Fall River Woman Killed in Crash

Unidentified 57-year-old killed on Route 24

Updated: Thursday, 12 Jul 2012, 9:34 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 11 Jul 2012, 7:01 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
FREETOWN, Mass., (WPRI) - A fatal motor vehicle accident on Route 24 South resulted in the
death of a Fall River woman on Wednesday morning.
Massachusetts State Police Troopers responded to a vehicle crash on Route 24 South by Exit 6B.
A preliminary investigation reveals that a 2000 Saturn sedan, operated by a 57-year-old Fall
River woman, was driving south on Route 24 when it drifted to the right and struck the guardrail.
The car then moved to the left into the travel lanes, where it struck a 2000 Chrysler Pacifica
operated by a 31-year-old Coventry woman.
The Fall River woman, whose identity is being withheld, was rushed by ambulance to Charlton
Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Rhode Island woman and two teens were also transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital
with non-life threatening injuries.

Cranston Man Indicted in Armed Robbery

Spree
Cops: Suspect hit 3 stores in 5 days
Updated: Wednesday, 11 Jul 2012, 1:05 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 10 Jul 2012, 5:01 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)- A grand jury has handed up an indictment against a Cranston man
accused of holding up three different convenience stores at knife-point.
Stephen Kelly, 52, has been held held without bail since his arrest in May. A Kent County Grand
Jury indicted him Tuesday on three counts of first-degree robbery in connection with the crimes.
Kelly is accused of robbing three convenience stores at knife point in Warwick over a five day
period.
Warwick Police say Kelly robbed Dans Convenience Store at 2699 Post Road May 13, Valero
Gas Station at 885 Post Road May 15, and West Shore Market at 425 West Shore Road May 17.

RELATED: Man robs store at knife point

Police said they recovered the knife they believe Kelly used in the crimes.
Kelly is scheduled to be arraigned in Kent County Superior Court August 3.
Authorities are continuing to investigate.

Miss USA Homecoming Celebration

Miss USA 2012, Olivia Culpo honored in Cranston
Updated: Friday, 06 Jul 2012, 6:33 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 06 Jul 2012, 1:12 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
Reporting by: Marilyn Schairer
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Miss Rhode Island crowned Miss USA, Olivia Culpo was honored
in her hometown of Cranston Friday afternoon.
The city of Cranston hosted a homecoming celebration in front of city hall to honor Olivias
achievements and wish her good luck in her reign as Miss USA.
The ceremony included a presentation of the key to the city by Mayor Fung, a tree planting
ceremony in honor of Olivia, a special performance by the combined Cranston East/West
Marching Band and student performers from the BASICS program in Cranston.
Cranston police advised drivers that Park Ave. would be closed from Hayward St. to Pontiac
Ave. until 7 p.m. and detours will be in place.
Olivia joined The Rhode Show Thursday as a guest host and gave WPRI an exclusive look at her
new home in New York City.

Billy Campbell Aboard the Tall Ships

The Picton Castle sails with a celebrity
Updated: Friday, 06 Jul 2012, 1:22 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 06 Jul 2012, 11:22 AM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - The tall ships have docked in Newport for the weekend and on board
one of the ships is star of the AMC drama The Killing, Billy Campbell.
Campbell has left his acting career twice to sail around the world on the Picton Castle tall ship.
He describes the experience as life changing and fantastic, its not just a getaway, it redefined
who I am.
Its everything, its being on the water itself, its ships, its shipmates, its the fact that the
engine is the wind, its the fact of doing a job, doing it completely and thoroughly and being part
of a microcosm of the world that has to work or it sinks said Campbell.
The Picton Castle was converted into a Braque in Nova Scotia by Captain Dan Moreland, who is
a sail trainer.
I got involved because I was reading the entire Patrick OBrien series of novels, (there are 20 of
them) I got halfway through and I thought I need to go do this so that I know when I read the rest
of the novels what it is like when he talks about a ship rolling on the big sea said Campbell.
He then went to Norway to purse sailing and the captain of a vessel in Norway was old
shipmates with Captain Dan Moreland and he turned Campbell onto the Picton Castle.
When asked if he was afraid to go sail aboard the ships, his reply was I am afraid not to, it was
something I always wanted to do and I was afraid one day I would wake up and not have done
it.
The Killing has completed a second season and Campbell is waiting to hear about a third season
but he states I will be in the South Pacific with the Picton Castle, if they can reach me in the
South Pacific where she will be sailing through Tahiti and all of the beautiful island, thats where
they will have to reach me.
For more information on the Tall Ships and to purchase tickets visit
http://oceanstatetallships.com/

