Week in Review: Road Repair; State Takes Over Misconduct Case; Sears Pleads Not Guilty

The following is a round-up of headlines posted during the week of March 11.

1. Hampton Bays Resident Takes Road Repair Into His Own Hands

Paul Visentin, an 8-year resident of Hampton Bays, said he has had enough and is set to spend a day repairing all the potholes on a private road, called Atlantic Avenue.

The street, which is just one of 562 private roads in the Town of Southampton and one of 155 in Hampton Bays, has fallen into disrepair with over 15 pot holes, said Visentin.

2. State Police Take Over Alleged Teacher Case

New York State police have been put in charge of case involving the alleged misconduct of a Westhampton Beach Middle School teacher.

According to Westhampton Beach police, the case was handed over last week after Westhampton Beach's lead investigator, Ed Hamor, was involved in a car crash.

3. Former Chief: Police Department Failed Addicted Officer

A police officer whose job it was to conduct drug investigations became addicted to prescription painkillers himself, under the noses of his supervisors, according to internal police documents released to Patch and the former chief of the department.

4. Calling A Community To Build A Playground

If if takes a village to raise a child, it will take a community to build the new Iron Point playground in Flanders.

After months of planning and fundraising, a playground at Iron Point Park in Flanders is slated to be constructed this April.

5. Quogue Photographer Releases New Book

Dana Buckley, a photographer who has made her home in Quogue for over five years, has released her second fine art book, called Dana Buckley: Living Desert.

6. Jay Lockett Sears Pleads Not Guilty to 6 Counts of Child Porn Possession

Jay Lockett Sears, 73, was back in court on Monday to face a six-count indictment on child pornography charges. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, if convicted.

7. Bender Steps Down From Civic to Run for Town Board

Civic leader Brad Bender plans to throw his hat back into the ring and make another run for a seat on the Southampton Town Board.

8. Kabot Edges Closer to Candidacy for Supervisor

Republican Linda Kabot said Monday that after receiving numerous positive responses to a survey she circulated earlier this month, she is making her final decision this week on whether she will seek the GOP nomination for town supervisor, her former post.

9. Speonk/Remsenburg Facebook Page Helps Keep the Community Connected

A new member Facebook page, dedicated to the Speonk/Remsenburg, Eastport and Westhampton communities is helping to keep residents informed.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.