School Board-First Meeting

The Riverhead Central School District Board of Education has had an initial meeting for the 2012-2013 school year.  A number of items were on the agenda including the reelection of Ann Cotten-Degrasse to another term as Board President and the swearing in of newly elected board member Tom Carson.


The Board also named Amanda Jester to replace Phillips Avenue Fourth Grade teacher Joe Johnson who had been arrested on suspicion of DUI and carrying a loaded  semi-automatic pistol in his car.  A grand jury subsequently indicted Johnson on these charges.  Johnson has been placed on PAID LEAVE while awaiting trial.  This is not sitting well with many residents.


The board also reviewed architectural updates regarding structural designs and changes initiated with the acceptance of the $78 million bond issue.


New Fertilizer for Farmers

A new slow releasing nitrogen fertilizer has been made available to Long Island farmers.  Nitrogen which may quickly dissolve in heavy rain has been formulated to release slowly, preventing leeching into the soil and sub soil water tables and thereby reduce harm to the Island's water supplies.


Environmentalists have succeeded in getting fertilizer with phosphorous out of the local stores.  One opinion has it that planting of new lawns or seeds requires phosphorous to give lawns a quick start.  You can still find it if you look around.

Taxes? We Have 'em

The Health care Act also know as Obamacare has no less than 21 separate taxes for Americans to contend with.  Small businessmen will have a tough time in figuring out just what they will have to pay or be taxed for.