Posted inNews

Middletown man arrested after domestic disturbance, standoff on Green End Avenue

A 59-year-old Middletown man was arrested Sunday night after barricading himself inside his Green End Avenue home during a domestic disturbance investigation, police said. Clayton Frable faces charges of domestic violence simple assault and/or battery, second offense, and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty, according to a press release from the Middletown Police […]

Posted inSports

Middletown defeats Tiverton 22-6 behind Williams’ two-touchdown performance

Middletown running back Sean Williams powered the Islanders to a 22-6 victory over Tiverton on Thursday night at Portsmouth High School, scoring twice to lead his team’s ground attack. Williams, wearing No. 2, carried the load for Middletown throughout the contest, finding the end zone twice in the convincing win. Jack Silvia added another touchdown […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown council, school board to meet on Newport regionalization proposal

The Middletown Town Council and School Committee will hold a joint meeting in the coming weeks to discuss Newport’s recent invitation to restart school regionalization conversations, according to the Town of Middletown. During Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, officials emphasized that agreeing to the discussion should not be interpreted as endorsing or rejecting regionalization. Instead, […]

Posted inSports

Middletown girls soccer defeats Tiverton 6-2

Islanders’ offense explodes for six goals in high-scoring victory TIVERTON — Middletown High School’s girls soccer team put on an offensive showcase Tuesday night, defeating Tiverton 6-2 in a high-scoring contest that saw the Islanders pull away for a convincing road victory. Rebecca Audi led Middletown’s balanced attack with multiple goals, while teammates Ayla Green, […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

What Sold: A look at 21 recent sales across Newport County to round out August (Aug. 25 – 29)

Last week’s “What Sold” is highlighted by a $10,000,000 transaction in Jamestown at 2 Fort Wetherill Road, one of the largest residential sales we’ve seen statewide this year, along with 21 total residential closings published in the statewide MLS. From high-end estates to more modest single-family homes and condominiums, the sales reflect the full range […]

Posted inCity & Government, Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Setting the record straight on Middletown’s affordable housing progress

In response to Town Council member Barbara VonVillas’ comments at the last Council meeting, and her recent Letter to the Editor: The Middletown Affordable Housing Committee (AHC) is charged with looking at town­-owned properties for affordable housing, not privately-owned property like Rosebrook Commons, so I am not wrong when I state, in the 10 years […]

Posted inReal Estate

What Sold: A look at 14 recent property sales in Newport County (Aug. 4 – 8)

August is always a transitional month in coastal Rhode Island. Between back-to-school preparations, late-summer vacations, and steady tourism in our towns, it’s easy to assume the real estate market slows down. The reality is that well-prepared and appropriately priced properties are still moving quickly, and in some cases, faster than many might expect. According to […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Council member’s claims of ‘mass misrepresentation’ are themselves misleading

I am writing this rebuttal to the statements and claims of “mass misrepresentation” made by Town Council member Barbara Von Villas regarding the opposition to the current Middletown Center plan being pushed on the residents of Middletown. Additionally to her claims of “leading to misinformation and/or misinterpretation rather than fact. Ms VonVillas gives absolutely no […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Middletown residents should support Affordable Housing Committee’s recommendation on August 4

Recently, Middletown’s Affordable Housing Committee recommended that the Town Council walk away from the current deal with the developers for the Middletown Center project, and put true affordable housing for our low, moderate, senior, and workforce income level  residents there instead. There is a chance that the AHC motion will be heard by the Town […]

Posted inCity & Government

Letter to the Editor: Community stakeholders must be at the center of Newport-Middletown merger talks

As conversations about merging Newport and Middletown school districts continue, we urge decision-makers to lead with something more meaningful than efficiency: community and legacy. Like the preservation work of Doris Duke—who didn’t just save buildings but safeguarded the spirit of a place—our public schools deserve the same care. They carry the hopes and values of […]

Posted inCity & Government, Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Comments by Middletown Town Council Member Mrs. VonVillas overlook crucial concerns 

Mrs. VonVillas’s comments at the April 28th Affordable Housing presentation came across as dismissive, implying that residents’ concerns were driven by a possible indifference to others, based on an assumption made that those already living in the Berkeley-Peckham and Oliphant Road neighborhoods must be more fortunate. This approach likely alienated many. With such enormous demand […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

On the market: A look at 43 homes hosting Open Houses this weekend (May 10 – 11) 

As we head into the heart of the Spring market and Mother’s Day weekend, 43 properties across Newport County are opening their doors to prospective buyers this weekend. From first-time purchases to second homes and investment opportunities, there’s no shortage of options for active buyers but there’s even more opportunity for sellers and homeowners considering […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island House approves tax rate bill enabling Middletown to encourage long-term residential rentals

