News Nearby: Melville FD Puts on an Educational Show, Billy Joel Performs

MELVILLE

Melville FD Puts on an Educational Show

The Melville Fire Department demonstrated firefighting techniques last Sunday to an appreciative audience.

Gathered in the Kohl's shopping center lot, a crowd of children and adults watched as firefighters put out a car fire, discussed fire safety and gave a close-up look at a firetruck.

HUNTINGTON

Fans Fired Up for Billy Joel Concert

Diehard Billy Joel fans lined up Wednesday outside the Paramount in Huntington for a chance to see their idol perform close to home.

Many had seen him perform more than a dozen times. And many had found ways around expected difficulties with Ticketmaster.

NORTHPORT

Northport Jeweler Sentenced to Probation

Peter Messina, 62, of Northport, owner of Messina Brothers New York, a jewelry store at 251 Main St., Huntington, was sentenced in Suffolk County Court, the department said Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of petty larceny,  He failed to report taxable sales in the amount of $731,473, the state Department of Taxation said.  As part of his sentencing, he agreed to pay the state the back tax of $48,569 during his probation, plus $49,256 in penalties and interest, bringing the total restitution to $97,825.

SMITHTOWN

Sweet Tomato Serving up Slices in St. James

St. James newest wood-fired pizzeria has opened its doors for business on Tuesday.

Sweet Tomato Brick-Oven Pizzeria & Grill celebrated its soft opening at 430 N. Country Road in St. James. The restaurant's re-opening comes after more than two months of renovations.

KINGS PARK

DEC: Drivers Beware, It's Deer Mating Season

Kings Park drivers are warned to keep extra lookout for deer when driving along roadways near Sunken Meadow State Park and Nissequogue River State Park.

Kings Park Civic Association reported on its Facebook page a young deer was killed along Route 25A on Monday, despite multiple deer crossing posted in the area.

COMMACK

Congressman Israel Calls on Republicans to Find Middle Ground After Shutdown

After Congress voted Wednesday night to end a 16-day government shutdown, Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) spoke on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, calling on Republicans to find a middle ground on the country’s budgetary issues.

“I think there’s an unquenchable thirst in this country for finding the middle ground. People have had it with defunding and delaying and repealing and moving backwards,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to a debate with Republicans on things like Medicare, jobs, immigration and balancing budgets responsibly.