Johnston|News|
5 Things: Pumpkins, Pics, Prize
Barnes School's annual pumpkin painting night leads the 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 19, 2012.

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.
Barnes School's annual pumpkin painting night leads the 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 19, 2012.

A Raised Ranch and a Colonial changed hands this week.
The Smithfield superintendent said the local dance "went smoothly," in contrast to the recent dance in Middletown.
Johnston Police arrested Russell Savickas, 51, of Craigie Avenue following the accident on Oct. 13.
Your reaction to Tuesday night's Presidential poll, plus two killer contests [not literally] make the list of 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 18.
Your reaction to Tuesday night's Presidential poll, plus two killer contests [not literally] make the list of 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 18.
The Glocester resident passed away on Oct. 15, 2012.
Jessica Collins, 31, appeared in court for arraignment on Oct. 12.
Did Obama redeem himself? Was Romney as masterful as in the first debate?
Advice on how to get kids to read makes the 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 16.
Workouts of the physical and mental kinds make the 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 16.
Rhode Island reported 127 deaths per 100,000 population caused by breast cancer in 2008. But early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.
Rhode Island reported 127 deaths per 100,000 population caused by breast cancer in 2008. But early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.
Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.
Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.
SmithfieldPatch has two ways to share the Halloween spirit on the list of 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 16, 2012.
JohnstonPatch has two ways to share the Halloween spirit on the list of 5 Things to Know Today for Oct. 16, 2012.
The Rhode Island State Police posted the following arrests online. Where an arrest is noted, it does not indicate a conviction.
Two cars were apparently involved in a head-on collision near Brown Avenue in Johnston on Sunday night, the television station reported.