News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
School Bus Ticket Holders in Limbo
A freeze on court hearings will force drivers challenging their school bus camera tickets to wait awhile before their cases can be heard, according to Suffolk officials. The move puts thousands of cases in limbo, but the good news is, defendants will not rack up late penalties while the county works to get its Traffic and Parking Violations Agency back on track.
Moloney Family Funeral Homes Announce Leadership Transition
Serving the area since 1933, Moloney Family Funeral Homes has announced a change in leadership, with Vice President Peter G. Moloney transferring his interests to Dan Moloney, Jr., the company's president. As a result of this decision, Peter and his son, Connor Moloney, have fully transitioned away from involvement in the Moloney Family business, the company recently announced.
Grand Jury Blasts CPS in Valva Case
Thomas Valva, the Center Moriches boy who froze to death after being forced to sleep on the floor of an unheated garage by his parents, would still be alive today if the county's Child Protective Services division did its job, according to a special grand jury report revealed last week.
Judge Whelan Portrait Unveiled
A star of Suffolk's court system, Surrogate Judge Theresa Whelan, was honored last week as family, friends, attorneys, and judges came together to unveil her official portrait in the Riverhead courtroom she once presided over. The judge, who began her legal career in 1988 as an assistant Suffolk County attorney, passed away in 2022 after a valiant battle against cancer.
Mobile Stroke Units Save Lives
The next time a 911 call comes through in Suffolk County, two emergency vehicles may respond: a volunteer community ambulance and a special Mobile Stroke Unit, which has proven to be a lifesaver as treatment can begin almost immediately for those suffering a stroke.
Legacy of Service Continues With Legislator Stark
Moving from behind the dais to the 18-member legislative horseshoe was an easy transition for Suffolk's new lawmaker, Catherine Stark, the North Fork representative who spent 10 years working for her predecessor.
Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry Opens Rocky Point Office
It is now possible to get a complete set of permanent teeth in one day, thanks to the new state-of-the-art Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry office in Rocky Point.
A TOTAL ECLIPSE IN SUFFOLK
Drawn together by the moon and their sun, the inhabitants of Earth stood united during one special moment Monday to witness the cosmic spectacle of a solar eclipse. People of all ages, races, and philosophies communed in a joyous spirit as they peered skyward to take in the rare event at locations across America.
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
Daily Feed
Plaintiff Linkedto Partners LLC Accuses Digital Asset Firm DeFi Technologies Inc. of Securities Fraud
Linkedto Partners LLC has initiated a class-action lawsuit against DeFi Technologies Inc., accusing them of securities fraud by allegedly making false statements about their financial health between May and November of this year.
Plaintiff alleges auto dealer and bank conspired in deceptive financing scheme
In a lawsuit filed on December 5th in Brooklyn's Eastern District Court of New York against Generation Kia Inc., Esran L. Boothe claims he was misled into an inflated car financing deal through deceptive practices involving electronic contracts...
UCS Trading Inc., an e-commerce business victimized by fraudsters sues The Moroccan Deal Inc., alleging deceptive investment scheme
In a striking legal move, UCS Trading Inc., an e-commerce company based in New York City has filed a lawsuit against The Moroccan Deal Inc., accusing them along with two individuals of orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme involving...