News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Tumult in '24: What to Expect in the New Year
Tumult in '24: What to Expect in the New Year
Patchogue Chamber Director Kennedy Receives Senate Empire Award
Patchogue Chamber Director Kennedy Receives Senate Empire Award
New Yorkers Vote With Their Feet By Leaving the Vampire State
New Yorkers Vote With Their Feet By Leaving the Vampire State
Romaine Looks to Clean House, Take County in a New Direction
Looking to clean house and build an administration around personnel of his own choosing, county Executive-Elect Edward Romaine has asked all appointed officials working under outgoing county Executive Steve Bellone to submit their resignations. With a little more than a week before he takes over Suffolk's highest office, Romaine and his transition team are busy vetting candidates for commissioners, deputies, attorneys, assistants, and head of the county police.
Southaven Park's Belmont Legacy
Those walking in Southaven Park follow in the footsteps of August Belmont and other luminaries who were members of the Suffolk Club, a private group of millionaires who preserved the property for hunting and fishing. Many know him for the Belmont race track in Elmont and the Triple Crown horse race held there every year, but few are familiar with his lasting impact on Long Island by creating the 1,356-acre Brookhaven park.
Disguised Vapes Banned in Suffolk
Vaping devices disguised as pens, highlighters, and other innocuous objects designed to fool teachers and parents will be banned by Suffolk County under a new law championed by Legislator James Mazzarella.
World War Creeps Closer With Red Sea Attacks
World War Creeps Closer With Red Sea Attacks
Working Families Party Sets Radical Agenda for 2024 Election
Working Families Party Sets Radical Agenda for 2024 Election
Radical Change in New York Voting Inked by Gov. Hochul in a Move Seen as Boosting Democrats
Radical Change in New York Voting Inked by Gov. Hochul in a Move Seen as Boosting Democrats
Sergeant Mann Named to Veterans Hall of Fame
Sergeant Mann Named to Veterans Hall of Fame
Suffolk Retires H. Lee Dennison Debt
Suffolk officials gathered in Hauppauge last week to rip up the lien on the H. Lee Dennison Building, which had been mortgaged by County Executive Steve Bellone back in 2013 to raise funds for the cash-strapped county. Riding on a $500 million wave of federal COVID cash and higher-than-expected sales tax revenue, Bellone announced that the debt was retired 10 years in advance.
Former County Nursing Home to Be Drug Treatment Center
Sitting idle after it was sold off by a cash-strapped county more than a decade ago, the former John J. Foley nursing home in Yaphank has a new owner, who plans to open an inpatient drug treatment and rehabilitation center in the five-story building.
State Announces Arts and Culture Grants
State Council on the Arts grants totaling $324,000 have been announced for various area organizations to help support local artists and cultural activities. New York sponsors over 1,600 groups statewide from a $222.5 million fund approved by the legislature. The council also manages a $132.5 million capital fund to repair and improve facilities for the many non-profits.
William Tangier Smith
He was the Lord of the Manor of St. George and one of Long Island's earliest settlers, and today, William Tangier Smith lives on as an icon of local history.
United Veterans Beacon House Receives Donation
The United Veterans Beacon House was the recipient of hats, gloves, and socks for area veterans made during the December meeting of The Rotary Club of Shirley & the Mastics. In addition to the donations made by the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley and the American Legion Arthur H. Clune Post 1533 supported the effort with financial and clothing donations, according to Legislator Jim Mazzerella, who gave a "heartfelt thanks to all involved in this effort to support our veterans in need."
Police Commissioner Exits Under Cloud of Allegations
Outgoing Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison is leaving under a cloud of allegations that he falsified his timesheets to obtain a higher payout for unused days off. The issue, raised by Legislator Robert Trotta, a former SCPD officer and frequent critic of the county police and PBA, is being investigated by District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Emergency Service Volunteers Eligible for Tuition Relief
Suffolk residents who volunteer their time as firefighters or EMS personnel are eligible to have part of their college tuition covered under the Suffolk Educational Program for Retention in the Voluntary Emergency Service (SERVES).
Bellone Emergency Cyber Order Lifted
After 16 months of wielding unbridled power under a State of Emergency he declared after the 2022 cyberattack that crippled Suffolk's computer system, outgoing county Executive Steve Bellone has returned county operations back to regular order.
Daily Feed
Stony Brook Remains Unbeaten at Home
The Stony Brook men’s basketball team earned CAA Team of the Week honors this week after putting together an impressive stretch of performances at home. The Seawolves picked up victories over Columbia and Central Michigan, continuing their strong start to the season.
Smithtown Celebrates Night of Champions
The Smithtown Central School District Board of Education proudly recognized several championship teams this week during its Board of Education meeting, celebrating an outstanding year marked by dedication, perseverance, and athletic excellence. Each team was introduced by Director of Athletics Jason Lambert, who highlighted the remarkable accomplishments achieved throughout the season.
SWR Wins the White Plains Tiger Invitational
The Shoreham-Wading River varsity wrestling team captured the team championship at the White Plains Tiger Invitational this week, delivering a dominant performance against strong competition. The Wildcats defeated 11 other teams representing Section I, Section IX, and the Catholic High School Athletic Association, showcasing their depth, toughness, and consistency throughout the tournament.