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
Government
Electric scooter rideshare company appears to have lost interest in Riverhead after town adopted safety regulations, councilman says
Bird Rides, a rideshare company interested in bringing its electric scooter program to Riverhead last year, appears to have abandoned its plans after expressing to local officials that the town’s regulations on electric scooters were too restrictive, according to Councilman Ken Rothwell.
Government
Riverhead is passed over for federal DOT grant, where it sought $34 million for downtown projects, including parking structures
The Town of Riverhead was passed over for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant it sought to help fund two parking structures downtown, flood resilience on the Peconic riverfront and other projects.
Health
CDC changes COVID-19 guidance, lifts quarantine recommendation for people exposed to virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its public health guidance for COVID-19, recommending that people exposed to the virus should not immediately quarantine, but instead wear a “high-quality” mask for 10 days and get tested on the fifth day after exposure.
Board of Education
School board wrap: tenured teacher fired after disciplinary charges; new appointments made; policy on teaching controversial issues tabled
Here;s a rundown of actions taken during the Aug. 9 Riverhead Board of Education meeting.
Government
Town Board mulls extending solar moratorium
The Riverhead Town Board is considering extending the town’s year-long moratorium on commercial solar energy project applications. The moratorium is set to expire in October.
Government
Plan to bring NHL-sized ice rink to Stotzky Park is put on ice
The plan to bring a NHL-sized ice rink to Stotzky Park has been put on ice after Riverhead’s Recreation Advisory Committee yesterday unanimously recommended against building the arena on one of two soccer fields at the flagship park.
Government
With Long Island on drought watch, Riverhead Water District is pumping under capacity thanks to conservation efforts, superintendent says
Long Island is on a drought watch due to dry weather conditions over the last few weeks, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. But the Riverhead Water District has yet to push the capacity of its system this summer.
Community News
New Riverhead-based nonprofit helps victims of domestic abuse with legal assistance
Hope and Resilience Long Island was formed to provide legal assistance to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence on the East End in the hope of helping to meet the demand for services to victims of domestic violence.
Health
Zeldin calls for peer-to-peer counseling program to aid troubled veterans nationwide
Rep. Lee Zeldin today called for passage of a bill he sponsored in March to nationalize the New York State veteran peer-to-peer program, which grew out of a pilot program Zeldin spearheaded while a state senator in 2012.
Upcoming
5k run and ruck in memory of Tech. Sgt. Dashan Briggs set for Aug. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park
The Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation will hold its annual “Run for Briggs” 5k run or ruck and one mile fun run this year on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park in Calverton.
