on the Cranston-Providence line, which closed one lane of traffic earlier this evening and caused heavy congestion.

The state’s Transportation Management Center reported the multi-vehicle accident just after 6 p.m. It was reported to be cleared around 6:30.

Check here for updates on how congested the roadway is.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 6:53 PM | Comment

Bronze sculpture stolen from late actor's Bristol estate

BRISTOL -- A 6-foot-tall, 500-pound bronze sculpture created by the late actor Anthony Quinn was stolen from the front lawn of his estate, and the curator for Quinn's trust fears it will be melted down and sold as scrap.

The sculpture, titled "Mercedes Woman," was made in 1990 and is valued at more than $250,000, curator Benjamin Bergenholtz said today. Quinn's widow, Katherine Quinn, noticed the sculpture missing last week, and the estate called the police.

"Mrs. Quinn is really just interested in getting it back -- no questions asked," Bergenholtz said. "She just wants the piece back."

Quinn's estate is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the sculpture's recovery, Bergenholtz said. While the thief may have stolen the sculpture because of its value as art, he said he fears it will sell as scrap because the price of bronze has gone up in the last year.

-- The Associated Press

The estate was in the process of moving its outdoor sculptures to secure locations, prompted by the theft last December of a bronze statue from the Henry Moore Foundation's headquarters in London.

"Mercedes Woman" was scheduled to be moved later this month. Katherine Quinn noticed the sculpture missing when she went to inspect it in preparation for the move, Bergenholtz said.

Quinn died in 2001 at the age of 86. He had lived in Bristol for the last years of his life. His trust owns 3,000 pieces of art, including pieces he made and collected.

Quinn starred in 100 feature films, including a role as the fierce Bedouin leader in "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962, and the earthy hero of the 1964 film "Zorba the Greek."

Posted by Kate Bramson at 6:34 PM | Comment

Could slots revenue be on the agenda tomorrow?

PROVIDENCE -- Narragansett Indian tribe Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas will meet with Governor Carcieri in his State House office tomorrow afternoon, the first meeting between the two leaders since the tribe’s casino bid failed.

The tribe requested the meeting a couple of weeks ago, according to Jeff Neal, Carcieri’s spokesman.

Neal did not say what would be discussed at the meeting except that the governor and chief sachem would “explore relations between the tribe and the state” and how “they can work together in the coming year.”

Among the outstanding issues between the state and the tribe is a payment of $392,547 that represents the tribe’s share of revenue from new slot machines at Lincoln Park. Carcieri has offered the money but the tribe has yet to take it, saying it wants clarification about what the money can and cannot be used for.

An effort by the tribe and Harrah’s Entertainment to build a casino in West Warwick was rejected by a wide margin last month. Carcieri was long opposed to the casino.

With the casino effort dead for the time being, the two sides might be able to more easily move on to other topics.

-- Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz

Those include the lawsuit filed by one of the tribe’s previous partners on a casino project, which says it is owed $10 million because of the Lincoln Park cash. The shareholders of the former Capital Gaming International Inc. say that the tribe’s promised cut of new video slot machines at Lincoln Park triggers an agreement made with the gambling company in 2001.

Then there is the issue of the July 2003 raid by state police on a smoke shop on tribal land that was selling tax-free cigarettes. Troopers seized cigarettes and arrested eight tribal members, including Thomas.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal on the case. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch is now moving forward with prosecuting the criminal charges, with a pretrial conference scheduled for Friday.

Thomas and the governor are also likely to talk about general economic development steps for the tribe. The two have met several times in the past, including two high-profile meetings in February and May of 2005.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 5:44 PM | Comment

Providence police to target drunken drivers

PROVIDENCE – The Providence Police Department will put new emphasis on arresting drunken drivers, after focusing elsewhere in recent years.

Now that the department has brought down violent crime, “we’ll be able to devote more and more of our resources to other concerns,” particularly drunken driving, Chief Dean Esserman said today.

Thirty-nine Providence officers are being trained this week in conducting field sobriety tests and operating breath testing equipment, Esserman said.

“We are devoting resources, training, personnel and time” to the problem, he said.

Esserman spoke at the announcement of a statewide program, called “Operation Blue Riptide,” which uses federal money to hire police officers on overtime to try to catch drunken drivers, particularly during the holidays.

The state has about one fatal traffic accident a week, Esserman said, and about half of those are alcohol-related. For years, officials lamented the fact that the state was worst in the nation in its proportion of fatal accidents that were alcohol-related.

“We are now the third worst,” said Janice Loiselle, administrator of the state Office of Highway Safety. “This is not good news, but we are headed in the right direction.”

-- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis

Loiselle today urged party-goers to designate a non-drinking driver ahead of time, and she told party hosts, “You’re responsible; take the responsibility to get the guests home safely.”

She also warned hosts not to give alcoholic drinks to those younger than 21, reminding them that “It is illegal.”

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:14 PM | Comment

Car-school bus collision in Johnston injures driver

JOHNSTON – The police are still investigating a car-school bus crash this morning that left the driver of the car hospitalized.

None of the teenagers on the Johnston High School bus were injured, Deputy Police Chief Gary W. Maddocks Jr. said this afternoon.

The crash occurred at 6:57 a.m. today at the intersection of Hartford Avenue and Memorial Avenue, Maddocks said. After the collision, the 1994 Buick came to a stop about 35 feet east of Memorial Avenue, in the left eastbound lane of Hartford Avenue with heavy front-end damage. The bus came to a stop about 35 feet east of Memorial Avenue in the right eastbound lane, also with front-end damage, Maddocks said.

The driver of the Buick -- Florida Sepe, 67, of 200 Cantone Drive in Johnston -- was taken to Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, where her condition was not immediately available. The bus driver – Wendy Lacombe, 34, of 68 Scituate Ave. in Johnston – was not injured, Maddocks said.

The police are still trying to determine the cause of the crash. They have conflicting accounts from the drivers and a witness of what happened, Maddocks said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:26 PM | Comment

Updated: Bruins rookie receiving medical treatment

The Boston Bruins today annouced that 19-year-old rookie Phil Kessel, the team's first-round pick (fifth overall) in the most recent NHL Draft, is receiving medical treatment for an issue not related to hockey.

There was no further information about his condition. But an industry source told Journal sports writer Joe McDonald that Kessel should be fine. In the meantime, Boston has recalled Yan Stastny from Providence to fill Kessel's place on the roster.

The team said that Kessel's family had requested the release of a statement about Kessel's treatment. The statement reads: "At this time there is no further update on Phil's condition. When there is an update, and it is appropriate to do so, we will update everyone on Phil's health. We kindly ask that you respect the Kessel family's privacy during this time."

Posted by Mike McDermott at 1:59 PM | Comment

More windmills for Portsmouth?

PORTSMOUTH -- The Town of Portsmouth has won approval to issue $2.6 million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds to go forward with a proposal to build up to two major wind turbines to offset municipal energy costs.

The Internal Revenue Service notified the town last week that it could issue the interest-free bonds to fund the purchase and installation of one or two turbines at the public high school or middle school, town officials confirmed today.

The federal agency approved the borrowing of $800 million in bonds for 610 renewable energy projects across the country. The Clean Renewable Energy Bond program was created under the federal Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005.

The Portsmouth Abbey, a private school in Portsmouth, put up the state's first major wind turbine in the spring.

-- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner

The town's Economic Development Committee is looking at the financial benefits of inPortsmouth was one of only two entities in Rhode Island to be approved for the federal funding. The Narragansett Bay Commission will also be allowed to issue $2.6 million in bonds to put up a proposed wind turbine at its Fields Point facility in Providence and pursue a bio-gas project at its plant in East Providence.

The proposal for wind turbines in Portsmouth is still being studied.

vesting in wind energy and expects to make a recommendation on whether to go ahead with the project by next spring. The Town Council would then make a decision on the recommendation.

Any bond issue would need to be approved in a townwide referendum.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:53 PM | Comment

Update: Police bust gambling, drug ring

PROVIDENCE -- State and local authorities converged to arrest 11 people on drug and gambling charges last night, according to an announcement released this morning by the attorney general's office.

Two of the suspects were processed at state police headquarters last night in Scituate, while the other nine are scheduled to appear in various district courthouses today. The suspects' names and the specific charges they are facing are not all available yet.

At least three of the suspects have ties to organized crime, according to the police. The most significant mob figure arrested is Edward C. Lato, 59, of North Providence, a capo regime in the Patriarca crime family. He was charged with several counts of racketeering and gambling-related offenses.

The attorney general's office, the state police and Providence police plan to hold a press conference this afternoon to discuss the allegations in detail.

Check back with projo.com for an update later today.

-- with reports from Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:42 PM | Comment

Sen. Reed speaks in Providence

PROVIDENCE -- U.S. Sen. Jack Reed is in Rhode Island today. And he's not talking about Iraq. He's talking about housing.

The high-profile member of the Senate Armed Services Committee was in the center of the Iraq debate last week after the release of the Iraq Study Group report.

But this morning, Reed, who also serves on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, addressed a small community development breakfast group at the Bank of America building in downtown Providence.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

"We are about to have a new Congress in Washington in January," Reed said to a tempered round of applause, before briefly discussing federal efforts to help state and local community development.

He suggested that the banking committee under Democratic control would seek to strengthen federal support for local initiatives like affordable housing.

Reed was scheduled to appear at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at an affordable housing complex in Woonsocket later in the morning. And he's planning to hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m. to discuss efforts to preserve health insurance for Rhode Island's low-income chidren.

Reed said he'd spend much of the coming weeks traveling back and forth to Washington as Democrats make the transition to the Senate majority. He's also been preoccupied with his personal life.

His wife is expecting their first child in less than two weeks.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 10:45 AM | Comment

More questions, only one witness in double fatal

WARREN -- There are still more questions than answers two days after two Portsmouth women died in afternoon car crash in Warren.

Ruth W. Ostrow, 65 and her passenger, Phyllis E. Marshall, 80, were killed on Saturday when their car collided with a car driven by Jennifer Clark, 33, of Bristol.

Warren police Lt. Peter Achille said today that authorities have found only one witness to the Saturday 1 p.m. accident on Market Street. That witness told police that both cars were travelling south, but saw little else, Achille said.

Police haven't yet spoken to Clark. She is listed in fair condition.

"We haven’t been able to interview her due to her condition," Achille said, noting that she has "several broken bones."

There's no indication that alcohol played a factor in the accident, according to Achille.

The police plan to reconstruct the crash when more information becomes available. Achille is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact the Warren police at (401) 245-1311.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 10:40 AM | Comment

Gas prices up again

PROVIDENCE -- Gas prices are up. Again.

AAA Southern New England reports this morning that gas prices across Rhode Island rose last week on average by 1 cent. And while the increase was modest, it was the fifth consecutive week that gas prices rose.

The average cost of regular, self-serve gasoline was $2.31 per gallon -- up 14 cents from five weeks ago and up 17 cents from a year ago.

Prices across the state ranged from a low $2.27 to a high of $2.35, according to AAA.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 9:47 AM | Comment

Photo: Fire crews battle Providence blaze

Providence firefighters work on a fire at 135 Almy Street. Journal Photo / Mary Murphy

PROVIDENCE -- Firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze at 136 Almy Street in the city's West Side this morning. Three families lost their homes.
.
The occupants escaped the three-story home without suffering serious injuries, according to James Taylor, the fire department's chief of communications. A pitbull was briefly trapped in the basement, but later rescued.

The Red Cross has been called in to help the six adults and four children. The building suffered heavy damage, though most of the fire was on the second floor.

The fire department was first called to the scene at 8:09 a.m. The fire was under control at about 8:45 a.m.

Taylor said that one firefighter taken to the hospital with a finger injury.

-- Projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 8:42 AM | Comment

Download today's front page.

The Patriots' loss, a Hezbollah rally in Beirut and a story on science education lead today's Journal.
Download file

Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:51 AM | Comment

Carcieri hosts national governors this morning

NEWPORT -- Governor Carcieri plans to host a conference with the National Governors Association this morning in Newport dedicated to examining collective bargaining and education.

Approximately 10 states and a number of national experts will participate in the conference, which is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Hyatt Regency Newport on Goat Island.

There will be a series of panel discussions and speakers today, including Alan Bersin, the California Secretary of Education; Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City; Marcia Reback, president of the RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals; Richard Stutman, president of the Boston Teachers Union; and Brad Jupp, senior academic policy advisor for the Denver Public Schools.

Carcieri released a statement regarding the focus of today's conference:

“The rapid pace of school reform and increased expectations for student learning require us to re-examine what improves or inhibits our ability to provide children the skills they need to succeed. We cannot afford to allow the collective bargaining process to operate independently of that goal. Instead, we must ensure that teacher contracts are constructed in a way that best serves the students we are educating.”

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:28 AM | Comment

Police to release details on 'Operation Blue Riptide'

PROVIDENCE -- Local police agencies will hold a press conference today to discuss the details of "Operation Blue Riptide."

The program was launched last year in an effort to battle drinking and driving across the state. Representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving will be on hand at the 1:30 p.m. press conference, along with an official from the state Department of Transportation.

