🌱 Patch AM: Could new Smithfield rules clip your backyard chicken plans?

And check out Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Mega Sample Sale on the Smithfield Patch calendar

By Patch AM Team, Patch Staff

Oct 11, 2026 2:23 AM EDT

Sunday October 11th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Smithfield! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

Could new Smithfield rules clip your backyard chicken plans?
Which Smithfield and North Smithfield teams dominated Friday's scoreboards?
Why was a Smithfield man linked to a 41-year-old URI case?

Also on today's calendar: Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Mega Sample Sale and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Sunday: Some rain in the afternoon, with a high of 62 and low of 54 degrees.
Monday: Some rain in the morning, temps: high: 70, low: 51.
Tuesday: Some sun, then clouds, with a high of 63 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Smithfield Zoning Board Members Seek Tighter Backyard Chicken Rules (upriseri.com) — Backyard chicken rules in Smithfield may soon get stricter, with zoning board members discussing a three-hen limit on smaller lots, 25-foot setbacks from property lines, and tougher waste and rodent controls. While no vote was taken, their recommendations will go to the town planner, then the Planning Board and Town Council, potentially reshaping how many residents can keep chickens at home.

• Looking for RI high school scores from Friday's games. Here they are (providencejournal.com) — High school teams from Smithfield and nearby North Smithfield turned in strong performances in Friday's Rhode Island games, including a 5–0 Smithfield win over West Warwick and an 8–4 North Smithfield victory over Scituate. The roundup also highlights standout players, goalie stats, and upcoming matchups across the state, giving local fans a quick way to track rivals and friends.

• In the News… Quick Recap of the News of the Week ending October 9, 2026 (rinewstoday.com) — A Smithfield man's arrest in a decades-old URI sexual assault and murder case is among the many Rhode Island headlines in this week's news recap. The roundup also touches on hospital labor disputes, airport recognition, school changes, federal grants, national politics, global conflicts, major weather, and notable passings, giving residents a broad snapshot of what's happening beyond town lines.

📸 Around Smithfield

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Smithfield

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Fashion Jewelry & Accessory Mega Sample Sale →
Just Julez Inc., 105 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston
11:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Smithfield Prevention Coalition Meeting →
Smithfield RI
7:30 am
Field Hockey Senior Night (In Cafeteria)
Smithfield Senior High School Smithfield, RI 02917
5:00 pm
October Softball Tournament
SHS Softball Field
8:00 am
SHS Sentinel Showcase
Smithfield Senior High School Smithfield, RI 02917
6:00 pm
SHS Fall Concert (HOLD)
SHS auditorium
5:00 pm
Truck or Treat at LaPerche
Raymond C. LaPerche School, 11 Limerock Rd, Smithfield
5:30 pm
Lauren King at The Trap North →
The Trap North, 10 Smith Ave, Smithfield
4:00 pm

📣 Smithfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Adult/Junior Tennis - SCWTF (Greenville, RI) →
Rally Point Racquet Club, 15 Church St, Greenville
4:30 pm
Columbus Day - No School
North Providence Providence, RI 02904
Harmony Café – Manville, RI →
Harmony Cafe, 47 Summer St, Manville
7:00 pm
Board of Canvassers
Glocester Town Hall
10:00 am
$20 Airsoft Tuesday →
Battlegroundz, 100 Higginson Ave, Lincoln
5:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Smithfield PatchAM possible:

Constantin Floors corp — (401) 999-0199

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Customer Service Rep(03996) - 375 PUTNAM PIKE in Smithfield. Apply here.
Rocky's Ace Hardware posted a job opening for Assistant Manager - Greenville in Greenville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithfield here.

🗞 Nearby News

Lincoln

Lincoln Sets Hearing on 28-Unit Wilbur Road Housing (upriseri.com)
From spending time with RI School of the Deaf students, to rolling past Mount Pleasant, the Lincoln High football team succeeded when it came to hitting all the high notes (woonsocketcall.com)
Pawtucket Council Seeks Truck Parking Enforcement (upriseri.com)

North Providence

Here's what happened on a busy Thursday night of RI high school sports (providencejournal.com)
What's the most expensive property sold in RI? Oct. 10 real estate transactions (providencejournal.com)
Meet the TikTok mom who knows how to 'talk dirty' to Rhode Islanders (bostonglobe.com)

Ok Smithfield! 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: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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