Fatal Motorcycle Crash + Memorial Day In Woonsocket

Happy Memorial Day weekend, Woonsocket!

Welcome to the Woonsocket Patch Daily — the quickest way to get caught up on the biggest news and events happening in town.

In today's Daily, we share the latest news about a fatal motorcycle accident on Providence Street, Memorial Day events in Woonsocket, a study that found an increase in pedestrian deaths in Rhode Island in 2020, the passing of a bill that makes Rhode Island's Promise program permanent, and the most recent statewide COVID-19 statistics.

First, this weekend's weather:

• Saturday: Rain, mainly before 3 p.m.. Temps: High of 50° & low of 46°.
• Sunday: Rain and windy conditions. Temps: High of 57° & low of 48°.
• Monday: Rain before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers until 1 p.m. Partly sunny through the afternoon. Temps: High of 57° & low of 48°.

Here are the top five stories in Woonsocket today:

1. Woonsocket police have identified the man who was killed in a motorcycle crash Friday morning as Eric C. Wakely. Wakely was riding on Providence Street around 7:15 a.m. when he veered off the road and hit a stone wall. (WPRI)

2. Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt has announced that the City of Woonsocket and the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket (UVCW) will host a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Veterans Council Armed Forces Park. (Patch)

3. The Governors Highway Association found that pedestrian deaths spiked in Rhode Island in 2020 during the pandemic. The reason behind this may be speeding and drunken and distracted driving. (Patch)

4. Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill to make the Rhode Island Promise program permanent. The program offers residents up to two years of free community college tuition. (NBC 10 News)

5. The Rhode Island Department of Health reported 52 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths Friday. The state's positivity rate is currently .6%. (NBC 10 NEWS)

Happenings and Events in Woonsocket this weekend:

• St. Joseph's Veterans Association will be hosting Music Bingo Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. More information can be found here.
• Chan's Restaurant will be hosting Saturday Night Karaoke from 8-11 p.m and the Greg Abate Super Quartet starting at 8 p.m.
• The Museum of Work & Culture is open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be reserved online here.
• Woonsocket's Memorial Day Ceremony will take place Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the United Veterans Council Armed Forces Park.

You're all caught up on what's happening today in Woonsocket. We're taking a break for the long weekend, but we'll see you in your inbox Tuesday. Have a great weekend!

-Annie

About me: I grew up in Central Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Harvard University. I have lived, worked, and studied in Boston for the last five years and cover stories in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I am passionate about music and the arts, creative writing and literature, and topics of social and political justice.