Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Barbara Polichetti
Journal staff writer

WARWICK -- Today's storm did not find the School Department with the same staffing problems that left it lagging behind the rest of the state in clean up in December.

But the early morning use of an automated phone system notifying parents of a delayed start of classes today did leave some parents bleary-eyed and unhappy.

Phones started ringing at around 4:45 a.m., startling many people who rushed to answer what they thought were family emergency calls, only to receive a recorded message about the start of school.

A second round of calls notifying parents of the cancellation of morning kindergarten sessions went out around 6 a.m.

School Supt. Peter P. Horoschak, who had been up through the wee hours of the morning monitoring the weather, said he is still learning the computerized phone network and had not intended to launch the first call as soon as he recorded it. "I thought there would be a step that allowed me to set the time," he said. "Trust me, I was surprised as anyone when my own phone rang right after I recorded the message."

Typically, he said, messages should be sent around 6 a.m. He and other school officials noted that they have to walk a fine line in deciding when to send out the calls. They don't want to alarm people with pre-dawn calls, he said, but also have to be early enough to give people time to make alternate arrangements.

SANDWICH, Mass. (AP) -- Life from here on out is bound to be a bit disappointing for a young harbor seal that somehow broke into a Cape Cod fish hatchery and enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The female seal briefly had the run of the Sandwich Hatchery on Tuesday, downing untold numbers of trout before it was caught and released on a Dennis beach.

The Cape Cod Times reported the seal, which was just under three feet long, was found at about 7 a.m. by Division of Fisheries and Wildlife employees.

Experts said although seals spend most of their time in salt water, they can live for short periods in fresh water.

Katie Touhey, a spokeswoman for the Cape Cod Stranding Network, which released the seal on the beach, said the animal looked healthy and "pretty full."

Journal photo/ Mary Murphy
A lone red berry on an ice-covered tree in Barrington drips rain as the ice storm turns to rain this morning. Rain is expected to continue with the temperature reaching about 40 degrees today in Barrington, according to the National Weather Service.The wind will blow from the northeast at 7 to 11 mph.

Watch out. Freezing rain has left roads slick in southern New England this morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory through 9 a.m., and many schools have delayed their openings.Freezing rain is expected to continue for several hours before changing to plain rain, the weather service said.

The temperature in Providence is 30 degrees at about 7 a.m. and should reach 39 degrees. The wind will blow from the northeast at 7 to 13 mph.

Check for delays, closings and more.

On this day in 1789, the first U.S. presidential election was held. Americans voted for electors who, a month later, chose George Washington to be the nation's first president.

Read more about today in history.

Today's front page features coverage of the first session of the General Assembly for 2009 -- the swearing in of Sen. M. Teresa Paiva Weed as the first female Senate president in Rhode Island and the challenges the Assembly faces in dealing with a $357-million budget deficit.

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

Journal photo/ Sandor Bodo
A portrait of the late U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who died New Year's Day, is on display in the rotunda of the Rhode Island State House through Monday, Jan. 12. The public is invited to view the portrait and share thoughts and prayers in a guest book. The State House will be open to the public every day, including Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On this day in 2001, with the vanquished Vice President Al Gore presiding, Congress certified Republican George W. Bush the winner of the close and bitterly contested 2000 presidential election.

Watch a video report on today in history.

Read more about today in history.

Today's front page features photographs and a story about the funeral yesterday for former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell.

There's also a story about an increase in gas prices after months of dropping prices and Governor Carcieri's plans to address the state on live TV about the budget deficit.

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

It took him 24 years, but Manuel Biadog finally got to thank former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell when he met him in November of 2007.

Biadog says he never would have been able to attend college if not for a Pell Grant. A native of the Philippines, Biadog graduated from William Carey University in Mississippi in 1983 and is now the command chaplain of Naval Station Newport.

Visiting the Pell Center to pay his respects today, Biadog recalled meeting Pell in November 2007.

"I was so glad I was able to thank him," Biadog said.

Pell, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, could not speak, but Biadog could see that Pell appreciated his gratitude.

Biadog said, "I saw the change in the expression on his face."

-- Journal staff writer Kate Bramson

In a eulogy spiced with humor, Nicholas Lorillard Pell spoke of some of the traits that defined his grandfather: consistency, resolve and humility.

