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January 10, 2008

Photo: It may not be a holiday, but it's on ice

Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez
Children learn the basics of skating today at the Bank of America Skating Center in downtown Providence as part of Skate for Joy, a nonprofit program aimed at bringing skating skills to Rhode Island's low-income youngsters.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:47 PM | Comment

Tonight: Poetry slam happens in Providence

The slam is under way.

A poetry slam that is, at AS220 in Providence, and it's slated to go from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. The Journal described it today as a chance to share poems and practic reading them out loud in a laid-back place.

AS220 is at 115 Empire St. For information, go to www.as220.org

For more events today, check out our calendar listings.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment

Photo: Pinning the badge on Newport's new fire chief

Journal photo / Frieda Squires
Mia, 10, and Lily, 9, Hallgring pin the chief's badge on their dad, Harry J. Hallgring Jr., after he was sworn in today as the city of Newport's new fire chief. A member of the Fire Department for the past 26 years, Hallgring is a former fire chief for Little Compton

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:37 PM | Comment

Update: Providence man wins $200,000 Powerball prize

A Providence man who had gone to pick up a friend whose car had broken down also picked the winning ticket for a $200,000 prize from last night's Powerball drawing.

Luis Gordillo seldom plays the lottery but bought the ticket when he stopped at the Jefferson Global at 15 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, on the way to pick up the friend, a Rhode Island Lottery news release said this afternoon.

Gordillo's ticket matched the first five numbers but not the PowerBall number. Last night's Powerball drawing was for a $72.9 million. Saturday’s estimated Powerball jackpot is $83 million.

The lucky number? 2-13-20-21-23 PowerBall 24

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:28 PM | Comment

13 presidential candidates make it to R.I. primary ballot

Thirteen presidential candidates will be on Rhode Island’s March 4 primary ballot, the final slate for that contest, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis announced today.

Today was the deadline for the secretary of state’s office to certify that candidates had collected the signatures of at least 1,000 eligible Rhode Island voters to qualify for the primary.

“One sign that Rhode Islanders are taking this primary very seriously is the number of signatures they submitted. In 2004, only President Bush collected more than 2,000. This year, seven candidates exceeded that mark,” said Mollis. “We certified more than 25,000 signatures in all.”

Hillary Clinton had 2,902 certified signatures. John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich and Barack Obama will be on the Democratic ballot as well.

Republican Ron Paul led all candidates with 3,109 certified signatures. Hugh Cort, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, Alan Keyes, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson will also be on the GOP ballot.

Hunter and Keyes broke through the 1,000-certified-signature requirement today to become last two candidates to qualify to run in the primary.

See the full list of numbers here.

Twenty people had filed candidacy declarations with the secretary of state. But Democrats Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and Republican Tom Tancredo withdrew from the race. Others, such as Democrat Bill Richardson -- who withdrew form the national race today -- did not get enough certified signatures to make the ballot.

On Feb. 1, Mollis will hold a public lottery at the State House to figure out the order in which candidates' names appear on the ballots.

The question remains which of the 13 will still be in the race by the time the R.I. primary rolls around.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:09 PM | Comment

Warwick mayor lashes out at FAA over runway

In a sharply worded letter, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian has lambasted the Federal Aviation Administration for rejecting the city's proposal that it consider limiting any runway expansion at T.F. Green Airport to 8,300 feet.

This past summer, Avedisian called on the FAA to broaden the alternatives it is considering for a runway expansion beyond the 8,700 feet and 9,350 feet options. Last month, the FAA denied that request, arguing that any shorter expansion would unacceptably restrict the number of passengers the airport could send on cross-country flights.

In an interview with The Providence Journal at the time, Avedisian criticized that decision. Now, he has sent a formal response to the FAA, saying the FAA's letter "simply reiterates the assumptions and inaccuracies that have been consistently presented by the FAA."

"The most recent FAA response simply reiterates its previous position in order to validate a predetermined minimum runway length," Avedisian said.

Avedisian, a longtime airport critic, said the FAA had not seriously considered the potential impacts on homes and businesses near Green Airport. As he has in the past, he also argued that the plane the FAA is trying to accommodate, the Boeing 737-500, is not fuel efficient and is increasingly less popular among airlines flying across the country.

That decision, Avedisian said, could be grounds for a lawsuit against the FAA.

