Week In Review: After-School Accident, New Fire Chief, Cuts To School Budget Plan, JNP's Title Run

After-School Accident: Traffic is normally heavy after school, but on March 14, a two-car accident caused a back-up on Cherry Hill Road and Atwood Avenue. Police later charged one of the drivers for failing to yield to a vehicle traveling the opposite direction.

Council Grants Noise Waiver: The town council voted to allow National Grid to exceed the town's noise limits while the utility completes an upgrade to power lines along Interstate 295.

Mayor Names New Fire Chief: Retired Pawtucket Fire Chief Timothy McLaughlin got Mayor Joseph M. Polisena's nod to take the helm of the local fire department on March 16. Following the mayor's announcement at the senior center, McLaughlin addressed a 2009 no-confidence vote by Pawtucket firefighters.

School Budget Trimmed: Members of the school committee scoured the proposed school budget for fiscal 2012, trying to find reductions that would require no spending increase for a fourth straight year. Out-of-district tuition represents more than half of the $469,000 increase that members said they will still work to cut.

Cougars On Championship Prowl: The Johnston-North Providence Cougars, the co-op hockey team representing both towns' high schools, won Game 1 of the Division III state finals by a 3-0 score over Mt. Hope on March 17. JNP went on to beat the Huskies, 4-0, on March 19, to win the championship.