Stories | Johnston Sun Rise

CONGRATULATIONS PETE: In this 2017 file photo, Pete Fontaine was presented with a special commendation by Town Councilman Robert Civetti. He was recognized for doing a “great job for the Town of Johnston and the athletes of the town at all levels,” he was honored for his coverage of events of all kinds. That same year, Fontaine was inducted into the Johnston High School Hall of Fame.

PETE FONTAINE (1946-2024) Ink in his veins, heart on his sleeve

Pete Fontaine died an hour after deadline last week. Although he had submitted his final byline several weeks earlier, the Johnston Sun Rise’s faithful freelancer held on until the last pages of the paper were on the presses. The man had ink in his veins. more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/4/24

JUST THE FACTS: Led by Johnston native Christopher B. Frenier, Probation & Parole Supervisor for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC), the FACT (Fostering Alternative Choices and Thinking) program has been going strong for close to a decade. They spoke to Johnston eight-graders two weeks ago, and Cranston West high schoolers last week.

Ex-prisoners deliver strong dose of reality to Johnston eighth-graders

Alex Snow loomed large in the prison yard. On a recent Friday morning, he looked even bigger in the Johnston High School auditorium. In prison, Snow cultivated the friends he needed to watch his … more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/4/24

RETIRING TOGETHER: (Top) Joe Ferro (left) and Michael Regine (right) outside the restaurant in which they’ve put a collective 104 years of work.

Staff, customers are like family

After a combined 104 years serving customers, two managers at Twin Oaks Restaurant are finally retiring. Managers Joe Ferro and Mike Regine worked their last shifts in December before both … more

By KEVIN FITZPATRICK | 1/10/24

Stillman creates another classic “Play Within a Concert”

Judith Stillman’s name is known throughout the music world as an outstanding pianist, accompanist and collaborator. From her “home” at Rhode Island College, she has travelled … more

By Don Fowler | 3/13/24

How they kept peace on College Hill

STORY OF THE WEEK: Pro-Palestinian protests at Brown University came to a peaceful end last week – a contrast to the mass arrests and disorder seen on many campuses across the country. Isabella … more

5/8/24

What will be political fallout from bridge closure?

STORY OF THE WEEK : The emergency closing of the westbound part of the Washington Bridge put Gov. Dan McKee — and how he performs during a crisis — under a microscope. McKee was initially … more

12/20/23

Will annual budget deficits become the norm again?

STORY OF THE WEEK: The Rhode Island General Assembly returned to business last week, with the usual feeling of something akin to students returning to the classroom for the first day of school. House … more

1/10/24

HIGH SEAS TO THE FRONT PORCH: Cranston Police are warning of package thefts during the holiday season. They offered a few tips to help protect residents from a “porch pirate” and published this image depicting a would-be package thief.

Porch Pirates yearn to plunder ye sugarplum packages

Rhode Island’s pirates have evolved, crawling from the sea onto land and up your front porch steps. More than 300 years ago pirates spent their summers trolling the shores of New England, … more

By RORY SCHULER and JOHN HOWELL | 11/29/23

Charlie Hall

12/20/23

Breachway exhibit guitar-driven pop music with new EP

A lot of things have changed since Noah Barreto and his old Warwick based alt-rock band Public Alley shocked the local scene by winning WBRU’s Rock Hunt back in 2015. Sadly that radio station … more

By ROB DUGUAY | 3/13/24

PACKAGE DELAYED: These images of the Amazon construction site in Johnston, after sunset, were captured by a drone piloted by Trevor Bryan, an FAA Licensed and insured drone pilot, the owner and operator of New England Aerial Services, on Sept. 21, 2022. The illuminated project has been taking shape on the Hartford Avenue hill overlooking Johnston, but its opening date has now been pushed to late 2024.

Amazon renegotiates tax deal with Johnston

Since Amazon has not yet opened for business in Johnston, the mega-retailer has invoked a costly construction clause in its contract with the town. Over the past few months, the company … more

By RORY SCHULER | 4/10/24

Workshop outlines wind farm’s cable path

Dave Lussier, President of The Better Bay Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing boating safety in Rhode Island Waters underscored the significance of proactive communication with … more

5/1/24

Charlie Hall

12/13/23

THE FLOCK: Drake Patten shepherds a small flock of Leicester Longwool sheep. Her Johnston Historical Society talk will be called “Woolen-u-like to talk about it? The history and tradition of fiber farming on a small Rhode Island Farm.”

From every fiber of their beings

After morning chores at Hurricane Hill Farm, owner Drake Patten took a moment to appreciate her surroundings. “What draws the eye is the sheer beauty of the place — its woodlands and … more

By RORY SCHULER | 3/13/24

Wentworth’s legacy lives on at Rhythm & Roots

It was a sad day last week when we learned of the death of Rhythm and Roots founder Chuck Wentworth. I first met Chuck when he was in partnership with the original Cajun & Bluegrass Festival … more

By DON FOWLER | 5/8/24

What's playing this week

Warwick Showcase THE FALL GUY * * * (Romcom With Stunts Galore) Ryan Gosling stars as movie stunt man, Colt Seavers, the title character who takes the falls for movie star Tom … more

5/8/24

Wonder of the World

The Players at the Barker Playhouse closes its 150th mainstage season with “Wonder of the World.” It’s a quirky play that takes the audience on a wild and whimsical journey filled … more

Theatre Review by IDA ZECCO | 5/15/24

Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for March 15, 2024

Latest bridge news, nuggets ahead of the Centurion public hearing, and Smiley talks issues. It’s just a matter of time until Opening Day. You can follow me through the week on … more

3/20/24

Proclamation Ale hosts a night of laughs for RI Rescue

When it comes to purchasing a pet to bring into your home, it’s always best to do so through an animal rescue organization. These friendly creatures usually come to these places from dangerous … more

By ROB DUGUAY | 5/8/24

A PROUD COACH: Bishop Hendricken head basketball coach Jamal Gomes holds up Joe Mazzulla’s jersey in the gym where Mazzulla spent his high school days playing.

As Celtics playoff run continues, Gomes looks back on coaching Coach Mazzulla

Once he saw him play, Jamal Gomes decided pretty quickly that he wanted 14- year old Joe Mazzulla on his team. “It didn’t take long to figure out what type of person and what type of … more

By ADAM ZANGARI | 5/8/24

May 20, 2024