Archive - 2013
April 11th
PAWTUCKET — As if enough confidence wasn’t radiating from Jose Iglesias already, the shortstop was privileged enough to spend part of his Thursday afternoon with a noteworthy batting practice partner.
About two hours prior to first pitch, David Ortiz emerged from the clubhouse to get a few on-field swings. Fighting through the crowded wall of TV cameras and microphones, Iglesias had every intention of stepping in the cage the moment Ortiz needed a breather.
Iglesias may have been at McCoy Stadium, but it was clear that the big leagues were still on his mind.
PROVIDENCE – The man accused in the brutal killing of Donna Pike was a 43-year-old career criminal who had been released from a federal prison in West Virginia less than three months ago.
A police affidavit filed in District Court says Brian Audette confessed to killing Pike, 57, whose battered, lifeless body was found in her third-floor apartment at 79 Rathbun St. in Woonsocket Monday night.
Wearing a pair of dirty jeans and a rumpled polo shirt, Audette was formally arraigned on charges of first-degree murder before Judge Joseph Ippolito Thursday morning.
Clara B. Nelson
WOONSOCKET- Clara B. Nelson, 91, of Woonsocket, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013 in Oakland Grove Health Care Center. Clara was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Carter and Rebecca M. Davis on December 3, 1921.
Her family moved to Boston, MA when she was young. She attended Roxbury Memorial High School. She was a dietary aide at the Wentworth Institute until her retirement. She enjoyed walking, special outings, board games, knitting and spending time with her daughter. She enjoyed children and was a kind and gentle soul.
WOONSOCKET – A city man shot and killed himself Thursday moments after firefighters evacuated the man’s wife and young daughter from their apartment unit located in the sprawling Veterans Memorial public housing development in the city’s Fairmount section.
There were initial reports that gunshots were fired at police officers and firefighters responding to the emergency call at the home, but police later confirmed that no firefighters or officers on the scene were shot at or injured.
WOONSOCKET – Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a woman in her 79 Rathbun St. apartment, where her body had been found on Monday, but declined to provide further details on how they broke the case.
Brian Audette, 43, of 307 Elm St., Warwick, as charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Donna Pike, 57.
Audette is to be arraigned on the charge today in District Court, Providence, police said.
April 10th
Wednesday’s announcement from the Rhode Island Principals’ Committee on Athletics regarding the awarding of a two-year football officials’ contract to a group from Massachusetts does not automatically spell the end of Rhode Island-based officials from overseeing games statewide.
What remains to be seen is just how many Rhode Island officials are willing to put hurt feelings aside and “break ranks,” those words coming from Bruce Guindon, a Pawtucket native and registered Interscholastic League official.
PAWTUCKET — A tip for those with plans to turn out at McCoy Stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox’ home opener on Thursday night: Make every effort to get comfortably seated by around 6:15.
An elaborate pre-game ceremony laced with pageantry will directly lead into the 7:05 first pitch between Pawtucket and Rochester. The festivities commence with a tribute to neighboring police and fire units. The jubilant spirit inside the ballpark’s walls will undoubtedly remain at a fever pitch when the 2012 Governors’ Cup champion PawSox are recognized as part of a special ring ceremony.
LINCOLN — Regarding the defending state championship unit he oversees, Lincoln High head coach Dick Ryan has very few reasons to feel nervous.
Even on a day that saw senior pitching standout Lindsay Mayer demonstrate that she is human after all, the Lions were still able to outclass the opposition in every conceivable sense. Lincoln was supplied by plenty of offensive fireworks and a stout defense that was on full display during the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game when centerfielder Adriana Toro unleashed a cannon of a throw to nail a Smithfield baserunner at third base.
WOONSOCKET — On Monday afternoon at Slater Park, Tolman High mustered only one hit in a 3-0, extra-inning loss to defending Rhode Island Division I champion Lincoln.
Naturally, that was a point of contention for head coach Craig Giarrusso, who in practice has been working with his girls to produce more at the plate.
It showed, and then some, in a Division I showdown with Woonsocket on Wednesday afternoon. The Tigers bashed 14 hits, 11 of them in the final three frames, to post an easier-than-anticipated 8-0 victory at Cold Spring Park’s Baldelli Field.
Sara J. Fernandes
SOUTH CAROLINA- Sara J. (Conley) Fernandes, 29, of State Park Rd. died unexpectedly on Saturday April 6, 2013. She was the wife of the late Alan Fernandes.
Born in Cambridge MA., daughter of Mary Rose Clark, of Woonsocket, and Robert Clark.
Sara worked as a waitress for several years at The Castle prior to moving to South Carolina.
She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, a kind hearted person, who cared about her family and friends. A free spirit always enjoyed life to the fullest.
