War of Words Not Over in Delta Dental vs. Johnston Mayor

Mayor Joseph Polisena recently said the town saved more than $130,000 by changing dental providers — but Delta Dental claimed that the town could have saved more by staying.

School Board Awards New Bus Contract to First Student

At a special Apr. 26 meeting, school committee members approved a $1.9 million contract for busing, the Johnston Sun Rise reported.

May 4: Brunch, Break, Camp, Rain, Privacy

The last few hours to vote in our Readers' Choice poll, sign-ups for summer camp, and thoughts on how to deal with your kid's privacy are in your 5 Things To Know Today.

Poll: Should EZ-Pass Get a Tax Break?

State Rep. Stephen Ucci (D-Johnston, Cranston) has proposed a bill to give holders of EZ-Pass accounts a tax credit — what do you think?

Polisena Named 'Rising Star' in Relief Bill Debate

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena was included in GoLocalProv.com's Apr. 25 review of "Who's Hot and Who's Not."

May 2: Have Your Say Two Ways, Clearing, Chat, Donate, Bin Laden

We're looking for your feedback, giving you a peek at the improving forecast, and taking a look back as part of your 5 Things To Know Today for May 2, 2012.

Poll: Will an Under-21 Ban Work?

A state legislator's bill to ban people under 21 years of age from entering alcohol-serving nightclubs is up for a hearing tonight — do you think it will work?

Town Plans New Payroll System

For an estimated $10,000, the town will get a computer-based system to more accurately track workers' time, Mayor Joseph Polisena explained.

May 1: Rain, Brunch, Chat, Cancelled, Eggs

Our newest Readers' Choice poll, May showers, and a look back at a column on what to do with those plastic Easter Eggs are 3/5 of you 5 Things To Know Today.

Live Chat with Mayor Polisena on Wednesday

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena has agreed to participate in a live chat here on JohnstonPatch on May 9 at 12 noon.

Are Chafee's Relief Bills the Right Move — Or Too Little, Too Late?

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena has been rallying support for the governor's reform legislation — do you think it will pass?

Apr. 26: Gangs, Drops, Bills, Blogs, Prices

The arrest of a major Providence gang figure, a call-out to the General Assembly to pass Gov. Chafee's municipal relief bills, and how to add your voice to the conversation on JohnstonPatch are among the 5 Things To Know Today.

Looking to Contact Your Rep? Here's How

Here's a list of e-mail addresses and phone numbers for the members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives who represent Johnston.

Local Officials Call on Assembly to Pass Chafee Municipal Relief Bills

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena hosted a press conference on Apr. 25, in advance of a House Finance Committee hearing scheduled for Thursday.

Johnston to Host Appeal for Support of Chafee Legislation [Update]

Mayor Joseph Polisena issued a press release announcing a press conference for 10 am Wednesday at the senior center.

Romney Takes Rhode Island

In a sparsely-attended Presidential primary, Johnston voters gave the nod to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who won Rhode Island on Apr. 24.

Slow Turnout in Johnston for Primary

Traffic was light at the Simmons Village polling place this morning.

Court Staffers Moved to Rec Office

Mayor Joseph Polisena announced that work on the town's municipal court should speed up and be completed in the next two weeks.

Voting Info: Polling Places in Johnston for the Presidential Primary

Rhode Island holds its Presidential Primary on Tuesday, Apr. 24. Here's where to find the info you need if you're voting in Johnston.

Apr. 23: Flowers, Terms, Rain, Blog, Trix

A poll on the best flower place in Johnston, how to blog on JohnstonPatch, and an odd place to keep one's drugs make up three of your 5 Things To Know Today.

Last Chance: Lend a Hand to the Senior Center

It's the final full week of the food drive at the Johnston Senior Center — drop by between 9 am and 3 pm with your donation.

Are Four-Year Terms a Good Idea?

The Johnston Town Council recently approved a resolution changing the terms for the mayor's office to four-year terms — what do you think?

Week in Review: Baseball, Court, Hummel, Pursuit, Crash, Savings

Opening Day for Johnston Little League, a big name in local journalism, and a return to court for Donald Greenslit are among the top headlines for the week ending Apr. 20.

Johnston Events, Apr. 21 and 22: Earth Day, Softball, Explorers

A cleanup at Neutaconkanut Hill, Opening Day for girls' softball, and the annual fundraiser for the Johnston Police Explorers are on this weekend's calendar in Johnston.

POLL: Does RI Need a Legal Place to Drag Race?

An online petition has received more than 1,000 signatures from residents throughout New England who would like to see a legal drag strip built in Rhode Island.

Polisena Marks Completion of Boiler, Gas Tank Projects

The Johnston mayor held brief ceremonies at Johnston High School and the Johnston Police Department this morning.

Town Flushes Out Water Bill Delinquents

Mayor Joseph Polisena announced that a water shut-off threat by the town had the desired effect, leading most water customers to pay their overdue bills.

Apr. 17: Tasty, Taxes, Toasty, TV, Theft

The battle for best sandwich in Johnston is heating up, it's Tax Day, and Mohr Library hosts a look back at the early days of TV news as part of your 5 Things To Know Today.

How Do You Rate Hinckley's Chances?

The Newport Republican is challenging U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse in the November election — but will he be much of a challenge?

Week in Review: Chafee, Pensions, AcaDec, Campfires, Porn Sweep

From the governor's visit to the town council meeting to the identity of a suspect in the State Police "Operation Darknet," here are the major headlines from the week ending Apr. 11, 2012.

Johnston Bus Company Addresses Idling Issue

Durham School Services, which provides busing for Johnston schools, plans to pay a $90,000 fine to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Don't Expect Municipal Pension Reform Bill This Year, Says Polisena

The mayor said he doesn't think the pension reform study commission will propose new legislation before the end of the 2012 legislative session.

New HR Coordinator Named

The Johnston School Committee voted 5-0 to appoint Doreen Studley to the part-time position, which pays $45,000 plus benefits.

School Board to Choose HR Staffer

The Johnston School Committee is scheduled to meet tonight at 7 pm and select a new Human Resources Coordinator, among other agenda items.

VIDEO: Chafee Testifies at Johnston Town Council Meeting

At the Apr. 9 town council meeting, Gov. Lincoln Chafee asked for support of the bills he recently submitted to the General Assembly.

POLL: Should Dogs be Banned from Riding on Drivers' Laps?

State lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would put pets on the list of distractions for drivers in Rhode Island.

Council Shuts Down Club Bebeto

A Providence Police detective told the Johnston Town Council about known gang members going to the club, and residents testified about excessive noise.

News Brief: Council Gives OK to Chafee Municipal Reform Bills

Gov. Lincoln Chafee asked the Johnston Town Council on Monday night to support a group of bills he has submitted to the General Assembly.

Chafee to Attend Tonight's Johnston Town Council Meeting

Mayor Joseph Polisena announced this afternoon that Gov. Lincoln Chafee is expected to speak about his recent legislative proposals to ease state mandates on cities and towns.

Two Johnston Bars Up for Review

The business licenses of the Drunken Clam and Club Bebeto, both located on Greenville Avenue, are scheduled for review by the Johnston Town Council tonight.