"Operation Blue Riptide" may be better recognized by its slogan, which regularly appears on local television commercials: "You drink, you drive, you lose."

Check back later on projo.com for an update from the press conference.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:24 AM | Comment

'Tranquil' weather continues today

PROVIDENCE -- This weekend's mild temperatures will stick around for a while.

The National Weather Service is predicting a high near 53 degrees today. Mostly cloudy skies are expected, though some sprinkles may pass through after noon.

Temperatures across the region are roughly 5 to 10 degrees warmer than usual, according to the weather service, which describes our current weather pattern as "fairly tranquil."

Today's clouds should clear out tonight as temperatures fall to around 30 degrees.

Tomorrow will be a bit cooler, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 44 degrees.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:45 AM | Comment

December 8, 2006

Cumberland woman charged with DUI in fatal crash

PROVIDENCE -- A 28-year-old Cumberland woman has been indicted for drunken driving in the 2005 car crash that killed 16-year-old Samantha M. Beaudette.

A Providence County Grand Jury today indicted Kellie Woodbine, 28, of 18 Scott Rd., Cumberland, on one count of driving under the influence, death resulting, and one count of driving to endanger, death resulting.

Prosecutors say that Beaudette, a former student at Pawtucket's Tollman High School, was a passenger in Woodbine's car during the Dec. 30, 2005 crash in Pawtucket.

Woodbine is set to be arraigned in Superior Court on Jan. 3.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:21 PM | Comment

Man facing charges in deadly fire

A former Providence man accused of setting a house fire that killed an elderly man was indicted today by a Providence County Grand Jury on one count of murder, one count of first-degree arson and one count of fourth-degree arson.

Cody Zab, 21, formerly of 98 Vinton St., was charged in July after police in multiple jurisdictions worked to find the man they believe was responsible for the death of Nocenzo Vanti, 95. Zab is accused of throwing a flammable liquid into the front bay window of Vanti’s Meadow Street home in Pawtucket on Feb. 2 of this year.

Vanti became trapped in his bedroom by flames and suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation. He died five days later.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:17 PM | Comment

A smashing good time planned at anti-gun event

PROVIDENCE -- The attorney general's office plans to host a pre-Christmas "Toy Gun Bash" Sunday afternoon at Pleasant View Elementary School.

The regular events aim to discourage gun violence by allowing children to destroy their toy guns in a machine dubbed the "Bash-O-Matic" that "crushes, smushes, smashes, and otherwise bashes toy guns like nobody's business," according to an announcement released today by the attorney general's office.

Attorney General Patrick Lynch will attend the bash -- scheduled Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. -- to talk to community members about reducing incidents of gun violence.

"Society needs to raise awareness of the dangers associated with guns -- whether they're real guns or toys," reads the attorney general's announcement.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:12 PM | Comment

R.I., federal authorities take Indian citizen into custody

Federal terrorism officials and Rhode Island authorities converged to arrest a citizen of India enrolled in a local tractor-trailer training school while attempting to obtain a commercial driver's license and a permit to carry hazardous materials, according to an announcement today.

Mohammed Yusef Mullawala, 28, of Jamaica, N.Y., was taken into custody by the state police on Tuesday after responding to state police headquarters on another matter, police said. He has been turned over to immigration officials and is being held in federal custody pending the results of an immigration hearing in Boston.

Mullawala had entered the country on a student visa that had since expired, according to the state police. Authorities discovered that he had a driver's license in three states: New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

The police say that Mullawala lied when applying for a license at the Rhode Island Registry of Motor Vehicles by saying he was a Rhode Island resident.

Authorities did not release the name of the Rhode Island tractor-trailer training school, but said Mullawala "was displaying reportedly suspicious behavior" while enrolled there. In the announcement, they did not explain the suspicious behavior.

State Police could not yet be reached for more details.

Police said their investigation began after the newly created Rhode Island State Fusion Center received a bulletin on Nov. 27 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Operations Center.

The Fusion Center is a component of the Rhode Island State Police Intelligence Unit and is charged with conducting investigations relating to homeland security.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:05 PM | Comment

Update: Bishop's body returned to place of honor/ Photo

Journal photo / John Freidah
Bishop Thomas Tobin pays his respects at the casket of Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken, the first bishop of Providence, after the Mass of the Immaculate Conception for Bishop Hendricken's re-entombment at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence.

PROVIDENCE -- Borne on the shoulders of six sturdy young men, the casketed body of the late Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken, founding bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Providence, was returned in song-filled ceremony today to the cathedral he built.

Hendricken died 120 years ago, and his funeral -- parts of which were recreated today -- was the first Mass celebrated in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Several hundred people attended today’s Mass and re-entombment service, led by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, the eighth and current bishop of Providence. Four dozen priests and three retired bishops, all robed in white, joined Bishop Tobin in the hour-and-a-half ceremony.

"This observance has several purposes,’’ the bishop said during the Mass. "First, and most obviously, it is the re-entombment of Bishop Thomas Hendricken in a new and dignified place in this beautiful sanctuary that he envisioned and built.’’

It was also a chance to celebrate diocesan history, Tobin said.

Hendricken, a native of Ireland, spent more than a decade planning and raising money for the cathedral. The building was nearly complete when he died, at the age of 59, in 1886.

-- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller

For 120 years, Hendricken was entombed in a dusty crypt in the cathedral basement. Tobin decided to honor him by placing his body in a custom-built green Brazilian sarcophagus that sits to the right of the altar at the front of the church. His body had been stored in a Catholic mausoleum since it was removed from the crypt in June.

In his homily, Bishop Hendricken High School chaplain's, the Rev. Marcel L. Taillon recounted the story of Hendricken’s life. The late bishop fought prejudice and poor health in building the diocese, Taillon said. A severe asthmatic, Hendricken died of complications from a cold.

Taillon said that Hendricken’s last words, witnessed by several people who attended his death bed, were: "Thy will be done.’’

Hendricken students pay respects to bishop, 120 years after death
Posted 10:53 a.m.

WARWICK -- In a solemn service marked by prayer, reflection and song, students at Bishop Hendricken High School this morning paid their respects to the casketed body of their school’s namesake, Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken, the first bishop of the Diocese of Providence.

Hendricken’s body is being re-entombed following a noon Mass at Providence’s cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul -- but the present bishop, Thomas J. Tobin, granted the school’s request to bring the dead bishop to the school at 8 a.m. today.

Hendricken chaplain the Rev. Marcel L. Taillon arranged and led this morning’s service. Students assembled in a school gymnasium and watched a video of Hendricken’s life. When it was over, the body of Hendricken, enclosed in a green-velvet casket, was unloaded from a hearse. Six students carried the casket into the gym.

The choir sang and Fr. Taillon led the students in saying the rosary. After a moment of silence, a bagpiper played. The students carried the bishop’s body back to the hearse, which will bring Hendricken to Providence with a police escort.

-- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:45 PM | Comment

Traffic: Accident on Route 295, Smithfield

An accident on Route 295 North in Smithfield, near the exit for Route 44, has backed up traffic for about a mile, according to the state Department of Transportation's Traffic Management Center.

The management center has issued an alert, saying the accident is blocking the left and center lanes. A police officer was involved, according to the alert.

There's no information on injuries.

Police officers and rescue workers are there.

Posted by Jack Perry at 2:38 PM | Comment

Man indicted for 3 murders in Central Falls

PROVIDENCE -- A Providence County grand jury indicted a Pawtucket man of three counts of murder today following a violent episode in August in which Adelino Duarte allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend, her daughter and a friend.

In addition to the murder charges, Duarte was also indicted on three counts of discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, death resulting, and one count of breaking and entering.

The police say that that Duarte, 39, of North Main Street, Pawtucket, broke in to his ex-girlfriend's apartment in the early hours of Aug. 18 and shot Elizabeth Orellana, a mother of five, her 20-year-old daughter Kristal L. Duarte (no relation to Adelino) and Octavio J. Calcagno, 23, each in the head.

When the police arrived, Duarte was found lying face down at the crime scene with his hand under a mattress. Police restrained Duarte after witnesses identified him as the shooter and discovered a gun under the mattress.

Duarte has been in prison since the incident. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 3.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:21 PM | Comment

Chafee to appear Monday on The Daily Show

U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee is no stranger to national television. He's appeared on his fair share of the Sunday-morning programs such as Meet The Press and Face the Nation.

But the Rhode Island Republican will make his first appearance on a different sort of show Monday night: comedian Jon Stewart's The Daily Show.

Chafee is scheduled to appear on the popular Comedy Central program Monday at 11 p.m. The show will be taped Monday afternoon, according to Chafee spokesman Christopher Spina.

Spina said that Stewart approached Chafee's office about being on the The Daily Show a day or two after Chafee wrote an op-ed piece that appeared in the New York Times on Nov. 12 -- five days after he was defeated by Democratic opponent Sheldon Whitehouse.

"I think he really respects the senator and offered to have him on the show," Spina said.

Chafee packed up his Washington office yesterday while preparing for the end of his term, which officially concludes in January.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:36 PM | Comment

Christmas tree lighting on tap tonight in Providence

PROVIDENCE -- The Christmas spirit should shine brightly in downtown Providence this evening.

City officials will flip the switch on a 30-foot Balsam fir at 5:30 p.m. at the city's annual tree lighting ceremony. There will be singing, free skating at the Bank of America skating center, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

The tree lighting will take place on the steps of City Hall at the south end of Kennedy Plaza. Mayor David N. Cicilline and WPRI news anchor Karen Adams will co-host the event.

There will be performances by The Voices of Sophia, a group of students from Sophia Academy, and Loriana De Crescenzo of Opera Providence. Actors from the Trinity Repertory Company are also scheduled to stop by.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:55 PM | Comment

GTECH lays off 200 workers, 70 in R.I.

PROVIDENCE - Lottery giant GTECH Holdings Corp. today laid off 70 employees in Rhode Island, among 200 employees who are being laid off worldwide, the company said this morning.

The employees were given notice today that their jobs were eliminated immediately, said Robert Vincent, a spokesman for the company. They will receive severance pay, as well as 12 months of career counseling and outplacement services, he said.

The jobs affected by the layoffs run the gamut, Vincent said, from vice presidents to entry-level positions.

Most of the Rhode Island employees who lost their jobs worked at the company's West Greenwich facility. Some also worked in the company's new Providence headquarters, which GTECH moved into last month.

The layoffs are part of the company's efforts to pare down expenses as it gets ready to re-bid several major contracts over the next 24 months, Vincent said. The company faces new competition, he said, including "international competitors that are looking to gain market share by offering prices we could not sustain."

In August, GTECH was purchased by Lottomatica SpA, an Italian lottery operator, for $4.8 billion. Vincent said the layoffs were not related to the acquisition and would have occurred if GTECH had remained an independent company.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 12:48 PM | Comment

Electrical work to turn off state Web sites on 2 days

Almost all state Web sites and e-mail will be shut down at times tomorrow and on the last Saturday of this month, as the state Department of Administration installs electrical equipment at its offices.

The department said today that its tentative schedule calls for power to be down, and Web sites and e-mails unavailable to the public, from 6 p.m. through 11 p.m. tomorrow. On Saturday, Dec. 30, service is expected to be down overnight, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.

The Web sites involved are all state sites ending in “ri.gov” or “state.ri.us.” None of the state functions normally accessible online will be available while this electrical work is under way. In both cases, the services should be available on the following Sunday, the department said.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:45 PM | Comment

Update: Arlene Violet's show ends one day early

Talk-radio icon Arlene Violet will not be on the air this afternoon, the day her radio station, WHJJ (920-AM), said on Wednesday would be her last day.

Rather, the show she hosted yesterday – in which caller after caller said goodbye and sang her praises – was the last show, the station’s program director and news director, Bill George, said early this afternoon.

For now, Violet is still showing up on WHJJ’s schedule posted online, with the following description: “The Arlene Violet Show: Nobody's more Rhode Island than Arlene. For more than a decade, when Rhode Islanders have seen Red, they've turned to Violet! Arlene Violet, that is.” Check it out.

In Violet’s place today will be the nationally syndicated program featuring the politically conservative Sean Hannity. WHJJ said in its Wednesday news release that Hannity’s show would first air locally on Monday.

George declined to comment on what had changed since the news release issued Wednesday said Violet’s last day on WHJJ would be Friday, Dec. 8.

“This is a personnel issue,” he said. “I know that it’s a great story because it’s a story people are interested in, but it’s a personnel matter, and we don’t discuss things like that.”

Violet’s show ran at its usual time yesterday, from 3 to 6 p.m.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Violet has not yet returned calls seeking comment, including a message left on her voice mail at the station, which George said she can still access.

Asked whether any announcement about the change might be made on the station today, George simply replied: “The Sean Hannity show will be on.”

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:32 PM | Comment

Forecaster predicts 3 major hurricanes next year

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season should have above-average activity, a top hurricane researcher said today.

Colorado State forecaster William Gray predicted 14 named storms next year, including three major hurricanes and four other hurricanes.

Gray and fellow researcher Philip Klotzbach said fewer hurricanes are likely to make landfall compared to last year, which had the busiest and most destructive hurricane season on record.

