News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
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.
Mobile Stroke Units Save Lives
The next time a 911 call comes through in Suffolk County, two emergency vehicles may respond: a volunteer community ambulance and a special Mobile Stroke Unit, which has proven to be a lifesaver as treatment can begin almost immediately for those suffering a stroke.
Legacy of Service Continues With Legislator Stark
Moving from behind the dais to the 18-member legislative horseshoe was an easy transition for Suffolk's new lawmaker, Catherine Stark, the North Fork representative who spent 10 years working for her predecessor.
Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry Opens Rocky Point Office
It is now possible to get a complete set of permanent teeth in one day, thanks to the new state-of-the-art Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry office in Rocky Point.
A TOTAL ECLIPSE IN SUFFOLK
Drawn together by the moon and their sun, the inhabitants of Earth stood united during one special moment Monday to witness the cosmic spectacle of a solar eclipse. People of all ages, races, and philosophies communed in a joyous spirit as they peered skyward to take in the rare event at locations across America.
New York Preps for Rare Solar Spectacle
Eyes will look to the skies Monday, April 8 as a large swath of the country will see a total solar eclipse when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. The Earth's satellite will start its path in front of the star at 2:12 p.m. and at 3.26 p.m., will completely blot it out. At the moment of "Totality," the moon, which is the perfect size to completely cover the Sun, will appear as a dark disc as light dances around its edges. The Earth will become decidedly darker. After the total eclipse, the moon will continue on its 2,000-plus mile-per-hour path until it completely passes by at 4:37 p.m.
Commerdinger Mark in Suffolk History
Members of the Commerdinger Family have left their mark on the Smithtown community, having served as town assessor, postmaster, and operators of the Nesconset General Store and Post Office. Their memory will forever be preserved through Suffolk's Walter S. Commerdinger, Jr. County Park.
Michael McCormack, Irish Historian
A special guest was part of Suffolk's Irish Heritage Celebration: Internationally known historian, author, and composer Michael McCormack, a top official of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
WaterTalk April 10 in Mastic
Experts will be on hand April 10 for a special WaterTalk at the Mastic Recreation Center beginning at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Suffolk County Water Authority, the event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about their drinking water and interact with the experts.
Rate Hike on Tap for Suffolk Water Customers
A rate hike is on tap for customers of the Suffolk County Water Authority, with average quarterly bills going up $4.18 starting June 1. A typical residential ratepayer will see their annual water cost go up to about $574, a nearly 3% hike under the new rate schedule passed by the authority board of directors.
Daily Feed
Trump Using a Scalpel, Not Chainsaw, for GOP "Facelift"
The Republican Party is not having a civil war. It’s having a facelift, and President Donald Trump is holding the scalpel.