News by Robert Chartuk

Dec 6, 2023

Who Was Walter T. Shirley?

While many are familiar with the South Shore community known as Shirley, not everyone knows it was named for the developer who put the area on the map–Walter T. Shirley.

Dec 6, 2023

Incoming County Legislator Arrested

Suffolk Legislator-Elect Catherine Stark was arrested over the weekend by Riverhead Town Police on charges of operating a vehicle while impaired. Set to take over the office held by Legislator Albert Krupski, where she served as chief of staff, Stark revealed she is battling cancer, and had taken prescribed medication in the hours preceding the arrest.

Dec 6, 2023

Lucky Spin at Jake's 58 Brings $2.3 Million Jackpot

A spin at the Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars game at Jake's 58 turned into a $2.3 million payoff for an East Northport resident last week, the biggest payout ever at the Islandia casino.

Dec 6, 2023

Christmas Parade Canceled Due to Weather, No Rain Date, Community Disappointed

Mother Nature did a Bah Humbug on the annual holiday parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley for Sunday, leaving residents disappointed and flustered over the popular event having no rain date.

Dec 6, 2023

COVID Water Assistance Extended

Residents who have trouble paying their water bill can get help through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program.

Dec 6, 2023

Fire Ravages Tesla's Shoreham Lab

He was a renowned inventor responsible for many advancements of our electronic age, and his memory was being preserved through the creation of the Nikola Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, the location of his Shoreham laboratory. The grand plan to open his 16-acre facility to the masses received a tragic setback last week from a fire that damaged what was to become a global innovation center, educational facility, and museum.

Dec 6, 2023

Romaine Brokers Historic Sewer Deal

Not wasting any time in tackling the most pressing environmental issue faced by Suffolk, County Executive-Elect Edward Romaine has brokered a consensus between stakeholders to support the expansion of sewers and help homeowners convert to clean water septic systems. The agreement, made between environmental groups, building trades, and government officials, will put the question of raising the county's sales tax an eighth of a cent before residents in a November referendum, a vote that was scuttled by the Suffolk Legislature this year due to objections over the funding formula.

Dec 6, 2023

Chancellor Blasted Over School Violence

Nov 29, 2023

Legislature Puts Bellone Cybersecurity Plan on Hold

A plan advanced by outgoing county Executive Steve Bellone to address Suffolk's cybersecurity system has stalled in the legislature, with lawmakers preferring to wait until a report is released by the special committee looking into the ransomware attack that caused the shutdown of the county's computer network. The plan also raised the eyebrows of countywide elected officials not wanting to lose autonomy over the systems in their offices.

Nov 29, 2023

Events to Ignite the Spirit of the Season

The holidays bring all kinds of activities to our area. From tree and menorah illuminations and choral presentations to lighting spectaculars and visits from Santa–there's plenty to ignite the spirit of the season.

Nov 29, 2023

Hateful Slogan Condemned

Nov 29, 2023

Fire Concerns Over Lithium Batteries

Nov 29, 2023

Bill to List Tranq as a Controlled Substance

The powerful drug Xylazine, used by veterinarians to sedate large animals, will be listed as a Controlled Substance under a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano to help combat the scourge of overdose deaths sweeping across the state.

Nov 29, 2023