News | Warwick Beacon

THE CLAM COMMISSION: A panel of lawmakers hear testimony from environmental experts regarding Quahogs in Narragansett Bay. (Photos by Will Steinfeld)

“How many digital quahogs do I have to dig a day to make a day’s pay?” asked Mark Johnson, concluding the fifth meeting of the Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide … more

By BENJAMIN BALINT-KURI | 2/1/24

POLITICAL ACCESS: On March 17, of last year, Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. announced on Twitter that he had toured the Amazon construction site with US Sen. Jack Reed. He released four photos from the tour. (Photos courtesy Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr.)

Amazon’s first ‘help wanted’ signs in Johnston

Can you operate with “significant autonomy and discretion,” “work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays” and “some overnight shifts as necessary”? … more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/17/24

BRAVING THE CONDITIONS: CCRI faculty members continued to protest on Tuesday, with members of the union picketing at the intersection leading into the college. According to assistant professor Daniel O’Neill, the CCRIFA’s secretary, members wanted to send a message about the importance of the work that professors do at the college.

CCRI faculty picket in below freezing temperatures on first day of classes

WARWICK — Temperatures were below freezing Monday morning as students strolled in for their first day of spring classes on the Knight Campus of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). But … more

By ALEXANDER CASTRO Rhode Island Current | 1/24/24

NOW AND WHAT IT COULD BE: An architect rendering of a proposed 12-unit apartment or condo development of the former Hunter’s Garage, as pictured Sunday, on the banks of the Pawtuxet River in the village. The Historic District Commission is expected to consider the plan on Feb. 21.

Latest Pawtuxet gateway plan is housing

Come this June Anthony Albanese Sr. will have owned the former Hunter’s Garage at the gateway to Pawtuxet Village for five years. A lot has happened in this five years and a lot hasn’t … more

By JOHN HOWELL | 1/24/24

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

Survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA for the September 10 - 13, 2023 flooding, severe storms and tornado winds will receive determinations letters, request letters and informational letters … more

2/1/24

SAVING THEIR BREATH: With the use of paper plates provided by Taniesha Sellers, Annette and Evaline swished out the candles on their cake celebrating a combined 205 years. (Warwick Beacon photos)

Never too late to make friends

Annette loves playing bingo. Evaline can’t stand the game. Annette is hard of hearing. Evaline is partially blind. Annette is 104. Evaline is 101. But they are … more

By JOHN HOWELL | 2/1/24

Sharing in a big way

The Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England donated boxes of cookies to Women & Infants Hospital, which were distributed to staff. This is part of the Girl Scouts’ “Cookie Share … more

4/18/24

House passes Serpa bills strengthening penalties for drunken, impaired, reckless driving offenses

On April 11 the House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) that strengthens the penalties for drunken, impaired and reckless … more

4/18/24

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE: Warwick Senator Matthew LaMountain, sponsor of a $5,000 Senate legislative grant is joined by John Howell, president of the Rhode Island Academic Decathlon at a recent presentation. They are holding the T-shirt of this year’s decathlon with the theme “humanity and technology.” The shirt designed by Liam Harnois was one of many created by students of the graphics arts department at the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center. (Warwick Beacon photo)

11 RI Academic Decathlon gold medalists to receive scholarships

In a practice inspired by late Warwick Representative Paul Sherlock about 30 years ago, Warwick Representative and Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi will present $500 scholarships to the 11 … more

4/18/24

New, improved dog park nears completion

As the temperatures rise and spring flowers, relocation of Warwick’s dog park within City Park is nearing completion. The park is located slightly north of where it used to be and offers … more

By ADAM ZANGARI | 4/18/24

HIS WORK AND AT WORK: Bob Lavoie, whose works will be on display at the Providence Art Club April 21 through May 9, seen at work in his studio. (Submitted photos)

Warwick artist Bob Lavoie to exhibit at Providence Art Club

Warwick resident Bob Lavoie will be the subject of an upcoming two-person exhibition titled Time and Tide at the historic Providence Art Club alongside Narragansett resident Pati Sylvia. The … more

4/18/24

Perfect timing

Although weather conditions at this time of year don’t favor clear skies in northern Vermont, viewing a total eclipse was not an opportunity Lorraine Potter-Cooper and her sister wanted to pass … more

4/18/24

CONGRATULATIONS PETE: In this 2017 file photo, Pete Fontaine was presented with a special commendation by Town Councilman Robert Civetti. He was recognized for doing a “great job for the Town of Johnston and the athletes of the town at all levels,” he was honored for his coverage of events of all kinds. That same year, Fontaine was inducted into the Johnston High School Hall of Fame.

PETE FONTAINE (1946-2024) Ink in his veins, heart on his sleeve

Pete Fontaine died an hour after deadline last week. Although he had submitted his final byline several weeks earlier, the Johnston Sun Rise’s faithful freelancer held on until the last pages of the paper were on the presses. The man had ink in his veins. more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/4/24

40 years with city…and counting

Mayor Frank Picozzi paid a special visit to the Assessors Department Tuesday to honor Sandra Gemma for reaching 40 years as an employee of the City of Warwick. Gemma began working for the city on … more

4/18/24

BOUNCING ABOUT: Ellie Chesser, 7, and Milo Chesser, 5, take a few jumps inside the Kent County YMCA's bounce house. (Christopher Gavin)

Time to put away the screens

Summer will be here soon enough – and with it, plenty of playtime for kids once the school year comes to an end. But before that last bell rings, the Greater Providence YMCA aims to get … more

By CHRISTOPHER GAVIN | 4/18/24

Neronha: ‘I am not like other politicians’

STORY OF THE WEEK: “At least I’m not boring” – as Attorney General Peter Neronha quipped this week on X, formerly known as Twitter – could be the theme of a 2026 run for … more

11/22/23

HERE TO HELP: FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Bob Fogel, flanked by a sign language interpreter, talks to Warwick residents and business owners about how to help receive relief. (Warwick Beacon photo by Adam Zangari)

FEMA, SBA step up to aid residents affected by winter flooding

People flooded in to the City Hall Annex last Thursday looking for relief from this past winter’s Pawtuxet River deluges. The flooding, which lasted from Dec. 17-19, 2023, and Jan 9-13 of … more

By ADAM ZANGARI | 4/18/24

ENTERING ITS NEW HOME: A Tasca employee drives the 2023 Lincoln Aviator into the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center. (Warwick Beacon photo)

Thanks to Tasca, WACTC automotive students to train on $80k Lincoln Aviator

The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center (WACTC) is the new owner of a 2023 Lincoln Aviator, which will be used teach students in their Automotive Technology classes. WACTC is one of … more

By ADAM ZANGARI | 4/18/24

PACKAGE DELAYED: These images of the Amazon construction site in Johnston, after sunset, were captured by a drone piloted by Trevor Bryan, an FAA Licensed and insured drone pilot, the owner and operator of New England Aerial Services, on Sept. 21, 2022. The illuminated project has been taking shape on the Hartford Avenue hill overlooking Johnston, but its opening date has now been pushed to late 2024.

Amazon renegotiates tax deal with Johnston

Since Amazon has not yet opened for business in Johnston, the mega-retailer has invoked a costly construction clause in its contract with the town. Over the past few months, the company … more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/10/24

No matter the role, Frank Flaherty looks to make a difference

Some people greet him as “Your Honor”. Others, “Mayor”. But probably over half the state simply calls him “Frank”. I am referring, of course, to … more

4/11/24

May 20, 2024