Flower Show Offers Flare of Fashion

Variety of boutiques add to Latin theme
Updated: Friday, 22 Jun 2012, 11:33 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 22 Jun 2012, 11:33 AM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI)- The 17th Annual Newport Flower Show is so much more than just
gardens this weekend, as 80 boutique vendors will join the show to spice up the Latin salsa
theme.
Trudy Coxe, CEO and executive director of the Preservation Society of Newport County, states,
We have a huge market place with a variety of different vendors.
Boutiques include the Newport Mansion Store, Lilo Hats, Grace Emporium, and Angela Moore
which will complete the show with everything fashion.
If shopping does not interest you the Newport Flower Show will be incorporating tango
instruction, a Spanish market with all different types of Spanish food, Latin themed exhibits, and
an array of lectures. There will also be classes on how to design flower arrangements and healthy
gardening tips.
The show is open all weekend at the Rose Cliff mansion, overlooking the beautiful Narragansett
Bay.
For more information visit, http://www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show.

B.I. Beach Named 1 of the Best in U.S.

Fred Benson Town Beach included in Costal Living
Updated: Wednesday, 11 Jul 2012, 3:22 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 11 Jul 2012, 3:22 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WPRI)- A Block Island beach has been named in Coastal Livings "21
Best Beach Vacations in the United States.
Fred Benson Town Beach was named on the top 21 beaches in the country list in the July/August
issue, according to The Block Island Times.
The magazine organized a state-by-state list of vacations including the best spots for golf,
fishing, beaches and even sighting wild animals.
Although the list focuses on the best beaches it also includes hotel information for each location.
Coastal Living describes Fred Benson Town Beach as the vibe of the tiny island off the southern
New England coast with kayak, boogie board, and umbrella rentals.
Other local beaches that made the list include Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro,
Massachusetts.
You can access the article online at coastalliving.com.

Portuguese Traditions Light up WaterFire

Day of Portugal celebrations included at WaterFire
Updated: Friday, 08 Jun 2012, 12:45 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 08 Jun 2012, 12:37 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - WaterFire Providence is one of the biggest events to hit the city
this summer. Although the lighting is the main attraction, there are many other activities for
families to enjoy that include food, music, and dancing.
The 35th Day of Portugal Celebration in Rhode Island is on June 10 to honor Portugal and the
death of Lus Vaz de Cames, who was one of the greatest poets in Portuguese culture.
The kick off to the Day of Portugal Celebration and WaterFire will begin on the basin stage in
front of Water Place Park with live music and folklore dancing at 8:00 p.m. and continue with a
special torch procession at the beginning of WaterFire with 16 Portuguese dignitaries from the
local community.
Bronwyn Dannenfelser, Director of Resource Development for WaterFire Providence said, We
were so excited when Day of Portugal came to us and asked us to help them kickoff their
celebrations.
It has been a dream for us to participate in WaterFire. Its such a spectacular event. The
Portuguese have been a part of this community, there are 10% of us, 100,000 of us and we hope
they are all going to come out and cheer in the Portuguese pride, said Marie Fraley Fundraising
Chair & Former President, Day of Portugal Celebrations RI.
Fraley explained the importance of having Portuguese dancing included in the celebrations for
the Day of Portugal.
Dancing was the way people enjoyed themselves and socialized before the time of technology,
television, and computers. The more jewelry and ornately costumed the dancers are, the higher
up they are in social status. Their costumes represent different populations and status of the
community.
The torch procession will be composed of the past and present Day of Portugal. The procession
will end up at the Bank of American Skating Rink, where there will be food and popular
entertainers until 11:00 p.m.

