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At civic forum, Halpin and Rothwell lay out competing visions for Riverhead

by Oct 16, 2026
Eleven topics, from tax incentives to storm preparation, framed the Oct. 15 Riverhead supervisor candidates forum where Halpin and Rothwell staked out their positions.

Local fire districts to hold 2027 budget hearings next week: Here’s the rundown

by Oct 16, 2026
Local fire districts will hold public hearings next week on their proposed budgets for 2027. Here's a rundown of the budgets district commissioners have proposed.

Daily Briefing

Government

Rothwell offers budget amendments trimming 2027 proposed tax levy increase to 1.73%

by | Oct 15, 4:59 pm
Council Member Ken Rothwell has proposed six amendments to Supervisor Jerry Halpin’s tentative 2027 budget that would reduce the proposed townwide property tax levy increase from 2.79% to about 1.73%.

Riverhead investigates rusty water affecting about 200 water district customers

by Oct 15, 2026
An unauthorized release of water — such as an opened fire hydrant — is believed to have disturbed the system and churned up sediment, causing rusty water in Calverton and Wading River, the water district superintendent said.

Water main flushing in Wading River and Calverton begins Oct. 18

by Oct 14, 2026
The Riverhead Water District will its flush water mains in Wading River and Calverton Oct. 18 through Nov. 6.

Mugs on Main closing after eviction for unpaid rent

by Oct 14, 2026
Mugs on Main in downtown Riverhead is closing after its landlord won a court judgment for possession and nearly $100,000 in unpaid rent, attorneys' fees and disbursements.

New York to join scholarship tax-credit program starting in 2027

by Oct 13, 2026
“I’m not going to leave money on the table when it could help our kids,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday when she announced her decision to opt into the federal scholarship tax credit program.

Local landmarks to light up Tuesday for metastatic breast cancer awareness

by Oct 13, 2026
The North Fork Breast Health Coalition is hosting its first local #LightUpMBC event Tuesday evening joining a worldwide observance of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Several local landmarks will be lit in teal, green and pink.

Cops: Riverhead man charged with felony assault after alleged stabbing at 7-Eleven

by Oct 12, 2026
Riverhead police said Marcus Belcher, 34, was charged with second-degree assault and third-degree criminal mischief after an alleged stabbing and dispute at the 7-Eleven on Old Country Road Monday morning.

FedEx closes Calverton facility as part of nationwide network overhaul

by Oct 12, 2026
FedEx says the Edwards Avenue facility has permanently closed as part of its Network 2.0 overhaul. Customers can drop off packages at its Middle Island location.

Abigayle’s celebrates grand opening in downtown Riverhead

by Oct 11, 2026
Abigayle’s at the Preston House celebrated its grand opening with a town ribbon cutting. The new Riverhead bistro serves lunch and dinner.

Ex-chief and former commissioner of Riverhead FD, William Bilski, 89

by Oct 10, 2026
The Riverhead Fire Department bade farewell to 68-year member, ex-chief and former commissioner William Bilski Friday.

East End Realtors association challenges proposed merger with larger, island-wide group

by Oct 9, 2026
An East End Realtor association’s lawsuit challenges a proposed LIBOR merger amid disputes over leadership, competition and control of its records.

Opinion | Guest Column

A first responder’s response: Riverhead officials twisted my words for political gain

by | Sep 22, 8:58 am
A retired FDNY firefighter who lost 12 members of his firehouse on 9/11 shares his perspective on a Riverhead Town Hall clash and calls for ethical local leadership.

School board members say town politicized negotiations over SRO program

Five Riverhead school board members accused town officials Wednesday of making false statements and politicizing negotiations over funding two school resource officers assigned to the high school and middle school.

New York moves to end Regents exams as graduation gatekeeper beginning...

Beginning in 2028, New York students will no longer have to pass Regents exams to earn a high school diploma, under a change approved Monday by the State Board of Regents.

Riverhead’s top business official resigns four months after hiring

Colleen Card, hired as Riverhead's assistant superintendent for business in May, has been appointed school business administrator by the Sag Harbor Union Free School District, effective Nov. 1.

With first year behind him, Riverhead superintendent looks ahead as students...

As Riverhead students head back to school this week, Superintendent Bob Hagan says his second year begins with a deeper understanding of the district, its schools and the community.

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Obituaries

Joseph S. Suspenski, 97

Ernest L. Albee, 65

John M. Shuot, 79

William Raymond Bilski, 89

Douglas C. Van Slyke