Arsenic at Island Park

Portsmouth: Residents in Portsmouth's Island Park neighborhood this week expressed their frustrations and fears about the future of the town's landfill. During a meeting with the state Department of Environmental Management, residents raised concerns about a proposal to increase the amount of arsenic allowed on the site, and questioned why a notice about the public meeting had only been put in the Providence Journal and not any local publications. The meeting was tense, with the police called in at one point. Read more about it in this Portsmouth Patch story.

Teacher of the Year Resigns

Portsmouth: Portsmouth's 2010 teacher of the year, Kimberly Cunningham, submitted her resignation to the School Committee this week. While the reasons for her resignation are not yet known, residents have expressed concern at losing one of the district's top employees. Committee Chairwoman Cynthia S. Perrotti said this was the second "Teacher of the Year" to resign from the Portsmouth school system this school year. Read more about it in this Portsmouth Patch story.

Yes, I'm Suing the Town 

Tiverton: In a column this week, local political blogger Justin Katz announced that he is suing the Town of Tiverton. As one of 16 plaintiffs listed in O'Dell vs. Tiverton, Katz says he hopes to raise awareness to the fact that the town has raised property taxes "above the limits of the law." Read more about it in this Tiverton Patch story.

Saying 'Om' After School

Newport: Rogers High School students have been getting a little yoga in after-school, thanks to a new program offered by the Newport Community School. The yoga session is an extension of the community's schools similar program offered at the middle school. While the group size in the first yoga series has been small, the students participating have had good reasons for being there. Read more about it in this Newport Patch story.