🌱 WHA Audit Update + Woonsocket Radio’s Dead Presidents Contest

Rise and shine, Woonsocket; today is National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day)! It's Wednesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

WHA overspent considerably. Also, who won the Dead Presidents Contest? Finally, a shoutout to Coach Breault!

First, today's weather:

Sun mixing with clouds. High: 44 Low: 30.

Here are the top five stories today in Woonsocket:

1. WHA Audit Update: We learned Tuesday that one example of the housing authority’s fiscal problems is the overspending “on a security contract by over $300,000.” NES Solutions was a private security company that was supposed to “supplement existing security personnel” during the pandemic lockdown. “The initial contract was for $44,800 and stipulated that the Authority was not to exceed $75,000. The authority exceeded this threshold in late May 2020, going on to pay NES over $650,000 over the next year.” (Woonsocket Call)
2. Woonsocket Radio has announced the winner of its Dead Presidents Contest. C. Laverdiere played, and on Monday she had her picture taken with a fistful of dollars. (@WoonsocketRadio)
3. Mount Saint Charles congratulated Coach Breault on Monday. She led the team to become the “2022 UDA New England Regional Champions in Varsity Jazz and Hip Hop.” Congratulations! (@MtStCharles)
4. Crossroads Rhode Island announced Tuesday that it will transition those who sought shelter at the NYLO during the pandemic to “improved emergency shelter or permanent housing” by April 30. Moreover, Crossroads will stop using the NYLO. Residents appreciate this change, since “they said their living conditions were impacted by shelter guests.” (WJAR)
5. If you have had “Volkswagens, Audis, Porsches, or Bentleys” on order, you might have to wait a little longer. MOL Ship Management announced that a vessel carrying cars from Germany “sank off the coast of the Azores Tuesday morning after catching fire last month.” All crew members were rescued. (Patch)

From our sponsor:

Today's Woonsocket Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Woonsocket:

• Weekly Women's Wednesday Bible Study with Judy at Faith Chapel (10 AM)
• KickStart Networking/Beer Tasting at Lops Brewing (5 PM)
• Annual Longest Ash Contest at The Gentleman Cigar Lounge (6 PM)
• Line Dancing at Six String Grill & Stage (7 PM)
• NA Meeting at Edgewood Congregational Church (7 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary, Inc. celebrates another adoption! Jasper was found as a stray a few weeks ago and after blood work, it was determined that he has FIV. An FIV cat can live a very healthy indoor life. (Facebook)
• The Harmony Fire District was alerted this morning to a baby deer trapped in ice. With the help of Chepachet Fire Department and the Smithfield Fire Department, we were able to rescue the deer from the water and ice. (Facebook)
• The Woonsocket Parks & Recreation has a few more spots for Girls’ and Women's Self Defense! DO NOT be shy! This course is fun, empowering and important! Woonsocket residents and/or taxpayers only. Deadline is March 12. (Facebook)

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

• Send a friend or neighbor this link, so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at Woonsocket@Patch.com

You're officially in the loop for today. 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.