News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Tree Lighting Illuminates Mastic Beach for the Holidays
The sky was lit with the colors of the holidays, and Santa made an appearance Saturday at the Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce's annual tree lighting hosted by Ultimate Mower on Commack Road. There were giveaways for the kids, and cheery music rang through the community courtesy of Party 105.3 and Big Hits 98.1, which gave out prizes for holiday music trivia.
Who Was Walter T. Shirley?
While many are familiar with the South Shore community known as Shirley, not everyone knows it was named for the developer who put the area on the map–Walter T. Shirley.
Incoming County Legislator Arrested
Suffolk Legislator-Elect Catherine Stark was arrested over the weekend by Riverhead Town Police on charges of operating a vehicle while impaired. Set to take over the office held by Legislator Albert Krupski, where she served as chief of staff, Stark revealed she is battling cancer, and had taken prescribed medication in the hours preceding the arrest.
Lucky Spin at Jake's 58 Brings $2.3 Million Jackpot
A spin at the Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars game at Jake's 58 turned into a $2.3 million payoff for an East Northport resident last week, the biggest payout ever at the Islandia casino.
Christmas Parade Canceled Due to Weather, No Rain Date, Community Disappointed
Mother Nature did a Bah Humbug on the annual holiday parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley for Sunday, leaving residents disappointed and flustered over the popular event having no rain date.
COVID Water Assistance Extended
Residents who have trouble paying their water bill can get help through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program.
Fire Ravages Tesla's Shoreham Lab
He was a renowned inventor responsible for many advancements of our electronic age, and his memory was being preserved through the creation of the Nikola Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, the location of his Shoreham laboratory. The grand plan to open his 16-acre facility to the masses received a tragic setback last week from a fire that damaged what was to become a global innovation center, educational facility, and museum.
Romaine Brokers Historic Sewer Deal
Not wasting any time in tackling the most pressing environmental issue faced by Suffolk, County Executive-Elect Edward Romaine has brokered a consensus between stakeholders to support the expansion of sewers and help homeowners convert to clean water septic systems. The agreement, made between environmental groups, building trades, and government officials, will put the question of raising the county's sales tax an eighth of a cent before residents in a November referendum, a vote that was scuttled by the Suffolk Legislature this year due to objections over the funding formula.
Wayne R. Sill, Marine, Business Owner
Wayne R. Sill of Shoreham, a former Brookhaven Town GOP Zone Leader and Committeeman, passed away at age 79. The U.S. Marine and Veterans Advocate had his own business, Sill's Oil Service, and worked in the Brookhaven Parks Department. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Legislature Puts Bellone Cybersecurity Plan on Hold
A plan advanced by outgoing county Executive Steve Bellone to address Suffolk's cybersecurity system has stalled in the legislature, with lawmakers preferring to wait until a report is released by the special committee looking into the ransomware attack that caused the shutdown of the county's computer network. The plan also raised the eyebrows of countywide elected officials not wanting to lose autonomy over the systems in their offices.
Events to Ignite the Spirit of the Season
The holidays bring all kinds of activities to our area. From tree and menorah illuminations and choral presentations to lighting spectaculars and visits from Santa–there's plenty to ignite the spirit of the season.
Bill to List Tranq as a Controlled Substance
The powerful drug Xylazine, used by veterinarians to sedate large animals, will be listed as a Controlled Substance under a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano to help combat the scourge of overdose deaths sweeping across the state.
Sexual Assault Allegations Flood In at Survivor's Act Deadline
Sexual Assault Allegations Flood In at Survivor's Act Deadline
Dean Murray's "Challenged Materials" School Bill
Dean Murray's "Challenged Materials" School Bill
Wilderness Art Exhibit at National Seashore
A "Wilderness Art Exhibit" hosted by the Fire Island National Seashore is on display until December 3 at the tower overlooking the Atlantic at Smith Point Park in Shirley.
Turkey Giveaway at 7th Precinct
All the fixings, including dessert—750 meals in all—were given out Saturday at the Suffolk Police Department's 7th Precinct during an annual Thanksgiving event made possible by generous donations and dozens of volunteers chipping in.
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A New Ice Rink Coming to Brookhaven
This week, Dan Panico announced that during the planning board portion of the Town Board meeting in March, there will be a site plan hearing for a proposed new hockey rink at the former Brookhaven campus of Dowling College.