Headlines That Topped in December

As we welcome January 2014, here is a quick look back at the top headlines posted in December 2013.

Opening of Buffalo Wild Wings Delayed in Riverhead
Customers eager for a bite of Buffalo Wild Wings in Riverhead will have to wait a bit longer — According to general manager Andrew Schuett, the opening day has been delayed. While he assured that the business will still open, the new opening date has not yet been determined.

Police: Riverhead Woman Strikes Man Who Ran Out of Gas, Was Killed Crossing LIE
On Dec. 11 A Riverhead woman was driving the minivan that struck and killed a 24-year-old Coram man after his car ran out of gas and he attempted to cross the Long Island Expressway on foot, police said. 

Ryan Marshall was driving a 2005 Honda CRV eastbound on the LIE when his vehicle ran out of gas between exits 62 and 63 in Holtsville, police said. 

Chef Keith Luce's MAIN Closed Abruptly For Winter

Chef Keith Luce's businesses in Greenport, including MAIN, Meet, Prep and Nosh, have closed earlier than expected for the winter months.

Community Welcomes Hero Home From Afghanistan for the Holidays

Tears were flowing and cheers of joy filled the air as the community turned out in Riverhead Wednesday to welcome a hero home from Afghanistan.

Carrying signs that read "Welcome Home," a crowd of family, friends and supporters gathered on Route 58 in Riverhead to open their arms to U.S. Air Force Reserves Tech Staff Sgt. Frederick Ligon, of the 106th Rescue Wing, Air National Guard in Westhampton Beach.

Layaway Santas Strike in Riverhead

On Dec. 16, Monday night, two big-hearted Santa's elves, members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Westhampton, went to the Riverhead Walmart layaway department to make two families' holiday dreams come true, paying off their layaway bills so they could bring the gifts home and put them under the tree.

Cops: Riverhead Man Nabbed After Gunpoint Hold-Up

A Riverhead man was arrested on Dec. 11 and charged with holding up a victim at gunpoint, police said.

According to Riverhead Town Police, Julian R. Williams, 18, was arrested at 4:10 p.m. after police said they received a report of a robbery that had taken place on Wednesday near Delores Avenue in Riverhead.

Deer Lovers Demand Sharpshooters Stay Away

More than 2,500 outraged residents have signed a petition demanding politicians immediately stop efforts to institute a sharpshooter program aimed at culling the deer herd on the East End.

Homeless for The Holidays: How Long Island's Down and Out Find Safe Haven

As the county's homeless numbers grow, outreach organizations are stretched to feed, shelter those who need them.