News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
New York Preps for Rare Solar Spectacle
Eyes will look to the skies Monday, April 8 as a large swath of the country will see a total solar eclipse when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. The Earth's satellite will start its path in front of the star at 2:12 p.m. and at 3.26 p.m., will completely blot it out. At the moment of "Totality," the moon, which is the perfect size to completely cover the Sun, will appear as a dark disc as light dances around its edges. The Earth will become decidedly darker. After the total eclipse, the moon will continue on its 2,000-plus mile-per-hour path until it completely passes by at 4:37 p.m.
Commerdinger Mark in Suffolk History
Members of the Commerdinger Family have left their mark on the Smithtown community, having served as town assessor, postmaster, and operators of the Nesconset General Store and Post Office. Their memory will forever be preserved through Suffolk's Walter S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park.
Michael McCormack, Irish Historian
A special guest was part of Suffolk's Irish Heritage Celebration: Internationally known historian, author, and composer Michael McCormack, a top official of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
WaterTalk April 10 in Mastic
Experts will be on hand April 10 for a special WaterTalk at the Mastic Recreation Center beginning at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Suffolk County Water Authority, the event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about their drinking water and interact with the experts.
Rate Hike on Tap for Suffolk Water Customers
A rate hike is on tap for customers of the Suffolk County Water Authority, with average quarterly bills going up $4.18 starting June 1. A typical residential ratepayer will see their annual water cost go up to about $574, a nearly 3% hike under the new rate schedule passed by the authority board of directors.
FILEGATE SCANDAL ROCKS COUNTY Bellone Workers Have 30 Days To Return Docs Or Face Charges
Anyone removing government files while Steve Bellone was heading for the door after 12 years as county executive has one month to return them under an amnesty offer announced by Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney. After that, they face prosecution in a case that has grown into Suffolk's own "File Gate."
Ethics Probe Called on Bellone and Ex-Staff for Jobs with Taxpayer-Funded Groups
Former County Executive Steve Bellone and members of his staff may have violated ethics laws by taking jobs with organizations they funneled taxpayer money to while in office. Suffolk officials requesting an ethics probe have also questioned how funds were distributed from the county's $50 million share of the Opioid Settlement and how the money relates to the former Bellone officials.
Senior Medicare Patrol Issues "Fraud of the Month"
Unauthorized claims related to urinary catheters that weren't ordered by Medicare beneficiaries were exposed as the "Fraud of the Month" by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council. Scammers are targeting seniors and billing for supplies that aren't medically necessary and the council wants to warn seniors and help them file complaints.
They Will Never Forget Cuomo's Disastrous COVID Decision
Still pressing for answers four years later, state legislators marked the anniversary of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to send COVID victims to nursing homes, leading to the deaths of nearly 15,000 seniors. The infamous order was a public health catastrophe that devastated long-term care facilities and nursing home populations during the pandemic.
Huge Community Turn Out for Colonial Youth and Honoree Jim Mazzarella
There was an impressive community turnout Friday to support Colonial Youth and Family Services and the honoree at their annual fundraising dinner, Legislator Jim Mazzarella, a local icon who has supported the group for years.
Congestion Pricing a Foregone Conclusion
It didn't take long for Suffolk's new representative on the MTA board to disappoint drivers by not taking a hard line against the Manhattan congestion pricing money grab.
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.
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Letters to the Editor: Library Trustees Thank Taxpayers for Victories
I’m deeply grateful to the residents of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Library District for approving the library budget, as well as for re-electing me.
State Mandated Safe Boating Courses Coming Up
Long Islanders out on the water are looking to stay safe this summer.
South Shore Press Reporter Makes a Stop at the Grand Canyon
South Shore Press Reporter Robert Chartuk makes a stop at the Grand Canyon.