News by Michael J. Reistetter
News by Michael J. Reistetter on South Shore Press
Amityville Man Sentenced to 17 Years to Life in Prison for Weapon Possession
Anyone who sees this headline and scratches their heads at first glance has yet been made privy to Winfield's litany of priors. Beyond Weapons Possession in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, he was previously convicted of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and Criminal Possession in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
Another Week, Another Busted Car Meet: 'Wannabee Racecar Drivers' Arrested at Ronkonkoma Train Station
On Saturday, Nov. 16th at approximately 10:15 p.m., uniformed officers of the recently-formed Suffolk County Police Street Takeover Task Force converged upon a scene that formed at Ronkonkoma Train Station.
'The Crucible' Comes to Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High
Based on Arthur Miller's Tony Award-winning play of the same name, "The Crucible' was also adapted to the silver screen in 1996. Starring Daniel-Day Lewis and Winona Ryder, the film—and the stage text upon which it was based—have both seen steady action as part of English class curriculum over the following decades.
A Bazaar in St. James: 'Sons of Norway' Welcomes All this Saturday
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church. Having expanded beyond their Norwegian origins in the decades since its formation, Johnson says the upcoming lodge gathering will be more akin to a Scandinavian Music Festival.
Veterans - and Caretakers of Veterans - Honored at SBU's LI State Veterans Home
Ahead of Monday's Veterans' Day holiday, local leaders gathered at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University on Friday, Nov. 8th to thank Veterans for their service. They were also on hand to thank employees of the home—who care for all residential Veterans—for their service as well. On the staff, who are all members of the Public Employees Federation, Assemblyman DiStefano said: "We owe a lot to our Veterans. They put everything on the line to protect us and ensure our freedom. Here at Stony Brook, the nation's Veterans are cared for by a group of dedicated professionals who l am glad to be with today. You are the ones who help pay back the huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who served." The keynote speaker of the event was Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. The current U.S. Marine Corps reserve who previously earned a Purple Heart for his tour of duty in Afghanistan also recently ran the 10k leg of the Suffolk County Marathon.
He's Back: Shirley Sign Gardener and Wife Celebrate the Re-election of DJT
He also predicted a landslide victory for former President Donald J. Trump in the 2024 General Election.
Hilton Comes to Patchogue? A Revised State of Hotelier Affairs
"Tell us the village of Patchogue hates its residents without saying the village of Patchogue hates its residents," Michael Ida wrote on Facebook in response to the latest news developments about the hotel.
Christmas is Coming! NY Times-Certified LI Indie in 395 Theaters Nationwide
By Michael J. Reistetter
Weik Wins, Dolan Doesn't: Repubs Ride Solid Wave as Per Usual in NYS Senate District 8
The 8th State Senate District encompasses a portion of Suffolk County's South Shore that constitutes territory from Weik's native Sayville to Massapequa.
A 4-6 Split: Monica Martinez, Syela Byone Keep Senate Seats Democratic in their Respective Districts
Meanwhile, Democrat Syela Byone—the only other victor for the party across Long Island’s nine senate districts—became Long Island’s first black woman to serve in the State Senate with her Sixth District defeat over the Republican candidate Thomas Montefinise.
Repub Senator Mattera Makes it Official, Defeats Dem Challenger Herskowitz by a Large Margin
Though it was not expected to be that close of a bout, Mattera — previously a plumber's union leader — fought as if his community depended upon it, because in his eyes, it most certainly did.
Gillibrand Bests LI's Sapraicone for Federal Re-election; GOP Breaks Supermajority in State Senate
Though Gillibrand—in office since 2009—had rallied about 67% of the votes at the time The Associated Press had called the race in her favor, after further counting and consideration, her winning total stands today at 58.41%.
Gillen Gets Back at D'Esposito: An NY-4 Rematch to Remember
The Fourth Congressional District representing Nassau County saw the incumbent D'Esposito utilize his close local Republican party ties as a means to workshop his own campaign as a guest speaker ahead of now President-Elect Donald J. Trump at his historic Nassau Coliseum-held rally.
Suozzi Stays Put, Sails Past Mike LiPetri in NY-3
Suozzi had vacated the same seat he held for three terms when he sought to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul back in 2022. He subsequently won a Special Election earlier this year to reclaim the seat after Santos' expulsion from Congress, and will serve the D.C. post on behalf of NY-3 he knows all too well for the next two years, at the least.
Garbarino Grabs Another Term, Defeats Lubin in the 2nd District
"With Donald Trump as president, a Republican senate, a Republican house, we can close our border, we can lower taxes," Garbarino said in his victory speech at Stereo Garden in Patchogue.
Never Any Doubt in NY-1: LaLota Leaps Past Avlon for Re-election
"I'm so thankful for every one of you," the congressman spoke from the Suffolk County Republican Headquarters stage in Patchogue.
LI Repubs Rejoice in this Magic Moment: LaLota Wins NY-01, while the Senate Bleeds Red
Across both Long Island counties, there was plenty to celebrate for those regularly keen on riding the red wave—despite being denied a four-pronged congressional delegation sweep such as the one they experienced back in 2022, the party largely thrived in its nine senate districts. 
Eastport-South Manor Dedicates 'First Responder Plaza' in Riveting Nov. 1 Ceremony
"This plaza will serve as a daily reminder to our students, athletes and visitors of the sacrifice you make to keep us safe," said Joseph A. Steimel, Superintendent of Schools in the district. "It is a testament to the values we hold dear as a community: courage, compassion and service above self."
A Reflection on Our Veterans (From Nothing More than a Keyboard Warrior By Comparison)
I remember his brother, my great-uncle, a Vietnam War Veteran of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He shared not only my name, but also my nickname, as I learned from the soldier helmet I saw displayed at his funeral services a few years back—a sight that struck this mere journalist-filmmaker hybrid with even more reverence for his elders. It was a moment filled with downright "just forgot my lines in real life" solemnity.
'Christmas Eve’ on Nov. 7 in Deer Park! Cinematic Love Letter to Smithtown Headed to Regal
A locally shot film will premiere at Regal Deer Park on Nov. 7.
Daily Feed
Ward Melville's Athletic Trainer Wins Alumni Award
Ward Melville's Athletic Trainer and Science Teacher Claudine Weiner recently was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from Stony Brook University.
Coach Desi Honored
This weekend the Suffolk County Baseball Coaches Association honored legendary Coach Al Desiderio.
Parents Protest at William Floyd High School
Multiple groups, including “Moms for Liberty, Suffolk Chapter” and “Show Me Your Face” protested the William Floyd School District after concerned parents claimed a biological boy is a member of the Girls’ Varsity Track Team.