Guide Offers Great Summer Local Events

Summer guide in Friday's Providence Journal
Updated: Friday, 25 May 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 25 May 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
(WPRI) - From festivals to food, and good old fun in the sun, there is so much to do in Rhode
Island.
Alexis Magner from The Providence Journal joined The Rhode Show to discuss this years
summer guide.
Magner described the Rhode Island guide as the one stop shopping on what there is to do.
Features in the guide:

Fresh and salt water beaches with a map included and a description of all amenities at
each location
Parades in Rhode Island and the local area
Dining options from clam shacks to elegant eateries in alphabetical order
Fairs and festivals: Included are the hot air balloon festival and air show
Camping, cycling, and hiking locations

The Tall Ships will also be docking in Rhode Island this summer and The Providence Journal
gives a description of vessels coming, directions to the ships, and events arranged at the location.
The summer guide is located in the May 25 edition of The Providence Journal.

Fire Jet Truck Fuels Air Show

Crowd to see close routine of jet fueled truck
Updated: Friday, 15 Jun 2012, 2:14 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 15 Jun 2012, 11:07 AM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
NORTH KINGSTON, R.I. (WPRI)-The Rhode Island National Guard Air Show is taking place
this weekend at Quonset State Airport and joining everything aeronautical is the fire jet truck.
The audience will see one of the best shows in North America, which includes everything from
jet planes to parachutists.
The crowd will have an intimate performance from driver Neil Darnell from the Air National
Guard who is on his tenth year driving the fire jet truck. This trucks engine is from a Navy jet
and can accelerate three times faster than anything the military has, including the Air Force
Thunderbirds.
Going from 0-60 miles per hour in one second, it will reach speeds of 365 miles per hour over a
quarter of a mile and uses 60 gallons of jet fuel per performance.
The truck holds the air show speed record of 375 miles per hour and the audience will see this
taking place from only about 70 feet away. Over his years driving the vehicle jet, Darnell has
never had an injury and ensures on-lookers that despite the smoke and fire involved in his
performance it is very safe.
You can catch the jet trucks action twice during each day of the air show performance, with one
solo routine and another with the Max Adrenaline Team.
For more information on the fire jet truck and free air show this weekend, visit
www.riairshow.org.

6 New Whooping Cough Cases Confirmed

HEALTH: whooping cough found in North Kingstown
Updated: Tuesday, 17 Jul 2012, 5:46 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 17 Jul 2012, 5:46 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)- The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed six new
cases of whooping cough. The students affected attend Stony Lane Elementary School,
Davisville Middle School, and Hamilton Elementary School.
Experts are advising people to visit their primary care physicians in order to be vaccinated for the
virus.
Although the North Kingstown school district closed for the summer on June 19th, the first case
was confirmed on July 2nd.

Whooping cough found in Barrington

Whooping cough found in Middletown

Due to the pertussis or whooping cough findings, HEALTH officials have set up vaccination
clinics across the state.
HEALTH will hold two vaccination clinics for the public on Thursday, July 19, and Monday,
July 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the North Kingstown High School cafeteria located at 150
Fairway Drive.
Those without health insurance will be vaccinated at no cost.
Michael Fine, M.D., director of HEALTH states, "The best protection against pertussis is
vaccination. Any child who is not up to date on his or her pertussis vaccination should be
vaccinated, and we encourage all adults to get a Tdap vaccine as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises anyone age 10 or older who has
not previously received a Tdap vaccine and lives in North Kingstown or Jamestown to get
vaccinated. It is especially important for the following individuals to be vaccinated:

North Kingstown and Jamestown students ages 10 and older who need to receive Tdap
(This will meet the Grade 7 vaccination requirement)
Pregnant women and anyone in their household (Pregnant women should be at least 20
weeks into the gestation period)
Anyone in close contact with or caring for an infant less than one-year-old

Anyone with a weakened immune system or other chronic disease (such as asthma, heart
disease, diabetes, etc.) and anyone in their household
Professionals, including summer camp staff, school staff, daycare workers, and
healthcare workers
All adults, including those ages 65 and older

Experts say young infants should be kept away from anyone with a cough, and infants with a
cough should be seen by a doctor right away, as they are most likely to experience severe
pertussis illness.
Those with suspected or confirmed diagnoses should stay out of work, school, or childcare until
they have been seen by a doctor or on antibiotics for at least five days.
For symptoms of whooping cough visit www.CDC.gov.

