Water and Fire District Election is Wednesday

Of the Board's seven seats, the positions of one Water Commissioner and one Clerk are up for election.

Butts Hill Fort Plan on Council Docket

Built by American troops in 1776, it is an historic spot in American history, marking the center of the American line during the Battle of Rhode Island.

Report: No Tolls for Sakonnet River Bridge in State Budget

Details of the budget plan will be released on Thursday.

Portsmouth Council Votes 4-2 to Fix Turbine

Council members Elizabeth Pedro and David Gleason voted against the repairs, citing the potential it might break again.

Town Could put a Damper on Burn Permits

After a plea from a resident who said the smoke has been constant in recent weeks, the Town Council is thinking of ways to control the prevalence of open burns in Portsmouth.

Council to Discuss Broken Turbine on Tuesday

It is unclear how much the turbine will cost to fix — or how much it would cost to dismantle and scrap it.

Town Posts Tax Sale Notice for 50 Properties

Tax Sale will be June 17 at 11 a.m.

Ottiano Honored by State Nurses Association

Ottiano was honored for his "support and protecting the practice of nursing in Rhode Island," said Rhode Island State Nurses Association Executive Director Donna Policastro.

Vote on Sakonnet Tolls, Infrastructure Fund, Due Next Week

Lawmakers are still working the details on a major transportation and infrastructure bill that would halt tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge and channel tens of millions into road and bridge repairs.

Finn Sponsors Bill to Improve Broadband Access

The legislation (2014-H 8136) would create a special legislative commission to study broadband services and accessibility, with the goal of identifying ways to improve access to high-speed Internet.

Council Approves Provisional Budget that Raises Taxes 2.4 percent in 6-1 Vote

The budget now heads for a public hearing on June 10 at Portsmouth Middle School. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m.

Water Rates to Increase 29.8 Percent on Average

Officials said the increase is to pay for debt service for treatment plant repairs.

Melville Campground Could be Outsourced or Shuttered

Town Manager John C. Klimm said the campground isn't generating revenue for the town and the problem "needs to be fixed."

The Toll Saga: A History

Portsmouth Economic Development Chairman Ray Berberick paints a picture of the toll saga from years ago to today.

Should Residents Pay for Sandy Point Beach?

During a budget workshop on Monday, Town Council President James Seveny said that something should be done since the beach continually loses money.

Senate Committee Votes to Remove Sakonnet Tolls, Create Infrastructure Fund

The bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote and a companion bill in the House is expected to get out of committee, too, which should please commuters wary of the looming toll hike on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

Senate to Review Bill Revoking Tolls, Creating Infrastructure Fund, Tonight

Bill's Sponsor Louis P. DiPalma said he expects the committee will approve the bill and report it out to the full senate.

Citing Health Reasons, Darlington Resigns from RIBTA Board

"It's time for me to take a break from the 20 years of public service given to the state of Rhode Island and give more attention to my health," he said.

Susan Lerch Joins Portsmouth's Finance Department

The town has a new Deputy Finance Director.

Ottiano Bill to Tighten Prescription Abuse Monitoring gets Senate Committee OK

The bill, S-2523, would require medical professionals to register with the state's Prescription Monitoring Program in order to get a controlled substance registration.

Portsmouth Council to Review Liquor Incidents

Both incidents occurred in March and relate to employees inside the premises past closing time.

Should Your State Legalize Pot?

With the economical benefits of legalized marijuana working for Colorado, is your state the next in line?

Tolls, Web Sites, Marketing Plans on EDC Agenda Tonight

The town's EDC has a packed agenda tonight (April 23).

AG Rules Portsmouth Council Violated Open Meetings Act

The violation occurred during an Oct. 29 Town Council meeting.

Proposed 2015 Budget Now Online

Budget calls for a 2.40 percent tax increase over the prior levy.

Town Administrator Proposes 2.4 Percent Tax Increase

Preliminary budget reflects town's continue financial stresses, especially in regards to pensions and Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB).

DEM Cautions Town of Development on Former Dump Property

Town officials say not to worry — no plans have been submitted yet.

DEM Accepting Applications for Pump-Out Facilities

The DEM, in a release, said it has money available for projects to construct, replace, retrofit and maintain marine pump-out boats as well as land based pump-out facilities.

Finn Bill would Entice Angel Investors with Tax Benefits

Under current law, investors can get state tax benefits for investing in startups, but only if they are part of “certified venture capital partnerships” consisting of three or more partners.

Canario named Deputy Majority Leader

Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton rep tapped for leadership role on new Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello's leadership team.

Bristol Ferry Road Diet Workshop Tonight

Should lanes be eliminated on Bristol Ferry Road?

Edwards Tapped for Majority Whip Post

Portsmouth and the East Bay has some representation higher up in the House of Representatives thanks to some leadership shuffling.

Gallison to Head House Finance Committee

The new Speaker of the House, Nicholas Mattiello, announced that Portsmouth and Bristol Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. will lead the House Finance Committee.

Sakonnet Toll Deadline Extension Heads to Governor's Desk

Lawmakers will have until May 15 to decide on the fate of tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

School Committee Approves $37.9m Budget

Budget eliminates 12 staff positions.

Portsmouth Gets $38K to Improve Public Housing

The state will get a total of $12.6 million to upgrade public housing.

House to Review Tolls, Road Fund on Tuesday

Bill would create infrastructure fund by diverting revenue sources from elsewhere and prevent tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

New Property Valuation Notices Hit the Mail on Friday

The valuation process is complete and notices should be hitting Portsmouth mailboxes next week.

Portsmouth Will Put Town Check Register Online

Did the town pay that bill? Soon, you can check for yourself.

Big Support for Removing Sakonnet River Bridge Toll

The bridge connects Tiverton and Portsmouth.