News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Second Center Moriches Bond Vote Goes Down 437-277
A second attempt by the Center Moriches School District to win voter approval of a facilities refurbishment plan was rejected
Tagged Crab # 476694
A horseshoe crab upside down on the beach with the tide going out has a slim chance of survival. They're an easy meal for scavenging seagulls and are high and dry until the surf carries them back to sea—if they make it that long. As a frequent visitor to our Atlantic shore, l will always stop to help a stranded critter.
Local Spotlight: The Havens House
Long-time Moriches Bay residents may remember when the Havens House was moved across Montauk Highway in Center Moriches where it now serves as a local history museum and gathering place.
Concerns Voiced Over Lifting Stonebridge Covenants
It was standing room only at a recent town hearing when residents voiced concern over lifting restrictions to build more homes at Stonebridge Estates in Smithtown. Local officials also spoke out against a plan to build 30 houses at the site abutting Blydenburgh County Park and the headwaters of the Nissequogue River.
Plethora of Issues Addressed at Pattersquash
Brookhaven's newest town board member, Karen Dunne-Kesnig, brought residents up to speed on a number of issues at last week's meeting of the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association. The highest vote-getter even among the veteran council members in November, she picked up from where her predecessor, Supervisor Dan Panico, left off as she addressed resident concerns in full detail.
Suffolk Receives Prestigious Financial Reporting Award
For the 40th straight year, Suffolk County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from a prestigious multinational group.
District Attorney Tierney and Governor Hochul Go Tit-for-Tat in Babylon Body Parts Case
As Suffolk officials rally for changes in a criminal justice system that saw four suspects in a body mutilation case set free with no bail, Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney and Gov. Kathy Hochul went tit-for-tat on who's to blame for their release.
Kevin McCaffrey: Legislator, Presiding Officer
Aside from representing the residents of the 14th District, Kevin McCaffrey has another role in county government: he's also the legislature's Presiding Officer.
Kennedy Audit Exposes Millions in Wasted Cyber Spending
Nearly $14 million in unnecessary expenses were made by Steve Bellone when he was county executive in the wake of the 2022 cyberattack that paralyzed Suffolk government for months, with another $3.5 million lost in annual recurring costs, according to Comptroller John Kennedy in a report released last week.
Grants Available for Home Improvements Through EmPower+
Both homeowners and renters can get grants for energy upgrades and other improvements through the state's Empower+ Program. The goal is to conserve energy and help make living in New York more affordable.
John Jay Study Details Cashless Bail Risks
A recent study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice shows a whopping 66% of individuals with a prior arrest who were detained and released in New York's suburban and upstate communities as a result of changes in the state's bail laws went on to be re-arrested within two years.
Low-Interest Loans Available in Wake of January Storm
Those impacted by the heavy rain and high winds from the January 9-10 storm can now apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration, local legislators have announced. To assist residents in obtaining the funds, in-person loan Outreach Centers will be open until March 29 at the Mastic Recreation Center and Babylon Town Hall.
Brookhaven National Lab, A World Renowned Research Center
Shortly after the Atomic Age began with the detonation of the first nuclear bomb, the government established research facilities to delve into the innate powers of nature. A major center was situated at the former Camp Upton, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and it quickly became renowned for helping make our modern world what it is today.
Anthony Piccirillo, Legislative Force
Chairing key committees in county government, Legislator Anthony Piccirillo has a lot to say about how Suffolk operates and where taxpayer dollars are spent. The Holbrook lawmaker, now in his third term, is part of a Republican majority seeking to take the county in a different direction after years of Democrat rule.
GiGi's Playhouse 3rd Annual Gala
Congressman Andrew Garbarino was among the guests at the 3rd Annual Wonderland Gala sponsored by GiGi's Playhouse Long Island in Patchogue. He announced federal funding to help launch GiGi University's career readiness program and the Hugs & Mugs supported employment program.
Thomas Bivona, Deputy Sheriff's PBA President
Representing 265 men and women in Suffolk law enforcement, the Deputy Sheriff's PBA has a new president, 13-year department veteran Thomas Bivona. The union, headquartered in Ronkonkoma, supports a vibrant workforce in its mission to keep Suffolk safe.
Babylon Body Parts Suspect in Jail on Shoplifting Charges
It didn't take long for a suspect out with no bail in the Babylon Body Parts case to be arrested again, this time for stealing cosmetics from a Lindenhurst CVS, according to police. Amanda Wallace, 40, of Amityville, was arrested for petit larceny while wearing an ankle monitoring device Friday evening.
Hochul Approves Near Tripling of Sunrise Wind Rates
The cost of electricity generated by Sunrise Wind will nearly triple under a rebidding of the project approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Citing increased construction costs, higher interest rates, and Pandemic-related supply chain issues, the operator, Denmark-based Ørsted, had requested the rate hike for its $700 million wind farm planned for the waters off Montauk Point.
Luck of the Irish Smiles on St. Patrick's Parade
The luck of the Irish was with Center Moriches Sunday as the sun broke through and smiled on the St. Patrick's Parade after a night of torrential rain. Everyone turned out in Kelly green as the sound of bagpipes filled the air. Floats were on display from numerous local businesses along with members of various organizations marching down Main Street.
Bellone Mystery Solved
A great political mystery of 2024 has been solved: What is former County Executive Steve Bellone going to do after 26 years in government?
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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.