Stories | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Letter: Close loopholes — preserve Little Compton's future

The Tuesday, January 7 Little Compton Planning Board meeting gave a glimpse into a proposed major subdivision on a 26-acre parcel in Little Compton. The engineer and attorney for the property owner … more

1/14/25

This map shows the location of a proposed four-home, six-lot development on West Main Road in Little Compton.

Prominent Little Compton family proposes major development

Representatives of a family that owns nearly 80 acres of land off West Main Road in Little Compton pitched a new major subdivision to the town's planning board last week. Engineer Bill Smith and … more

By Christian Silvia | 1/14/25

Mt. Hope's Eli Francis (top) won both of his matches at 126 pounds in the Huskies' Division I wrestling tri-meet against Cranston West and Bishop Hendricken.

Mt. Hope wrestlers split recent matches locally, in New Jersey

The Mt. Hope High School wrestling squad had a typical busy week, with outings locally as well as taking a trip to New Jersey. The Huskies split their most recent Division I matches, besting … more

By Mike Rego | 1/14/25

The "Made in Warren" artist cooperative located in the Tavares Building on Main Street in town opened the doors to the studio on Saturday morning, Jan. 11. Not only did the 39 members of MIW debut a reimagined look inside their storefront, they did so to start the group's milestone 10th year in operation.

'Made in Warren' continues to wow, celebrates 10th year reopening

It was an even more notable beginning of the new year for the "Made in Warren" artist cooperative located in the Tavares Building on Main Street in town when members opened the doors to the studio on … more

By Mike Rego | 1/14/25

Pictured is a speed camera used in a nearby community. Barrington officials are considering installing speed cameras to slow down traffic near Barrington Schools.

Barrington Town Council wants safer roads, considering speed cameras

Barrington officials moved one step closer to installing speed cameras on local roads in an effort to slow speeding cars and improve pedestrian safety. At their meeting on Monday night, … more

By Josh Bickford | 1/14/25

Amy Allen (1798–1877)  Though little is known about her life, her last will and testament offers a rare example of a woman writing a will in the 1800s, a time when it was uncommon for women to do so. In her will, she directed her nephew, Eli Lawton, to purchase a gravestone for her own grave and to provide a gravestone for her sister, Hannah, who died at 13 months old in 1807. Hannah's body was moved to the cemetery in the 1840s, with the stone being placed in 1877—nearly 70 years after her death.

Say their name, give them life

Unearthing some of the stories buried at Linden Grove — these are six of the 1,250 souls that rest here. more

1/13/25

Erik Vendt holds up his three Olympic medals. He won silver in 2000 and 2004 for the 400-meter individual medley, and won a gold as part of the legendary 2008 mens team that won 8 gold medals. Vendt was part of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay team that won gold.

East Providence swimmers dive into the mindset of an Olympian

Three-time Olympian swimmer Erik Vendt brought his Olympic medals to Pods Swimming in East Providence for a meet and greet, and a lesson on what it takes to succeed in the pool and in life. more

By Ethan Hartley | 1/13/25

Westport election update: Who's running?

Prospective candidates for town office have until Friday, Feb. 14, to get their nomination papers from the town clerk, and until Tuesday, Feb. 18, to return them with a minimum of 50 signatures from … more

1/13/25

Letter: The cost of Conservation in Little Compton

As a town, Little Compton has done a remarkable job of preserving farmland and open space. After having our first child, Little Compton was high on my wife’s and my list due to its rural … more

1/13/25

Icy education in Westport

There was no emergency. But if there had been, fire department members would have been ready to go. Dressed in day-glow exposure suits and carrying ice sleds, a drone and infrared equipment, … more

1/13/25

Multiple guns found in vehicle after traffic stop in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — A 39-year-old Central Falls man faces multiple charges after police said they found “multiple firearms” and a narcotic following a traffic stop on Saturday, Jan. … more

1/13/25

Portsmouth High School’s Sean Gray (far right) set a new PHS indoor track record in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 8:41.75 at the Yale High School Classic in New Haven, Conn. on Saturday.

