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WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

 

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Woonsocket Announces Plan to Paint Fire Hydrants

 

Woonsocket, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt announced today that the City of Woonsocket has selected a vendor to clean, remove contaminated materials, refurbish and paint 1,952 fire hydrants across the City. Keltic Painting, LLC was chosen via competitive bid for the fire hydrant project based on their experience, qualifications, and the fact that they were the low bidder. The cost of the project is $541,000 and work is expected to start later this year to be completed within two years. Funds received by the City from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will pay for the project

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt stated, "I am pleased that we will finally be able to address ongoing requests from our residents to repair and paint the deteriorated fire hydrants in front of their homes and across our City. Not only are they an eyesore, but most have paint that is in advanced stages of chipping and peeling." The Mayor added, "Remediating and painting our fire hydrants will not only better protect the public but will improve the quality of life in our City.

Public Works Director, Steven D’Agostino offered, "This is a long-awaited project that will make our hydrants work more efficiently and look more aesthetically pleasing. The hydrant project will involve a multi-step process that will not negatively impact residents, local traffic, or the provision of water services."

 

The FBI has taken sole control over the investigation into the deadly shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minnesota yesterday. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it was notified that it "would no longer have access to the case material, scene evidence or investigative interviews necessary to complete a thorough and independent investigation." After the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the woman refused commands to get out of her vehicle, and tried to harm the officer with the car.        Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is authorizing the state's National Guard to help support local law enforcement following tensions in Minneapolis after an ICE-involved shooting where a woman was killed Wednesday. A press release from Walzs' office says that the support will be to help protect critical infrastructure and maintain public safety. The statement went on to thank Minnesotans for having "met this moment," saying there is every reason to believe peace will hold.        A manhunt is underway for the person, or persons, who killed two people and injured six others outside a church in Utah. Police say a funeral was taking place at an LDS church in Salt Lake City Wednesday when an altercation broke out in the parking lot and shots were fired at a group of people. Of those injured, three are in critical condition.        Proceedings have resumed in Corpus Christi at the trial of former Uvalde ISD police officer Adrian Gonzales, but some testimony has been thrown out. Yesterday the judge denied a defense motion for a mistrial over the testimony of Stephanie Hall, a teacher at the school on the day of the attack. The defense contended her testimony on Tuesday was different from previous statements that had been given to them by the prosecution.        The first of two cross country storms is heading East with millions under the threat of severe weather and floods. The storm is moving out of the Four Corners region with Missouri and Kansas seeing downpours today, while a tornado has been confirmed in Oklahoma. The system will move through the Midwest throughout today.        Three suspects are under arrest in the burglary of Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders' home. Police say the break-in happened November 16th while the Browns were playing the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland. The whereabouts of the fourth suspect are unknown.       

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