Cranston Herald

East graduates 370 students at Saturday’s ceremony

By EMMA BARTLETT The city has a new set of graduates after seniors from Cranston High School East took to the stage Saturday to receive their diplomas. Principal Sean Kelly congratulated the class … more

6/14/22

Superior Court makes decision on Natick Ave. Solar case

By EMMA BARTLETT Residents opposed to the development of a solar farm on a 29-acre parcel on Natick Avenue have won a Superior Court decision to reopen the Plan Commission’s approval of the … more

6/14/22

CHALLENGE COIN: Col. Ron Barnes, Commander of the Pawtuxet Rangers, holds a challenge coin. Barnes presented a similar coin to Britain’s Consul General for New England Dr. Peter Abbott OBE, during an announcement event for an underwater search for the Gaspee’s remains. If Barnes challenges Abbott to show the coin while out for drinks, and Abbott can’t produce it, the tab’s on the Brits. If he challenges and Abbott produces the coin, drinks are on the Pawtuxet Rangers.

Johnston man serves as Gaspee Days Parade Grand Marshal

When Ron Barnes was a high school student at Cranston East, he marched in the Gaspee Day Parade as a member of the band. Since then, he has marched in the parade almost every year as a member of the … more

By ALEX MALM | 6/9/22

LOCKED IN SEATING: In anticipation of Saturday’s Gaspee Days parade, chairs started appearing along Narragansett Parkway Tuesday. Topping it off, these chairs were secured with a lock. (Cranston Herald photo)

250th Gaspee observance closes with parade, burning

By ALEX MALM Two years ago, Gaspee Days events were canceled because of the pandemic. Now, the Gaspee Days Committee is prepared for one of the crowning events of the 250th anniversary of … more

6/7/22

Licenses suspended for selling tobacco products to minors

By EMMA BARTLETT Business partners and brothers Miam and Muhammed Saleem came before the safety services and licenses committee Monday night after being issued six violations from the Cranston … more

6/7/22

FAREWELL, TEACHER AND FRIEND: A few of Colonel Murray's students stopped by on May 25 to wish him well on his retirement.

East's Col. Murray steps down from JROTC command

By PAM SCHIFF For 14 years, Lieutenant Colonel (ret) John Murray has guided, educated, supported and taught hundreds of students in the United States Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps … more

6/7/22

FOLLOW THE DETOUR: Construction on the Park Avenue railroad bridge started in May 2021. The repairs were to take four months but have now gone on for a year.

Park Ave. bridge to open mid/late July

By EMMA BARTLETT and FRANKLIN PAULINO It’s a Friday morning and Bit Ruong is waiting on customers at Park Ave Nails. Ruong has been in business for 15 years and while it’s been … more

6/7/22

Hopkins calls on directors to cut budget

STAFF REPORTS Mayor Ken Hopkins announced Monday a series of initiatives his administration is undertaking to meet budget challenges resulting from the pandemic and structural cost increases … more

6/7/22

GOODBYES: Specialist Connor Wood from Killingly, Connecticut, says goodbye before deployment. The Rhode Island National Guard hosted a departure ceremony for Alpha Company, 1-182nd Infantry Battalion, nicknamed “Attack” Company, at the Army Aviation Support Facility on Quonset Air National Guard Base on Memorial Day.

Rhode Island National Guard 'Attack Company' deploys to Southeast Asia

The Rhode Island National Guard hosted a departure ceremony for Alpha Company, 1-182nd Infantry Battalion, nicknamed “Attack” Company, at the Army Aviation Support Facility on Quonset Air … more

6/6/22

TOO MANY QUESTIONS: David Viens and Rhonda Brewster hold a September 2021 school photo of their son, Dillon, who died in February following what police have called an “accidental shooting.” The gun owner faces misdemeanor gun storage charges, but many questions still surround the death of their 16-year-old boy. Dillon’s parents are calling for legislation aimed at irresponsible gun owners. They also want their questions answered.

