Five More Memorable Stories of 2016

TIVERTON, RI— Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump may have hogged election coverage headlines on Nov. 8, but there was suspense in Tiverton, as the outcome of the Casino Gambling question was not immediately resolved. Ultimately, the casino did pass, and the ramifications are yet to come.

Also lingering into 2017, the Gypsy Moth invasion had an impact on the entire state, but especially in Kent and Washington Counties.

Questions about the release from prison of Anthony Stravato were soon resolved when he went back to jail. He was convicted of animal cruelty.

In Warren, Ava Anderson, the home and personal care products company, abruptly shut down, citing online harassment. The management team vowed to revamp the business. Under a new label, Pure Essentials, the website has products listed.

Finally, everything came up doughnuts for a North Kingstown business.

Tiverton Casino Passes

The casino question passed the local referendum by a slim margin if 366 votes.The tally was Yes: 4,305 to No: 3,939.

The Citizens to Create Jobs and Protect Revenue, Inc. had advertised for a Yes vote on Question 1. The proposed casino and hotel would create 500 to 600 jobs, part-time and full-time, they said. The full-time workers would collect annual compensation, including benefits worth more than $56,000. Plus, some 330 construction jobs would be in play while the property was being developed.

Also a consideration, the state's share of the revenues was being projected at $50 million a year. Tiverton would receive about four million dollars.

The plan also calls for highway improvements to benefit the Town.

The ballot question had the support of business and union leaders, organizers said. George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Ed Roderick, past president of the Tiverton Town Council, Laurie White, president pf the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Chief Frank Sylvester, past president of the New England Association of Fire Chiefs all appeared in the advertisements.

But the opposition, which included church leaders, argued the revenue estimates are likely inflated and would not materialize. Also, the gambling operations impact quality of life, and take advantage of vulnerable people with gambling addictions.

Ava Anderson Abruptly Shuts Down

Ava Anderson started the company that bore her name, Ava Anderson Non Toxic, at age 14, but last January, she and her family shut down the company, citing online abuse and harassment.

The announcement was made on the company’s website.

The Anderson family, in a statement, said that they have endured attacks over the Internet for years but “we simply cannot see any possible happiness or peace for her future or our family being treated this way. However, the management team did plan to re-open under a different label. Under a new label, Pure Essentials, the website has products listed.

Gypsy Moths Strike Rhode Island

The worst gypsy moth infestation in 15 years hit Rhode Island in 2016. The caterpillars ate much of the tree foliage in South and Kent Counties. .

The state Department of Environmental Management monitored the caterpillar infestation and predicted in early June that many trees that have been defoliated should start to re-foliate by the end of July "with the proper care."

Convicted Cat Killer Anthony Stravato Sent Back to Prison

Anthony Stravato was convicted of animal cruelty for cutting a cat's eye out and setting it on fire. He went to prison for that and for other felonies, and authorities were alarmed last summer when Stravato was released. The state Department of Environmental Management warned he might offend again.

Shelters and pet shops were alerted.

Stravato, along with his girlfriend, Alyssa Lamountain, "may attempt to adopt or purchase animals," the DEM warned in the letter.

Stravato ended up back in jail later in August on a probation violation.

North Kingstown Donut Shop Named Among Best in U.S.

Thrillist named the landmark Rhode Island bakery one of the ”Best Donut Shops in America.” The digital lifestyle publication picked Allie’s along with 32 other donut shops across the country to round out their list of the best.

They used taste to pick the winners.

The editorial staff said they ate a lot of donuts over the course of the year, writing down the ones they liked. They also took suggestions from other staffers and freelancers who argued in favor of who they liked.