The Rhode Island House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend enabling Middletown to move forward with its plan to encourage landlords to keep their apartments in the local housing market by providing them a lower tax rate. According to officials, the intention is to make more housing available to residents by […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

New Middletown Middle-High School project on track for spring groundbreaking

Middletown’s new middle-high school project is moving forward as planned, with a groundbreaking set for this spring. Construction bids are expected to start coming in as early as next month. At Monday night’s Town Council meeting, Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown reported that designs for the cutting-edge building at 1225 Aquidneck Ave. are almost complete. […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown Town Council gets ethics refresher, gives nod to beach sauna

The Middletown Town Council’s Monday night meeting covered some interesting ground, from ethics training to a unique beach amenity. Lynne Radiches from the state Ethics Commission gave local leaders and town board volunteers a refresher on ethical practices. Her key advice? When in doubt about a potential conflict of interest, it’s best to play it […]

Posted inCity & Government

Sponsored bills from Aquidneck Island legislators will help accelerate housing production and increase Rhode Island’s housing stock

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a package of 14 housing bills into law Thursday, aiming to accelerate housing production and increase the state’s housing stock. The ceremonial signing took place at the Warwick Housing Authority, where McKee was joined by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who championed the legislative package, along with other state […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport and Middletown secure $1.2 million for water quality projects

Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management has awarded over $3.1 million in grants to improve water quality and aquatic habitats across the state, with significant projects slated for Newport and Middletown. The grants, funded primarily by the voter-approved 2022 Green Bond, will support 15 projects aimed at addressing stormwater pollution, flood prevention, and habitat restoration. […]

Posted inCity & Government

State regulators grant five-year license, with conditions, for Portsmouth LNG facility

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentAugust 22, 2024 State regulators gave long-awaited authorization Thursday to a long-term plan to expand liquefied natural gas storage on the Portsmouth-Middletown line.  But it’s not the carte blanche approval Rhode Island Energy wanted. Rather than a permanent LNG storage and equipment facility, the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board […]

Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health, News

Newport Mental Health relocates its Johnny Cake Hill Road office to Valley Road

Newport Mental Health is relocating its adult programs, walk-in appointments, and business staff to a newly renovated space at 42 Valley Road, effective Aug. 26. The move, which Newport Mental Health announced on its website, marks a significant expansion for the organization, driven by increased demand for services and new programs. The mental health provider […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown accepting applications for civic appropriation to support local nonprofits

The town of Middletown is currently accepting applications for civic appropriation to support local nonprofits working to serve the city and its surrounding communities. Funding is available to organizations serving youth, human services, sports, recreation, enrichment opportunities, and community preservation initiatives. Applications are due by February 15, 2024. More information can be found here.

Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do

‘Music In The Park’ coming to Paradise Valley Park in July

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (JUNE 28, 2023) – The Middletown Outreach Department is spearheading a new “Music In The Park” series in July in Paradise Valley Park.  Beginning July 10, the Monday evening series from 6-8 has food trucks, free concerts and lawn games in the Prospect Avenue park home to the Boyd’s Grist Windmill. The opening concert […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Paco

Meet your new best friend, Paco – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Paco, who is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, is a 1-year-old male shepherd/mix. “Paco is what we call a trip! He’s a super funny doggo. He’s always in happy mode, and he’s eager to show […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown Town Council Meeting Matters – Feb. 21

The Middletown Town Council took up several items of local importance during a meeting Monday night in Town Hall. Matt Sheley from the Town of Middletown shared the following recap of the meeting; MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL  When: Monday night. Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road. Absent: None.  Of note:  Heard a briefing from […]

Posted inBusiness

Siren Marine introduces Siren Trident, an industry-first IoT software for marine maintenance and compatibility

Newport-based Siren Marine has introduced Siren Trident, an industry-first IoT software for marine engine maintenance and system compatibility. This technology will substantially benefit Yamaha customers, dealers, and boat builders. During the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, the company unveiled the new system, which captures proprietary data on the Command Link Plus (CLP) protocol used in […]

Posted inNews

Educational expert working with Middletown to improve, upgrade schools

By Matt Sheley, Town of Middletown On Election Day 2022, local voters overwhelmingly approved regionalization and new school buildings. Although Newport residents ultimately scuttled that plan by less than 400 votes, amid the success in Middletown, there was one persistent question from critics: How does this benefit children educationally? Enter Manuel Cordero. The founder and […]

Posted inNews

Legislative Agenda discussed in Middletown

By Matt Sheley, Town of Middletown The Town Council wants to keep area state legislators busy this General Assembly session. On Monday night in Town Hall, local leaders discussed how they’d like to see lawmakers work on boosting school building construction reimbursements, state educational aid and assistance for upgrading infrastructure, among other items. State Senator […]