"The FAA ignores this fact and continues its support for the use of the B737-500 aircraft in order to justify its argument for a longer-than-necessary runway," Avedisian said. "Current industry trends indicate that air carriers are reallocating aircraft in a manner that maximizes efficiency and profitability within their networks. This trend does not include the use of the 737-500 for non-stop coast-to-coast service.

"The FAA’s continued insistence that the B737-500 must be used in the fleet mix for non-stop coast-to-coast legs is technically flawed; it is not accepted by most industry professionals and defies common sense," Avedisian said.

Discussions of a runway expansion began more than eight years ago. The FAA does not plan to issue a draft environmental impact statement, the next step in the process, for at least a year, and a final report is not expected until late 2009.

Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 5:59 PM | Comment

Update: Labor director Orefice taking new state job

Adelita Orefice, the state Department of Labor and Training director, is leaving the position, telling staff today she has decided to take a new job as deputy secretary of the state Office of Health and Human Services.

Just after 4 p.m., Governor Carcieri confirmed the move and announced the appointment of Sandra Powell as interim director of the labor department.

Orefice's new position will replace the former, and currently vacant, spot of chief of staff in the Health and Human Services Office, Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said.

Carcieri faced a battle last year over the reconfirmation of Orefice to her post, which she has held since 2004.

At that time, Carcieri decided to withdraw her nomination as it faced an almost certain no-confidence vote by a Senate committee. But his office said she could continue to serve until she -- or a replacement -- was confirmed by the Senate.

Orefice said in her message that although she is leaving, "I will always have the deepest respect and affection for my DLT family, and take tremendous pride in the work we have achieved together over the last four years," Orefice stated.

In his press release, Carcieri said Orefice has done a "terrific job" as labor director. “In fact, Lita has gone above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions. Over the last several years, Lita has brought new focus to a long overlooked, but vitally important agency of state government."

He also referred to her role as a whistle blower in the scandal involving the Beacon Mutual Insurance, the state's dominant workman's compensation insurer.

“As a member of Beacon’s board of directors, Lita blew the whistle on the rampant corruption and financial mismanagement at that important Rhode Island institution," Carcieri said. "As a result of Lita’s courage, Beacon’s board and management have been overhauled and criminal investigations have been launched against those who were responsible for the company’s problems.”

Last June, Carcieri blamed AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer George Nee, and former Beacon board member, specifically for exacting revenge for Orefice’s role in “exposing illegal activities” at Beacon and convincing the Senate not to support her.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Katherine Gregg and Cynthia Needham at the Journal State House bureau

In the message to her staff today, Orefice praised her interim replacement:

"As many of you know first-hand, Sandra not only has 20 years of progressive experience in workforce development, but also possesses rare leadership qualities that will greatly benefit this organization," Orefice stated. "I am heartened to know that I am leaving you in good hands."

Carcieri's office said Powell has worked 19 years at the Department of Labor and Training in workforce development programs. She is a lifelong Rhode Islander with a bachelor's degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

For the past two years, Powell has served as as assistant director overseeing the state’s public workforce development system. She has been responsible for a $15 million budget that supports many federal and state workforce development programs for jobseekers and employers, Carcieri's office said.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:41 PM | Comment

Update: Gas leak resolved on Providence's East Side

PROVIDENCE -- A gas leak has been resolved on the city's East Side, and people have returned to a handful of homes that were evacuated.

National Grid workers were replacing a gas meter at 29 Preston St., between Hope and Gano streets, when during the work the connection on the inside of the house broke off, according to David Graves, a National Grid spokesman. National Grid sent a crew to do some digging in the area so that service could be temporarily shut off in order to do the repairs.

Everyone was back back in homes around 3:10 p.m.

There may still be filling in of the area that was dug up, and workers are finishing the meter replacement.

-- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:51 PM | Comment

Another first for Providence: Fetish fair this weekend

Bodices, boots, belts … the New England Leather Alliance’s convention is coming to town this weekend.

But it's definitely not a Wild West-cowboy sort of thing.

This is the first year that the group's Fetish Fair Fleamarket will be held in “the hip, up-and-coming, artsy city of Providence,” according to the Leather Alliance’s Web site.

It's the 30th such event for the group, which will include classes, vendors, art shows, outreach programs and demonstrations. It's open to the public -- but adults only.

It starts tomorrow with a fashion show at the Biltmore Hotel and continues through Sunday at the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Biltmore and Westin hotels. Admission is $20, less for members.

