1. A Riverhead cop, nearly killed in line-of-duty crash last year, returns to work and reflects on his recovery.
Rob Sproston came closer – by only a few centimeters – to losing his life last March 31 in a line-of-duty crash as he was responding to a call. The crash left Sproston impaled by a metal pole, which entered the right side of his face and exited from the left. His jaw was destroyed. He had no airway and was aspirating blood. He was gasping for air and struggling to survive.
When he thinks about what happened to him, how far he’s come, he’s overwhelmed with gratitude, Sproston said. "I’ve always been a very appreciative person,” Sproston said. “Now it just so much more amplified. I’m just so damned lucky.”
2. Alive (again) on 25: Street festival returns after COVID hiatus.
The return of the Alive on 25 street festival and fireworks display drew thousands to downtown Riverhead Thursday evening. Visitors enjoyed a classic car show, live music, a variety of food and local craft beverages at the festival’s 2021 debut.
Future Alive on 25 events are scheduled for July 29, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Check out the story for a photo gallery (and fireworks!).
3. Jamesport Fire Department’s bazaar & carnival is also set to return next week.
The Jamesport Fire Department's annual Firemen's Bazaar & Carnival is on for next week as well, from Tuesday to Saturday.
A perennial North Fork favorite, the event draws crowds from throughout the region. Wednesday's parade will feature fire departments from across the East End and beyond, showing off their trucks and antique apparatus, as well as emergency services vehicles and volunteers and community groups from around the Town of Riverhead.
The bazaar and carnival includes rides, carnival games and food, with a fireworks show next Saturday.
4. Explore these recently discovered gems from Riverhead's past, submitted during the town historian's donation day.
On "donation day" last weekend, residents brought the town historian a varied collection of "stuff" saved from the trash bin— everything from dozens of hand-written letters dating back to the 1850s, written to one of Riverhead's most prominent citizens, to pictures and memorabilia from Riverhead High School in the 1940s and a photo of West Main Street after the 1938 hurricane struck.
Take a peek into Riverhead's vibrant past through a collection of family keepsakes and the stories they carry.
5. Despite the recent wet weather, lawn irrigation is still threatening water supply.
Officials say it's imperative for residents and businesses practice water conservation measures when it comes to irrigating their lawns and landscapes. Learn how you can conserve water and protect Long Island's aquifer.
6. Human remains were discovered in wooded area near St. John Paul II school.
Suffolk County Police Homicide detectives are investigating skeletal remains of a man in his 20s found near St. John Paul II Regional School Thursday morning. Police say the cause of death was non-criminal.
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