It had 28 named storms, including 15 hurricanes, four of which hit the U.S. The worst of those was Katrina, which leveled parts of the Gulf Coast.

-- The Associated Press

This year's season had nine named storms and five hurricanes, two of them major. That was considered a "near normal" season but fell short of predictions by Gray and government scientists.

No hurricanes hit the U.S. Atlantic coast in 2006 - only the 11th time that has occurred since 1945.

Gray's team said a late-developing El Nino contributed to the calmer 2006 season but that those conditions are likely to dissipate before the next June-to-November season.

"Despite a fairly inactive 2006 hurricane season, we believe that the Atlantic basin is in an active hurricane cycle," Gray said. The active cycle is expected to continue for another decade or two, he said.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:14 AM | Comment

Man treated at hospital after nailing himself in the chest

CRANSTON -- A construction worker is being treated this morning at Rhode Island Hospital after slipping on a job site and nailing himself in the chest with a nail gun.

The accident occurred near the fire department’s headquarters, and co-workers drove the man to the fire station, at 301 Pontiac Ave., according to the department’s deputy chief of emergency medical services, Leo F. Kennedy. The man arrived at the station at 9:52 a.m. and was taken to the hospital shortly after 10, he said.

The gun shot an approximately three-inch nail into the man’s chest, but not in his heart, Kennedy said. The man was conscious and talking to emergency crews as they worked on him.

The police are investigating the accident, Maj. Ronald T. Blackmar said. They do not yet know details about the man, the company he worked for or exactly where the accident occurred.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Driving someone to the fire station seeking help isn’t the best thing for someone to do in an emergency, Kennedy said. There’s no guarantee that emergency responders are in the station, as they could be out responding to other calls, he said.

Luckily, a rescue crew was at the station and able to help the man when he arrived. The engine crew, however, was out on another call, and the department needed to bring a different engine over to the station to provide additional assistance, Kennedy said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:38 AM | Comment

Single-car crash on Route 146 southbound

NORTH SMITHFIELD – One person initially trapped in a vehicle after a one-car crash on Route 146 southbound has been freed from the car.

There’s no word yet on injuries, according to a police dispatcher.

National Grid has been called to the accident because the car struck an electrical box, according to the police. No power failures have been reported to the police at this time.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:00 AM | Comment

Pawtucket man critical after being struck by car

PAWTUCKET -- The police this morning released the name of a 46-year-old city man who was struck yesterday by a car as he attempted to cross Newport Avenue.

Edward Bouvier, of 385 Woodhaven Rd. in Pawtucket, remains in critical condition this morning, according to a statement issued by Maj. John J. Whiting.

The police were called to 642 Newport Ave. around 4:45 p.m. yesterday, according to the department. Bouvier had been struck by a vehicle heading south, driven by Harry Sioras, of 149 Hyde Ave. in Pawtucket, according to Whiting.

The accident remains under investigation. Speed does not appear to be a factor, and the police say they have no witnesses reported.

“There have been no charges lodged against the driver at this time pending the outcome of the investigation,” Whiting said in the statement.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:22 AM | Comment

Traffic slow on Route 195 West, 95 North

If you’re heading west on Route 195 this morning, expect traffic to slow down as you reach downtown Providence. Motorists are traveling along at an average of 33 miles per hour on that stretch at this hour.

Also on Route 95 North, traffic is slow at exit 17.

For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings.

You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here.

Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is -- here.

To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:53 AM | Comment

Download today's front page

Today's front page includes stories on Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee's last days in Washington after his defeat in the November election and state department directors proposing cuts to close an estimated $208 million budget gap.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:14 AM | Comment

Cold with gusty winds and more snow possible

PROVIDENCE – We’ve already seen flakes this morning.

Not many, mind you, but if you’ve missed them that’s OK. You’ll probably get another shot at it.

We could get an inch to two inches of snow this morning, with gusty winds expected to help reduce visibility on the roads this morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Any snow showers will likely diminish this morning but the wind will continue to gust to 35 or 40 miles per hour much of today.

It’s just 19 degrees out now, so bundle up.

This morning’s cloudy skies should turn mostly sunny by later today, but don’t expect a warm day like yesterday. We should see a high of just 31.

As for this weekend, expect sunny weather both days with a high in the mid-40s.

Check back with us for the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 6:59 AM | Comment

December 7, 2006

Look, up in the sky -- it could be shuttle Discovery

If there's a break in the clouds tonight, two things could happen -- the space shuttle Discovery could launch from its pad in Florida and you might be able to see it here in Rhode Island.

The shuttle is on track for a 9:35 p.m. liftoff. But cloud cover and increasing winds could force a postponement of the first night launch in four years.

But if it does take off with its seven-astronaut crew, the shuttle and its trail may become visible along the Eastern Seaboard.

Skies over southeastern New England are shifting from today's clear blue to mostly cloudy, with snow in the forecast overnight.

Still, if a window does appear, viewers in the Northeast are advised to look low in the south or south-southwest skies about six to eight minutes after launch. The Web site space.com says Discovery should look like a bright, pulsating star with a yellowish-orange glow. Those armed with binoculars may be able to see its v-shaped contrail.

But the first task, space.com warns, is to confirm that the shuttle has launched. You can view NASA's broadcast live here.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:00 PM | Comment

Survivor Hatch appeals tax evasion conviction

PROVIDENCE -- Survivor winner Richard Hatch appealed his tax evasion conviction today, saying the judge prevented him from raising allegations of cheating during filming of the debut season of the CBS reality TV show.

The Rhode Island resident was convicted last January of failing to pay taxes on his $1 million Survivor prize and other income. He was sentenced in May to more than four years in federal prison.

His lawyers filed a brief with the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston seeking to have the convictions overturned and reiterating accusations of cheating first raised outside the jury's presence during the trial.

Hatch maintains he caught the show's producers cheating by smuggling food to other contestants during taping, and that they struck a deal to pay his taxes if he went on to win the competition.

Hatch's lawyer, Michael Minns, told U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres of the allegations during a break in testimony but never asked his client about it when he was on the stand.

Thomas Connell, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Rhode Island, said the government would file a reply brief, probably sometime in January.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:55 PM | Comment

ACLU in line for big pay day in training-school suit

PROVIDENCE — A federal judge says the American Civil Liberties Union may receive court-awarded legal fees when it prevails in U.S. District Court. The decision overturns a 2002 state Supreme Court opinion that barred lawyers from sharing legal fees with the ACLU.

The ruling, by Senior U.S. District Judge Ronald R. Lagueux, means the ACLU’s National Prison Project can receive $201,578 in legal fees for representing juvenile inmates in legal action over conditions at the Rhode Island Training School, ACLU officials said today.

And it means that in the future the local ACLU will not lose a major source of money for the lawsuits it files over issues of discrimination, open government, free speech, free press and freedom of religion, officials said.

“It’s a very welcome decision,” said Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU’s Rhode Island Affiliate.

Brown said the ACLU files many of its lawsuits in federal court. But he said the group is still barred from sharing in legal fees awarded in state courts because of the Supreme Court ruling.

Posted by Peter Phipps at 4:40 PM | Comment

Photo: Warm-weather antics

Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Jamie Khang, left, 15, and Kavy Thamma,16, both of Providence, enjoy the warm weather -- and perhaps not so warm water -- at Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln this afternoon. Area temps were in the unseasonably mild 50s today, with scattered clouds against blue skies, and a light west wind.

Tonight, clouds are expected to move in, bringing a chance of showers. The thermometer will drop into the upper 20s, and winds will turn northwest, with gusts up 30 mph after midnight.

Brace yourself: There's even a chance of snow showers tomorrow morning. But skies are expected to clear by tomorrow night, with temps in the 20s.

Get the latest weather conditions and forecasts.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:50 PM | Comment

Update: Police accused of cutting PlayStation3 line

PROVIDENCE -- Two police officers are under investigation for allegedly using their influence to skip a long line of shoppers waiting to buy the PlayStation3 video game system the day it went on sale.

A Providence and a Warwick police officer were among seven people whom two security officers allowed to bypass a long line of customers waiting to buy the popular video game system at the Providence Place Mall on Nov. 17, according to Channel 10 (WJAR).

Those two security officers lost their jobs “very soon after” the incident, according to spokesperson Larry Rubin for AlliedBarton Security Services, the company that provides security at the mall for common and exterior areas.

Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman didn't identify the officer, but he says the officer will be disciplined.

Warwick Police Chief Steve McCartney says a second officer was from his department, and he calls the allegations disturbing. His department is conducting an internal investigation and could take disciplinary action.

-- The Associated Press and projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

McCartney said this morning that he cannot name the officer or speak further about the incident while that investigation continues because of the requirements of the state Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights. The bill of rights is a statute that, in part, forbids city officials from disclosing disciplinary charges against a police officer unless that officer is found guilty in a hearing convened in accordance with the statute.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:05 PM | Comment

Update: Bulldozer ruptures Pawtucket gas line

PAWTUCKET – A gas main break late this morning on Grotto Avenue caused an evacuation of a nearby condominium complex.

The gas has since been turned off, and no one was injured, according to fire marshals at the scene of the break.

“The area is safe now,” National Grid spokeswoman Debbie Drew said in a phone interview.

Contrary to an earlier report, the nearby Nathanael Greene Elementary School in Pawtucket was not evacuated. Children on the playground two-tenths of a mile from where the gas main was ruptured were told to go back inside, fire marshals said.

The gas main was ruptured during construction work at a commercial condominium complex under construction at 241 Grotto Ave. The owner of the property, Nick Africo, was operating a bulldozer and ran over a two-inch plastic gas line installed a couple months ago. Fire marshals at the scene said they could hear the gas whistling out of the pipe when they responded to the incident.

National Grid turned off the gas. No one lost service since the line hit was for the condominium complex under construction, Drew said.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer John Castellucci and projo.com

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:50 PM | Comment

Residents can meet tonight with Mayor Cicilline

PROVIDENCE -- City residents can meet one-on-one tonight with Mayor David N. Cicilline during the Mayor's Night Out.

The session begins at 5 p.m. at E3 Academy, 812 Branch Ave.

Cicilline established the monthly meetings to give residents a chance to share their concerns with him and city department directors.

Residents can meet privately with Cicilline for 10 minutes. The meetings will take place on a first-come, first-served basis.

Posted by Jack Perry at 2:11 PM | Comment

Prison work crew discovers body in Providence / Photo

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
The Providence police and Rhode Island State Police investigate the area where a body was found this morning off Elmwood Avenue near the entrance to Roger Williams Park.

PROVIDENCE -- A decomposed body was found off Elmwood Avenue this morning by a work crew from the Adult Correctional Institutions, according to the state police.

Inmates from the prison were clearing brush in the area near Route 95 when they found the body at about 11:30 a.m., according to state police Capt. Stephen J. Lynch.

The police don't yet know whether foul play was involved, according to Lynch. The state police and the Providence police are investigating. Investigators were searching the area with metal detectors.

The state Medical Examiner's Office has taken the body.

-- With reports from Journal staff photographer Mary Murphy

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:18 PM | Comment

Bishop's body will return to cathedral he built

PROVIDENCE -- One hundred and twenty years after his death, the body of Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken, the first Bishop of Providence, is being returned tomorrow to the cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Constructing the cathedral is seen as the crowning achievement of Hendricken’s 14 years as bishop.

“As the founding Bishop of Providence, Bishop Hendricken was a leader of historic proportions for the Catholic church in New England,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, current bishop of the Diocese of Providence. "He made the establishment of our present cathedral his personal and ardent goal – a goal that he would never live to see as the first Mass celebrated in the cathedral was his funeral.’’

Hendricken, a native of Ireland, spent more than a decade planning and raising money for the cathedral. The building was nearly complete when he died, at the age of 59, in June 1886. His wake and funeral drew thousands to the nearly finished cathedral.

-- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller

For 120 years, Hendricken was entombed in a dusty crypt in the cathedral basement. Bishop Tobin decided to honor him by placing his body in a custom-built green Brazilian sarcophagus that sits to the right of the altar at the front of the church. His body has been stored in a mausoleum since it was removed from the crypt in June.

Tomorrow’s Mass coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. The Mass begins at noon. It will be Bishop Tobin's first public appearance since being hospitalized last week for back pain, which is being successfully treated.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:49 PM | Comment

Apartments for homeless families open in Providence

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Esteban and Sonia Suero hug in the living room of their new apartment after seeing the apartment for the first time today.

PROVIDENCE -- Crossroads Rhode Island officially opened its new Family Center at 754 Broad St. in South Providence this morning at a ceremony of political leaders, homeless advocates and the families who will live there.

Crossroads purchased the former funeral home and converted it into five apartments for homeless families, plus 15 shelter rooms with access to a communal kitchen, dining and living area, showers and a playroom for children. The $2.3 million project included a $350,000 gift from the Citizens Bank Foundation, for which the center is now named.

After Governor Carcieri cut the yellow ribbon with giant gold scissors, a young couple moving into one of the apartments burst into tears and hugged each other. Sonia and Esteban Suero, who are moving in with their two young daughters, toured their sunny new apartment with wide eyes.

