News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Counties Continue Aquifer Protection Commission
A bi-county commission that coordinates a regional approach to groundwater management has been reauthorized by the Nassau and Suffolk legislatures for another five years. Their unanimous votes will enable the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection (LICAP) to continue its groundbreaking work as the sole island-wide organization dedicated to drinking water quality and quantity.
Dignity Photo Exhibit at Suffolk Jail
A primary consideration of Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon is the rehabilitation of convicts under his watch and their ability to reenter the workforce after they pay their debt to society. To provide inmates with a marketable skill and boost their self-worth, the Sheriff has partnered with professional photographer Saskia Keeley, herself a formerly incarcerated individual, to conduct a "Dignity Photo Program," the subject of a recent exhibit at the Yaphank Correctional Facility.
Suffolk Cyber Disruptions Continue
More than a year after Suffolk suffered a ransomware attack that crippled its computer system, cyber issues continue to plague the county. Everything from a rodent chewing through a fiber optic cable to a 911 system shutdown attributed to a vendor has put Suffolk's IT problems at the top of incoming County Executive Edward Romaine's To-Do list.
Guyana Takeover Eyed by Venezuelan Socialist
Guyana Takeover Eyed by Venezuelan Socialist
COP 28 Climate Change Conference Controversy
COP 28 Climate Change Conference Controversy
Democrat 2024 Strategy: Christians Worse Than Al-Qaeda
Democrat 2024 Strategy: Christians Worse Than Al-Qaeda
SS United States to Have Permanent New York Berth
SS United States to Have Permanent New York Berth
Holiday Parade Sets CMO Main Street Aglow
Main Street was aglow with holiday lights as the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, made its way down Main Street on Saturday.
PBA Brightens Holidays for 227 Kids
It was a Winter Wonderland at the Premm-B.O.C.E.S. Learning Center in Oakdale as Santa delivered toys to 227 special needs students courtesy of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association. St. Nick arrived in a special Emergency Services "sleigh" loaded with gifts and the officers spent the day helping make the holidays bright. "It was a fantastic day for everyone involved," said PBA President Lou Civello, who was joined by 1st Vice President John Hnat and many officers and staff at the annual give-away.
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.
Daily Feed
Plaintiff Alleges Major Appliance Manufacturer's Washer/Dryer Combos Fail Due to Defects
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Haier US Appliance Solutions over alleged defects in their washer/dryer combos sold under the GE Appliances brand name.