You’re listening to the Westerly Sun’s podcast, where we talk about news, the best local events, new job postings, obituaries, and more.

First, a bit of Rhode Island trivia. Today’s trivia is brought to you by Perennial. Perennial’s new plant-based drink “Daily Gut & Brain” is a blend of easily digestible nutrients crafted for gut and brain health. A convenient mini-meal, Daily Gut & Brain” is available now at the CVS Pharmacy in Wakefield.

Now for some trivia. Did you know that Rhode Island native, Thomas Mellor was a professional ice hockey defenseman. He had a distinguished career at Boston College twice being named the team's Most Valuable Player. He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1973 and represented the US at the 1972 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal. Mellor was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1980.

Now, we turn our feature story….

Negotiations that started last winter on a new labor agreement between the School Committee and the town's public school teachers have failed to yield a new contract. The Westerly Teachers Association, the union that represents the educators, has so far turned down two proposals.

School Committee Chairwoman Diane Chiaradio Bowdy said Agreement on several points, including compensation and length of work day, has proven elusive. She said the district's current length of day is the shortest of any neighboring community. The two sides have also been unable to agree on "professional responsibilities and expectations."

The teachers are currently working under a three-year contract that expired Aug. 31. Colleen Saila, president of the Westerly Teachers Association and a teacher in the district, said she could not answer questions for this article because she was “bound by the ground rules agreed upon by both parties to make no public disclosure or comment."

The School Committee prepared to vote on a proposed contract in late August and again last week but in both cases never voted because the union did not ratify the contracts.

Following the union's vote in late August, the WTA asked for mediation help from Retired state Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank J. Williams.

Bowdy said: "The WTA leadership, National Education Association Rhode Island chapter leadership, and the mediator himself recommended ratification to the members, the members again voted against the proposed agreement”.

"We are currently at an impasse but remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached in the near future. Until this occurs, the latest agreement remains in force."

Stay up to date on this story and more at westerlysun.com

Today we’re remembering the life of Daniel J. Brough of Ashaway, beloved husband of Deborah. He was 46.

Born in Westerly, he was the owner and operator of DMD Electric. He served in the National Guard as a Staff Sergeant and also served on the Bradford Fire Deptartment as a Lieutenant.

He was a member of the North End Social Club and the Ashaway Sportsman's Club. Danny was a longtime Miami Dolphin fan and an avid golfer.

Daniel leaves behind his loving wife, his son, step-sons, two siblings, and a grandchild. He also leaves three nephews and two nieces.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Daniel’s life.

That’s it for today, we’ll be back next time with more! Also, remember to check out our sponsor Perennial, Daily Gut & Brain, available at the CVS on Main St. in Wakefield!

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