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Rescue Swimmer Joseph Dalen
A 1st Lieutenant with the Eastport Fire Department, the first responder sped to the scene on a boat driven by his father, Fire Chief John Dalen. The victim, who had capsized in the breakers at the mouth of the treacherous Moriches Inlet and was separated from his kayak, was too hypothermic to grab a rescue ring thrown to him. Joseph, already in cold water survival gear, was deployed to get him into the hands of the crew who pulled him in.
Residents Voice Concern Over Shirley Mosque Plan
A chief concern of residents speaking out against a Shirley mosque at a zoning hearing last week is the building is too large for the proposed site, while supporters, many from the Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley, said they welcome the 13,500-square-foot facility as an asset to the community.
Romaine Announces Police Promotions, Adds 24 Detectives
Keeping Suffolk safe is the stated goal of officials gathered at police headquarters in Yaphank Thursday to announce the promotion of 24 officers to detective and a number of leadership changes.
Smithtown Fire Department reinstates Blue Line Flag after community feedback
The Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside the Chiefs Office, has decided to reverse its earlier decision to remove the Blue Line Flag from a rescue truck.
Smithtown Fire Department replaces Blue Line Flag with American Flag
On February 2, 2021, the Smithtown Fire Department received a notification from Newsday about a complaint regarding a Blue Line Flag placed on their rescue truck.
Smithtown Fire Department mourns loss of Ex-Chief Richard Keller
The Smithtown Fire Department has announced the passing of Ex-Chief Richard Keller.
Army Corps to Update Home Raising Plan
Mastic Peninsula residents will get an update this spring on a federal effort to raise homes in the floodplain, the area that was inundated during Hurricane Sandy and the two coastal storms last month, according to the program's sponsor, the Army Corps of Engineers.
Grand Marshal Named for St. Patrick's Parade
The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will march down Main Street in Center Moriches on March 10, with George Keller serving as Grand Marshal. sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, the popular parade is in its 20th year.
Over in the Meadow
Editor's Note: Wadsworth was the pen name of Katherine "Kitty" Floyd Dana, 1835-1886, a great-granddaughter of William Floyd, signer of the Declaration of Independence. She lived in Old Mastic at the fabled Moss Lots estate where she worked as an artist and poet. This is one of her nursery rhyme counting poems.
Mastic's Moss Lots and the Dana Family
Forge River in Mastic was the setting for a great mansion known as Moss Lots, built in 1883 by William "Buck" Dana, husband of a great-granddaughter of William Floyd, the noted Patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Panico Champions Reforms and Cutting Red Tape
In a bid to cut bureaucratic red tape and enhance the efficiency of local processes, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico is spearheading transformative reforms. The proposed changes aim to simplify the accessory apartment registration process and streamline planning procedures, heralding a more resident-friendly and responsive governance approach.
New Starbucks Planned for Shirley
The 1,800-square-foot coffee shop will be built near the Montauk Highway entrance of the center, which is also home to Applebees, Harbor Freight, and Aldi's supermarket. The new building is permitted by town code on the commercial property, and the developers, Damianos Realty Group, are looking to secure site plan approval for the construction. It will be the subject of a Brookhaven Town Planning Board hearing on February 21.
Shirley Mosque on Zoning Board Agenda
The center is requesting a rear yard variance of 25 feet, which will put the house of worship 35 closer to the adjoining property than allowed by town code. The applicant is also seeking approval for a six-foot high fence in the front of the property, as well as larger-than-permitted signage. They would also like to place the sign closer to the parkway than currently allowed.
Monumental Moment in Suffolk Environmental History
The first was a bipartisan gathering of elected officials, along with Long Island's environmental, business, and labor leaders, to restate our support of green energy and to urge Gov. Hochul to keep the Sunrise Wind project on track. This $700 million effort will provide massive benefits to our region. It will bring clean, renewable energy for more than 600,000 homes, hundreds of jobs, and millions of dollars in training and operational programs.
Smithtown Supervisor Joins Forces with Girl Scout Unit 26 for Birthday Bag Collection Drive
The Girl Scouts of Service Unit 26 will spearhead the collection and assembly of these unique "Birthday Bags," the generous donations will be handed over to the Smithtown Food Pantry. Families facing financial challenges can collect a "Birthday Bag" from the pantry, ensuring that no child misses out on the joy of a birthday celebration.
Suffolk County Catholics Begin Lenten Season
That was a significant message shared by the Most Reverend John Oliver Barres, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Romaine Reports Credit Rating Upgrade
Six weeks into his role as Suffolk's chief financial officer, Edward Romaine checked off a major priority of his administration: an upgrade in the county's credit rating.
New Lot for Center Moriches Library With A Little Help From Their Friends
Visitors to the Center Moriches Library will have more places to park thanks to the purchase of nearby property with help from the Friends of the Library.
Shirley Man Busted in Boat Dumping Case
Timothy Hughes, 35, of Shirley, found this out the hard way when he was busted for allegedly trying to get rid of a dilapidated boat in the Manorville Pine Barrens.
East Quogue Elementary Raises $11,142 for American Heart Association
As students registered for the challenge, they wrote their name on the Registration Hall of Fame. Each morning, the school made announcements about the fundraising efforts. Students in grades 3-6 participated in four competitive stations: Jackpot Shot, Super Shooter 6, Shooting Knockout and a Skills Obstacle Course. Winners received paper crowns for being top three Super Shooter 6 scorers and for being the top boy and girl shooters in the Jackpot Shot.
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Brookhaven Clerk LaValle Attends the Centereach/ Selden Civic Association Monthly Meeting
Mr. Lavalle also spoke about service improvements made by the town clerk’s office and engaged with civic members.
Pickles & Paws 2025: New York’s Largest Animal Adoption Festival Launches This Spring in Yaphank
Connect with s furry friend at New York’s largest adoption event.
Stay Melo: HOF Knicks Star Plugs Cannabis Brand in Farmingdale
Strain Stars will welcome the perennial All-Star on Saturday, April 19th for 1-3 p.m. meet and greets.