Don't be misled by the title. The event is not a free-for-all. It has quite a list of rules for attendees:

No smoking, no one younger than 18 allowed, no animals, no public sexual activity and no nudity -- and prospective attendees are advised to be “PG-13, at most."

“If you want to show more or do more,” the rules ask, “please get a room.”

FYI: The Biltmore and Westin are already sold out, the group's Web site says.

Contact the Leather Alliance for more information at 617-876-NELA (6352).

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:36 PM | Comment

Traffic Alert: 195 backed up from Riverside to 95

An accident on Route 195 in Providence has a lane closed to cars and traffic backed up to Route 95.

The accident is on the eastbound side of the highway near Exit 4/Taunton Avenue.

Keep up with the latest traffic conditions at the Transportation Management Web site.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:26 PM | Comment

Amendment would let voters fill office vacancies

A constitutional amendment that would give voters the chance to elect an official to fill a mid-term vacancy will be reintroduced this year at the State House.

Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, D-Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick, said in a statement that giving residents the vote instead of allowing positions to be filled by a legislative vote or gubernatorial appointment is an issue of separation of powers.

If the bill passes, vacancies in the office of lieutenant governor, secretary of state, general treasurer and attorney general would be filled by a general election when the position is vacated less than halfway into the term.

“This is a reasonable measure to make sure that voters have the chance to elect new general officers if there is at least half the term remaining,” Raptakis said in a statement.

“If the vacancy occurs toward the latter half of a four-year term, there is no need to go to the trouble and expense of an election. But a vacancy of two years or more should be filled by the voters, since there is ample time to schedule and conduct an election.”

The legislative process of choosing an official requires a decision by the Grand Committee, a majority of members of the Senate and the House. The last time this process was used was in 2000, when then-Secretary of State James Langevin left office after being elected to Congress.

“This process,” Raptakis said in his statement, “sticks out like a sore thumb in this era of separation of powers and government reform.”

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:23 PM | Comment

Bills aim to deflate Internet-inflated event ticket prices

Back in the day, the desperate sought out a scalper stationed outside, say, that Led Zeppelin show. But when Hannah Montana -- a.k.a. Miley Cyrus -- played Rhode Island in December, fans trolled the Internet, where tickets inflated to as much as $500 a pop.

Now state Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr., D-Smithfield, has introduced bills aimed at closing what he called a loophole that lets people buy up lots of tickets for various events, then resell them at jacked-up prices on sites such as eBay and StubHub.com, according to a news release.

Hannah Montana tickets originally priced at $21 to $63 shot up to $229 to $500 under that practice.

Rhode Island law presently bans ticket scalpers. It allows "resellers" such as recognized Internet sites to charge a fee, which law defines as not more than $3 or 10 percent of the price printed on the ticket.

One Tassoni bill calls for banning online purchasing of tickets to events in Rhode Island for the purpose of reselling them at prices that exceed what current law allows. A second Tassoni bill would add to current law language stating that Internet ticket sales are not exempt from the $3 or 10 percent resale price cap.

“This is not about demand, it is about greed," Tassoni said of the inflation on Internet sites. "These businesses can electronically buy thousands of tickets and make a killing rather than a reasonable profit for reselling. The performers at these events don’t care, because they are making their share no matter what. It is the people who want to attend these shows who are getting cheated by this practice because there aren’t any $29 tickets left at the box office. Consumers are being forced, if they want to see a show or a sporting event, to pay an astronomical amount via Internet so some middleman with a computer program can make a bundle."

The bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:09 PM | Comment

Florida man pleads guilty in steroid case

PROVIDENCE -- A Florida man has pleaded guilty to selling supplies to steroid users over the Internet.

Bryon Parker, of Delray Beach, appeared in U.S. District Court today and admitted that he sold drug paraphernalia. He faces a maximum of three years in prison, but prosecutors have agreed to recommend a reduced sentence.

A judge set a sentencing hearing for March 28.

Prosecutors say Parker operated a Web site offering the supplies needed to convert steroids from a power into an injectable liquid, including sterile syringe filters, oils and alcohol.

He has agreed to forfeit $250,000 in proceeds from the sales.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:02 PM | Comment

R.I. Philharmonic receives $1 million donation

Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School announced today it has received a $1 million donation willed by the late George M. Sage, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who "had a special fondness" for the orchestra's percussion section.

