News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
A Memory of My Dad
My dad, Michael A. Chartuk, followed in his older brother's footsteps and joined the Coast Guard in 1939. His first duty was patrolling New York Harbor and he said he was popular with the crew because he was the only one onboard who knew how to cook. He was sent to radio school and when World War ll broke out, he was dispatched to Hispaniola, an island in the Caribbean, to set up a radio station to intercept enemy messages.
Dispatch—Indonesia
Spending a lot of layover time on my journey to the Mentawais, l leafed through my passport and realized how patriotic the document really is.
Vietnam Vet Celebrates 40 Years in Engineering
Few drivers cresting over Bald Hill and viewing the stunning Vietnam Veterans Memorial towering before them are aware of the pivotal role that Stephen G. Hayduk played in making the red, white, and blue monument possible. Were it not for him, the landmark might never have been completed.
Suffolk District Attorney Overdose Team
Whenever a drug overdose happens in Suffolk County, a special team swoops in to see if illegal drugs were involved and apprehend the dealer so no one else falls victim.
Reporter Travels 12,000 Miles in Search of the Perfect Wave
Intrepid South Shore Press reporter Robert Chartuk traveled to Indonesia in search of the perfect wave. Here's his dispatch from the southern hemisphere.
Summer Solstice Festival
The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, occurred on June 20. The celestial milestone was celebrated in Bellport at the Center for Environmental Discovery (CEED), which hosted a Summer Solstice Festival over the weekend.
Gilgo Murder Suspect Accused in Two More Deaths
The accused killer in the infamous Gilgo murders, architect Rex Heuermann, has been charged in the deaths of two more women, bringing the total to six in an investigation that unearthed clues dating back three decades.
Cultures on Display in Patchogue Village
Patchogue Village came alive with music, dancing, and vibrant cultural displays as thousands gathered to celebrate the 3rd Annual Hispanic Cultural Heritage Parade. Organized by Village Trustee Lizbeth Carrillo, the event highlighted Hispanic culture and served as a showcase for the variety of businesses in the area.
Suffolk Mental Health Videos
"Mental and behavioral health knows no boundaries and affects everybody regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and profession," said County Executive Edward Romaine. "In Suffolk County, we are fully committed to providing our employees with the resources not only to do their jobs effectively but to live a prosperous life. Through this initiative, we want to remove the stigmas and stereotypes associated with mental health."
Human Face of Drug Epidemic at Fentanyl Summit
Organized by Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the summit put a human face on the carnage wreaked by the fentanyl coming over the open southern border in a massive drug trade operated by Mexican cartels. An American dies every five seconds from the drugs, and law enforcement has intercepted enough of them to kill every American many times over.
Center Moriches Memorial Day Parade
Center Moriches hosted a Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony.
Deadly Force Authorized in Trump Raid
The 30 heavily armed FBI agents who raided former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate were authorized to use deadly force, according to recently released records, and had a trauma team embedded with maps to the nearest hospital.
Hero Welcome for Trump in the Bronx
Breaking free from a New York trial engineered by the Biden administration to keep him off the campaign trail, Republican candidate for president Donald Trump received a hero's welcome in the South Bronx, a Democrat stronghold that saw 30,000 residents come out to greet him.
A Memorial Day Symbol: the Red Poppy
 The red poppy, ubiquitous around Memorial Day, traces its roots as a “Flower of Remembrance” to World War I and a poem by a Canadian surgeon who was struck by the blooming of the crimson flower in fields where so many had been killed.
Center Moriches Honors Hometown Heroes
The Hometown Heroes of Center Moriches are proudly on display along Main Street, thanks to the efforts of three eighth graders and the support of the community.
Long Island Officials Serious about Retail Crime
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) was the headline of a recent summit called by Congressman Anthony D'Esposito (R-Island Park) and attended by more than a dozen officials and business reps.
Daily Feed
Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
George Santos: A Free Man
America is still the land of second chances. I am living proof of that.
Pat-Med introduces their new mascot
Patchogue-Medford High School was overflowing with school spirit, unity, and pride during its recent pep rally, an event that brought together students, staff, and families in celebration of Raider Nation.