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
Government
Hearing set on zoning for Family Community Life Center plan: July 15 Town Board meeting wrap
The Riverhead Town Board set an Aug. 5 public hearing on zoning changes to allow the Family Community Life Center plan to move forward. July 15 Town Board meeting wrap-up.
Breaking News
Riverhead Police seize, investigate suspected illegal fireworks at Calverton water park
Police Chief Ed Frost said the Riverhead fire marshal was at Scott's Pointe Tuesday morning on another matter and alerted the police department to “what he believed to be illegal fireworks” found there.
Breaking News
Riverside home was hub of 24/7 drug sales, DA says; raids net cocaine, weed, cash and guns
A modest house on Brown Street in Riverside doubled as a round-the-clock open air drug market, the Suffolk DA said Thursday, announcing the indictment of 10 suspects in a cocaine trafficking ring.
Politics
Socialist group’s endorsement of council candidate fractures Riverhead Dems’ ticket
The endorsement of Riverhead Town Council candidate Kevin Shea by the Long Island Democratic Socialists of America has fractured the town Democratic ticket in this year’s election.
Riverhead High School
Riverhead Athletic Club seeks nominations for new hall of fame
The Riverhead Athletic Club is accepting nominations for a new hall of fame that will honor former student-athletes, coaches and other exceptional individuals that have contributed significantly to the school district’s athletic programs.
Board of Education
Riverhead school board fills vacant seat with education professor Julio Gonzalez
The new school board member, Julio Gonzalez, lives in Riverhead and has two children in the district. He is a professor of education at SUNY Old Westbury.
Business
A sweet new addition to Main Street: Ben & Jerry’s opens Thursday in Riverhead
A Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop will open in downtown Riverhead on Thursday at noon, bringing classic and exclusive flavors from the iconic ice cream brand to East Main Street.
Community News
Bee-ware, litterbugs: Giant bee recycling bin lands in downtown Riverhead
There’s a giant bee in downtown Riverhead — and it wants your empty cans. The new bottle-guzzling sculpture was unveiled Tuesday in downtown Riverhead.
Business
Riverhead IDA reaffirms tax breaks for Scott’s Pointe operator
The Riverhead Industrial Development Agency approved the amended application of Scott's Pointe's operator on Monday, deciding to continue the company’s tax benefits despite the company violating its agreement with the agency last year.
Government
Affordable housing project near First Baptist Church of Riverhead wins $1M state grant
A long-planned affordable housing and community center project near the First Baptist Church of Riverhead has received a $1 million grant, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday.
