Here are some of this week’s top stories from RiverheadLOCAL. Be sure to visit our website for more coverage of news and events in the local community. For more coverage, visit RiverheadLOCAL.com.
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1. Suffolk County Water Authority begins work on eight-mile pipeline through Riverhead to bring water from pine barrens to Southold Town.
The Suffolk County Water Authority broke ground this week on an eight-mile pipeline that will traverse eastern Riverhead Town to connect its water supply and distribution system in Southold Town to water sources in the Pine Barrens.
2. Riverhead suspends Building and Planning Administrator Jefferson Murphree, pending disciplinary proceeding.
A resolution authorizing the suspension was passed unanimously Wednesday night by the Town Board in a 4-0 vote, with Supervisor Yvette Aguiar absent. The resolution authorized up to 30 days of the suspension without pay. It did not specify the substance of the charges.
3. School board member claims ‘enormous amount’ of students are ‘getting jumped and getting robbed’ while walking home from school.
Comments by Riverhead school board member Laurie Downs about crimes against students caused a stir at a downtown civic meeting Saturday, but police records do not back up her allegations. She later said she is fearful of violent Latino gangs she said are in the area.
4. Riverhead settles labor contract with civil service union, increasing wages 12.75% over three years plus a $1,500 boost in pay scale.
The three-year contract provides wage increases of 5%, 2% and 2%, plus annual step increases of 1.25% and a $1,500 boost in the pay scale.Both sides said the deal is fair to all involved.
5. Riverhead’s comprehensive plan update: where it stands, where it’s going and why you should care.
The ideas and actions in the weeks and months ahead will, quite literally, shape the future of the Town of Riverhead — and perhaps the region — for the next quarter century or more. News analysis. (First in a series.)
6. Construction on Manorville public water extension in Riverhead Town could begin by year’s end, though funding shortfall remains.
Construction of public water mains to serve the southwest corner of Riverhead Town could start by the end of the year, Suffolk County Water Authority officials told residents at a meeting in Manorville last night. But a funding shortfall of $2.8 million remains.
7. Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day parade postponed one week due to inclement weather forecast.
The Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been postponed to next Saturday, April 1, due to inclement weather forecast for this Saturday, the original date for this year’s celebration.
8. Cops: Riverhead man threatened gas station employee with BB gun to obtain tobacco.
A Riverhead man is facing robbery and weapon possession charges after displaying a BB gun and threatening an employee at an East Main Street gas station Monday morning, according to Riverhead Town Police.
9. Riverhead Police February 2023 crime report.
Riverhead Town Police reported 134 criminal incidents and 83 arrests in February 2023, according to a monthly crime report released by Police Chief David Hegermiller this month.
10. Opinion: Riverhead has a leadership problem.
Guest column: Riverhead has a fundamental problem that affects all of its residents: Those who are supposed to protect the public routinely don’t. With real consequences.
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