News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
New Suffolk Social Services Director
Suffolk’s beleaguered Department of Social Services will have a new commissioner under the Romaine administration, a former Nassau County social services veteran who pledges to bring a “new era” to the agency.
Blydenburgh Park
Protecting the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, which meanders north on its way to the Long Island Sound, is Blydenburgh Park, a 627-acre preserve in Smithtown offering visitors panoramic views of Stump Pond, miles of trails, and a wide array of cultural and recreational activities.
Suffolk Officials Push Volunteer Responder Bills
Looking to make it easier for local fire departments and ambulance services to recruit and retain volunteers, Suffolk officials called on the state legislature to pass a package of bills to benefit first responders.
Macy's Drop Off Causes Migrant Stir
Dozens of passengers getting off a bus in front of Macy's in Hampton Bays caused a Social Media stir among many families fearing they were illegal immigrants.
Casino Cash Cow for Islandia
Speaking before a group of more than 100 dignitaries kicking off the construction of the 111,000-square-foot facility was former state Senator Phil Boyle, president and chief executive officer of the casino's operator, Off Track Betting. "We owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to the Village of Islandia, our partners in this ambitious effort," Boyle noted. With approvals from the village in hand, officials wielded ceremonial gold shovels to remove the first loads of soil for the new facility.
State Drops Ball on Stolen Vehicle Program
With a 15% increase in thefts from 2022 to 2023, the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Program hasn't done much over the last three years of tapping motorist insurance premiums.
Natural Gas Hike Set for Long Island
National Grid customers in Nassau and Suffolk will see a $16.3% rate hike, while their Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island counterparts will see their gas costs increase 17.2%. Con Edison, New York State Electric and Gas, and Rochester Gas and Electric were permitted to raise their rates as well. The utilities argue that the increases are needed to force energy efficiency and fund renewable energy projects.
Hate Crime Bill to Protect Emergency Workers
"It's difficult enough for emergency personnel to do their jobs without being subject to attacks by the people they are sworn to serve," said Joseph DeStefano (R, C-Medford), the assembly sponsor of the bill. "Sadly, these workers have been the subject of harassment and, in too many unfortunate cases, deadly assault that can't be characterized as anything else but a hate crime."
Island Sushi of Shirley
The Best Sushi is in Shirley  And It’s All You Can Eat
Top Priority for Congress: Send Another $60 Billion to Ukraine
Consider this: A billion dollars is a thousand millions. President Joe Biden wants Congress to approve sending Ukraine $60 billion more in U.S. taxpayer dollars to fight Russia. That's 60,000 millions. And this is on top of the $125 billion we already sent them.
Senator Dean Murray, Long Time Capitol Voice
If there's anyone who knows the way around the state Capitol, it's Dean Murray, a Senator who's also served separate terms in the Assembly. The East Patchogue resident has been the area's voice in Albany since 2010 and stands at the forefront of every critical issue that affects Long Island.
Suffolk Officials Fume Over MTA Tax on Community College
Described as a "black hole" for taxpayer dollars, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's drain of $430,000 in payroll taxes from Suffolk Community College has county officials fuming.
Romaine Revamps Suffolk 311 System
Residents dialing into Suffolk's 311 information center will no longer suffer lengthy wait times and dropped calls under a reorganization of the service announced by County Executive Edward Romaine.
Audit to Investigate Bellone Opioid Monies
When former County Executive Steve Bellone was serving as a lame duck during his last term in office, his administration was busy doling out money from Suffolk's share of the National Opioid Settlement to organizations they would go to work for after leaving the public payroll.
OTB Breaks Ground for $342 Million Casino Expansion
A who's who of Suffolk officials turned out Monday for the groundbreaking of a new casino in Islandia, a $342 million effort that will expand the operation of Jake's 58 and generate millions of dollars in revenue for local government.
Suffolk Opens Door for More CPS Workers
With a special grand jury recommending the hiring of more CPS workers in the wake of the Thomas Valva tragedy, Suffolk has stepped up its recruitment efforts.
JUSTICE FOR THOMAS - GOP Pols Put Pressure on Hochul to Save Kids' Lives
Two heavyweights in Suffolk government, County Executive Edward Romaine and District Attorney Raymond Tierney, have vowed to get to the bottom of how the system failed Thomas Valva, the young boy who froze to death in a garage, and make sure a tragedy like his is never repeated.
Local Emergency Services Hampered by Lack of Volunteers
A recent report by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli confirmed what local fire and ambulance departments already knew: It's becoming increasingly more difficult to recruit and retain EMS workers to serve their communities on a volunteer basis.
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Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
Former Employee Alleges Discrimination Against Horse Racing Authority
Hector Soler has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination after years of service at a leading horse racing association.
The Colonials Comeback on Senior Night
The William Floyd girls’ varsity lacrosse team showed the crowd that was gathered for senior night an emotional and exciting win this week.