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: alek@riverheadlocal.com
Community News
From classroom to bookshelf: Riverhead teacher authors book about his pioneering course on the Black experience in America
The Riverhead High School teacher who started a new class last school year to discuss the experiences of Black people in America has written a book about the class and his experience teaching it.
Business
Downtown Riverhead is getting a new coffee shop: Mugs on Main plans to be open by April
Jeff Schaeffer and Kasandra Watkins, a certified coffee master, are opening Mugs on Main, where customers can relax with a fresh-brewed mug of custom-roasted coffee in a café atmosphere.
Community News
Riverhead students medal in three events during regional Science Olympiad competition
Students from Riverhead High School won three medals last month competing in this year’s regional Science Olympiad tournament.
Government
Wrongful death lawsuit filed against town and landlord on behalf of Second Street fire victims
The estates of two people who died in the 2021 Second Street house fire filed a lawsuit last week against Riverhead Town and the property owner, alleging that both parties’ “negligence” and “recklessness” in maintaining the safety of the property contributed to the victims’ deaths.
Government
Town seeks to legalize storage of drag-racing equipment left on EPCAL runway by promoter months ago
Equipment, jersey barriers, trailers and a truck were some of the items left on a town-owned runway at the Calverton Enterprise Park by a drag-racing promoter without permission last year. The town is currently negotiating a runway use agreement to legalize the arrangement.
Community News
Riverhead skate park to be dedicated in memory of skater who changed its future through advocacy
Riverhead Town will dedicate the skate park at Stotzky Park in the memory of a recently deceased skater who more than a decade ago changed the minds of Town Board members — and the future of the skate park — through the power of advocacy.
Breaking News
DA: Shirley man indicted for stealing catalytic converters from RVs at Wading River shop
A Shirley man was indicted today for allegedly stealing six catalytic converters from recreational vehicles at a Wading River RV sales and service shop.
Environment
After public opposition at hearing, proposed water conservation code will be revised
Riverhead’s proposed water conservation law will be revised after some residents on Tuesday said the law was too strict and did not take into account certain irrigation needs not satisfied by the every-other-day watering schedule mandated by the law.
Community News
Makerspaces launched in all Riverhead schools, as educators aim to enhance early STEM learning
There's a makerspace in each of Riverhead's seven school buildings now — workshop-like environments where students tinker, create, invent and build things, developing skills in STEM fields.
Government
Town Board votes to allow members to virtually participate in meetings under ‘extraordinary circumstances’
The Riverhead Town Board adopted a local law this week allowing its members to participate virtually in meetings in certain “extraordinary circumstances.”
