Community Corner

Year In Review: Top Headlines in 2013

Find a round-up of the most read stories in 2013.

As we get ready to welcome 2014, here is a look back at the top headlines of 2013. 

Real-Life 'Jaws' Arrives in the Hamptons

A great white shark that was swimming off the South Fork shoreline in January made its way back out to sea, according to OCEARCH, a Utah-based nonprofit organization, which tagged the shark and uses real-time technology to track it as part of its efforts to learn more about the animal that inspired the Steven Spielberg film "Jaws."

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Blizzard Coats the Area

On February 8, there was plenty of snow as a blizzard took the area by force. Take a look back at photos Patch readers shared of the Blizzard of 2013.

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Cops: Gym Teacher Hid Camera in Girls Locker Room

On March 20, New York State Police  charged a 27-year-old Westhampton Beach Middle School gym teacher with unlawful surveillance, a felony, for allegedly hiding a video camera in the girls locker room. The teacher, Thomas Sheppard, of Speonk, later plead guilty. 

30-Foot Whale Washes Up in East Quogue

In April, a 30-foot whale washed up in East Quogue, near Triton Lane on April 17. The whale was named Istar and had been known by scientists to have had at least 11 calves during her 40-year life.

85-Year-Old Fishing Captain Dies After Trawler Capsizes

In May, 85-year-old Stian Stiansen, an East Quogue resident, was found dead in the water, after his commercial fishing vessel capsized in the Shinnecock Inlet. 

Community Mourns Boardy Barn Bouncer

In June, Jason Hobson, bouncer at the Boardy Barn, known affectionately as H-Bomb, died suddenly in his sleep only a day after friends shared a sunny Sunday afternoon with him at the popular club.

Hampton Bays Puppy Experience Owner Found Dead In Motel

In July, Scott Kaphan, Hampton Bays resident and owner of the Puppy Experience in Aquebogue, was found dead in a Riverhead hotel.


Heather Petrie Identified as Driver in Fatal Eastport Crash

In August, Heather Petrie, a 40-year-old Eastport woman died when her car flipped over on County Road 111 — an accident that tied up traffic for hours on a major artery to the Hamptons.

Jay Sears Pleads Guilty to Porn Possession

In September, Philanthropist Jay Lockett Sears of East Moriches, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley in U.S. District Court. Sears, who remains free on bail, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2014. 

Dune Road Could Be Raised With Federal Sandy Money

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

Former Hampton Bays Football Player Says Athletic Staff, Superintendent Should Resign
In November, a former Hampton Bays High School football player called on Hampton Bays football coaches, the district's superintendent and athletic director to resign after an incident that forced the school district to forfeit a football game.


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