"There's plenty of room for the children to run," Esteban Suero said.

-- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits

"This was a building that at one time celebrated the end of people's lives," Mayor David N. Ciccilline said. "And now, we've converted it over to celebrate the beginning of people's lives."

His words were appreciated by Stanley Larson, the former president of the family-owned Juhlin-Pearson Funeral Home, who came to the ceremony to see first-hand the renovations of his family's old building.

"It's fun to be here to see this," Larson said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:25 PM | Comment

Robitaille doesn't concede in House race

PROVIDENCE - Republican John Robitaille is still holding out hope today even after a review of absentee ballots left him trailing incumbent state Rep. Amy G. Rice for a House seat covering parts of Middletown, Portsmouth and Newport.

Robitaille officially trails Rice by nine votes in the last unsettled race from the election one month ago.

Based on a review of provisional ballots Monday and absentee ballots today, Robitaille would have picked up seven votes, still two short of victory.

Robitaille said he planned to talk strategy with his lawyers.

-- With reports by Journal staff writer Alisha Pina

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:05 PM | Comment

Update: Larisa concedes in E. Providence / Photo

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
Mayor Joseph Larisa, Jr., concedes and congratulates Isadore Ramos on winning after reviewing absentee ballots this morning at the Board of Elections.

East Providence Mayor Joseph Larisa Jr. today conceded defeat in last month's election to former assistant Schools Supt. Isadore Ramos.

Larisa conceded this morning after reviewing more than 700 absentee ballots.

Larisa lost the City Council at-large seat to Ramos by 16 votes out of more than 16,000 cast. In East Providence, the council elects the mayor from among its members.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:43 AM | Comment

State DOT director retiring

PROVIDENCE -- The director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will retire this month after 36 years with the department.

James R. Capaldi, the DOT's director since 2003, started as a summer intern in 1965, and went to work for the department full time in 1969. He had worked as chief design engineer, chief of construction operations and chief engineer before becoming director.

“This year has been an outstanding one at RIDOT with the demolition of the old Jamestown Bridge, construction of the Iway and the floating of its signature bridge up Narragansett Bay, completing the Freight Rail Improvement Project, and making improvements to the Cliffwalk,” Capaldi said in a DOT press release. “I can’t think of a better capstone year than the one we all just experienced.”

Governor Carcieri said, “Jim Capaldi has been an outstanding director. Rhode Island’s transportation system has never looked better. The roads are cleaner, better maintained, and the improvements continue every day.”

Capaldi’s last day will be Dec. 22. A search for a new director will begin soon.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:18 AM | Comment

Funeral today for former PC president

The funeral for former Providence College president the Rev. John F. Cunningham is this morning in St. Dominic Chapel on the Catholic college’s campus.

Cunningham was a philosophy professor who spent almost 50 years at the institution and was the college’s 10th president, serving in that capacity from 1985 to 1994. He helped the college emerge from its roots as a commuter college serving Rhode Islanders into the well-regarded regional academic institution it is today.

Cunningham died Monday at Rhode Island Hospital. He was 78.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:19 AM | Comment

Update: West Warwick pedestrian hit; driver arrested

WEST WARWICK – A West Warwick man was struck this morning by a Honda on Broad Street. The police have arrested the driver, a Coventry resident, who they say knew the victim.

“This is being investigated as a crime, not an accident,” West Warwick Police Lt. John Malloy said this morning as officers continue to speak with witnesses and those involved.

The driver, 47-year-old Russell Spellman, fled into Coventry, where police there detained him, Malloy said. West Warwick police then arrested him.

The man who was struck around 6:30 a.m. at 19 Broad St. has a compound fracture to one leg and is being treated at Rhode Island Hospital, Malloy said. The police have not yet released his name. He was conscious and was able to speak with the police at the hospital, according to Malloy.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

The two men have mutual friends and have known each other a long time, Malloy said.

“It appears there was some sort of confrontation prior to the collision,” Malloy said.

That area is a residential neighborhood just at the Coventry town line. The speed limit on Broad Street is 25 miles per hour. The police have not determined how fast Spellman was driving at the time of the collision.

Coventry firefighters transported the pedestrian, who is in his 30s, to the hospital, firefighter Kevin Cady said.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:14 AM | Comment

Salve Regina honors R.I. vets on Pearl Harbor Day

The best of thousands of snapshots taken during World War II by a flight surgeon armed with a stethoscope and a $5 camera are on display at Salve Regina University for just a few more days – and today they’re part of the 65th anniversary remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day.

The exhibit of Dr. Michael DiMaio’s work, “Through the Eyes of a Soldier,” is featured through Wednesday. Tonight from 6 to 8 p.m., the university hosts a celebration honoring Rhode Island veterans.

Both are held at University Gallery, Mercy Hall, at Lawrence and Leroy avenues in Newport.

Speakers tonight include retired admirals Thomas Weschler and John Salesses of Newport, Lt. Richard Sheffield of Middletown and other World War II veterans. The Rhode Island ROTC color guard will perform. Two films will be shown: “D-Day + 62 years: R.I. Veterans Return to Normandy” and “The World War II National Memorial.”

DiMaio’s photo exhibit can be seen during gallery hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:17 AM | Comment

Download today's Journal front page

Today's front page includes stories on the Iraq Study Group's report and attempts by a same-sex married couple in Rhode Island to get a divorce.

Download today's front page.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:37 AM | Comment

A mild day before the cold returns

PROVIDENCE -- The crisp white moon hides this morning behind a hazy-looking cloud cover.

Enjoy the image if you’re up early today. And call it the calm before the storm.

It’s 45 degrees already – yes, that’s mild. It was just 18 at this time yesterday. Temps should rise to about 53 today. We’ve got a slight chance of showers today before 9 a.m. and then after noon.

Then, look out, particularly if you’re a little north of here, in northwest and north central Massachusetts and southwest New Hampshire. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook as it’s predicting gusty northwest winds will scatter snow squalls late today and tonight and may produce an inch or so of snow.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:10 AM | Comment

December 6, 2006

Cranston mayor-elect orders independent audit

CRANSTON -- Making good on a central campaign promise, Mayor-elect Michael T. Napolitano has ordered a complete, independent audit of all municipal finances.

Ernest A. Almonte, the state auditor general, said today that he will review the status of the city budget, as well as all cash reserves and pension funds.

Mayor Stephen P. Laffey also sought assistance from Almonte before he took office, in January 2003, during a worsening fiscal crisis. But Laffey now says Napolitano is inheriting a city in dramatically better shape, and he called the audit unnecessary.

In campaign finance news, a new campaign finance report submitted to the state Board of Elections by Napolitano shows that he spent more than $300,000 in the race to succeed Laffey.

His opponent, Allan W. Fung, did not meet Tuesday's deadline to file a report. But in an interview, Fung estimated that his campaign cost about $150,000, or half of what his opponent spent. Napolitano won the race by only 71 votes.

-- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:29 PM | Comment

Talk-show icon Arlene Violet fired

Arlene Violet, a talk-radio icon in Rhode Island, has been let go by her station, WHJJ-AM (920) after more than 16 years on the air. Her last day on the air will be tomorrow.

She will be replaced Monday in her 3 to 6 p.m. time slot by a syndicated program featuring conservative commentator Sean Hannity.

Violet, a former Catholic nun and Rhode Island attorney general from 1985 to 1987, announced her departure to her audience on her show this afternoon.

She described it as “a business decision” on the part of the station, part of the Clear Channel Communications, which is in the process of being sold to two private equity groups. “It’s a fact of life when there’s a change. . . it’s a business decision, they cut to the bottom line,” she said.

-- Journal staff writer Andy Smith

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:13 PM | Comment

Derderian moved into prison's intake center

Station nightclub co-owner Michael Derderian has been removed from a minimum-security facility at the Adult Correctional Institutions and placed in the intake center, where officials can keep a closer eye on him, according to the state's top corrections official.

Derderian was moved last night because he was exhibiting behaviors that showed he was having difficulty adjusting to confinement, said A.T. Wall II, director of the Department of Corrections.

On Monday, Derderian had been moved to the intake center for the same reason, but was returned to minimum security on Tuesday. Wall declined to discuss what behavior prompted the move.

Derderian's difficulties started after he was found guilty in a disciplinary hearing on Friday of violating prison rules and was ordered removed from his work-release assignment at a Warwick auto body shop.

A prison spokesman said Derderian was found guilty of receiving chicken soup from an undisclosed family member while at work, violating rules prohibiting work-release inmates from having food other than what is given to them by the prison.

He also was found guilty of having an unauthorized visit from a friend and of lying to investigators looking into those allegations. As an example, he told investigators the friend was actually a customer at Allendale Auto Body and Sales, where Derderian was doing bookkeeping.

Derderian has appealed his guilty findings to the warden of the minimum-security unit. His punishment, which is on hold pending his appeal, would be to spend 15 days in medium security at the ACI.

Derderian, 45, was sentenced in September to four years in prison after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter charges after the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at his West Warwick nightclub, which killed 100 people.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

His brother, Jeffrey A. Derderian, 40, the nightclub's other owner, also pleaded no contest and was ordered to perform 500 hours of community service.

Daniel M. Biechele, 30, the rock band tour manager who triggered fireworks that started the blaze, pleaded guilty earlier in the year and was sentenced to four years in prison. He is currently in minimum security and, as part of work release, has a bookkeeping job at a Woonsocket social service agency.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:59 PM | Comment

Reports: Brown's Simmons on Harvard short list

Brown University President Ruth Simmons is on a list of 30 candidates to head Harvard University, according to articles published in the Boston Globe and the student-run Harvard Crimson.

The names were given to Harvard’s Board of Overseers, the second-most powerful group on campus, at a meeting on Sunday in Cambridge, Mass., according to the reports. Sixteen of the 30 names were leaked to the media.

A Brown University spokeswoman refused late this afternoon to comment on the reports.

In addition to Simmons, there are several distinguished university leaders on the list leaked to the media:
-- Columbia University President Lee Bollinger
-- University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann
-- Tufts University President Lawrence Bacow
-- Stanford University Provost John Etchemendy
-- University of Cambridge Vice Chancellor Alison Richard
-- Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman
-- University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman
-- University of California President Robert Dynes
-- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson
-- Cornell University Provost Carolyn Martin
-- Washington University in St. Louis Chancellor Mark Wrighton

-- With Bloomberg reports

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:52 PM | Comment

Plan to remedy RI homelessness announced

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri announced an ambitious new plan today that mirrors a national initiative to radically change how local communities have dealt with chronic homelessness for decades.

Rather than attempting to manage the problem by placing homeless people in nightly shelters, it calls for ending homelessness by providing permanent housing, health care and social services with few strings attached.

Those communities that have embraced the concept are finding it is not only more humane but cheaper than traditional, uncoordinated efforts, said Philip F. Mangano, who heads the federal initiative.

Mangano, the director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, was one of the guest speakers today inside the basement of the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul where Governor Carcieri announced the plan for Rhode Island.

More than 200 cities and other jurisdictions have started 10-year plans to eliminate "the moral disgrace of homelessness,’’ Mangano said. The plan works on the economic principle that it is cheaper to develop a well-coordinated offering of human services rather than rely on the current disjointed system that sees the homeless cycling through soup kitchens and emergency rooms at tremendous cost to taxpayers.

Read more about the plan in tomorrow's Journal.

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:53 PM | Comment

Wake tonight, funeral tomorrow for former PC president

The wake for former Providence College president the Rev. John F. Cunningham is this afternoon at St. Thomas Aquinas Priory Chapel on the Catholic college’s campus.

The chapel is just to the left once you enter the campus via the River Avenue gate.

Cunningham was a philosophy professor who spent almost 50 years at the institution and was the college’s 10th president, serving in that capacity from 1985 to 1994. He helped the college emerge into the well-regarded regional academic institution it is today from its roots as a commuter college serving Rhode Islanders.

Cunningham died Monday at Rhode Island Hospital. He was 78.

Today’s visitation, from 4 to 7, will be followed by a 7 o’clock chanting of the Office of the Dead by the Dominican Community.

Cunningham’s funeral is tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in St. Dominic Chapel at Providence College.

Sign an online guestbook for Cunningham.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:50 PM | Comment

Update: Winning waterfront park design chosen / Photo

Journal photo / Kris Craig
A detailed illustration of the winning waterfront park design.

PROVIDENCE -- The wait is over.

Ending a contest that began in April, city officials announced today that they have selected a winner in the competition to design a new waterfront park in space made available by the Route 195 relocation project.

The winning design was submitted by the Boston-based landscape architectural firm of Brown, Richardson & Rowe, Inc.

The design, chosen by an 11-member selection committee, will be submitted to the state Department of Transportation for construction. It's scheduled to be completed in 2012.

The park features the Ember House – a transparent, free-standing structure along the riverwalk that could be used as a café or gathering space; a sculpture garden; a terraced amphitheatre; a centrally located granite disk that reflects the history of the Providence River; and the Fish Playground featuring artist-designed play equipment including wave slides, turtles, fish and shells found in the Providence River.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:05 PM | Comment

DOT saving energy, money with LED traffic lights

The state Department of Transportation is saving energy one traffic light at a time – and has reached a milestone it promised back in February to reach by the end of the year.