The younger Pell recalled how his grandfather, wearing a suit, enjoyed motoring around Newport Harbor in an eight-foot rubber raft operated by his grandson. He remembered how his grandfather would jog -- or "shuffle," as his grandfather called it -- in a "reluctantly retired" suit.

"He ran at a slow, steady pace but he always finished," Pell said.

Pell said he's never met anyone more focused than his grandfather and that his resolve was something that could be mistaken for stubbornness, but it was a trait that enabled him to serve as a world-class legislator and a "successful advocate for the underprivileged."

"He simply never relented," Pell said.

His resolve was never more evident, according to his grandson, than in his battle against illness, which he fought for more than 10 years before dying on New Year's Day.

He wanted to keep living, to spend more time with is family, his grandson said.

"His will to live was of mythic proportions," Pell said.

Pell thanked those who attended his grandfather's funeral.

"I know he would have been humbled. He also would be incredibly pleased to see such an impressive group gathered on his behalf," Pell said.

Vice President-elect Joe Biden talked of former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell's many accomplishments in the Senate, but also the kindness that Pell and his wife, Nuala, showed Biden during a tragic period in his life.

Pell was "more than a great senator," Biden said. "He was a mentor. He was my friend, and I'm honored to be able to speak of him today."

Shortly after Biden was elected to the Senate, he lost his wife and child in an automobile accident.

"Among the first people who reached out to me in earnest were you, Nuala, and Claiborne," Biden said, addressing Pell's widow.

The Pells' response wasn't anything that "smacked of politics. It was you acting as if your heart was as broken as mine. You made your home my home," Biden said.

Biden recalled the former senator inviting him "every night" to stay at his Washington, D.C., home so he could avoid a long commute.

"Everything about what you and Claiborne did was absolutely at that moment in my life among the most meaningful things that happened," Biden said.

The average price for gasoline has increased in Rhode Island for the first time since Labor Day, according to AAA Southern New England.

The average price of gasoline increased two cents last week to $1.669 per gallon, according to AAA's weekly survey.

The Rhode Island price is cent cent less than the national average and still $1.47 less than the $3.13 Rhode Island drivers were paying a year ago.

Meanwhile, gas prices in Massachusetts are holding steady after 15 consecutive weeks of decreases.

AAA Southern New England reported today that a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gas is averaging $1.62, the same as last week.

The price in the Bay State is a nickel below the national average of $1.67, and $1.43 below the cost of a gallon of self-serve, unleaded at the same time last year.

NEWPORT -- U.S. Vice president-elect Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy have arrived at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newport for the funeral of former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell.

The dignitaries were among those who arrived in motorcades and limousines. Members of the Pell family, including the senator's widow, Nuala, arrived at the church at about 9: 16 a.m.

Biden, who served many years in the Senate with Pell, is planning to give a eulogy, so are former President Clinton and Sen. Kennedy.

Some other notables at the church include U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, from Rhode Island, John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) and Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) as well as U.S. Reps. Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin.

Other local leaders in attendance include Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch, Rhode Island Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, former governors Lincoln Almond and Bruce Sundlun, former lieutenant governor Richard Licht, state Sen. M. Teresa Paiva Weed, Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, and Rhode Island State Police Col. Brendan Doherty.

Doors of the church were open to the public shortly before 9:30 a.m.

-- Journal staff writers Kate Bramson, G. Wayne Miller and Tom Mooney

BOSTON (AP) -- Early morning freezing rain has made for a treacherous commute.

The pre-dawn rain on Monday morning coated cars with a glaze of ice and left some side roads slicker than skating rinks.

Icy roads caused travel problems in Rhode Island, including a jacknifed tractor-trailer earlier this morning in Cumberland. Some school openings have also been delayed.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 40s, reducing the danger.

The weather has forced many Massachusetts school systems to delay Monday morning openings by up to two hours.

The MBTA also diverted its Silver Line bus because of slippery roads.

More snow and freezing rain is expected later in the week.

On this day in 1973, Bruce Springsteen's debut album, "Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.," was released.

Read more about today in history.

Today's front page reports that former President Bill Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will offer eulogies at this morning's funeral for former Rhode Island Sen. Claiborne Pell in Newport.