Six Prov. Bus Routes to be Detoured

Detour is for PPAC's square dedication
Updated: Tuesday, 10 Jul 2012, 3:26 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 10 Jul 2012, 3:26 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)- The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will detour six bus
routes in Providence on Wednesday for the Providence Performing Arts Center's square
dedication ceremony.
During the ceremony, Mayor Angel Taveras will display the renovated square at 220 Weybosset
Street at 11:00 a.m.
The renovation involved streets, sidewalks and tree replacements, an addition of granite planters,
bike racks, ornamental bollards, benches, and ornamental streetlights.
The following routes will detour from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
ROUTE 1 (EDDY/GASPEE):
Inbound trips will travel a regular route to the intersection of Richmond and Point Street, take a
left onto Point Street, and a right onto East Franklin Street through to Franklin Street, another
right onto Washington Street, and then resume regular route.
Outbound trips will travel the regular route.
ROUTE 3 (WARWICK AVE):
Please refer to the Route 1 (Eddy/Gaspee) detour.
ROUTE 13 (ARCTIC/WASHINGTON):
Inbound trips will travel regular route to the intersection of Sabin Street and LaSalle Square, take
a left onto LaSalle Square, another left onto Fountain Street, a right onto Dorrance Street, a left
onto lower Weybosset Street, and then resume regular route.
ROUTE 13 (ARCTIC/WASHINGTON) continued:
Outbound trips will travel the regular route.
ROUTE 20 (ELMWOOD AVE):
Inbound trips will travel regular route to the intersection of Broad and Empire Streets, take a left
onto Empire Street, a right onto Washington Street, a right onto Dorrance Street, a left onto
lower Weybosset Street and then resume regular route.

Outbound trips will travel the regular route.

ROUTE 21 (RESERVOIR):
Please refer to the Route 20 (Elmwood Ave.) detour.
ROUTE 22 (PONTIAC AVE):
Please refer to the Route 20 (Elmwood Ave.) detour.
For more RIPTA information, please call 401-781-9400 or visit ripta.com

Johnston Sewer Project Breaks Ground

$4M project to help 80 homes and businesses
Updated: Thursday, 26 Jul 2012, 11:18 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 25 Jul 2012, 5:10 PM EDT
By Alexandra Picardi
JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)-The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation along with state
and local officials broke ground Wednesday on a $4 million dollar sewer infrastructure project
along Central Avenue. The project will provide sewer access to more then 80 homes and area
businesses.
The project is fully funded by the RIRRC and will take approximately nine months to make
sewer tie-in access available to nearby homes and businesses.
We couldnt be happier that RIRRC has decided to fund this project, noted Mayor Polisena.
Its a great business decision for them and a wonderful service to the homeowners and
businesses, both current and future, of the Central Avenue area. This project is yet another step
being taken to increase the economic activity in Johnston.
The sewer line will be connected to the Narragansett Bay Commissions wastewater treatment
facilities and provide sewer access to all RIRRC facilities, along with current and future
Lakeside Commerce Center businesses and nearby homes.
Although there is change taking place, Johnston residents and business are not obligated to tie-in
to the new sewer system.
Governor Chafee was along side Johnston Mayor Polisena, Narragansett Bay Commission and
Parkside Utility and Construction at the ground breaking. He stated, It is a real pleasure to be a
part of todays groundbreaking, which represents a significant economic boost for the Johnston
community, This project will ensure that RIRRC can continue its operations uninterrupted. It
will also fuel short-term construction jobs and is estimated to bring the opportunity for over 100
new, full-time jobs to existing area businesses. This certainly is cause for celebration.
The construction will result in approximately 12,000 feet of new sewer line-which will create 25
short-term jobs in the area.
The infrastructure will aid the sewer system on Central Avenue with 820,000 gallons of
wastewater per day.
For more information on the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation visit www.rirrc.org.

