News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Suffolk County Water Authority Hosts Official Forum
Meeting at the authority's Education Center in Hauppauge, the officials engaged in crucial discussions on emerging contaminants, aging infrastructure, advanced treatment systems, lead service lines, and efforts to connect homes to the public water system.
Romaine Names Police Leadership Team
Continuing in the role as acting commissioner will be Robert Waring, who took over the department after the November departure of Rodney Harrison, the Steve Bellone administration's top cop. Romaine announced Kevin Catalina, a Suffolk Sheriff's Department undersheriff, as a deputy police commissioner, along with Belinda Alvarez-Groneman, a retired county police detective.
Sachem Tobaccus, Early Land Broker
The native people did not subscribe to the concept of land ownership, the divvying up of parcels into private hands. They believed the Earth belonged to all of its inhabitants and were naïve to the intentions of the foreign settlers. This changed when the Montauk Sachem Wyandanch enlisted the help of Lord Lion Gardener to rescue his daughter from the Narragansetts, a hostile tribe from across the Long Island Sound. The Sachem sold a wide swath of land to the Englishman and began approving lots of "accommodation" to the settlers.
Historic Water Protection Plan Announced
A bipartisan coalition of elected officials, environmentalists, and business and labor leaders assembled Monday in Hauppauge to announce an "historic" plan aimed at protecting Suffolk's water resources. The strategy calls for raising the county's sales tax an eighth of a cent to fund new sewers and upgrade private cesspools.
Suffolk Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg
Previously in the majority, the Democrats in the Suffolk Legislature are led by Minority Leader Jason Richberg of the 15th District. The Wyandanch lawmaker took some time to talk about his priorities with the South Shore Press.
Aaron Ferretti, Lifeguard, Probation Officer
Aaron Ferretti, a long-time ocean lifeguard at Great Gun Beach and Davis Park and an officer with the Suffolk County Probation Department, passed away unexpectedly at 35.
Test to Detect Alzheimer's Years in Advance
Neurological scientists from Sweden's University of Gothenburg have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. A new test has been developed to detect the presence of the protein phosphorylated Tau 217, a key marker linked to the onset of the debilitating neurological condition.
Assemblyman DeStefano Kicks Off Reelection Campaign
Seeking a third term representing the people of the 3rd District, Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano launched his reelection bid last week at a fundraiser in Patchogue.
$85 Million for ADUs in Hochul Housing Plan
Looking to help solve New York's affordable housing crunch, Gov. Kathy Hochul has earmarked $85 million for the creation and enhancement of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across the state. The allocation is part of a five-year plan aimed at bolstering affordable housing options and revitalizing communities.
Declaration Monument at Patriots Park
"Our monument will rival the one at Boston Common, a famed statue that's been there since 1925," Panico said of the Brookhaven tablet. "We're proud to have a park that honors the local heroes who played such an important role in our country's founding," the supervisor said.
Constitutional Crisis Looms at Southern Border
The Constitutional consequences of the issue are extreme. Texas is being overrun by migrants under a Biden administration policy that accepts their claim of needing political asylum and gives them all the resources they need—cash, cellphones, transportation, medical care—to settle into communities across the country. Abbott is trying to stop them by erecting razor wire on Shelby State Park in Eagle Pass, a popular point for illegal crossers along the Rio Grande River. Federal border control agents have been ordered to cut the wire, setting up the critical question of which governmental entity has the authority to protect the public.
Funds Flow for Battered Beaches
Coming to Long Island for a press conference with local officials, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $5 million for shoreline stabilization at Brookhaven Town's ocean beaches and repairs to Overlook Beach in Babylon. She also promised funds to repair damage and clean up debris at the state's Gilgo Beach Park, where the storms uncovered the remains of an old Coast Guard Station. Approximately 50,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed at the park entrance and other access points to make the beach safer for the summer season.
Police History Museum Dedicated to 42-Year Veteran
"Tom Smith dedicated a remarkable 42 years of service to both the Suffolk police and the then-Village of Babylon Police Department," noted County Executive Ed Romaine at a dedication ceremony at police headquarters in Yaphank. A true historian at heart, Thomas Smith played a pivotal role in inaugurating the police museum on January 25, 1985, Romaine said.
CPS Staffing on Romaine Agenda
Romaine, whose grandson shared a classroom with the East Moriches youngster, promised to backfill vacancies in the department to relieve a heavy workload, a chief complaint of CPS staff. "I'm reaching out to Adelphi, Hofstra, and Stony Brook universities for potential employees through their schools of Social Welfare," Romaine said in an interview with the South Shore Press. "We will do everything in our power to make sure we don't have another tragedy like we suffered with Thomas Valva."
Frank Calabro, Country Doctor
"Doc Senior" was the epitome of a country doctor, a familiar sight making house calls in his big black car. He turned the former Lawson Estate into Bayview Hospital, which he bricked over and doubled in size. For his dedication to his friends and neighbors, the doctor was revered by many and was honored as a Man of the Year.
Body Found at Burned Out Moriches House
A 911 caller reported the fire just before midnight on Wednesday and the Center Moriches Fire Department responded with assistance from the Brookhaven, East Moriches, Manorville, and Mastic departments. The body was found after the blaze was extinguished. The two-story home, which was part of a once-popular farm, was completely destroyed.
Legislator Thorne Discusses 2024 Agenda
After winning a hard-fought battle in his first reelection bid, Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne has set an ambitious second-term agenda for the 7th District, targeting new challenges and taking others over the finish line. The Patchogue Republican shook up the political world by beating the legislature's presiding officer for a seat long held by Democrats in 2021 and has been impressing his constituents ever since by his work ethic and ability to get things done.
Industrial Space, Hockey Arena Planned for Dowling Property
Industrial Space, Hockey Arena Planned for Dowling Property
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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.