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Adoptable Cat of the Week: Leo

Introducing Leo, the most magical feline friend you’ll ever meet! This 7-year-old Domestic Shorthair is the Adoptable Cat of the Week, brought to you by the Potter League for Animals. Leo. Photo Credit: Potter League for Animals Leo is a true delight, with a heart full of love and affection. He has a playful side, […]

Posted inNews

Aquidneck Land Trust conserves Middletown farmland, protecting drinking water and scenic viewscape

The Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) has announced the conservation of a 9.54-acre farmland property in Middletown. The property is located within the Maidford/Paradise drinking water supply watershed and is near other conserved lands, including the Arnow property and the Norman Bird Sanctuary. It has prime farmland soils and has a history of agricultural use, including […]

Posted inBusiness

Middletown-based Rite-Solutions receives three Navy contracts worth $68 million

Middletown-based Rite-Solutions today announced that it was recently awarded three contracts by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT), Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), and Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD).  Over the next three to five years, the three contracts total $68 million.  Supporting NUWCDIVNPT’s Code 25 Combat Systems Department, Rite-Solutions […]

Posted inBusiness

Island Wellness celebrates 4 years – with a new Providence location and philanthropic venture

When Casey and Nick Sanginario discuss their wellness centers, you can hear the pride and passion in their voices.  Their Middletown location (102 West Main Rd.) recently celebrated its 4-year anniversary since opening its doors in 2018.  The couple recently caught up with WhatsUpNewp to discuss their new Providence location, some new happenings, and reflect […]

Posted inNews

Middletown man wins more than $35,000 on Rhode Island Lottery’s Daily Numbers game

A man from Middletown won $35,416 playing last evening’s Daily Number, according to Rhode Island Lottery. The man was not identified by Rhode Island Lottery. The man told Rhode Island Lottery that he always plays those numbers (3, 0, 8, 4) for no particular reason. He played three separate tickets for the Evening drawing on Monday, June 20, 2022.  […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Pet of The Week: Pepper

Meet your new best friend, Nelson – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Pepper is a 5-year-old female Cattle Dog, Australian (Blue Heeler)/Mix. Pepper is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in at between 20 and 59 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals […]

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Sea Rose Montessori School partners with local experts for elementary aftercare and summer camp enrichment

 Sea Rose Montessori School deepens its ties to the Southern Rhode Island community by bringing experts in for elementary student afterschool programs.  Offering individualized and integrated learning for age 3 through age 11 – and growing to 8th grade – Sea Rose follows the proven curriculum developed more than a century ago by Dr. Maria […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Foodlove Market enhances café experience with the launch of Foodlove Provisions

Foodlove Market, the upscale specialty market from Newport Restaurant Group, announced today an enhanced café experience for guests with the launch of Foodlove Provisions this Spring. “We are always looking for ways to improve guest experiences and expanding our café menu with a selection of freshly prepared salads, warm grain bowls and crafted sandwiches will do […]

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Tank & Saige

Meet your new best friends, Tank and Saige – this week’s Adoptable Pet(s) of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Saige is a 4-year-old female Retriever, Labrador/Mix. Saige is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in at between 20 and 59 pounds. Saige. Photo Credit: Potter League For Animals The […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Town of Middletown: Town Council votes to look into an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ for Middletown Schools

The Town Council chose Monday night to go in on an “opportunity of a lifetime” for the Middletown schools.  Due to a compressed timeline to get the matter before the General Assembly, the council voted 7-0 in Town Hall to pursue a $235 million bond proposal to build all new Middletown schools that could go […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Foodlove Market launches catering services

Foodlove Market, an upscale specialty market from Newport Restaurant Group located at 1037 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, is pleased to announce the addition of catering services, perfect for corporate and at-home gatherings, as well as provisioning spring and summer beach and boating events.  For more information, please visit www.foodlovemarket.com. “Offering catering services has been part […]

Posted inNews

Norman Bird Sanctuary will host Spring Appeal Launch Day on Saturday

This Saturday, April 23, the Norman Bird Sanctuary will host an in-person launch day in celebration of their 2022 Spring Appeal. A seasonal giving campaign that runs through June 30, the Spring Appeal invites community members to support the non-profit organization’s conservation and environmental education mission. Norman Bird Sanctuary offers year-round educational programming for children and adults, […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Bruno

Meet your new best friend, Bruno– this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Layla is a 1-year-old male Retriever/Labrador Mix. Bruno is considered a large-sized dog, weighing in at between 60 and 99 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Pet of The Week: Acorn

Meet your new best friend, Acorn– this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Acorn is a 15-year-old male Domestic Shorthair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Acorn; Who’s ready to meet the man of their dreams? Well, the wait is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Alex Finkelman announces candidacy for State Representative in District 74 (Jamestown, Middletown)