The DOT has finished converting 770 traffic signals it owns and maintains to a more energy-efficient system. Rather than continuing to use standard incandescent bulbs, the department is now using light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, the DOT announced today.

The change should reduce the department’s electricity costs by about $530,000 a year, according to the department.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

The DOT offset the $1 million project with more than $600,000 in rebates from National Grid as part of the company’s Energy Initiative Incentive Program. Given the expected savings in electricity costs, RIDOT Director James R. Capaldi said in a statement today the signal changes were done at “essentially a break-even cost while saving energy and reducing maintenance costs.”

LEDs look like tiny light bulbs, but unlike conventional incandescent bulbs, they don't have a filament that will burn out. Instead, they are illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material.

The old traffic lights had one incandescent bulb behind each red, green and yellow lens. The new ones have up to 122 LEDs spread across the light. The result is a more even, more intense light.

The LED lamps require just 14 watts of energy compared with 116 watts per lamp for an incandescent bulb.

The DOT says the savings at one intersection with eight signal heads can be dramatic – with an annual electric bill of just $99 for the LED lamps compared with a bill of $810 with the old incandescent bulbs. Also, LEDs last five to 10 years, compared with about one year for the old bulbs.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:24 PM | Comment

Update: Central Falls police search for shooting suspect

CENTRAL FALLS -- The police today are searching for a suspect who shot a man in the chest inside an apartment building at 117 Clay St. last night.

Central Falls Police would not say if they had identified the shooter. The police are still trying to determine the identity of the 31-year-old man who was shot at least once, Police Chief Joseph Moran said.

The man is in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital, according to Moran.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Tatiana Pina

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:56 PM | Comment

Update: Reed, Chafee react to Iraq report / Audio

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says a high-profile report critical of President Bush's policy in Iraq makes "a significant contribution to the debate," and he predicts bipartisan support for the report's recommendations.

“Now it is up to the president to use this report and these recommendations to forge a new policy, a new way forward that will help stabilize Iraq, and help us, as quickly as possible, redeploy our forces from Iraq," Reed said of the report by the Iraq Study Group.

Listen to comments from Reed.

The report, which was released today, says that President Bush's Iraq policy "is not working" and that Bush should put aside misgivings and engage Syria, Iran and the leaders of insurgent forces in negotiations on Iraq's future, to begin by year's end. It urged him to revive efforts at a broader Middle East peace. Barring a significant change, it warned of a "slide toward chaos."

Reed will host an afternoon press conference inside the U.S. Capitol today at 2:45 p.m. along with U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

Reed has traveled to Iraq nine times since the U.S. invasion in 2003 and enjoys rare access to top commanders of the war effort, some of whom were his contemporaries at the West Point military academy. He serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Fellow Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee today applauded the Iraq Study Group's call for a comprehensive diplomatic effort that would involve Iraq's neighbors - including Iran and Syria - and would also seek peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

But Chafee, the only Republican senator who opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, said the challenge of improving the situation in the war-torn nation is "daunting.''

"The big question,'' according to Chafee, is this: "Is the administration going to pay any heed'' to the commission's recommendations, "or is this just an irritation for them?''

Check back with projo.com for more congressional reaction and an update from Reed's press conference.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples and Journal staff writer John Mulligan, with reports from the Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:25 PM | Comment

Judge asks R.I.'s highest court to rule on gay divorce

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
Nancy Palmisciano, lawyer for Cassandra B. Ormiston, right, speaks to Judge Jeremiah Jeremiah during today's hearing on whether Ormiston and Margaret R. Chambers can get divorced in Rhode Island. Ormiston and Chambers were married in Massachusetts shortly after Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

PROVIDENCE -- The question of whether a family court judge can hear a gay divorce case is moving to the state's highest court.

Chief Family Court Judge Jeremiah Jeremiah has agreed to ask the Rhode Island Supreme Court if he has jurisdiction in the case of a lesbian couple who married in Massachusetts and are seeking a divorce in Rhode Island.

Jeremiah said it is the first such case, and current Rhode Island law does not say how such cases should be handled.

Margaret Chambers and Cassandra Ormiston of Providence were married in Massachusetts after that state's Supreme Judicial Court legalized same-sex unions in late 2003.

The couple filed for divorce in October, citing irreconcilable differences.

-- Eric Tucker, Associated Press Writer

Louis Pulner, a lawyer for Chambers, said the couple could be left with a void divorce decree if the Rhode Island Supreme Court - sometime in the future - decided he did not have jurisdiction in the case, and asked Jeremiah to ask the Supreme Court to settle the issue now.

Nancy Palmisciano, an attorney for Ormiston, argued the judge had jurisdiction and the right to rule immediately on the divorce.

Chambers did not attend the hearing.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:19 PM | Comment

E. Providence fire displaces residents / Photo

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Firefighters tear into the roof and walls of the Mansion House Apartments to ensure that fire hadn't moved into enclosed areas. The rear apartment house at the two-building complex caught fire this morning, triggering a full-alarm response from the fire department.

EAST PROVIDENCE -- The Red Cross is helping to find housing for 10 to 20 people who live in apartments damaged by fire this morning.

It appears as if none of the residents in the 31-unit apartment building – the Mansion House Apartments – will be allowed back into the building today, according to the initial report from the Red Cross disaster assistance team, Red Cross CEO John E. Holt said this morning.

The agency is considering whether to put the displaced residents up in hotels or open a small shelter, according to Holt. He expects the people -- mostly couples and individuals and one family with children -- will need shelter at least for tonight.

Fire officials have not been available to discuss this morning’s fire, which triggered a full-alarm response from the department. They have responded to another emergency call and are not yet back at the station, according to a dispatcher.

The rear apartment house at the two-building complex – which is located at 2930 Pawtucket Ave. – caught fire around 7:30 a.m. today. The other apartment building, located at 2928 Pawtucket Ave., was not affected.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:00 PM | Comment

Appeals court to consider Narragansett land issue

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to take up a case involving who controls 31 acres of Narragansett Indian land in Charlestown.

The federal government had agreed to take the land into trust on behalf of the tribe, which would remove the land from state jurisdiction. Some local and state officials fear that could open the door for the tribe to build a casino on the land.

A three-judge panel of the 1st Circuit Court ruled in September 2005 that the federal government could take the land into trust. The state of Rhode Island has now appealed that ruling by the three-judge panel, asking the full court of appeals to consider the matter.

-- with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Back when the three judges issued their ruling, Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas hailed that decision as a “great day for the Narragansett Indian Tribe,” and Charlestown officials and the governor’s office blasted the ruling. Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said if the ruling stands it would give “low-level federal bureaucrats in Washington” the power to decide “what parts of the Ocean State should and shouldn’t be under control of Rhode Island citizens.”

The full circuit court has set a hearing date of Jan. 9.

The 31 acres are across King’s Factory Road from about 1,800 acres that were part of the 1978 settlement in which the tribe agreed that state and local laws would apply on those tribal lands.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:12 AM | Comment

Update: Iraq study, Gates on Sen. Reed's agenda

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, the Rhode Island legislator who has emerged as a leading Democratic voice on defense issues, is expected to be involved in two high-profile events today in the U.S. Capitol.

Reed is expected today to make a statement on the Senate floor when the full Senate debates the confirmation of Robert M. Gates to succeed Donald Rumsfeld as the new secretary of defense, according to Reed's spokesman Chip Unruh.

The nomination is expected to pass easily. Reed was among those on the Senate Armed Services Committee who voted unanimously last night to endorse Gates.

Also this morning, the Baker-Hamilton Study Group released its highly-anticipated report from the Iraq Study Group, which studies the Bush administration's Iraq policy and makes several recommendations.

Reed and other members of Congress were invited to a private briefing on the report this morning, Unruh said. Reed has also been asked to participate in a press conference later in the day to discuss the Iraq study, but given the timing of the Gates vote and the regular caucus luncheons (which take place Wednesdays while Congress is in session), Reed's staff isn't sure what he can fit in today.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:27 AM | Comment

Three injured in Providence fire

PROVIDENCE -- Three people were injured in a fire early this morning on Detroit Avenue, according to the Providence Fire Department.

Two occupants of the three-story, wood-frame house at 59 Detroit Ave. suffered smoke inhalation, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department.

A firefighter was injured slipping on the ice, Taylor said.

They were all taken to the hospital with what Taylor described as minor injuries.

The fire, reported shortly before 1 a.m., caused extensive damage to the second and third floors, Taylor said. Firefighters brought it under control by 1:41 a.m.

The cause is under investigation.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:50 AM | Comment

Download today's front page

Justice in Iraq, political spending and the Gates hearings lead today's Journal.

Download file

Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:19 AM | Comment

A cold start, but warming into the 40s

PROVIDENCE -- It's just 18 degrees as the sun rises over Providence, but the temperature should climb to 44 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Look for increasing clouds and southwest winds between 5 and 15 mph with gusts to 32 mph.

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

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:04 AM | Comment

Traffic: A nice day for a motorycle ride?

PROVIDENCE -- Is it still motorcycle weather?

Driving on Route 25 in southeastern Massachusetts today with the other early morning commuters was a man on a motorcycle.

He was wearing a black leather jacket, gloves and a helmet with a full face shield, but he still must have been cold. It's just 18 degrees.

Here's hoping he and every other commuter has a short trip this morning.

As of about 7 a.m., the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's Traffic Management Center had not issued any traffic alerts.

For more information, check out their Web site.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment

December 5, 2006

Ruling delays review of E. Providence mail ballots

PROVIDENCE -- In yet another court hearing related to the East Providence City Council race, Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato ruled today that the state Board of Elections must photocopy hundreds of East Providence mail ballots.

The board was prepared to go through thousands of mail ballots tomorrow to isolate the East Providence ballots. But the candidate trailing in the race, Mayor Joseph Larisa Jr., requested an emergency hearing today, fearing that he wouldn't have proper access to the ballots.

Fortunato ruled today -- again, over the objection of the Board of Elections -- that the board must photocopy the East Providence mail ballots for public inspection once they've been isolated.

Judge Fortunato described the request as reasonable, and he said that “democracy requires that we slow things down” in the interest of fairness and accuracy in Larisa’s challenge to the vote count, according to court spokesman Craig Berke.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples with reports from Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:00 PM | Comment

Sox' Lester meets with reporters, says he's cancer-free

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester told reporters on a conference call late this afternoon that he is now cancer-free, has resumed throwing, and fully expects to be ready to pitch at the beginning of spring training in mid-February.

Read more on the Red Sox blog.

-- SEAN McADAM

Posted by Art at 6:32 PM | Comment

Derderian disciplined for violating work-release rules

Station nightclub co-owner Michael Derderian has been disciplined for violating rules while serving his four-year minimum-security prison term at the Adult Correctional Institutions, according to prison officials.

Derderian will be moved from minimum to medium security for 15 days -- punishment for three violations related to his work-release job at a Warwick autobody shop, ACI Director A.T. Wall said this evening.

Derderian had an unauthorized visit from someone who was not a family member, Wall said, declining to be more specific. Derderian also was given food at his work-release job in violation of prison rules. Inmates on work release are given lunches by the ACI and required to eat only those lunches.

And Derderian "was deceitful" with investigators when questioned about the incidents, according to Wall.

The violations were discussed in a Dec. 1 hearing. Derderian has chosen to appeal the sanctions, which include the temporary move out of minimum security, a temporary loss of privileges such as the telephone, visitors and store orders, and the loss of 25 days of good behavior time from his ultimate sentence.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

An administrative review of the sanctions is currently under way, Wall said.

On Sept. 29, Michael A. Derderian, 45, was sentenced to serve four years in minimum-security prison after pleading no contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the disastrous fire at the club he co-owned with his brother. The fire killed 100 people and injured more than 200.

Earlier in the year, Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele was given the same sentence after pleading guilty. But Jeffrey A. Derderian, 40, was spared jail time and instead ordered to perform 500 hours of community service.

-- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:22 PM | Comment

Laundromat fire reported in Woonsocket

WOONSOCKET -- Firefighters have responded to a fire at 79 Roland St., where the laundromat Wee Wash It is located.

The fire has been put out, according to the fire department dispatcher. More information about the blaze wasn't immediately available.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Kia Hall Hayes

Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:13 PM | Comment

Update: URI students held at ACI after drug bust

SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The police arrested eight University of Rhode Island students after raiding their dorm rooms early this morning.

Police allege that each student had sold drugs -- including marijuana, crack cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms and ketamine, better known as Special K -- to undercover officers in recent months.

Six of the eight students appeared in District Court today and were ordered held without bail pending a Dec. 13 hearing. The other two students were 17 at the time of the crime and are being prosecuted by the Family Court.

All but one of the students are freshman. The other is a sophomore.

A university spokesman said the cases would be evaluated separately to determine what disciplinary action would taken by the school.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:23 PM | Comment

Body of missing man found in Blackstone

WOONSOCKET -- The body of a missing local man was discovered in the Blackstone River this afternoon.

Police believe that the man, Joseph A. Baillargeon, 49, of 218 Rathbun St., commited suicide over the weekend. He had been missing since Saturday, when his family contacted police fearing Baillargeon may harm himself.

