Missed some news cycles and catching up? From "News You Can Use" local opinion columns, or news coverage of government issues, local schools, sports, police and fire, features and other happenings, you can find out what happened in Middletown for the week ending Oct. 9, 2010 by visiting our news section to see all Middletown Patch articles any time, or by browsing our weekly compilation here:

News You Can Use

Columbus Day Weekend Planner: Free family film at Vineyard, Thriller author speaks, Oktoberfest, Festa Italiana, NBS Day Camp

From Newport to Middletown and Portsmouth, there's no shortage of autumn festivals and outdoor activities to enjoy over Columbus Day Weekend.

By Angela Lemire

More Mentors Needed to Bridge Gap Between Technology and Workforce

Christopher T. Semonelli, Middletown Town Council President, calls on area businesses and professionals to take part in the Monthly Career Exploration Series to help bridge a growing knowledge gap with students.

By Chris Semonelli, Middletown Town Council President

Just When I thought I Didn't Need to Worry...

Carm realizes that although she has raised an adult child, worry never ends.

By Carmela Geer

Slideshow: Old-Fashioned Fall Fest a Fair to Remember

Photo Essay: True to its roots, the Norman Bird Sanctuary 36th Annual Harvest Fair heralded the arrival of fall the way Middletown families like it, the old fashioned way.

By Amy Amerantes

Improvisation Saves Last-Minute Dinner Party

Tasked with using only what's in the cupboards and fridge--and sending Ben out for beverages and ice cream--Jessica successfully pulls off a last-minute four-course dinner party menu.

By Jessica Walsh

This week in Pictures:

Slideshow: Old-Fashioned Fall Fest a Fair to Remember

Photo Essay: True to its roots, the Norman Bird Sanctuary 36th Annual Harvest Fair heralded the arrival of fall the way Middletown families like it, the old fashioned way.

By Amy Amerantes

First Impressions: Classics and Muscle Cars Get Your Motor Running

Photo Essay: With record turnout of nearly 500 vehicles to the 9th Annual "Fort Adams in the Fall" Car Festival, photographer Amy Amerantes was drawn to the classics and muscle cars. Experience the colors, designs and feelings of whimsy that inspired her.

By Amy Amerantes and Angela Lemire

Here's what happened in Middletown LAst week:

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Middletown Swears In New Fire Marshal

Adam Westman began working in the new position Sept. 9. He is a 12-year resident of Middletown and, in addition to an extensive military and rescue background, he is a 10-year veteran of the Middletown Fire Department.

By Angela Lemire

Lady Islanders' Soccer Shut Out Cranston East 3-0

Middletown High School defeated Cranston East with tough defense Friday night. The Islanders' next matches in coming weeks against two tough teams will solidify division standings and decide Playoffs for later this month.

By Phil Hadley

Friday, October 8, 2010

Zombies, Scary Clowns and Ghouls Move into West Main "Horror-Plex"

Spirit Halloween is scaring up business and inspiring ghoulish landscaping for Aquidneck Islanders from its Middletown location. The store employs about 25 local workers and some will stay on longer to assist at children's parties at charity hospitals.

By Angela Lemire

Thursday, October 7, 2010

ALT Launches "Young Member" Drive Friday with Free "Miss Potter" Screening

Coinciding with its free film screening of 'Miss Potter' 6:30 pm Friday, Oct. 8 at Newport Vineyards and Winery, the ALT will also launch its new Young Friends Membership Program.

By Sarah Fernandez

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Newport County House Candidates Debate the State of RI's Economy

The candidates convened Wednesday evening at CCRI-Newport.

By Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Ask the Candidates: What's Your Position on Wind Turbines?

As the controversial issue of wind turbines in Middletown escalated over the last week, here's where Middletown's 13 candidates for Town Council stood.

By Cara Kenefick

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Police Report Domestic Disorderly, DUI Arrests

Middletown police reported two arrests between Wed. Oct. 6 and early morning Thursday Oct. 7, 2010.

By Angela Lemire

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Pop Warner Islanders Play Dighton-Rehoboth at Home Saturday

This week's games take place Saturday, October 9, 2010 in Middletown.

By Amy E. Karlson

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Mitchell County, NC Dogs to Arrive Friday by Potter League Transport

Did you know Aquidneck Island's Potter League for Animals has saved hundreds of animals from across the United States and around the world? The next group of southern dogs is scheduled to arrive Fri. Oct. 8.

By Sarah Fernandez

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Campaign Trails Converge at DiPalma Vineyard Reception

A Democratic Party fundraiser for District 12 State Senator Lou DiPalma Tuesday night was also attended by Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, 1st District Congressional seat candidate, and local Town Council candidate Richard "Dick" Adams.

By Angela Lemire

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Council President Announces Chocolate Drive for Troops, Challenges Portsmouth and Newport

Middletown Council President Christopher Semonelli has set up a "Chocolate for the Troops" drive and challenged neighboring communities such as Newport, Portsmouth and Tiverton to see if they can collect more for the troops.

By Angela Lemire

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Boosters' Month-Long Fundraiser Builds Toward Mia Hamm Soccer Match

On Saturday, an unusual assortment of teams played late into the night to raise money for Middletown schools athletic programs and the Mia Hamm Foundation.

By Cara Kenefick

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Support and Dissension Packs Turbine Hearing

The Town Council held its first of two readings of the proposed amendment to add language to the wind turbine zoning ordinance restricting turbines from the view of scenic, natural or historic areas.

By Angela Lemire

Video: Highlights from Oct. 4 Wind Turbine Public Hearing

The Town Council held a public hearing and received the First Reading for proposed amendments to the town's wind turbine zoning ordinance. The Second Reading is scheduled for Oct. 18.

By Angela Lemire

Monday, October 4, 2010

Five Weekend Arrests Reported

Middletown police reported five arrests from the weekend of Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, 2010.

By Angela Lemire

Monday, October 4, 2010

Harvest Fair Rings In Fall Season

Thousands turned out for Middletown's annual Harvest Fair. The fair benefits the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

By Cara Kenefick

Monday, October 4, 2010

Opponents' Weekend Outreach Expected to Bring Big Crowd to Turbine Hearing

The Town Council meets tonight at 7 pm at Town Hall, 350 E. Main Road. To see the complete agenda, download the PDF document at right.

By Angela Lemire

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Rotary Fall Car Fest Revs Up Sunday for Area Charities

Entrants' registration takes place 9 a.m. to noon. Spectators are invited 10 am to 3 pm. Judging takes place noon and 1 p.m. More than 200 autos are expected.

By Angela Lemire