Week in Review: Officials Work for Federal Funding to Raise Dune Road; Gym Teacher Pleads Guilty

Find a round-up of headlines from the Westhampton-Hampton Bays area during the week of Oct. 21. 

Dune Road Could Be Raised With Federal Sandy Money

Those looking to drive down Dune Road from Hampton Bays to Quogue without getting their car stuck after a rain storm or full moon and high tide will soon be able to do that.

On Friday morning, Congressman Tim Bishop announced that he is working to secure federal funds through the Superstorm Sandy supplemental bill to raise Dune Road.

Resident Starts Petition to Keep Vehicles Off the Beach

Just a week after the Village of Westhampton Beache announced that it is now allowing fishermen to drive on Lashley beach during the fall fishing season, at least one resident is urging the village to close off the access again. 

On Thursday, Abe Winklby, started a petition on change.orgasking residents to sign their names — Winklby is looking to garner at least 100 signatures.

Governor Green Lights Transfer of County Property to Trustees

A new law signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Oct. 21 will allow the transfer of government property to the town trustees in Southampton, East Hampton and Southold at little to no cost.

Hampton Bays Students Honor Merchant Mariner

The Hampton Bays School District continued its mission of taking history out of text books by honoring local veterans on Oct. 18  by paying tribute to Marvin "John" Siebold, a merchant mariner.

State Cops Nab Westhampton Beach Clerk For Selling Vodka to Minor

New York State police charged a 67-year-old Westhampton Beach woman on Wednesday after she sold a bottle of vodka to an undercover agent, who was posing as a minor.

Shorelines To Be Preserved With Community Preservation Funds

Just about a year ago, Superstorm Sandy's winds wreaked havoc on the North and South shores of Long Island, ravaging beaches, tearing down barrier dunes. What officials learned from the experience is that more needs to be done to protect and preserve the East End's natural beauty. 

To accomplish their goal in part, they intend to buy 'at risk' shorelines across the East End using community preservation funds.

East Quogue School To Assist Parents With Common Core Homework

Like many area school districts, the East Quogue Elementary School District is hearing a lot from parents about the challenges of helping their children with common core homework, but the district is aiming to help parents muddle through it. 

Principal of the East Quogue School Robert Long said aid is on the way — the school, he said, is in the process of setting up a forum for parents with the help of the district's PTA. 

Gym Teacher Pleads Guilty to Filming Students

Thomas Sheppard, a four-year Westhampton Beach gym teacher, who was charged in March for allegedly recording students in a gym locker room at Westhampton Beach Middle School with his cell phone, pleaded guilty to all charges against him in court on Wednesday. 

Planet Fitness To Hold Grand Re-Opening

Planet Fitness in Hampton Bays has completed the second phase of a renovation project and is set to show it off at a ribbon cutting ceremony next month. 

The 20-year-old fitness studio, located at 250 Montauk Highway, will hold its grand re-opening on Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. The event will feature prizes, refreshments and give-aways. 

Southampton Looks to Sell Community Center

The Town of Southampton is thinking about unloading its Mill Road Westhampton Community Center, which it purchased in 1987 from the American Legion Post, which still uses the building.

Vines and Branches Featured on the Today Show

Vines and Branches, a shop that sells gourmet oil and vinegar at locations on the South and North Forks, was recently featured on a cooking segment on NBC's Today Show. 

According to owner, Rita Winkler,Joy Bauer showed off Vines and Branches' balsamic flavors and viola on a segment that aired on Oct. 16, called What's Hot in Heath. 

Nuzzi, Schneiderman Debate East End's 'Fair Share' from County

At the League of Women Voters debate in East Hampton on Monday evening, Chris Nuzzi said East Enders should be getting more than they are from county government.

Photos: Bowling Alley No More

The former bowling alley in Westhampton Beach doesn't look so much like a bowling alley anymore — the interior has been gutted and the white Westhampton Bowl sign removed. 

The 20,000 square-foot building on Sunset Avenue is undergoing a major transformation through a development project that started in early August. 

90 Miles in Her Shoes: Teen With Autism Walks for Awareness

Anna Tuzzolo of East Quogue is on a mission — to virtually walk the 90-miles from her hometown to Montauk Point by January. 

Tuzzolo, a 13-year-old who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, is walking to give back to a Water Mill camp that she has come to love.

Developers Request Adjournment For Canoe Place Inn Project

A continuation of a zoning hearing on a controversial project to bring 40 town houses to the canal property in Hampton Bays that was set for Tuesday night was adjourned until November. 

According to Jim Morgo, spokesman for the developers of the controversial project, Gregg and Mitchell Rechler, an adjournment request was sent to the Town of Southampton so the developers could have more time to take in what as been said about the project. 

Photos: Students Get a Lesson in Fire Safety

Westhampton Beach Elementary School students got a lesson in fire safety last week as volunteers from the Westhampton Beach Fire Department were on hand at the school to provide presentations and hands-on safety training.