Hi there, Johnston! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Qigong in the Park.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Students get exciting peek at their brand new classrooms (johnstonsunrise.net) — Families in Johnston are getting their first look inside the new Johnston Elementary School, which replaces four neighborhood schools and will serve about 1,000 students in grades 2–5. With color-coded floors, touchscreen-equipped classrooms, a flexible Da Vinci creative area, and a modern library, the building opens its doors to students on Aug. 26.
2. Failed eminent domain case puts town land grab on the ballot (johnstonsunrise.net) — Johnston officials are moving ahead with plans to acquire 31 acres on George Waterman Road for a new public safety complex, despite a recent federal ruling that halted their first eminent domain attempt. The Town Council has approved a fall ballot question to strengthen eminent domain powers and begun steps to create a Municipal Public Building Authority, giving residents a direct say in how the town proceeds.
3. Girls flag football sanctioned as varsity sport (johnstonsunrise.net) — Johnston helped pioneer girls flag football in Rhode Island, hosting the first state tournament and fielding the state's first team, and now the sport has been officially sanctioned as a varsity offering starting in 2027. Local athletic director Justin Erickson and former Johnston coach Randy Phillips say the move validates years of work and could open new scholarship opportunities for Johnston's female athletes.
4. How to spot, identify and squish spotted lanternflies in RI right now (providencejournal.com) — Spotted lanternflies are now widespread across Rhode Island, including at vineyards in Johnston, and state officials want residents to kill them on sight. The article explains how to recognize each life stage, remove their favored tree-of-heaven host, and destroy egg masses so Johnston property owners can help protect local grapes, fruit trees, and other plants.
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Ok Johnston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
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