News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Scholarship Fundraiser on Tap for the Dr. Calabro Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America
The Mastic Beach lodge invites the community to a fundraiser on February 2, honoring Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella and Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico. The group’s Scholarship Gala, a “Celebration of Life and Learning,” will take place at Sunset Harbor in East Patchogue.
The World is a “Mess” as Biden Heads for the Exit
Rather than peaceful, the globe is a “mess” after four years of Biden, as described by President Donald Trump, who is quick to point out that for the first time in 72 years, no wars started under his watch. Here’s a rundown of the state of world affairs Trump faces as he reenters the White House:
Trump Guns Blazing at News Conference
South Shore Press Reporter Robert Chartuk reviews a fiery press conference held by President-Elect Donald J. Trump
Police and Community Connect Over Coffee
Sponsored by Senator Dean Murray and Legislator Dominick Thorne at the Coho cafe on West Main Street, the informal get-together gave residents a chance to mingle with officers from the 5th precinct and local elected leaders in a relaxed environment.
Reward Going Higher in Tragic Dog Case
The reward for information on a dog found in a backpack in Miller Place is increasing as the Suffolk SPCA is making the case a top priority. They’re now offering $4,000 for information on the French or English bulldog, six months to a year old, whose severely emaciated remains were found in the woods November 14 off Miller Place-Yaphank Road, north of Whiskey Road.
Sheriff Services Come to CMO
Suffolk Sheriff deputies set up shop at the Center Moriches Library Monday to bring various services to the community, including a Shed the Meds drop box and medical IDs. The stop was one of many Sheriff Errol Toulon conducts every year as part of his efforts to help residents stay healthy and safe.
Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Hosts 3rd Annual Giveaway
Eyes were bright on the children who streamed into a roomful of gifts at the annual holiday giveaway hosted by Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon.
Make Your Voice Heard on Future Development in Mastic Beach
Another community meeting on the Beechwood redevelopment of the Mastic Beach Business District will be held on January 16 at Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville starting at 6:30 p.m.
New Session, Same Battles in Albany
Long Island legislators return to Albany this week for the start of a new session with a familiar slate of issues that will once again highlight the ongoing conflict between local taxpayers and the forces that control state government.
Veteran Receives Special Gift
Kevin Dobson was a Vietnam veteran and actor in Knots Landing, one of the longest-running prime-time series in television history. Before he died, he was honored with the gift of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Statue poster created by Bohemia artist Elaine Faith Thompson.
Town Expands South Shore Conservation Area
Another wetlands parcel has been added to the South Shore conservation area on the Mastic Peninsula, land off Riviera Drive that has been inundated with flooding.
Wilderness Walk in the High Dunes
Just over the Smith Point Bridge in Shirley lies the stunning Fire Island High Dune Wilderness Area. The oceanfront park honors Otis G. Pike, the Suffolk Congressman whose legislation created the Fire Island National Seashore and the 1,381-acre park that carries his name.
Fight Inflation by Removing Business Burdens
Senator Dean Murray is heading to the capital with a plan that would save billions. Rallying a coalition of Republican legislators from across the state, Murray has appealed to Gov. Kathy Hochul to eliminate the dreaded UIAS—Unemployment Insurance Assessment Surcharge—a state mandate that is draining $10.2 billion from New Yorkers.
A Busy Year in Brookhaven
“I want to take a moment to personally thank my clerk's office staff for their hard work and dedication,” LaValle said in announcing the extent of the office’s activity in 2024. “Their diligence and efficiency” made it possible for the town to issue:
Ice Rescue Earns Honors
Three bystanders at the edge of Poospatuck Creek joined in the rescue—Joseph Wahl, Tony Orsi, and Alyssa Treadwell—and they were all honored in a special ceremony by local officials.
New Services in 2025 by Brookhaven Town Clerk
To make it easier for residents to get the details on land use and rezoning applications in their neighborhoods, the Clerk has added QR codes to the informational signs required at the sites. Scanned by cell phones, the codes will direct people to www.BrookhavenNY.gov/TownNotices, where they can click on the project they're interested in to learn more.
Education Aid Showdown on Albany Agenda
A hot topic in the school spending debate will be the Foundation Aid formula used to estimate how much each district should receive. Given the age-old pull between the urban and suburban parts of the state, city legislators want the formula skewed toward their interests. Bending to the urban Democrats who control the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the elimination of the “Save Harmless” provision, which ensures that no district gets less in state education aid than the year before.
Shocking Discovery at Smith Point
The police identified the remains as belonging to a male and have asked the public to contact them at 631-852-6392 if they can provide any information. They did not confirm if it was related to a human bone found at the ocean beach back in March 2023.
New Charges for Accused Murder Monster
Another victim of accused murder monster Rex A. Heuermann has been announced by District Attorney Raymond Tierney, bringing the total of women he allegedly killed to seven.
Tragic Loss Stuns Community
The tragic loss that sent waves of grief across the William Floyd community first appeared as a routine police report.
Daily Feed
Coach Migliozzi Wins #450
Half Hollow Hills West Baseball Coach Tom Migliozzi's has reached a milestone with his 450th career victory.
The Dragons Add a Suffolk Coach to the Staff New
The New York Dragons are assembling their coaching staff and have named an original Dragon to the staff. Sean Tremblay has been chosen as an assistant coach.
South Shore Press is Around the World: Dispatch From New Zealand
South Shore Press reporter Robert Chartuk is halfway around the world, having crossed the Equator to file this report: