first snow of the season! from the Westerly Sun

In the News

Suspect in Brown University mass shooting found dead in New Hampshire

"I'm being dead serious," said the unidentified witness. "The police need to look into a grey Nissan with Florida plates, possibly a rental."

steveahlquist.substack.com/p/suspect-in-brown-university-mass

🚨 🏆 RARE RI LAWMAKER WIN 🫡 🚨

Town Council (December 15)

drama

The town council and school committee had their government-mandated pre-budget get-along time. I do want to commend the school committee for dog-walking some of the councilors in terms of knowledge and professionalism. Well done!

actual government stuff

  • Presentation from the Town Planner and Planning Board about the Route One corridor improvement project

  • Public hearings for repealing the holiday ordinances in accordance with the state

  • Arguing about property tax reassessments and who deserve an appeal (not Senator Gu, apparently, according to Councilors LaPietra and Van Dover)

  • Approved funding for the Westerly 250th Commission for the Semi Quincentennial

  • Approved resolution authorizing the Town Manager to complete the purchase of the property at 330 Atlantic Avenue, Plat 167, Lot 43A and Atlantic Avenue, Plat 166, Lot 16

  • Town council suggested goals for 2026

  • Advanced for public hearing a proposed ordinance to rename the housing committee

School Committee (December 17)

drama

We’ve made it through bathrooms, books, and now sports - for now. Anyone want to guess what the new culture war of 2026 will be? Maybe that HRT or puberty blockers makes kids smarter or more stupid?

Shout out to Solicitor Nardone for speaking so clearly and unequivocally of the legal implausibility of such a policy.

Westerly School Committee votes down anti-transgender student athlete policy

“...this policy language is ... far from perfect, and I believe it’s illegal because it discriminates against student athletes based on gender identity,” said Committee member Angela Goethels.

steveahlquist.substack.com/p/westerly-school-committee-votes-down

actual government stuff

  • Recognition of the RI Coaches Association 2025 Coach of the Year: Volleyball Coach Laurel Auth and Football Coach Ron Sposato

  • Recognition of the RI Interscholastic League 2024-2025 Girls Tennis Coach of the Year: Coach Terrence McAndrew

  • Approved update to the cell phone policy

  • Approved update to the facilities rental policy

  • Ratified WHS program of studies vote

Boards and Committees

🛷🎄 Thanks for another great year! 🥂❄

This was my first full year of twice-monthly newsletters. I’m grateful to all of you for taking the time to support me and to stay engaged with our community. Thank you for caring!

Happy holidays and happy new year ❤

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