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

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge today issued a temporary restraining order that will allow newly elected Hopkinton Town Council member William Felkner to return to his seat on the Chariho Regional School Committee -- at least temporarily.

Felkner wants to hold both positions, but his School Committee colleagues voted him off the board after he was sworn in as a member of the Hopkinton Town Council.

He is fighting their move. His lawyer, Nicholas Gorham, argued that the board voted on the issue without properly advertising it. He asked Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson to order Felkner reinstated until the Rhode Island Attorney General's office can rule on whether one person can simultaneously hold seats on a regional school committee and a town council.

Thompson reinstated Felkner until the School Committee can take another vote after it's been properly advertised. The judge also said the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office should be notified so the office can decide whether it wants to get involved.

All 11 School Committee members will be able to vote, including Felkner.

-- By Donita Naylor, Journal staff writer,

Governor Carcieri has ordered Rhode Island state flags lowered to half staff in honor of former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who died early yesterday morning at his Newport home at the age of 90.
Flags are to remain at half staff until Senator Pell is laid to rest. A funeral for Pell has been scheduled for Monday in Newport.

"Senator Pell was one of this country's greatest statesmen," Carcieri said in a statement. "He served the people of Rhode Island and this country with the highest honor, dignity and compassion. He was a true gentleman who touched the lives of so many, and will be deeply missed.

"Perhaps his greatest gift to the American public was his undying passion to education and the establishment of the Pell Grants, allowing millions to achieve the dream of higher education, and was a great protector of the Arts with the creation of the National Endowment of the Arts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nuala and the family."

Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline has also ordered all flags above city buildings to be lowered to half staff. Cicilline issued a statement saying he was "deeply saddened" by Pell's death. He called Pell "an extraordinary United States senator from Rhode Island and one of America's most outstanding statesmen.

"He was truly a visionary leader with the highest ideals of public service and he has left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact many generations of Americans," Cicilline said.

Cicilline said two of Pell's most notable achievements were the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities and the Pell Grants.

"In Rhode Island, and in Providence especially, we are grateful for the pioneering work of Senator Pell as a founding father of the NEAH, an initiative that brought us Trinity Repertory Company's Project Discovery, and fueled the creation of dance companies, musical ensembles and visual arts programs all across the nation," Cicilline said.

Meanwhile, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch issued the following statement:

"With the death of Senator Claiborne Pell, we mark the passing of a man who, beginning life in a different age, will forever stand as a man of greatness, through all ages.

"Senator Pell's vision of an America in which the doors of higher education would not be barred for any worthy student, and a nation in which greater access to the arts would be granted, has enriched us, as individuals, and as a country.

"Senator Pell's elegance and eloquence served as an inspiration, and set him apart. But through his passionate and compassionate advocacy on behalf of improving the quality of life in our state, and our country, his legacy is an essential part of the fabric of our lives, and the lives of future generations.

"He forever stands as a dignified example of what a public servant should be. With great and abiding respect and thanks for the quality and quantity of Senator Pell's work in the United States Senate, I send along my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Nuala, and all members of the Pell family," Lynch said.

PROVIDENCE -- Some Rhode Islanders will have to drive a little farther to do business with the Registry in this new year with the closing of two state Division of Motor Vehicles branches.

To save money in a tight fiscal environment, the state has closed branches in Westerly and West Warwick with the expectation of saving $150,000.

Offices in Pawtucket, Wakefield, Middletown, Warren, Woonsocket and an express location at the Rhode Island Mall in Warwick will stay open.

Employees in the Westerly and West Warwick offices are being transferred to Pawtucket and Wakefield.

The West Warwick branch actually closed ahead of schedule, on Monday, because of a heating problem.

On this day in 1942, the Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II.

Read more about today in history.

Today's front page features stories on the life of former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, of Rhode Island, who died early yesterday morning.

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

Journal file photo/ Frieda Squires
Officer Thomas Cabral, left, participates in a July 2007 training session at the high school.

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (AP) -- The Middletown Police Department is mourning the sudden and unexpected death of a young officer.

Chief Anthony Pesare tells The Newport Daily News that the entire force is "stunned" by the death of 28-year-old decorated Officer Thomas Cabral.

