The Valley Breeze

Your go-to news source in the Blackstone Valley. Recognized as New England's Distinguished Newspaper of the Year. The leading weekly publication in Rhode Island.

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Council blocks solicitor’s firm from tax contract over conflict concerns

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Corey Plante

WOONSOCKET – Members of the City Council voted unanimously last week to reject awarding a city contract to City Solicitor Michael Lepizzera’s law firm, citing conflict of interest concerns. The resolution would have granted a tax sale services contract to Lepizzera & Laprocina, the firm that submitted the lowest bid of $62,000. Both Lepizzera and his colleague, Alan Fung, recused themselves from the chambers prior to the discussion.
Local dog kennel owner charged with $43K unemployment fraud

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Corey Plante

NORTH SMITHFIELD – A local business owner is facing felony charges after State Police said she collected tens of thousands of dollars in pandemic unemployment benefits despite continuing to operate her pet boarding business and continuing to work at Women & Infants Hospital. Last Tuesday, members of the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Kim Dicostanzo, 63, of 89 Old Sayles Hill Road on the border of North Smithfield and Lincoln.
Woonsocket lead program still active, despite $1 million in grant funds expiring

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Corey Plante

WOONSOCKET – City officials say Woonsocket’s lead hazard reduction program remains fully active and is accepting new applications, despite confusion among landlords and residents about whether the program had been paused or suspended. While the city’s $4 million Lead Hazard Reduction Grant awarded in 2019 does technically expire next Monday, June 30, with almost $1 million unspent, the city’s program remains ongoing, supported by an additional overlapping grant.
St. Clare Class of 1955 reunites for 70th anniversary

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Corey Plante

WOONSOCKET – A lively group of 16 octogenarians gathered at River Falls Restaurant on Sunday to celebrate 70 years since graduating from St. Clare High School in Woonsocket. The event, described by organizers as a “get-together” rather than a formal reunion, brought the former classmates together for lunch, conversation, and plenty of reminiscing. The women, all members of the St. Clare Class of 1955, were seated at a line of tables pushed together in the back room of the restaurant.
Tariffs help contribute to higher costs for fireworks

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Ethan Shorey |Corey Plante

Consumers noticing hiked prices on certain fireworks can blame new tariffs on China, where the bulk of all fireworks come from, say those in the business. That said, a number of sellers say they were able to get out ahead of the tariffs and consumers won’t notice significant tariff-based hikes when they buy up their sparkly goods in the coming week. Area residents have noticed substantial increases on fireworks, but the bulk of those are apparently for more typical reasons.
North Smithfield hires firm to review quarry overlay evidence

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Corey Plante

NORTH SMITHFIELD – At last week’s Town Council meeting, councilors formally voted to hire GZA Environmental, a professional consulting firm, to independently review expert testimony submitted by representatives of Material Sand & Stone. The move is part of the town’s ongoing evaluation of a proposed zoning overlay district that would formally allow industrial quarrying operations on land currently zoned for rural residential use.
Time capsules provide one last chance to say goodbye

2 days ago | valleybreeze.com | Kat Sheridan

PAWTUCKET – In a bittersweet ending where right field used to be, the contents of two time capsules found while tearing down McCoy Stadium were officially revealed on Monday. The stadium which was the long-time home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, was torn down following the departure of the team for Worcester, and the property will now be converted into a new high school. A crowd of city residents and PawSox fans gathered to fondly remember so many years and memories of local baseball.
Pawtucket resident ready for first home after tough year

3 days ago | valleybreeze.com | LuzJennifer Martinez

PAWTUCKET – A year ago, life was very difficult and different for city resident Laura Banks, who says she was living with her sister while going through a painful divorce. Banks also had to juggle being there for her autistic son Isaac, who was having a hard time coping with the changes that were happening all at once. “I was also working full-time,” Banks told The Breeze, declaring how it was “only God” that made it possible for her to get through.
Pawtucket's Teacher of the Year inspires beyond the classroom

3 days ago | valleybreeze.com | LuzJennifer Martinez

PAWTUCKET – Tolman High School English teacher Kerri Day got a huge surprise on June 13 when district representatives presented her with the Teacher of the Year award. Day, who has worked in the district for 21 years, was celebrated alongside her husband and son for “inspiring and leading students with passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment, according to school officials.
Pawtucket officials exploring perks other than more compensation

3 days ago | valleybreeze.com | LuzJennifer Martinez

PAWTUCKET – In the months since the Pawtucket City Council voted against raising salary ranges for key municipal employees last November, Mayor Donald Grebien said the city has been exploring additional perks for new and current employees. The administration is also continuing to work with the council to improve overall employee compensations while balancing financial responsibilities to the residents, he said.