Top 10 Government Stories of the Year

Getting ready to ring in the New Year? Before you break out the streamers and noise-makers to celebrate 2012, join Riverhead Patch as we look back on the biggest news stories of the past year. Today, Patch counts down the top 10 stories about government from 2011.

Horton Avenue Flood Victims Get $3.6 Million from FEMA

Victims of the 2010 Horton Avenue flood that damaged the homes of 12 families from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The money will be used to pay the victims fair .

Walter, Incumbents Re-Elected in Landslide Victory

Incumbents Supervisor Sean Walter and Councilmen Jim Wooten and George Gabrielsen . This year's election cycle also saw , as well as third-party candidate , briefly causing one Democratic candidate to defect to his team.

Town Criticized Over Raid of Wading River Motel

An led to County Social Services Commissioner Gregory Blass, Councilman George Gabrielsen and others slamming the town over the surprise inspection. Opponents said the inspection, which has officers force residents out of their room and demand identification, was a violation of civil rights. Supervisor Sean Walter said the raids were conducted to cut down on dangerous code violations inside the motel.

Town, County Focus on Preservation

2011 was a year of preservation for Riverhead and Suffolk County. In August, the and in October, the Town and county both okayed the , the "last great park" in Suffolk County.

Windmill Plan Shot Down

A proposal to build the tallest wind turbine on Long Island over the Town's sewer district was . A later state study in May said the windmill .

After Controversial Dog Euthanasia, Animal Shelter Head Resigns

The euthanasia of a dog at the Riverhead Animal Shelter, led animal rights groups to . The head of the Animal Shelter, Lou Coronesi, took the brunt of the criticism, and resigned in September after refusing to show up at work for six months. Councilman Jim Wooten said the town is in talks to .

Civic Association, Town Battle Over Wading River Development

The relationship between the Riverhead Neighborhood Preservation Coalition and the Town of Riverhead in 2011. The civic association has sued the town over development in Wading River. The group has demanded a on development to "preserve the rural character of Riverhead" until further studies can be completed. Supervisor Sean Walter has called the group a "special interest" and over a political flyer Walter said the group produced. Most recently, Walter and RNPC President Dominique Mendez fought at Tuesday's town board meeting, with .

Navy Plans to Treat Underground Toxic Plume at Grumman Plant

After years of study, the U.S. Navy announced a new plan to beneath the former Grumman plant in Calverton in November. The plan will include , as well as measures to prevent the half-mile long plume from spreading farther.

Ice Rinks Approved for Riverhead

Two ice rinks are coming to Riverhead. In September, the Suffolk County Legislature approved a . A second rink at Stotzky park .

Town Settles Beach Access Lawsuit, Draws Fire from Fishermen

On Dec. 6, the Town Board on the North Shore. Local fishermen had railed against the settlement, saying it would limit their rights to fish, while town officials argued the settlement only reaffirmed existing town codes.