There are some stories that transcend the borders of our hometown. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest news and feature stories that captivated readers from the Gold Coast to south shore and everywhere in between.
Farmingdale
Concerns over the hazardous Grumman-Navy Plume went into high gear after water on Bethpage High School’s campus was found to have elevated radium levels. In late September, Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, at Sen. Chuck Schumer’s request, came to the plume site and promised to accelerate the clean up process.
Garden City
In October, the Baskin-Robbins in Garden City (which was also the first one in New York State) celebrated its 50th anniversary. Here, Ray, one of the original Baskin-Robbins crew members, puts his ice cream scooping skills to the test during this celebration honoring the original crew members of this milestone location.
Glen Cove

Commuters had the opportunity to experience temporary ferry service from Glen Cove over the summer, an option many would like to see become permanent.
Great Neck
After a heated election, Great Neck Public School Board of Trustees Rebecca Sassouni and Jeffrey Shi were sworn in at the Board of Education meeting on July 5. From left: The new board is composed of Barbara Berkowitz, Donna Peirez, Shi, Sassouni and Donald L. Ashkenase.
Hicksville

In August, Hicksville was awarded $10 million as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Jericho
Jericho’s historic Maine Maid Inn reopened in its newest incarnation as the One North restaurant.
Levittown
Levittown celebrated its 70th anniversary this year.
Manhasset
This year marked the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. Always Dreaming, owned by Manhasset resident Anthony Bonomo and childhood friend Vinnie Viola, won the $1.6 million dollar purse.
Massapequa
Firefighter and 9/11 first responder Robert Tilearcio passed away in October, but his loved ones forever remember his bravery and his kind heart.
Mineola
The show Planet Primetime on the Travel Channel was nominated for two Daytime Emmys this year. Mineola native, Karla Cavalli was the host for the show.
Oyster Bay
Rose & Joe’s Italian Bakery opened in May, at 19 East Main St. in Oyster Bay, across from the Atlantic Steamer Fire Department building. A ribbon-cutting was held to welcome the business to the community.
Plainview
Plainview residents gathered to hold a candlelight vigil against hate in March, after a bomb threat was called in to the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center.
Port Washington
Port Washington born Anthony Scaramucci, former owner of Knightbridge Capital, had a key roll in selecting the cabinet and White House staff for the newly elected President of the United States Donald Trump. He was appointed White House Press Secretary for a period of five days.
Roslyn
The Marching Bulldogs of Roslyn High School continued to claim their place as one of the top high school bands in New York, receiving the highest score in New York state and first place at the Copiague Tournament of Bands Competition.
Westbury
In October, the Hong Kong-based China Lesso Group Holdings announced it would transform the Source Mall in Westbury into a home furnishings store that would include a mix of dining and entertainment options.