Community Corner

Editor's Notebook: Turbine, Safety Town, Bird Ball, Beach Closure, ALT, Lobster Disease Make for a Busy News Week

Missed some news cycles and looking to catch up from the last week? Here's what happened in Middletown for week ending Aug. 21, 2010.

News is certainly abundant this time of year, now that the Town Council is back from its brief summer hiatus, candidates are stepping out on the campaign trail, schools are gearing up for back-to-school, a wind turbine proposal is moving through the approvals process, and summer events and festivities are still going strong.

Missed some recent news cycles and need to catch up? Here's what happened in Middletown for week ending Aug. 21, 2010:

ARTS:

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Almost everyone keeps a running tally of summertime memories they want to create. With days getting shorter and our summer days numbered, what's on your list?

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

By Angela Lemire

Friday, August 20, 2010

Freebird Party-Goers to Have a Ball Saturday

The 7th Annual Bird Ball takes place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Saturday, Aug. 21. Tickets are $125 through Friday night and $150 the day of the event.

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

By Angela Lemire

Monday, August 16, 2010

Thousands of Collectors and the Curious Navigate Maze of Antiquities at Newport Antiques Show

The event, which kicked off Friday night with an elegant reception, welcomed thousands of guests from all over New England and beyond over the weekend.

By Jessica Walsh

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Free Latin Fusion Concert to Play Sweet Berry Farm Tuesday

The free outdoor concert takes place on the lawn. Dining options are also available.

By Angela Lemire


Business:

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

New Sig's Place Stops Traffic

At the urging of devoted loyal customers, the former Newport deli that closed in 2008 after an 80-year run recently reopened on Aquidneck Avenue.

By: Sarah Fernandez


Government:

Friday, August 20, 2010

No Longer Politics As Usual for Long-Standing GOP House Member

After a two-year absence, former Republican District 74 state Representative Bruce Long re-enters the political arena seeking one of the seven at-large Town Council seats, this time as an Independent candidate.

By Daniel Highet


Thursday, August 19, 2010

Blackout on DMV Written & CDL Tests Begins

Starting Aug. 19, DMV Middletown Branch customers will no longer take the Driver's License or CDL written tests in Pawtucket, due to the state DMV headquarters move to Cranston, which re-opens Aug. 25.

By Angela Lemire

Latest Samples Clear Atlantic Beach for Swimming Again

For the second time this summer, the Atlantic Beach Club Beach closed briefly Thursday, after a recent water sample showed elevated levels of bacteria commonly found in sewage.

By Angela Lemire


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Planning Board Tuesday night supported amendments to zoning laws to match the town's Comprehensive Plan that restricts wind turbine impacts to vistas, but the current proposal for a 294-foot structure off Paradise Road will be unaffected.

By Angela Lemire

Atlantic Beach Closed for Second Time This Summer

The Department of Health recommended closure of the beach for Thursday, Aug.18, the result of pollution from recent rains and storm drain run-off that cause high bacteria levels.

By Angela Lemire

ALT Awarded $1M to Help Save Wick's Nursery

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service awards $1 million to the Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) for conservation.

By Sandy McGee


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Thomas O'Loughlin, Middletown Public Works Director, said National Grid engineers aim to replace 3,000 to 5,000 feet of the utility company's gas main segments under Forest Avenue beginning next summer.

By Angela Lemire


Monday, August 16, 2010

Planners and Public Get First Look at Proposed Wind Turbine

Tuesday night's Planning Board meeting included a public hearing on the proposal to build a 30-story turbine on a hillside near Sachuest Point.

By Angela Lemire

 

OPINION

Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010

From the simple yet perfect corn-on-the-cob to the more adventurous Cha-Cha Corn Gazpacho, Jessica's seasonal corn suggestions stir the pot on this summer classic.

By Jessica Walsh

Almost everyone keeps a running tally of summertime memories they want to create. With days getting shorter and our summer days numbered, what's on your list?

By Angela Lemire


Thursday, August 19, 2010

August Loves Her Stuffies and Catnip

The Potter League adopted out 26 animals and small mammals last week, but still has 124 animals in its care.

By Sarah Fernandez


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Patch Gives Back to the Community

Patch editors from Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth volunteer their time Tuesday, working at a local senior center.

By Sandy McGee

Editor's Notebook: Patch Celebrates its 100th Site Launch

With the launch of Morristown, NJ, Patch turns 100.

By Angela Lemire


Public Safety

Click here to view the week's complete arrest log.

Monday, Aug.16, 2010

Frustrated Vernon Park Neighbors Vent Concerns

Newport and Middletown officials are working together to hear concerns from neighbors across town lines.

By Geoff Campbell

 

Schools

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Education Journey for Grade K Students Begins at "Safety Town"

Thanks to dedicated teen volunteers led by the Larcom Family, the 7th Annual Safety Town orientation for Grade K students opened Tuesday morning at Forest Avenue School and wraps up Friday with Graduation Day. 

By Sandra Phaneuf

 

Sports

Friday, August 20, 2010

Runners and Walkers Take on 5K Saturday for Island Charities

After a successful inaugural event last year, the "St. Columba's Run/Walk for the Island" returns Saturday. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is scheduled to present awards to the top finishers.

By Angela Lemire 


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Even the Blues Get the Blues

Some answers why Bluefish aren't around... And what does a bluefish look like, and how does the bluefish rate as a meal?

 By Ray Dutra


Monday, August 16, 2010

The following is a list of winners from this past weekend's Common Fence Point Race, which was held to benefit the PHS Booster Club.

By Sandy McGee

 

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