EPA Grant + Turtle Sightings + Beach Openings

Good morning, Woonsocket!

Welcome to the Woonsocket Patch Daily — the quickest way to get caught up on the biggest news and events happening in town. I'm Annie Sandoli; I grew up in Central Massachusetts and have lived, worked, and studied in Boston for the last five years. I cover local stories in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Woonsocket! I hope you'll become a regular reader, and if you like what we're doing each day, spread the news!

In today's Daily, we share the latest news about Rebuild Woonsocket, COVID-19 vaccine totals in the state of Rhode Island, a drug bust by the FBI, and Rhode Island's National Merit Scholars.

First, today's weather:

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Temps: High of 73° & Low of 50° .

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has been selected to receive $300,000 to assess contaminated properties under the Brownfields Program. The funding will allow Rhode Island to perform work throughout the state with a focus on Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls. (EPA)

2. The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education is warning residents that rising temperatures are accompanied by an increase in turtle sightings in the roadways. Rhode Islanders are encouraged to help each turtle by picking it up with two hands on either side of its shell and gently placing it on the side of the road it was headed toward. (Patch)

3. A Rhode Island man has pleaded guilty to several interstate theft charges in connection with a crime ring responsible for stealing over $700,000 in equipment from businesses across New England. Jose A. Montes, 36, is scheduled to be sentenced in August. (Patch)

4. Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management announced that two state beaches in Narragansett, Scarborough North and Roger Wheeler, will open to the public this Saturday. Beach-goers are urged to purchase season and daily flex passes online or in advance. (Patch)

5. The Rhode Island Department of Health's latest COVID-19 statistics reveal a decline in cases statewide. However, Woonsocket has the most newly identified cases per capita. (The Providence Journal)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket:

• Millrace Music Series is hosting musician Kim Trusty for a free live set at Outdoor Dining at Dexter Plaza at 6 p.m. tonight. The event is family-friendly and open to the public. More information can be found here.
• Chan's Fine Oriental Dining is hosting Friday Karaoke from 8-11 p.m. The event is organized by WRIK Entertainment and is open to the public.

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured classifieds:

• Job Listing: Seasons Corner Market Now Hiring with Summer Bonus
• Job Listing: Assistant to the ex. director

You're all caught up on what's happening today in Woonsocket. We'll see you in your inbox tomorrow. Have a great day!

-Annie

About me: I grew up in Central Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Harvard University. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.