His body was found by local authorities under the Court Street bridge.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Kia Hall Hayes

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:13 PM | Comment

Red Sox pitcher about to end cancer treatments

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona said moments ago that pitcher Jon Lester's treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma will end after Lester's next chemotherapy session, and that Lester plans a conference call with the media in the near future.

Read more on the Red Sox blog.

-- SEAN McADAM

Posted by Art at 2:35 PM | Comment

Update: Swansea police ID homicide victim and suspect

SWANSEA – A New Bedford man is charged today with the murder of Swansea resident Wayne Mendes, who was stabbed multiple times in his Swansea residence, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

Robert A. Gonsalves will be arraigned today in Fall River District Court, according to a press release issued this afternoon by Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr. Gonsalves was apprehended, according to Walsh’s office, “still wearing bloodied clothing.”

Gonsalves was already in custody by 9 a.m. today, according to Jennifer Ferland in the District Attorney’s Office. She said she doesn’t know when or where he was arrested.

Mendes was stabbed at his residence on Wood Street. More details about the incident have not yet been released. Both Swansea and Massachusetts state police have referred calls about the homicide to Walsh’s office.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:05 PM | Comment

Photo: Passing over the Point Street overpass, finally

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

The new Point Street overpass, which runs over Route 95, opened to traffic this morning, re-establishing an important link between the eastern part of the city and South Providence. Part of the Route 195 relocation project, the old overpass was demolished in 2002 and was replaced in essentially the same spot with the new overpass at an estimated cost of $17 million, $7 million more than the original bid price.

Posted by Jack Perry at 2:01 PM | Comment

Hackers attack Naval War College computers

PROVIDENCE -- Hackers attacked the computer network at the Naval War College in Newport, and the school's network, including its e-mail and Web site, has been down for more than two weeks as investigators work to find out who did it and to stop it from happening again.

The Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command in Norfolk, Va., detected the intrusion around Nov. 16 and took the system offline, spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Doug Gabos said today. Gabos said the network was unclassified and was used by students at the war college.

The school's Web site is down and military spokesmen would not give an estimate on when it will be back up.

-- The Associated Press

The Naval War College bills itself as the nation's leading center of strategic thought and national security policy development for the U.S. Navy. It has 581 students, including officers from the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines, as well as civilian and international students.

Gabos said the Navy's networks are probed thousands of times a day, but intrusions such as this one are rare. He said it was uncommon for the Navy to take a system completely offline.

Investigators are looking for "forensic evidence" to determine the extent of the intrusion, Gabos said. They will also upgrade the firewalls and take a series of other steps he did not specify.

"Once that is complete, the network will be restored," Gabos said.

Tim Madden, a spokesman for the military's Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations, would not comment on why the school's network has been down for more than two weeks.

"These things are done on a case-by-case basis, and we do the things that are necessary," he said. "You want to be thorough."

Neither Gabos or Madden would comment on who is suspected of attacking the network.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:33 PM | Comment

Photo: A first drive down the Avenue of the Arts

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers

Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director James R. Capaldi drives Mayor David N. Cicilline and Governor Carcieri over a red ribbon for a spin around the plaza at the new Avenue of the Arts in Providence after a ceremony this morning to celebrate the avenue's opening. According to the DOT, the avenue near the State House has undergone extensive improvements and will give "visitors a place to view public art, hold festivals and hear music."

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:56 AM | Comment

Sub builder EB eyes 1,000 job cuts

GROTON, Conn. -- Submarine builder Electric Boat will likely cut about 1,000 positions, or about 10.5 percent of its work force, next year due to a decline in work, company President John Casey said this morning.

The company, a division of General Dynamics Corp., now has 9,500 employees in Groton and at Quonset Point in Rhode Island. It expects to be down to 8,500 by the end of next year.

The company hopes to make the reductions primarily through attrition and furloughs that would allow employees to maintain their benefits while out of work temporarily.

“If we can do that through attrition, I’ll feel good about that,” Casey said at the company’s annual legislative breakfast. “Obviously, I’d like to be hiring 1,000 people.”

-- The Associated Press

Last year, Casey warned that the company could slash as many as 2,400 jobs this year, but the company ended up only cutting 1,442 through attrition and layoffs.

The number dropped because of increased maintenance work, retirements and resignations.

Submarine advocates have been pressing the Navy to boost production from about one to two ships a year. But Casey cautioned today that winning that battle in the short term will be tough because of all the competing military needs, so the company must prepare to be successful even if production is not increased.

“Two per year is important,” Casey said. “It isn’t clear to me what the path is to get there today.”

The company survived a scare when the federal Base Closure and Realignment Commission voted last year not to close the nearby submarine base in Groton, where the company works closely with the Navy.

Electric Boat has seen tough times before. After the end of the Cold War, the company's work force fell to about 8,000 people.

General Dynamics shares rose 41 cents to $75.71 in late morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:56 AM | Comment

Cicilline urges shoppers to 'buy it right here' in Providence

PROVIDENCE -- Fine linens, paintings by Rhode Island and other artists, gift cards for local restaurants, salon and day-spa services and more are all available in the capital city for this year’s holiday shopping season.

As you shop for family and friends, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline is urging you to shop locally. Along with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and area merchants, Cicilline plans to launch the second annual Buy Providence campaign today at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Wickenden Street and Governor Street.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Merchants who sell toys, clothing, flowers, wine, art, leather goods and more expect to display their wares – and some will offer samples at the launch today. They’re all working to encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of local goods and services.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:44 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's front page includes stories on improvements at Hope High School in Providence, a reported assault on the URI team mascot at the URI-PC basketball this weekend and the resignation of U.N. Ambassador John Bolton.

Download today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:20 AM | Comment

Hearing today for gay couple seeking divorce in R.I.

PROVIDENCE -- A preliminary hearing is expected today for a lesbian couple who filed for divorce in Rhode Island after getting married in Massachusetts.

Margaret Chambers and Cassandra Ormiston are from Providence. They wed after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court legalized gay marriage.

But the couple filed for divorce in October in Rhode Island family court, citing irreconcilable differences.

The problem is that Rhode Island hasn't taken any action to recognize same-sex unions made in Massachusetts, and the laws here are silent on the legality of gay marriages.

The chief family court judge in Rhode Island says he hasn't decided whether his court has jurisdiction. But he plans to hold a preliminary hearing in his chambers this morning.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:18 AM | Comment

Traffic: A cleaner commute today

PROVIDENCE -- The roads are clear and dry this morning after yesterday's first snow of the season made for a slow Monday commute.

There is, however, a slight chance of snow between 9 a.m. and noon today, according to the National Weather Service.

The state Department of Transportation's Traffic Management Center had not issued any traffic alerts when the site was checked shortly before 7 a.m.

Check their Web site for more and updated information.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment

Clouds early with a chance of snow this morning

PROVIDENCE -- After yesterday's first snow of the season, today's forecast brings another chance of snow, although it's slight, between 9 a.m. and noon, the National Weather Service says.

Otherwise, the forecast calls for clouds early before the skies become mostly sunny with a high of 38 degrees. The chance of snow is 20 percent.

Tonight will be clear, and the temperature should drop to about 18 degrees.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment

December 4, 2006

Teen killed in S. Kingstown crash ID'd

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The police today identified a 17-year-old boy who died after being seriously injured early Saturday after he lost control of his car on Saugatucket Road.

He was South Kingstown High School senior Joshua Braddock, of 624 Curtis Corner Rd.

Braddock was heading west on Saugatucket Road, just west of Broad Rock Road, at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday. He lost control of his 1999 Pontiac as he approached a right-hand curve along the slick roadway, the police said. The car flipped over after it veered into the woods off the left side of the road.

Braddock, who was traveling alone, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died, the police said.

The police are trying to determine where Braddock was coming from and whom he was with before the crash, Capt. Jeffrey Allen said.

-- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:06 PM | Comment

A first: Some candidates inspect ballots

PROVIDENCE -- For the first time in state history, some candidates personally inspected ballots cast in their races today.

Candidates in the races for the East Providence City Council and House District 72 spent an hour and a half at the state Board of Elections this afternoon pouring through dozens of copies of provisional ballots and ballots that had been rejected by voting machines.

In each race, the inclusion of the ballots checked today would make a difference. But not, apparently, enough of a difference to change the initial outcome of either race.

East Providence former assistant Schools Supt. Isadore Ramos would increase his 16-vote lead over current Mayor Joseph Larisa Jr. by 9 votes if counting provisional ballots -- those cast by those voters in the wrong precinct.

And incumbent state Rep. Amy G. Rice would lose two votes in her battle against Republican John Robataille in the House race, but would continue to lead by seven votes.

Neither Larisa nor Robataille conceded today, stating that they would see their challenge through to the end. The inspection process will continue later in the week when state elections officials make available copies of absentee ballots on Wednesday.

“I’m not disappointed [that the inspected ballots so far, if challenged,
would not change the end result],” Larisa said today. “I’ve said from the start I
want everyone who voted to have their votes count. I am happy we’re looking
at every vote.”

The Board of Elections strongly opposed the inspection, stating it would
compromise the objectivity of the election process.

Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato ordered the board to make available for public scrutiny all absentee, provisional ballots as well as those counted manually by election officials and rejected by the voting machines at the candidates’ recount.

The state Supreme Court upheld Fortunato's ruling.

-- Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina

Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:03 PM | Comment

Market for Manny Ramirez may be waning

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The chances of the Red Sox trading Manny Ramirez appeared to shrink today. Baseball's executives and general managers have gathered here for the sport's annual winter meetings, and the Ramirez market appeared to be tapering off on the first day of meetings.

Read more of Sean McAdam's report on the Red Sox blog, and check back for updates as they become available.

Posted by Art at 4:43 PM | Comment

UMass Dartmouth expands its ROTC program

The U.S. Army and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth have expanded Reserve Officers Training Corps programs on the Dartmouth campus.

Many Dartmouth students in ROTC used to attend the program at Providence College and transferred credits back to their own school, UMass Dartmouth spokesman John Hoey said.

Now, Dartmouth students can enroll in the program at their own school.

Dartmouth opened its own ROTC office at the beginning of this semester, Hoey said.

The Dartmouth campus was responding to student interest in the ROTC program, Hoey said. Over the years, Dartmouth students and high school students considering Dartmouth frequently ask about the presence of ROTC on campus, he said.

“We’re here to serve students, and we believe this is responding to a student demand and desire,” Hoey said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:52 PM | Comment

E. Greenwich man dies in Route 4 crash

NORTH KINGSTOWN -- An East Greenwich man died today after the station wagon he was driving slammed into a pick-up truck sitting in the breakdown lane on Route 4 north.

The 49-year-old driver, Jeffrey P. Carden, of 53 Nichols Lane, East Greenwich, was pronounced dead at Kent Hospital in Warwick.

The police said George Ainsworth pulled his 2004 Ford pick-up truck into the breakdown lane about a quarter mile north of West Allentown Road at 9:57 a.m. so he could make a cell phone call.

Witnesses said a 1995 Taurus station wagon was being driven erratically on Route 4 north just before it smashed into the left rear of Ainsworth’s truck, Lt. Carlton Aruda said. The wagon continued about 30 feet, eventually stopping down a small embankment on the east side of the highway.

-- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Ainsworth, 58, of West Kingston, was taken to South County Hospital, where he was treated and released. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Officers do not think Carden was wearing a seatbelt. His airbags deployed, Aruda said.

The police department is awaiting an autopsy report from the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:27 PM | Comment

Driver gets 8 years for crash that killed N. Providence teen

PROVIDENCE – The driver whose reckless maneuver caused the accident that cut short the life of a North Providence High School student was sentenced this morning to eight years behind bars.

Jacob D. Bilodeau, 25, of 16 Vinton St., Providence, tearfully apologized today in Superior Court for the July 19, 2004, accident, which occurred when he cut in front of a Jeep carrying Louis J. Salvatore, 17, and three of his classmates and put his foot on the brakes as they were traveling south on Route 295.

“I cannot be more sorry for what happened,” Bilodeau said, addressing Judge Robert D. Krause in a courtroom filled with Salvatore’s friends and family members. “I wish there was something that I could do to mend it. But I can’t. I can only ask for forgiveness. … I will never, ever do anything like that again.”

Krause was unmoved. Referring to a sentencing memo prepared by Stephen Regine, the assistant attorney general who prosecuted Bilodeau, Krause noted that on five different occasions the defendant had been stopped for “roaring down the highway at speeds of over 90 miles per hour.”

On the night of the accident, Krause told Bilodeau he showed “a wanton disregard for the safety of others and a heedless indifference to the consequences of your actions.”

“Frustrated with the exceedingly slow pace” of Salvatore’s vehicle on the Exit 7 on-ramp to Route 295 southbound, the judge said Bilodeau “decided to teach him a lesson” by cutting in front of him and putting his foot on the brakes once both cars were on the highway.

The cars were so close Salvatore swerved to avoid crashing into Bilodeau’s car, and in the process lost control of his vehicle, according to trial testimony.

