Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a two-vehicle crash that critically
injured a teen in Mastic Beach on May 18.
John Dolezal was driving a 2013 Hyundai southbound on West Riviera Drive when the vehicle struck an
eastbound 2014 Toyota at the intersection of Neighborhood Road at 1:42 a.m. The Hyundai then struck
a tree.
Robert Ball, 18, of Mastic Beach, who was in the rear seat of the Hyundai, was transported to Stony
Brook University Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Toyota, Cruz Hernandez, 25, of Mastic Beach, who was alone in his vehicle, was treated at and released from a local hospital. Dolezal, 19, of Mastic Beach, and Coby Huggins, 16, of Mastic Beach, the front seat passenger in the Hyundai, were treated for minor injuries.
Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-
8752.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who used a stolen credit card at several stores in May.
A man reported his wallet was stolen from a locker at Gold’s Gym, located at 1 Larkfield Road in East Northport, on the morning of May 10. Later that day, an unknown man used the credit card at several locations, including at Home Depot in Huntington Station.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed two
people in Manorville on May 17.
A 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt was traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway, near Exit 70, when it
left the roadway, crashed into the woods, and caught fire at approximately 10:05 p.m.
The driver was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet
been confirmed by police. A passenger was found dead in the vehicle after the fire was extinguished.
Their identity is pending confirmation by personnel from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical
Examiner.
Detectives are asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the Seventh Squad at 631-852-
8752.
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa loves to knit and crochet. She loves it so much that she has taught the skill to thousands of yearning learners for more than 25 years in Smithtown. So it was only fitting that her adult students celebrate her upcoming 100th birthday with a surprise party before her adult ed class at the Smithtown administration building on May 12. She turns 100 on June 19.
Smithtown Central School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Secaur, shared a letter with Ressa congratulating her accomplishments. The letter read in part, “Your hands have crafted far more than scarves and sweaters….Through your lessons, we’ve learned to slow down, to create with purpose, and to find joy in the quiet rhythm of our craft…you have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”
Ressa emigrated to the United States from Germany more than 70 years ago. She settled on Long Island and began teaching knitting and crocheting classes at Sears Roebuck Department Store in 1969. Since then, Ressa has taught the adult education class in seven school districts and at a community center throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For her efforts, Ressa received a proclamation from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Werheim.
Suffolk County Police cited a driver for illegal burnouts in Medford on May 16.
Members of the Street Takeover Task Force observed a 2002 Ford Mustang performing burnouts on Fairmount Avenue, at Poe Drive, at 6:42 p.m. Officers stopped the Mustang and cited the driver, Andrew Davanzo, 19, of Medford, for a Suffolk County Code violation, which includes Unlawful Speed Contest, Sideshows, and Races, along with issuing the driver two traffic tickets.
The Mustang was impounded. Davanzo will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 5.
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Town of Smithtown Senior Softball Team, Smithtown Patriots, kicked off their Opening Day game for the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8th. The Smithtown Patriots played the Brookhaven Bluejays at Flynn Memorial Park. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Tom Lohmann were in attendance to wish both teams good luck, a great season, and a memorable opening day.
“It was a beautiful day for a ball game as the Smithtown Patriots took the field, bringing their skill, sportsmanship and unbeatable spirit to kick off a brand-new season. Flynn Memorial Park was filled with energy, laughter and the kind of camaraderie that makes our community so special. We were proud to host the Brookhaven Bluejays and even prouder to celebrate a game thatis timeless, much like our incredible senior leagues.”said Wehrheim.
Opening ceremonies began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for Patriot’s long-time teammate and dear friend, Christopher Revere Sr., who passed away on March 26. Richard Claxton, the Patriot’s team manager and player, referred to Revere as “the heart and soul of the team.” Just before the Patriots took the field for the top of the first inning, Supervisor Wehrheim threw out the ceremonial first pitch, enthusiastically declaring, “Play ball!”
The battle between the Patriots and Blujays ultimately ended in a draw, as each team won one of the two games played. The Smithtown Patriots Senior Softball Team is sponsored by the Smithtown Senior Citizens’ Department.
Interested in joining?
Eligible players must be at least 59 by the year’s end (2025) to join the team. The team plays doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The season starts in May and ends in August. Any interested participants should contact the Smithtown Senior Center at (631) 360-7616.
From left, Candice Night, Robert deBrauwere and Barry Fisch
Candice Night performing songs from her new album Sea Glass. L-R Jessie Haynes (Lady Jessie), Candice Night, and
Claire Birmingham ("The Scarlett Fiddler"). Photo by Steve Leung
Candice Night with the LIMEHOF Board of Trustees. L-R Barry Fisch, Rob
deBrauwere, Candice Night, Ernie Canadeo, Tom Needham, Norm Prusslin and Jeff James. Photo by Steve Leung
Festive fans turned out to celebrate the performance. Photo by Steve Leung
Candice Night accepting her award trophy. Photo by Steve Leung
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), in coordination with earMUSIC, hosted an evening celebrating Candice Night and the release of her new album, Sea Glass, on May 13. The celebration featured a live solo performance by Night, performing three songs from her new album followed by the official induction of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night of Blackmore’s Night into LIMEHOF at its museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook. Night accepted the induction by LIMEHOF executive board member Robert deBrauwere on behalf of Blackmore’s Night as Blackmore was not able to attend.
