5 Headlines From Nearby Towns

Here is what happened in nearby towns this week:

Hauppauge and Smithtown residents who gathered to mark the two-year anniversary of Courtney Sipes' death agreed while improvements have been made to Smithtown's Main Street, more needs to be done.

Eagle Scout Jeremy Wendt, of Kings Park, took on the daunting task of building a new roof and getting it on top of the two-story-high silo. After Wendt's idea was approved by Scout leaders in May, he raised $1,000 with a pancake breakfast.

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Town of Huntington operating budget will go into effect by default after the Nov. 20 deadline came and went. Sharp cuts to art programs have divided town trustees and raised concerns among residents.

Like any other municipality in New York State, Northport Village is grappling with the issues inherent in the new two percent property tax cap, which goes into effect beginning in 2012. Public budget workshops will be held within the coming weeks.