Also: Man driving tow truck pulling forklift charged with DUI; a crash so loud, it could be heard from 2 miles away; Tiverton official dies.
Here are the Top 10 most popular stories and posts from around Rhode Island Patch sites last week.
The decision to cancel the Calamari Festival was made as the expected tropical storm has turned into a category one hurricane.
Officer Kevin O'Connor has been with the Narragansett Police Department for 13 years and will have lots of new responsibilities in the role.
Manatees, often called sea cows typically prefer warmer waters, like off the coast of Florida. But the sea mammal was spotted in a RI pond.
Also: Learn about Newport and China's historic connection through art; how much owning a dog costs in RI; recognition of a community leader.
Also: Couple recognized for helping people with disabilities; community leader fosters love of theater in children; National Cinema Day.
Also: Gov. McKee leading trade mission to the Dominican Republic; two win scholarships worth $320,000; man accused of molesting child; more.
Also: Man facing five child molestation charges; girl scout wins $10,000 scholarship; fixes coming to Coventry roads; a new Shake Shack.
Also: Dangerous heatwave on the way; Blessing of the Fleet prep; fun events this weekend; a dance award; beautiful homes hit the market.
This event features a parade of decorated commercial and recreational boats. A local clergyman blesses each vessel as they pass the beach.
Noted "apologetics" speaker and author from New York City to facilitate event
Portuguese Men-of-war have long, trailing tentacles and a painful sting. Purple flags are being flown to warn beachgoers of their presence.
Also: Man convicted of assaulting father and son business owners; flash flood watch; free Slurpee; some value homes hit the market in RI.
The Rhode Island Department of Health recommended the closures because of high bacteria levels making it unsafe to swim.
According to the National Safe Boating Council, in 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard recorded 4,040 recreational boating crashes and 658 deaths.
Retired UFD Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Quinn was honored for his service and dedication to the fire department, even after retirement.
Lindsay Moricas of Narragansett received the Gold Award after completing her project "Bridging the Gaps Between Community and Nature."
Narragansett police released some tips to remind the community that safe roads this summer will require cooperation from everyone.
Also: Man convicted of killing gang rival at school bus stop; duplex fire displaces seven people; arson; Cranston among best family cities.
Rhode Island Lottery officials say the South Kingstown man plans to use the lottery earnings to pay bills.
Also: Dilapidated Newport mansion getting demolished; the state of PFAS in Rhode Island; One beach safe for swimming and a pond unsafe.
Narragansett police officers are now required by department policy to wear a body-worn camera at all times during their shift.
Retired Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Quinn represented South Kingstown and Rhode Island at the national conference in Arlington, Virginia.
Gold Award recipient Keely Grady designed and built a fairy garden, made a sign, and built fencing using materials that she found in nature.
Federal and local officials will host the United Against Hate Workshop at the Prout School on May 31 for a discussion on preventing hate.
Rhode Island's "secret beach" has some of the bigger waves on Block Island and is usually much less crowded than other spots nearby.
Also: New affordable homes being built locally with state money; more learning outside of school; Providence's teacher of the year named.
Anna Kelly's Gold Award project "Peer-to-Peer Program in Middle School" helps students assist others in finding mental health resources.
Also: Local middle school wins science state championship; a child molestation indictment; police mental health training; cool houses; more.
See the different types of mental health training and strategies Narragansett police have been implementing over the last few years.
Saturday, May 20th at Green Kenyon Cemetery
Lucky Rhode Island anglers who catch a golden trout during the free fishing weekend will be given a free golden trout pin
Residents can drop off tablets, pills, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs, along with vaping devices.
Also: Man accused of drunken driving with child in car; $8.5 million mansion hits market; ruptured wastewater pipe causes delays; more.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held annually during the second week of April to honor telecommunications personnel.