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
News
Watch out for turtle crossings: Give ’em a brake
Turtles come out of hibernation in May and June to mate and breed. Since all 11 species of turtles native to New York are in decline, even the loss of one breeding female can have a significant effect on the local population.
News
LI Republicans speak out against new criminal justice and parole reforms
Republicans called the collection of bills “pro-criminal” and “anti-public safety” during a press conference Friday morning outside Suffolk County Criminal Court in Riverhead. The main focus of the conference was Senate bill S15A, which would make convicts over the age of 55 eligible for review by the state’s parole board.
Community News
Cancer research and grant fund named in honor of Keri Stromski
The North Fork Breast Health Coalition named its new stage 4 breast cancer research and support fund in honor of the late Aquebogue Elementary School kindergarten teacher Keri Lynn Stromski.
Community News
Riverhead library celebrates Pride Month with books, DVDs and programs
To celebrate Pride Month, Riverhead library is offering a collection of books and DVDs focused on the experience of the LGBTQ community. It is also hosting two Pride Month programs: a drag queen hour and LGBT 101.
Business
NYU Langone expands its Riverhead outpatient practices with new, larger location on Main Street
NYU Langone relocated its Riverhead practice to a larger location on East Main Street. In addition to primary and specialty care, the site is planning expansions into pulmonology and gastroenterology as well as an endoscopy suite.
News
Riverhead immortalizes local veterans with wall of honor
Riverhead High School unveiled the Garfield M. Langhorn Veterans Wall of Honor Tuesday afternoon. The wall holds the name of 89 veterans and fallen soldiers who attended the Riverhead Central School District.
Business
Suffolk Theater plans August reopening after nearly 18 months closed due to pandemic
The Suffolk Theater will reopen on Aug. 27 after a nearly year-and-a-half closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater will require attendees to be fully vaccinated so it may operate at full capacity without social distancing.
Community News
Riverhead schools set dates for in-person graduation ceremonies with COVID restrictions
Riverhead schools will have in-person graduation and moving up ceremonies this year with COVID restrictions and allowing two guests per student, according to Interim Superintendent Christine Tona.
Business
Riverhead unemployment rate dips to lowest since the pandemic began
Riverhead's unemployment rate fell to 5.3% in April, its lowest since the pandemic began. It had climbed to 15.8% last April after the governor ordered a lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Health
Protect yourself: tick season is here
Most ticks emerge in April and May. Learn how to protect yourself from tick bites and what to do if you get bit by a tick.
