Andy Long


Latest Articles:

Spring Project Nears Funding Goal

With a $100,000 gift from Bank- Newport, the Newport Historic Spring Leadership Committee is getting closer to its fundraising target of $3.5 million, the amount needed to finish the project of creating a dedicated outdoor space to honor religious liberty. Lilly Dick, the organization’s chair, announced on June 27 that the committee has raised $2.7 million, leaving $800,000 needed to... READ MORE >

French Liberators Honored with New Grave Markers

Two grave markers have been added to the Trinity Church cemetery to honor a pair of Frenchmen who fought in the Revolutionary War, Maj. Pierre du Rousseau and Second Lt. Augustin Benjamin Lavilmarais. Their graves were marked initially – the names were lost over time, but they were not forgotten, and last September there was a ceremony to commemorate the... READ MORE >

Regionalization Gets Workshopped

About 80 people convened on June 20 at the Wyndham Hotel in Middletown to hear a presentation on the merits of creating a joint school district between the city of Newport and the town of Middletown. The attendees then broke into small groups to express their opinions on a venture that could reshape public education on Aquidneck Island, and what... READ MORE >

Is a New Thompson Middle School Next?

When interviewed by Newport This Week on June 21, Mario Carreno, director of the state’s School Building Authority, said one advantage for Newport entering a unified school district is it might lead to a new middle school in five years. “I don’t know if it’s on the radar now,” he said when asked if he had discussed the possibility with... READ MORE >

Campaign For School Merger Goes Public

The program to inform residents of Newport and Middletown about the prospective unification of their two school districts began with two sessions on June 20 at the Wyndham Hotel in Middletown, with their other goal to learn about what those in the two communities want from regionalization. The attendees at the two sessions, roughly 50 in the afternoon and approximately... READ MORE >

Issues Increasing at Newport Parks

Unsociable behavior and vandalism are an increasing concern at Newport’s public parks. The problem was highlighted last weekend by individuals ripping open the wrought iron grate at the World War I Memorial Tower in Miantonomi Park and leaving graffiti on a memorial plaque for veterans. “It’s been frustrating lately,” said James Dring, chair of the Miantonomi Park Commission. Newport police... READ MORE >

Council Approves Unification Resolution

The Newport City Council unanimously approved on May 25 a resolution introduced by Councilor Jamie Bova requiring one joint meeting with the Middletown Town Council and the school committees in both communities, along with at least four public information sessions, to discuss unifying the two school districts. Bova said the resolution would force more transparency into the process of crafting... READ MORE >

New Details on School District Merger

The Newport City Council and School Committee were briefed on May 31 by city manager Joe Nicholson on the progress of unification talks with consultants, the Rhode Island Department of Education and Middletown administrators. To date, the City Council and School Committee have not played much of a role in the talks to create a regional school district. “We’re still... READ MORE >

More Cost Cuts for New Rogers High

The rise of construction and material costs continues to reshape the design of Newport’s new high school, resulting in $8.7 million in cuts being made and 5,000 square feet of space being eliminated in recent weeks. However, another $3.5 million in cuts is needed to meet the funds on hand. “We believe it’s a number we can manage,” the project’s... READ MORE >

Newport Council Approves Unification Bill for Statehouse

NEWPORT By Andy Long The Newport City Council passed a resolution on May 16 requesting the General Assembly allow a ballot measure in November for voters to decide on a proposed school unification with Middletown. Middletown would have to pass a similar measure in November for a deal to go through. The vote was 5-2, with councilors Jaime Bova and... READ MORE >