Jacquelyn Moorehead

Lincoln

Staff Writer at The Valley Breeze

Staff Writer for the Valley Breeze & Observer, Covering Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and Glocester, RI

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Articles

Glocester residents overwhelmingly support 4 percent increase

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

GLOCESTER – Town residents on Tuesday approved a fiscal year 2025-2026 budget of $34.5 million, which added the maximum 4 percent increase allowed by state law. Council President Will Worthy said he was excited to see voters came out to approve the budget, including an increase of $380,938, or 4 percent. In total, the new budget will create a tax rate of $14.22 per $1,000 on residential property, $17.06 for commercial property, and $28.50 on tangible property. “It passed with flying colors.
Smithfield recycles most in Observer territory

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SMITHFIELD – This town is performing better than its neighbors on recycling, according to Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. data, sending less trash per household to the landfill. In total, Rhode Islanders delivered 72,691 tons of recyclable materials, including 62,997 tons of composted materials, 4,446 tons of scrap metal, 1,007 tons of clothing and 6,120 tons of other recycling. There were 29,726 tons of rejected recycled material.
Smithfleld development leads to flooding

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SMITHFIELD – An analysis of flooding caused by the development Deer Run Estates will cost the town nearly $90,000 to investigate, with the owner no longer involved. Last week, the Smithfield Town Council approved spending $89,430 of capital reserve funds to analyze flooding caused by the development off Clark Road. Town Engineer Joshua Jelley said the study will look at some flooding in the development, but mainly will address abutting properties on Greenwood Lane, Clarke Road and Whitney Drive.
Overbook purchase over for Smithfield, new purchaser

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SMITHFIELD – After an extensive investigation following the collapse of the town’s purchase of Overbrook Academy, and the potential purchase by a new buyer, town officials say they’re evaluating a future course of action. The council noted that Overbook Academy owner Ocean Pastoral Center Inc., pulled out of a purchase agreement with the town on April 30, a day after the council unanimously agreed to purchase the property for $5.3 million.
Tree clearing on Route 116 makes way for new headquarters

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SMITHFIELD – Two tree-clearing projects along Route 116 in Smithfield have recently drawn significant attention. Work was recently completed on a parcel located just before the intersection of Routes 116 and 5. DiGregorio Corporation owner Enrico DiGregorio said he purchased the property about three years ago to relocate his construction company from its present location at 23 Business Park Drive. He said the business has outgrown the space it’s occupied for the past 20 years.
Council will borrow town funds to fix leaky roof at Callahan Elementary

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

BURRILLVILLE – The Burrillville Town Council has decided to essentially borrow $2.4 million from the town to repair some holes on the Callahan Elementary School roof, a year before the planned issuance of a $6 million school repair bond. Last week, the council unanimously agreed to borrow the money to partially replace the roof at CES. Town Manager Michael Wood said the council requested that the item be placed on the agenda and for the town not to wait another year to replace the roof.
Grants pay for safety measures at Howland Barn

2 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SCITUATE – The historic Howland Barn, 37 Ryefield Road, headquarters for Hope Associates, will continue to be preserved thanks to two grants to install fire detection and security systems. The projects are funded through the 1772 Foundation and Preserve Rhode Island grants to provide a safe environment for the Hope Associates, and to ensure the safety and preservation of the Hope Historical Society’s physical and digital archive collection, according to Mary Morse of the Hope Associates.
Smithfield council picks Seltzer in contentious decision

3 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SMITHFIELD – In a split decision down party lines, the Town Council on Tuesday appointed interim Town Manager Robert Seltzer to the permanent position. Republican councilors said they found the process lacking transparency. The council voted 3-2 to appoint Seltzer to the permanent position, which will pay $156,000 annually. Democrats John Tassoni, Angelica Bovis and Thomas Winfield voted to appoint Seltzer, while Republicans Rachel Toppi and Michael Iannotti voted against.
Smithfield's Femino,100, shares secret to long life

3 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SMITHFIELD – The secret to living to 100 years old is to eat a banana every day, says town resident Joe Femino. On May 1, Femino celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family. He’s lived in his son’s home extension, off Stillwater Road, since 2001. His two other sons also live in apartments at the home. He and his wife, Gloria Marie, lived here together until she died in 2013. “She was a good cook with a strong heart,” he said. The pair had four children and three grandchildren.
Meet Scituate High School's top 10 students

3 weeks ago | valleybreeze.com | Jacquelyn Moorehead

SCITUATE – Every year, Scituate High School holds a breakfast honoring the highest achievers in the graduating class. This year’s class is loaded with student athletes, musicians, members of HOSA, the National Honor Society and Robotics Club. Meet the SHS Class of 2025:Valedictorian Finn Wilkie, 17, son of Karen Gravel and Douglas Wilkie, tops the Class of 2025. He will study applied math at Brown University this fall.