News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
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.
Holiday Parade Sets CMO Main Street Aglow
Main Street was aglow with holiday lights as the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, made its way down Main Street on Saturday.
PBA Brightens Holidays for 227 Kids
It was a Winter Wonderland at the Premm-B.O.C.E.S. Learning Center in Oakdale as Santa delivered toys to 227 special needs students courtesy of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association. St. Nick arrived in a special Emergency Services "sleigh" loaded with gifts and the officers spent the day helping make the holidays bright. "It was a fantastic day for everyone involved," said PBA President Lou Civello, who was joined by 1st Vice President John Hnat and many officers and staff at the annual give-away.
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:
Maurice Wertheim, Shirley WildLife Refuge Benefactor
He was a Harvard graduate who began his career at his father's cigar manufacturing company and worked his way up to become a wealthy investment banker. He was an environmentalist, chess patron, art collector, and, as a philanthropist, donated 1,800 acres of pristine land that we now enjoy as the Maurice Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.
Counties Continue Aquifer Protection Commission
A bi-county commission that coordinates a regional approach to groundwater management has been reauthorized by the Nassau and Suffolk legislatures for another five years. Their unanimous votes will enable the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection (LICAP) to continue its groundbreaking work as the sole island-wide organization dedicated to drinking water quality and quantity.
Dignity Photo Exhibit at Suffolk Jail
A primary consideration of Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon is the rehabilitation of convicts under his watch and their ability to reenter the workforce after they pay their debt to society. To provide inmates with a marketable skill and boost their self-worth, the Sheriff has partnered with professional photographer Saskia Keeley, herself a formerly incarcerated individual, to conduct a "Dignity Photo Program," the subject of a recent exhibit at the Yaphank Correctional Facility.
Suffolk Cyber Disruptions Continue
More than a year after Suffolk suffered a ransomware attack that crippled its computer system, cyber issues continue to plague the county. Everything from a rodent chewing through a fiber optic cable to a 911 system shutdown attributed to a vendor has put Suffolk's IT problems at the top of incoming County Executive Edward Romaine's To-Do list.
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Stay Melo: HOF Knicks Star Plugs Cannabis Brand in Farmingdale
Strain Stars will welcome the perennial All-Star on Saturday, April 19th for 1-3 p.m. meet and greets.
Who Will Run Against Hochul for Governor of New York?
The South Shore Press had a conversation with New York State Conservative Party Chair, Gerry Kassar on his thoughts who might be considering a race for the Governor’s office from the Republican/Conservative side of the race.
Greenport brewery founder on Reggae Fest: 'a kickoff of summer'
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. in Peconic is planning a bigger-than-ever Reggae Fest for Saturday, May 3, with top acts and plenty of craft brews.