News Nearby: Vigil Held for Newtown Victims

Sachem

Each speaker had a personalized reaction to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but collectively they offered hope and encouragement during an emotional tribute held at Moloney Funeral Home in Lake Ronkonkoma on Tuesday night.

Full story: http://sachem.patch.com/articles/gallery-candlelight-memorial-for-victims-in-connecticut-shooting#photo-12652551

Patchogue

A Patchogue woman was struck and killed while attempting to cross East Main Street Thursday night, police said. 

Full story: http://patchogue.patch.com/articles/patchogue-woman-struck-killed-on-east-main-street

Sayville-Bayport

Blue Point resident Christa Zepf, 68, was identified as the driver killed in Wednesday's massive vehicle crash on the LIE that involved over 30 cars and a tractor trailer.

Full story: http://sayville.patch.com/articles/police-id-blue-point-woman-killed-in-lie-crash

Lindenhurst

More that two months after Julie Bartolomeo abruptly resigned from the Lindenhurst Board of Education, the vacant seat has been filed. On Wednesday, trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Richard Koehler to the nine member board.

Full story: http://lindenhurst.patch.com/articles/lindenhurst-boe-appoints-new-trustee

Deer Park-North Babylon

It wasn't the first time that Christy rode in a fire truck. Just like five other Make-A-Wish kids in the Deer Park area, the 13-year-old Robert Frost school student was a guest in the annual Christmas parade with the local fire department. This year, however, Christy got a second ride with the Deer Park Fire Department -- to Macy's, at Walt Whitman Mall, where the heart transplant recipient helped with the department store's annual 'Believe' campaign, which raises funds in support of Make-A-Wish. 

Full story: http://deerpark-northbabylon.patch.com/articles/deer-park-make-a-wish-gal-draws-a-crowd-at-macy-s

Babylon Village

Six men from Long Island are accused of using stolen Social Security numbers to file thousands of false income tax returns worth up to $73 million, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

Full story: http://babylonvillage.patch.com/articles/six-li-men-charged-in-false-tax-return-scheme

West Islip

Suffolk County Police have joined a West Islip family in the search for their dog, who went missing following a burglary in October.

Full story: http://westislip.patch.com/articles/search-continues-for-dog-taken-from-west-islip-home-during-burglary

Patch has started a new series of stories on cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Sandy. The first story "Battered South Shore Communities Call For Dunes, But Who Pays?" was published this week. Read it here.