East End Notebook: East End Notebook: House Fire Sends 2 to Hospital; Dog Dies in Hot Car

Take a look at the week's top headlines from across the East End.

WESTHAMPTON-HAMPTON BAYS

Fire Marshal: Two injured in Westhampton House Fire

A house fire that broke out on Tuesday night in Westhampton sent two to the hospital, according to the Southampton Fire Marshal's office.

The fire, Fire Marshal John Rankin, said started in a home at 7 Lincoln Street at about 9:30 p.m. and when the Westhampton Beach Fire Department arrived, Westhampton Beach Fire Department Chip Bancroft  said flames were coming out the back, front and sides of the home. 

SOUTHAMPTON

Dog Dies in Hot Car; Animal Advocates Call for Better Education

Members of local rescue organizations want to educate the public about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars on hot days — even if it's just for a short while.

A Bridgehampton couple learned that lesson the hard way last week when they returned to their car and found their beloved dog dead.

Dr. Andrew Pepper, a house-call veterinarian based in Sag Harbor, said his clients told him it happened July 23, though he did not press them for details. He said they were a highly educated, professional couple who loved their dog, a Labrador-mix. "I think it happened out of ignorance."

If a couple like that could make that mistake, "we have to educate people better," he said.

EAST HAMPTON

Montauk Fire Chief: Department Didn't Lose a Nickel

The Montauk Fire Department pulled their funds out of an investment, made with the Long Island men charged in a $100 million Ponzi scheme on Thursday, in the nick of time, Chief Richard Schoen said.

Although the fire department invested money from its scholarship fund with alleged fraudsters Brian R. Callahan, a 43-year-old investment fund manager, and his brother-in-law Adam J. Manson, with whom he owned the Panoramic View Resort & Residences in Montauk, the department never actually lost any money, the chief said. 

The US Attorney's office, which obtained a 24-count indictment in federal court against the pair, said only that a Long Island-based fire department were one of the investors. Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for the office, would neither confirm nor deny the claim that it was the Montauk Fire Department.

RIVERHEAD

No More Free Lunch At Salvation Army In Riverhead

For the past four years, the homeless and hungry have headed to the Salvation Army, located on Osborn Avenue in Riverhead, for a free lunch to help keep them nourished during the darkest times of their lives.

But in July, the Salvation Army stopped serving lunches to the area's needy.

"It wasn't an easy decision," said Salvation Army Lt. Kelly Ross.

NORTH FORK

Board Closes Dogs On Beach Hearing; Tables Discussion for 2 Weeks

After months of heated public discourse, the Southold Town board closed a hearing on the issue of dogs on town beaches after listening intently to comments from residents Tuesdaynight.

Only a few came to the podium to speak on Tuesday; in the past, hearings on the issue drew crowds.

For months, residents have been fiercely debating the contentious issue at public hearings and at a community discussion organized by Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell in June.