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5/21/24

On Monday morning, eight Portsmouth High School seniors visited Portsmouth Nursery School, where they all “graduated” as 5-year-olds back in 2011. This year’s class of nursery school students raised $270 toward the June 5 Post Prom event for the Class of 2024. Here, PHS seniors pose with PNS students and faculty. Starting with the third person from left in the back row, they are (from left) Gracin Raposa, Kayla Parsons, Oliver Tibbets, Nick Spaner, Matt Nolan, Colm Dooley, Claire Hook, and Cole Swider. They are all wearing shirts representing the colleges and universities they will be attending next fall. They are flanked by teacher’s aid Kristie Labonte and head teacher Christy Renkawitz (left) and teacher’s aide Caroline Dooley (right).

In Portsmouth: Tiny tots help the big seniors

PORTSMOUTH — When Portsmouth High School seniors enjoy the fun and safety of their “Post Prom” on June 5, they’ll have some youngsters half their size to thank for helping to … more

By Jim McGaw | 5/21/24

A large patch of Native Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) replaced an area of turf grass lawn in the authors’ Barrington yard. The plant is an important nectar and pollen source for many native bees, especially bumblebees and long-tongued bees. It is a host plant for several native moths and a nectar source for butterflies. The prickly pads escape herbivore browsing but the fruits provide a nutrient rich meal for wild turkeys, deer, coyotes, and foxes. This native plant is rare and endangered in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Is it time to rethink the traditional lawn?

Spring is in the air, and so too are the noxious fumes and aural assault of overpowered lawn equipment. Bird song and children’s voices fill the air only to be abruptly halted by the roar of … more

By Cindy and Ed Moura | 5/21/24

Best 2023 Tournament Team Photo was awarded to team ‘Defiant,’ led by Eugene Burger, with some nice fluke caught by young anglers. This year, the Block Island Tournament is July 27 and 28.

Block Island fishing tourney is getting bigger every year

I t’s not too early to sign up for one of the summer’s most popular fishing events. “We are thrilled that the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament keeps growing. Last year … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 5/21/24

We’re approaching peak time for state budget debates

In a sure sign that the end of the General Assembly session is approaching, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has slated a budget caucus for Wednesday afternoon at the Statehouse. A … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/21/24

A powerful story of one of the nation’s worst natural disasters

In 1934, a predatory dust storm carried windblown shards of the Great Plains over much of the nation. In Chicago, 12 million tons of dust fell. … more

By Donna Bruno | 5/21/24

Aquidneck Island towns hosting hazard mitigation workshops

PORTSMOUTH — The towns of Portsmouth and Middletown, and the City of Newport, are developing the first ever multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Aquidneck Island. The … more

5/20/24

Letter: PAYT bags shouldn’t be part of curbside collection

To the editor: I’ve resided in Portsmouth since 1991. I loved using the transfer station and enjoyed the convenience of trashing on my schedule and in my way. Throw it in a bag, a box, or … more

5/20/24

Portsmouth Police deal with domestic assault, DUIs

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some recent arrests made by the Portsmouth Police Department: Tuesday, May 14 Freddie Valentin DeJesus, 41, of 93 Mason Ave., was charged with domestic violence … more

5/20/24

Stock photo of a Cane Corso, the same breed that was subject to a vicious dog hearing in Portsmouth on Thursday, May 16.

Three dogs deemed vicious following attack in Portsmouth

Three dogs owned by a Grain Terrace woman have been deemed vicious just over a month after they escaped from their yard and attacked a leashed dog that was being walked in the neighborhood. more

By Jim McGaw | 5/17/24

A crew from Waste Management makes the rounds Tuesday morning collecting trash left curbside in Portsmouth. The night before, the Town Council voted to award a curbside collection contract To MTG Disposal, LLC. The deal doesn’t affect the transfer station on Hedly Street. The council will issue a separate request for proposals for that operation and release it to bidders in December.

Portsmouth awards its first curbside collection contract

PORTSMOUTH — Taking another step toward establishing the town’s first municipal curbside trash collection program, the Town Council Monday night voted unanimously to award a contract … more

By Jim McGaw | 5/17/24

Nominations sought for Portsmouth Award

PORTSMOUTH — Know of a local individual or group you think is worthy of some praise for their community efforts? more

5/16/24

Portsmouth Times - Thursday, May 16, 2024

5/16/24

This relatively large electric bicycle would be banned from the East Bay Bike Path and other state bike paths if a current Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management bill becomes law this spring.

E-bikes bill allows some, bans others

The State of Rhode Island recently moved one step closer to a law that would regulate electric bicycles on all state properties, including bike paths. Passed by the full House of Representatives two … more

By Scott Pickering | 5/15/24

Portsmouth's provisional budget adds 40¢ to tax rate

PORTSMOUTH — The Town Council voted 5-1 Monday night to provisionally approve a $74,404,959 municipal budget for next fiscal year that would increase the current tax rate by about 3.15 … more

By Jim McGaw | 5/15/24

A story of a complicated relationship, with a shocking twist

Laurie Margolis, a 36-year-old advertising executive, and her mother, the highly respected physician, … more

By Donna Bruno | 5/15/24

An engaging story of relationships we all must face

A deeply moving book, “Hello Beautiful” focuses on the bond among the four close-knit Padavano sisters: the eldest Julia, the leader; … more

By Donna Bruno | 5/15/24

Good vibes and good times for the leaders of the House

STORY OF THE WEEK: Rhode Island House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski has a bit more gray hair these days, but his status as the heir-apparent to House Speaker Joe Shekarchi remains … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/15/24

Adam Tam of Worcester with a monster bluefish he caught in Greenwich Bay this week.

Anglers report the stripers are everywhere

Where’s the bite? Anglers are reporting fish in freshwater ponds, and all the bays, with striped bass, bluefish and tautog all heating up. more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 5/15/24

“I wake up pretty late; I have a hard time getting up,” says U.S. Presidential Scholar Maggie Lauder, whose loaded schedule keeps her pretty busy.

U.S. Presidential Scholar has her hands in nearly everything

PORTSMOUTH — Peruse Maggie Lauder’s résumé and you’ll find it filled to the brim with awards and recognitions. more

By Jim McGaw | 5/14/24

Letter: Don’t pull up the tracks — reconnect rail line

To the editor: I read with amusement the glee to pull up abandoned rail tracks in Tiverton to be replaced with a bike path to improve access to the Fall River MBTA station. It truly … more

5/13/24

Portsmouth Police deal with B&E, assault, weapons charges

PORTSMOUTH — Here are some recent arrests made by the Portsmouth Police Department: Tuesday, May 7 Kayvan Castellanos, 29, of 646 Bristol Ferry Road, Apt. 2, was charged with … more

5/13/24

Portsmouth High’s Barbara Rainey blasts a hit to centerfield during the Patriots’ 12-1 win over Barrington on May 7.

Portsmouth softball team on a tear, wins four straight games

PORTSMOUTH — Everything seems to be clicking right now for the Portsmouth High School softball team, which is on a four-game win streak. more

5/11/24

Maggie Lauder of Portsmouth has been named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Portsmouth High student named U.S. Presidential Scholar

PORTSMOUTH — A Portsmouth High School senior is one of only 161 across the country to be honored as a U.S. Presidential Scholar. more

5/10/24

Portsmouth Times - Thursday, May 9, 2024

5/9/24