News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Storm Has Its Way With Long Island
The coastal storm that roared across the area Sunday and Monday left a wet mess in its wake with flooding, trees down, and damage to the island's barrier beach.
Romaine Takes Reins of County Government January 1
With just a couple of weeks left to go before he takes over the reins of county government, Suffolk Executive-Elect Edward Romaine is deciding on major positions in his administration and is touching base with officials on all levels to set a path for his ambitious agenda.
SERVES Program Saved
A funding snafu that threatened college reimbursements for Suffolk's emergency service volunteers has been resolved, with the county finding money within its current budget to make up for lost grant money.
Porch Pirates on the Prowl
Porch pirates are on the prowl as the holiday season brings an uptick in online shopping and the deliveries targeted by thieves. To help keep your booty safe, the state police offers these tips:
Maurice Wertheim, Shirley WildLife Refuge Benefactor
He was a Harvard graduate who began his career at his father's cigar manufacturing company and worked his way up to become a wealthy investment banker. He was an environmentalist, chess patron, art collector, and, as a philanthropist, donated 1,800 acres of pristine land that we now enjoy as the Maurice Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.
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.
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Easter 2026: Hope and Joy in the Risen Christ
This Easter Sunday, Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and Easter Season we continue to pray and contemplate our Lord’s Resurrection appearances, and we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and his worldwide spirit of Catholic mission.