News Nearby: Home of Deployed Guardsman Burglarized, Set on Fire

Patchogue

The E. Patchogue home of a deployed national guardsman was recently burglarized and set on fire. Eric Carver is returning from Africa in the next few weeks and now his neighbors, including a 10-year-old old boy who used his Christmas money to make bracelets to sell, are raising money to rebuild his home.

Full story: http://patchogue.patch.com/articles/home-of-deployed-national-guardsman-burglarized-set-on-fire

Medford

A North Patchogue man has been arrested in connection with an incident Thursday evening in which a man was spotted on the roof of Tremont Elementary School, police said.

Full story: http://medford-ny.patch.com/articles/police-man-arrested-following-trespass-incident-at-tremont-elementary

West Islip

A male teenager is in critical condition following a hit and run crash Monday night in West Islip. According to Suffolk County Police, the teen was hit by a car at 10:26 p.m. on Udall Road and was found lying on the road unconscious. Police are looking for a blue, late-model Chrysler 300 identified as the vehicle involved in the crash

Full story: http://westislip.patch.com/articles/teen-critically-injured-in-hit-and-run-crash

Sachem

Fire marshals are investigating the cause of an early morning fire on New Year's Eve that damaged the seasonal restaurant located on the grounds of the Pennysaver Amphitheater on Bald Hill in Farmingville.

Full story: http://sachem.patch.com/articles/fire-damages-restaurant-at-farmingville-amphitheater

Half Hollow Hills

The Half Hollow Hills Board of Education will need to cut about $9.5 million in its 2013/14 school budget or put forth a budget before voters that includes an 8.5 percent tax levy increase to maintain existing programs, according to a Budget Survey Guide posted on the district's website. The Board may consider closing a school next year in face of the budget gap and declining enrollment.

Full story: http://halfhollowhills.patch.com/articles/school-closure-possible-as-2013-14-budget-discussions-begin

Sayville-Bayport

When Michelle Gillette opened Ms. Michelle’s Urban Gourmet a little over 18 months ago, she likely didn’t expect customers to drive from Nassau County or the east end for her gluten-free desserts, sandwiches, soups and homemade daily pastry specials. But they do, and in the past year and a half they’ve also inspired her to create new recipes that have become favorites among the Bayport shop’s expanding customer base.

Full story: http://sayville.patch.com/articles/business-update-miss-michelle-s-urban-gourmet

Babylon Village

Lavender & Lace Antiques, Babylon Village's antique shop on the main stretch of Deer Park Avenue, has left its location, closing its doors for the final time on December 30. The antique shop had been a part of the business district for four years, but business had slowed for store owner Barbara Schweitzer.

Full story: http://babylonvillage.patch.com/articles/lavender-lace-antiques-leaves-babylon-location

Lindenhurst

The first baby of 2013 born at Good Samaritan Hospital is from Lindenhurst. Melissa and Gerard Drescher welcomed Gerard Drescher, Jr., to their family at 6:19 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Gerard is the couple’s second baby, joining 20-month old sister, Adeline.

Full story: http://lindenhurst.patch.com/articles/lindenhurst-family-welcomes-a-new-year-s-baby#photo-12789970

Deer Park-North Babylon

A New Year's Eve house fire in North Babylon claimed the life of a 61-year-old man, police confirmed early Tuesday morning.

Full story: http://deerpark-northbabylon.patch.com/articles/police-man-killed-in-n-babylon-house-fire