'America's Got Talent' Exit + Deli Closes + Overdose Deaths Spike

Up and at 'em, Woonsocket! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in town today.

In today's edition, a Woonsocket man put on his last performance on the hit show, "America's Got Talent." Plus: the city fights a 129 percent increase in overdose deaths and a local deli has closed its doors, for now.

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 75, low: 61.

Here are the top stories in Woonsocket today:

1. WJAR-TV reports Woonsocket's own Keith Apicary was eliminated from "America's Got Talent" this week following his performance in the quarterfinals Tuesday. (WJAR)
2. Edward Fitzpatrick of The Boston Globe reports Woonsocket is grappling with a 129 percent increase in drug overdose deaths. (The Boston Globe, subscription required)
3. David Linton of The Sun Chronicle reports a former Woonsocket man received probation after admitting he was driving while under the influence of Xanax and cocaine in a February crash in North Attleboro. Zachary Schleicher, 27, of Whitman, hit a fire hydrant and a car, then drove off and became stuck in a snowbank. No one was hurt. (The Sun Chronicle)
4. According to the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, Woonsocket seeks a new city tax assessor. The non-union position pays up to $75,000 a year, and the deadline to apply is Sept. 10. (Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns)
5. GoLocalProv reports Woonsocket concert pianist and music teacher Jeannine C. B. Mills died Sunday. She was 87. (GoLocalProv)
6. Lauren Clem of The Valley Breeze reports J's Deli locations in Woonsocket and Cumberland have closed for the time being. A sign on the door cited staffing shortages brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. (The Valley Breeze)

Today in Woonsocket

• North East Groove Band (8 p.m.)

Woonsocket Patch Notebook

• The Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary said Pop joe found his forever home this week. (Facebook)
• The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park said the latest Healing Arts in the Parks song was "Goodbye Charlie." The organization thanked participants at Slater Mill and Roger Williams this summer. (Facebook)
• The Woonsocket Harris Library hosted family music with "Tunes N Tales." This was the last program of the summer music program. (Instagram)
• The RI Hospitality Association encouraged followers to register inline for its upcoming Economic Outlook Breakfast on Sept. 9, which will feature industry experts from the National Restaurant Association. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Try It Potters Wheel Class! (August 28)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Hampton

About me: Hi! My name is Dan Hampton and I'm the program manager for Patch's Community Publisher Initiative. Formerly a local editor on Long Island covering Port Washington, Wantagh-Seaford, Levittown, Glen Cove, Plainview, Syosset, New Hyde Park, Hicksville, Great Neck, Oyster Bay and Mineola. I am the former wire editor on Patch's national team and a former news associate at The Associated Press. I graduated with a journalism degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Send tips and/or photos of your dog to dan.hampton@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woonsocket Daily? Email me at Woonsocket@Patch.com.