News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Bella Capri, Music Star
The audience was in awe when the young lady stepped up to the microphone and belted out the National Anthem. Her tone was incredible, and her voice was clear and powerful, especially when she kicked it up with an octave to reach "rockets red glare."
Red Flag Fire Warning for Long Island as Drought Conditions Persist
With a Red Flag fire warning in effect for Long Island due to a pervasive lack of rain, the state has called for a "Burn Ban" until the end of the month. The mandate comes as the largest wildfire in New York since 2008 burns in Orange County across the New Jersey line.
Man on the Street Asks Residents About the Beechwood Protect
About 400 residents turned out to hear the latest about the Beechwood effort to rebuild the Neighborhood Road Business District in Mastic Beach. Here's what they had to say about the revitalization project.
Smooth Parking at the American Legion
Parking at the American Legion Post in Mastic Beach just got smoother thanks to generous donations from local companies in an effort coordinated by area officials.
Residents Urged to Weigh In on Mastic Beach Redevelopment
Mastic Beach residents have an opportunity to weigh in on the plan to redevelop the Neighborhood Road downtown through a survey conducted by Brookhaven Town.
State Grant Helps Fund New Garbage Truck for Bellport
Waste management in the Village of Bellport will become more efficient thanks to a new garbage truck purchased with the help of a state grant.
Patricia Harper, Blue Star Mothers President
When her son enlisted in the Navy, Patricia Harper set about to do whatever she could to support him and his fellow military members. Her devotion led her to the Blue Star Mothers, where she is now president of the Long Island division.
Mastic's Early Days
They are not as well known as local icons William Floyd, Tangier Smith, or Walter T. Shirley, but Arthur and Warren Smadbeck also played a significant role in the development of Mastic.
Suffolk Firefighters Dominate State Leadership
For the first time in history, firefighters from Suffolk are serving as the leaders of all three statewide fire associations.
Veterans Honored at Middle Island Ceremony
Every year, the community gathers at Bartlett Pond Park in Middle Island to recognize veterans in a special ceremony among the monuments of the nation's wars assembled at the park.
Man on the Street Talks About the Election
With Donald Trump making history by becoming both the 45th and 47th president and sweeping Suffolk with 402,924 votes, the South Shore Press asked Long Islanders what they thought of the election.
Patriotism Runs High at Veterans Day Parade
Patriotism ran high on Sunday when the East Moriches community turned out for a Veterans Day parade that went down Main Street and ended at Soldiers and Sailors Park.
Walter Maresco, Air Force Veteran
Airman 1st Class Walt Maresco kept things rolling during his time in the Air Force, driving trucks in Vietnam and Okinawa.
Zombie Home Hit List
Spurred by residents who've had enough of zombie homes in their neighborhood, Town of Brookhaven officials have been focused on getting owners to clean up their act.
Veterans Feted at Appreciation Breakfast
Suffolk residents who served in the military were honored at a special Veterans Appreciation Breakfast Saturday hosted by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and attended by local officials and service organizations. The lawmaker, who hosts the event every year, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his dedication to local veterans.
Early Homes of the Tri-Hamlet
Residents of the Tri-Hamlet Area share their neighborhoods with the estates of the town’s earliest settlers dating back to the American Revolution, including those of heroes such as William Floyd, Nathanial Woodhull, and William Tangier Smith. 
Dems Capitalize on Negative News to Oust Flood
Losing a state Assembly seat in 2022 which they had controlled for 30 years, the Democrats were itching to take it back. They succeeded with Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay edging Ed Flood by 211 votes to oust the incumbent in the only upset of the 2024 state legislative races in Suffolk.
Drought Drives Water Demand to Record Levels
Drought conditions caused by a lack of rain on Long Island going back to September have driven the demand for relief from the Suffolk County Water Authority record levels.
Town to Raise Fines for Housing Code Violations
It was music to the ears of a community inundated with rental properties and absentee landlords: the Town of Brookhaven is raising fines for housing code violations.
Daily Feed
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.
Romaine Floats Yaphank Market for Local Produce Hub
No need to go to the Bronx for local produce under a plan by County Executive Ed Romaine.
Bell-to-Bell School Smart Phone Ban is Looming
Starting in September, New York State law requires Bell-to-Bell restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices in K-12 schools statewide.