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
Chefs look to reopen acclaimed Shelter Island restaurant on Dimon Estate property
Chefs Elizabeth Ronzetti and Adam Kopels, of Southold, plan to bring their acclaimed restaurant, 18 Bay, to the Dimon Estate property on Manor Lane in Jamesport.
Health
Peconic Bay Medical Center opens dedicated pediatric emergency room
Peconic Bay Medical Center has transformed a former trauma room in its emergency department into a dedicated emergency room for pediatric patients.
Breaking News
Increased security ordered at Calverton drag races after screwdriver stabbing incident Saturday
Riverhead Town is requiring increased security at the Calverton Enterprise Park drag racing events after one attendee stabbed another with a screwdriver on Saturday, the event’s promoter said.
Board of Education
School district creates committee to address language access, community concerns: Aug. 20 school board meeting wrap-up
The new 'Community Involvement and Language Access Advisory Committee' will address language-access issues facing students and parents whose primary language is not English, as well as access to student services and co-curricular programs.
Government
Public hearing set on electric bicycle legislation: Aug. 19 Riverhead Town Board meeting wrap-up
A wrap-up of actions taken at last week's Riverhead Town Board meeting, including a hearing set on proposed restrictions for electric bicycles.
Business
Goodbye, Papa Nick’s: Riverhead legacy luncheonette closes its doors
Star Confectionery, the Riverhead luncheonette known to locals as Papa Nick's, served its last customers on Sunday after more than a century in business.
Crime
Riverhead Police Report: July 2025
Riverhead Town Police reported 141 criminal offenses and arrested 69 people on 71 criminal charges in July, according to a monthly crime report released by Police Chief Ed Frost this week.
Community News
Riverhead closes Sound beaches Friday due to ‘rough surf and hazardous conditions’ from Hurricane Erin
Riverhead Town’s beaches on the Long Island Sound will be closed today “as a result of rough surf and hazardous conditions resulting from Hurricane Erin,” Supervisor Tim Hubbard said in a press release.
Government
Riverhead Town raises environmental concerns over Calverton motocross track plan
Riverhead Town will require an in-depth environmental review of a proposed motocross track on River Road in Calverton, where a developer plans to excavate sand and soil from prime agricultural land.
Business
Supporters, opponents clash over Riverhead’s proposed cannabis moratorium
Supporters and opponents of cannabis businesses clashed at a public hearing Tuesday night on a proposed year-long pause on new dispensaries in Riverhead Town.
