Week in Review: Search for Second Pot Grower, Carlson Associates Hearing

Search Still On for Second Pot Grower

Smithtown officials are still on the hunt for a second suspect accused of helping tend to a marijuana farm discovered in Commack. 

Town of Smithtown's Public Safety Department busted a 100-plant marijuana farm being grown in a water recharge basin off Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Redleaf Lane in Commack on Sept. 12.  Mark Kern, 44, of Kings Park was arrested and arraigned on criminal charges, but a second man fled the scene on foot. 

Town Board Holds Off Setting Date for Carlson Public Hearing

Smithtown officials have postponed setting a date for a controversial public hearing on a Kings Park industrial company's plans for its Old Northport Road property. 

Smithtown Town Board voted Thursday to table a resolution that would have set a public hearing date of Nov. 21 for West Development Partners LLC - the formal partnership name of Carlson Associates - requests for special exceptions for industrial uses including rock crushing and concrete product manufacturing. 


Avalon Gardens Hit with 11 Workplace Safety Violations

A Smithtown nursing facility has been cited for having  11 workplace health and safety issues that endanger its workers. 

U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational and Safety Health Administration has cited Avalon Gardens Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, at 7 Route 25A, for 11 serious violations of workplace safety and health standards carrying a $41,000 fine on Tuesday. 


Kings Park Student Named National Merit Semi-Finalist

A Kings Park High School has been named at National Merit Semi-Finalist. 

Andrew He, a senior at Kings Park HIgh School, has been selected as a National Merit Semi-Finalist and has the opportunity to compete for college scholarships. 

Suffolk Police's Fourth Precinct Gets New Commanding Officer

There's a new man in charge of the local Fourth Precinct. 

Suffolk County Police Inspector William Murphy, 61, has replaced Inspector James Rhoads who retired from his post on Sept. 13.