'WHAT HAPPENED?' Four months later, Johnston teen's shooting death ‘still under investigation’

Rhonda Brewster can’t stop thinking about her son’s eyeglasses. “His glasses were missing for about two weeks,” she said, touching the rims of her own … more

By RORY SCHULER | 6/2/22

Dissecting Cranston’s $5.5M deficit in hospitalization, claims account

By EMMA BARTLETT On May 23, Cranston’s finance department and administration came before the City Council for a discussion on Cranston’s $5.5 million deficit of FY 2021 for … more

5/31/22

“BUDDY: One Last Night” will run from June 15 to June 19. On June 15, 16, 17 and 18, shows will start at 7:30 p.m. There will also be 2 p.m. performances on June 18 and 19. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $25 for elevated seating and $30 for VIP. For more information, visit thecomedypark.com/.

Buddy is BACK!

By EMMA BARTLETT Comedian Nick Albanese, 48, is bringing Buddy Cianci back to life in his new one-man comedy show “BUDDY: One Last Night.” Join Buddy at the Comedy Park within … more

5/31/22

Bill to limit K-2 classes to 20 students

By EMMA BARTLETT Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) who also works as a speech pathologist for Cranston Public Schools, introduced two education bills in … more

5/31/22

Keeping our students safe

By EMMA BARTLETT In the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, last week, Cranston Public Schools leadership team notified parents on May 25 of the district’s updated … more

5/31/22

ORIGINAL OWNERS: Clement Wood and his wife, Margaret, were the original owners of Stadium Fish and Chips (which was previously named Auburn Fish and Chips).

After 85 years, Stadium Fish and Chips to sell business

By EMMA BARTLETT If there’s a well-known place in Cranston to get your fish and chips, clam cakes or scallops, Stadium Fish and Chips is likely the first name to slip off the local tongue. … more

5/24/22

COMMENCING THE CEREMONY: The Color Guard kicked off the 28th annual police memorial service outside the Cranston Police Department.

Honoring those who made ultimate sacrifice

By EMMA BARTLETT Each year in the U.S., more than 900,000 law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others. To honor those who have sacrificed their … more

5/24/22

MILESTONE MARKERS: Kayla Tortorella (left) and Mia Boscia created the milestone markers for their SkillsUSA community service project. The two and their third partner, Abbey Regan, (not pictured) will deliver the milestone markers to Women and Infants Hospital as well as several potential others.

Students create milestone markers for families with babies in NICU

By EMMA BARTLETT Carefully arranged in two containers are a colorful collection of 650 envelopes which hold milestone markers that will be delivered to parents at Women and Infants Hospital who … more

5/24/22

FROM THE AIR: These images of the Amazon construction site in Johnston were captured by drones piloted by Trevor Bryan, an FAA Licensed and insured drone pilot, the owner and operator of New England Aerial Services, on May 15. For more information on the Warwick-based company, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newenglandaerialservices.

Attention Johnston! Your Amazon facility has been shipped

The cranes stand at attention — sharp, pointed monoliths of “progress.” The metal skeleton has taken shape, forming the profile of what promises to be the largest building ever constructed in Rhode Island. Amazon has refused to give tours of the construction site looming on Johnston’s horizon. more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/19/22

REMARKABLE RESCUE: Ruby and her handler Corporal Daniel O’Neil worked out of the Scituate State Police barracks, and served together since 2011. They recently visited Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

Rhode Island State Police announce death of K-9 Ruby

She was a hero, a movie star and a mutt. Ruby lived a full life and saved the lives of others. The Rhode Island State Police have announced the passing of K-9 Ruby, age 11 … more

By RORY SCHULER | 5/18/22

Council races heat up

By EMMA BARTLETT Three more Cranstonians have announced their run for City Council. Councilman Richard Campopiano will run as a republican for Ward 4, School Committee Chair Daniel Wall will run … more

5/17/22

June 8, 2023