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Thursday, June 27, 2024 ~ Volume 136 ~ Issue Number 32 ~ $1.00
Legislature Votes to Put Water Quality Act on November Ballot By Matt Meduri
In what has been a years-long process, temporarily halted by deliberations last summer, the Suffolk County Legislature has finally moved to put the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act on the November ballot as a proposition. Studies have been conducted on Suffolk County’s precarious wastewater system and natural environment. Nitrogen levels, algal blooms, brown and red tides, agriculture and aquaculture, and landmark tourist attractions delicately coalesce around reaching sound wastewater solutions, with a dangerous cocktail on deck if not properly addressed. Wastewater infrastructures are currently funded by a quarter-percent sales tax in Suffolk County, colloquially known as the “quarter-percent fund.” Last summer, the Legislature was presented with a plan to institute a one-eighth-percent sales tax on top of the existing quarter-percent fund to guarantee wastewater funding through 2060. Since the County Legislature cannot levy sales taxes, the initiative had to be passed in the state legislature and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D). The Governor made the trip to Captree Island last month to sign the bill, allowing the Legislature to vote to put the referendum in front of voters this fall. Continued on page 10
The County Seal in Riverhead
Pure Canine Opens in St. James All canines and loyal human companions were invited to Pure Canine’s grand opening of its new store located at 523 Lake Avenue, St. James, on Saturday, June 22, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce. Pure Canine, started by local residents from St. James and Smithtown, is the go-to destination for all-natural dog food, treats, toys and more. A haven for discerning pups and their health-conscious owners, Pure Canine prides itself in sourcing high-quality nutritional food with healthy ingredients for canines that are not only delicious, but also beneficial for a dog’s well-being. The grand opening hosted activities throughout the day with music, face painting, raffles, giveaways, promotions, ice cream from Mickey’s Ice Cream (St. James), kids character ‘Bluey’, and, of course, fun for all furry four-legged friends including paw painting. (Left to right) Supervisor Wehrheim; Sarah Wisnieski, Pure Canine; Steve Wisnieski, Co-Owner Pure Canine; Elizabeth Wisnieski, Pure Canine; Angelique Scarpinato, Pure Canine; Butch Scarpinato, Co-Owner Pure Canine; Nicolette Scarpinato, Pure Canine; Ella Coll, Pure Canine; Town of Councilman Lohmann; County Clerk Puleo; and Town Clerk McCarthy (Credit - Gary Cucchi)
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Murray Renews Push For ‘Nick’s Law’ Page 5
Avlon Wins NY-01 Primary Page 15
Smithtown Senior Dellecave Awards Page 22
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