Top Stories of January on Newport Patch

These stories were some of the most-read articles on Newport Patch in January.

The robbery involving a local woman near Gould Street and Congdon Avenue sparked more public outcry over the safety of Newport streets after dark. After staving off her attacker who only managed to steal her wallet, the woman ripped off the side mirror to his car. The mirror must have had sentimental value, because he went to the police station that same day to claim it.

Bike safety continued to be a concern on the island. Earlier this month, a 36-year-old Newport man was struck by a driver while riding his bike late at night on West Main Road in Middletown. The accident prompted Bike Newport to write a well-read response on sharing the road between bikers and drivers.

This winter saw one of the worst flu seasons in recent years. It was so widespread, in fact, that local pharmacies on the island had trouble keeping vaccinations in stock. At one point, Rite Aid in Middletown was the only place to get a flu shot without leaving the island, but they too soon ran out of supplies. We may not be in the clear either. Flu season peaks in February and can last until May, health experts said.

Middletown and Newport police responded to what may have looked like a scene from Animal House when they issued more than 100 citations at two college parties in the same weekend. The parties, on Warren Avenue and Shore Drive in Middletown, were both broken up after neighbors complained about the noise.

Lights, camera, action, Newport! “Bellevue Avenue” will be the next movie featuring the City by the Sea with production slated to begin this summer. Newport resident and Cranston native Ken Dooley will handle producing and screenwriting the movie.