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New Legislation Targets Deer Overpopulation in Long Island
In a significant move to address deer overpopulation, New York State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo has successfully steered legislation through the state's political channels. The new law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, establishes a Long Island deer management pilot program. Aimed at the Town of Southold, this initiative is a template for potential expansion throughout the East End of Long Island.
Suffolk Retires H. Lee Dennison Debt
Suffolk officials gathered in Hauppauge last week to rip up the lien on the H. Lee Dennison Building, which had been mortgaged by County Executive Steve Bellone back in 2013 to raise funds for the cash-strapped county. Riding on a $500 million wave of federal COVID cash and higher-than-expected sales tax revenue, Bellone announced that the debt was retired 10 years in advance.
Former County Nursing Home to Be Drug Treatment Center
Sitting idle after it was sold off by a cash-strapped county more than a decade ago, the former John J. Foley nursing home in Yaphank has a new owner, who plans to open an inpatient drug treatment and rehabilitation center in the five-story building.
State Announces Arts and Culture Grants
State Council on the Arts grants totaling $324,000 have been announced for various area organizations to help support local artists and cultural activities. New York sponsors over 1,600 groups statewide from a $222.5 million fund approved by the legislature. The council also manages a $132.5 million capital fund to repair and improve facilities for the many non-profits.
William Tangier Smith
He was the Lord of the Manor of St. George and one of Long Island's earliest settlers, and today, William Tangier Smith lives on as an icon of local history.
United Veterans Beacon House Receives Donation
The United Veterans Beacon House was the recipient of hats, gloves, and socks for area veterans made during the December meeting of The Rotary Club of Shirley & the Mastics. In addition to the donations made by the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley and the American Legion Arthur H. Clune Post 1533 supported the effort with financial and clothing donations, according to Legislator Jim Mazzerella, who gave a "heartfelt thanks to all involved in this effort to support our veterans in need."
Police Commissioner Exits Under Cloud of Allegations
Outgoing Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison is leaving under a cloud of allegations that he falsified his timesheets to obtain a higher payout for unused days off. The issue, raised by Legislator Robert Trotta, a former SCPD officer and frequent critic of the county police and PBA, is being investigated by District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Emergency Service Volunteers Eligible for Tuition Relief
Suffolk residents who volunteer their time as firefighters or EMS personnel are eligible to have part of their college tuition covered under the Suffolk Educational Program for Retention in the Voluntary Emergency Service (SERVES).
Bellone Emergency Cyber Order Lifted
After 16 months of wielding unbridled power under a State of Emergency he declared after the 2022 cyberattack that crippled Suffolk's computer system, outgoing county Executive Steve Bellone has returned county operations back to regular order.
Vision for Violet's Cove Unveiled
The design team working on a waterfront access park at the old Violet Cove property in Mastic Beach unveiled its vision for the area to the approval of local residents, who had provided input into the county project. The defunct property, damaged by Hurricane Sandy, will feature an open air pavilion, kayak launching area, dock, and plenty of room for environmental programs, arts, music, and communing with the area's natural resources.
Off-Duty Officer Leaves Gun in ESM School Bathroom
An off-duty Suffolk Police officer and member of the Eastport-South Manor School Board inadvertently left a handgun in the bathroom at the Junior-Senior High School last week, setting off an emergency protocol that ended quickly when the officer returned to retrieve the weapon.
Bellone Makes Rare Appearance at Legislature
Outgoing County Executive Steve Bellone made a rare appearance at the Suffolk Legislature Tuesday, taking the mic to lobby for his bill to address the county's cybersecurity footing in the wake of the September 2022 attack that paralyzed government operations for months.
DA Plan to Combat Illegal Dumping
It's an affront to Suffolk residents and an environmental disgrace: illegal dumping in the county's parks, beaches, and forests. District Attorney Raymond Tierney has had enough and announced an "Evergreen Initiative," a combined legislative and law enforcement agenda designed to crack down on those who dump on Suffolk.
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:
Selden Fire Department Performs Drills
On Tuesday November 28th, 2023 at 19:00hrs the Selden Fire Department Truck Company One held a drill at the training grounds on Highview Drive, in Selden. The drill was based upon garage fires with extension to the home. The situation was supposed to mimic a vehicle fire in the attached garage of a home, extending to the first and second floor, throughout the home. Company members utilized a burn box to increase the volume of fire. Members pulled lines from Engine 5 and began to knock down the vehicle fire and then into the home to knock down the remaining fire. Members also searched the building and located a victim. The victim was pulled from the building. After searches were completed and the fire was knocked down the building was vacated. Clean up concluded the drill, hoses were packed and the burn box was deconstructed. Selden EMS provided rehab for members.
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Library Board Seeks New Trustee Amid Financial Scrutiny
The Board of Trustees for the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library is filling a trustee vacancy. This move has drawn public attention for its role and the potential electoral advantage it may confer. The appointment comes as the library faces intense financial scrutiny over handling an over-budget renovation project.
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.
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Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
From the Newsroom: The South Shore Press in Butler. PA
After spending a few days in and around Butler, Pennsylvania, with South Shore Press reporter Robert Chartuk, I truly question how one troubled young man was able to fire shots at President Trump at the Butler Farm Fairgrounds.
Miller Place junior finishes first in NYC
In New York City on a very emotional day last month Nicholas DiCaprio achieved an incredible milestone, finishing in first place in the Adult Male category at the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run.