News Nearby: Dan Marino in Commack, Three Village Students Hospitalized

Port Jefferson

The Comsewogue Board of Education on Monday took a stance against what they say is an over-reliance on standardized testing on the part of the New York State Department of Education as school districts across the state adapt to the "Common Core" school curriculum,

The "Common Core" curriculum, adopted by 42 states so far, is a national standard to align student learning and better prepare them for college and careers.

Urged by Superintendent Joseph Rella, the board unanimously adopted a resolution they hope will get the attention of state education officials.

Smithtown

Cancer Scam for Heroin Habit Ran Through Smithtown

At least one local in the area donated to help a young woman who police say ran an elaborate scam to feed her drug habit.

Kings Park

Kayaker Rescued Off Kings Park Bluff

A 23-year-old kayaker was rescued from the waters of the Nissequogue River Sunday evening by members of the Kings Park Fire Department.

Police said a bird watcher at Kings Park Bluff saw the man in the water and called 911.A helicopter, dispatched by Suffolk County Police located the kayaker, who was about mile out from the bluff, at the mouth of the river and was clinging to his capsized kayak.

Three Village

5 Students Sickened by Brownies Thought to Contain Toxins

Suffolk police and Three Village school officials are investigating an incident Tuesday in which five 10th-grade students became sick after eating brownies given to them by another classmate.

The students were treated at Stony Brook University Hospital and released Tuesday evening. "The district believes that these symptoms were the result of the consumption of brownies potentially containing harmful toxins, which were obtained by a fellow classmate. The district’s utmost concern is for the safety and well-being of these students,” school superintendent Cheryl Pedisich said in a statement. “... The district is conducting an internal investigation and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as necessary."

Commack

Dan Marino Makes Touchdown in Commack

Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino paid a visit to the grand opening of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Commack Wednesday. The proceeds from the day’s sales will go toward the Dan Marino Foundation, which supports autism causes.