BOSTON

Fishermen asking USDA to buy more dogfish fillets

Fishermen desperate for revenue are learning to love the ornery dogfish, and they’re hoping the government can help them persuade seafood eaters to do the same.

Industry groups have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy more dogfish fillets, to increase industry earnings and build the market for an abundant, but low-value species.

Last week, 19 New England lawmakers followed the fishermen’s request with a letter saying the purchase could “bring much needed relief to an ailing industry.”

The purchase would be made under a program that buys surplus food, relieving downward pressure on the price. The food is then donated to federal programs.

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The desire to promote dogfish is a change for fishermen who have long despised the small shark, a relentless predator they say drives out more valuable species, such as cod.

CHARLESTOWN, R.I.

Man turning Sandy debris into art to benefit charity

A Connecticut man is turning debris he found at a Rhode Island beach after Superstorm Sandy into art.

The Westerly Sun reported that Matt Peel of Pawcatuck, Conn., spent a month on Misquamicut Beach picking up pieces of wood from signs, beach fencing and houses after the October storm.

Peel is making them into wooden American flags, shelves and furniture.

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Peel hopes to have 15 pieces done by the end of the summer and plans to exhibit and sell the work at a local gallery.

He said all the proceeds go the Misquamicut Relief Fund.

BOW, N.H,

Bay State driver clocked doing 114 mph, police say

A Massachusetts man is facing a reckless driving charge after a New Hampshire state trooper clocked him driving 114 mph in Bow.

Lawrence Chiodi of Burlington, Mass., was driving northbound on Interstate 93 when Trooper Sean Faherty of the special enforcement unit stopped his 2012 Ford Mustang just before the junction of Interstate 89 at 8 a.m. Friday. The trooper’s laser speed gun showed the car was travelling at 114 mph.

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The 48-year-old Chiodi was released on personal recognizance.

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

General Assembly passes tougher graffiti penalties

In one of their final votes of the year, Rhode Island lawmakers have approved tougher penalties for people convicted of graffiti vandalism.

The legislation would subject first-time graffiti offenders to fines of up to $1,000 and up to 200 hours of community service. Third-time convictions would be considered felonies and would be punishable by up to two years in jail, fines of up to $2,000 as well as up to 300 hours of community service.

In addition, offenders may be ordered to pay for the cost of the damage and cleanup.

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The General Assembly endorsed the legislation Wednesday. It’s now awaiting action by Gov. Lincoln Chafee.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.

Man pleads not guilty in killing of girlfriend

A Springfield man has pleaded not guilty to murder and gun charges in the fatal shooting of his girlfriend.

Twenty-two-year-old Terrance Brown was arraigned Friday in Springfield District Court in the killing Thursday of 19-year-old Tyshianna Atkins.

Police say Brown shot Atkins in the chest in a Federal Street apartment, then dragged her body outside and left it on the sidewalk Thursday.

 


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