The Week in RI: Teacher Nabbed, Bearded Bandit Goes Away

Sunday, March 3

Former Coventry Teacher Arrested After Threats

Todd Gillheeney, a former teacher at Coventry High School, was charged with felony threats to public officials and two misdemeanor charges for the alleged harassment of Coventry High School Vice Principals Susan Chandler and Lori Ferguson.

Monday, March 4

Couple Arrested on Felony Drug Charges

Dennis McGovern, 45, of 47 Gibbs Ave. in Newport and Alycia Whitney Dougherty, 25, of 47 Gibbs Ave. in Newport were both arrested Feb. 25. on felony charges of possession of narcotics and controlled substance conspiracy.

Tuesday, March 5

'Poor Economy' To Blame For Wickford Lumber Closing

After more than four decades in business,Wickford Lumber Co. closed its doors last week for good. Though the store's closing last Monday at 5:30 p.m. seemed abrupt to many customers, it was a long time coming according to one employee.

High-Stakes Testing May Mean Some Students Won't Get Diplomas

The Class of 2014 – this year's juniors – must meet four requirements to graduate: they must have enough credits, they must pass their comprehensive course assessments, they must complete a senior project, and they must score at least a 2 on the reading and math NECAP tests. 

That fourth requirement is giving high schools and some students and parents quite a hurdle to overcome now that the NECAP scores for the Class of 2014 have been released. 

Wednesday, March 6

Boston Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland, 22, announced his retirement from baseball on Wednesday after a series of brain surgeries.

Nancy E. Sprengelmeyer, vice-chairwoman of the Coventry School Committee known for her dedication to Coventry students and her genuinely caring demeanor, passed away on Sunday, March 3 at Rhode Island Hospital while surrounded by her loving family. She was 67.

Thursday, March 7

Teen Charged With Breaking and Entering

Christopher Destremps, 18, of 132 Kearns Ave., Tiverton, was arrested on Feb. 26 at 12:23 p.m. and charged with felony burglary after Tiverton police officers received a complaint of a break-in by a Randolph Avenue homeowner.

Bill To Allow School Activity Fees Not Supported Statewide

Although a bill that would allow school districtsthe authority to charge students a fee to participate in activities like band or sports did not receive a lot of support, it might be amended to apply only to Middletown. 

Friday, March 8

'Bearded Bandit' Pleads Guilty

The so-called “Bearded Bandit” pleaded guilty to nine counts of bank robbery, in U.S. District Court in Providence March 7, according to U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha. Justin L. Worley, 34, was arrested at a Seekonk motel last September after a series of robberies at eight banks in Rhode Island.