“I am so honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Night said. “Being surrounded by some of the greatest musicians, knowing we all have the same roots here is an incredible feeling. I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life and am constantly inspired by the energy here and the beauty of our nature.”
Ritchie Blackmore
Blackmore’s Night, the minstrel rock band founded by legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and ethereal singer and multi-instrumentalist Candice Night began in 1997 as a labor of love and an escape from the pressures of the modern-day world. They formed their own musical world, creating a new genre of music. The group has recorded 11 albums. Weaving together melodies from the Renaissance times with modern day instrumentation, original arrangements, and new lyrical content, Blackmore and Night have achieved many awards, critical acclaim and gold records worldwide, consistently topping the Billboard New Age charts.
Together with their 7-piece touring band, they perform in castles and historical venues worldwide. Thousands of fans show up to the shows dressed in period garb to be a part of the musical festivities. They record in their home studio, here on Long Island, and have gained the love and loyalty of millions of fans over the past 28 years.
“It’s an amazing honor for me to induct my long-time friends and clients Candice and Ritchie as Blackmore’s Night into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” said deBrauwere. “It’s incredible how popular their music is throughout the world. Particularly in Europe and Japan, but really everywhere, there are Blackmore’s Night fans throughout the world. There’s a huge community of folks that love them.”
The two inductees met on Long Island and have strong Long Island community ties. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple and Rainbow) grew up in the UK and moved to the USA in 1974, moving to Huntington, Long Island in the 1980s.
Candice Night
Candice Night grew up in Hauppauge and is a lifetime Long Island resident and a graduate of NYIT in Old Westbury. While interning at WBAB in 1989, she met Ritchie Blackmore at a charity soccer game where Deep Purple played against the station’s DJ’s and Staff. After the game, Candice asked Ritchie for his autograph and the two became friends, later developing into more. They started living together in 1993 and co-founded Blackmore’s Night in 1997.
They have been very involved in many local charity efforts and community events across Long Island including Save a Pet in Port Jefferson, STAR animal rehabilitation, Little Shelter in Huntington, and the North Shore Animal League. They have raised funds, awareness and supplies for them and set up donation booths over the years at every Blackmore’s Night show, even hosting adopting events at their concerts for some.
Night started singing at Lillian Carans Little Theater Workshop in Smithtown and has recorded music at Richie Cannatas Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove with local producer/engineer Brendan Keenan. Candice was also the Snow Queen in the Dickens Festival at Port Jefferson for 2 years, including receiving the 1st artist in residence award.
“In recorded and live performances, Long Island’s Blackmore’s Night has been thrilling and entertaining audiences all around the world for nearly three decades,” said LIMEHOF Co-Founder Norm Prusslin. “Blending renaissance melodies, instrumentals, and folk-rock original songs into a style uniquely their own, Blackmore’s Night is beloved by their fans for their exceptional musicianship, extraordinary vocals, and legendary performances. Blackmore’s Night’s induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame recognizes and honors their artistry, creativity and legacy.”
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin recently honored Walt Whitman High School Assistant Principal Dr. Scott Muller, who was named the 2025 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS), in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
The award recognizes exceptional school leaders who go above and beyond to foster academic achievement, inclusive learning environments, and a strong sense of community.
From left, Legislator Donnelly, Legislator Bontempi, Dr. Muller, Legislator Sanin and Dr. D’Elia.
Dr. Muller has served as Assistant Principal at Walt Whitman High School for 19 years, where he is widely respected for his commitment to student success, his collaborative leadership style, and his tireless advocacy for students of all backgrounds. From supporting special education and English as a New Language (ENL) students to helping lead school spirit events and fundraisers, Dr. Muller has made a lasting impact on the South Huntington School District.
Originally on a path toward a career in medicine, Dr. Muller was inspired to pursue education by early experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for learning. He holds degrees from Binghamton University, Dowling College, Stony Brook University, and St. John’s University, and began his career as a science teacher at Deer Park High School before joining the South Huntington School District in 2006.
He was formally recognized at a statewide ceremony in Albany on May 2nd.
Legislator Sanin presented Dr. Muller with a county proclamation in recognition of his service and leadership, joined by her colleagues Legislator Tom Donnelly and Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, whose districts also encompass parts of the South Huntington School District.
“Dr. Muller’s unwavering dedication to his students and school community exemplifies the very best of educational leadership,” said Legislator Sanin. “It was a true honor to recognize him for this well-deserved achievement, and to celebrate the positive impact he continues to make in the lives of young people across Suffolk County.”
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole from a Centereach store in May.
The man pictured above allegedly stole a hot tub from Walmart, located at 161 Centereach Mall, at 10:40 a.m. on May 10. The merchandise was valued at approximately $600.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole from a Medford store in May.
The man pictured above allegedly stole liquor from 112 Liquors, located at 2690 Route 112, on May 11 at approximately 12:20 p.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Prev