-- Journal staff writer John Castellucci

Although Bilodeau testified that he had only tapped the brakes to get Salvatore to stop tailgating him, Krause clearly didn’t buy it: “You are, in a word, behind the wheel of a car uncivilized and dangerous,” the judge said.

He gave Bilodeau the maximum on both of the charges for which he was convicted – 10 years for reckless driving, death resulting, and 15 years for leaving the scene of an accident – but suspended part of the sentence and ordered that the two terms be served concurrently.

The bottom line was a prison term of eight years, as long as the one that Regine sought.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:48 PM | Comment

Bishop Tobin released from hospital

PROVIDENCE -- The Most Rev. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence, was released from Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence this morning after treatment for back and leg pain, according to the Diocese of Providence.

Tobin, who was admitted to the hospital Nov. 28, will continue his recovery at home and will gradually resume his public schedule, the diocese says.

Tobin, in a statement, said he was grateful for the hospital staff and also for the cards, gifts and prayers he received.

"It is good to be home during this blessed Advent season, and I look forward to resuming my full schedule of activities as soon as possible," Tobin said.

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:30 PM | Comment

Travel lanes re-opened after fatal crash on Route 4

NORTH KINGSTOWN – All travel lanes are open again after a fatal accident on Route 4 northbound near Oak Hill Road.

The North Kingstown Police have said little about the crash, other than that it was a fatal accident.

The right lane and shoulder of the roadway were closed this morning after a two-car crash, according to a statement issued by the state Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Center. One car was off the road this morning on the right side, according to the TMC.

As emergency vehicles worked to clear the scene this morning, the left lane was open for northbound travel.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:13 PM | Comment

Driver to serve 8 years as probation violator after fatal crash

PROVIDENCE -- A Woonsocket man has been sentenced to serve eight years in prison after a Superior Court judge ruled he violated the terms of his probation for driving drunk during a crash that killed three of his friends.

Patrick G. Coyle was serving an 8-year suspended sentence for selling drugs when he crashed his car on October 29, according to the police, who believe Coyle was drunk.

The three men killed in the crash at Winter Street and Harris Avenue in Woonsocket were brothers Victor and Steven Vasquez, 24 and 21, and Travis Thifault, 20.

Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia ruled today that Coyle was driving drunk in violation of the terms of his probation. Indeglia ordered Coyle to serve the full eight years.

"In my mind there's no question that on this night the defendant Mr. Coyle was driving the automobile, and he was doing it in the most reckless of manners," Indeglia said.

A grand jury investigation is under way to determine what charges, if any, will be filed against Coyle.

-- With reports from projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:57 PM | Comment

Gas prices keep climbing

PROVIDENCE -- The price of gas continues to climb.

The price of a gallon of regular gas is up to an average $2.30 a gallon, an increase of several cents since last week. That's according to AAA Southern New England and the state Energy Office.

Gas prices have been steadily rising for the last several weeks. The price of gas is about 13 percent higher than at this time last year.

The price of home heating oil is averaging $2.45 a gallon, eight cents higher than last week and a few pennies higher than at this time last year.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:55 PM | Comment

Update: Report praises Hope High's progress

Journal photo / Kris Craig
Hope's Arts Principal Scott Sutherland, far right, makes fellow Leadership Principal Wayne Montague, far left, and IT Principal Arthur Petrosinelli laugh during an interview this morning discussing the school's final progress report.

PROVIDENCE -- In his final report to the state education commissioner, special master Nicholas Donohue called Hope High School a success story in progress.

Over the past 18 months, progress at Hope has been “enormous,” said Donohue, who was appointed by Commissioner Peter McWalters to oversee the school’s state-mandated reform. “The staff has responded heroically.The three lead administrators have handled a Herculean effort well and continue to learn and grow.

“The students demonstrate seriousness about school and a sense of belonging,” he added. “While parent participation is lower than most would like, the creation of deep, meaningful community partnerships with a number of local institutions of higher education has exceeded expectations. By any reasonable measure, progress overall at Hope has been excellent.”

That said, much work remains to be done. Donohue said the physical condition of Hope High School remains “an embarrassment.” The elevator took weeks to repair. The auditorium, which was deluged with rain shortly before graduation last spring, is being taken care of slowly, and technology is not repaired in a timely manner.

Donohue said the lack of preparedness of students entering the high school is a significant problem. Practically no freshmen arrive capable of performing at grade level in English and math.

Extra: Look back at Journal coverage of Hope High, including a special report, "Hope: Inside a high school."

-- Journal staff writer Linda Borg

The other major challenge is the persistent tide of new students arriving at Hope long after the school year begins.

“Kids are constantly being assigned to the building,” Donohue said. “That means the school is constantly revisiting the norms for expected behavior.”

But the single greatest impediment threatening not only Hope’s progress but that of the city’s other large high schools is what Donohue calls the school department’s lack of capacity at the administrative level. This is not a criticism of the quality and dedication of the school department’s staff, he said. Rather, it means that central office doesn’t have enough people to help individual schools do things like analyze their testing data or train a new a cadre of principals.

In March 2005, McWalters hired Donohue to monitor Hope’s compliance with his intervention order, which included breaking the 1,200-student school into three smaller learning academies. McWalters ordered the major school redesign after Hope repeatedly failed to make progress on student performance, attendance and dropout rates.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:20 PM | Comment

Man accused of assaulting 2 women who gave him ride

A 26-year-old Massachusetts man has been arrested on several charges stemming from an attack on two women he asked for a ride home from a Providence nightclub early yesterday morning.

Kevin A. Lima, of 6 Garrison Lane in Acushnet, Mass., is accused by the police in Westport, Mass., of assaulting the women and dragging one from the car she had been driving.

He is also accused of stealing the car and giving the police a false ID that he obtained in his job as a car salesman, where he allegedly stole the driver’s license of a prospective customer who took a car out for a test drive.

Today, the police identified the women Lima is accused of assaulting as Tonya Stanton, 20, of North Easton, Mass., who had been driving the car, and Natalya Tavares, 18, of Fall River, Mass., who had been in the front passenger seat.

Lima met the women at a Providence nightclub, The Complex, and asked them for a ride to Dartmouth, Mass., according to Westport Police Sgt. Jeff Majewski. He apparently began arguing with the women when they asked him to leave the car while they were en route to Dartmouth.

From the back seat, according to Majewski, Lima punched Tavares repeatedly while trying to wrest control of the steering wheel from Stanton.

The attack caused Stanton to stop driving while on State Road in Westport. Police said Lima pulled her out of the driver’s seat and punched her repeatedly and then fled the area with the vehicle.

Stanton, who was trying to hold onto the vehicle, was dragged approximately 200 feet. She has been released from Charlton Memorial Hospital, according to Majewski. Tavares required no emergency medical care, the police said.

Lima was to be arraigned in Fall River District Court on multiple charges including carjacking, assault and battery, larceny of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:49 AM | Comment

Point Street overpass to open tomorrow

The state Department of Transportation announced today that it expects the Point Street overpass over Route 95 to open tomorrow for the morning commute.

Engineering problems on the project have caused delays and overruns – the cost has grown more than 75 percent.

Striping of the roadway that was set for today couldn’t be done because of this morning’s rain and snow, the DOT said in a statement. In the beginning, bridge lanes will be delineated with barrels, and the striping will be done later this week, weather permitting, the DOT said.

The overpass was demolished in 2002. Construction of the new structure began immediately thereafter.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:51 AM | Comment

Bush accepts Bolton's U.N. resignation

WASHINGTON -- Unable to win Senate confirmation, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his temporary appointment expires within weeks, the White House said today.

Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans.

U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, a moderate Republican who lost in the midterm elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.

Critics have questioned Bolton's brusque style and whether he could be an effective public servant who could help bring reform to the U.N.

President Bush, in a statement, said he was "deeply disappointed that a handful of United States senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up or down vote he deserved in the Senate."

-- Read the full Associated Press story

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:46 AM | Comment

Download today's front page

An aquaculture project and Hillary Clinton's presidential plans lead today's Journal.

Download file

Posted by Peter Phipps at 9:03 AM | Comment

ACLU to file lawsuit over students' signs at RIC

PROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island branch of the ACLU is holding a news conference today to announce the filing of a lawsuit against Rhode Island College.

The ACLU says the college violated students' free speech rights when it ordered them to take down signs bearing the message ``Take Your Rosaries Off My Ovaries.''

The conflict began last year after campus police removed the signs.

A spokeswoman for the university said at the time that the school was committed to free speech but had rules about where signs are permitted.

The ACLU says its lawsuit will also challenge a new sign policy that the college adopted.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 8:05 AM | Comment

Traffic: Watch out for slick roads

With rain having changed to snow across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, it's gotten harder to see, and the roads are getting slick.

Route 195 West in Providence had already backed up before 7 a.m.

Surface temperatures should remain above freezing, so roadways should remain wet, according to the National Weather Service.

Drier air should cause the wet snow to end between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., the weather service says.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:10 AM | Comment

It's snowing / Photo

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Trevor Warren, 10, a fifth-grade student at Kent Heights School in East Providence, enjoys the feel of the snow on his face this morning as he stands at his post as a member of the school safety patrol watching out for other children as they walk to school.

PROVIDENCE -- The rain has turned to wet snow across Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, and the National Weather Service is calling for periods of snow to continue, mainly before 9 a.m.

It shouldn't amount to more than one inch, the weather service says. Some snow is accumulating on grass, but the roads should stay wet, according to the weather service.

No school cancellations were reported.

The temperature is 32 degrees in Providence and visibility is less than a half mile.

Drier air from the northwest should stop the snow from northwest to southeast between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

"This is not expected to be a big deal," the weather service says, adding that the sun will be out this afternoon, although it will stay cold.

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

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:05 AM | Comment

December 1, 2006

Portsmouth school dept. sues town for $1.1M

The Portsmouth School Department sued the town today, asking the Superior Court to order municipal officials to increase the local appropriation to the schools by $1.1 million.

The requested funds include an estimated deficit in ordinary expenses of $770,167, as well as $125,000 to pay for an efficiency audit of the school system and a little more than $200,000 for legal fees connected with the lawsuit.

Earlier this week, the School Committee voted 4-3 to take legal action under provisions of the so-called Caruolo Act to recover revenue cut by voters at a special Financial Town Meeting in August.

By a margin of fewer than 100 votes, residents overrode the Town Council and reduced the school budget by $1.1 million.

The issue of school funding has divided the town for months – to the point where critics of the decision to take legal action questioned the morality and ethics of Democratic School Committee members who voted in favor of it.

-- Journal staff writer Gina Macris

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:57 PM | Comment

Suspect insisted he was not driver in fatal crash

PROVIDENCE — Additional testimony today revealed that Patrick G. Coyle repeatedly told officers he was not driving at the time of the Oct. 29 accident that killed three of his friends in Woonsocket.

In the second day of the violation hearing to determine whether the single-car accident violated the terms of Coyle’s probation, prosecutors called Coyle's behavior after the crash "egregious."

Coyle, 21, told police and rescue personnel that Travis Thifault, whose mangled body was found in the passenger seat minutes after the accident, had been driving.

Assistant Attorney General Stephen Regine called this a “hallmark case” for drinking-and-driving accidents. “He denies driving and blames it on someone else,” Regine said of Coyle.

Thifault, 20, as well as brothers Steven and Victor Vasquez, 21 and 24, respectively, died in the high-speed crash.

Throughout today's hearing, defense attorney Mark Smith challenged the prosecution’s claim that Coyle was driving.

A judge will determine whether Coyle violated his probation on Monday. Coyle faces up to eight years in prison for a 2005 drug charge.

-- Journal staff writer Kia Hall Hayes

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:53 PM | Comment

AG Lynch calls on Carcieri to fill PUC vacancies

PROVIDENCE -- State Attorney General Patrick Lynch called on Governor Carcieri to abide by state law and appoint two new members to the state's Public Utilities Commission.

The commission, which currently has three members but is required by law to have five, sets utility rates for the state. Lynch said that the addition of two members would help control energy costs.

"In these times of high energy prices, I believe an expanded membership of the PUC will help ensure that the voices and concerns of all Rhode Islander ratepayers are heard, and hopefully protected,” Lynch said.

The governor's spokesman Jeff Neal said this afternoon that Carcieri doesn't agree with Lynch.

"It isn’t clear to Governor Carcieri that expanding the number of PUC members is a good idea," Neal said. "The PUC has already enacted one rate reduction this year and is considering another."

-- Projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

In addition, Neal noted that each member of the commission makes roughly $80,000 each year with salary and benefits and the positions weren't budgeted in the state budget approved by the General Assembly.

"The money’s not there to pay them now," Neal said.

But isn't the governor required to fill the positions by law?

"The statute has been passed, but the General Assembly has not been provided the money," Neal said.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:10 PM | Comment

Update: High court allows for public review of ballots

PROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court refused to block a lower court's ruling this afternoon, clearing the way for candidates locked in tight races to review rejected ballots over the strong objection of the state Board of Elections.

Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato Jr. ruled earlier in the week that the challenger in an East Providence City Council race may have access to photocopies of dozens of ballots that had been rejected by voting machines. The Board of Elections promptly filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court, asking the high court to stay Fortunato's decision.

