News Nearby: Cops Say Three Village Bus Driver Drove Drunk

Residents Approve Sound Walls for Route 347 Stretch
The votes are in and counted. Hauppauge and Smithtown residents want sound wall barriers built along Route 347 as the highway expands to six lanes. 

New York State Department of Transportation has issued plans to construct sound barrier walls along both sides of Route 347 as part of its Safety and Mobility Improvements at the request of residents.

H2O Celebrates 11 Years in Business
Longevity may not be the norm with restaurants today, but H2O in Smithtown has managed to last 11 years in its West Main Street location, helmed by brothers and co-owners Michael and Kurt Bohlsen. 

Michael attributes much of the restaurant’s success to the loyalty of its guests. 

“The people here are very genuine, they’re very loyal,” he said. “We’ve developed a lot of relationships with the people that live right behind us and all around us.” 

While loyalty may keep the doors open, it’s the food that brings the guests in.

Alleged Drunk Bus Driver is Driver for Three Village School District
The bus driver charged with DWI on the Long Island Expressway on Wednesday was a bus driver within the Three Village Central School District, a school spokesperson confirmed Thursday.

According to police, Robert Stundis, 48, of Bohemia, was driving a Ford mini-bus with one tire missing on the westbound lanes of the LIE at around 4:45 p.m. when police stopped him just east of Exit 60 in Ronkonkoma. When officers stopped him, they administered a series of sobriety tests and determined that he was intoxicated. A breathalyzer revealed a blood-alcohol content of .23.

Port Jefferson to Become Seawolves Country
If you see Seawolves prowling around Port Jefferson, don’t be frightened. It’s all part of a plan to team up with Stony Brook University to promote the village to students and faculty of the school and get residents and visitors to see all the campus has to offer.

According to Jill Russell, Port Jefferson’s public relations representative, the village is popular with students so strengthening that bond made sense.

"We can stay connected and leverage all we have to offer here," Russell said.

The relationship opens opportunities for local businesses to cater to the population of approximately 25,000 students and faculty members at the university.

Seawolves branded merchandise will be sold in local stores and signage declaring Port Jefferson as “Seawolves Country” will be put around the village and the campus.