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Mystery Drones | Dog Zip-Tied | Kitchen Dentist | Food Truck Tragedy

Also: Valva, Pollina lose custody / Man kills girlfriend: DA / Halloween slasher: PD / Shop's 20 years / Giant Santa / Magical proposal

Bronco was stabbed and had his muzzle zip-tied, animal advocates said.
Bronco was stabbed and had his muzzle zip-tied, animal advocates said. (Courtesy Gabrielle Stroup / The League)

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across New York. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories, from the worst situations imaginable to most wonderful, across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Drones Spotted Over Long Island Skies, 16 Unconfirmed Reports In Suffolk: Authorities

The reports came the same day as sightings in New York City and Connecticut, though police could not confirm if they are related.

Find out what's happening in North Forkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Woman Performed Unlicensed Dentistry In Her Kitchen: DA

She extracted five teeth from a woman and received nearly $2,000 for work done from her apartment, prosecutors said.

Find out what's happening in North Forkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Valva, Pollina Lose Custody Rights To Kids After Thomas' Death: Lawyer

4 years after Thomas Valva, 8, froze to death in his ex-NYPD father's frigid garage, Michael Valva and his ex lose custody to 5 kids: lawyer.

Dog That Was Stabbed, Had Muzzle Zip-Tied, Looking For Home

The German Shepherd is heading north from Georgia, where he was reportedly stabbed and had his muzzle zip tied, rescuers say.

Man Gets 25 To Life In Prison For Killing Girlfriend: DA

"[This] sentence reflects the seriousness of this callous and senseless act of violence," District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

Missing Hiker In County Park Sparks Massive Search: PD

The hiker was found safe and treated for exposure after a massive, hours'-long search, police say.

Halloween Slasher Wanted By Police After Parking Lot Assault

Police are searching for a man who wore a Michael Myers mask when he slashed another man with a knife on Halloween.

Courtesy Frankie Floridia, Strong Island Animal Rescue.

Cat Shot By BB Gun Needs Help, Animal Advocates Say

His leg was shattered, animal advocates say.

Courtesy Bob McInnis

'I Lost Everything': LI Woman's Home Gutted By Fire, Weeks Till Holidays

A GoFundMe, Chinese auction have been organized for a woman who lost her home, a beloved cat, and a lifetime of memories in a fierce blaze.

Southampton Town Police

Almost 4 Months Later, Search Continues For Missing Man

Mario Potrero Feliciano, 30, has been missing since August 23, police say.

Michael DeSantis / Patch

Flower Shop Celebrates 20 Years: 'Thank You'

A ribbon cutting was held to mark the occasion. Owner Jeanette Zimmerman-Schmidt discussed balancing her personal life with her business.

Courtesy Christina Stergiopoulos and Jacklyn Proscia.

Giant Inflatable Santa Goes Viral: 'It's Actually Crazy'

The 42-foot tall inflatable Santa Claus has captured attention this holiday season. Here's how to go see the giant Saint Nick.

Father, Grandfather Stabbed At Pizzeria Receives Support: 'He Wouldn't Even Hurt A Fly'

Sal Polizzi's recovery is uncertain after a surgeon did "whatever they could to keep him alive." His daughter thanked everyone for the love.

Courtesy Beth Giacummo

A Magical Day' As Couple Gets Engaged Under Theatre's Marquee After Holiday Parade

Antlers on and in a full reindeer costume, Gabriela Manfredi said yes. "I just kept saying, 'It's real? Is this really happening?'"

Courtesy Andrew Reid.

Teen Uses Unwanted Lights, Decor To Decorate Home For Ronald McDonald House

Andrew Reid, 19, collects broken lights and decor, fixes them, and displays them. This year, he's trying to help children with illnesses.

Covered Tub Of Kittens Dumped In Parking Lot Of Animal Shelter

SPCA officials said it was fortunate that a staff member discovered the abandoned box of kittens before the animals froze.

Sheriff Deputies Find Man Hiding Under Woman's Motel Room Bed

He was violating a protection order and was not supposed to have contact with the woman or her child, who was also in the room, cops said.

Tragedy Takes 44-Year-Old's Life After He's Hit By His Own Food Truck

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

'Eddie' Helps Child Sexually Abused By NYPD Detective To Face Abuser

The case marked the first time in Westchester that a court-certified support animal accompanied a victim testifying in a criminal trial.

Widow Of Detective Diller Joins Holiday Toy Charity At Schools

The Promise of Hope Foundation will distribute toys and other items for the next two weeks.

Courtesy Darla Doorhy.

New Lifesaving, Anti-Choking Devices Donated By Kait's Angels

"If this saves one life, it was well worth it." — Joe Doorhy.

Man Drives Onto LIRR Tracks; Causes Fire, Disruptions: MTA Police

He faces charges that include reckless endangerment and DWI, the MTA Police announced.

Paws Of War Receives Fox Nation Patriot Award For Service to Veterans

The ceremony featured an emotional reunion between a military specialist and a dog he rescued and nursed back to health while overseas.

Local Bakery Raises $1,500 For Family Of Teen Who Died During Hockey Game

'No-brainer' for Emily Rubano of Baked by Emily Rose to create special cookies with proceeds going directly to Kasin's family.

Boy, 17, Stabbed And Robbed Of His Car: Police

He was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York.

Sex Trafficking Charges For Real Estate Brokers With Hamptons Tie: DOJ

At times, "they physically restrained and held down their victims during the rapes and sexual assaults and ignored screams," DOJ accuses.

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