Alek Lewis
Alek Lewis is a lifelong Riverhead resident and a 2021 graduate of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism. Previously, he served as news editor of Stony Brook’s student newspaper, The Statesman, and was a member of the campus’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Email: [email protected]
Schools
Riverhead schools hit by ransomware attack, shutting down computer and tech infrastructure
The Riverhead Central School District was hit by a ransomware attack this morning, shutting down the district’s computer and technology infrastructure for what officials said could be several days.
Business
New restaurant proposed for the riverfront
A new building is proposed for a .06-acre site on the eastern end of the Peconic Riverfront, just west of the Turkuaz Grill and the aquarium. The new building would house a two-story restaurant.
Community News
Big Duck lights up Flanders for holiday season
The Big Duck in Flanders is all decked out for the holiday season after the annual lighting ceremony last night at Big Duck Ranch.
Health
Omicron variant likely in New York, Hochul says
The omicron variant of the coronavirus, which has been labeled a variant of concern by the World Health Organization, is likely in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said this morning. This comes as a Minnesota resident who tested positive for the variant had attended a convention in New York City.
Government
Developer of five-story apartment building at Osborn & Court seeks IDA tax breaks, hearing set for Monday
The developer proposing a five-story mixed-use building on the corner of Osborn Avenue and Court Street is asking the Riverhead Industrial Development Agency for a 10-year real property tax abatement, as well as mortgage tax and sales/use tax exemptions in connection with its $19.6 million project.
Politics
Aguiar refunds over $15,000 in excess campaign contributions
Supervisor Yvette Aguiar has refunded over $15,000 in campaign contributions that exceeded the legal contribution limit for her office, according to the final campaign disclosure report filed by her campaign committee with the State Board of Elections yesterday.
Board of Education
Riverhead school district to hire ‘acting’ assistant supt. for finance & operations, as current official remains ‘reassigned’
The Riverhead Central School District will hire a business official to act as assistant superintendent for finance and operations, after longtime district administrator Sam Schneider was demoted and administratively reassigned pending an investigation into unspecified allegations from an employee.
Community News
Downtown Riverhead’s ‘Holiday Hop’ pub crawl set for Friday night
Downtown Riverhead’s “Holiday Hop” pub crawl will take place at several Riverhead restaurants and craft beverage locations on Friday.
Government
Riverhead’s loose leaf pickup delayed to January
Riverhead Town will conduct loose leaf pickup in January, after a new highway superintendent takes the helm, according to a notice posted on the town website this afternoon.
Business
Most stores will stay closed on Thanksgiving and open early Black Friday morning
Most retail stores in Riverhead will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and open on Black Friday beginning at 5 a.m.
