Friday, September 15, 2023
Vol. 83, No. 36
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SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Service dogs to be honored by Town
WELCOME BACK
BY GARY SIMEONE
Kramer Lane Elementary School first graders dove into reading on the first day of school for the Bethpage Public School District. See page 23
Armed robbery at smoke shop The Royal Smoke Shop, located at 394 North Wantagh Ave., in Bethpage, was robbed at gunpoint on Saturday, September 9, at 9:32 p.m. According to Nassau County Robbery Squad Detectives, an unknown man entered the store, approached the store clerk and demanded money while displaying a handgun. The
victim complied and the subject fled on foot in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of US currency. There were two employees and no customers present inside the store at the time of the robbery. No injuries were reported. The subject is described as a male, approximately 6’0” tall with a heavy build.
The suspect was wearing a long sleeve shirt, black gloves and a black face mask. Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
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It will be a special day for service dogs from all across Long Island on Saturday, September 23. The Town of Oyster Bay will host an event called DogFest Long Island to benefit an organization called Canine Companions. The nonprofit organization helps to place expertly trained service dogs to adults children and disabled veterans. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, who was instrumental in organizing the event, said the Town is always happy to partner with organizations that benefit the good of others. “This amazing organization helps individuals of all ages and varied abil-
ities live their lives with greater independence by providing service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, as well as facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings,” said Saladino. “We are so pleased to host this wonderful event for such a good cause and the Town of Oyster Bay is always happy to partner with this organization to help further their commitment to providing the highest quality of service.” Canine Companions, which has chapters all across the northeast, was established to help raise awareness, recruit new puppy raisers and volunteers to support the mission of See page 13
Driver injured after striking school bus A driver was seriously injured after he collided with a school bus in Plainview on Thursday, September 7, at 4:10 p.m. on Express Street. According to Nassau County Police, a 2020 Chevrolet yellow short bus, operated by a 64-year-old female, was making a u-turn when the operator of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, traveling north bound, attempted to pass the bus. The front end of the
bus struck the passenger rear end of the Jeep causing the Jeep to overturn and roll down the street. The driver of the Jeep suffered multiple serious trauma injuries and was transported by Nassau County police helicopter to a local area hospital. The bus driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and did not sustain any injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Freshman Orientation at high schools PAGE 22 Renew your vows at town ceremony PAGE 17