The gift will be used to permanantly name the position of principal timpany player the "Mr. & Mrs. George M. Sage Chair" and the gift will go towards the Carter Center for Music Education and its new Sage Hall, the philharmonic said in a news release.

The hall will be a multi-use recital and rehearsal space and hold recitals of solo music and chamber music -- trios and quartets, for instance. The hall will seat 100 to 150 people, depending on the performing ensemble's size, and, as a rehearsal space, hold student orchestras, wind ensembles and/or choral groups.

This was not Sage's only gift in recent months. In December 2007, Sage, who died at age 75 in December 2006, bequeathed $4 million to the endowment of St. Andrew's School in Barrington, the biggest gift the school ever received.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

In 1996, the orchestra's percussion section hosted a birthday for Sage, and when he came to a concert he sat so that he could see the timpanist perform.

"We are extremely grateful for the extraordinarily generous commitment of George and [Sage's wife] Barbara toward our shared goals of expanding the artistic growth of the orchestra and building the future of music education in Rhode Island, Almon Hall, the philharmonic board president, said in the statement.

Sage and his wife subscribed to the philharmonic, donated for several years and supported many philhamormic special events, the philharmonic said.

After merging with the music school in 2000, the philharmonic orchestra sought space adequate to hold music education programs and adminstrative offices in one place. Last year, the orchestra philharmonic moved into East Providence offices, in part as a result of a $2 million challenge grant from the Carter Family Charitable Trust. Renovations are under way for expanded rehearsal and education space in that new headquarters, and the plan is to open Carter Center for Music Education this fall.

More than 1,500 Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts students take weekly lessons, classes and/or ensembles at the music school.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:49 PM | Comment

Conn. principal bans cookies, ice cream from cafeteria

GREENWICH, Conn. -- The principal of a Greenwich elementary school has banned the sale of cookies and ice cream in the school cafeteria.

Mark D'Amico says he feels it's his responsibility to uphold healthy eating at Glenville School.

The principal says too many students toss out healthy carrots and turkey sandwiches that parents pack in their lunches and go straight for the desserts on sale in the cafeteria.

The director of food services for the district says the cookies and the ice cream are low-fat and within district and state healthy eating guidelines.

But he says he understands that Glenville and some other schools want to put more emphasis on a nutritional meal

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:16 PM | Comment

Cape jurors questioned about bias in deliberations

BARNSTABLE, Mass. -- The only black juror on a panel that convicted a black trash collector of killing a white fashion writer told a judge today that several jurors made racially charged remarks during deliberations, including two women who referred to the defendant as a "big black man" and said they were afraid of him.

Roshena Bohanna's testimony came during what the judge acknowledged was an "extraordinarily unusual" hearing in which he called back the entire jury that convicted Christopher McCowan more than a year ago in the fatal stabbing of Christa Worthington to be questioned in open court about whether racial bias came into their deliberations.

McCowan's lawyers have asked Judge Gary Nickerson to look into the question of whether bias tainted the deliberations, and if so, grant McCowan a new trial. Three jurors filed affidavits after the verdict saying three other jurors had made racially insensitive remarks.

McCowen, who was Worthington's trash collector, claimed he had consensual sex with her but that his friend killed her. His defense maintains authorities wrongly focused on him as a suspect because they did not believe Worthington, 46, a writer who had covered fashion in New York and Paris before moving to the small town of Truro, would have a consensual relationship with a black garbage man.

Bohanna, the first of the jurors to be questioned today, said the racial remarks contributed to heated jury discussions.

One white woman, in trying to convince other jurors that McCowan had caused the bruises on Worthington's body, said, "If a big black man hits a woman, then she gets those bruises," Bohanna told the judge.

Bohanna said she became confrontational with the woman after she asked what McCowan's race had to do of the bruises and accused her of racism. The jury foreman had to call for a break.

Bohanna also said she overheard juror Eric Gomes, a dark-skinned man Cape Verdean descent, tell a white female juror that he does not consider himself black. When Bohanna later had the confrontation with the white juror, she said she heard Gomes say, "That's the reason why I don't like black people. Look at the way they act."

Nickerson was questioning each juror individually in open court, out of sight of the other panelists. The hearing was expected to last two days.