The three-year veteran died Sunday while at his girlfriend's home in Newport.

The Newport police say Cabral first complained about having trouble breathing. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The police say the death is not considered suspicious.

Cabral was a third-generation officer whose father and grandfather both worked for the Fall River, Mass. police department.

-- The Associated Press

Today's front page reports that someone will start 2009 a lot richer. Rhode Island's first Million Dollar Raffle will be drawn tonight.

There are also stories on the decline in passenger traffic at T.F. Green Airport, the possibility of laying off public safety officials in Woonsocket and budget problems in North Kingstown.
Download a copy of the front page in .pdf format.

On this day in 1946, President Harry S. Truman officially proclaimed the end of hostilities in World War II.

Read more about today in history.

Bright Night Providence festivities are still on - for now anyway - despite the forecast of three to six inches of snow tomorrow.

The events won't be canceled unless a state of emergency is declared, according to Lynne McCormick, director of art, culture and tourism for the City of Providence.

The snow is expected to start falling by 8 a.m. and fall heavily at times before tapering off during the evening commute, according to the National Weather Service.

Crews from the Department of Public Works will begin pre-treating the main arteries with salt and sand before the snow starts to fall and continue to clear the roads throughout the night, according to Mayor David N. Cicilline and Providence Emergency Management Agency Director Peter T. Gaynor.

So far, the city is not planning any parking restrictions, a spokesperson for Mayor David N. Cicilline said late this afternoon. (Check projo.com for weather conditions, closings and parking restrictions).

Bright Night Providence festivities will begin at noon and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Bank of America City Center.

Organizers of First Night Newport also said the festivities will go as planned, including the fireworks display over Newport Harbor.

By Ray Henry
Associated Press writer

WRENTHAM, Mass. (AP) -- A former NFL lineman and high school football coach has been ordered held on $100,000 cash bail after he was charged with raping a 15-year-old female student over a three-month period.

Danny Villa, who also was the athletic director at Walpole High School, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Wrentham District Court to three counts of rape of a child and three counts of enticing a minor under age 16.

Judge William Powers also told Villa to stay away from the girl and her family, Walpole schools and any children under 16 except his own.

Villa's attorney said she planned to appeal the bail decision.

Prosecutors said Villa was the girl's basketball coach before she entered high school. He was charged after her parents allegedly found hundreds of text messages she received from the man.

Villa played offensive line in the NFL for 12 seasons, including six with the Patriots and one with the Arizona Cardinals in 1992.

He starred at Arizona State from 1984-86 before being drafted by New England.

TAUNTON, Mass. (AP) -- Taunton police say a 3-month-old baby boy died Sunday, apparently after being accidentally smothered while sleeping in his mother's bed.

Chief Raymond O'Berg tells The Taunton Gazette that the death of Nolan Arruda appears to be a "tragic accident." Although the investigation continues, no foul play is suspected.

Police responded to a 911 call at a city apartment at about 8 on Sunday morning. The infant was declared dead at Morton Hospital at about 8:30 a.m.

The infant's mother, 30-year-old Marlana Arruda, was in the apartment when police, fire rescue and ambulance personnel arrived.

PROVIDENCE -- Today marks the last day on the job for Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank J. Williams.

Williams, 68, surprised the legal community and his colleagues Dec. 11 when he announced his retirement after spending eight years in the job, which pays him an annual salary of $184,408.38.

Williams was outspoken and didn't shy away from confrontation during his tenure. He sometimes clashed publicly with the governor and the General Assembly in pushing for improvements to the court system.

In an interview, Williams said he is retiring because he had achieved many of his goals and wanted to leave before the next session of the General Assembly convenes. He's also a nationally recognized Lincoln scholar, and he wants to spend more time pursuing that interest.

The effort to find a new chief justice is already underway. After holding interviews and a hearing, the state Judicial Nominating Commission will submit three to five names to Governor Carcieri.

The governor will then forward his pick to the General Assembly, which must act on the governor's selection within a week.

Video: Chief Justice Williams discusses his resignation.

(An earlier version of this item reported the wrong date for Williams' resignation.)

On this day in 1813, the British burned Buffalo, N.Y., during the War of 1812.

Read more about today in history.