RI Man Dies Following Motorcycle Crash

Alphonse Beaulieu pronounced dead Tuesday
Updated: Thursday, 26 Jul 2012, 5:37 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 25 Jul 2012, 7:08 PM EDT
By Courtney Caligiuri with Alexandra Picardi
NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - The motorcycle crash that killed a Rhode Island woman,
has now also claimed her husband's life.

Related: RI woman killed in Virginia moto crash

A Virginia radio station reports 76-year-old Alphonse Beaulieu of North Smithfield died from
his injuries Tuesday.
Hi wife, 75-year-old RIna Beaulieu, was killed Sunday when a car crashed into their motorcycle
in Nelson County, Virginia.
Virginia State Police said the car driver, a 17-year-old West Virginia teen, failed to obey a stop
sign.
The driver of the car and his two passengers were treated for minor injuries.

Sakonnet River Bridge opening delayed

Bad weather pushes back traffic scheduled date
Updated: Thursday, 02 Aug 2012, 8:38 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 01 Aug 2012, 4:56 PM EDT

Alexandra Picardi

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) - The first part of the reconstruction on the Sakonnet River Bridge
has been completed and the bridge is expected to open to traffic later this month.
According to The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the northbound lanes of the
bridge will be opening a month later than expected. This has caused the southbound lanes
opening to be pushed back to late September.
Recent thunder and lightning storms, as well as storm warnings, have pushed back work and
created delays.
For more information on the construction of the Sakonnet River Bridge, visit The Department of
Transportation's website.

Federal funds to help reconstruct Pawt.

bridge
Over $3.3 million in funds will aid project
Updated: Wednesday, 01 Aug 2012, 9:00 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 31 Jul 2012, 4:23 PM EDT

By Alexandra Picardi
By Angie Angers

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - Changes are being made to improve the safety of Rhode Islands
bridges.
Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Representative David Cicilline
announced on Tuesday that over $3.3 million in federal funds will be used to aid the Pawtucket
River Bridge on I-95.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation found the bridges steel beams and other
supports were deteriorating in 2007.
Earlier this year, a portion of the bridge had to be dismantled after the discovery that a number of
beams were misaligned.
This federal grant will support the long-overdue reconstruction of the Pawtucket River Bridge,
making the bridge safer and more accessible," said Whitehouse.
The Federal Highway Administration funds are financing 80 percent of the $81 million project,
and the state is covering the rest of the costs.
RIDOT recently completed the first round of construction on the bridge.
It was originally built in 1958.
The bridge now transports traffic traveling northbound and the 18-ton weight limit has been
lifted on I-95 North.

Third Beach closed due to high bacteria

Officials urge swimmers to avoid Middletown beach
Updated: Wednesday, 01 Aug 2012, 8:42 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 31 Jul 2012, 4:35 PM EDT

Alexandra Picardi

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) -- Third Beach in Middletown has been recommended for closure
by The Department of Health due to high bacteria counts.
Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and may re-open the beach when the area is
safe for swimming.
Water quality testing is conducted by the Department of Health laboratory or a state-certified
laboratory.
For up-to-date information about swimming at Rhode Island beaches, visit
www.health.ri.gov/beaches or call (401) 222-2751.

North Kingstown welcomes Beisel home

Olympic medalist honored by hometown
Updated: Thursday, 09 Aug 2012, 12:22 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 08 Aug 2012, 8:02 PM EDT

Alexandra Picardi
Reporting by Kathryn Sotnik

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)- Rhode Island held a special homecoming for Olympic
medalist Elizabeth Beisel Wednesday night..
At just 19 years old, the North Kingstown native scored silver and bronze medals for swimming
at the 2012 London Olympics, and her hometown high school hosted a celebration rally in her
honor.
"Coming out of the limo and just walking and seeing the crowd and seeing how many people
were excited to see me it's amazing and I can't put it into words right now," Beisel said.
Beisel's grandfather, Milton Wolferseder, was overcome with happiness for his granddaughter.
In my eyes the silver is just as good as the gold," he added. "It took a world record to beat
Elizabeth, and Elizabeth in that race had her very best times ever, she was at her very best at that
time."
Beisel is the only Olympian from Rhode Island to win two medals at the same Olympic venue
since 1924.