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:09 PM | Comment

Faulty ventilation cited in carbon monoxide deaths

For the first time since the investigation began into the carbon monoxide deaths of three people in a Providence house, authorities have specified what was wrong with the heating system that led the family to be exposed to the deadly gas.

At a news conference today, where a carbon monoxide awareness campaign was announced, Maj. Stephen Campbell said the boiler system at 345 Blackstone St. was improperly vented; previous accounts only said the boiler was improperly installed.

And the three victims have been positively identified by the office of the State Medical Examiners today. Their bodies were discovered Monday at 345 Blackstone St.

Sonia Flores, 46, Ryan Aleman, 14, and Marco Herrera, 52, all from Providence, were poisoned by the gas; they were identified using dental records and fingerprints.

Neighbors have said that Flores lived in the house with her son Ryan, a ninth grader at the Met School, and her boyfriend.

Police initially treated the deaths as homicides, but an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma and the Medical Examiners concluded that carbon monoxide was the cause.

Read today's story on the investigation.

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
With Fire Chief George Farrell at left, Mayor David N. Cicilline urges residents to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Met School ninth-grade classmates of Ryan Aleman, 14, look on.

At the conference, Mayor David N. Cicilline joined representatives from the police and fire departments to announce a public awareness campaign about the dangers of carbon monoxide and ways to prevent poisoning.

The fire department will be installing carbon monoxide detectors for free to low-income and elderly residents thanks to a donation from Benny's, First Alert and Ocean State Job Lot.

Click below to read more about ways to protect your home from the hazardous gas, or call the Fire Prevention Hotline at 401-243-6034.

-- with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home outside of sleeping areas

- Make sure that heating systems are installed by licensed professionals with the proper permits from the City’s Department of Inspection and Standards

- Never use an oven or grill to heat your home

- During and after snowstorms, make sure vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves and fireplaces are clear of snow build-up

- Know the difference between the sound of a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm and remember that a smoke detector is not a substitute for a carbon monoxide device

- Call the Fire Prevention Hotline number at 243-6034 if you have any questions about carbon monoxide

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:07 PM | Comment

Hearing postponed in foster care lawsuit

PROVIDENCE -- A hearing has been postponed on the state's request to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges widespread failures in Rhode Island's foster care system.

State child advocate Jametta Alston sued the state last year on behalf of 3,000 children in state custody.

The lawsuit says some children have been seriously injured or even killed in foster care after the Department of Children, Youth and Families failed to protect them and demands an overhaul to the system.

The state argues that the lawsuit asks the federal court to second-guess decisions of the Rhode Island Family Court.

The hearing was scheduled for today, but has been postponed until January 16.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:28 AM | Comment

Kerry to endorse Obama for Democratic nominee / Video

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) -- Barack Obama is being endorsed by fellow Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee who lost to George W. Bush that year and gave up his own plans for a 2008 run a year ago.

Kerry planned to announce his support today at 11 a.m. at a rally at the College of Charleston, said a Democrat familiar with Kerry's decision. The 2004 nominee was to argue that Obama can best unite the country and has the potential to create transformational change, the person said.

Kerry lost the South Carolina Democratic primary in 2004 to John Edwards, the former North Carolina senator who now is running third in the 2008 campaign behind Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama.

Besides any potential help for Obama, today's endorsement was a slap at Edwards, who was Kerry's running mate in the last election. The two had their differences during the campaign over strategy and spending. In post-mortem interviews, Edwards said he would have been more aggressive in challenging the unsubstantiated allegations of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the Vietnam War veterans who questioned Kerry's military record.

Kerry's endorsement also was a jab at Clinton, the New York Democrat who won the New Hampshire primary after a loss to Obama in the Iowa caucuses.

Kerry had withheld his endorsement, hoping to have an impact on the race and avoid the fate of fellow Democrat Al Gore, the 2000 nominee who endorsed Howard Dean in 2004 shortly before the former Vermont governor's campaign imploded. Gore has made no endorsement so far this year.

While Kerry has been close to Clinton's husband, the former president, he was incensed in 2006 when she chided him after Kerry suggested that people who don't go to school "get stuck in Iraq." Aides said Kerry meant to jab at Bush and say "get us stuck in Iraq," and that he didn't appreciate Clinton piling onto the criticism he was already getting for the remark.

Kerry himself had considered running for president in 2008, but that plan fizzled with the botched remark. For many Democrats, his words revived bitter memories of his missteps in 2004, when he lost to Bush.

