🌱 Route 146 Overhaul Worth $150 Million + Let RI Vote Progresses

Morning, Woonsocket, and happy National Sticky Bun Day! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything happening today in Woonsocket.

Who will be awarded the $150 million contract to work on Route 146? Also, Let RI Vote continues to seek support. Finally, it has been 19 years since the deadly Station Nightclub fire.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and mild. High: 52 Low: 31.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Route 146 is getting a major overhaul. Improvements include resurfacing of the pavement, the installation of fiber optic communications, extended acceleration lanes, and median barrier improvements. We learned Thursday that this overhaul is now in the contract award phase. About $150 million are at stake. (The Valley Breeze)
2. Let RI Vote is supposed to make voting as simple as possible for the electorate. The movement gave a shoutout to the Watch Coalition from Woonsocket on Tuesday for “speaking to the need for flexible options for voters like mail ballots, early voting & same-day registration.” Bills entitled S2007 and S2216 are supposed to make this happen. (@letrivote)
3. Sunday marked the 19th anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire. A pyrotechnics display during a Great White concert caused sparks that set the venue on fire. One hundred people lost their lives; another 200 sustained injuries. (WPRI)
4. The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council announced Wednesday that the City of East Providence has issued a call for artists. Participants have the opportunity to share their qualifications. The East Providence Arts Council is ready to disburse the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative Grant. (Blackstone Valley Tourism Council)
5. Save the date! The Elks Lodge 850 will host a St. Patrick’s Day lunch. Planned for March 13, the menu includes “a choice of corned beef and cabbage or shepherd’s pie.” Purchase your tickets by March 5 because there won’t be tickets sold at the door. (The Valley Breeze)

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Today in Woonsocket:

• Winter Stage - A February Vacation Stadium Theatre Camp (9 AM to 4 PM)
• Adventures in STEM during February School Vacation at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium (10 PM to 4 PM)
• Kids Paint Day at Spumoni's (1 PM to 3 PM)
• D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches: The Grill Gives Back to Bernon Heights PTO (4 PM to 8 PM)
• NA Meeting at 3260 Post Road (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• A new Farm St neighbor just bought a house in the area and may be looking for an electrician to help with some minor electrical fixes (outlet swap outs, for example) but may need some bigger support in the future. Any recommendations? (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Paint Pottery February Vacation Staycation Activity (February 21)
• Youth and High School Rugby Camp! (February 22)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 22)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.