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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.
A Holly Jolly Performance
As the first of what aims to be an annual tradition, prekindergarten students at the South Country Early Childhood Center presented a holiday performance for family and friends on Dec. 20. The festive production showcased the musical skills that the youngest South Country students had acquired through a new music program at the school. With props and smiles, the students performed songs including "Snow Is Falling," "Up on the Housetop" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
William Floyd United Teachers Partner With Helpsy to Distribute Winter Coats for The Community
On Saturday, December 16, the William Floyd United Teachers (WFUT) hosted a 1,000-coat giveaway in collaboration with Helpsy, a clothing recycling organization, to help provide a little extra warmth to the community this winter. The event, which was held at William Paca Middle School, showcased the spirit of the William Floyd community. In total, 1,000 coats were donated to community residents, 200 coats were donated to Colonial Youth & Family Services, and 100 coats went to Billy Floyd's Closet, an in-school coat location available for William Floyd students who may need them.
New Legislation Targets Deer Overpopulation in Long Island
In a significant move to address deer overpopulation, New York State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo has successfully steered legislation through the state's political channels. The new law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, establishes a Long Island deer management pilot program. Aimed at the Town of Southold, this initiative is a template for potential expansion throughout the East End of Long Island.
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.
Vision for Violet's Cove Unveiled
The design team working on a waterfront access park at the old Violet Cove property in Mastic Beach unveiled its vision for the area to the approval of local residents, who had provided input into the county project. The defunct property, damaged by Hurricane Sandy, will feature an open air pavilion, kayak launching area, dock, and plenty of room for environmental programs, arts, music, and communing with the area's natural resources.
Off-Duty Officer Leaves Gun in ESM School Bathroom
An off-duty Suffolk Police officer and member of the Eastport-South Manor School Board inadvertently left a handgun in the bathroom at the Junior-Senior High School last week, setting off an emergency protocol that ended quickly when the officer returned to retrieve the weapon.
Bellone Makes Rare Appearance at Legislature
Outgoing County Executive Steve Bellone made a rare appearance at the Suffolk Legislature Tuesday, taking the mic to lobby for his bill to address the county's cybersecurity footing in the wake of the September 2022 attack that paralyzed government operations for months.
DA Plan to Combat Illegal Dumping
It's an affront to Suffolk residents and an environmental disgrace: illegal dumping in the county's parks, beaches, and forests. District Attorney Raymond Tierney has had enough and announced an "Evergreen Initiative," a combined legislative and law enforcement agenda designed to crack down on those who dump on Suffolk.
Storm Has Its Way With Long Island
The coastal storm that roared across the area Sunday and Monday left a wet mess in its wake with flooding, trees down, and damage to the island's barrier beach.
Romaine Takes Reins of County Government January 1
With just a couple of weeks left to go before he takes over the reins of county government, Suffolk Executive-Elect Edward Romaine is deciding on major positions in his administration and is touching base with officials on all levels to set a path for his ambitious agenda.
SERVES Program Saved
A funding snafu that threatened college reimbursements for Suffolk's emergency service volunteers has been resolved, with the county finding money within its current budget to make up for lost grant money.
Porch Pirates on the Prowl
Porch pirates are on the prowl as the holiday season brings an uptick in online shopping and the deliveries targeted by thieves. To help keep your booty safe, the state police offers these tips:
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Sachem's Winter Athletes Honored
The Sachem Central School District was honored at the most recent Board of Education meeting recognizing the student-athletes, coaches and teams from both Sachem East and Sachem North for their outstanding achievements during the winter sports season.
SWR Mourns the Passing of Gilmore
Shoreham-Wading River school district lost a member of their district's family this week when Adrian Gilmore, a high school soccer coach passed away.
LoRe Adds to His Career Numbers
This week Miller Place senior goalie Christopher LoRe hit a milestone when he recorded 500th career save.