Jamestown resident Alex Finkelman today announced his candidacy for State Representative in District 74, seeking to represent Jamestown and parts of Middletown. In a press release, Finkelman touted his small business, insurance, and finance background and cited environmental protection, improving education, and bolstering our economy as the issues he will most focus on.   State Rep. […]

Posted inThings To Do

Norman Bird Sanctuary to host Earth Week Extravaganza featuring Grammy Award-winner Bill Harley

The Norman Bird Sanctuary will host a week of innovative, nature-themed programs from April 16 to April 23, 2022. Culminating in the first-ever Earth Week Extravaganza, this week promises fun for the whole family with plenty of opportunities to get outside and learn about the environment. For its third year, the Norman Bird Sanctuary is offering Earth Week […]

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Middletown Police make gun bust

On 04/08/2022, the Middletown Police Department executed a search warrant and an arrest warrant at 107C Lawrence Street. The warrants were the result of an investigation into Jeremy Speck, 43 years old, who was believed to be in possession of several firearms. Jeremy was convicted of a crime of violence in Texas, charged as Deadly […]

Posted inSports

Unified Basketball makes memories

There’s about 7:30 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Playing on their home court, the Gaudet Middle School Islanders team trails the squad from Lawn Middle School in Jamestown by more than a couple of buckets during a recent unified basketball game. That was until Rahsaan Marshall nailed back-to-back bank shots in the […]

Posted inReal Estate

Seaside Retreat: Home on Hoover Road in Middletown sells for $2.6 million

Hogan Associates today announced the April 4, 2022 sale of “Seaside Retreat” at 43 Hoover Road, Middletown. The property sold for $2,600,000. Caroline Richards of Hogan Associates represented the Buyer, and Dina Karousos & Nicole Lucenti of Gustave White Sotheby’s represented the Seller. According to Hogan Associates, upon entering, you realize “Seaside Retreat” lives up […]

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Aquidneck Island Earth Week begins on April 16

With more than two-dozen events and activities, this year’s Aquidneck Island Earth Week (AIEW) promises something for everyone. Starting on April 16th, the Island-wide celebration invites members of the public to connect with nature and take action for the environment.  AIEW Director, Sara Poirier, said that over the last 4 months, partners have been collaborating […]

Posted inCity & Government

‘Middletown Commons’ proposal before Planning Board on April 21

By Town of Middletown People will have their first chance to comment on the proposed “Middletown Commons” development during an April 21 concept review at 6 pm in Town Hall. “Middletown Commons” Proposal Before Planning Board on April 21 MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MARCH 21, 2022) — Like most municipalities across the country, the Town of Middletown is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown Town Council votes for Town to oversee school spending, performance audit

Citing continued concerns with the School Department’s financials, the Middletown Town Council voted on Monday night for sweeping changes to try to correct those issues. This followed news last week the schools again overspent their budget — this time for $1.2 million-plus. The Town of Middletown shared the following press release on Tuesday, Town Council […]

Posted inCity & Government

Congressman Cicilline, RIDOT to break ground on Aquidneck Avenue resurfacing project

Congressman David Cicilline and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. will join state and local leaders on Tuesday, March 22 to break ground on a project to resurface approximately one mile of Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, from East Main Road to Green End Avenue. The $9 million project will reconstruct the […]

Posted inReal Estate

Home on Ashurst Avenue in Middletown sells for $5 million

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that 43 Ashurst Avenue has sold for $5,000,000.  Kylie McCollough, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, represented the seller, and Janet Kermes, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, represented the buyer. According to data available from Rhode Island Multiple Listing Service, the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown: Councilwoman Terri Flynn says new additional hotel, lodging fee could help schools

Middletown Town Councilwoman Terri Flynn is proposing a new additional fee on hotel stays she said could generate serious non-tax revenues for Middletown to pay for improvements to local schools. The Town of Middletown shares the following; FLYNN: NEW ADDITIONAL HOTEL, LODGING FEE  COULD HELP SCHOOLS MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 8, 2022) – Town Councilwoman Terri Flynn […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rep. Ruggiero bill aims to expand broadband availability, affordability

Press release provided by the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau With Rhode Island poised to receive over $200 million in federal funding for broadband expansion, House Innovation, Internet & Technology Committee Chairwoman Deborah Ruggiero is urging passage of her legislation to strategically cultivate expanded broadband service statewide. The legislation (2022-H 7083) would create a […]

Posted inNews

Accolades: Andrew Bauer of Middletown, Jordan Minder of Newport named to Hofstra University’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List

Hofstra University this week announced Andrew Bauer of Middletown and Jordan Miner of Newport were named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievements. According to Hofstra University, Miner is majoring in Computer Science and Bauer is majoring in marketing. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during […]

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