Alek Lewis
Alek Lewis is a lifelong Riverhead resident. He joined RiverheadLOCAL in May 2021 after graduating from 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. Send news tips and email him at alek@riverheadlocal.com
Business
Veteran greenhouse manager takes helm as new LI Farm Bureau director
Bill Zalakar, former president of the Long Island Farm Bureau and a longtime figure in the region’s agriculture industry, has been appointed the advocacy group’s new administrative director.
Business
Dave’s Hot Chicken coming to Riverhead, with opening planned next year
Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-casual Nashville-style hot fried chicken restaurant, is planning to open on Route 58 in 2026, one of two eateries slated for the current Friendly's restaurant location.
Riverhead High School
Riverhead High School saxophonist named to All-State Symphonic Band
Riverhead High School senior Christian Seymour has been named to the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Symphonic Band.
Community News
Riverhead CAP seeks volunteers for Pulaski Street school drug prevention program
The Riverhead Community Awareness Program (CAP) is seeking community volunteers to teach the Too Good for Drugs Prevention Program to fifth and sixth grade students at Pulaski Street Intermediate School.
Community News
East End Arts finds temporary home next to Riverhead Town Hall
The Riverhead-based nonprofit has completed its move into 206 Griffing Avenue, the town-owned building on the corner of West Second Street, adjacent to Riverhead Town Hall. East End Arts relocated there from its town-owned campus of historic buildings on East Main Street, which will be reconfigured as a part of a flood mitigation project and the development of the town square.
Community News
Ex-NFL player Ethan Greenidge, Riverhead CAP team up for donation to Phillips Avenue Elementary
Phillips Avenue Elementary School received $5,000 to purchase new school supplies, thanks to the generosity of Riverhead CAP President Brian Stark and former NFL player and Riverhead Blue Waves football star Ethan Greenidge.
Community News
Officials call for unity at 9/11 anniversary service in Calverton
Riverhead officials called for the return of national unity during a prayer service commemorating the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Missing Person
Police seek help locating ‘runaway’ from Timothy Hill Ranch in Riverhead
The Riverhead Police Department is seeking the public’s help to locate Julian Carbajal, 15, a “runaway” from the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in Riverhead.
Business
Riverhead to pay $170K to acquire Craft’d lease, clearing the way for boutique hotel on town square
Riverhead Town has agreed to pay $170,000 to the operator of the downtown bar Craft’d in exchange for taking possession of its lease at 127 East Main Street, a town-owned building slated for demolition and redevelopment into a boutique hotel.
Breaking News
Riverhead PD: One charged with unlawful dealing with a child during tobacco compliance checks
Riverhead Police arrested one person on Monday for allegedly selling tobacco products to people under age 21.