Supreme Court Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg met in chambers for about a half hour today with lawyers for the state Board of Elections, East Providence Mayor Joseph Larisa and his challenger, Isadore Ramos, who leads Larisa by 16 votes. Also present in the meeting were lawyers for District 72 House seat candidates Amy G. Rice, who leads political newcomer John Robitaille by 9 votes.

McKenna then referred the matter to the full court, which released an order this afternoon stating that it would not issue a stay, in effect allowing Fortunato's ruling to stand. The court gave no immediate explanation for its decision.

The state Board of Elections has consistently argued that such inspection of photocopied ballots would compromise the objectivity of the election process and be extremely labor intensive.

The head of the Board of Elections said this afternoon that he would comply with the Supreme Court's request, though it would likely take weeks, not days to collect the ballots in question associated with the East Providence and District 72 races.

Board Chairman Thomas V. Iannitti said he was disappointed that the Supreme Court took just two hours to review the case, given the vast implications of the ruling. The board would begin to collect sufficient staff to collect the ballots in question, Iannitti said, noting that more than 100 people are needed.

The matter is almost certain to return to court in the coming weeks, as candidates may seek to have some rejected ballots counted.

-- Projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples with reports from Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:54 PM | Comment

Weather update: High winds on the way

The National Weather Service issued an alert this afternoon warning Rhode Island residents that damaging thunderstorms may roll into the area in the coming hours.

Thunderstorms should enter western portions of Massachusetts and Connecticut at around 6 p.m. and sweep eastward from there at about 50 mph, according to the weather service.

The storms are capable of producing heavy rain, wind gusts around 60 mph and even an isolated tornado.

Western Massachusetts and western Connecticut are likely to be the worst hit areas as the huge storm in Ohio moves into this region, according to Glenn Field, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass.

“Even an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out,” the National Weather Service reported. “This is a potentially dangerous situation and people in southern New England should monitor later statements on this developing weather situation.”

Get the latest weather conditions, live radar and Providence Webcam view / How to report power outages

-- projo.com staff writers Kate Bramson and Steve Peoples

Southern New England can get one to three tornadoes a year, but in the summertime, typically, Field said. The last big tornado that occurred late in the tornado season was Oct. 3, 1979, just north of Hartford, Conn., he said.

With winds expected to reach 70 miles per hour about 1,000 feet off the ground by this afternoon, thunderstorms and even rain showers can bring those winds down to ground level at 50 to 60 miles per hour, Field said. More than the chance of a tornado, people should really focus on those winds.

“The majority of the threat for today is damaging winds,” he said. “We don’t want to emphasize a tornado because that’s an outside possibility.”

Posted by Steve Peoples at 4:19 PM | Comment

Newport mansion Miramar sells for $17M

NEWPORT -- Miramar, the 27-bedroom oceanfront mansion in Newport, has sold for $17.15 million, the most ever paid for a property on Aquidneck Island and certainly among the most expensive in the state.

Property records at City Hall listed the buyer as 646 Bellevue Ave LLC. The agent for the corporation, lawyers from the law firm of Adler Pollock & Sheehan, could not yet be reached today for additional information.

Miramar, built nearly a century ago, includes a mansion, a carriage house and a vacant waterfront lot. The 7.8 acre-estate did not sell when it was put on the market two years ago for $25 million. It is owned by real estate developer Andrew Panteleakis, who is 79 and ill.

The mansion sold last month in a sealed bid auction held by Sheldon Good & Co., a Chicago-based auction company. The property transfer was recorded at Newport City Hall on Wednesday.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:58 PM | Comment

Photo: Enchanted by a forest of Christmas trees

Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
Catherine Van Dongen, 6, and her sister, Anna, 3, from Washington, D.C., gaze at some of the more than 100 decorated Christmas trees on display today through Sunday at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Proceeds from the third annual Festival of Trees will benefit Roger Williams Park Zoo. Hours for today and tomorrow are 10 am. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:35 PM | Comment

One more Station fire document released today

PROVIDENCE -- One additional page of evidence collected during the investigation of The Station nightclub fire was released today.

The Attorney General’s Office intended to release the page on Wednesday, when the office released about 3,000 pages of documents in response to a public records request from The Providence Journal and other news outlets, spokesman Michael J. Healey said today.

The second page of a state police memo about an interview with the West Warwick town clerk had been inadvertently omitted, Healey said.

According to the memo, a tape recorder might not have activated or the West Warwick town clerk may have forgotten to turn it on when brothers Michael A. and Jeffrey A. Derderian appeared before the Town Council on or around March 21, 2000. The Derderians were before the Town Council for the transfer of the dance and live band license at The Station nightclub from the prior owner, Howard Jullian.

The tape recording the town clerk had of that meeting began midway through the council meeting, after the item on the agenda when the Derderians addressed the council, according to the memo written by State Police Sgt. Brian K. Casilli to Capt. Steven O’Donnell. According to newspaper accounts and statements made by their attorneys, the Derderians addressed the council and spoke about sound-deafening foam being placed in the club, the memo states.

Detectives also spoke with Clayton about a memorandum “that was supplied with Town of West Warwick records” and was “created by or for The Station nightclub.” Dated March 21, 2000, that memo details “that sound dampening measures, including sound retardant insulation, had been employed.”

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

The fire began when a band's pyrotechnics ignited the flammable foam surrounding the stage. The fast-moving blaze killed 100 people.

Clayton told the state police that the memo was most likely submitted with the dance and live band license application. He told the police he could not recall if the memo was presented at that 2001 council meeting

The additional page was released today after The Journal noticed that the memorandum appeared to end mid-sentence and asked about it.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:20 PM | Comment

Third man charged in PlayStation shooting

DANIELSON, Conn. -- A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a man waiting to buy a new PlayStation 3 two weeks ago in Putnam -- which is just across the Rhode Island border.

Armando Guzman, 29, of Southbridge, Mass., was charged with attempted murder, robbery, assault and other crimes following his arrest in Webster, Mass., late last night, Connecticut state police said.

Guzman waived extradition to Connecticut after a court appearance in Massachusetts today and was being held on $1 million bond at the state police barracks in Danielson. He was scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Danielson Superior Court.

Guzman and two other men are accused of attempting to rob a group of people waiting outside the Putnam Wal-Mart to purchase PlayStation 3 consoles in the early morning hours of Nov. 17, the first day they went on sale.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:00 PM | Comment

High school Super Bowl coverage on projo.com

Check projo.com's high school sports blog tomorrow for results from all four Super Bowl games, which we will report soon after the games end.

We'll also have photo galleries from all four games, and Sunday morning we'll have game stories from all four games

Posted by Mike McDermott at 1:41 PM | Comment

Update: Divers search Newport Harbor after boat sinks / Photo

Journal photo / Frieda Squires
The 72-foot wooden boat Hope, a day scalloper, rests on its side in Newport Harbor after sinking early this morning.

A Jamestown dive team found no one after searching the waters of Newport Harbor this morning for two people reported to be unaccounted for when a fishing vessel docked in the harbor sank.

The dive team was called at around 4 a.m. because of a report that two people had possibly been aboard the boat named Hope, which had been tied up at the N. Parascandolo and Sons dock, Newport Police Sgt. Charles Silvia said this morning. It's unclear at this time if anyone actually was on the boat.

After searching for about two hours, the dive team ended its search at 6:35 a.m., Jamestown Fire Capt. Keith Godena said.

The U.S. Coast is working in the harbor now to assess the amount of fuel that leaked into the water and to contain what’s there, Coast Guard Petty Officer Luke Pinneo said. They don’t know yet whether the fuel is concentrated enough that they’ll be able to clean it up, he said.

Investigators have been told that 1,000 gallons of diesel was on board the boat, but all of that may not have leaked out of the boat’s fuel tanks, Pinneo said.

The boat’s owner is apparently considering hiring a diver to plug up vents on the boat to stop the fuel leak, Pinneo said.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:35 PM | Comment

Deal reached to sell Fall River, Taunton newspapers

The Journal Register Co. of Pennsylvania announced today it has struck a deal to sell its seven Massachusetts publications, including The Herald News of Fall River and the Taunton Daily Gazette, to GateHouse Media Inc. of New York for $70 million.

The deal does not include its 19 Rhode Island publications, which it also put up for sale in August. Among Journal Register's Rhode Island newspapers still on the auction block are The Call of Woonsocket, The Times of Pawtucket, Kent County Daily Times of West Warwick and the Warwick Daily Times.

"The Company is continuing its review of the potential sale of its remaining properties in its New England Cluster located in Rhode Island," the Journal Register said in a statement announcing the sale of its Massachusetts holdings.

GateHouse is an emerging newspaper company that has grown through a series of acquisitions in the last couple years. It already owns a number of Massachusetts newspapers, incuding dailies in Quincy, Brockton and Framingham. The company recently went public in an intial public offering with the stated intent of using the money raised to fund more newspaper acquisitions.

"The Fall River and Taunton assets fit extremely well with our existing base of Massachusetts-area publications and are the premiere local media franchises in their respective markets," Michael E. Reed, CEO of GateHouse Media said in a statement. "In addition, due to their proximity to our existing operations, we will be able to benefit from the cost savings and revenue generation opportunities that are inherent in being part of a cluster."

Seven Massachusetts newspapers are involved in the deal: the two dailies, three weeklies and two shopper publications.

Posted by at 1:20 PM | Comment

Lisi named first woman chief judge for R.I. federal court

PROVIDENCE -- A new chief judge for the federal district court in Rhode Island, and for the first time, there's a woman in the job.

U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi takes over the top spot on the court today, following the retirement of Judge Ernest Torres.

Lisi was also the first woman to serve as a district judge in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.

The chief judge has a leadership role in court management in addition to her regular duties on the bench. She also speaks for the other judges on the court.

Lisi is being appointed for a seven-year term. By law, the chief judge is the most senior active district judge who is under 65 years of age and who has not previously served as chief judge.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:02 PM | Comment

Rosa Parks march set for this afternoon

PROVIDENCE -- A group will mark the 51st anniversary of the arrest of Rosa Parks by marching through Providence this afternoon.

The Rosa Parks Human Rights Day Committee plans to meet at 2:30 p.m. on Broad Street across from the Crossroads building. The group is scheduled to begin marching at 3:30 p.m. down Prairie Avenue to the South Side Boys and Girls Club at the corner of Oxford Street.

Rosa Parks was arrested on Dec. 1 1956 for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.

Posted by Steve Peoples at 11:53 AM | Comment

High winds could damage property, knock out power

Strong winds this morning that are only expected to get stronger throughout the day threaten damage throughout southern New England.

Western Massachusetts and western Connecticut are likely to be the worst hit areas as the huge storm in Ohio moves closer to this region, according to Glenn Field, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass.

Tracking the storms throughout the country, the weather service this morning issued a special statement saying it cannot rule out the unusual possibility of a tornado today – quite late in the season.

“Even an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out,” the National Weather Service reported. “This is a potentially dangerous situation and people in southern New England should monitor later statements on this developing weather situation.”

Southern New England can get one to three tornadoes a year, but in the summertime, typically, Field said. The last big tornado that occurred late in the tornado season was Oct. 3, 1979, just north of Hartford, Conn., he said.

With winds expected to reach 70 miles per hour about 1,000 feet off the ground by this afternoon, thunderstorms and even rain showers can bring those winds down to ground level at 50 to 60 miles per hour, Field said. More than the chance of a tornado, people should really focus on those winds.

“The majority of the threat for today is damaging winds,” he said. “We don’t want to emphasize a tornado because that’s an outside possibility.”

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:03 AM | Comment

Midwest storms affecting air travel in R.I.

Winter storms in the Midwest may be causing flights to be delayed or canceled. As sleet, snow and freezing rain are coating areas of the Midwest, certain flights this morning from T.F. Green Airport to Chicago have already been canceled.

United Airlines, which has already canceled at least three flights from Providence to Chicago, warns air travelers to check their flight status before going to the airport. Travelers can check online, call 1-800-United-1 for arrival and departure information or register for automatic updates to their phones or e-mail accounts.

Other flight information is available on the airport’s Web site and the sites for individual airlines.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:36 AM | Comment

Welcome, December, and 68 degrees

PROVIDENCE – By 6:35 a.m., it was already 61 degrees, and temps are expected to rise to 68 later today.

What a start to a new month after the second warmest November in Rhode Island on record.

However, we hope you’re ready for some drastic changes. Heavy rain showers and thunderstorms – yes, in December – are possible after 3 this afternoon, and they could be severe with damaging winds. They’ll develop ahead of a cold front that’s moving in this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook and a high wind warning.

We’ll have a nice sunny Saturday and a potentially rainy Sunday. Then, we’ve got a chance of rain and snow combined on Sunday evening and Monday.

Check back with us throughout the day for the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:04 AM | Comment

Check out today's Journal front page

Today's Journal front page includes coverage of President Bush's meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

It also has reaction from survivors of The Station nightclub fire to revelations in recently released documents that the West Warwick fire marshal didn't notice highly flammable foam covering the club's walls and ceilings.

Download the front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment