Sen. Sheehan, Locals Pushing for Wickford Art District

A new piece of legislation would turn Wickford into a tax-exempt arts district.

  More than a half dozen Rhode Island cities and towns host a tax-free art district, where artists and galleries are exempt from state sales tax. Despite the various art galleries, local artists and renowned art festival in Wickford, North Kingstown is not one of them. State Senator James Sheehan (D-Dist. 36) is once again supporting a bill that would create a tax-free, art district zone for Wickford Village and the surrounding area. The legislation would remove the state sales tax on goods and works produced and sold in Wickford. If passed, the Wickford art district would include the village and areas along Route 102 (Ten Rod Road) as well as the Rodman Mill Pond area. “Wickford has a brand, and that brand is art,” said Sheehan. “I think …

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Lynn Krim

10:17 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012

Those of us the Shady Lea Mill are wondering why we were not allowed the opportunity to participate on this legislation. We are located in North Kingstown, at the junction of Rte 1&4 and have over 40 artists and artisans in residence. In the past we worked with other senators trying to get this done and I have spoken to members of the NK Arts Council about making this happen. You are absolutely …   more ›

VIDEO: Quidnessett's Aladdin Jr. Brings 'A Whole New World'

Quidnessett Elementary School puts on its performance of Aladdin Jr. this week.

Students at SMH-Quidnessett Elementary School only have three wishes, and all three are the same: come see their production of Aladdin Jr. this week. These elementary school thespians have been working tirelessly after school, memorizing one-liners from the Genie and Jafar. Expect costume changes, set changes and some stellar vocal performances. Performances:

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NKHS Bands Sweep Competition in NYC

North Kingstown High School's bands won big in the Big Apple this past weekend.

The North Kingstown High School symphonic and senior jazz bands won big this weekend in the Big Apple. The two bands competed in the WorldStrides Heritage Performance Festival against 21 other instrumental groups from 13 different states. Not only did they win: they swept the competition winning a total of eight awards, walking away with an award in each category they were eligible to compete in. Among the wins were the festival’s “gold” placement awards for best symphonic band and best senior jazz band. Though NKHS has competed in the festival before and earned gold and silver awards, it was the first time the bands won the top honors. “I was hoping to get a gold placement, which is a grade of 90 and above,” said North Kingstown High …

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Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes With NKHS' 'Footloose'

North Kingstown High School's rendition of the 80s classic kicks off this Friday.

Expect a lot of DayGlo colors this weekend on the North Kingstown High School stage. This weekend, NKHS puts on its version of the 80s classic "Footloose." The 97 members of the cast and crew have been practicing nearly nonstop since their return from Christmas vacation, including one Saturday practice that ran until 1 a.m. Unlike past years, musical director Norma Caiazza opted to double-cast this year due to Footloose's demanding vocals. (In other words, expect to see two Rens and two Ariels on the stage this weekend.) In a peculiar twist, NKHS recently went through it's own dancing controversy this year as administrators instituted a "dirty dancing" policy that prohibited inappropriate dancing at school dances. The choice of musical was…

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NK Man Protests New Liam Neeson Movie

North Kingstown resident and co-president of the National Wolfwatcher Coalition is protesting the bad rap wolves are getting in Liam Neeson's new movie, "The Grey."

Jenni Goes to Hollywood [video]

North Kingstown native Jenni Schick got her golden ticket (and a smooch from Steven Tyler) and now heads to the Hollywood rounds of American Idol.

Jenni Schick made her "American Idol" debut Wednesday night, punching her ticket to the Hollywood rounds. The North Kingstown native was the first contestant to appear from the Aspen auditions Wednesday night, nabbing three thumbs up from judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson with her rendition of Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker." Speaking of breaking hearts, it seems 24-year-old Schick is quite fond of Idol judge and Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler. Schick admitted to Idol host Ryan Seacrest that she and her boyfriend each have a list of celebrities they're allowed to kiss. Schick's list consists of Lady Gaga, Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine and Steven Tyler. Her boyfriend? Lady Gaga, Adam Levine and...Ryan Seacrest? Following…

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NK Idol Contestant Locks Lips With Aerosmith Legend

North Kingstown's Jenni Schick is set to appear on American Idol?

They are some of the most recognizable lips in rock n roll and one lucky lass from North Kingstown got to plant a big wet one on them. If you watched the premiere of Fox's "American Idol" Wednesday night, you didn't see North Kingstown native Jenni Schick's audition. What you did see was Jenni locking lips with Aerosmith frontman and Idol judge Steven Tyler. (Another "Holy Schick" moment, perhaps?) The Denver, CO auditions – where Jenni tried out – have yet to air. (Check Idol's gallery from the Denver auditions for a picture of Jenni "lost in thought.") Idol returns to Fox Sunday night at 9 p.m. following the New York Giants/San Francisco 49ers game.

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Holy Schick! NK Native to Appear on American Idol

North Kingstown native Jenni Schick is competing on this season's American Idol.

If you've been watching Fox recently and have suffered through the bombardment of "American Idol" promos, you may have noticed a familiar face prominently featured. North Kingstown native Jenni Schick will be competing in season 11 of "American Idol," which premieres Wednesday night. From the promo above (sorry about the poor quality), you can see that Ms. Schick is already getting some airtime and wooing judges. It seems that Steven Tyler is already a fan of the aspiring singer. Watch the video to see his clever play on words with Schick's name. Jenni Schick, 24, graduated from North Kingstown High School in 2005 and went on to study at Shenandoah University. Schick isn't the first North Kingstown native to hit the Idol stage. Just last …

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NKGOP Watch

1:14 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012

cool beans 2362 up, 289 down A slang term that actually began it's use in the late 60's/early 70's. Popularized by the pop culture of the time. Used to describe something very favorable or pleasing. Great. Very nice.   more ›

Boo & Brr! Horribles Parade Storms Chilly Wickford

Despite the frosty conditions, the Wickford Horribles Parade had a good showing.

What's weirder than seeing Freddy Krueger, Woody and Buzz from "Toy Story," and a few lions on the streets of Wickford? Seeing snow on the ground before Halloween. But, both of these things happened Sunday afternoon as the annual horribles parade returned to Wickford Village for Wicked Week and as a Nor'easter pounded the East Coast Saturday. Do you have pics from today's festivities in Wickford? Add them by clicking the link below!

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