Flo Jonic

RI Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.8 Percent

Flo Jonic — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:55:50 +0000

Rhode Island’s unemployment rate took a healthy drop in April. But the state is still a long way from restoring all the jobs lost to the recession.

Rhode Island’s April unemployment rate was 8.8 percent. That’s three tenths of one percent lower than in March and the lowest rate in four-and-a-half years. Charles Fogarty, director of the state Department of Labor and Training, attributes the decline to increased consumer confidence.

RI State Police Remember Those Who Died in the Line of Duty

Flo Jonic — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:36:14 +0000

As the Rhode Island State Police took a moment to remember those who died in the line of duty, they also paused to honor trooper Roupen Bastajian who rushed to help survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Every year, Rhode Island state police gather to remember the seven troopers killed in the line of duty since the agency was founded in 1925. But this year, a trooper who’s very much alive was honored as well. Trooper Roupen Bastajian received the State Police service ribbon for aide he rendered at the Boston Marathon bombings.

Johnston Man Sentenced to Life in Prison

Flo Jonic — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:36:38 +0000

A former Johnston man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his common-law wife. Donald Greenslit was also sentenced to the maximum allowed by law for several lesser crimes.

A jury found Donald Greenslit guilty of murder, following a nine-day trial in March. Prosecutors argued that on January 22, 2012 Greenslit murdered Stacie Dorego, his common-law wife. He tried to hide the crime by dismembering the her body and burning it in a fireplace in the basement. The victim’s two children were present at the time of the murder.

Westerly Starts Spraying for Mosquitos

Flo Jonic — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:32:53 +0000

Westerly residents may be awakened to the sounds of helicopters overhead Thursday morning. Continuing a practice begun in 1997, the town of Westerly is conducting aerial spraying against mosquitos.

The targeted areas are portions of Chapman Swamp and the swamp area adjacent to Hespar Drive.

The town uses Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium which prevents larval mosquitoes from developing into adults. The state Department of Environmental Management says it safe to humans and the environment.

Spraying begins Thursday at 7:00am and continues through 2:00pm.

Former Brown President Simmons Honored by French Government

Flo Jonic — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:28:03 +0000

Former Brown University president Ruth Simmons is being honored by the French government for her contributions to the advancement of French arts and culture.

Brown has been named Chevalier in the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. The award is the highest decoration offered by the French government.

Simmons is not only fluent in French but has written about French-speaking authors and poets.

Moderate Party's Ken Block Taking Hard Look at RI Gov Race

Flo Jonic — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:37:33 +0000

Rhode Island Moderate Party leader Ken Block is weighing a second run for governor. Block said he will announce in the not-too-distant future whether he’s in the race.

In 2010, Moderate Party founder Ken Block, with virtually no statewide name recognition, garnered 6.5 percent of the vote in the race for governor. Block is hinting he’s going to make another gubernatorial run in 2014.

Providence Tax Preparer Found Guilty of Tax Evasion

Flo Jonic — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:21:35 +0000

The owner of Providence tax preparation company has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for tax evasion and for continuing to operate his business in violation of a court order. The company – known as “Refunds Now Inc.” -- first came under the federal radar in 2010.

RI National Guard Members Honored for Their Service in Vietnam

Flo Jonic — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:52:47 +0000

Vietnam veterans were honored at a Statehouse ceremony marking the 52^nd anniversary of the start of the war. One unit was singled out for recognition.

During the Vietnam War only a handful of National Guard troops were called up to serve in combat roles. Rhode Island National Guard’s 107^th Signal Company was one of them. Warner Dauphinee of Scituate remembers the 12 month tour of duty this way:

“I didn’t want to be there. It was hot, uncomfortable,” said Dauphinee, “not a place I’d ever vacation that’s for sure.”

Rhode Island Court Advocacy Program will Close Mondays

Flo Jonic — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:13:31 +0000

This will be one of the last Mondays in which advocates accompany victims of domestic violence to court. The domestic violence court advocacy program is closing on Mondays because of state budget cuts. State support for victims of domestic violence has been on the decline for six years.

Westerly Prepares for Summer After Superstorm Sandy

Flo Jonic — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:50:48 +0000

The town of Westerly is close to fulfilling its promise to rebuild the Misquamicut Beach area by Memorial Day. The town has made great strides since Superstorm Sandy left a path of destruction last fall.

It’s not perfect yet, but Misquamicut Beach looks a lot better than it did six-and-a-half months ago. Tons of sand the storm dumped on Atlantic Avenue have been put back on the beach, sand dunes have been restored and shopkeepers are making repairs. Jennifer Cordier of Hartford, Connecticut visited the beach Sunday and was pleasantly surprised.