5 Things To Know Today: Jan. 3

Back to school today; check the weather; traffic and gas prices; make your predictions; and one year ago in JohnstonPatch: new hire.

It's Over: Winter break for Johnston public schools is officially over today — and in case you forgot, here's the schedule for openings and dismissals for local schools: Eye On The Sky: Stay up-to-date with the local weather conditions with the JohnstonPatch Weatherbug page. Today's forecast is for partly sunny skies with temps dipping into the 20s during the day. Save Time And $: Check out the JohnstonPatch traffic and gas page for the cheapest gas in the area — and possible traffic hot spots — before you leave the house. Look Ahead: Over the weekend, we posted a article on how our 2011 predictions worked out — and we're asking readers to post their own predictions. Click the link to take our poll and add you comments. New Chief: On this …

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From the Editor's Desk

Looking Back At 2011 Predictions [Poll]

A year ago, I wrote about issues that Johnston faced in 2011. Here's how they worked out during the course of the year.

Last year at this time, I wrote an article titled 2011: The Year in Preview, a look at the issues that would likely face Johnston and their potential effects. Each item was ranked according to the potential impact it would have on the town; and with the year now finished, it's time to see how my predictions worked out — or, in some cases, didn't. 1. Budget (5/5) Prediction: This year's budget picture is a little better than in 2010, when cities and town braced for severe cuts in state aid. After three years of level funding from the town, the school department may ask for an increase — but where the money will be found remains an open question. What Happened: The school board did indeed ask for an increase, but when the town council …

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Video: Top 5 Police And Fire Stories

In our final installment of our countdown of top stories, we review the Top 5 Police and Fire Stories on JohnstonPatch in 2011.

JohnstonPatch is taking a look back at 2011 with a series of videos on this year's top stories. Today, we review the top five police and fire stories on JohnstonPatch: #5: Mayor, Councilmen Accuse Firefighters Of Vandalizing Plaque See Also: Mayor, Fire Union President Dispute Access To Plaque #4: Narragansett Police Say Johnston Teens Hosted Underage Drinking Party #3: New Fire Chief Named See Also: Polisena Names Acting Fire Chief: Himself McLaughlin Has Record Of Modernizing Department, Handling Labor Unrest #2: Carnevale Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges #1: Sebastian's Shut Down By Police See also: Mayor Took First Complaints About "Swinger" Party Site News Analysis: How Did Sebastian's Run Afoul Of The Law? Police Major: Sebastian's…

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Video: Top 5 School Stories of 2011

In today's installment of our look back at 2011, we review the top 5 stories in schools.

JohnstonPatch is taking a look back at 2011 with a series of videos on this year's top stories. Today, we review the top five school stories on JohnstonPatch: #5: Johnston High School Boilers #4: Langevin Brings Anti-Bullying Message to Ferri #3: St. Rocco Students Hold Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser #2: First Day Of School [Finally!] #1: Johnston High School Honors Its Athletes Tomorrow, we'll cover the Top 5 Police & Fire Stories in 2011. Stay tuned — and thanks for reading JohnstonPatch!

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Video: Top 5 Government Stories of 2011

In today's installment of our look back at 2011, we review the top 5 stories in government.

JohnstonPatch is taking a look back at 2011 with a series of videos on this year's top stories. Today, we review the top five government stories on JohnstonPatch: #5: Inauguration Ceremonies: #4: DEM Office Out Of Beach Passes See also: Chafee: Beach Fee Hikes Won't Hurt Tourism [Video] #3: Johnston 'Pretty Lucky' In Wake Of Irene See also: Schools To Open 9/6 #2: Mohr Library Grand Opening and New Courthouse Opens #1: Aftermath of Odor Problems At Central Landfill: Tomorrow, we'll cover the Top 5 School Stories in 2011. Stay tuned — and thanks for reading JohnstonPatch!

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Video: Top 5 Sports Stories of 2011

In today's installment of our look back at 2011, we review the top 5 stories in sports.

JohnstonPatch is taking a look back at 2011 with a series of videos on this year's top stories. Today, we review the top five sports stories on JohnstonPatch: #5: Johnston Lightning Success: #4: Panthers Win Division II Crown (Baseball) #3: Depth, Teamwork Propel Cougars To D-III Hockey Title #2: Panthers B-Ball Boasts Two 1,000-Point Scorers #1: Johnston's Run To The Jr. Little League World Series Tomorrow, we'll cover the Top 5 Government Stories in 2011. Stay tuned — and thanks for reading JohnstonPatch!

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Video: Top 5 Business Stories of 2011

In today's installment of our look back at 2011, we review the top 5 stories in business.

JohnstonPatch is taking a look back at 2011 with a series of videos on this year's top stories. Today, we review the top five business stories on JohnstonPatch: #5:FM Global Completes Road Project #4:Whitehouse Meets Local Business OwnersLangevin Promotes Job Growth At Johnston Business #3: Shaw's Closes and Ocean State Job Lot Opens #2: Johnston Apple Festival #1: Salmonella Outbreak At DeFusco's and Borrelli's Bakery Opens Tomorrow, we'll cover the Top 5 Sports Stories in 2011. Stay tuned — and thanks for reading JohnstonPatch!

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