🌱 Smithtown Daily: New Eye On Gilgo Beach Killings + S​​urge 2.0

Morning, Smithtown! It's me, Diane Witek, let's get this Sunday started. Here's what's going on today in Smithtown.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, a little rain; mild. High: 50, low: 27.

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Here are the top stories in Smithtown today:

1. The new Suffolk County Police Commissioner, Rodney Harrison, pledged a new look at the cold case by taking a walkthrough with homicide detectives at the site of the 11-year-old Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation. Harrison said he had the opportunity to speak to the former police commissioner, outgoing District Attorney Tim Sini, and former commissioner Geraldine Hart "regarding their thoughts on what needs to be done or what was done in the investigation." Suffolk Police have a website called GilgoNews.com featuring updates on the investigation. Tips can be submitted by clicking here. (Patch)
2. On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul rolled out her "Winter surge 2.0" plan, she also announced that all SUNY and CUNY students must be boosted before returning to classes, and that a mask-or-vaccination mandate for businesses will be extended through February. (Patch)
3. A Long Island jury's guilty verdict made history when it found drug manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and its partners that distribute opioids responsible for fueling the addiction epidemic. (Patch)
4. It’s been nearly ten years since 46-year old Dennis Shepherd vanished after being left unsupervised in a van outside Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in Brentwood, Long Island. He was last seen running into the massive woods near the huge complex. Shepherd’s mother can only theorize about her son’s fate. The mom claimed Suffolk County detectives don’t want to take her calls anymore on the anniversary of her son’s disappearance. (WPIX 11 New York)

From my notebook:

• Sweetbriar Nature Center: "ON A SCALE OF OWL- HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY? HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everybody who supported Sweetbriar during this crazy year. Your kindness and generosity has helped." (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Historical Society: "We are grateful for a wonderful year here at the farm and look forward to seeing you in 2022! Happy New Year!" (Facebook) (Website)
• Smithtown Performing Arts Center: "Here is to the start of a great year. From us to you, Happy New Year! #spac, #longisland, #longislandtheatre." (Facebook) (Website)
• Straus Historical Society: "Happy New Year from everyone at the Straus Historical Society! We hope for 2022 is that everyone reconnects with family and friends near and far. We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful 2022!" (Facebook) (Website)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Diane Witek

About me: Impassioned Writer, Website Designer, Social Media Marketer and newly proclaimed Baker. Lover of nature and animals of all kinds.