@ Joe: I wonder if the LEDs were grant-funded and so they can't afford to install new replacements?
@ Andy: the wireless controls allow control of individual fixtures (shut off, turn-on, dimming, flashing, etc) from a laptop or something. Most controls do have a standard photocell incorporated so if communication is lost the light will still operate dusk-to-dawn. The wireless nodes tend to have an internal kWh meter too, so individual lights can be metered (thus the power company can bill for actual usage versus estimated usage, which is traditionally how it is done). They also have GPS tracking, which is creepy in a way (if you steal a LED light with one of those wireless nodes, remove the node from the fixture before taking it lol) but they supposedly use it to track the exact location of a burned out light versus a pole number and street name. They can put the GPS coordinates of the light into their truck's GPS and it will direct them right to the light. These nodes also have battery backup which allows the node to communicate with the central system in the event of a power failure (so if you disconnect a light and take it home, it can still be tracked...).
The nodes can be useful particularly in detecting knock-downs, as the node will show no power going to the fixture and eventually the computer will just loose signal from the node. I've seen a few RIDOT wrecks with the new LEDs (roadkills) and they actually replaced them rather quickly.