🌱Ming's Competes In Poutine Competition + Drink Ukrainian Vodka

Happy Friday, people of Pawtucket! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 36 Low: 19.

Here are the top four stories in Pawtucket today:

1. Sales affiliate Kathleen Coutu, of the Century 21 Stachurski Agency, was recently recognized by Century 21 Real Estate LLC with the Century 21 2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award. The annual award is based on results from the Century 21 Quality Service Survey which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home.(Valley Breeze)
2. Anthony Shukri Nelson a 41-year-old man from Pawtucket, is facing federal charges for methamphetamine and cocaine drug trafficking. He has multiple drug trafficking convictions and was on probation when he was arrested on Tuesday. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))
3. In a show of solidarity and support for the people and nation of Ukrainian Providence's Bellini is joining other restaurants around the world and is now carrying Ukrainian vodka. Nemiroff premium vodka is available to be ordered for any cocktail. Nemiroff comes from Ukraine’s oldest and largest distillery. So join in and toast to 'peace and hope'. (The Providence Journal)
4. Ming's Sando Bar in Pawtucket is among the 7 local restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that are competing for the best poutine competition. Their Pho'Tine is made with hand-cut potatoes topped with pho gravy, cheese curds, jalapeño, red onion, fried garlic, cilantro and lime. Where is your favorite place to get poutine? (The Providence Journal)

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Today in Pawtucket:

• Take & Make Kits - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Anime Club - Pawtucket Public Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Pawtucket Police Department: "Save the date! Rabies clinic Saturday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pawtucket Animal Shelter! Make sure your furry friends are protected." (Facebook)
• Pawtucket, RI - Lost & Found Pets: "Pawtucket - Do you know this cat?" (Facebook)
• Tri-County Community Action Agency: "It's Tax Season! The IRS has launched a new web page on IRS.gov to provide the latest details and information affecting the 2022 filing season. The IRS shares information on free filing resources, scams, and phishing emails. (Facebook)
• Public Information Joint Information Center, State of Rhode Island: "Changes to State's COVID-19 Testing Program - The State's COVID-19 testing program is making some changes to ensure that it's helping people at highest risk for serious illness get into treatment." (Nextdoor)
• RIDOH Drug Overdose Prevention and Response, State of Rhode Island: "Counterfeit pills are pressed to look identical to prescription medicines. Many fake pills- oxycodone (Perks, Vikes, Oxys) and addies (Adderall, a stimulant)- contain fentanyl and are even more lethal when crushed and snorted. " (Nextdoor)

Loving the Pawtucket Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at karena.garrity@patch.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Pawtucket and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.