Portsmouth boys’ indoor track team tie for first in division

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth High School boys’ varsity indoor track team finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Dwyer Division after its regular season ended on Jan. 8. … more

1/13/25

Real Estate Beyond the Single-Family Home Purchase

As a real estate advisor, I’ve spent years helping others find their dream homes, but in 2024, I took a bold step toward becoming a mini real estate mogul. It all started when I stumbled upon a … more

By Kim Marion | 1/13/25

Zoe Sylvain (mid-left) and Jenna Egbe (mid-right) block a Holbrook pass with Julia George (left) and Kylie Hazel (right).

Holbrook comes back to beat Westport 42-31 in league

Holbrook scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to overpower the Westport girls' basketball team 42-31 during a Mayflower Athletic Conference home game on Friday night. The loss drops the Wildcats … more

Story and photos by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 1/13/25

The owners of Rhody Roots on Main Street in Warren say they've shared modestly in gains garnered by the local hospitality industry since the Washington Bridge closure calamity struck the East Bay in December 2023.

Bristol County establishments gain $6 million during bridge closure crisis

As one might expect, the sudden and henceforth sustained closure for the past 13 months of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge connecting the East Bay, as well as southeastern Massachusetts, … more

By Mike Rego | 1/13/25

Lola Silva set two new Mt. Hope High School girls' indoor track records Saturday, Jan. 11, as part of the 55 meter shuttle relay team and individually in the long jump. The latter bettered her own previous mark in the event.

Mt. Hope's Silva, Jackson have record-setting days in indoor track

It was a record-setting day for some Mt. Hope High School indoor track and field athletes who participated in the World Trophies Invitational held Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Providence Career and Tech … more

By Mike Rego | 1/13/25

Barrington High School dismissing early due to water main break

A water main break on Lincoln Avenue on Monday morning, Jan. 13, is forcing school officials to send Barrington High School students home two hours early. Barrington High School Principal … more

1/13/25

Bristol fencer medals in New Hampshire tournament

Aidan White, son of Ellen and Andy White, recently took home a silver medal at a Division III competition at Seacoast Fencing Club in Rochester, New Hampshire. White, a junior at the Providence … more

By Christy Nadalin | 1/13/25

This summer, boaters with have the use of a vastly new and improved boat ramp at Independence Park. In the meantime, this sign directs boaters to ramps at State Street, Colt State Park, and Mount Hope.

Ramp construction to begin this week

Nothing quite like northeasterly gusts carrying subzero windchill temperatures ashore to turn one’s thoughts fondly to the boating season. But that’s exactly what East Coast Construction, … more

By Christy Nadalin | 1/13/25

Bristol novelist’s latest work released

Bristol resident and novelist Elizabeth Splaine was, in her past career, an opera singer. Before that, she worked in healthcare. Then, as she tells it, she became a writer organically — and … more

By Christy Nadalin | 1/13/25

Bristol Police: stolen clothes, peering in windows

Monday, Dec. 30 A woman on St. Elizabeth St. reported that her boyfriend assaulted her at 10:42 p.m. Rescue was requested on site and both parties were separated for the night. A caller on … more

1/13/25

Letter: Hotel wetlands permit granted without merit

To the editor: As described by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the proposed hotel development will alter and disturb 4,717 square feet of swamp and 45,200 square … more

1/13/25

Letter: Is RI Energy taking advantage of its customers?

To the Editor: If you receive a monthly billing statement from RI Energy you will want to continue reading. I believe you will find this letter an interesting read. You may even want to follow … more

1/13/25

Applications for Bristol’s homestead exemption accepted through March 15

The Town of Bristol has introduced an owner-occupied tax rate in 2025 to benefit property owners who live in their homes. To qualify, the homeowner or spouse must be a registered voter in Bristol; … more

1/13/25

Daughter Lee Terra places the crown of honor on her mom, Gilda Botelho Louro, who celebrated her 100th birthday on New Year’s Day.

Celebrate a century!

Turning 100 years of age on New Year’s Day, local resident Gilda Botelho Louro was the guest of honor at a well-organized birthday party at the Lobster Pot Restaurant with a number of family … more

By Manuel C. "Manny" Correira | 1/13/25