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
Breaking News
Investigation underway involving ‘verbal threat’ from Riverhead Middle School student
A Riverhead Middle School student made a “verbal threat” against the school and its students, causing the Riverhead Police Department to launch an investigation into the incident, according to a letter sent to the school community around 3:30 p.m. today.
Government
Riverhead considers implementing state workforce housing law; June 7 public hearing set
The Riverhead Town Board is considering the adoption of a local law to integrate the Long Island Workforce Housing Act into the town’s zoning code, which would aid in the construction of affordable housing throughout the town.
Government
Residents petition to dredge Reeves Creek, although chance of action looks slim
Residents near Reeves Creek in Aquebogue have petitioned the Town Board to apply to the county for dredging, something that hasn't been done in Reeves Creek since 1964.
Community News
As war rages on, Riverhead Ukrainian church continues to collect donations and ships around 300 pounds per week
As the battle to deter a Russian invasion from Ukraine continues across the Atlantic, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Riverhead is shipping roughly 300 pounds of donations a week from the local community to Ukraine, according to church pastor, Rev. Bohdan Hedz.
Government
Aguiar to give ‘State of the Town’ speech at service clubs’ dinner meeting June 8
Supervisor Yvette Aguiar will give this year’s "State of the Town" address at a dinner meeting of the Riverhead Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis clubs to be held on Wednesday, June 8 at the Sea Star Ballroom. Tickets are $35.
Government
Hearing set on site plan and change of use for former Truetech building, where shooting range and gun sales are planned
The Riverhead Planning Board will hear from the public Thursday on a proposed site plan and change-of-use application for the former Truetech building, which is set to house a firearms facility, HVAC supply warehouse and distribution operation, and offices.
Government
Officials eye new three-story town hall on Howell Avenue as solution to town’s space problems
Town officials are considering building a three-story town hall on vacant land at the corner of Howell Avenue and Brook Street, and renovating and repurposing two existing buildings for town court and police department use, at an estimated cost of $30.8 million.
Government
Riverhead considering ban on firearms businesses downtown
Riverhead Town is moving forward with a code amendment that would exclude gun shops from the Main Street business district and require town board special permits for gun shops, with minimum distances from certain other land uses.
Breaking News
Update: Man in custody after leaving a suspicious backpack on a door of the county court building in Riverside; building cleared...
Update: A backpack found on the door of the county court building early this morning prompted the evacuation of the courthouse and a lockout that lasted most of the morning. Police have a man in custody, a sheriff's office spokesperson said.
Government
Town board looks to expand solar moratorium to all renewable energy facilities
Riverhead Town Board members signaled they will move to expand the town’s moratorium on commercial solar applications to include all renewable energy systems, in anticipation of applications for new types of facilities, like anaerobic digesters, that are not addressed by the current zoning code.
