In the News
Alex Nunes is the new executive editor at the Westerly Sun! He lays out some upcoming changes to the paper here.
Jean Gagnier is giving a talk called “Rhode Island’s Early Independence” at the library on January 21
Westerly Schools kindergarten registration begins Jan. 22
RIDOT temporarily closing I-95 North Welcome Center for renovations
Beloved owner of Reale's Grocery to retire at end of month
A great summary of the Route 1 corridor proposals
Senator Reed talks about U.S. military actions in Venezuela
Attorney General coalition files lawsuit challenging federal attack on gender-affirming care
RIPTA announces changes affecting Westerly route
League of Women Voters South County to host public forum about the state of elections in Rhode Island
Senators Reed and Whitehouse urge U.S. Senate to extend ACA Tax Credits to lower health care costs for RI families
Westerly secures $680K in fed funds
Governor McKee's proposed FY 2027 Budget called a "good start"
Town Council (January 12)
Commendations to the Misquamicut and Watch Hill Fire Departments for rescuing a dog from the ice on New Year’s Day
Presentation about expanding EMS/police/fire radio range with a tower on Tower Street (and following protests)
Appointments to the multicultural committee, planning board, board of finance, and board of assessment review
Public hearing on changing the name of the housing committee (approved)
Resolution to purchase a restroom structure and playground equipment for the new rec site at the former Bradford school (approved)
Updates to ordinances on door-to-door sales and sewer discharge prohibitions (approved)
Updates from the town solicitor on pending litigation from the Watch Hill Fire District on coastal access
School Committee (January 7)
School committee member and professional crybaby Lori Wycall requested an executive session to discuss the superintendent’s job performance evaluation, which had been completed months ago. Wycall said subsequent events prompted her to re-evaluate the evaluation. Shouts out to Leslie “The Chairwoman” Dunn for keeping it moving.
The Christian nationalists returned to the podium with the usual gender-based moral panic, this time from the “how dare you talk to my child without me present” angle.
Presentation from the Semi Quincentennial Commission, including a request to use the high school TURF FIELD!!!!!!! and surrounding roads and parking lots for the drone show, food trucks, facilities, etc
Presentation on the proposed budget for 2027
Minor updates to the high school graduation policy
Boards and Committees
Westerly 250th Commission for the Semi Quincentennial (January 5)
Economic Development Commission (January 6)
Licensing Board (January 8)
Conservation Commission (January 13)
Multicultural Committee (January 14)
Zoning Board (January 14)
If you found this information helpful, please consider sending me a tip on ko-fi or sharing this newsletter with a friend. It helps a lot!