Video: Watch live video from the Associated Press of the event

Get the latest on this story from the Associated Press ...

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:59 AM | Comment

$200,000 Powerball ticket sold in Warwick

CRANSTON -- A $200,000 winning ticket was sold in Rhode Island for last night’s $72.9 million Powerball drawing, according to the Rhode Island Lottery.

The $200,000 winning ticket was purchased from Jefferson Global at 15 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. The prize has not been claimed.

The ticket matched the first five numbers, but not the Powerball number.

The standard payout for this type of win is $200,000, but if the player opted to purchase the Power Play feature for an additional dollar, the $200,000 prize would be multiplied by four to equal $800,000, according to the Lottery.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:22 AM | Comment

Fla. man expected to admit steroids charges today

A Florida man charged with selling kits that change anabolic, powder-form steroids into injectables is expected to plead guilty today in U.S. District Court.

Byron Parker, of Delray Beach, allegedly made close to $1 million in 2005 and 2006 selling the kits in Rhode Island and across the country.

The 32-year-old ran his company, Research Services LLC, in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Parker will plead guilty to selling drug paraphernalia, according to a plea agreement filed with the court in December. The maximum penalty is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also has agreed to forfeit $250,000 of proceeds of the sales.

Parker’s company Web site advertised kits that could be used to turn the powder into a liquid that can be injected using materials such as cottonseed or sesame oil, ethyl oleate, benzyl alcohol, sterile syringe filters and glass bottles.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:13 AM | Comment

2 hurt in crash on Pontiac Ave., Cranston/ Photo

Journal Photo/Andrew Dickerman
Cranston firefighters remove an injured driver from an Explorer SUV that rolled over after colliding with another car and a utility pole on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, at intersection with Burnside.

CRANSTON -- Two people are being taken to the hospital and a section of Pontiac Avenue near City Hall has been closed after an accident this morning.

A pole was struck knocking high-voltage wires to the ground. Utility crews have been called to the scene.

One of the cars rolled over.

-- With reports from Journal photographer Andrew Dickerman

Posted by Jack Perry at 9:32 AM | Comment

Providence man killed trying to cross Route 95

A 36-year-old Providence man was killed last night when he tried to cross Route 95 on foot.

Darren Mann was apparently involved in an accident on Route 2 in Warwick that left his car disabled, according to State Police Lt. Eric LaRiviere.

Mann headed toward Route 95, near Exit 8 at about 10:40 p.m. yesterday. He crossed both southbound lanes and made it to the grassy median, LaRiviere said. But when Mann tried to cross the northbound lanes, he was struck by two vehicles.

LaRiviere said police do not know why Mann was heading toward Route 95 and at this time, it does not appear that any alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident. Mann's body was taken to the state medical examiners' office.

There were no other injuries, and the drivers of the two vehicles that struck Mann will not face any charges.

Route 95 was shut down for several hours while the scene was examined. The accident is still under investigation.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:18 AM | Comment

Conn. drunken driver billed for utility pole damage

LITCHFIELD, Conn. -- A Warren man has been told he must pay nearly $20,000 to replace a utility pole he knocked over while driving drunk.

Thirty-nine-year old Christopher Paul was sentenced yesterday to serve a minimum of four months in prison and devote 200 hours to community service.

The judge also told Paul he is on the hook for the $19,641 bill he received from Connecticut Light and Power. The tab includes a transformer, wires, and cleanup fees following a Sept. 23, 2006, crash which destroyed the pole along Melius Road in Warren.

A CL&P spokesman says it's protocol to send a bill for damaged utility poles and a laundry list of associated things to those who cause damage.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment

Winter returns: Sleet and snow in the forecast

It may not feel like it this morning, with mild temperatures climbing toward the 50s, but we've reached the end of a brief spring-like reprieve and are headed back to winter. Rain, sleet, snow -- they're all in the forecast.

The day should be mild, with sunny skies and a high temperature of 52 degrees.

Things take a turn tonight, with the National Weather Service issuing a hazardous weather outlook: rain, and possibly sleet and snow with a temperature in the low 30s.

More rain is forecast for Friday, with thunderstorms possible, and a high temperature in the low 50s.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's front page features coverage of a parole hearing for former Station nightclub owner Michael Derderian and more coverage of Tuesday's presidential primary in New Hampshire.

Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment