News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Casino Cash Cow for Islandia
Speaking before a group of more than 100 dignitaries kicking off the construction of the 111,000-square-foot facility was former state Senator Phil Boyle, president and chief executive officer of the casino's operator, Off Track Betting. "We owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to the Village of Islandia, our partners in this ambitious effort," Boyle noted. With approvals from the village in hand, officials wielded ceremonial gold shovels to remove the first loads of soil for the new facility.
State Drops Ball on Stolen Vehicle Program
With a 15% increase in thefts from 2022 to 2023, the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Program hasn't done much over the last three years of tapping motorist insurance premiums.
Natural Gas Hike Set for Long Island
National Grid customers in Nassau and Suffolk will see a $16.3% rate hike, while their Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island counterparts will see their gas costs increase 17.2%. Con Edison, New York State Electric and Gas, and Rochester Gas and Electric were permitted to raise their rates as well. The utilities argue that the increases are needed to force energy efficiency and fund renewable energy projects.
Hate Crime Bill to Protect Emergency Workers
"It's difficult enough for emergency personnel to do their jobs without being subject to attacks by the people they are sworn to serve," said Joseph DeStefano (R, C-Medford), the assembly sponsor of the bill. "Sadly, these workers have been the subject of harassment and, in too many unfortunate cases, deadly assault that can't be characterized as anything else but a hate crime."
Island Sushi of Shirley
The Best Sushi is in Shirley  And It’s All You Can Eat
Suffolk Officials Fume Over MTA Tax on Community College
Described as a "black hole" for taxpayer dollars, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's drain of $430,000 in payroll taxes from Suffolk Community College has county officials fuming.
Romaine Revamps Suffolk 311 System
Residents dialing into Suffolk's 311 information center will no longer suffer lengthy wait times and dropped calls under a reorganization of the service announced by County Executive Edward Romaine.
Audit to Investigate Bellone Opioid Monies
When former County Executive Steve Bellone was serving as a lame duck during his last term in office, his administration was busy doling out money from Suffolk's share of the National Opioid Settlement to organizations they would go to work for after leaving the public payroll.
OTB Breaks Ground for $342 Million Casino Expansion
A who's who of Suffolk officials turned out Monday for the groundbreaking of a new casino in Islandia, a $342 million effort that will expand the operation of Jake's 58 and generate millions of dollars in revenue for local government.
Suffolk Opens Door for More CPS Workers
With a special grand jury recommending the hiring of more CPS workers in the wake of the Thomas Valva tragedy, Suffolk has stepped up its recruitment efforts.
JUSTICE FOR THOMAS - GOP Pols Put Pressure on Hochul to Save Kids' Lives
Two heavyweights in Suffolk government, County Executive Edward Romaine and District Attorney Raymond Tierney, have vowed to get to the bottom of how the system failed Thomas Valva, the young boy who froze to death in a garage, and make sure a tragedy like his is never repeated.
Top Priority for Congress: Send Another $60 Billion to Ukraine
Consider this: A billion dollars is a thousand millions. President Joe Biden wants Congress to approve sending Ukraine $60 billion more in U.S. taxpayer dollars to fight Russia. That's 60,000 millions. And this is on top of the $125 billion we already sent them.
Senator Dean Murray, Long Time Capitol Voice
If there's anyone who knows the way around the state Capitol, it's Dean Murray, a Senator who's also served separate terms in the Assembly. The East Patchogue resident has been the area's voice in Albany since 2010 and stands at the forefront of every critical issue that affects Long Island.
Local Emergency Services Hampered by Lack of Volunteers
A recent report by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli confirmed what local fire and ambulance departments already knew: It's becoming increasingly more difficult to recruit and retain EMS workers to serve their communities on a volunteer basis.
Brookhaven Fire Department Marks 101 Years
The Brookhaven Fire Department celebrated its 101st Anniversary last week during a special dinner at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. Led by Chief Anthony Verni, the department is made up of men and women volunteers who answer the emergency calls of their neighbors at all hours, day and night.
School Bus Ticket Holders in Limbo
A freeze on court hearings will force drivers challenging their school bus camera tickets to wait awhile before their cases can be heard, according to Suffolk officials. The move puts thousands of cases in limbo, but the good news is, defendants will not rack up late penalties while the county works to get its Traffic and Parking Violations Agency back on track.
Moloney Family Funeral Homes Announce Leadership Transition
Serving the area since 1933, Moloney Family Funeral Homes has announced a change in leadership, with Vice President Peter G. Moloney transferring his interests to Dan Moloney, Jr., the company's president. As a result of this decision, Peter and his son, Connor Moloney, have fully transitioned away from involvement in the Moloney Family business, the company recently announced.
Grand Jury Blasts CPS in Valva Case
Thomas Valva, the Center Moriches boy who froze to death after being forced to sleep on the floor of an unheated garage by his parents, would still be alive today if the county's Child Protective Services division did its job, according to a special grand jury report revealed last week.
Judge Whelan Portrait Unveiled
A star of Suffolk's court system, Surrogate Judge Theresa Whelan, was honored last week as family, friends, attorneys, and judges came together to unveil her official portrait in the Riverhead courtroom she once presided over. The judge, who began her legal career in 1988 as an assistant Suffolk County attorney, passed away in 2022 after a valiant battle against cancer.
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Ducks Sign a Rookie of the Year
Getting a young superstar is always a big deal and this week that is exactly what the Ducks were able to do. Earlier in the week the Long Island Ducks announced that they signed infielder Henry Kusiak. Kusiak begins his first season with the Ducks and his third season in professional baseball. The 24-year-old brings a bat that will be very welcomed to the lineup, and he can play multiple positions, giving coach Ford many options, as the club prepares for another Atlantic League campaign this summer.