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
Environment
Riverhead orders Patriot Recycling owner to remove 3,000 cu. yds. of ‘unauthorized material’ from Youngs Avenue preserved farmland
Riverhead Town has ordered the owner of Patriot Recycling to remove 3,000 cubic yards of materials from Youngs Avenue preserved farmland where it plans composting operations.
Missing Person
Police ask public’s help to locate teens missing from Timothy Hill Ranch in Riverhead
The Riverhead Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Destini Graham, 16, and Shawn Smith, 15, who left Timothy Hill at 298 Middle Road on Sept. 4 at approximately 10:58 a.m. No foul play is suspected, police said.
Community News
Wading River church youth connect with Rwandan children through art and faith
Five teens from the North Shore United Methodist Church in Wading River recently returned from a mission trip to Rwanda where they spent more than a week connecting with local children through art, dance and worship.
Government
Riverhead sets lottery for bow-hunting on town lands: Sept. 3 Town Board meeting wrap-up
The annual lottery for the upcoming bow-hunting season for deer will be held at Riverhead Town Hall on Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. Rundown of actions taken at the Sept. 3 Town Board meeting.
Community News
Riverhead to upgrade aging Two Bears neighborhood park with new tennis, basketball courts
Riverhead will repair and resurface the two tennis courts at the Two Bears neighborhood park off Middle Road. One will be converted into a basketball court, and both will also be striped so they can be used for pickleball.
Government
Riverhead Town launches redesigned website
Riverhead Town government’s redesigned website launched on Thursday morning. “This updated platform represents our continued commitment to serving residents with transparency, accessibility, and efficiency,” the town said in a pop-up message on the site.
Government
Affordable housing project clears major hurdle as Town Board OKs code changes Wednesday
With zoning now in place, developers say they will move ahead with design and financing plans for Northville Commons.
Community News
Riverhead, Suffolk bike rental program shuts down after losing sponsor
Bethpage Ride, the countywide program that offered bike rentals in downtown Riverhead and at Veterans Memorial Park, stopped operating this year after the company formerly known as Bethpage Federal Credit Union declined to continue its sponsorship.
Community News
Kent Animal Shelter opens new state-of-the-art facility in Calverton
Kent Animal Shelter will host a grand reopening to celebrate its newly built, $4.6 million facility in Calverton on Sept. 27. Here's a peek inside.
Business
Craft’d sets closing date after Riverhead acquires lease through eminent domain
Craft’d, the popular downtown Riverhead bar, will close on Sept. 20 after Riverhead Town acquired the business’s lease this week through eminent domain.
