News | Johnston Sun Rise

FIRST, THE TREES: Heavy equipment has been clearing the site; new condominiums are coming to 1767 Atwood Ave., and many neighborhood residents say they were caught off guard when the trees started to fall.

The trees along Atwood Avenue have been toppled, stripped and bundled like asparagus. New condominiums are coming to 1767 Atwood Ave., and many neighborhood residents say they were caught off … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/16/24

DELIVERY: Johnston pitcher Haley Boudreau deals on Tuesday.

Panthers keep winning

The Johnston softball team picked up a 6-1 win over visiting Narragansett on Tuesday during the team’s Senior Night. The Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the first and would … more

By ALEX SPONSELLER | 5/15/24

Huckle

Huckle is one of the cutest pups you'll ever see! He is one of a large litter of pups with Friends of Homeless Animals. There are both males and females available and yes, they are all this adorable! … more

5/15/24

DECORATED OFFICER:  Zeus, led in this photo by his handler Cranston Police Sgt. Gregg Bruno, “left a lasting impact on so many over the years and was responsible for the seizure of narcotics, firearms, and US currency,” according to CPD. He “also successfully tracked both criminals and missing persons. He was the star of many community demonstrations. He will be greatly missed!”

Sgt. Bruno on Zeus: ‘Suddenly the tables turned & I became the protector’

Now that I have finally had the chance to catch my breath, I would like to extend my most sincere appreciation and gratitude for the outpouring of support that my family and I have received during … more

5/15/24

FEMA deadline approaching: ‘Don’t delay, apply today’

Homeowners and renters in Kent, Providence and Washington counties who had damage from the severe storm and flooding that took place from Dec. 17-19, 2023, and Jan. 9-13, 2024, have just one … more

5/15/24

Learn365RI a political hot potato

Johnston is the only Ocean State municipality not participating in Gov. Dan McKee’s Learn365RI initiative. According to McKee’s Press Secretary Olivia DaRocha, “38 out of 39 … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/15/24

MISSED AT J&T'S: Longtime J&T’s Breakfast & Lunch waitress Crystal Vizcaino, of Johnston, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. She has three kids and the bills are piling up. She posed for photos with some of her beloved patrons and fellow waitresses at the George Waterman Road restaurant last week.

Fundraiser set for Johnston mom of 3 living with Stage 4 cancer

Crystal Vizcaino tried not to cry. She rubbed at an uncomfortable false eyelash while sitting in the back booth at J&T’s Breakfast & Lunch. Vizcaino’s used to waiting tables … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/10/24

And the winners are...

Gene Valicenti stepped from the evening news show he co-anchors on Channel 10 Thursday night to another show at Cheleo's Restaurant on Post Road Warwick where the Rotary Club of Warwick held its cash … more

5/10/24

Fox to succeed Howell as Beacon Communications publisher

Joy Fox will succeed John Howell as Beacon Communications publisher. “John has been at the helm for five decades,” Fox said Wednesday morning. “He’s … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/9/24

Panthers climbing standings

The Johnston boys volleyball team picked up a statement win when it held off Mt. Hope 3-1 (25-19/ 25-22/ 25-22/ 25-22) last week at home. Mt. Hope entered the matchup in third place in Division III … more

By ALEX SPONSELLER | 5/8/24

THE RACE BEGINS: There’s a Democratic Primary race emerging between two lifelong Johnston residents, Richard J. DelFino III, at left, and Andrew Dimitri, at right, for the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Frank Lombardo III, the Democrat who represented Johnston’s District 25 since 2010.

Two Johnston men declare run for D-25 state Senate seat

A pair of Johnston Democrats have announced their candidacy to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Frank Lombardo III, the Democrat who represented District 25 since 2010. So far, … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/8/24

Nebula

Nebula will captivate you with her ethereal beauty as indicated by her name! She is a two year old Tabby with a gorgeous striped coat of gray and chocolate brown. Her eyes speak for themselves, … more

5/8/24

Roland

Are you ready to get rollin', well so is Roland! This ten-month-old pup loves to run! He's got the supermodel legs to prove it too! Roland is a mixed breed with a beautiful brindle coat and a white … more

5/8/24

RIP ZEUS: Cranston Police Department announced the death of K-9 Zeus, who served the “department with great distinction, dedication and honor.”

Cranston Police K-9 Zeus crosses the rainbow bridge

He nabbed criminals on the lam, discovered the missing, took drugs and guns off the street and won the hearts of all those lucky enough to scratch him behind the ear. Law enforcement gathered Monday … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/7/24 | 1 comment

According to Johnston Police, investigators are seeking the public's help in locating Johnston 15-year-old Taya Scott, who has been missing since Wednesday, May 1, when she was last seen around 1 p.m. Police described her as 5’4″ tall, dark brown hair with red highlights, and wearing a gray hoodie and black sweatpants. “If you have any information on Taya's whereabouts, please contact (Johnston Police) Detective Rado at (401) 757-3123 or the Johnston Police Department at (401) 231-4210,” Johnston Police posted on their social media accounts. “Please share to spread the word and help bring Taya home safely.”

UPDATE: Missing Johnston teenager found safe

GREAT NEWS: Missing Johnston RI 15-year-old found safe UPDATE: Johnston Police Chief Mark A. Vieira: "I can confirm that runaway juvenile Taya Scott was located around 4:00 PM." more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/6/24 | 1 comment

JLL celebrates Opening Day

After multiple rainouts, Johnston Little League was finally able to celebrate its annual Opening Day festivities last Saturday. The day began with its parade, starting in the parking lot of Johnston … more

5/1/24

HONORED: Officer Mario Mennella of the Johnston Police Department received an Elwood Johnson Outstanding Service Award citation and pin from Special Olympics Rhode Island President and CEO Ed Pacheco during a recent department visit. Officer Mennella is one of 12 nominees for the statewide Elwood Johnson Outstanding Service Award. From left to right in the photo are: Johnston Police Chief Mark A. Vieira, Officer Mennella, and Pacheco.

JPD Officer Mario Mennella one of 12 nominated for first SORI award

Johnston Police Officer Mario Mennella has been nominated for the inaugural Elwood Johnson Outstanding Service Award. Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI) announced the nominees earlier this … more

Sun Rise Staff Reports | 5/1/24

SOLID BONES: Jessie Jacavone paid just over $1 million for his mill building, and plans to invest around $3 million in renovations. By May 2025 he hopes to be accepting rental applications for 15 single bedroom apartments and two double-bedroom flats — 17 units in all, with a gym and lounge.

Johnston native transforms empty factory, aims to reinvigorate Frog City

Jessie Jacavone wants to spark a Frog City resurgence. He walked around the second floor of his bare Johnston mill and imagined the 17 luxury apartments he plans to build within the next year. … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/1/24

R.I. ethics panel votes to investigate nepotism complaint against Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins

The state ethics panel has launched an investigation into Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins for alleged nepotism. The Rhode Island Ethics Commission’s 6-0 vote Tuesday comes in response to … more

By Nancy Lavin RHODE ISLAND CURRENT | 5/1/24

THE PLANS: The playground at Johnston's War Memorial Park has been fenced off for now. New equipment is coming that should make the playground more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Putting Johnston's Memorial Park into overdrive

Big changes are in the works at Johnston’s War Memorial Park. Several sections of the park are currently off-limits for visitors, as the pace of playground and splash pad construction … more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/26/24

May 17, 2024