News by Michael J. Reistetter

News by Michael J. Reistetter on South Shore Press


Sep 20, 2025

His name is Hamilton: SCPD introduces new thera-pup

Hamilton—a black Labrador Retriever—is the Suffolk County Police Department’s first therapy dog to receive his own police badge.

Sep 20, 2025

Toasted Oysters of Islip to shuck into 2025 Ryder Cup

The company will appear as part of the Taste NY exhibit, setting up near the Cup Pro Shop on Friday, September 26, from 3–7 p.m.

Sep 20, 2025

Three West Islip sophomores selected for NYSSBA Art Exhibit

Julianne Hall, Megan Murphy, and Skylar Welner will each represent the Lions in this annual showcase, which highlights outstanding student artwork from across New York State

Sep 19, 2025

Islip extends lithium battery plant moratorium by one year

At a public hearing on Tuesday, September 16th, the Islip Board voted to extend its moratorium on battery energy storage systems (BESS) for another 12 months, continuing its strong opposition to the development of lithium-ion battery facilities within the township.

Sep 18, 2025

Big bar brawl leads to arrests and hospitalizations

As Football Sunday buzzed at 1683 Sports Bar and Grille in West Islip on September 14th, a sudden eruption of violence shattered the festivities.

Sep 18, 2025

Key pavement upgrades for Townline Road in Hauppauge

The long-anticipated overhaul will resurface and repair all damaged and overworn concrete between Blydenburgh Road in Hauppauge to Jackson Road in Nesconset.

Sep 17, 2025

Traffic Stop Takedown: Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Arrests Bay Shore Man on Fentanyl Charges

Carl Chin, 41 was arrested on Saturday, September 13th, after attempting to flee during a traffic stop. The incident culminated in the discovery that he possessed nearly three ounces of fentanyl.

Sep 17, 2025

Huntington SD launches Handle With Care program

The pilot program, stemming from a national student wellbeing model with proven results, supports students who may be exposed to traumatic events outside the classroom.

Sep 16, 2025

Oh, They’re Halfway There! Ronkonkoma St. Pat’s Parade Grand Marshall Named at Flanagan’s Fundraiser

New Grand Marshall Michelle Jones is the daughter of Martin Gaughan, one of the parade’s co-founders in 1991 alongside John Mawn.

Sep 16, 2025

DA’s Office Adds Three Cases for National Cold Case Month

Up to a $2,000 award is being offered to anyone with pertinent information pertaining to the identification of any of the victims.

Sep 15, 2025

Charlie Sheen to Make Patchogue Theatregoers' Hearts Sing on Oct. 17 

Pop culture’s favorite black-and-blued boozehound-turned far-worse vice peruser is eight years sober, plugging a documentary and a memoir, and docking in Patchogue for an Oct. 17th show.

Sep 15, 2025

Here’s the Story, Morning Glory: Oasis is BACK

Whether together or a part, Liam and Noel haven’t sounded this electric in Clapton knows when; perhaps signalling a clean-slated anew?

Sep 12, 2025

Any Amount Counts: Community Shows Out for Shirley Mom, 27, Diagnosed with Brain Cancer

As of Friday, September 12th, over $33,500K in donations has been raised on the William Floyd alumna’s behalf.

Sep 12, 2025

A Day of Remembrance: Smithtown HS East, West Hosts 9/11 Ceremonies 

In lockstep with endless schools across the county, Smithtown Central School District students and faculty joined to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Sep 10, 2025

Flare Gun Foul: West Babylon Retirement Community Resident Shoots Man in Face

“I’ve lived in Manhattan, I’ve lived in San Francisco, I’ve lived in Boston, and nothing ever happened. I move to Suffolk County, in a retirement community, and my neighbor shoots me in the face.”

Sep 10, 2025

Domestic Devastation: Brentwood Woman Found Stabbed to Death in Her Home

After receiving a 911 call, officers responded to Melida Velasquez' West White Street abode just before 5:30 that evening. She was reportedly found in an upstairs bedroom with several knives sticking out of her.

Sep 10, 2025

Riteway, Wrong Decisions: Babylon-Based Boat Broker, Business Owner Arrested for Financial Fraud

Rory P. Hogan, 60, of Babylon, allegedly defrauded customers of hundreds of thousands of dollars from his Riteway Marine Solutions post, DA Ray Tierney announced.

Sep 8, 2025

2 for 1 Crackdown Special: Former Riverhead Drug Trafficker, Ronkonkoma Supplier Sentenced

Slater was the supplier for Reyes-Redrovan, who had relocated to Philadelphia by the time of his conviction. Court documents revealed that Reyes-Redrovan sold undercover Suffolk officers over 37 ounces of cocaine across 15 different occasions between August 2023 and March 2024.

Sep 7, 2025

Brentwood Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Officer Brendon Gallagher 

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced this week that Cody Fisher, 29, of Brentwood, admitted to driving under the influence when he seriously injured Officer Brendon Gallagher in a January LIE crash.

Sep 7, 2025

Catalina, Romaine and Tierney Roll Out Suffolk’s New Top Cops 

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney called the day’s promotions well-deserved, and commended his colleagues in county leadership for having a keen eye for team-building.

Daily Feed

Education

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.


National

New SUNY tuition program for military starting Spring 2026

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced the launch of the SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program.


Local

Local “Bowlers to Veterans Link” chapter sets $1 mil goal

Maple Family Centers—which owns Coram County Lanes—hosts Bowlers to Veterans Link (est. 1942), a non-profit organization with fundraisers designed to improve the quality of life for Veterans and active-duty service members.