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
Board of Education
Riverhead school board lowers Regents exam weight in final grades to 10%
Riverhead students’ Regents exams will now count for 10% of their course grade average — down from 20% in previous years — under a new policy amendment adopted by the school board on Tuesday.
Board of Education
Riverhead schools, non-instructional employees OK 5-year labor deal
The Riverhead Central School District and the union representing its non-instructional employees have reached a five-year deal on a labor contract retroactive to the current school year extending through July 2029.
Government
Riverhead to ban truck parking near Crown Recycling after resident complaints
Riverhead Town will ban parking and idling on a portion of Youngs Avenue near Crown Recycling, following complaints from residents about large trucks obstructing the roadway.
Breaking News
Jamesport man kills wife, then himself in murder-suicide, police say
A man fatally shot his wife and then himself in a homicide-suicide at their home in Jamesport Wednesday night, according to Suffolk County Police.
Government
Garfield Langhorn statue moved to Town Hall; June 3 Town Board wrap-up
The statue of Riverhead High School graduate and Medal of Honor recipient PFC Garfield Langhorn has finally been moved to Town Hall on West Second Street.
Government
Rival proposal for Vail-Leavitt does not sway Town Board majority, which supports The Jazz Loft
Riverhead Town will move forward with its plan to sell and restore the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall through a partnership with The Jazz Loft, despite a last-minute appeal from another suitor asking the Town Board to reconsider.
Police Reports
Police charge one during underage alcohol sales compliance checks in Riverhead
One person was arrested and charged after Riverhead Police conducted underage alcohol sales compliance checks at 39 retail establishments across Riverhead Town this week.
Breaking News
Men in tactical gear seek entry to Riverhead men’s shelter early Tuesday morning
Masked men in tactical gear, some carrying long guns, tried to enter a Riverhead men’s shelter early Tuesday, residents say. No warrant was shown, and local officials say they weren’t notified. No agency has claimed responsibility.
Board of Education
Riverhead school board member Brian Connelly resigns mid-term
Long-time Riverhead Board of Education member and former president Brian Connelly resigned last week in the middle of his term. Connelly had been absent from most school board meetings this school year.
Government
State lawmakers look to remove legal barrier for YMCA at former armory in Riverhead
A bill introduced Friday by State Sen. Anthony Palumbo would amend a 2011 law that conveyed the armory to Riverhead Town, so the town can lease the site to the YMCA.
