🌱 Resident Caught In Drug Dragnet + Museum Of Work Gets $9,000

Happy Saturday, Woonsocket, and happy National Puzzle Day! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

A 25-year-old Woonsocket resident was arrested and charged during a drug operation. Also, the Museum of Work and Culture received a grant. Finally, officials discuss winter storm safety.

First, today's weather:

Blizzard, accumulating 1-2'. High: 20 Low: 8.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. On Tuesday, AG Healey’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force arrested and charged eight individuals as the result of a “takedown of a major criminal network trafficking drugs throughout Boston and the South Shore.” When executing search warrants at four separate venues, officers recovered “approximately $300,000 in cash and 565 grams of fentanyl, along with cocaine, suboxone, two firearms, and ammunition.” One of the individuals was 25-year-old T. Swaney of Woonsocket. During arraignment on Friday, this suspect was charged with “Distribution of a Class A Controlled Substance (3 counts), Trafficking in Fentanyl (10 Grams or More) (3 counts), and Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws (1 count).” (Fall River Reporter)
2. Last week on Thursday, the Museum of Work and Culture received a legislative grant worth $9,000. The funds are earmarked for the new permanent exhibit, “Flowing Through Time: Nature, Industry, and Communities of the Blackstone River.” This product will be installed by October, when the Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary. Another display to look forward to this year is titled “Hollywood comes to Woonsocket.” (Valley Breeze)
3. Woonsocket is one of the communities that wisely ordered a parking ban ahead of Friday night’s snowstorm. Officials issued a Winter Storm Watch that begins midnight Saturday and continues for the storm’s duration. Residents are warned about strong wind gusts and whiteout conditions. If you have not already done so, now is the time to put together an emergency road kit. “To report an outage, call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.” (WPRI)
4. Amaya Dowdy got a shoutout Tuesday when she made UMass Lowell proud. The freshman from Woonsocket "came off the bench and added eight points and seven boards." Great job! (Go River Hawks)
5. The business of the day is Yaya & the Tree of Life at 2 Monument Square. The gift shop specializes in things that you can’t find elsewhere. Good examples are cranberry walnut jam from Carolyn’s Kitchen, Valentine’s Day gift baskets, and friendsheep echo balls. (@WoonsocketRadio, Yaya & the Tree of Life)

Today in Woonsocket:

• Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Dispensary Training Live Webinar (online) (10 AM)
• The Resume Makeover Masterclass (online) (12 PM)
• The Rhode Island Historical Society features several Online Galleries (all day)

From my notebook:

• The friendly folks from Woonsocket Recycles remind residents to please make sure all trash carts are removed from sidewalk areas. (Facebook)
• The Woonsocket Harris Public Library will have an AARP tax aide at the library beginning February 9, 2022, from 12pm-4pm through April 13th in the main program room. No walk-ins, must have an appointment and must wear a face mask. Sign up by leaving a message with Bob. (Facebook)
• The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council put together a report on property taxes and analyzes which municipalities have the highest tax burdens for homeowners and businesses. Find out where your community ranks. (Facebook)
• A Carrington Ave/Mendon Rd neighbor would like for someone to please suggest a plumber. (Nextdoor)
• Joseph from Nextdoor's Community Team, Massachusetts invites everyone to its virtual dance party Friday nights from 7 to 9 pm It's a virtual and family-friendly dance party. (Nextdoor)

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

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Best Fiends (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.