Thursday, September 12, 2024 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 41 ~ $1.00
Senator Murray Calls for Stricter Hit-and-Run Penalties with ‘Nick’s Law’ By Cait Crudden This past weekend, State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) hosted a poignant press conference at the Farmingville Fire Department, calling for immediate legislative action to pass “Nick’s Law,” which would impose stricter penalties on drivers who leave the scene of fatal accidents. Senator Murray was joined by a coalition of local officials and grieving families who have lost loved ones to hit-and-run drivers, emphasizing the urgency of passing the law to prevent future tragedies. The families of Nick Puzio, Dean Arnum, and Christopher Hlavaty, young men whose lives were tragically cut short by hit-andrun drivers, stood alongside the officials, voicing their pain and demanding justice.
Continued on page 11
Family and friends of Nick Puzio gather with elected officials in front of Nick’s truck (Credit - Office of Senator Dean Murray)
Assemblyman Flood Recognizes Erika Glus as Woman of Distinction By Matt Meduri Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) recognized a longtime community member for her heroic journey, inspiring story, and lessons imparted to countless others. Erika Glus of Stony Brook was recognized as the Fourth Assembly District’s 2024 Woman of Distinction. Glus was born on January 4, 1940, in Lithuania as a German citizen. Her mother took her and her five siblings from Lithuania in 1943 to escape World War II after her father was killed by the Soviets. Taking just a cow for milk and a few possessions they could carry, they spent a year fleeing across Poland, arriving in post-war Germany just after the bombing of Berlin. Relegated to foot travel, they had to part with their wagons and horses to take trains to live in multiple places after the war. Bread became a staple in their family, as their mother would bake the family bread with spare ingredients she could find, but she would also bake bread for people they met along their journey. Bread became equated with comfort, safety, and fellowship.
Credit - Matt Meduri
FULL STORIES ON:
LaLota’s DECTECT Act Passes House Page 5
Sixth Annual Culper Spy Day Page 15
Town Holds 9/11 Memorial Page 22
Continued on page 10