East Providence, RI|News|
One Year After Irene, Has Anything Changed?
Tropical Storm Irene rolled into Rhode Island a year ago this week — have you taken any steps to be ready in case of another storm?

Email: joseph.hutnak@patch.com
Phone: 401-369-1659
Joe is currently Field Editor for six Rhode Island Patch sites, previously Local Editor for Bristol-Warren Patch, Smithfield Patch, and Johnston Patch.
A native Rhode Islander, Joe grew up in Johnston and graduated from Johnston High School. He attended Rhode Island College and earned a bachelor's degree in English, then started in professional journalism with the Kent County Daily Times in West Warwick. After stints in Hopkinton and East Greenwich, Joe served as Editor of The Cranston Herald.
Some of Joe's previous work includes:
— Press Secretary for Aram Garabedian's mayoral campaign in Cranston against Steve Laffey in 2002;
— Advisor to Cranston Democratic City-wide Council slate in 2004 and 2006;
— Membership Director for Cranston Chamber of Commerce;
— State-certified high school English teacher.
Joe joined Patch in November, 2010, and launched Johnston Patch six weeks later. In September, 2012, he launched Smithfield Patch before assisting with coverage of Bristol-Warren Patch and taking on the Field Editor role in 2013.
Joe lives in Cranston. He is married to Andrea DiPonte Hutnak, whose parents live in Johnston. Joe and Andrea have one daughter, Carina Rose.
Tropical Storm Irene rolled into Rhode Island a year ago this week — have you taken any steps to be ready in case of another storm?

The Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance (RIASPA) posted a new Google map showing more than 200 program locations — including six right here in Johnston.
We've got plenty of culinary selections in Johnston — but do you think there's something missing?
The updated site for the Johnston-based North Central Chamber of Commerce features scrolling text, sponsor advertisements — and a JohnstonPatch video!
The opening bell of the 2012-13 school year is about to ring — and we're getting you ready with our 5 Things to Know Today for Aug. 29.
On the eve of today's school opening, First Student staffers provided a tour of the buses that will be in service this year.
We're looking for the best pics & clips of the kids heading off to school.
Tropical Storm Irene rolled into Rhode Island a year ago this week — have you taken any steps to be ready in case of another storm?
Tropical Storm Irene rolled into Rhode Island a year ago this week — have you taken any steps to be ready in case of another storm?
First Student released its revised bus schedule this week — here's how to check whether your kid's route has changed.
Longtime teacher Leanne DeMarco recently earned a promotion to Assistant Principal at Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School in Johnston.
The Scituate native passed away on Aug. 25, 2012, at Briarcliffe Manor in Johnston.
JohnstonPatch is your source for school bus routes in Johnston — and the opening and closing times. Here are your 5 Things to Know Today for Aug. 28.
Here are the opening and dismissal times for Johnston public schools, as well as well as our links to bus routes.
Johnston Police charged Lance Nicoletti, 26, of Smithfield, with first-degree molestation following his arrest on Aug. 24.
Mayor Joseph Polisena, school Supt. Dr. Bernard DiLullo, and town Code Enforcement Officer Peter DelPonte address the issue of non-residents attending local schools.
Mayor Joseph Polisena issued a pledge this morning to locate — and penalize — Johnston homeowners who claim that out-of-town children are living at their homes.
The Johnston resident and Air Force veteran passed away on Aug. 24, 2012.
Mayors from Johnston, North Providence and East Providence intended to stop mutual aid to Providence by Sunday, Aug. 26.